On the carriage back to the Shen residence, Shen Miao was still riding alone. Guyu and Jingzhe beside her were both worried about her. Prince Yu's notoriety was known to everyone in Mingqi, yet he had sent an invitation to Shen Miao. Not to mention how inappropriate it was for a young girl like Shen Miao to go, anyone with a discerning eye could see what Prince Yu was up to.
If Shen Xin were here, she would have refused at all costs. But now that Shen Xin was gone, the two sisters-in-law of the Shen family were harboring ulterior motives. In the past, Shen Miao was just a urinary child, but now that Shen Miao was old enough to think about marriage, they naturally set their sights on her.
Jingzhe endured it again and again, but finally couldn't help but said: "Miss, what about Prince Yu...what should we do about today's incident? Otherwise, let someone write a letter to the master. If the master knew about this, he would definitely rush back."
"Yes," Guyu was also worried: "That person came with bad intentions, and now there is something going on in the backyard... and the young lady has been in the spotlight today, I'm afraid there will be a lot of trouble in the mansion again." She sighed.
Shen Miao was young and didn't see anything, but Guyu and Jingzhe, the maids specially chosen for Shen Miao by Madam Shen, saw it clearly. The Second and Third Houses were clearly jealous of the First House, and that's why they were overtly and covertly trying to trip Shen Miao up. Given the narrow-mindedness of these two houses, Shen Miao's current prominence would likely make her a thorn in their side. Other things wouldn't be a problem, but if Prince Yu was involved... if he had any ulterior motives, Shen Miao would be hard to deal with. After all, the First House's personnel had been largely replaced by the other two houses.
Shen Miao said calmly: “What are you afraid of? Whatever plan you have, it all depends on whether he has the ability.”
She was calm and composed, yet her words seemed to carry a hint of authority and a subtle hint of cruelty. Guyu and Jingzhe exchanged a glance, and for some reason, their earlier panic dissipated a little, and they gradually calmed down.
Upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Miao simply said she was tired and needed to rest, saying she would return to the West Courtyard first. Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu smiled and spoke to Shen Miao, urging her to get enough rest. Perhaps knowing that Prince Yu's interest in Shen Miao would inevitably lead to bad things, their smiles also had a hint of gloating that they couldn't conceal. Ren Wanyun even touched Shen Miao's head and said affectionately, "Fifth Sister has reached such an age and has grown into a charming and beautiful woman. It won't be long before she'll be married."
"Yes," Chen Ruoqiu echoed meaningfully, "A girl like our Xiaowu can only be matched with someone of noble status. An ordinary family would never be able to marry our Xiaowu."
A hint of joy flashed across Shen Yue's face, and Shen Qing couldn't wait to speak: "Of course, Fifth Sister will definitely get a very 'noble' husband." After saying that, he covered his mouth and laughed, looking at Shen Miao with a knowing look.
But even under her suggestive gaze, Shen Miao's expression remained unwavering. Shen Qing's smile froze. The more indifferent Shen Miao seemed, the more irritated she became. Everyone knew that Prince Yu had sent the invitation today; it was because he had taken a liking to Shen Miao. But Shen Miao remained unmoved, perhaps unaware of the severity of the situation. A sneer flashed in her eyes. What a fool!
“Aunt and sister have already said it,” Shen Miao said indifferently, “In terms of age, the eldest sister and the second sister are slightly older than me. As for finding a husband, it’s naturally not my turn to go first.”
Their expressions paused, and Ren Wanyun smiled and said, "Hey, kid, it's because your uncle is away from the capital all day. Your aunts are worried about you. As for your eldest and second sisters, your third aunt and I are both in Dingjing, so there's no need to worry about them."
"Is that so?" Shen Miao asked softly. Her clear eyes seemed to be expressionless, yet they made one's heart tremble. It was as if one glance at those eyes revealed everything in one's heart. She smiled slightly: "Since my aunts are so worried about me, I will definitely repay them in the future."
She said it lightly, but for some reason, a flicker of unease flashed through Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu's hearts. But they immediately put this ridiculous thought behind them. Although Shen Miao was smarter now, she was still just a fourteen-year-old girl. How much trouble could she cause? Besides... thinking about Prince Yu's matter, both of them felt a little proud.
"Hey, Fifth Sister, why are you being so polite? We're all family." Ren Wanyun smiled and said, "Since you're tired, go back and rest. Your Second Aunt and I still have some things to do. Guyu, Jingzhe, take good care of Fifth Miss."
Guyu and Jingzhe responded and left with Shen Miao.
After they left, Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu looked at each other, and they both saw the calculation in each other's eyes.
Half an incense stick later, Madam Shen from Rongjing Hall frowned and asked, "You said Prince Yu has taken a fancy to the fifth girl?"
Shen Yue and Shen Qing were banished to the inner hall. It was inconvenient for them, little girls, to participate in these matters. Despite this, the two of them secretly ran behind the screen and, despite Mother Zhang's dissuasion, eavesdropped on the conversation in the hall.
"That's right." Ren Wanyun's face was full of smiles, but her words were high-sounding: "The fifth girl performed very well in the examination today, and even Prince Yu was impressed. Since he has sent the invitation, it means that he really wants the fifth girl. Look, my wife, our Shen family may also be able to produce a prince's consort."
Chen Ruoqiu's lips twitched when he heard this. Ren Wanyun's words were all very high-sounding, but Prince Yu had taken a fancy to Shen Miao, but he hadn't mentioned a formal marriage. Furthermore, even if he did marry her, with Shen Miao's lifespan, who knew how long she could last. She might even die before she could even serve as the princess for a few days. After all, Prince Yu's notoriety was known to everyone in Dingjing.
Upon hearing this, Old Lady Shen's expression darkened. Naturally, she didn't want the eldest wife to fare well. Why should the son of a man who had been dead for so many years be superior to her own? The old general had always favored the eldest wife when he was still alive, and now that the eldest wife was going to have a princess, she was extremely displeased. She immediately said, "With the Fifth Girl's temperament, how could she be a princess? The eldest or second girl would be more suitable."
Old Madam Shen had spent years in the rear courtyard, enjoying herself only. She truly knew nothing about what was happening outside. Upon hearing her words, Chen Ruoqiu and Ren Wanyun's expressions changed. Shen Yue and Shen Qing, hiding behind the screen, were also startled. Old Madam Shen didn't know, but they did. Entering Prince Yu's mansion meant torture and death, a hellish pit of fire.
Ren Wanyun said hurriedly, "Mother, that's not the case. We naturally wish the best for the Fifth Girl. Although His Royal Highness Prince Yu is a widower, a bit old, and has a bad reputation, fortunately his family is good." She thought of something and raised the corner of her mouth, "When the Seventh Brother grows up, it will be even better with His Royal Highness Prince Yu taking care of him. If anything happens to the Fifth Sister, His Royal Highness will take better care of the Seventh Brother to make up for it."
She actually used Shen Miao's life to exchange for Shen Yuanbo's future. Chen Ruoqiu glanced at her second sister-in-law. It was indeed a good plan.
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