How outlandish were Madam Shen's words? Not to mention that Ren Dong wanted to rush over and shove her little feet into her mouth, even her own maid Xiang Lan had a look of astonishment on her face, as if to say, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
She was known for her "virtuous" nature, providing the illegitimate children with all the food and clothing they needed, and they knew this.
But what's the situation now?
The third young lady was shameless and had an affair with her elder sister's fiancé at the temple, which became public knowledge. Being expelled from the estate was entirely her own fault!
It's bad enough that the madam didn't punish her severely for her mistress's sake, but now she wants the young lady to save her?!
Xianglan thought it was outrageous!
Is the lady having a hysterical episode?
Madam Shen was clueless, but Xianglan saw things clearly.
Given the master's usual attitude towards the madam, how could he suddenly think of lifting her confinement? It must be the second young lady who played a role in it. The madam's actions are likely to chill the second young lady's heart.
So Xianglan quickly covered for her, saying, "Um... Madam is kind-hearted, as you know, Second Miss."
Shen Qiyin gave an ambiguous smile.
With a slight curve to her red lips, she uttered two cool words: "I know."
She was always kind to others, but she was exceptionally ruthless to her own daughter!
In fact, Shen Qiyin was not surprised at all by Madam Shen's words.
Or more precisely, she guessed that she would do this, which is why she "kindly" helped her out of her confinement predicament.
"I think it would be better if you went to talk to Father about bringing Shen Ruyin back."
Madam Shen asked, puzzled, "Why?"
"Think about it, it was Father's decision after all. He is the elder, and I am the younger. How can I go against him?"
“But you are different, Mother. You are his first wife and the mistress of this household. It is right for you to make the decisions about your children. Besides, if you were to bring Shen Ruyin back, she would surely be grateful for your kindness and spread the word, and the world would know your virtuous reputation.”
Madam Shen smiled as she heard this.
That was her original plan.
She just felt that Shen Qiyin had been wronged by this incident. If she directly decided to bring Shen Ruyin back, she was afraid that Shen Qiyin would get angry and cause a scene, which would be awkward for everyone and would not be good.
Seeing that she seemed to have no reservations at all, Madam Shen was relieved.
However, she still pretended to refuse, saying, "I know you are always filial, but I'm worried that if I make the decision, you will swallow all your grievances. That's why I came to ask for your opinion first."
Shen Xiyin found it funny.
Hasn't she made enough decisions for her? What's she pretending for now!
"Didn't Mother always teach her daughter that harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things?"
"That's true. After all, we're family." Perhaps seeing how obedient and considerate Shen Qiyin was, Madam Shen no longer acted imperiously as before, but instead came over and affectionately took her hand.
Shen Qiyin instantly got goosebumps all over her body.
She felt disgusted.
It wasn't the kind of aversion I felt when facing Shen Yaozu and the old lady; it was more like a toad crawling up my feet and onto my body, making me feel physically nauseous.
She abruptly pulled her hand back.
Madam Shen frowned in displeasure: "What's wrong with you?"
"...I have a cold, and I'm afraid I might pass on my illness to my mother."
Madam Shen looked suspicious.
But then Shen Qiyin added, “Mother has just taken over the management of the household affairs. If she falls ill at this time, Father will definitely think that you are not up to the task.”
“Aunt Zhou is eyeing the position of head of the household. If she takes the opportunity to whisper in Father’s ear, how confident are you that you can defeat her?”
Upon hearing this, Madam Shen's heart tightened.
But he stubbornly retorted, "Her? She's just a lowly concubine!"
That's what she said, but she sat far away from Shen Qiyin, and even covered her mouth with a handkerchief when she spoke again.
"Since you are ill, you should go back and rest early. I have already made up my mind about this matter, and I will go to find the master now!"
"Then let my daughter accompany you, so that I can show my attitude."
Madam Shen thought about it and felt that this was a good idea.
Xianglan advised her not to go, and if she insisted on going, she should at least tidy herself up. But Madam Shen wouldn't listen and instead scolded Xianglan, "What do you know, you little maid? Shut your mouth!"
Xianglan felt that she was the one who had been wronged.
So, Madam Shen went to see Shen Cang without makeup and wearing only a simple cloth dress.
The moment they met, Shen Cang blurted out, "Why did you go out looking like that?"
Madam Shen froze on the spot.
Xianglan closed her eyes silently: Serves you right!
I told her to change her clothes, put on some makeup, and dress up before going out, but she's as stubborn as a mule and just won't listen!
In fact, Shen Qiyin understood Madam Shen's intentions.
She wanted to evoke Shen Cang's affection through this appearance, but she was wrong about one thing: if a man has a woman in his heart, he will cherish her and love her, no matter if she is dressed in coarse linen or adorned in brocade, and treat her as the most precious treasure in his palm.
But if he doesn't have her in his heart, then even if she dies, he won't give her a second glance!
Unfortunately, Madam Shen didn't understand.
Being publicly reprimanded by Shen Cang, especially with his concubine Zhou also present, she felt extremely embarrassed, but dared not retaliate. She could only stammer an explanation: "...I had important matters to discuss with you, sir. I was in a hurry and didn't think about all that."
Shen Cang: "What is it?"
"I heard that the master left Sanya's hair at the estate?"
“Yes.” Upon mentioning Shen Ruyin, Shen Cang’s expression darkened.
"I was thinking that since she's been gone for a few days, it would be enough for Master to scare her and teach her a lesson." Madam Shen felt that she had struck a chord with Shen Cang, and she became more and more excited as she spoke: "The estate is bitterly cold, how could a pampered young lady like her endure it?"
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