As soon as the group entered the main courtyard, Madam Shen's voice, weathered yet full of authority, reached everyone's ears.
Kneel down!
Old Madam Shen's sharp gaze fell on Ye Rou, her fierce eyes showing no restraint. The more she used to like Ye Rou, the more she now loathed her.
"Mother, about this matter..." Shen Feng's words of explanation were swallowed back by the increasingly cold gaze of Old Madam Shen, and he dared not say another word.
Ye Rou knew that Madam Shen was in a bad mood, so it was best to go along with her for now.
"Madam, the Marquis and I were framed today, which is why we lost our temper and didn't know our limits." Ye Rou knelt down on both knees, showing both flexibility and humility. Apart from her grievance, there was not a trace of humiliation on her face.
Shen Feng nodded emphatically and couldn't help but chime in, "Yes, Mother, today is your birthday banquet. Even if I were the most shameless son, I would never do such a disgraceful thing."
Upon hearing this, Madam Shen's expression improved considerably, and she took their words to heart.
She understood Shen Feng's personality; he valued his reputation extremely highly. Even if he liked Ye Rou very much, he would never stoop to such a lowly position in front of all the guests, making himself the laughingstock of the entire capital.
Ye Rou is also a woman of means. Even if she really wants to become the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, she wouldn't be foolish enough to cut off her own escape route.
We've endured this for over twenty years, what's a little more time?
The only possibility is that they failed to outmaneuver others and were instead outmaneuvered.
Madam Shen glanced thoughtfully at Song Zhiyu and sighed softly.
It's a pity that this girl's heart isn't in the Chengen Marquis's mansion; otherwise, with such skills and strategies, she would definitely have nurtured her properly.
Madam Shen twirled the prayer beads in her hand, her eyes half-closed, and made a final decision, "Now that things have come to this, let's pick an auspicious day and get things done between the two of you, so as not to give anyone cause for gossip."
"Mother!" Mother Shen's usual dignified and gentle demeanor instantly crumbled, and even her voice rose a few decibels, carrying a hint of disbelief.
When facing Shen's mother, Madam Shen's tone softened considerably. "I know this is unfair to you, but it's the only solution. The Princess also said that if this matter isn't handled properly, it will definitely affect Feng'er and Rushan's careers."
Xue Niang, you've always been the most understanding and sensible person, someone who knows her place and the bigger picture. You can't just stand by and watch Feng'er's career be ruined, can you?
Seeing that Madam Shen was wavering, Old Madam Shen slowed down her movements of turning the prayer beads and continued, "Since Feng'er married you into the household, he has never taken a concubine. You know how he treats you. It is not easy for any man in the world to do what he does. You should be content."
Besides, letting Ye Rou into the manor is merely a temporary measure and will not affect your status. What do you have to worry about?
“Mother is right. You are my only wife. No one can surpass you.” Shen Feng reacted quickly, took a few steps forward, grabbed his mother’s hand, and gently comforted her. His words were incredibly sweet.
Seeing this, Ye Rou and the others took turns trying to force Mother Shen to admit to taking a concubine.
“Madam, please rest assured. After I enter the manor, if you do not wish to see me, I will simply stay in my own courtyard and take good care of Rushan. I will not have any other thoughts.”
Shen Jinshu affectionately took her mother's arm, speaking naturally and praising Shen Feng and Ye Rou throughout, "Mother, this is the best solution. You know Father and Aunt Ye's character; they have a clean relationship. If they hadn't been framed by thieves, how could they have ended up in such a shameful situation?"
Upon hearing this, Song Zhiyu almost burst out laughing.
Innocent and pure?
They had been living together without a matchmaker for over twenty years and had two children, a perfectly innocent relationship.
She really learned something new; as expected, shamelessness knows no bounds.
And the thief Shen Jinshu mentioned—if I'm not mistaken, he's referring to her.
Song Zhiyu made no attempt to hide the mocking smile on her face, as if she were watching a joke from the sidelines. Her unrestrained demeanor inexplicably irritated Shen Yanxi.
He glared at Song Zhiyu and said to Mother Shen, "Mother, it's common for men to have multiple wives and concubines. Father has only been with you for over twenty years, and there isn't even a single concubine in the household. He has been more than kind and righteous to you."
Besides, Aunt Ye is gentle and treats us no worse than Bi Shan. Shu'er has many more people who love her; aren't you happy?"
Shen Yanxi spoke with conviction, and he did not think Shen Feng was wrong in this matter.
Not to mention that bringing Aunt Ye into the mansion was a last resort and could not shake the mother's position at all.
Although he looked down on Shen Rushan, he still had some respect for Ye Rou.
“Fourth brother is right, Mother. You should consider the bigger picture,” Shen Mingyi also spoke up to express his stance. He believed that his father had treated his mother well enough.
Shen Yuzhou frowned, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he didn't say anything.
Clearly, he agreed with Shen Mingyi and the others. Although he privately felt that this was indeed somewhat unfair to his mother, there is no such thing as absolute fairness in the world.
Just like her mother, she didn't treat Zhiyu and Shuer fairly either.
Shen Muxun remained silent; he could not understand his mother's thoughts.
Just as this incident had no impact on him whatsoever, he never took it to heart.
When Shen's mother saw that neither her son nor her daughter was helping her, but instead advised her to accept the idea of taking a concubine, she was heartbroken.
She understood these principles perfectly well, but she still couldn't get over that mental hurdle.
She had genuinely cared for Ye Rou, fearing she might not be doing well in the mansion, and even instructed the servants not to neglect her.
The ladies told her to be wary of Ye Rou, but she didn't take it to heart. She even spoke up for her and introduced her to the ladies so that Ye Rou wouldn't be looked down upon by others.
She had never been so attentive to her own daughter, Song Zhiyu.
But I never expected that my sincere efforts would result in this outcome.
But she has never been a strong-willed person. For many years, she has been clinging to Shen Feng to live. Moreover, her son and daughter are not on her side. It seems that she has no other choice but to compromise.
If taking a step back can make everyone happy, then she can endure this grievance.
Chen's mother lowered her eyes in disappointment, suppressing the bitterness in her heart. She hesitated, about to speak, when a sparse clapping sound from not far away cut her off.
"How interesting. They help outsiders to deal with their own mother. Madam Shen would be better off having a piece of barbecued pork instead of having these sons."
Song Zhiyu crossed her arms and stood with her arms crossed. After watching the show for so long, she felt that it was too peaceful and too easy for Shen Feng and Ye Rou. She had to step in and stir things up.
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