When she got her hands on that piece of shimmering brocade, she was absolutely delighted, but she couldn't be too ostentatious, so she had Xiuyue tear off a small piece of fabric to make a sachet, which wasn't too conspicuous.
Those who have never seen Fu Guangjin will not think much of it and will only think that the fabric of her sachet is very beautiful.
Today, perhaps because Prince Li agreed to accompany her on her homecoming visit, she was so happy that she forgot about the sachet, inadvertently giving Song Zhiyu a handle to use against her.
She originally thought that Song Zhiyu had kept the shimmering brocade in a corner because he didn't recognize its value, and that he wouldn't care even if it were lost.
Shen Jinshu frowned in regret. They should have been the ones causing trouble for Song Zhiyu, but now the tables had turned.
She cautiously observed the King's expression, her heart filled with trepidation.
Having seen many fine things, Li Wang naturally recognized the Floating Light Brocade.
It seems that his dear aunt really adores Song Zhiyu, even giving away the shimmering brocade bestowed upon her by the Emperor.
He rarely paid attention to Shen Jinshu before, so he didn't notice the sachet at her waist. He never expected to lose face so badly.
Although Li Wang was still smiling, the curve of his lips slowly turned downwards, and even Shen Mu and Ye Rou, who were the furthest away, could feel the dangerous aura emanating from him.
Seeing this, Mother Shen thought to herself that something was wrong. Today was the day Shu'er was returning to her parents' home, and they should be happy. Why make things awkward for each other over such a small matter?
Shu'er married into the Li Prince's mansion because of the Prince's favor. If this matter causes the Prince to harbor resentment, her life in the mansion will certainly not be easy.
Thinking of this, Mother Shen sighed, stepped forward and took Song Zhiyu's hand, "I took that shimmering brocade, Shu'er didn't know. It's just a piece of cloth, you have plenty of good things, one more won't make a difference."
Why not consider this shimmering brocade as a wedding gift for Shu'er? It would be a token of your affection as her younger sister.
She gently shook her head at Song Zhiyu, hoping that Song Zhiyu would stop interfering in the matter for her sake.
But Mother Shen clearly thought too highly of herself. Song Zhiyu pulled her hand away without hesitation and retorted lightly, "She doesn't deserve it."
The shimmering brocade is priceless, and it was a gift from the Princess. No one would have the audacity to ask for it, but some people just don't recognize their place and are always generous with other people's money.
Mother Shen's face paled, feeling she had lost face, and her eyes reddened slightly. She felt utterly defeated, realizing she hadn't raised Song Zhiyu well, which had led to her developing such a shrewish and unforgiving personality.
Li Wangmei's heart was pounding. She looked down on the Shen family's actions and hated Song Zhiyu's aggressiveness. Her tone was impatient and ruthless. "Enough. The Fuguang Brocade will be sent back to the Marquis's Mansion later. The piece of cloth that was used will also be converted into silver and sent together. Don't mention this matter again."
After this incident, he was no longer in a position to continue his attacks on Song Zhiyu.
The meal was unpalatable, especially for Shen Jinshu and the others, who felt as if they had swallowed flies. However, they couldn't make a scene because Prince Li was present.
After lunch, the confidant leaned down and whispered a few words in the king's ear. A barely perceptible glint of cold light flashed in the king's eyes, disappearing in an instant.
Before Shen Jinshu could ask any questions, he casually made up an excuse and left, leaving the Shen family members looking at each other in bewilderment.
As soon as Li Wang left, Shen Feng's face turned cold. He left the main courtyard without looking back and went straight to the study.
Mother Shen seemed to have been hurt by Song Zhiyu's words, and looked listless, not as affectionate towards Shen Jinshu as usual.
Shen Jinshu seemed oblivious, affectionately taking her mother's arm with a girlish charm, "Mother, let's go for a walk in the backyard, and chat with you."
“Yes, you were just talking about Shu’er the other day.” Shen Mingyi chimed in at the right moment. Even he could sense his mother’s coldness towards Shu’er, and he was extremely anxious.
As if recalling those warm days of the past, Mother Shen's expression softened slightly.
Although she didn't approve of Shen Jinshu's behavior, she was still the child she had spoiled and raised, and her love for her was ultimately greater than that for Song Zhiyu.
Finally, she sighed helplessly and let Shen Jinshu take her hand and walk away.
Seeing the two of them walking intimately from behind, Ye Rou felt a pang of jealousy. It should have been her who was so close to Shu'er.
But given their identities and the fact that they would never be able to see the light of day, Ye Rou suppressed her displeasure and comforted herself, telling herself that the woman was still somewhat useful to Shu'er and the Marquis's mansion, so she would tolerate her for the time being.
We'll settle accounts properly once we've squeezed every last drop of value out of her.
*
The main gate of the Marquis's residence.
Shen Ru barged in with disheveled hair and wide-eyed stares, ignoring the strange looks from the servants around her, and headed straight for Shen Feng's courtyard.
Her frenzied appearance was terrifying. If the servants hadn't recognized Shen Ru, they would have thought she was some kind of madwoman.
How come my great-aunt has become so destitute after not seeing her for a while?
Not only were the servants puzzled, but even Madam Shen and the others were startled, their faces pale as they clutched their chests. "Isn't that Xiaoru? What happened to her?"
"I don't know either. Let's go and see." Shen Jinshu shook her head, feeling that something was amiss, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong.
Just then, she suddenly noticed another gaze falling on Shen Ru. She looked up and saw Song Zhiyu slightly raising the corners of his mouth at her, and the unease in her heart grew stronger.
"Miss, the person has been quietly brought into the manor." Lu Bai deliberately lowered her voice, a hint of impatience in her eyes.
Her heart trembled at the thought of what was about to happen.
Soon, her young lady will be able to completely sever ties with the Marquis's mansion.
"Let's go, let's go see this kind aunt." Song Zhiyu lifted her foot and followed Shen Ru leisurely, keeping a distance that was neither too close nor too far.
*
"Bang!"
The study door was suddenly pushed open, and before Shen Feng could even get angry, his legs were grabbed by the newcomer. "Big brother, something bad has happened! Song Zhiyu knows about Chen the wet nurse."
"What did you say? Which wet nurse Chen?" Shen Feng frowned, grabbed Shen Ru's hand, and lifted her up.
Shen Ru, her mouth bubbling with anxiety, blurted out the truth of what happened back then, "It was that wet nurse Chen who you bribed to switch Song Zhiyu and Shu'er's identities!"
Outside the door, the foot that was about to step over the threshold suddenly stopped.
But the conversation inside continued.
“Song Zhiyu knew about Chen the wet nurse a long time ago. She must also know that it was you, elder brother, who bribed Chen the wet nurse to switch her with Shu’er so that Shu’er could have a legitimate identity as the daughter of a marquis. And to eliminate any future troubles, you threw her, still an infant, into the deep mountains to fend for herself.”
Shen Ru spoke without restraint, saying everything that should and shouldn't have been said, before Shen Feng could even stop her.
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