It truly is a case of "what goes around comes around." With the Zhang family's support, Shen Shinan smoothly ascended to the position of heir apparent and inherited the Shen family's title.
In the end, however, Zhang's selfishness led to a complete defeat.
The retired emperor was furious, but fortunately, Prince Bei Jing Shui Rong had made military achievements, and Prince Teng had also been promoted, so the situation was not too unfavorable.
As a result, Yuan Chun also went out to visit the Jia and Wang families, sending her gifts from the palace.
Of course, even the Lin family is involved this time.
Shen Ajiao looked at the gifts sent by the palace servants: a string of agate and coral necklaces, a set of tourmaline bracelets and rings, four sachets, four bolts of satin, and a set of writing implements.
For a moment, Shen Ajiao couldn't understand Yuanchun's meaning. Why send them things? It was only the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, and the holiday wasn't even over yet. Why was she in such a hurry to say that the Lin family was in cahoots with her?
Lin Daiyu glanced at the items and said, "First, send the items to the storeroom, then find out what the Jia and Wang families sent."
"What did you do after receiving the package?"
Shen Ajiao gave a thumbs up, saying that they still had to rely on Lin Daiyu.
Before long, the person who had inquired returned to report, "The things sent by the Jia family and the Wang family are almost the same, and the things for the young ladies and gentlemen are also almost the same."
Shen Ajiao was taken aback, "About the same?"
The servant who was gathering information nodded affirmatively, "The Jia family is setting off firecrackers to celebrate. We don't need to ask what the palace sent; the maids and servants have already told us everything. It sounds similar to what we received, except that Master Bao has an extra little trinket to play with, and Miss Xichun is missing an agate and coral necklace, and she doesn't have any tourmaline jewelry either; she only has an ordinary green jade bracelet."
"The young men and women in the Wang family all receive similar gifts."
When Shen Ajiao heard this, she was furious. What kind of relationship did they have that they would give each other similar gifts?
If you have a good relationship with them, no one will say anything. But if you don't have a good relationship with them, why would you give them these things?
Hint at her? Warn her?
"What do you think she means?"
Lin Daiyu casually roasted chestnuts over the fire, watching them pop open one after another. "What's it to me?"
"What business is it, Mrs. Guan?"
You are heartless, you are indifferent!
[My sincere feelings were wasted, sob sob sob]
“I’m doing this for your own good.” Shen Ajiao rested her chin on her hand, looking at Lin Daiyu roasting chestnuts. “The Jia family is always up to no good.”
Lin Daiyu chuckled. "Madam, you should think about what to have for dinner."
"What kind of trouble could she possibly cause? The gifts that were given in the palace, although they were said to be bestowed by her, ultimately came from the Imperial Household Department on the surface. Do you think the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor don't know about the affairs of the Imperial Household Department?"
Instead of worrying about this, let's try to figure out what the Emperor Emeritus means.
"Or perhaps it's what our Emperor is thinking."
[The obvious solution is to kill everyone.]
Lin Daiyu: So, what's there to worry about?
Shen Ajiao and Lin Daiyu exchanged a smile and continued roasting chestnuts.
But fate had other plans. Shen Ajiao didn't want to get into trouble, but trouble came knocking on her door.
Sure enough, Lady Wang came to visit on the eighth day of the month.
He had an arrogant demeanor and didn't say a word when he saw Shen Ajiao.
Shen Ajiao glanced at Lin Daiyu, who smiled and gave a slight bow, "Mrs. Jia."
Well done!
Then Shen Ajiao waited for Madam Wang to come up and greet her, but Madam Wang completely ignored her and simply nodded, "Mrs. Lin."
"Oh, who is this?" Shen Ajiao looked at Lin Daiyu with a blank expression, as if she didn't recognize her.
Lin Daiyu smiled and said, "Madam, have you forgotten? This is Consort Jia's mother from the palace."
"Consort Jia?"
Shen Ajiao suddenly realized, then nodded, "Is it the one whose title was revoked before the New Year?"
Lin Daiyu nodded with a smile, while Shen Ajiao exclaimed in surprise, "So that's how it is!"
"I knew it! How could the wife of an official be so ill-mannered? It turns out I had misunderstood!"
"It's just a pity that the Granny Liu I met last time was so wonderful, and the others in the village aren't like that either."
"Mrs. Jia should really focus on her studies."
"How can we disregard Consort Jia's dignity over such trivial matters?"
Madam Wang's face paled, and a hint of malice flashed in her eyes. What she cared about most now was what others said about her title of Lady of the Imperial Household.
This Shen Ajiao is openly and subtly mocking her for her village background. How is she any more noble than her? Just wait and see, her imperial title will return sooner or later.
He pinched his palm with the hand hidden in his sleeve, and bowed slightly, "Mrs. Lin."
Shen Ajiao nodded and sat at the head of the table. "Quickly serve tea to Mrs. Jia."
Lady Wang was even angrier. "Don't you care about the lady's feelings? Her daughter is a concubine in the palace, and you treat her like this?"
"Mrs. Lin, you're too kind."
Shen Ajiao asked, "I wonder if Madam Jia has come here today for some business?"
After composing herself, Madam Wang spoke, "Isn't this the New Year's festival? The ladies in the palace sent gifts, as you saw. Not only our family, but your family also received rewards."
"According to etiquette, we should go to the palace to express our gratitude. I thought since we know each other, why don't we go together?"
Shen Ajiao spat inwardly, "Who wants to be with you?"
"Your Majesty is six months pregnant and there are many things to do at the end of the year. If we go together, we will have company and Your Majesty will have more time to rest."
Shen Ajiao smiled and said, "Why doesn't Madam Jia stay with the Wang family? That would be true companionship."
Madam Wang smiled and said, "We've already exchanged greetings and arranged to deliver the invitations together. Now all that's missing is Mrs. Lin."
"Haha, unfortunately, Mrs. Jia, I must say I cannot join you. My husband has already sent out invitations."
So you just don't want to go with me? If I go with you guys, won't you mess with me?
Yuan Chun was heavily pregnant. She stood in front of her and said her stomach hurt. How could she reason with her?
Madam Wang smiled and said, "That's perfect, let's go together."
Looking into Madam Wang's eyes, Shen Ajiao knew that she was truly here to cause trouble for her.
"Oh dear, I would also like to be with Mrs. Jia, but given your current status..." She looked her up and down, feeling a little embarrassed. It wasn't that she looked down on Mrs. Jia's current status, but rather that they were simply not on the same wavelength.
"Even if we go on the same day, we may not be together, and we will inevitably feel a little disappointed."
[This is like a toad climbing a tree; how shameless!]
I'm warning you, so don't blame me for not giving you face later.
Hearing Shen Ajiao's words, Madam Wang wished she could tear Shen Ajiao to pieces. This person was actually mocking her status and looking down on her!
Why does she look down on her so much? She has a promising daughter, but what does she have? She still relies on Lin Ruhai!
There was no point in saying more when things didn't go well. After being thoroughly ridiculed by Shen Ajiao, Madam Wang could no longer sit still. She got up to take her leave, saying with a forced smile, "See you another day."
Shen Ajiao replied indifferently, "Okay."
Who's afraid of who?
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