When the three of them arrived at the front hall, they happened to hear He Zheng speaking. He was thinking of Shen Leyi in his words and put himself in a very low position.
“Madam, I am a scholar, and I am not here because of your family’s status. When I saw the Fourth Miss fall into the water, I didn’t think much of it. I thought that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda, so I took action. At first, I didn’t know the Fourth Miss’s identity. I was just eager to save her. If I hadn’t saved her, the Fourth Miss might have lost her life. I just didn’t want to see a life disappear before my eyes.” He Zhengyi spoke righteously.
"Ha, you think your tricks can fool me? If it weren't for my daughter's impressive attire, you wouldn't have stepped in to save her, would you?" Madam Qian sneered, her gaze as venomous as she looked at He Zheng. "Without you, my daughter wouldn't have had her reputation ruined. She was destined to become an imperial concubine!"
Shen Yunxi couldn't help but find this amusing. Why did Qian Shi and Shen Leyi always think that the palace was so easy to enter? Did they really think that Junxuan was so easy to manipulate?
Don't they realize that Shen Leyi's status and position are far from enough to make Junxuan reluctantly accept her? She has no powerful backing.
If we're talking about looks, her appearance isn't exactly stunning enough to make someone fall in love at first sight. Junxuan has never been a licentious person, and Shen Leyi's looks aren't good enough to attract men with her beauty.
Furthermore, even if the late emperor's bestowed marriage had not been for her, it should not have fallen on Shen Leyi. What Junxuan detested was this imperial decree.
Therefore, all of the mother and daughter's schemes were in vain and had no chance of succeeding.
Hearing the conversation inside so interesting, Shen Yunxi wasn't in a hurry to go in. It would be good to listen more, so that there wouldn't be any things she couldn't say if she went in.
"I urge Third Madam and Old Madam Shen to be careful with their words. I absolutely have no such intentions; I am merely thinking of taking responsibility. I understand that I currently hold no official position or status, but fortunes change, and one should not underestimate a young man's potential. Next year is the imperial examination, and no one knows whether I will pass it. I will strive to be worthy of Fourth Miss," He Zheng said with an upright expression.
Upon hearing this, Shen Yunxi smiled inwardly. Of course, He Zheng's goal was to pass the imperial examination.
However, passing the imperial examination was not something he could achieve with just a few words. Every student who participated in the examination had studied diligently for many years, hoping to bring glory to their family after passing.
In his previous life, He Zheng did indeed participate in the imperial examination, but he didn't get anything. He was arrogant and thought he was great. On the day the results were announced, he made some outrageous remarks and was subsequently taught a lesson by the officials.
Later, Lu Wanqing encountered him by chance and thought that he could be used against her, or that it was feasible to start with the people around her, so she saved him.
This He Zheng was used in Lu Wanqing and Shen Leyi's discussion and ultimately caused the death of her cousin.
Fortunately, it's too early for everything. Now that Shen Leyi and He Zheng are together, who knows what kind of funny things they will get into.
If these two people are tied together, their future lives will surely be rich and colorful.
Madam Qian didn't give He any face at all. "With your looks, you still want to take the imperial examination? Do you expect it to bring you any change? I'm not saying this to be mean, but you're not good enough at all. The imperial examination won't help you either. You don't look like someone who can pass it! If you know what's good for you, you'd better leave now. Don't be a toad trying to eat swan meat. Even if my daughter marries an ordinary minister as his second wife, she won't marry a good-for-nothing idiot like you!"
It's fair to say that Qian's words were anything but polite, and Shen Yunxi knew without even looking that He Zheng's expression was unpleasant.
This man is extremely concerned about his reputation, and he must be holding a grudge against Qian Shi right now. That's how petty people are; if given the chance, he will definitely make Qian Shi pay a heavy price.
My cousin was framed because she wasn't fooled by this man and even warned him to stop his underhanded tactics. This made him remember her and ultimately ruin her life.
However, Shen Yunxi felt it was about time for her to make her appearance. After all, if this person continued to be talked about by her third aunt, he would probably become withdrawn and give up his idea of marrying Shen Leyi.
Although the possibility of this is very low, she absolutely cannot let He Zheng go home disappointed.
"Third Aunt, I could hear you getting angry from afar. What's wrong?" Shen Yunxi asked with a smile as she approached the front hall.
He Zheng's eyes lit up, but he quickly concealed it. After all, it was not his place to covet this one. Yesterday, he had thoroughly investigated the Shen family's connections. Even if this sixth young lady was not favored by the emperor, the late emperor's bestowal of marriage could not be faked. Otherwise, this sixth young lady would be the best choice.
The daughter of the Marquis of Yong'an, the Empress Dowager's most beloved woman, truly enjoys boundless favor. If he could marry her, wouldn't his future be bright and promising?
It's such a pity, such a pity, that she could only marry Shen Leyi. Fortunately, she was also a daughter of the Shen family, so she could still be of help.
Shen Yunxi felt the scrutiny in He Zheng's eyes. She suppressed her disgust, slowly walked to Madam Qian's side, bowed to the old lady, and then sat down.
The two maids, Zhizhi and Cai'er, silently walked behind Shen Yunxi and stood there, trying to minimize their presence.
Shen Yunxi's actions were completely disrespectful to them, but since there were outsiders present, the two of them didn't notice her reaction and were mainly staring at He Zheng with displeasure.
Madam Qian's face turned fierce. "Shen Yunxi, if it weren't for you, Leyi wouldn't have fallen into the water, let alone been entangled with such a scumbag! If you have any conscience at all, go and beg the Empress Dowager to arrange a good marriage for Leyi, or don't blame me for being impolite!"
Madam Shen paused for a moment. She had initially thought that Madam Qian's words were really nonsensical, but suddenly she felt that there was some truth to them.
If Shen Leyi is betrothed by the Empress Dowager, even if she cannot enter the harem, she will probably not marry too badly. At least, no matter who it is, they will not make things difficult for Shen Leyi because of the Empress Dowager's sake.
Upon hearing Qian's words, He Zheng's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately turned his gaze to Shen Yunxi, fearing that she would agree immediately.
If that's the case, wouldn't he have wasted his time and effort?
Shen Yunxi was well aware of what these people were thinking, but she wasn't here to do a good deed; she was here to fan the flames.
"Why would Third Aunt say that?" Shen Yunxi asked incredulously. "If Her Majesty were to grant the marriage, even if Her Majesty agreed, what would that say about the Empress Dowager? Fourth Sister has clearly lost her reputation, and Young Master He is willing to take responsibility. Why would Third Aunt refuse?"
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