Shen Tangning subtly gleaned some information, which Madam Pei did not notice.
"I see that Madam Pei and Miss Pei get along quite naturally and harmoniously. Miss Pei is very close to Madam Pei."
Besides the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, the relationship between sisters-in-law has always been a major challenge. However, there is an order of seniority, and most sisters-in-law respect their elder sisters-in-law. It is rare to see someone like Madam Pei who is so obedient to her sister-in-law.
There are only two possibilities: either Madam Pei has a very low status in the Pei family and everyone can bully her, or Miss Pei is very favored at home and has a lot of influence, so much so that even she, as her sister-in-law, has to give way to her.
Upon hearing this, Madam Pei paused, her smile becoming somewhat unnatural. She didn't really want to discuss this topic and quickly brushed it off with a few words: "Harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things."
If the two of them really had a good relationship, why would she avoid this topic?
A thoughtful look flashed in Shen Tangning's eyes. She quickly changed the subject, half-jokingly sighing, "My younger brother hasn't been in officialdom for long, and he's not mature or steady enough. His marriage has always been a worry for my mother, and I've been worrying about it a lot too. I wonder what your family thinks?"
It wasn't that she intentionally belittled Shen Ci in front of outsiders, but sensing that there was something wrong with him, she had to test him out of caution.
She deliberately feigned weakness, and Madam Pei unconsciously lowered her guard, smiling as she said, "Madam Chi need not worry about this. My father-in-law greatly admires Young Master Shen. It is rare for a scholar of his age to be ranked third in the imperial examinations, and he will surely have a bright future."
“Then I will accept Mrs. Pei’s kind words.” Shen Tangning readily agreed and thanked her, but did not agree to anything else, keeping her mouth shut. “My mother is easygoing and does not want to force him on the marriage. It’s all up to him. However, no one can say for sure. To be on the safe side, let’s see how it goes first.”
Madam Pei couldn't help but look up at her. She sat gracefully, her silk skirt trailing on the ground, her delicate hand holding a silk fan, the emerald green fan pendant hanging down her wrist, making her skin appear dazzlingly white.
She was tilting her head to look at the two people in the distance, a serene smile playing on her lips.
Madam Pei frowned secretly. This Madam Chi was not easy to deal with. She had managed to get a lot of information out of her, but Madam Chi had not revealed any intentions at all.
She forced a smile and agreed, "Mrs. Chi is right."
...
The two were some distance apart. Pei Mingzhu tilted her head to look at Shen Ci. To be fair, he was indeed good-looking, and there was a reason why he was chosen as the third-ranked scholar.
Pei Mingzhu smiled and looked at him curiously: "Young Master Shen seems very nervous?"
Her gaze was direct and undisguised, making Shen Ci quite nervous. He was usually boisterous and seemed fearless, but he had very little experience interacting with women.
He had met Pei Mingzhu before, at a banquet. While the other young women were reciting poems, Pei Mingzhu was left out because she didn't fit in, but she seemed to enjoy being alone.
Halfway through the banquet, she secretly left her seat and went to the lake to fish. She didn't catch any fish, but instead fed them too much and several koi died. He, who was secretly watching, almost burst out laughing.
At that time, Shen Ci felt that she was completely different from the other women he had ever met.
He awkwardly turned his face away, trying to appear calm, but unknowingly revealed his bright red ears: "No."
Pei Mingzhu chuckled: "Don't be nervous, I don't eat people. I've seen you before, your horsemanship and archery are quite good."
Before Shen Ci could even blush, she heard her say confidently, "But mine is even better. How about we have a competition during the hunt to see who gets more prey?"
Her eyes were bright and determined, and Shen Ci's fighting spirit was immediately ignited: "Alright!"
Having shared common interests, the two naturally grew closer, and the atmosphere was no longer as awkward as it had been at the beginning.
"I heard from my father that you are still working at the Hanlin Academy?"
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