RWNEFE -Chapter 293 She’s Still a Good Shen Girl!

Over the past few years, Madam Liu, along with the other two sisters-in-law, had argued plenty with the first branch of the Shen family.

With the matron of the first branch always absent, all household affairs had fallen into the hands of that brat Zhang Zifen, acting like some mischievous tyrant. Not only was her position improper, but Shen Congwen also had a soft, muddled heart and always sided with Zhang Zifen. As a result, the other branches lost many benefits. Madam Liu had been keeping a mental tally all this time, and now that the “tiger” had returned, she could finally see if Zhang Zifen dared still act high and mighty over the first branch.

Hearing this, Shen Conglian felt a surge of satisfaction, but Shen Congwen’s face had already turned dark.

“You sister-in-law, I’m talking about filial respect—don’t twist my meaning!”

Madam Liu immediately replied, “Elder brother, I meant nothing else, I’m just speaking the plain truth!”

Shen Congwen was furious. He had already been uncomfortable during the victory banquet—many officials had undermined him, saying that even a daughter outshone a father—and now, hearing this at home made his anger boil over.

No matter how capable Shen Lanxi was, she was still a woman. In the future, she would rely on her father, brothers, and other men. Those who belittled him were simply senseless, flipping heaven and earth.

“Enough! If you want to argue, go back to your own rooms! I won’t be making anyone into dough!” Old Madam Shen, though clutching her prayer beads these past few years, had not softened in expression; in fact, she had grown even sharper and sterner.

Shen Congwen shouted, “Mother! Did you hear what the second brother just said? His words completely disregard his elders!”

The matriarch’s eyes fell on her second son. She had not seen him for years and had missed him greatly. Yet, recalling his words moments ago, she felt a spark of irritation, her face stern, corners of her mouth downturned, looking harsher and displeased.

“Mother, that’s not what I meant!” Shen Conglian hurriedly explained.

“We all know Lanxi’s temper—very fierce. In the army, she shouts about fighting and killing. Do you think her temper would be gentle?” Shen Conglian knew he could not change the family’s opinion, so he resorted to a little intimidation.

Years at the recruitment office had given him sharp observational skills. Whether leading soldiers or speaking to family, it was the same tactic: intimidate, persuade, and mediate—everything could be resolved.

The matriarch intended to give Shen Lanxi a warning. From now on, living in the capital would be different from Dongchuan. In Dongchuan, no one knew them, but in the capital, countless eyes watched. If they erred, it would be used as evidence against the Shen family.

If Shen Lanxi continued acting recklessly like before, the hard-earned good times for the Shen family could be ruined.

“Second son, enough. The army has its rules, the family has its rules. Once you enter this house, you must follow our family regulations. Only then can the Shen family endure.” The matriarch’s dissatisfaction with her second son lessened as she spoke.

Shen Conglian, merely giving a gentle reminder and not intending to confront the family on Shen Lanxi’s behalf, immediately said, “Mother, I understand. If Lanxi disrespects elders and officials find out, it could lead to impeachment of our family.”

The matriarch was pleased with her son’s sensible words: “You’ve suffered in the Northwest for years. I had your room redone, ensuring that you and your wife live comfortably!”

The renovation costs came from public funds, much to Madam Liu’s delight. This time, only the fourth branch didn’t gain an advantage—after all, none from the fourth branch had gone to the Northwest.

The eldest and second sons were satisfied, the fourth son was not.

He was already full of regret. Why did these people have to keep bringing it up in front of him? Did they enjoy twisting the knife in his heart?

After a few sips of hot tea, Shen Lanxi returned to the Shen residence.

The younger generation came out one by one to welcome her, cheerfully escorting her into the main hall.

“Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, Second Aunt, Third Uncle, Third Aunt, Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt, I’m back!” Shen Lanxi bowed respectfully to her elders.

The matriarch lifted her eyelids, seeing that her granddaughter still understood manners and propriety. Maintaining the dignity of the matriarch, she nodded in approval.

“Lanxi, my granddaughter, come, rise quickly!”

Seeing this, the entire Shen family immediately smiled.

Shen Lanxi did not act arrogantly or disdainfully toward her family despite her new titles of Marquis and General. This was excellent—she was still a good Shen girl.

“Grandmother, I brought back some wild delicacies from the Northwest. Today, there was too much to do to unload them from the cart, but tomorrow morning I’ll pick out the best wild foods and some fine leather goods for you!”

The matriarch was even more satisfied. It seemed her granddaughter had grown a lot during her years in the Northwest.

“No rush. Rest well first.”

Shen Lanxi said, “I also prepared wild delicacies and leather goods for His Majesty, the Empress, and several ladies in the palace. I’ll let Grandfather and Grandmother choose first, then—”

Before she could finish, the matriarch raised her hand to stop her.

“Don’t speak nonsense. Naturally, His Majesty and the palace ladies select first. The order of precedence must be respected!”

Though appearing to scold, the matriarch was inwardly pleased. That was right—family always comes first.

“Yes, yes, it’s my fault. The imperial edict came too quickly, and while packing, I didn’t have time to separate the items beforehand!” Shen Lanxi said apologetically.

Seeing her granddaughter’s understanding, the matriarch’s heart softened.

“Enough. Those are just material things. Our family’s reunion and health are what matter most. Go rest now. I’ve had your room redecorated. Once rested, we’ll talk—there will be plenty of time.”

Shen Lanxi said, “Thank you, Grandmother, for understanding. At the victory banquet, I did drink a bit more than usual. The imperial wine awarded by His Majesty and the Empress—I couldn’t refuse!”

The matriarch, seeing this, abandoned her sternness and immediately urged the servants to escort her granddaughter to rest.

The main hall naturally cleared.

Once in her room, Madam Liu began subtly advising Shen Conglian about the matriarch:

“Look, before seeing Lanxi, she wore that stern matriarch face, ready to punish. After seeing her, just a few words, and she’s completely charmed.”

Shen Conglian sat down with a smile: “Madam, this is her concern for the younger generation. What do you understand?”

Madam Liu snorted: “Concern for the younger generation? I say she’s afraid of Shen Lanxi, wants to assert authority, but seeing Lanxi show respect, she’s probably flustered and overjoyed.” By the last sentence, Madam Liu could no longer stay angry and laughed out loud.

Two people sharing one bed are never alike. Shen Conglian glanced at her irritably, muttering: “Flustered and overjoyed—does she even know how to speak?” Then he too laughed, clutching his stomach.

He had never seen his mother act like this toward anyone. Today was truly enlightening.

Third Branch

“See that? Second brother is so smug!” Madam Miao entered with a scowl, slapping a handkerchief on the table.

Shen Congli said, “Blame who? Isn’t it you? If you hadn’t stopped me from going before, you’d be the one showing off now.”