RWNEFE -Chapter 366 You Also Want to Be Recorded as Legitimate?

Shen Lanxi’s voice carried a hint of grievance: “I am also Father’s daughter. How could Father scold me for Yuan Tang? Grandmother, do you know how Father scolded me?”

Old Madam Shen’s brows furrowed with irritation.

“Father said I have no sense of care, that I’m cold and heartless toward the family, cruel to my younger sister. He said I wield my monthly allowance over the household, controlling it, and that I’m petty and do not honor family bonds. He even said that from now on, I won’t be allowed to use a single coin from the Juding Gong Mansion. Everyone around me can testify to this.”

Madam Shen’s expression darkened.

“Father also said he would remember what was said yesterday—and he wanted me to remember it too.”

“Yesterday, I, Shen Lanxi, have engraved it in my heart. I will never allow outsiders in the household to seize on any mistakes again!”

Old Madam Shen felt her head buzz, her mind repeating only what the steward had told her earlier that morning.

The household’s treasury was already low, and the recent string of celebrations had drained it completely. That morning, merchants came demanding payment, and the steward had no choice but to turn to Madam Shen.

Old Madam Shen’s private treasury did have some valuable medicinal herbs, gifts that Shen Lanxi had given her. She and Old Master Shen needed these for regular supplementation, especially Old Master Shen, who could not go a day without them.

After Shen Congwen had the steward audit the accounts yesterday, he had already felt guilty. Being scolded by Old Madam Shen, he dared not even lift his head.

“Lanxi, you know the household’s situation. Previously, your father kept urging the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review to return what was confiscated during the family purge. They delayed multiple times and finally explained that when we were locked in the Celestial Prison, a group of extremely skilled thieves ransacked the Shen household. Now we can only live off your father’s salary.”

Shen Lanxi smirked inwardly, showing nothing on her face.

“I know. Not only our mansion, even the Zhen Nan Wang Mansion was emptied as well.”

Old Madam Shen anxiously said: “Not just our two mansions—other estates have also reportedly been looted clean.”

Shen Lanxi: “Because I knew how difficult things were, I gave money and supplies to the household each month. I am not one to show off, so apart from the steward and Grandmother, I never mentioned it to anyone else.”

The Shen family members in the room shifted uncomfortably at her words.

Their own storerooms had supplies, yet they never thought to contribute them to the main house; instead, they even drew a monthly allowance. They had no idea the household was in such a state.

“Grandmother, I have quite a bit of dowry given to me by the household. I’ll take half to the main house,” Hu Jinyu said suddenly.

Shen Yuanxu looked at her, first feeling touched, then frowned.

A woman’s dowry is private property, meant for her own children—how could it be used by the household?

Shen Lanxi glanced at Hu Jinyu and withdrew her gaze.

“Grandmother, since Father has made such a decisive choice, his salary must be enough to support the family. As his daughter, I will not allow him to be ridiculed.”

Her words blocked the remark Old Madam Shen had on the tip of her tongue.

“Lanxi, we are a family. How can a family be so calculative?”

Shen Lanxi: “I am not being calculative. The money I sent to the household for expenses has already been accounted for with Father—I never expected repayment. If Father insists on propriety and must return the money or items to me, then I will accept them.”

Old Madam Shen felt like she might faint.

Madam Liu quickly smoothed things over: “Weren’t we just discussing recording the illegitimate son as legitimate? How did this topic come up?”

Shen Yuanxu gently patted Hu Jinyu’s hand and whispered: “It’s not proper for women’s dowries to be used in the household. When Elder Uncle arrives, let’s hear what he has to say.”

If Elder Uncle hadn’t displeased Lanxi, none of this would have happened.

Elder Uncle had always been good to Lanxi, but since the exile, his temperament had changed.

Shen Yuanxin, seeing the room fall silent, inwardly blamed the others for being useless.

“Elder Sister, Yuanxin will now be officially recorded under the legal mother. Yuanhe and Yuanrui will also be favored by Father. Ever since our concubine mother returned from Dongchuan, her health has been poor, and we siblings have not received much attention.”

Shen Lanxi looked at Shen Yuanxin and asked directly: “So… you want to be recorded as legitimate too?”

Shen Yuanxin’s heart skipped a beat; she didn’t expect her elder sister to speak so bluntly.

“Yuanxin dares not.”

Shen Lanxi: “You’ll be married in a few months, right?”

Shen Yuanxin’s face turned awkward: “Just over three months.”

Shen Lanxi: “Then focus on embroidering your wedding clothes. Once you marry, you’ll be the mistress of the household.”

Shen Yuanxin realized her elder sister was admonishing her. The status of the legal wife is higher than a legitimate daughter—but how could that be fair?

Previously, Zhang Zifen had made a huge mistake. Why should her children receive such great benefits?

Their own branch had remained obedient, yet not only did they not receive attention, they were even docked monthly allowances, and even the servants bullied them.

Old Madam Shen felt a splitting headache, unwilling to listen any longer.

“I’m old, useless. Words no good, body no good!” Old Madam Shen sighed repeatedly.

Shen Lanxi: “Grandmother, if you want to stay healthy, then don’t let these irritating matters bother you.”

Old Madam Shen froze, her face turning iron gray.

Hu Jinyu had never seen a divorced woman wield so much influence in her natal home. In just a few words, she had silenced Old Madam Shen.

In recent days, she had observed that the younger generation either feared Shen Lanxi greatly or respected her deeply.

When asking about household matters, they either didn’t know or kept silent. Even Shen Yuanxu treated Shen Lanxi with respect mixed with a hint of fear—it wasn’t the dynamic of siblings, but a superior dealing with a subordinate.

No matter how Hu Jinyu tried to hint or nudge, Shen Yuanxu’s mouth was as tight as a clam.

The more this happened, the more curious she became: what kind of person was Shen Lanxi?

The hall remained silent, increasing Old Madam Shen’s frustration. She had the maids and older women help her rest.

Shen Lanxi, meanwhile, enjoyed herself. After sampling tea and snacks, Shen Congwen arrived with the two illegitimate daughters.

“Father…”

“Elder Uncle…”

The younger generation rose to bow to Shen Congwen, who wore a dark expression and sat at the head of the table.

“Tomorrow we’ll hold the ancestral hall ceremony and record Yuanxin’s name.”

“On the sixteenth of next month, Yuanxin will marry the princess. Since the county princess is unwell and should not be overexerted, it will be left to you younger brothers and sisters-in-law to manage.”

Shen Conglian and others instinctively looked at Shen Lanxi.

Earlier, Old Madam Shen had said the household had no money—what would they use to prepare? This isn’t a minor household where frugality is acceptable; a princess requires a display, at least the minimum grandeur.

Madam Liu: “After Yuanxin marries the princess, will he still live here?”

Shen Congwen: “The tenth princess has no own mansion outside; the imperial edict decrees marriage into the Shen family, so naturally she will live here.”

Madam Liu looked uneasy: “The room of an illegitimate son certainly cannot serve as a bridal chamber.”

Previously, Zhang Zifen’s mistake had implicated her children—they were all forced to live in the side quarters.