RWNEFE -Chapter 369 Advising a Sister at the Flower-Viewing Banquet

Zhou Yunshang’s expression kept shifting; she was beginning to regret holding this flower-viewing banquet.

Could it be that Shen Lanxi had spent so much time among the men in the military camp that she had become so bold and unrestrained, completely unconcerned with propriety?

Shen Lanxi had no shame—yet she, the Eldest Princess, still had face to uphold.

Everyone filed in and took their seats. In the first round of exchanges upon entering, Shen Lanxi overwhelmingly dominated.

“Greetings to the three aunts,” Shen Yuantang said gracefully as he approached after sitting down.

Hu Jinyu whispered, “Sister also came? When did she arrive? Why didn’t I see you earlier?”

Earlier, at the door, if Shen Lanxi hadn’t forcefully silenced Chen Suizhu, the Shen family would have completely lost face this time.

Chen Suizhu, aligning with the Eldest Princess against Shen Lanxi, was clearly ignoring the Shen family. When the Shen family rises, they all rise; when they fall, they all fall. No wonder Shen Yuantang had deliberately stayed far away—she hadn’t even noticed.

Shen Yuantang said flatly, “I went to change clothes just now; I just returned.”

He didn’t particularly favor this second-branch sister-in-law.

Hu Jinyu also sensed it—several times Shen Yuantang returned home, and she caught him examining her with a look of disdain.

She had been puzzled before but later understood—he was jealous that she had nearly become the principal consort of the Zhen Nan Wang.

This sister was petty, but at least not a child of the second branch; normally, a nod and a greeting were sufficient.

“Oh, I see. Then you missed something quite exciting earlier.”

Shen Yuantang turned slightly toward Shen Lanxi and respectfully bowed.

“Greetings, Elder Sister!”

Shen Lanxi: “After all those days of confinement, you’ve grown much!”

Shen Yuantang froze. Did she have to embarrass her in such a public setting?

“The Wangfu has lifted my confinement; starting tomorrow I’ll help out at home.”

First, Shen Yuanxin was acknowledged as the legitimate heir, and now the princess’s marriage—one thing after another—kept the Shen family busy.

“You’re thoughtful!” Shen Lanxi said politely.

Shen Yuantang was not one to seek trouble for herself. She had inquired within the family about the West Mountain, but no one had told her anything; they all claimed ignorance.

Shen Lanxi, as commander of the capital guards, surely knew.

“Elder Sister, do you know when the Wang will return to the capital?”

Shen Lanxi: “I don’t know. If you want to find out, you can petition Consort Shu in the palace.”

The only relief Shen Yuantang had enjoyed during her confinement was that she didn’t have to go to the palace to pay respects to Consort Shu. She had thought Consort Shu was gentle, but privately, she could be ruthless—even to those closest to the Wang.

If there were other ways, she definitely wouldn’t seek out Consort Shu.

“Elder Sister, I’m a secondary consort. By protocol, I can’t enter the palace at will. You are my elder sister and serve in government—can’t you tell me?”

Shen Lanxi: “I haven’t attended court for five days.”

Shen Yuantang’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. She forced a stiff smile: “Elder Sister, could you send someone to inquire? Since you serve in government, you surely have resources.”

Shen Lanxi looked at the garden in full bloom, feeling a touch of emotion.

“If you want to divorce the Zhen Nan Wang, I can help you!”

Shen Yuantang’s expression immediately changed.

“Elder Sister, even if you’re unwilling to help, don’t curse my marriage. The Wang and I are devoted; we are meant to be together for life.”

Shen Lanxi didn’t look at her but at the blooming flowers in the garden.

“Recently I suddenly realized something, so I’ve restrained my methods a little.”

Shen Yuantang frowned inwardly. Why tell her this? What did Shen Lanxi’s behavior have to do with her?

“Be careful, and don’t let others mislead you. Zhou Ruyuan could do that on his wedding night—he’s not someone you can entrust your life to. You said we’re blood sisters, and you asked me to help you.”

“After thinking for two nights, I realize you were right.”

“I can’t watch you go down the wrong path. Some of this may not be appropriate to say now, but as your elder sister, I feel I must advise you.”

Shen Yuantang glared: “No need!”

“I’m fine; I don’t need your advice, Elder Sister!”

Shen Lanxi: “My bottom line for you is simple—you must stay alive!”

Shen Yuantang snorted coldly and turned away: “I don’t understand a word of what Elder Sister says. Greetings have been made, the Zhen Nan Wang mansion has a reserved seat, and I’m going back now!”

Now that she represented the Zhen Nan Wang household, every action she took reflected on their honor. She couldn’t do anything to shame the Wangfu!

Shen Lanxi watched her back without turning and then shifted her gaze to the dazzling blossoms.

Things cannot always go as one wishes; one can only act with a clear conscience.

“Lanxi, why didn’t Aunt come today?” Zhou Yunshang asked.

Shen Lanxi: “Mother is unwell and resting at home.”

“I see. I thought it might be because she was busy with the Shen family and the Tenth Princess’s marriage.”

Shen Lanxi: “Of course, the wedding is a concern as well.”

The Crown Princess’s voice rang out: “I heard the one marrying the Tenth Princess is a concubine’s son? How is a concubine’s son worthy?”

Shen Lanxi: “His Majesty’s decree states that the Shen family’s eldest son, Shen Yuanxin, is the groom.”

The Crown Princess was immediately furious. How could Shen Lanxi always wield the imperial decree as a weapon? Who knew why the emperor indulged her so?

She only had a pretty face—was the emperor attracted to her? Ridiculous!

She forced herself to dismiss these wild thoughts. No, the emperor could not be interested in Shen Lanxi. If he were, she would have been brought into the palace long ago, not given a title and appointed to the capital guards.

She was overthinking.

The emperor’s decree was clear—Shen Yuanxin, even if born out of wedlock, is now the Shen family’s legitimate son.

The emperor’s word is law—who dares argue?

“Father is wise; this arrangement naturally has its reason!” Even the Eldest Princess dared not speak against the emperor.

The Crown Princess gave the Eldest Princess a cold glance, thinking, Only you can be so upright.

If Shen Lanxi hadn’t invoked the emperor, she would have debated legitimacy vs. concubine-born status. In the royal family, only the Crown Prince was truly legitimate; the rest were concubine-born sons and daughters.

Shen Lanxi: “The Eldest Princess called me here, saying she has something that belonged to Princess Yunxue. Please bring it out.”

Zhou Yunshang did not expect Shen Lanxi to publicly mention that wretched girl. She sneered and ordered a maid to fetch it.

A delicate handkerchief, embroidered in a dazzling array of colors, was taken from a brocade box and unfolded.

Shen Lanxi: “This is indeed the handkerchief I gave to Zhou Yunxue. How did it come into your hands?”

Zhou Yunshang forced a smile: “Naturally, it was gifted by Sister Yunxue.”

Shen Lanxi: “When the Empress Dowager gave me this handkerchief, I found the embroidery too elaborate; it would chafe the skin if used to wipe hands or face. So I casually gave it to Zhou Yunxue.”

Zhou Yunshang’s eyes reddened, and Crown Princess’s expression was no better.

With one sentence, Shen Lanxi easily stirred their jealousy.