RWNEFE -Chapter 376 Old Madam Shen’s Plan

Hu Jinyu felt shy again, but also increasingly frustrated. Why did Shen Lanxi always speak in that tone—like an elder instructing a younger one—and yet all the men in the family listened seriously, without a single objection?

“Yuanxu already told me. It’s thanks to your help with the arrangements. On the surface, sending him to study at Bailu Academy seems lowly, but in reality, it’s far better than the positions my father and brothers had arranged for him. Without any official rank, even if he went to the Ministry of Rites, he’d never rise to anything.”

Shen Lanxi looked at her seriously: “You nearly became the Prince Zhen Nan’s consort. Now, marrying into our Shen family, and especially to Yuanxu, it’s as much you elevating yourself as it is him. Both sides benefit.”

Hu Jinyu’s gaze deepened, and her mind was made up. She spoke sincerely: “I’ve thought it through. Marrying into the Shen family, marrying Yuanxu—it’s much better than marrying the Prince Zhen Nan.”

Shen Lanxi listened quietly.

“I’ve heard that the Shen family men aren’t allowed concubines. For a woman, there’s no grand ambition—just hoping for a harmonious marriage, sensible children, and a peaceful household. Before marrying the Prince Zhen Nan, his harem was already like that, completely contrary to what I hoped for.”

Shen Lanxi nodded: “You’re perceptive. Stick with Yuanxu, and I won’t treat you unfairly.”

After speaking her heart, Hu Jinyu’s smile became more genuine, and she spoke more naturally.

“When does Madam plan to send Yuanxu over?”

Shen Lanxi thought for a moment: “Yuanxu genuinely enjoys studying. He can first visit Bailu Academy under the pretext of a formal visit to meet Mr. Ruohua and see how he arranges things.”

Hu Jinyu asked, “The same Mr. Ruohua who previously taught at home? I only heard he was invited by your uncle, didn’t know he was close to you too.”

“Yes. Just meet Mr. Ruohua and follow his arrangements.”

Hu Jinyu felt reassured and immediately began thinking about what kind of formal gift to prepare for the visit.

After parting ways, Shen Lanxi saw Shen Yuantang, who had likely just left her mother’s side.

“Big sister~” Shen Yuantang’s tone unconsciously carried a hint of pride.

Shen Lanxi glanced at the items the two maids behind her were carrying and understood—she had been sent by their mother to fetch something, probably quite valuable, hence the haughty demeanor.

“You were called here by Grandmother too?” Shen Lanxi said casually.

Shen Yuantang stiffened. Grandmother had asked her to help around the house. She could do that—but helping that illegitimate son? Never!

She hadn’t forgotten how that vile Zhang Zifen had treated them on the exile road. Her few foolish children weren’t worth a thought.

“I’ve already spoken to Grandmother. I’m here, waiting especially for you, big sister.” Thinking of today’s incident at the Golden Throne, her good mood had been overtaken by anger.

“Big sister, even if the prince once offended you, it’s been so long—how can you keep holding onto it?” Shen Yuantang glared increasingly at Shen Lanxi, feeling annoyed.

She thought her little sisterhood should count for something.

Shen Lanxi’s face darkened. She said coldly: “I no longer have anything to do with him. There are always some people jealous or unwilling to accept me, digging up old incidents to belittle and criticize me!”

Shen Yuantang’s heart skipped a beat. Was big sister accusing her? But wasn’t what she said the truth? What was wrong with it?

“Big sister, I am your own sister! If you don’t help me, fine, but why make things difficult at every turn?” Shen Yuantang thought about having to enter the palace to meet Imperial Consort Shu tomorrow—her knees already ached in anticipation.

“I don’t know when I’ve made things difficult for you. Why don’t you tell me specifically so I can respond?” Shen Lanxi said. With Madam Shen yet to arrive, she was still willing to teach a younger sister her place.

Shen Yuantang’s face twisted. She had explained herself so clearly—big sister still wouldn’t admit it? Who did she think she was!

“Today, at the hall, the prince would have returned. If not for you bringing up Lady Yunxue, how could the prince have stayed in the Western Mountains?”

Shen Lanxi replied, “You just said it was in the hall. The order that kept Prince Zhen Nan in the Western Mountains must have come from His Majesty. Are you dissatisfied with the emperor’s decree?”

Shen Yuantang’s face immediately turned pale. She was talking about Shen Lanxi, not the emperor!

In a few days, her mother had promised to take her to the palace. Once she became familiar with the emperor uncle, it would be he who doted on her. Let’s see if Shen Lanxi still dared to be so arrogant then.

“Big sister, don’t always use His Majesty’s uncle to pressure me. I am also Mother’s daughter. His Majesty is my uncle. How could I be dissatisfied with him?” Shen Yuantang’s tone unconsciously carried a hint of provocation.

Shen Lanxi coldly laughed: “Since you are so close to His Majesty, surely if you petition him to revoke the order, he would agree.”

Shen Yuantang’s smile froze, her eyes darting nervously.

“Big sister, I am your own sister. I hope that before you make decisions in the future, you will consider family bonds.”

“I just married the prince, and he’s sent to the Western Mountains, staying so long. Do you know what the noble ladies of the capital say about me?” Shen Yuantang couldn’t help but feel angered.

Shen Lanxi looked at her coldly: “Previously, when His Majesty sent Zhou Ruan to suppress the bandits, didn’t you ask me to plead for that duty instead? Was that not your choice?”

Shen Yuantang clenched her handkerchief, averting her gaze.

Shen Lanxi continued: “Last time, it was His Majesty’s decree—you came to me in a fuss. Now, again, it is His Majesty’s decree, and you still come to make trouble. Shen Yuantang, the family has just had a few days of peace, and you want to bring trouble already?”

Shen Yuantang wanted to argue, but found no words to counter.

Luckily, at that moment, a maid came to call them. Old Madam Shen, supporting herself despite her illness, rose.

“You’ve all arrived!”

The entire Shen household was present. Even Old Master Shen, now unrecognizable and with failing legs, had been brought in.

“Mother, why did you bring Father out too?” Shen Congwen frowned.

Old Madam Shen glared at her eldest son: “Naturally, because this old thing of mine has no authority otherwise.”

Shen Lanxi sat quietly, composed.

“The princess’s marriage to Yuanxin will soon begin its formal procedures, yet there’s not a single tael of silver in the family account. If this wedding goes poorly, and His Majesty punishes, it won’t just be Yuanxin who suffers.”

“Our Shen family shares in honor and shame alike. If the younger generation’s weddings are undignified, it reflects on the elders. Your faces will be shamed,” Old Madam Shen said, drinking three sips of water.

“Today, I called you all to gather. You uncles must all help support this!”

After finishing, Old Madam Shen glanced at Hu Jinyu. She obediently stood behind Shen Yuanxu, her hands still busy separating embroidery threads.

Shen Lanxi twitched the corner of her mouth and withdrew her gaze.