TSWRLM -Chapter 160 Miss Shen Can Marry In Today

“What happened? Did she agree?”

As soon as Shen Qingyue returned to the main hall, Shen Qingyu could barely contain himself and asked eagerly, while Madam Mo and Mo Yunwan also looked on expectantly.

Shen Qingyue averted his eyes and shook his head.

Shen Qingyu immediately flew into a rage. “Why wouldn’t she agree? Mother is so ill! It’s already generous that she hasn’t even been asked to care for her at the bedside. Even though the family is divided, she’s still the eldest daughter-in-law of the Hou residence! How can she ignore the household affairs?”

Mo Yunwan quietly asked, “Second brother, what exactly did eldest sister-in-law say?”

Shen Qingyue briefly recounted his conversation with Chun Xi. Shen Qingyu couldn’t help but scold him: “By the time the family was divided, second brother had already seen how shameless Cao Chun Xi could be. How can you still act polite with her? Now she’s using words to dodge responsibility. Does second brother really plan to shamelessly go to the teacher for help?”

The teacher was highly respected but always kept to himself, unwilling to interfere in other people’s affairs. Anyone with eyes could see the Shen residence was in chaos—who would want to wade into this mess?

Shen Qingyue’s expression darkened.

He had always maintained a composed, gentlemanly image in public and was unskilled in managing domestic affairs. Moreover, his relationship with his elder brother and Chun Xi had become tense. He feared a firm approach would offend eldest sister-in-law, yet she had unexpectedly used his own words to refuse the matter. Now he was at a loss.

At that moment, Mo Yunwan reminded him, “This marriage must not be delayed. If the Grand Tutor’s family learns that Chi’er sister was deceived by the fourth son, they may be displeased about the bride price.”

The Grand Tutor’s family had never looked kindly upon them. With the Shen family’s division making waves and showing that they could not provide much for Shen Qingchi’s dowry, the Grand Tutor’s family would naturally look down even further. If they discovered Shen Qingchi had been compromised, who knows how they might treat her?

This couldn’t be allowed—they still hoped the bride price might restore some dignity.

At this, Madam Mo spoke: “Yu’er, tomorrow you go have a coffin made. Make sure you look disheveled. It’s best if your classmates see you. This marriage—Cao Chun Xi must take responsibility!”

The next day, Shen Qingyu did as instructed, ordering a coffin and “coincidentally” encountering a few classmates. Over lunch, he lamented how devotedly he had cared for his mother, and how cold-hearted and ruthless his eldest sister-in-law was—not only refusing to care for their mother, but also ignoring her only wish.

The classmates, all priding themselves on loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness, could not bear it. They immediately penned several lengthy articles denouncing Shen Qingyuan, a high-ranking censor, for failing to practice filial duty.

The following year would be the triennial imperial examination. Many students hoped to distinguish themselves to be selected by influential families. Soon, others joined in, writing articles mocking Shen Qingyuan.

It didn’t matter that they didn’t know Shen Qingyuan personally, or the affairs of the Shen residence. What mattered was the writing quality—they criticized convincingly, ensuring their works circulated widely.

Shen Qingyu kept track of the public sentiment and, seeing it sway in their favor, was delighted. He immediately reported to Madam Mo: “Now elder brother is the target of public criticism. Mother, you can rest easy. Cao Chun Xi will soon return and kneel before you, begging to manage Chi’er’s marriage.”

Madam Mo’s mood lifted at the news. Even the bitter medicine seemed less unpleasant.

However, three days passed, and Chun Xi still had not appeared.

Impatient, Madam Mo prompted Shen Qingyu to send someone to inquire, but a letter arrived first from the classmates:

[Brother Qingyu, your eldest sister-in-law is far too cunning. She issued a statement: anyone willing to go to the City God Temple and pray for your mother’s health can receive ten meat buns for free, every day! The temple is nearly overcrowded. The common folk, bought over with small favors, all praise her kindness. Some even tore up our articles and scolded us for meddling.]

Not only did Chun Xi give buns for free, she led by example, going to the temple daily to pray for Madam Mo. Word spread, and her influence far surpassed the students’ petty writings.

Shen Qingyu read the letter and tore it into pieces.

They had hoped to pressure Chun Xi through public opinion, but she could turn the common folk against them. At this rate, who would win or lose was uncertain.

Madam Mo, furious at Chun Xi’s actions, coughed violently. “That wretch! She’s determined to ignore us. She once claimed that though the family is divided, we’re still one. Bah!”

Nanny Jia hurriedly patted her back to ease her anger when a servant reported, “Madam, someone from the Grand Tutor’s family has arrived.”

Madam Mo froze, hastily asking Nanny Jia to help her dress and apply makeup. Yet her poor complexion could not be hidden, even with thick powder.

In the front hall, the elder and young ladies of the Grand Tutor’s family were absent, leaving only a sharp-featured old woman.

Madam Mo had assumed they had come to discuss the marriage. Seeing the scene, her face fell. But the old woman, smiling, said: “Congratulations, madam! Miss Shen and our fourth son are mutually fond. The fourth son has discussed with the family. Today, Miss Shen may marry into our household.”

Marry in today?

No formal betrothal rites had been conducted. Only a single old woman came. What marriage was this?

Madam Mo’s chest heaved violently. She trembled with anger; her makeup streaked and fell.

Nanny Jia rushed forward and slapped the old woman: “How dare you! Our young lady is from a prestigious family. If the Grand Tutor’s family wishes to marry, they should have sent a matchmaker. How can you just say she may enter their house?”

The old woman, struck, scowled but retorted sharply: “Prestigious? She lowered herself, spent a night with our fourth son, and now he’s giving her a place as a concubine. Is she expecting to act as the main wife?”

Madam Mo’s mind exploded.

The Grand Tutor’s family already knew. This marriage was completely ruined!

Her legs wobbled; she could barely stand. Yet the old woman continued: “Everyone knows the madam rose by crawling into bed. As the mother, her character is shown in her daughter!”

Though Madam Mo had endured years as the Hou madam, no one had dared openly insult her like this in ages.

Enraged, she spat blood and fainted.

The old woman, startled, fled.

Nanny Jia had Madam Mo carried back to the main hall. When the physician from the recuperation hall examined her, he declared her heart and vitality were failing.

Nanny Jia hurried to summon the Qingyuan Marquis home. Shen Qingyue personally went to the Censorate to find Shen Qingyuan.

By the time Chun Xi received word and rushed back to the Hou residence, the main hall was crowded. Shen Qingchi knelt in the courtyard, her frail body shivering, lifeless, like a walking corpse.