Chapter 105: A Scandal Unfolds—Si Si Shen Schemes Against Lady Jianghou

Although the matriarch truly cared for Shen Sisi and wished to preserve her position as the heir’s wife of the Jiang Marquis House, she also understood that even if the Jiang Marquis House withdrew the engagement, it would be difficult to say anything at this moment. When that time came, Shen Sisi would truly be trapped in a dead end.

Could her own granddaughter, whom she had lovingly raised, really be sent far away to marry into a humble family, or even to suffer in a poor household?

Just as the matriarch was about to agree, Hongyu sensed something was wrong. Remembering Shen Sisi’s instructions, she bit her lip, tousled her hair, suddenly grabbed her thigh hard, and rushed in: “Matriarch, please save Miss!”

The wife of the Jiang Marquis and the matriarch were both startled. Seeing Hongyu breathless and tearful, they hurriedly asked, “What’s happened?”

Hongyu choked up, “Miss heard that Madam Jiang was here, felt ashamed to face her, and in a moment of despair, she said… she said…”

The matriarch jumped up from her chair, panic-stricken: “What’s wrong with Sisi? Hurry and tell us!”

“Miss said she feels unworthy of the matriarch’s love and care, and unworthy of the heir’s affection. To avoid tarnishing the reputations of the Duke’s and Marquis’s households, she wants to end her life now, and repay the matriarch in the next life!”

Hearing this, everyone was aghast. They hurriedly called for the household doctor and rushed to Shen Sisi’s side.

The Jiang Marquis’s wife’s eyes darkened with resentment as she questioned, “You knew your lady was like this and didn’t stop her, yet you still ran out?”

Hongyu sobbed as she walked, “I really couldn’t stop her. That’s why I rushed to find the matriarch.”

At that very moment, the Jiang Marquis’s wife’s gaze was filled with acrimony. So the cunning Shen Sisi—if she died now, wouldn’t it look like the Marquis’s household had driven her to it? Even if everyone knew she was scheming, they would have to intervene.

When they arrived, the door was firmly shut.

The matriarch gave a subtle signal, and Hongyu nodded before pushing the door open.

White silk ribbons were tied to the beam, and Shen Sisi was hanging in midair, having attempted to hang herself. A stool was overturned on the floor nearby.

“Sisi!” the matriarch cried out, nearly fainting on the spot, but was quickly supported by the attendant beside her.

Hongyu rushed forward, clutching Shen Sisi’s legs and lifting her up, sobbing, “Miss! How could you really be so hopeless? Look, Madam Jiang is here, she has always cared for you and will surely find a way! Miss, if you die, I will not live either—I will still be your maid in the next life!”

Hearing this, the Jiang Marquis’s wife nearly fell backward in anger, her hand twisting the handkerchief almost to shreds while feigning alarm and concern: “Quick, everyone help! Save her!”

But in her heart, she thought, damn that little vixen—might as well hang herself already.

In the chaos, they managed to bring Shen Sisi down and laid her on a nearby bed. She coughed a few times, gasping heavily, her expression filled with pain. A deep red mark circled her neck.

The matriarch clutched her chest, “Sisi, you nearly scared me to death.”

Tears fell unbidden as she said, “Whatever troubles there are, we can discuss together. How could you bear to make me, your elder, suffer such grief?”

Shen Sisi held her injured neck, her voice hoarse and trembling, “Sisi has been unfilial, bringing shame to the Duke’s household…”

The Jiang Marquis’s wife stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder, “Sisi, you must never do such a thing again. Rest assured, Lin has said you must enter the Marquis’s household no matter what. Your body and skin are gifts from your parents—if you harm yourself, it will only cause pain to those who care for you. That is the greatest unfilial act!”

Her words were ambiguous yet crafty. She spoke of entering the Marquis household but did not specify whether it meant marriage or simply being brought in. She also implied that the Jiang Marquis’s family had done their best; if Shen Sisi still resorted to threats of self-harm, it was her own unfilial fault, not theirs.

Shen Sisi’s expression was full of sorrow and gratitude. She looked up at the Jiang Marquis’s wife, “Madam, I…”

But then her eyes closed, her body went limp, and she collapsed onto the bed.

“Sisi! Sisi!”

“Miss!”

The surrounding voices cried out in alarm just as the household doctor arrived. Seeing the swaying white silk and Shen Sisi fainted, he was startled and quickly took her pulse.

After a long moment, the doctor exhaled, “Matriarch, Madam, Miss is fine. She just fainted from the shock. I will prepare some medicine; she can take it once she wakes.”

The matriarch nodded and sent the doctor away, then apologized to the Jiang Marquis’s wife, “Let’s not discuss Sisi’s situation today. I will arrange another meeting with you another day.”

The Jiang Marquis’s wife had no choice but to feign concern before leaving.

Once the Jiang Marquis’s wife departed, the matriarch ordered everyone else out and sat beside the bed with a sigh, “Sisi, why must you go to such lengths?”

Shen Sisi, who had just fainted, now opened her eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she said, “Grandmother, you saw through it all. Sisi is sorry for worrying you.”

The matriarch clearly understood that Shen Sisi was deliberately putting on an act to buy time. She gently stroked Shen Sisi’s head, “Though being a concubine is unfair to you, there is no other way right now. You must enter the Marquis’s household first. As long as Jiang Lin’s heart remains with you, once you bear a child, there will be ways to plan your future step by step.”

Shen Sisi obediently leaned against her grandmother, as if taking her words to heart, “Grandmother, Sisi understands.”

“Good child. Next time Madam Jiang comes, I will consent. Ah, my poor, unfortunate Sisi…”

The two wept together, embracing.

Though Shen Sisi spoke softly, her heart was resolute. Given the Jiang Marquis’s wife’s attitude, she would not blame her if things turned sour! The difference between a legitimate wife and a concubine was worlds apart. Did she want to be like her mother, who bore children but gained nothing?

If they wanted her to be a concubine, they could dream on.

That very night, the Jiang Marquis’s wife received a letter from Shen Zhifeng, inviting her to meet at their usual place.

She curled her lips in disdain, still angry. Just as things were about to be settled, Shen Sisi had played such a trick, causing Jiang Lin to worry and blaming her for acting improperly.

But anger aside, the next day, the Jiang Marquis’s wife dressed carefully, choosing a youthful, light-colored dress. After repeatedly checking her reflection in the mirror and finding an excuse, she left the mansion with a radiant expression and headed to a small courtyard.

The inn was bustling and crowded, but this courtyard belonged to Shen Zhifeng. It was small and secluded, rarely visited, making it an ideal secret meeting place, well hidden from prying eyes.

Inside the courtyard, Shen Zhifeng had not yet arrived. The Jiang Marquis’s wife sat before a bronze mirror, carefully inspecting her makeup to ensure it was flawless.

Not far outside the courtyard, two figures hid around the corner. Shen Sisi asked Hongyu, “Are you sure Madam Jiang went inside?”

Hongyu nodded, “Yes, she’s alone.”