Chapter 29: Hidden Motives

Seeing Shen Sisi’s anxious and unsettled appearance, Shen Qingyun suddenly felt a surge of satisfaction in her heart.

In her previous life, Yue-niang was protected well by Shen Zhifeng, kept outside the manor, not required to serve the old lady, nor to manage the vast estate, and certainly not to supplement her own dowry. Instead, Shen Zhifeng would secretly take Han-shi’s dowry to nourish her. Though she never had a legitimate status, her days were spent admiring flowers, enjoying scenery, strolling through the streets for amusement—thus she maintained her youthful beauty and radiant charm.

Both Shen Zhifeng and Shen Sisi would frequently visit her in secret, and Shen Zhifeng would spend nights at her place every few days, living a life of ease compared to Han-shi’s hardships.

Han-shi was frail, and years of sorrow from searching for her lost daughter left her restless at night. Shen Zhifeng used the excuse of being considerate, sleeping in separate rooms from Han-shi for years, making Han-shi feel both cared for and guilty.

Yet in reality, he colluded with Han-shi’s maid, Fu’an, and lingered constantly at Yue-niang’s side.

After Han-shi’s death in her previous life, Yue-niang entered the household fully and lived the life of a noble lady.

Shen Qingyun couldn't help but sigh at their shamelessness; Shen Zhifeng and Yue-niang, those two despicable people, were indeed well matched.

In this life, with her present, their paths would not be so smooth.

…

At night, Shen Sisi quietly entered Shen Zhifeng’s study. “Father, what were you thinking? How could you allow Mother to come to the manor in such a manner?”

Shen Zhifeng furrowed his brows. “Today’s events happened suddenly. I came up with an excuse on the spot. I didn’t expect that wretched Shen Qingyun to be so relentless. If I hadn’t said so, would you have let her report your mother to the authorities and have her thrown in jail?”

“Father!” Shen Sisi’s voice rose sharply, piercing the still night, and she quickly lowered it again. “But you can’t let Mother come to the manor. If so, how will we ever bring her back openly?”

Clearly, Yue-niang had been spoiled by Shen Zhifeng for too long, her temperament grown too arrogant. But Shen Sisi immediately grasped the key point.

Indeed, if Yue-niang entered as the wife of a friend, it would be impossible to marry her as the legitimate lady of the house later—people would surely gossip.

“All right, Sisi, don’t overthink. We’ll deal with future matters later.” Shen Zhifeng grew impatient at Shen Sisi’s reproachful tone.

“Father, but what about tomorrow? If Mother comes and people notice how much I resemble her, it will be disastrous!” Shen Sisi stamped her foot, deeply worried.

Shen Zhifeng glanced at her. He favored this daughter, not only because she was his and Yue-niang’s child, but also because she looked very much like him. Still, to be safe, he said, “Tomorrow, find a way to avoid being seen. Don’t let anyone see you and your mother together.”

…

“Father!”

“It’s late now. Go back quickly.”

Shen Sisi had no choice but to leave.

Shen Zhifeng heaved a long sigh; he too felt conflicted inside.

Shen Sisi had realized the problem, and so had he. Today’s events were sudden, but another issue was that Yue-niang simply refused to be a concubine, insisting on being the legitimate wife. He was troubled by this, as deep down he felt her status wasn’t high enough.

He imagined that after Han-shi’s death, he could marry a noble lady from a distinguished family to fill the vacancy, and take Yue-niang as a concubine—enjoying both a wife and a favored concubine. How delightful!

In the previous life, it was only because Shen Sisi became the Third Prince’s consort, and Yue-niang bore him another child, that he was willing to marry Yue-niang as his main wife.

Shen Sisi could never have guessed how heartless Shen Zhifeng truly was. Returning to her chamber, she dismissed her servants, flung herself onto her bed, and wept bitterly.

She hated Shen Qingyun, and she hated her own birth. Why couldn’t she be the child of Shen Zhifeng and Han-shi? One day, she would become noble and esteemed, making those who now looked down on her regret it!

After calming herself, she softly called for her maid, Hongyu. “Help me wash up, and bring some cold water.”

Hongyu, though puzzled, obeyed.

Now she served the young lady with humility, hoping that soon, with the young lady’s marriage, she would follow her to the Marquis Jiang’s household.

Cold water poured over Shen Sisi’s body, making her shudder, but the flames of resentment in her heart only burned fiercer.

By early morning, news spread throughout the manor that the young lady had caught a chill from a draft in the night.

Han-shi summoned the household physician for Shen Sisi but paid it little mind. Shen Qingyun raised her brows, surprised that Shen Sisi would go to such lengths against herself.

Naturally, Shen Sisi would not join the guests today.

Shen Qingyun arrived early at the Jade Pavilion, assisting Han-shi with her preparations.

…

“Mother, you usually dress simply, but since we have guests today, you must not be outshone.” As she spoke, she matched jewelry to Han-shi’s hair.

Nanny Chen agreed wholeheartedly. Han-shi was beautiful, but years of toil and seclusion had caused people to forget she was once one of the most admired beauties in the capital.

Thus, Nanny Chen brought out a selection of splendid garments from the chest for Han-shi to try.

Han-shi harbored some resentment towards Yue-niang, but hearing Shen Qingyun’s words, she didn’t object and let Nanny Chen adorn her.

When Han-shi emerged in her new attire, makeup, and elaborate hairstyle, the maids and matrons of the Jade Pavilion were momentarily stunned.

Nanny Chen was moved to tears.

After so many years, her radiant young mistress, suppressed in the inner chambers for so long, finally blossomed once more.

Han-shi wore a bright red, gold-threaded jacket with a hundred butterflies among flowers, paired with a flower-patterned brocade skirt. At her waist hung a jade pendant carved with vine blossoms, and on her gold-toed shoes, a large pearl gleamed brightly. Her towering hair was ornamented with a golden filigree hairpin set with purple jade, fragrant wood and jade beads, matched with a string of pearl hairpins—truly luxurious.

The ensemble underscored Han-shi’s noble elegance and dignified grace, yet with an inadvertent hint of allure that left everyone entranced.

Shen Qingyun recalled her mother’s gaunt, lifeless face and arms in the previous life, then looked at her now—radiant and resplendent—and her own eyes grew red.

She forced back her tears and smiled from the heart. “Mother, you’re absolutely beautiful today.”

Nanny Chen and the maids quickly echoed her, praising Han-shi as surpassing all the beauties in heaven and earth, like a fairy consort.

Han-shi looked at her reflection and couldn’t resist spinning lightly, feeling joy at heart. Hearing such praise, she grew shy. “Isn’t this too formal? Perhaps I should change into something simpler.”

“No, this is perfect,” Shen Qingyun hastily insisted.

Just then, a maid came in to announce the arrival of the guests.