Chapter 47: Affecting Fate

The Duchess didn’t delve too deeply into the matter; her third sister’s daughter wouldn’t become a concubine, and she wouldn’t allow it either.

With both of her sons’ marriages settled, she thought that a frail little girl wouldn’t harbor any ulterior motives. However, hearing her son’s words now made her feel some suspicion.

“Li Shuang, your aunt knows you wouldn’t, but since your second cousin isn’t fond of you, it’s better not to go.”

Li Shuang already knew she wouldn’t be able to go. Her feelings for her second cousin had never been special; it was only Shen Shurong who held a unique place in his heart since childhood.

A maid helped her up, “Aunt, Li Shuang understands and will return home now.”

“Oh, you little girl! Your second cousin has always been mischievous; don’t listen to him. Your aunt trusts you.”

The Duchess embraced her niece, “Good Li Shuang, accompany your aunt at home. Where do you want to go play? I’ll go with you.”

Li Shuang managed a smile through her tears, “Aunt, you still have to busy yourself with the marriages of those two cousins. How can I be a bother?”

The Duchess laughed, saying she understood, “Don’t be angry with your second cousin. I can’t get angry with him either. Go back and rest; I’ll find you when I have time.”

After Li Shuang left, she turned to her trusted maid, instructing her to keep a close eye on Li Shuang.

With both of her sons’ marriages approaching, it was wise to be cautious and avoid any scandal.

…

In the Qiu Tong Courtyard of the Grand Princess’ estate, Jinzhi was recounting the events from the previous day’s boat outing, and Shen Shurong listened with great interest. It was entertaining to hear about the chaos in Xie Yunzheng’s household.

“You know my preferences best. This time, since you’re staying, the arrangements for my bridal chamber must be done according to my habits. Also, the dowry and betrothal gifts are crucial. I don’t trust others with these matters.”

Jinzhi had originally wanted to go along but worried that after being away for over a month, the Junzhu might develop a preference for someone else, leaving her position behind.

Now hearing about the bridal chamber and marriage preparations, she was beaming with joy. This would give her the opportunity to visit the Duke of Lu’s Mansion, and working a little harder wouldn’t matter; after all, their Junzhu was precious and shouldn’t be wronged in the slightest.

“Yes, Junzhu, this servant will surely make you satisfied.”

“Hmm, Li Shuang just arrived in the capital, so I can’t take her. Please visit her more often when you have time. If she has any questions, help guide her; don’t let the other young ladies bully her.”

“This servant understands. It seems the Junzhu quite likes Miss Li,” Jinzhi said playfully, thrilled at the prospect of having more opportunities.

Shen Shurong lowered her eyes, seemingly murmuring, “She has a good temperament, and she’s his cousin; it’s only natural.”

Jinzhi understood; the Junzhu was considering Heir’s feelings, “Rest assured, this servant will protect her.”

Shen Shurong smiled. After returning from the Commandery Prince’s residence, the Commandery Princess had been reluctant to part with her daughter and had given many reminders.

“Mother has spoken with her again. Lord Liang’s meaning is quite simple; as long as she doesn’t return to the Liang family, it’s fine. He only asks to save face for their family.”

Shen Shurong sneered, “Then let her be demoted to a concubine and pretend to be ill, so she can’t go out too comfortably. If she can survive to the future, let her see what kind of place she’s headed to.”

The Commandery Princess was puzzled; didn’t she have nothing now? What would she do in the future?

However, she agreed, thinking the same way. If she dared to treat her son this way, she wouldn’t let the Liang family have it easy.

Shen Shurong then visited the palace to see her uncle.

The Emperor, seeing she was in good spirits, was about to praise her when Shen Shurong suddenly knelt and knocked her forehead on the ground.

The Emperor was taken aback, “Get up and let me see your forehead, silly child, why such a grand gesture?”

Shen Shurong felt a little dizzy, “Uncle, there’s a matter regarding Yongjia…”

Li Chen hurried over upon learning that Commandery Princess Yongjia was in the palace. The old lady hadn’t come, so why would she meet the Emperor alone?

Just as he was halfway there, he was informed that Commandery Princess Yongjia had already left, having only stayed for a quarter of an hour.

He halted, realizing that Shen Shurong now held the treasury in her hands. He couldn’t treat her like an ordinary sister anymore.

“Your son pays his respects to the Emperor. I heard that Sister Yongjia came, but where is she? Did the Grand Princess have any matters to discuss?”

“It’s nothing; Yongjia wanted to go south to have some fun before her wedding.”

The Crown Prince sighed in relief and smiled, “This girl is getting more restless by the day. She’s about to get married and is still out playing.”

“She wants to take a trip to the south before her wedding.”

Li Chen chatted about state affairs with a smile, but in his heart, he felt something was off. What was there to play in the south? Was it about the floods or the refugees?

As he was leaving, the Emperor glanced at him. It seemed that Yongjia was doing good things, so why was even the Crown Prince trying to keep it a secret?

After Shen Shurong returned to the residence, Ye Man and Qiao Yue arrived.

Ye Man’s marriage had not yet been settled, and her family was still looking. This time, she was being cautious, not wanting to encounter someone like Jia Caiyong, who was so false on the surface.

Noticing Qiao Yue’s downcast mood, Shen Shurong smiled as she adjusted her hair bun, “What’s wrong? Who made our little Qiao unhappy?”

Qiao Yue didn’t want to trouble the Junzhu, but she still wanted to hear her thoughts, “That little scholar hasn’t contacted me again.”

Shen Shurong was puzzled. How could her rebirth possibly affect Qiao Yue’s fate?

Ye Man’s marriage was something she had disrupted, but for Qiao Yue, she hadn’t done anything, and she even thought highly of that little scholar, who treated Qiao Yue quite well.

“You should have told me sooner. If you’re having a hard time, I could have looked into it privately.”

Qiao Yue shook her head repeatedly, her eyes reddening, “It’s nothing, Junzhu. I’m not going to be unable to marry; even without him, I can still…”

The little girl choked up, feeling wronged and unable to continue.

Ye Man took her hand to comfort her. Their three marriages had all been quite tumultuous.

Shen Shurong hugged her shoulder. Qiao Yue was lively and carefree, while the little scholar was gentle and considerate. They complemented each other well.

“Don’t cry. Leave it to me. If he faces any difficulties, I will help him.”

Qiao Yue nestled into her shoulder, nodding while crying.

“But you must promise me that if he has feelings for someone else, you must let go and not seek to harm yourself over him.”

“Yes, little Qiao, I’ve endured much from someone like Jia Caiyong, and I managed to get through it. It’s nothing.”

“Hmm, don’t worry. I won’t seek death over a man; I’d rather enjoy all the delicious food.”

The two girls laughed at her words. She was right; food was the most important.

…

Outside the Duke of Lu’s Mansion, Lu Ziqian encountered Gu Kaizhi.

“What are you doing here?” Lu Ziqian’s brows furrowed with displeasure.

At the polo match, Xie Yunzhao had not suspected him; he was just angry that he hadn’t arranged things well, causing the Junzhu distress. He had finally caught Xie Yunzhao not accompanying the Commandery Princess, thinking he could pull some connections, but how could he let this fool disturb things?

“Why can’t I come?”

Lu Ziqian scoffed, “Xie Er doesn’t want to bring you along. Do I need to say more?”

Gu Kaizhi stiffened his neck, “He hasn’t been hanging out with you lately. I just came to check on his injury,” his confidence faltering.

Lu Ziqian smirked, the sarcasm evident. This fool didn’t realize what kind of charm Xie Yunzhao had that lured him to come, even when ignored.

Let’s wait and see him hit a wall; he probably wouldn’t even be invited inside.

The two were welcomed into the front hall by the gatekeeper, and a young servant went to report to Xie Yunzhao.