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After a good night’s sleep.
In the morning, after having breakfast, Shen Tang went to greet the Old Madam as usual, but this time she brought Qiu Tong along.
Since she had requested Qiu Tong from the Old Madam, she wanted to treat Yin Xing equally.
Seeing Shen Tang’s rosy complexion, the Old Madam asked, “Did you sleep well last night?”
Shen Tang replied, “Grandmother, I slept very well.”
…It was evident.
Her heart was unusually big.
The Old Madam was at a loss as to whether to praise Shen Tang’s temperament or not.
Just as Shen Tang sat down, Shen Juan arrived. While Shen Tang looked vibrant, Shen Juan appeared haggard, dark circles under her eyes indicating that she had tossed and turned all night without rest.
The contrast made Shen Tang’s calmness and collected demeanor all the more admirable.
Shen Tang sat there, listening to Second Madam and the Old Madam discussing matters. Though it was called a discussion, Second Madam had already made up her mind; it was more of a matter of informing the Old Madam. As long as the Old Madam nodded, Shen Sui would not say anything if there was anything inappropriate.
Shen Tang found the conversation tedious and was preparing to leave when a young maid entered, announcing, “Second Madam, the cousin is here.”
“Quickly, let her in.”
The maid withdrew, and soon after, Madam Wang, the eldest sister-in-law, entered.
Madam Wang stepped forward to greet the Old Madam, who smiled and said, “It’s been a while since you last visited.”
Madam Wang replied, “Indeed, it’s been some time since I came to pay my respects to you, Old Lady. The household has been busy with trifles, so I hurried over as soon as I had the time. Please don’t blame me.”
Madam Wang not only came but also brought some supplements to show her filial piety to the Old Madam.
With her eloquent words, Madam Wang soon had the Old Madam laughing heartily, waving her hand and saying, “At my age, I can’t handle so much laughter. You two sisters should go talk amongst yourselves.”
After a little while, Madam Wang and Second Madam went to the southern courtyard to talk.
Once inside, Second Madam asked, “Auntie, do you need something?”
Madam Wang glanced around the room at the maids. After Second Madam dismissed them, she finally said, “Your useless nephew has taken a liking to the second lady in the mansion and wants to marry her.”
Second Madam frowned. “There are rumors outside that the second girl is a jinx. Aren’t you worried?”
Madam Wang replied, “What jinx? Rumors can destroy reputations. Prince Wen’s fall wasn’t caused by the second girl; someone threw a stone at the bearers of the Prince’s sedan…”
Second Madam was taken aback. “How do you know about this?”
“Your elder brother happened to pass by when the Prince had his accident and saw it with his own eyes,” Madam Wang explained.
Second Madam said, “Even if the second girl isn’t truly a jinx, the Marquis and the Old Madam wouldn’t agree to this marriage.”
Second Madam was reluctant to speak ill of her nephew, but the truth was that her nephew’s poor reputation was undeniable. Not only the Marquis but even the Old Madam would look down on the eldest son of the Wang family. If she pushed for this marriage, wouldn’t she be inviting scorn?
But Second Madam also understood that her nephew’s bad reputation meant there would be no good marriage proposals, which was why Madam Wang was trying to take advantage of the situation.
The Marquis had no sons, only two daughters, and would surely do his utmost to support his sons-in-law.
Madam Wang knew about Shen Juan being Second Madam’s biological daughter. Since she had come, she must have some confidence in persuading Second Madam. She said, “Not only the second girl but also Juan’er has been rumored to be a jinx. If the second girl doesn’t get married, the rumors won’t be dispelled, and no one will dare to propose marriage to Juan’er.”
When Madam Wang mentioned Shen Juan, Second Madam’s expression softened slightly.
Madam Wang poured tea and continued, “I know that directly proposing marriage would not be accepted by the Marquis or the Old Madam, but once certain things happen, they won’t have a choice but to agree.”
Second Madam hesitated. After all, it was common knowledge that Shen Tang had a fiery temperament. She couldn’t even sit inside the bridal sedan of Prince Jingyang’s Manor. Even if they forced the issue, what if she refused to marry? With the Marquis’ temperament, the Wang family would never be able to set foot in the Marquis of Pingyuan’s Manor again.
If it came to that, it would be impossible to resolve.
As Second Madam remained silent, there was a knock at the door, and Nanny Sun’s voice came through, “I’m back…”
“Come in.”
With a creak, the door opened, and Nanny Sun entered.
Second Madam asked, “What did the fortune-tellers say?”
Nanny Sun replied, “I went to the market this morning and found three fortune-tellers to read the second miss’s birth chart. They all said her chart is more suitable for a son, which isn’t good. It foretells separation from family in youth and living under someone else’s roof, but she can still endure hardships and have a smooth life. However, if she were born a daughter, her fortune would be exceptionally good, bringing prosperity to her father, husband, and children—everything would be favorable. One fortune-teller even said her fortune was so good that he charged me several taels of silver, claiming anything less would go against the heavens.”
Such a fortunate fate?
Second Madam asked, “What about the other chart?”
Nanny Sun paused for a moment. “It doesn’t compare to the second girl’s.”
Second Madam’s face darkened.
Nanny Sun’s words hinted that it wasn’t just that the other chart was worse; it was far worse.
How could Shen Tang surpass her daughter?!
She wanted to see if Shen Tang truly had such good fortune!
Second Madam looked at Madam Wang. “Let’s do as you suggested.”
…
That evening, Shen Tang, feeling leisurely, was in the courtyard feeding the goldfish. A few pellets of fish food were thrown in, and several goldfish rushed to eat.
A young maid entered from outside and approached, saying, “Second Miss, the eldest lady sent me to tell you that the Princess Roujia of the Prince Duan’s Manor has sent an invitation for you and the eldest lady to go to Yanqi Lake for a visit in three days.”
If the maid hadn’t mentioned it, Shen Tang would have forgotten that the Princess Roujia’s birthday was approaching.
The Princess Duan and the Prince Jingyang’s Princess had a good relationship. After Shen Juan became engaged to the Heir of Prince Jingyang, the Princess Duan gifted them each a fine jade bracelet when they met. The two sisters had been in frequent contact with Princess Roujia, and now that Shen Juan had been rejected by the Prince Jingyang’s Manor, it would be awkward not to invite them for her birthday celebration at Yanqi Lake.
The Princess Duan was gentle, and Princess Roujia was lively and cheerful. Shen Tang enjoyed spending time with them and hoped that Shen Juan’s engagement with the Heir of Prince Jingyang wouldn’t affect their friendship. Since an invitation had been sent, she must go.
She remembered giving Princess Roujia a white crane hairpin in her previous life, which the princess had loved. It could serve as a birthday gift for her.
Shen Tang was already looking forward to the outing at the lake in four days.