Chapter 16

Zhang Xinyue and Tao Sheng were the same age, though Zhang Xinyue was a few months older. She was dignified, fair-skinned, and pleasant.

Zhang Xinyue felt that their similarities—being of the same age and visiting Ning Garden for the first time—were a heavenly coincidence.

Shen Ruojin sat in the front with two noble ladies, watching two plays. When she turned around, Tao Sheng was gone. Looking around, she spotted Tao Sheng happily chatting with the girl from the Zhang family, and her expression darkened.

Zhang Xinyue’s father was just a silk merchant who had moved to the capital recently. Her family had no deep roots or court connections. Her cousin gained entry into Ning Garden because of his looks, imperial examination success, and his marriage to Princess Hexuan’s daughter. Otherwise, someone like Zhang Xinyue would never be allowed at such an event.

Several noblewomen left, leaving a table empty. Zhang Xinyue was about to take Tao Sheng over when Shen Ruojin stepped in.

Shen Ruojin stood in front of Tao Sheng, blocking Zhang Xinyue’s view: “I’ll speak with Sister Luo for a few moments. Miss Zhang, please feel free to go on.”

Tao Sheng nodded gently to Zhang Xinyue: “Miss Shen has something to discuss. Sister, please go ahead. I’ll join you soon.”

Zhang Xinyue, attending such an event for the first time, felt nervous. Her cousin had been called to the front by princesses, leaving her alone. She gently tugged Tao Sheng’s sleeve and said, “I’ll go first. Promise you’ll come find me later.”

After Zhang Xinyue left, Tao Sheng asked Ruojin, “What can I do for you, Miss Shen?”

“You probably don’t know,” Shen Ruojin said. “She’s the daughter of Mr. Zhang. The Zhang family isn’t nobility, and being seen with her could lower your status.”

Tao Sheng actually liked the straightforward girl, despite her social anxiety. They had both lived in northern Shaanxi before and found common ground. Tao Sheng found the girl’s aimless chatter endearing.

Although Shen Ruojin’s reminder seemed like boasting, it didn’t come off as malicious. Tao Sheng replied tactfully, “By your logic, wouldn’t my own status be even lower? We’re just having a pleasant conversation. It doesn’t hurt anyone. Having a friend like her could be a good thing.”

Shen Ruojin’s face darkened. She had offered her advice with good intentions, for both her family’s sake and Tao Sheng’s benefit, yet Tao Sheng seemed ungrateful. It was clear she wanted to maintain her friendship with Zhang Xinyue.

During her time at the palace, even Princess Hui’an had ignored Shen Ruojin’s well-meaning advice. Feeling wronged, her eyes turned red.

Tao Sheng returned to Zhang Xinyue, and they watched two more acts of the opera together. During this time, several young girls joined them, and they all enjoyed tea, the opera, and conversation.

Through these exchanges, Tao Sheng learned about the preferences of noble ladies in the capital, which could be useful for future business. The trip had been worthwhile.

After the two acts, Tao Sheng said goodbye to Zhang Xinyue and left with Ruojin.

When Tao Sheng found her carriage outside Ning Garden, she was surprised to see Shen Ci waiting.

Tao Sheng remembered not seeing Shen Ci on the way to Ning Garden, but she had heard Shen Yue mention that her younger brother loved social events and poetry gatherings.

Tao Sheng deduced that Shen Ci had likely followed his mother, choosing to meet them at Ning Garden instead of going to Tongguang Lane.

Shen Ci, sharp-eyed as always, immediately noticed Ruojin’s expression. He walked up to Tao Sheng with a displeased tone, “What did you say to my sister to make her like this?”

Tao Sheng, not one to tolerate Shen Ci’s attitude, retorted, “I see you don’t seem to enjoy talking to me. If your sister is over there, feel free to speak with her. Why ask me?”

Shen Ci casually remarked, “Sister Ruojin is the kindest and most caring person. Even if you did something, even if I asked her, she’d cover for you and not tell the truth.”

Tao Sheng almost laughed at her foolish brother: “Since I’m so unkind and inconsiderate, I’ll lie to defend myself. But that would lead you to wrongly accuse Sister Ruojin. Why not just ask her directly?”

It was then that Shen Ci realized Tao Sheng was very articulate. She never backed down, whether with their grandmother, elders, or brothers. She easily managed to trap him in his own argument.

Shen Ci couldn’t think of a comeback, so he simply said, “Sister Ruojin and I have been siblings for many years, so I know her well. Even if you make up things about her, I can see the truth. But you, as a girl and my sister in name, why are you being so unforgiving?”

Tao Sheng calmly responded, “Since you’re so confident, why don’t you just guess? Why bother asking me, knowing I won’t be forgiving?”

Shen Ci was left speechless and stormed off to find Ruojin for comfort.

Tao Sheng stood aside, arms behind her back, watching with amusement as Ruojin gently comforted Shen Ci, creating the image of a loving sister and filial brother.

Old Madam Shen had always pampered her grandson, which led Shen Ci, who was already simple-minded, to speak without restraint. In the original text of “A Life of Glory,” Shen Ci later ended up with neither a high nor low position, relying only on his ancestors’ influence for a nominal title.

As he grew up, Shen Ci caused many problems due to his temper. During a dispute, he offended Ruojin’s husband’s family with his words. To avoid tension with her husband, Ruojin distanced herself from him and became closer to Shen Huan, a sibling with a better future than her illegitimate brother.

The bond between the siblings meant as much to Shen Ruojin as her marriage. Shen Ci’s feelings at the time remained unclear.

Tao Sheng shook her head. People who seem pitiful often have flaws, and vice versa.

When Tao Sheng returned to the Su residence at sunset, she waved goodbye to Luo Xin and nearly bumped into Ji Yanming.

Smelling pine and alcohol on him, Tao Sheng asked, “Have you been drinking?”