Ruojin softly called, “Tao Sheng.”

Tao Sheng turned and snapped, “Shut up.”

Originally, the whole family was angry at her. If Ruojin spoke again, whether to complain or show understanding, it would only fuel their anger and make things worse.

Ruojin was frightened by Tao Sheng’s sharp look and stepped back.

No matter how domineering and intolerant Princess Hui’an was, she had never looked at her like this.

Ruojin had no doubt that if looks could hurt, she would have been pierced like a sieve by Tao Sheng.

Ruojin said with a stiff upper lip, “Tao Sheng, calm down. Father and grandmother are right. This is indeed an excellent marriage.”

“Why don’t you take this so-called ‘good’ marriage yourself?” Tao Sheng asked, suppressing her temper. “Because you have a better one. You stay in this Marquis’ Mansion because the family is more prestigious. People aim higher, and water flows to lower places. If your biological parents were more prominent than the Marquis’ wife, would you not return to them naturally?”

Tao Sheng asked just a few simple questions this time, but Ruojin noticed Shen Yu’s attitude changing. She was probably about to speak for her earlier, but now She stayed silent.

Shen Ruojin had no doubt that if Tao Sheng spoke more, she would reveal even more humiliating truths.

Ruojin gritted her teeth. She really didn’t want to provoke Tao Sheng right now.

Tao Sheng, with nothing to lose, was the most dangerous person in the household. She could afford to argue with her family because she had nothing left. Ruojin, on the other hand, had worked hard for many years and had almost secured everything, including becoming the wife of the Duke of Lingguo’s prince…

A little impatience could ruin everything. She couldn’t let her anger destroy years of hard work.

Under Tao Sheng’s stern gaze, Shen Ruojin gave in and remained quiet.

She collapsed into the yellow pear flower bamboo chair beside her, and large, crystal-clear tears began to fall silently, accusing Tao Sheng without words.

Shen Ruolin, seeing Ruojin like this, was furious and scolded Tao Sheng: “How can you speak to Ruojin like that? Do you have no manners? She’s been serving your elders and grandmother for years on your behalf. Even if she has no merits, she’s worked hard. How can you hurt her with such words?”

“I should thank her for letting me enjoy the wealth of the Marquis’ Mansion for so long,” Tao Sheng sneered.

Although Tao Sheng didn’t care much about the Marquis’ Mansion or its stifling atmosphere, it didn’t mean they could control her.

Responsibilities and obligations go hand in hand.

“Besides, why is Ruojin the only one taking care of the elders? Where is your own filial piety? When the Marquis’ wife was sick, how many times did you serve her with medicine? I, an ‘uneducated daughter’ living outside, might have done more.”

Shen Ruolin, who had married into the Earl of Chengqin’s family, tried to hold her ground. “Don’t think that just because your cousin ranked first in the imperial examination, you can disrespect your father and grandmother. There are many candidates each year, and some don’t advance for decades. Your family only wants the best for you, but you’re throwing a tantrum over something small. Do you really think you’ll be fine if you keep causing trouble?”

Tao Sheng wasn’t afraid of making things worse.

“If this matter gets out, I’ll be in trouble. And won’t you be in even more trouble?” Tao Sheng replied. “I don’t care. I have nothing to do with your mansion now, and I’m listed in the Luo family’s genealogy in Qin County. But you knowingly let Ruojin participate in the selection as the eldest daughter of the Shen family when she isn’t really a Shen. This is a crime of deceiving the emperor.”

After Tao Sheng finished speaking, she smiled lightly: “Or do you not see the prince as a true ruler?”

This statement directly hit the heart of the issue.

They had first discovered Tao Sheng’s real identity, but still allowed Ruojin to participate in the Eastern Palace companion selection ^[1]refers to a selection process for candidates who could serve or marry into the royal family..

Shen Yu had hesitated when doing this, but he thought the secret was safe because those who knew had signed death indentures ^[2]which refers to a contract binding servants or slaves for life.. No one would dare tell.

But he had overlooked Tao Sheng.

Tao Sheng knew everything and had proof. If she reported it to the Eastern Palace, no one in the family would escape punishment.

Everyone in the room broke into a cold sweat.

Tao Sheng stood there, calmly watching the people in the room.

Shen Ruolin, struggling in her marriage, depended on her family and tried to please the elders, supporting Ruojin’s upcoming marriage—even if it meant aiding the wrong side.

Shen Yue, the eldest son, wanted to protect his family’s reputation and avoid any harm to his beloved sister Ruojin, hoping the marriage would settle things quickly.

Tao Sheng had seen the younger, unmarried children being forced into decisions against their will by their grandmother and father. Even Shen Ci, who was usually the boldest, didn’t say a word to help.

Madam Shen and Shen Yu only cared about Ruojin marrying into the Guan family to secure their own investments in her over the years.

Everyone in the Shen family had their own reasons, always thinking about things from their own perspectives. It had always been that way with the Shen family.

Tao Sheng has always believed that people should love themselves first and prioritize their own interests. However, if someone sacrifices others for their own benefit, forces their will on others, or ruins their lives, she will stay far away from them.

But her recent words shocked everyone in the room. It was the first time she had seen the old lady so angry. The old lady’s face turned red, her eyes fierce, and her mouth moved as if gasping for air.

Tao Sheng remembered that the old lady had health issues and needed a doctor during winter. Worried that the old lady might have a bad reaction, she quickly said, “I’ve said what I need to say. You all can figure out how to resolve this marriage situation on your own, and don’t try to take advantage of me again.”

The old lady, however, reacted quickly: “If you walk out that door today, don’t come back. Don’t even think about returning to the Shen family.”

“Don’t worry,” Tao Sheng replied firmly. “Even if you send a sedan chair to invite me back in the future, I won’t come.”

Now, she didn’t even want to pretend to maintain peace with this family. She wanted to completely sever ties and never contact them again.

_

As Tao Sheng stepped out of the Marquis’ Mansion, her head was still buzzing. She didn’t know if it was from the intense argument or the exhaustion that now made it hard to lift her fingers.

Then she remembered she had taken Shen Yu’s carriage to the mansion. With her falling out with the family, she certainly didn’t want to let them take her back.

That morning at the Su’s house, she had rushed out without money, only thinking about watching Xiao Feng chase people away.

While she struggled with how to get home, she suddenly saw her own elm carriage with red tassels and a yellow canopy parked outside the mansion.

Ji Yanming stepped out of the carriage and saw Tao Sheng coming out. He knew what had happened inside.

Feeling anger at how her family had treated her, Ji Yanming’s expression darkened for a moment, but softened when Tao Sheng approached him.

“Is everything done?” he asked simply.

Tao Sheng nodded lightly, glancing at the increasingly gloomy sky. “It’s windy. I think it’s going to rain soon.”

Ji Yanming nodded back, his cold voice offering reassurance: “Let’s go home together.”