Before Shen Yu could say a few words to Tao Sheng, Shen Ruojin entered holding the needlework she had just finished, saying that she had come to pay her respects to her father.

As soon as Shen Yu saw Shen Ruojin, he immediately focused all his attention on this daughter whom he had always been proud of.

“It’s so cold. Why don’t you stay at your grandmother’s house in De Shou Hall to warm up, but come here to pay your respects? It’s winter, and you’re weak, so please don’t do these empty formalities if possible.”

“I am not a conservative person who cannot adapt. I just thought that today is my birthday and I am grateful for my father and mother’s care for me over the years, so I specially prepared gifts for the elders. This needlework was made by me using the leather I brought back from the poetry reading. I hope my father will like it.”

Shen Ruojin really put a lot of effort into this hat. Not only did she sew it stitch by stitch by hand, but the fur used as raw material also has a very interesting origin. It was a reward from the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace that day.

Shen Yu was very touched after receiving the hat. 

Ruojin personally made this hat using the fur gifted by the Eastern Palace. It not only contained her love, but also the respect from the Eastern Palace, symbolizing the bright future that Ruojin might have. 

This hat represented the family’s honor. 

Shen Yu felt extremely satisfied. No gift could please him more than this hat. He immediately praised Ruojin: “You have always been a polite and respectful child. No wonder the nobles in the palace like you and you have caught the attention of the Crown Princess and Princess Hui’an.”

Shen Ruojin came to Shen Yu’s study before the birthday banquet for two reasons: to please her father before Tao Sheng returned home, and to outshine Tao Sheng in front of him to establish her position. 

However, the real Miss Shen didn’t respond at all since she came in. 

Although Tao Sheng had seen and heard Shen Yu’s praise, she showed no reaction. Instead, she sat quietly with her hands behind her back, watching the scene. 

Feeling frustrated by Tao Sheng’s indifference, Ruojin decided to engage her: “What do you think, sister?” 

When they first met, Ruojin called Tao Sheng “sister” out of respect. Now she knew the elders’ plan: they would become twin sisters, with Ruojin as the elder sister, claiming the position of the eldest daughter of the marquis’s mansion, while Tao Sheng would be the younger sister.

Ruojin’s way of addressing Tao Sheng changed as well. 

Tao Sheng didn’t want to express any opinions but felt she had to respond to Ruojin’s question. She knew Ruojin wanted praise, but it was difficult to describe the gray mouse-skin hat positively. All she could say was, “It’s a nice hat. It looks warmer than the one made by our mother Tang at home.” 

Ruojin had great needlework skills, and the hat was well-made from thick fleece. 

However, there was a charcoal fire in the mansion, and Shen Yu didn’t go hunting or riding in the winter. So, wearing such a thick hat was impractical; it would only cause sweat on his forehead.

Tao Sheng couldn’t understand why Shen Yu was so moved. 

Entering a noble family felt like diving into a deep sea filled with pretenses. 

After hearing Tao Sheng’s comment, Shen Ruojin clenched her handkerchief tightly. 

Her needlework was among the best in the capital, and the empresses and concubines praised her. Tao Sheng, however, compared her work to a servant’s, diminishing its value and making it hard for anyone to argue against her praise. 

It seemed this sister was not as calm and composed as she appeared; she was quite shrewd and scheming. 

“I underestimated her before.” 

“Your sister grew up outside, so it’s natural she may not be used to this at first. As the elder sister, you should take care of her more.” Shen Yu said, changing the subject. “The show outside has started. Your grandmother and mother must be waiting. You should go with your father quickly.” 

_ 

To celebrate the birthdays of the two girls in the family and announce that Tao Sheng was returning as the third daughter of the Shen family, Luo Xin invited several relatives and friends to the house. They waited to share this happy news during the children’s birthday celebration. 

Old Madam Shen was in Deshou Hall discussing today’s plans with Luo Xin. When she saw Shen Yu and Tao Sheng arrive, she asked, “How are things going?” 

Shen Yu replied: “I have arranged with the head of the household registration yamen. Tao Sheng will be registered after the new year. I spoke with Mr. Yao, who suggested a ridiculous idea: if Tao Sheng is an orphan or the daughter of an old friend without a family to rely on, she can be adopted by the Marquis’ Mansion, making registration easier.” 

Tao Sheng interjected, “Mr. Yao’s ideas are good, but I have no intention of moving my household registration to the Marquis’ Mansion.” 

Shen Yu’s face darkened at being interrupted: “You cut off the elder before he finished speaking. What kind of rules are those for the younger generation?” 

Shen Ruojin, always polite at home, quickly grabbed Tao Sheng’s arm and said, “I’ve wronged you these days, but after the new year, I’ll enter the East Palace as the princess’s companion. Since my elder sister is married, you’ll be the only girl in the family. Don’t be angry with your parents and say things that will make them sad. It’s better to go home early.” 

Shen Yu added, “Your sister’s right. You’re a girl; don’t let a small injustice ruin your relationship because of your temper. Learn from Ruojin how to behave.” 

Tao Sheng couldn’t help but sneer. 

They all knew she should feel hurt and angry in this situation but still chose to support Ruojin. It made sense why the original owner acted so extremely later on. 

“It’s not about being angry,” Tao Sheng said. 

She simply didn’t want to continue being part of this family. Even if they had to interact in the future, she didn’t want to act as the third daughter of the Shen family. 

Shen Ruojin looked at her with disgust. She found Tao Sheng’s pretentiousness extremely annoying. 

But since the mansion made a big announcement about Tao Sheng’s background, they couldn’t let her leave like last time and return to square one. 

Shen Yu and Luo Xin were already under Ruojin’s control. 

Luo Xin winked at Shen Yu, who suddenly remembered that today was Tao Sheng’s birthday. Realizing he had been too hasty, he calmed down and said to Tao Sheng, “You are too stubborn. Those are just some things Mr. Yao said. Just ignore them. You and Ruojin are both good children. Your mother and I can’t bear to let you go. We’ll say you are twins who got lost during childbirth and have now been found. What do you think?”

“My Lord and Madam, there’s no need to bother. I’m happy to know my birthday in my lifetime. If they want me to recognize the Marquis’ Mansion, that’s not necessary.”

Shen Yu was confused: “Why is this happening?”

Tao Sheng was determined not to return to the Marquis’ Mansion and had her reasons: “The Marquis has three sons and two daughters, including me, totaling six. My adoptive parents were unfortunate and only had me. They raised me carefully all these years, and I can’t let them down after they are gone. They deserve someone to burn incense and pay respects on their anniversary. The Marquis is willing to celebrate my birthday, and I’m grateful, but I can’t change my family tree or household registration.” 

In ancient times, if there was a discrepancy between household registration and reality, they would follow the family tree.

This is why, after being adopted, one should prioritize adoptive parents over biological parents. For example, if an emperor has no children and adopts a child to inherit the throne, that child must honor the adoptive parents over the biological ones. The biological mother cannot hold the title of empress dowager, and the biological father cannot be called emperor emeritus; only the adoptive mother and father receive those titles.

This rule applies to everyone.

Tao Sheng had been studying the relevant laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty for the past two months. She understood that in this world, clan power and laws are more important than personal feelings and parent-child affection.

Thus, as long as she and the Luo family do not agree to change the family tree and household registration, the Shen family cannot do anything about her.

After these words were spoken, everyone in the Marquis’ Mansion fell silent.