Chapter 50

Even though she was very dissatisfied with Prince Rui’s various actions, as the successor, Princess Rui had no say in his affairs and could only follow his arrangements.

Prince Rui was also a hands-off person. Since he had disclosed the matter to the princess, he accepted that the princess would make the plan, and he no longer worried about it.

Although Princess Rui had heard of Tao Sheng, she was not familiar with her. Thinking that her natal family had some connections in the capital, she took some time to return to her natal family, the Mansion of Duke Lingguo after the Lantern Festival and discussed the matter with her eldest sister-in-law, the wife of the Duke Lingguo.

Madam Guan was also surprised to hear that Prince Rui had taken a fancy to Tao Sheng: “This girl is indeed a favorite of the Emperor. The last time your brother presented ‘Autumn Water’ to His Majesty, His Majesty personally gave an oral order for Miss Luo to come to our house to get her, which is enough to show how much he favors her.”

“Our prince is now obsessed with her, and it seems that he must get her.” Princess Rui sighed, “Sister-in-law, tell me the truth, what do you think of this girl? Is she an easy person to get along with?”

Madam Guan recalled, “She seems to be a sensible and polite person with a good temper. Although she is not good-looking, she doesn’t look like a foxy person. I think she is not difficult to get along with. But this girl is a little shy. I didn’t see her say much when we had dinner together at home that day. Later, the Duke mentioned her to me, saying that she has a good temper and is very sensible… In short, he praised her like a flower. Your brother has a good opinion of her, so I think she is not bad.”

Princess Rui sighed with relief: “That’s good. His Highness wanted to make her a concubine right away. If she’s really clever and manipulative, that would be bad.”

After she spoke, Princess Rui turned to Madam Guan and said, “Since she wants to do this, I thought about visiting her house for a chat. Even if we don’t directly make a deal, it’s good to establish some connections first. Do you know anyone who knows Miss Luo? It would be great if you could help with that.”

“You came to the right person,” Madam Guan replied with a smile. “The second son’s wife is the legitimate daughter of the Wenyuan Marquis’s mansion. Madam Luo and Miss Luo are close. They might be related. Wait a moment; I’ll have someone bring the second son’s wife over.”

Mother Wang was Madam Guan’s most capable servant. When Shen Ruojin saw her come to invite her, she knew something important was happening. She set aside her work on an embroidered sachet for Guan Muyun and asked, “Why does my mother want me to come now?”

Mother Wang said, “Princess Rui is here talking to Madam in the main courtyard. I’d like to invite you to come see her.”

“Okay, I understand.” Shen Ruojin stood up, signaling to her maid to help her change clothes. “Please go tell my mother first. I’ll meet the princess after I change.”

Once Mother Wang left, Shen Ruojin began picking out clothes for her meeting. After trying on three outfits, she still wasn’t satisfied.

While helping her change, Biqin said softly, “I’ve heard from the elders that our aunt has become more important since marrying Prince Rui. She rarely visits her family. Usually, it’s our Madam who goes to see her in the palace. I never thought this princess would come to visit us. I wonder what big event brought her here.”

After all, Princess Rui is the main wife of Prince Rui, someone Shen Ruojin normally couldn’t even approach. Shen Ruojin was prepared for this important meeting.

“Princess Rui has come here for something important,” Shen Ruojin said. “No matter what she came for, we must treat her with respect and not embarrass our mother and the prince.”

More importantly, Shen Ruojin had heard from Guan Muyun that the crown prince seemed to be having issues with the emperor recently, making him less secure in his position. Now, Prince Rui and others weren’t just princes; they were strong contenders for the throne. So, it was essential to be respectful to Princess Rui.

Mrs. Guan saw that Shen Ruojin was dressed well, looking pretty and energetic, which reflected well in front of Princess Rui. She nodded at Shen Ruojin with satisfaction.

Shen Ruojin went to greet Princess Rui. The princess smiled and motioned for her nanny to assist her: “You’re here? Come sit down. I need your help with something.”

Shen Ruojin quickly said she wasn’t worthy of that title and asked her aunt for instructions.

Princess Rui then told Shen Ruojin that Prince Rui wanted to marry Tao Sheng.

Shen Ruojin was surprised and opened her eyes wide.

In Shen Ruojin’s view, Tao Sheng grew up in the countryside, hadn’t seen much of the world, had no manners, and only had her beauty. She hadn’t improved at all after coming to the capital for so many years… so Shen Ruojin couldn’t understand why Prince Rui would like her enough to make her a concubine.

Shen Ruojin remembered that Guan Muyun said the prince’s position was a bit shaky right now. If Prince Rui became more powerful, and if Tao Sheng entered his mansion and had a child, she would likely be above Shen Ruojin as the wife of a prince.

Shen Ruojin was very envious. She couldn’t understand how Tao Sheng could have such good fortune.

Thinking about Tao Sheng’s strange behavior, Ruojin couldn’t even think of this as a “happy event.”

The next day, Shen Ruojin ordered someone to get a carriage to visit her parents’ home for help.

Since marrying into the Guan family, Shen Ruojin had helped her own family many times. The Shen family started to respond positively, and their relationship improved. The previous tension over the Shen family’s refusal to pay a dowry when she married was starting to heal.

When Mrs. Shen saw Shen Ruojin, she greeted her warmly and had the maid serve her favorite snacks and fruits, then called for Shen Yu and the Shen brothers.

De Shou Hall soon became lively.

Shen Ruojin looked around and saw her father and several brothers, but her mother was missing.

She thought Princess Rui’s visit was significant, and since the guests didn’t have a good relationship with Tao Sheng, it would be safer to ask Luo Xin to help.

Shen Ruojin sat in a chair with her hands folded. After exchanging pleasantries, she asked Shen Yu, “Why haven’t I seen my mother lately?”

“Your mother is unwell and has gone to the farm to rest.”

Shen Yu kept saying this repeatedly.

In fact, ever since the conflict between his family and Tao Sheng, Luo Xin rarely visited.

Shen Yu looked at Shen Ruojin gently: “You can talk to me and grandma if you need anything.”

Shen Ruojin sighed softly and said with difficulty, “His Royal Highness Prince Rui likes Tao Sheng and wants her as a concubine. My aunt visited the palace yesterday to discuss this and wants us to talk to Tao Sheng… I thought Tao Sheng would listen to my mother, so I wanted her to help.”