Upon hearing this, Pei Ruyan’s expression instantly darkened.
He looked at Shen Yi with a stern and imposing demeanor. “Father-in-law, what is the meaning of this?”
For some reason, Shen Yi suddenly broke out in a cold sweat down his back.
His previously gentle and polite son-in-law, when he put on a stern face, actually made people feel intimidated.
“Sangning’s mother came from a merchant background. Our Bo Mansion has no precedent for allowing daughters of merchants into the Ancestral Hall.” Shen Yi felt he had a valid point, but under Pei Ruyan’s unwavering gaze, he blinked nervously.
“Your legal wife isn’t worthy of entering the Ancestral Hall?” Pei Ruyan seemed to find this ridiculous and let out a light laugh. “Or are you saying my wife’s mother isn’t good enough for the Shen family?”
Shen Yi was sweating profusely and immediately made a decision. “What are you saying, esteemed son-in-law? Of course she’s worthy. As the mother-in-law of the Heir of Guogong Manor, Wei Shengshi certainly can enter the Ancestral Hall.”
Seeing that Pei Ruyan remained silent, he quickly added, “Today, we’ll do it today.”
Listening to Shen Yi’s hurried tone, Shen Sangning found it utterly ridiculous.
In her mother’s lifetime, she was first a daughter of the Weisheng Family, then was sent to Bo Mansion as a sacrificial offering after her coming-of-age ceremony, only to be treated as a burden by Bo Mansion.
All these years, her mother’s memorial tablet had remained in her room, keeping her company.
Actually, this was just as well. Bo Mansion’s Ancestral Hall wasn’t worthy of her mother anyway.
Since her rebirth, she hadn’t planned to maintain relations with Bo Mansion.
After she squeezed Bo Mansion dry and made Shen Yi cough up what didn’t belong to him, even if her mother’s tablet entered the Ancestral Hall, she would take it out when she completely broke ties with Bo Mansion.
Why bother with this unnecessary step?
Pei Ruyan lowered his head, his profound gaze sweeping over his wife’s face as if trying to discern her thoughts.
When he saw the disdainful curve of her lips, Pei Ruyan finally responded to Shen Yi in a deep voice, “That won’t be necessary.”
“Ah?” Shen Yi was confused.
After going through all this trouble, now it’s not necessary?
“I imagine Mother wouldn’t take pride in this,” Pei Ruyan said slowly. “In that case, let’s go to my wife’s room to offer incense to Mother.”
Shen Yi was puzzled, but Pei Ruyan had already made his decision.
Shen Sangning nodded and very naturally took Pei Ruyan’s hand, walking toward the main hall.
Watching the young couple holding hands, Shen Yi should have felt pleased, but instead he only felt confusion and bewilderment.
Pei Che, who had been listening nearby, had never seen such a family that looked down on their legal wife so much.
Even if merchants had low status, did you only learn about your wife’s merchant background after marriage?
Hah, it’s just using someone and then discarding them after they’ve served their purpose.
For Miaomiao to maintain her kindness and innocence growing up in such an environment was truly fortunate and remarkable…
Meanwhile.
Shen Sangning led Pei Ruyan into her small courtyard.
Her bedchamber was only one-third the size of the bedroom at Guogong Manor. Fortunately, the valuable furniture had been turned into dowry, leaving only a few old pieces, making the room appear somewhat empty.
Her mother’s memorial tablet was placed on the altar, with a plate of apples beside it.
Shen Sangning skillfully lit the candles, while Pei Ruyan naturally stepped forward to help light the incense.
The two of them bowed sincerely three times.
“Mother.”
“Mother.”
As soon as Shen Sangning spoke, she heard Pei Ruyan’s solemn voice and still felt somewhat unaccustomed to it.
Something felt strange about it.
Then, in her heart, she told her mother that she had been reborn, and this time, she would live better and her mother needn’t worry.
“Mother, Father said today he wants your tablet placed in the Ancestral Hall, but I don’t wish for that. Will you blame me?”
“Would you feel lonely here?”
“Do you still remember Quiet Bamboo Residence? I want to bring you there so I can visit you every month.”
Shen Sangning gazed at the memorial tablet as if she could see her mother’s face.
She no longer wanted her mother’s tablet to remain in Bo Mansion.
The next moment, she heard Pei Ruyan say thoughtfully, “If you wish, you may bring it to Guogong Manor.”
Bringing it to Guogong Manor would naturally be wonderful for Shen Sangning.
But—
“Would you mind? If placed in our room, would you…” Would you consider it unlucky?
Shen Sangning hesitated to complete her sentence.
“Certainly not in our room,” Pei Ruyan’s voice warmed, “The Ancestral Hall of Guogong Manor can house your mother’s tablet.”
Shen Sangning’s eyes widened abruptly.
Why was Pei Ruyan saying such astonishing things today?
“This… this isn’t proper,” Shen Sangning felt both hopeful and concerned.
“As we are husband and wife, your mother is also my mother,” Pei Ruyan’s voice was cool but his expression solemn and earnest, “Filial piety is the proper way.”
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Shen Sangning would spend her entire life in Guogong Manor anyway.
Though she wished for her mother to remain with her where someone could make offerings, this truly wasn’t conventional. The Duke of Ning and Yu Shi would likely object.
Pei Ruyan always seemed to understand Shen Sangning’s thoughts, adding, “Don’t worry about my parents. I’ll handle them.”
While Shen Sangning still hesitated, Pei Ruyan bowed to the tablet again, then directly lifted it with both hands, preparing to take it away.
Leaving Shen Sangning utterly astonished.
“Wait, there’s something else I need to get.”
Shen Sangning walked to the bedside and with great effort pulled out a large chest hidden beneath the bed.
“What’s this?”
Pei Ruyan looked at the ancient, worn chest, finding it somewhat familiar.
Particularly the Crow Pattern on its surface.