"She went out? Where did she go? So early in the morning, she doesn’t come to pay respects to Mother, nor does she personally care for her injured husband. And she still has the leisure to go out?"
Shen Nanyue wore an expression of disbelief, her tone full of accusation.
Upon hearing this, Madam Shen’s face darkened like water. She slammed her teacup heavily onto the table with a loud clang, splashing some of the tea.
"She completely disregards me as her mother-in-law. What use do we, the Shen family, have for such a daughter-in-law!"
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Biner cautiously added, "I asked the maids in the courtyard, and none of them knew. However, the young mistress brought many gifts when she left."
Shen Nanyue was furious, a flash of anger in her eyes. "Gifts? Hmph, where is she going to deliver them? Ignoring her mother-in-law and husband, all she knows is taking things from our Shen family to give away."
Meanwhile, Jiang Jinshu, who had angered the mother and daughter by leaving early in the morning, was chatting happily with Princess Chang.
Princess Chang looked at Jiang Jinshu with affection in her eyes. "You finally decided to visit my Princess’s Mansion."
Jiang Jinshu smiled apologetically. "It has been some time since I last visited Your Highness. It is Jinshu’s fault. From now on, I will visit the Princess’s Mansion more often. I hope Your Highness won’t find me bothersome then."
Princess Chang looked at her and said, "How could I find you bothersome? I care for you more than enough. I’ve told you before, when there are no outsiders, just call me Aunt. ‘Your Highness’ sounds too distant."
Princess Chang’s affection for her was genuine. In her previous life, she had also worried a great deal for her. Jiang Jinshu quickly replied, "Yes, Aunt, Jinshu understands."
Then she added, "Aunt, today when I opened the storeroom, I found a set of head ornaments and several bolts of iridescent brocade that suit you very well, so I brought them for you. Please don’t find them unworthy."
Princess Chang chided her gently, "Silly child, why bring gifts when you come to see me? I’m just happy you’re here to keep me company."
Caiyue had already brought forward the set of head ornaments and several bolts of iridescent brocade, accompanied by two maids.
Jiang Jinshu smiled and said, "This is just a small token of my filial piety. If Aunt refuses to accept it, Jinshu will be sad."
Princess Chang had no choice but to smile and say, "Alright, I’ll accept it. You are such a thoughtful child."
She then gave a glance to the nanny beside her, and Nanny Xue stepped forward to take the gifts.
Princess Chang looked at Jiang Jinshu with an expression that said she saw through her little scheme. "These head ornaments and iridescent brocade were all part of the dowry your mother prepared for you. Especially that set of head ornaments—they were bought at a high price back then. You’re even willing to give them to me. Tell me, has Shen Nanxing been giving you trouble again? I’ll have Nanny Xue accompany you back and give Shen Nanxing a stern talking-to."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Jinshu stood up with a smile and curtsied, her face filled with gratitude. "It is precisely because they were prepared by Mother that I brought them for you, Aunt. I know the bond between you and Mother. Over the years, you have treasured everything Mother left for you and have always protected me. I have caused you much worry all these years."
Princess Chang listened and motioned for her to sit down.
"Why are you being so formal with your aunt? Sit down quickly and talk. I've already ordered your favorite dishes to be prepared. Stay and have lunch with me."
However, Jiang Jinshu did not sit down but knelt instead.
"Aunt, I truly have something to ask of you today."
Princess Chang was taken aback by this.
"Get up first. What matter requires you to speak on your knees?"
In response, Jiang Jinshu kowtowed.
"Aunt, I wish to divorce Shen Nanxing. As you know, my parents are no longer here. The dowry my mother prepared for me back then is my foundation for the future. To divorce from Shenjia and take my dowry with me to live independently, I need you, Aunt, to stand up for me."
Upon hearing this, Princess Chang's expression instantly turned serious. She hurried forward to help Jiang Jinshu up, her eyes filled with heartache and confusion.
"Jinshu, how has it come to the point of divorce? Did Shenjia do something to you after you returned yesterday? Did they pressure you?"
Jiang Jinshu replied, "Aunt, I will no longer allow myself to be bullied. Over these years, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to Shenjia without a single word of complaint. But the matter between Shen Nanxing and Su Yunyan is not new. Yesterday, I tested the waters, and even Madam Shen knows about the two of them…"
"You know about yesterday's incident, Aunt. Shen Nanxing actually wanted me to take the blame to protect Su Yunyan. If not for your protection, I truly don't know what kind of humiliation I would have suffered."
Princess Chang fell into deep thought after hearing this.
"Jinshu, I know you've been wronged, but for a woman, it's difficult to secure a good marriage after divorce. Although Shen Nanxing acts without restraint, you are his lawful wife. No matter what scandal arises from a foster sister, she can never surpass you. With me backing you, Shenjia will not dare to neglect you in the future."
Jiang Jinshu looked at Princess Chang with determination in her eyes.
"Aunt, I know you mean well for me, and I know you will always protect me. But in matters of marriage, if hearts are not united, living each day as if walking on thin ice—what happiness can there be? Shen Nanxing's heart is no longer with me. Forcing the relationship will only bring more sorrow."
Princess Chang listened, her eyes filled with compassion as she looked at Jiang Jinshu.
"Jinshu, my child, you've suffered."
Jiang Jinshu continued, "Shenjia has been scheming for my dowry, making me cover the household expenses all these years. Now they've gone even further, demanding I take the blame for Su Yunyan. If I hadn't saved the Young Master, and if you hadn't stood up for me, I fear I would already be trapped in the inner prison by their schemes."
Princess Chang had naturally investigated the banquet incident thoroughly. Hearing Jiang Jinshu mention it again, she couldn't help but feel anger rising within her.
"I will find an opportunity to settle this properly with Shen Yunyan. But Jinshu, your parents are gone. If you divorce, how will you manage in the future?"
Jiang Jinshu's voice carried unusual resolve.
"Aunt, in the years to come, I will use the shops my mother left me in my dowry to earn ample wealth and seek peace of mind."
"In my leisure time, I may wander through mountain forests, sit idly by a stream, cast a fishing rod, or engage in a game of chess. Such refined pleasures will surely bring contentment, making life serene and delightful."
"Why stay in that den of wolves, Shenjia, to vie for fame and profit just to please others and seek vanity, wearing yourself down to exhaustion and resentment in that backyard that devours people without spitting out bones? To stake your whole life on this is truly not worth it."