"She went out? Where did she go? Early in the morning like this, she doesn’t come to pay respects to Mother, nor does she personally care for her injured husband. Yet she has the leisure to go out?"
Shen Nanyue wore an expression of disbelief, her tone full of accusation.
Upon hearing this, Lady 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 does our Shen Family have for such a daughter-in-law!"
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Bin'er cautiously added, "I asked the maids in the courtyard, but 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 happily chatting with Princess Chang.
Princess Chang looked at Jiang Jinshu with affectionate 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 come to the Princess's Mansion more often. I hope Your Highness won’t mind the disturbance."
Princess Chang looked at her and said, "How could I mind when I care for you so much? I’ve told you, when there are no outsiders, just call me Aunt. 'Your Highness' sounds too distant."
Princess Chang’s affection for her was genuine. In her past life, she had also worried a great deal about 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 Floating Light Brocade that suit you very well, so I brought them for you. Please don’t think poorly of them."
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 Floating Light 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."
Hearing this, Princess Chang could only 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 Floating Light 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. Yet you’re 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 warning."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Jinshu stood up with a smile and curtsied, her face filled with gratitude. "It’s precisely because they were prepared by Mother that I brought them for you. 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’ve 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? Come, sit and talk. I've already ordered your favorite dishes to be prepared. Stay and have lunch with me."
Yet Jiang Jinshu did not sit. Instead, she knelt down.
"Aunt, I have come today because I truly have a request to make of you."
Princess Chang was taken aback by this.
"Get up first. What matter requires you to speak on your knees?"
In response, Jiang Jinshu kowtowed once.
"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 leave the Shen Family with my dowry and establish my own household, 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 divorce? Did the Shen Family 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 the Shen Family, never uttering a single complaint. But the affair between Shen Nanxing and Su Yunyan is not a matter of one or two days. Yesterday, I tested the waters, and Lady Shen is also aware of the two of them…"
"You know about yesterday's events, Aunt. To protect Su Yunyan, Shen Nanxing actually wanted me to take the blame. If not for your protection, I truly don't know what humiliation I would have suffered."
Princess Chang fell into deep thought after listening.
"Jinshu, I know you've been wronged, but for a woman, it is very difficult to secure a good marriage after divorce. Although Shen Nanxing acts without discretion, you are his lawful wife. No matter what scandal arises from a foster sister, she could never surpass you. With me backing you, the Shen Family will not dare neglect you in the future."
Jiang Jinshu looked at Princess Chang with determination in her eyes.
"Aunt, I know you have my best interests at heart, and I know you will always protect me. But in matters of marriage, if hearts are not united, walking on thin ice every day—what happiness can there be? Shen Nanxing's heart is no longer with me. Forcing it to continue would only bring more sorrow."
Princess Chang listened, her eyes filled with pity as she looked at Jiang Jinshu.
"Jinshu, my child, you have suffered."
Jiang Jinshu continued, "The Shen Family has been scheming for my dowry. All these years, they've had me covering the family's expenses, and now they are pushing further, wanting me to take the blame for Su Yunyan. If I hadn't saved the young Shizi, if you hadn't come to support 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 stirred her anger.
"I will find an opportunity to settle this properly with Shen Yunshan. But Jinshu, your parents are gone. If you divorce, how will you live in the future?"
Jiang Jinshu's voice carried unusual resolve.
"Aunt, in the years to come, I will use the shops from my mother's dowry to earn ample silver, seeking peace of mind."
"In my leisure, I may wander the mountains and forests, sit idly by a stream, cast a fishing line, or engage in a game of chess—all such refined pleasures can dispel cares. Thus, life will surely be comfortable and leisurely."
"Why stay in the Shen Family, that den of wolves and tigers, fighting 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 the bones? Sacrificing a lifetime like this is truly not worth it."