Early the next morning, Shen Yunying, full of energy and accompanied by Yan Peifeng, set off for Taishi Mansion with several carts of gifts for her homecoming.
As soon as they arrived at the mansion’s entrance, Shen Chujun, the eldest son of Taishi Mansion, was waiting at the forefront. Seeing the Yan family’s carriage and horses stop, Shen Chujun quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, “Third Sister, Third Brother-in-Law.”
Shen Yunying nodded to Shen Chujun. “Eldest Cousin.”
Following Shen Yunying’s ranking, Yan Peifeng also greeted, “Eldest Cousin.”
Shen Chujun was a gentle-mannered scholar who held Yan Peifeng in high regard. He had previously discussed Yan Peifeng’s essays with friends and was deeply impressed by his literary talent. Now that Yan Peifeng had become his brother-in-law, the thought of being able to interact with him frequently and seek advice on essays made Shen Chujun’s smile unconsciously widen.
Shen Chujun led the way, continuously introducing the scenery and history of Taishi Mansion along the path.
Shen Yunying couldn’t help but feel that her eldest cousin was particularly talkative today. She glanced at Yan Peifeng—could it be that meeting Yan Peifeng made people more talkative?
She didn’t know much about the Emperor, but she had never heard that he was a chatterbox. Otherwise, the censors’ saliva would have drowned the pillars of the Golden Hall. Yet, when they met, the Emperor had indeed talked nonstop.
Now, looking at Shen Chujun—in all her years at Taishi Mansion, Shen Yunying had never seen him like this, eager to explain the literary origins of every single scenic feature in the mansion.
Perhaps Shen Yunying’s confusion was too obvious, as Yan Peifeng seemed to sense it and turned to look at her.
Shen Yunying snapped back to attention. Why overthink it? As long as she wasn’t influenced and turned into a nagging old woman, that was fine. What mattered now was that she could see her mother!
“What’s wrong?” Shen Chujun had just finished explaining the calligraphy and paintings on the wall screen, which were sent by a renowned artist from Jiangnan who admired Grand Tutor Shen. He noticed Shen Yunying and Yan Peifeng had stopped walking, thinking something had happened that he wasn’t aware of.
Shen Yunying smiled innocently. “It’s nothing, Eldest Cousin. Let’s hurry inside so Grandfather and Grandmother don’t have to wait.”
Shen Chujun glanced at Yan Peifeng again and, seeing him nod slightly, replied, “Alright, let’s head to the Rear Courtyard.”
The movements of the three were constantly reported by servants entering the hall.
The masters of Taishi Mansion had gathered in the main hall of Cihui Courtyard. Grand Tutor Shen and Old Madam Shen sat at the head, while the others were seated according to their rank. Jiang Wensheng, who usually had little presence, was now the center of attention.
Today, it was her daughter and son-in-law returning home.
Madam Wen had initially disliked Shen Yunying taking away so much dowry, as it was money that had long been accounted for in the public funds. Taking it away meant reducing the interests of the eldest branch—wealth that would eventually belong to her lineage. If not for the insistence of the eldest master and the approval of her in-laws, leaving no room for manipulation, Madam Wen would have certainly found a way to obstruct it.
But now, seeing the barely concealed jealousy of Second Madam Wang and Shen Yunman, Madam Wen’s mood improved somewhat.
“Today, Yunying is returning home. Third Sister-in-law must be in high spirits from the joyous occasion—you look younger and prettier than before,” Madam Wen said with a smile, making small talk.
Jiang Wensheng replied politely, “You flatter me, Sister-in-law. I’m nearly fifty years old.”
Jiang Wensheng was easygoing and well-nourished, enjoying good food and drink daily. Although she was only a year or two younger than Madam Wen and Second Madam, she looked a generation younger.
Her features were merely delicate, but her skin was as fair as snow, giving her an elegant charm when combined.
In contrast, Madam Wen, the principal wife, managed the numerous affairs of the household, while Second Madam Wang schemed to seize control of household authority and worked to secure her husband’s favor, all while worrying over the Rear Courtyard. Neither of them enjoyed as comfortable a life as Jiang Wensheng.
Madam Wen held power, shared a good marital relationship, and had a reasonably promising son. Apart from the incident involving Shen Yunzhi, she paid little mind to other matters, which allowed her to maintain a balanced attitude toward Jiang Wensheng.
Second Madam, however, was different. She loved comparing herself with her sisters-in-law and had spent most of her life falling short of Madam Wen. Fortunately, she had Jiang Wensheng, her younger sister-in-law, as a benchmark. Now, as Jiang Wensheng’s life improved steadily, her own situation worsened, and even her daughter, Shen Yunman, might be overshadowed in the future.
A flicker of resentment and jealousy flashed in Second Madam’s eyes as she remarked sourly, “We’re all halfway into the grave—what’s the point of talking about beauty? Sister-in-law, don’t forget, Third Sister-in-law is still in mourning for Third Brother.”
What use does a widow have for being so beautiful?
Is she planning to stray from the path?
Second Madam couldn’t hide her thoughts; even unspoken, they were clearly written on her face, and everyone present understood.
Madam Wen, whose pride was wounded on the spot, responded not with anger but with a smile. “Second Sister-in-law, you exaggerate. We’re just family chatting casually on such a festive day. Why take it so seriously?”
Just as Second Madam was about to retort, a maid’s voice came from outside: “Old Master, Old Madam, the eldest young master has arrived with Third Miss and her husband!”
As soon as the words fell, everyone in the room held their breath and turned their gaze toward the entrance.
Shen Yunying entered the hall in a pomegranate-red gown, her face as radiant as a lotus flower, her waist as slender as willow catkins. Her steps were graceful, and her demeanor exuded elegance and charm, a stark contrast to the quiet, unnoticed Third Miss of the past.
Beside her stood a man in a wide-sleeved indigo-blue round-collar robe. His features were handsome, with deep-set eyebrows and a straight nose. He moved with composure and, upon standing in the hall, resembled a solitary pine overlooking a deep abyss, exuding an extraordinary presence.
A perfect match—this was the first thought that crossed everyone’s mind in the hall.
Shen Yunying first glanced quickly in Jiang Wensheng’s direction before composing herself and bowing respectfully to Grand Tutor Shen and Old Madam Shen. “Grandfather, Grandmother.”
Yan Peifeng clasped his hands and bowed. “Grandfather, Grandmother.”
Grand Tutor Shen stroked his beard and nodded slightly, a satisfied gleam in his eyes. He smiled warmly and said, “No need for such formalities.”
“Peifeng, now that you’ve married a daughter of the Shen family, you are one of us. Today is Yunying’s homecoming, a family banquet, so there’s no need for these empty formalities.” Grand Tutor Shen’s expression relaxed, his voice hoarse but gentle. “Yunying’s father passed away early, but she still has her grandfather, uncles, and brothers. Do not let her down.”
The previously smiling, Maitreya-like eyes suddenly sharpened, the aged and cloudy gaze as piercing as an arrow shot from an old bow.
Yan Peifeng bowed again, speaking earnestly, “Please rest assured, Grandfather. Peifeng will cherish Yunying.”
Grand Tutor Shen gave a hum of acknowledgment and said no more. Old Madam Shen, however, did not favor Shen Yunying. Moreover, Yan Peifeng had a connection with her maternal family—he had once been a prospective son-in-law they favored. Between Shen Yunying and her maternal niece, Old Madam Shen leaned toward the latter.
But since the matter was already settled, they could only hope the Shen family would benefit from this marriage. Thus, Old Madam Shen looked affectionately at Yan Peifeng and said with a smile, “Son-in-law, my little granddaughter has a lazy nature and is not well-versed in literature. Had I known earlier that she was destined for you, I should have forced her to attend school every day! Now that she has entered your Yan family, I must ask you to be patient with her. If she does anything improper, you can always come and tell me.”
After speaking, her gaze shifted to Shen Yunying, giving her a rare smile, though her words still carried a warning tone. “Among the sisters, you are the youngest, yet you are the first to marry. You represent the face of the Shen family’s daughters. In the Yan family, you must be well-behaved, virtuous, and generous, and strive to bear children for your husband’s family as soon as possible. Do you understand?”
She emphasized the words “bear children,” reminding everyone present of the Yan family’s sparse lineage.
As soon as Shen Yunying agreed, Second Madam immediately seized the opportunity. “Indeed, it’s not that I, as your aunt, want to criticize you. Your mother failed to leave your father with a male heir. Yunying, you must take good care of your health and not follow in your mother’s footsteps.”
Shen Yunying glanced at Second Madam and asked with a smile, “Second Aunt, I don’t understand. Am I not my father’s flesh and blood? Why do you make it sound as though I am not the child of my father and mother?”
“You—” Second Madam’s eyes sharpened, and she said sharply, “Don’t twist my words! You are married now, and from now on, your father can only rely on his nephews to carry on the family line. Isn’t that Jiang Wensheng’s fault?”
“Enough! What nonsense are you saying? Fengcheng is Chuyun and the others’ uncle. Isn’t it their duty to worship at the Shen family ancestral hall?” Old Madam Shen cut off Second Madam’s words before Grand Tutor Shen could get angry.
Shen Fengcheng was her own son. Was this foolish woman trying to incite her grandsons to disrespect their uncle while she was still alive?
Moreover, Shen Fengcheng died a worthy death, saving the people, and his reputation was excellent. His memorial tablet was placed in the Shen family ancestral hall. Did her grandsons have to mutter while offering incense that this stick of incense was not for Shen Fengcheng?!
Seeing her mother-in-law’s anger, Second Madam quickly composed herself, lowering her eyes and adopting a chastised but repentant expression.
Old Madam Shen sighed, deeply regretting having arranged such a wife for her second son. Often, it was because Madam Wang was too foolish that Old Madam Shen turned a blind eye to the various women in her second son’s courtyard.
The joyful atmosphere was interrupted by this episode and quickly cooled down. It was Jiang Wensheng who stepped in to help her daughter and son-in-law, asking Shen Yunying and Yan Peifeng to continue greeting the Shen family relatives, from the eldest master Shen Fengze to the young master who was only a few months old. They greeted each one in turn.
After Yan Peifeng finished meeting the relatives, Grand Tutor Shen spoke up, saying he wanted to take Yan Peifeng to the Study for a chat. Yan Peifeng naturally agreed. Once the men had left, the remaining women gradually resumed their conversation.
Old Madam Shen was the first to ask about the visit to the palace to express gratitude. Unsure of the old lady’s intentions, Shen Yunying replied softly, “The Emperor is majestic, and I did not dare to look up. I only remember the grandeur of the palace, where even the laziest person would not dare slack off.”
Old Madam Shen frowned in disappointment but did not press further.
Instead, Second Madam asked a few more questions. The rank and title of a noblewoman followed her husband’s official position. Since the second master held a low-ranking position, Second Madam had never attended a palace banquet.
If the old lady or the first madam were willing to take her, she could have gone. Unfortunately, both of them disapproved of Second Madam’s behavior and, without consulting each other, chose to leave her behind to manage the household.
The senior madam inquired a few words about the inner quarters of the Yan family. Upon learning that Grandparents Yan would return to Fanzhou in a few days, her gaze toward Shen Yunying involuntarily deepened.
Shen Yunying was truly fortunate!
A thought surfaced in her heart: if the match she had considered for Shen Yunzhi had been Yan Peifeng, perhaps Shen Yunzhi would not have developed feelings for another man?
This thought was well concealed, and the senior madam showed no trace of it.
Shen Yunman wanted to know about Shen Yunying’s recent situation but could not ask directly. Instead, she interjected from time to time, probing for the information she desired.
Shen Yunying mostly responded with vague and brief answers. With the senior madam and Shen Yunman lightening the atmosphere, the hall occasionally echoed with cheerful laughter.
With half an hour left until lunchtime, Old Madam Shen said slowly, “You and your mother haven’t seen each other for two days. Return to Jingyuan Studio and have a talk.”
“Yes, thank you, Grandmother.” Shen Yunying expressed her gratitude sincerely.
Jingyuan Studio.
Returning to Jingyuan Studio felt like truly coming home! Shen Yunying’s joy was evident, almost overflowing. She relaxed lazily against the side of the daybed.
Jiang Wensheng carefully examined her daughter once, confirming that Shen Yunying’s complexion was rosy and her eyes bright—clear signs that she had not suffered. Relieved, she lazily reclined on the chaise lounge and instructed the maid to bring a bowl of chilled dessert.
At midday, the summer heat was at its peak. The walk from Cihui Courtyard back to Jingyuan Studio had left them both drenched in sweat.
Both mother and daughter had constitutions that could not tolerate heat. Shen Yunying, in particular, with her fuller figure, was prone to sweating. In hot weather, she disliked moving and preferred to stay idle in the courtyard.
After taking a sip of the cool and refreshing sour plum soup, Jiang Wensheng said with relief, “Seeing that you are doing well puts my mind at ease.”
Truth be told, Jiang Wensheng did not have much experience in marital relations to pass on to Shen Yunying. She spoke honestly, “More than a decade has passed in the blink of an eye. I can hardly remember how your father and I lived when he was still around.”
“Mother, you can rest assured,” Shen Yunying said, not wanting her mother to worry about her while in Taishi Mansion. She vowed earnestly, “Yan Peifeng is truly quite good.”
He seldom bothered her in the Rear Courtyard.
“He was considerate of me, knowing today was the homecoming visit,” Shen Yunying added another of Yan Peifeng’s virtues. Last night, he had not troubled her, allowing her to sleep soundly.
Suddenly remembering the lychees and cherries bestowed by the Emperor that she had brought for Jiang Wensheng, Shen Yunying hurriedly instructed Yinzheng, “Quickly bring them. While they’re still fresh, Mother, let’s eat them right away.”
The imperial gifts were indeed more delicious than those grown at home.
With delicate hands, Shen Yunying peeled a bright red lychee and brought it to Jiang Wensheng’s lips, asking with a smile, “Mother, this is also thanks to your son-in-law. Is it delicious?”
Jiang Wensheng took a bite—sweet, tender, and soft, truly a tribute from Lingnan. She nodded at Shen Yunying.
It seemed that after her daughter’s marriage, her standard of living could surpass even that of the Shen family. This marriage was not a loss!
Shen Yunying was thinking the same thing. Since the Emperor and Empress doted on their nephew, wouldn’t she, as the nephew’s wife, benefit as well?
Mother and daughter happily enjoyed the delicacies together.