Shen Yunying was taken aback, her lively almond-shaped eyes widening slightly. She pondered for a moment but couldn’t think of any way Jiang Gaoheng had wronged her.
Seeing the confusion in Shen Yunying’s eyes, Jiang Gaoheng explained, “I shouldn’t have discussed my cousin’s marriage in public, damaging your reputation. As for the family discussions, it is I who am unworthy of you, cousin. Please do not blame me.”
When Jiang Gaoheng denied the engagement in the tavern, it was an impulsive act driven by youthful pride. He was an upright and honest person, though somewhat impulsive and prone to acting rashly in the heat of the moment. He knew that his aunt, Jiang Wensheng, had been widowed and living in Taishi Mansion all these years. His grandfather and father had always worried about her, wondering how she was faring in the capital.
Jiang Gaoheng had originally thought that his trip to the capital was twofold: first, to handle his elder brother Jiang Gaoxin’s enrollment in Guozijian (Imperial Academy), and second, to offer birthday congratulations at Taishi Mansion. He had come merely to join in the festivities and lend a hand to his mother.
Jiang Gaoheng was not one to stand on ceremony, and the Jiang family was not a particularly strict household. Every time he visited, he would walk straight into the main courtyard without waiting for servants to announce him.
That day, news of the Flower Appreciation Banquet being held in the palace spread like wildfire, but Jiang Gaoheng assumed it had nothing to do with his family. However, upon returning home, he encountered Madam Shen, the eldest wife of the Shen family, speaking with his mother.
His mother’s tone was sharp. “Madam Shen, you’ve come to speak to me about this for no other reason than to meddle in Yunying’s marriage. My sister and I have already agreed, and tokens have been exchanged. No matter how much you say, it’s useless.”
Madam Shen sneered. “The Jiang family may be low-ranking officials with no sense of propriety or upbringing, but the Shen family is not. Shen Yunying is the legitimate granddaughter of the Grand Tutor. She is worthy of marrying a prince or a royal duke. Do you think that with just you and Jiang Wensheng’s words, she could be married off to a mere scholar? Do you think Grand Tutor Shen and Old Madam Shen would agree?”
She set her teacup down heavily. “Madam Jiang, to speak bluntly, even though Shen Yunying has lost her father, as long as her grandfather is Grand Tutor Shen, she is a pearl of the capital. She will not fall into the sandpit of the Jiang family. Do not harbor such delusions.”
Jiang Gaoheng’s eyes turned cold as he watched his mother’s face flush red with anger, her teeth clenched and unable to speak. The power and influence of Taishi Mansion were Madam Shen’s source of confidence.
“Rest assured, Madam Shen, I have no designs on my cousin Shen. There is no need for you to come here personally to lecture us.” Jiang Gaoheng strode into the room and stood by his mother’s side.
Madam Shen chuckled lightly. “That’s good.” Her gaze swept over Madam Jiang once more. This young master Jiang didn’t seem to know about the engagement.
The Jiang family truly had the ways of a small, insignificant household. With an engagement imminent, the parties involved were unaware.
“I take my leave.”
With a flick of her sleeve, Madam Shen left confidently, followed by her servants.
It was only then that Jiang Gaoheng learned that his mother and aunt had been discussing a marriage arrangement between him and Shen Yunying, but the Shen family disapproved. His grandfather, father, and others were aware of this. Jiang Wensheng had been writing to Jiangnan every year, but Grand Tutor Shen and Old Madam Shen had never shown any concern for Shen Yunying. Jiang Wensheng had assumed that her in-laws would not interfere in Shen Yunying’s marriage.
Who could have expected that, at the last moment, Grand Tutor Shen and Old Madam Shen would voice their opposition?
Jiang Gaoheng was stunned. He regarded Shen Yunying as nothing more than a younger sister and could see that she had no romantic feelings for him. How could the two of them be discussing marriage?
He smiled and said, “Mother, your son shares only a sibling bond with Cousin Shen. Taishi Mansion is a noble and influential household. There is no need for our Jiang family to aspire to such heights.”
Madam Jiang, however, thought of the Flower Appreciation Banquet that was the talk of the capital, and then recalled the princes and royal relatives mentioned by Madam Shen earlier. Suddenly, it dawned on her what the Shen family was planning.
A Liangdi for the Crown Prince!
A position similar to that of a Crown Prince’s consort.
Thinking of Shen Yunying’s lotus-like beauty and graceful figure, Madam Jiang couldn’t help but feel that Madam Shen’s words were not unfounded.
She sighed and said to Jiang Gaoheng with emotion, “If only the Jiang family’s status were a bit higher.”
Even if the Shen family wanted to refuse, they wouldn’t dare to come and humiliate us like this.
Madam Jiang then thought of her sister-in-law and sighed again, “It seems your aunt’s life after marrying into a higher family hasn’t been easy either.”
Jiang Gaoheng naturally understood the implication behind his mother’s words and smiled, “Mother, my ambitions lie elsewhere. Now that my elder brother is at the Guozijian, he will surely bring glory to our family. Just wait and see.”
He knew his own limitations. By nature, he disliked constraints and was not cut out for an official career. Jiang Gaoheng’s plan was to travel and study while he was young, and when he grew older, he would follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Jiang Yi, by teaching at an academy to educate others.
Madam Jiang glared at her son in frustration. She had hoped to stir his competitive spirit, but the boy cleverly pushed the responsibility onto his elder brother.
Having just experienced Madam Shen’s disdain during the day, Jiang Gaoheng encountered Shen Chujun and his brother Shen Chuyan that evening while attending a friend’s gathering.
Shen Chujun and Shen Chuyan, both openly and subtly, criticized Jiang Gaoheng for bringing Shen Yunying to literary gatherings, insinuating that he was trying to climb the social ladder and manipulate his own cousin.
Jiang Gaoheng thought to himself that his relationship with Shen Yunying was entirely innocent. It was common for cousins to attend literary gatherings together, and they were never alone—his own sister, Jiang Wan, had accompanied them.
Jiang Gaoheng immediately refuted their accusations sternly, stating his position clearly, even forgetting that they were in a private room at a restaurant. He shouldn’t have discussed Shen Yunying in front of so many men, as it was disrespectful to her.
At the same time, Jiang Gaoheng realized that Shen Chujun and Shen Chuyan had done this intentionally. Instantly, his dislike for the Shen family grew.
Shen Yunying was unaware of the specific events at the Jiang household and even less so of Jiang Gaoheng’s inner guilt. Seeing him apologize sincerely for something she didn’t even mind, she gained a new appreciation for his character.
She recalled Jiang Wensheng’s explanation that Madam Shen had visited Aunt Jiang and even encountered Jiang Gaoheng. He didn’t want his mother to be looked down upon because of him, which was why he had tried to distance himself.
Putting herself in his shoes, Shen Yunying could understand Jiang Gaoheng, as she deeply valued Jiang Wensheng herself.
Shen Yunying smiled gently and said, “The matter is already in the past. There’s no need for you to dwell on it, cousin. I don’t feel I’ve lost anything.”
In Shen Yunying’s view, the Shen family had started this. Her potential marriage to Jiang Gaoheng was first proposed by Jiang Wensheng. Later, when Madam Shen visited Aunt Jiang, it was because the Shen family wanted to maintain their wealth and climb even higher by using Shen Yunying’s marriage.
From beginning to end, the Jiang family was somewhat innocent.
The two exchanged a smile, both knowing that neither of them was the type to nitpick.
Shen Yunying enjoyed reading travelogues, and Jiang Gaoheng had visited many places. Whenever she mentioned a location, he could provide more detailed information, describing the local customs and culture.
Their conversation was pleasant, and they even shared the same thought: they were indeed suited to be siblings.
Having experienced Yan Peifeng’s attitude toward the Rear Courtyard, Shen Yunying felt that Yan Peifeng was almost exactly like the husband she had envisioned. Minor flaws could be overlooked—after all, no one was perfect.
Jiang Gaoheng, on the other hand, sought a gentle, elegant, and refined woman with a scholarly aura—someone completely different from Shen Yunying.
Thus, their interactions did not become awkward due to the failed marriage arrangement.
Shen Yunying seized the opportunity to propose returning Jiang Gaoheng’s travelogue Shanshui Collection, smiling as she said, “These books were personally written by cousin and his friends. Having read them is already a privilege; they shouldn’t remain here gathering dust.”
Moreover, books personally written by a man she had once considered marrying made Shen Yunying feel embarrassed to take them to the Yan family.
Jiang Gaoheng didn’t ask further and simply accepted them, smiling, “This is only part of it. A few more volumes were sent by friends to the bookstore. Once they start selling, I’ll bring a few copies back for Wan’er and then send a set to cousin.”
Books sent to the bookstore—this approach felt both intimate and appropriate.
Shen Yunying hadn’t expected this box to contain only part of the collection; it seemed Jiang Gaoheng had truly traveled extensively. She promptly agreed, “Then I’ll thank cousin in advance.”
Beside them, Jiang Wan finished a string of candied hawthorn berries and a plate of green bean cakes, patted her little belly feeling full, and came over to her second brother and Shen Yunying, happily saying, “Second brother, cousin Yunying, let’s go shopping now! I promised one, two, three, four—six sisters and cousins—to bring them nice things from the capital!”
The little girl counted on her fingers how many gifts she needed to give.
Shen Yunying couldn’t help laughing, “Let’s go to Linglong Pavilion first—there are plenty of accessories suitable for young girls. Then we’ll go to Yipin Zhai to reserve two jars of fruit juice, so you can host a gathering and drink with your six sisters and cousins.”
Yipin Zhai sold specially brewed fruit drinks every fifteenth of the month.
All made from fresh seasonal fruits using secret recipes, each flavor was unique. Now in early summer, peach juice should be available—even children could drink it.
Jiang Wan eagerly wanted to go out. Shen Yunying acted as a guide, taking her to several places in the capital, spending over two hundred silver taels in half a day.
Jiang Gaoheng and his servant followed not far behind, serving as guards and carrying items.
The group then went to Zhiwei Pavilion for lunch. By afternoon, Shen Yunying dragged her weary body back to Princess Mansion.
“Too exhausting. Next time I won’t go shopping and gift-giving with anyone,” Shen Yunying leaned on the reclining couch, regretfully saying, “Thought today would be a relaxing day off.”
“Human plans can’t match heaven’s arrangements.”
Jiang Wan’s invitation was heaven’s arrangement. Fortunately, it was just this once.
Yinzheng suppressed a laugh, “Madam, how enthusiastic you were while shopping with cousin! Picking and choosing every item—it really wasn’t like your usual self.”
When had Shen Yunying ever cared so much about accessories and objects? She simply used whatever Third Madam bought, never bothering about such things.
Shen Yunying explained, “For my own use, I’m naturally more casual. Cousin needed gifts and asked me as her advisor—I couldn’t just say everything was good or fine and brush it off.”
Yinping burst into laughter—Shen Yunying had always brushed off the Shen family like this. Especially when Taishi Mansion crafted new accessories or clothes for the three girls, Shen Yunzhi and Shen Yunman would compare each other’s items and press Shen Yunying to say which was better.
Whenever that happened, Shen Yunying would say exactly this: this is good, that’s fine, all are nice.
Shen Yunying also recalled her days at Taishi Mansion, a nostalgic expression flickering across her face, and asked, “What’s for dinner tonight?”
Yinping was just about to speak. “The old master and mistress said dinner will be served over there. Since they’re returning to Fanzhou tomorrow, this will serve as a farewell banquet.”
“However,” Yinping’s expression turned odd, “when the maid from the mistress’s side came to deliver the message, she specifically pulled me aside and quietly asked whether the master had returned to the bridal chamber last night. She also asked if the master and mistress had quarreled. The maid said the mistress is very angry and plans to summon the master for questioning tonight.”
“It seems both the old master and mistress believe it’s the master’s fault.” Yinping had only ever heard of families mistreating new brides; she had never heard of them blaming their own sons or grandsons.
Shen Yunying finally understood. She had wondered why Grandmother Yan had said yesterday that she didn’t need to go to Rongmao Hall for meals today, only to send someone with a message again. So, it turned out the elders had learned that Yan Peifeng hadn’t returned to the Rear Courtyard last night.
She stated firmly, “Of course it’s Yan Peifeng’s fault. Could it possibly be mine?”
Shen Yunying’s expression was earnest, her tone sincere, leaving Yinping at a loss for words. Indeed, they were newly married, and her young mistress hadn’t done anything wrong—so it must be Yan Peifeng’s fault.
In the front courtyard Study, Yan Peifeng was engrossed in reading the books gifted by Grand Tutor Shen. Each essay offered new insights, and the more he read, the more he couldn’t put them down.
He read through the night and continued the next day.
It wasn’t until noon that he took a brief nap for two hours, waking up to resume his reading.
The Study door was knocked—someone from Rongmao Hall had come to summon Yan Peifeng for dinner.
Only then did Yan Peifeng realize it was already dinnertime. He stood up and picked up the strong tea beside him to drink, hoping to clear his mind.
At that moment, a maid wearing a light yellow waistcoat entered with a pot of hot tea and said respectfully, “Young Master, that tea is cold. Here is hot tea—please drink this instead!”
Yang Mingyue, distressed to see Yan Peifeng staying up late studying and drinking cold tea, hurriedly offered the hot tea, leaning close to him.
Yan Peifeng frowned slightly and said coldly, “No need. You may leave.”
Yan Peifeng remembered this maid—she was the granddaughter of Nanny Yang, his wet nurse. Back then, she had pleaded with him to give her granddaughter a position to learn some manners, so she could find a good match in the future.
As a young gentleman, he naturally had to maintain distance from Yang Mingyue. Otherwise, wouldn’t it invite suspicion?
Yang Mingyue suppressed the bitterness in her heart. Among the four maids in the Study, she was the only one the young master never allowed to serve him closely. Now, he didn’t even want to drink the hot tea she offered!
She almost ran out to cry, but when she remembered seeing Shen Yunying strolling and laughing with an unfamiliar man earlier that day, she told herself to hold back.
Yang Mingyue lowered her head and said resentfully, “Young Master, today when I went to buy needles and thread for my grandmother, I accidentally saw the mistress strolling and chatting with another man, laughing and talking without any restraint! She is the mistress of our Yan family!”
Yan Peifeng suddenly looked up, his gaze sharp as an icicle, piercing the standing Yang Mingyue. His fingers, which had been leisurely holding the cup, tightened before he slowly spoke, “Is what you say true?”
Yang Mingyue affirmed, “Every word I said is true!”
Author’s Note: