Chapter 4: Joy Fills the Gate, the Women Return

Jinxin and Jinling naturally understood that this plan of their young mistress was actually the best for them.

The two of them wept as they agreed.

Although their voices were choked with emotion, Shen Layue herself did not cry: “Now that we’ve decided on entering the palace, starting tomorrow, both of you will follow along to learn the court etiquette. Do your best, for the palace is certainly not as simple as we imagine. Jinling, although you definitely won’t accompany me into the palace, I still hope you learn some of these things. Understanding more about proper conduct can never be a bad thing.”

“I understand, Miss.”

After arranging everything, Shen Layue gave them further instructions.

Besides wanting what was best for Jinling, Shen Layue had another deeper reason for asking her to learn the etiquette—Jinling was too innocent, and this might help change her personality.

Innocence was good, but in this era, being overly innocent could be dangerous.

Layue thought bitterly to herself.

The next day,

Following her usual routine, Layue began studying court manners. Actually, she didn’t really need to learn them, as these things had already become second nature to her, just like eating or drinking water. She spent most of her time every day studying them simply to gain Madam Yu’s favor and, indirectly, to learn about the Empress Dowager’s habits.

If there was one thing she regretted from her previous life, it was not having flattered the Empress Dowager. However, she soon accepted it—after all, the Empress Dowager wasn’t someone just anyone could approach. Many had tried to gain favor through her but ended up on a dead end. Heaven had indeed been generous enough to her. Why should she dwell on such things? Living in the present and doing her best would be enough.

Shen Layue studied diligently, and so did Jinxin and Jinling.

Madam Yu wasn’t like some old nannies who disliked seeing maids study etiquette. Seeing how serious both maids were, she was secretly pleased.

She liked girls who understood things well.

Madam Yu taught them without holding back, occasionally offering some guidance. Seeing them become even more attentive after receiving her advice, she nodded approvingly.

Although the Shen family had somewhat declined, their family education was still good, and the maids were clever too.

“Knock knock”

As they were studying attentively, a knocking sound came at the door—it was Jinlan, a second-tier maid.

“Greetings, Madam Yu and Young Miss,” Jinlan bowed slightly.

“The ladies are about to arrive.”

This was something Shen Layue had arranged in the morning.

After greeting Madam Yu, Layue went out.

Seeing the Shen family’s eldest daughter’s demeanor, Madam Yu nodded approvingly behind her back. Calm and composed, efficient and organized, and with impeccable etiquette—perhaps this young lady would indeed achieve something in the imperial harem.

Previously, Shen Layue had preferred muted colors. Some say one’s preferred colors reflect one’s inner state. Now she deeply understood this. After being reborn, she had come to prefer more vibrant colors.

Clad in vibrant red, Layue stood by the door with her hair neatly tied into two small buns for ease during etiquette lessons. Yet, the golden peony hairpin made her exceptionally striking.

In the Nangin Kingdom, there were no strict requirements for the hairstyles of unmarried women. Usually, girls would tie their hair into a bun and let the rest hang down, giving a gentle and graceful appearance.

But Layue deliberately chose otherwise.

She had her own reasons. Firstly, this hairstyle was more convenient. Secondly, she wanted to appear more innocent and younger. Her eyes were too soft and alluring, which might displease the Empress Dowager during the selection. It would be better to downplay her allure.

Otherwise, if she dressed like this only on the day of selection, the contrast would be too great, and someone might report it to the Empress Dowager.

Layue knew that now she must consider everything carefully.

The carriages slowly approached.

Seeing that the young lady was actually standing at the gate to welcome them, the servants hurriedly bowed.

After placing the footstool properly, several people stepped down from their carriages.

“Layue greets Mother, Second Auntie, and Third Auntie,” she curtsied sideways.

Even though they hadn’t seen each other for many years, she recognized them all at once.

Her stepmother, Madam Lin, had the delicate beauty of a gentle lady. Though not particularly striking, she exuded a kind temperament, which was why Lord Shen favored her. Second Auntie, Madam Wang, had slightly upturned eyes and a thin face. Though beautiful, she looked sharp-tempered. Third Auntie, Madam Xu, appeared calm and graceful like a proper lady.

Her cousin Wanru was two years younger than Layue but nearly as tall. Though not as beautiful as Layue, she was still a pretty girl.

“Big Sister…”

Wanru, who was relatively close to Layue, was about to rush forward but was held back by her mother, Madam Wang.

Layue’s etiquette made Wanru seem somewhat ill-mannered.

“Haven’t you forgotten to greet your elder sister properly?” Accustomed to her mother’s discipline, Wanru curtsied sideways, though somewhat clumsily.

Though Madam Wang’s expression remained neutral, Layue could tell she was somewhat displeased.

“You came all the way to greet us at the gate? Is your mother well?” Madam Lin affectionately took Shen Layue’s hand.

Actually, Madam Lin wasn’t particularly affectionate towards Shen Layue, but she had never treated her poorly either, nor had she engaged in any malicious behavior.

Overall, Madam Lin was a woman who understood propriety well.

She was very good at maintaining appearances.

In fact, Madam Lin clearly understood that Shen Layue posed no threat to her. Moreover, if Layue could enter the palace in the future, it would be a significant advantage for the Shen family and Lord Shen.

She saw all this very clearly. In fact, Madam Lin considered the wives of the second and third branches of the family to be a greater threat than Layue.

“Grandmother is already fine. Mother and aunts must be tired from the journey. Please come in and freshen up. Grandmother has been looking forward to seeing you.”

Layue warmly took Madam Lin’s arm and led her inside. The wives of the second and third branches exchanged glances, both showing surprise.

Even Madam Lin herself was somewhat taken aback.

You see, although Layue had never been openly hostile towards Madam Lin, she had never shown her much warmth either. She would usually ignore her if possible. Now, seeing her acting so affectionately was indeed puzzling to them.

After the ladies freshened up a bit, they hurried to the old lady’s room to pay their respects. After all, when they left, the old lady had been feeling unwell, and as dutiful daughters-in-law, they naturally needed to show their respect for their elders.

Meanwhile, Layue had already returned to the old lady’s room to report.

“Although Mother and the aunts seem a bit tired, they are in good spirits. Especially Mother—Layue noticed that her eyes were full of joy. Perhaps there’s some happy news?” Layue’s good memory came into play again. She suspected that Madam Lin had recently been confirmed pregnant.

Seeing her serious little expression, the old lady chuckled and gently tapped the girl’s head.

“You naughty girl, now you’re making guesses?”

“Big Sister is the smartest. She would never guess randomly.” Shen Yiyi was quick to defend her sister. Though only four years old, she was already quite perceptive.

Her mother had passed away early, and though she lived with the old lady, she wasn’t a foolish child. Moreover, her brothers and sisters had always taken care of her. Even without them telling her, she could understand things from their conversations.

In her heart, her brothers and sisters were the most important, followed by her grandmother, and then everyone else.

“Oh! Look at Yiyi defending her sister!” Seeing Shen Yiyi’s expression, the old lady laughed even more.

Shen Yiyi hugged the old lady’s neck, looking both sweet and mischievous: “My sister is the smartest. She can sing, play the zither, and dance. My sister knows everything. What she says must be right.”

Her innocent words made the old lady laugh heartily.

The daughters-in-law were just arriving at the door when they heard the old lady’s laughter.

They quickly entered to pay their respects.

Seeing her daughters-in-law return, the old lady naturally felt pleased and immediately invited them to sit down.

Madam Xu smiled: “We have good news for you, Mother.”

“Oh?”

“Reporting to Mother, my elder sister felt a bit unwell at the Temple of Clear Spring. When the physician came to examine her, we received this wonderful news—my elder sister is with child.”

Shen Layue sat quietly to the side, smiling with no change in her expression. However, the old lady was quite surprised and looked toward Madam Lin.

“This is truly joyful news. But why…”

Madam Xu continued: “Mother, please don’t blame my elder sister. We three discussed it together and wanted to give you a surprise when we returned.”

Now the old lady was truly delighted. It had been many years since the Shen family had such happy news.

“Excellent! This is truly wonderful! It must have been your mischievous nature that came up with this idea.” The old lady teased Madam Xu with a smile.

Madam Xu naturally knew this wasn’t a real scolding and happily joined in the banter.

“Quickly send for Doctor Fang to examine her properly. We mustn’t be careless.”

Madam Lin was also beaming with joy: “I understand, Mother.”

“Jinsu, go and arrange for Doctor Fang to come immediately,” the old lady was clearly concerned.

Jinsu acknowledged and went out.

Watching Jinsu leave, the old lady turned back to speak to Layue with a smile: “You little girl must have known about this already, didn’t you? Teasing your grandmother like this deserves a scolding.”

The other ladies were puzzled by the old lady’s words and looked toward Layue. Had she already known something?

But everyone knew no one had told her.

Layue playfully stomped her foot and pouted: “Grandmother, you’re being unfair! Ask Mother and the aunts carefully—they didn’t tell me anything.”

Seeing her acting so childishly, the old lady pretended to ask the other daughters-in-law: “Did any of you really tell her?”

“What? Did Miss Yue already know?” The second lady was stunned and asked in return.

Seeing her genuine surprise, the old lady was convinced that Layue had indeed not known about this beforehand.