Chapter 65:

January 3rd of the Lunar New Year.

Early in the morning, Layue already seemed a bit anxious, constantly reminding the senior palace maids to pack this and that, her joy evident on her face.

The servants of Tingyu Pavilion also dared not slack off. Everyone knew this was the only day of the year when the young ladies from each palace could meet their families. Whether they were living well or not, they all valued this day greatly.

Though Layue’s psychological age was not that of a fourteen-year-old girl, she still longed for her family’s arrival.

She had even sent Xiaodengzi to wait at the gate early in the morning.

She herself was extremely anxious. Seeing this, Jinxin smiled and said, “My lady, please don’t be anxious. Madam and the others won’t arrive too late.”

The female relatives of the consorts from each palace would arrive at the palace gates in the morning, and after registration, they would be escorted to each palace according to the rank of their daughters.

Layue’s status was moderate, so she naturally wouldn’t be visited too late.

Sure enough, not long after, a eunuch’s shrill voice was heard outside the door.

Layue had been sitting on the couch, but upon hearing the sound, her heart leapt with joy, and she eagerly stood up.

Jinxin hadn’t seen her mistress act so childishly in a long time. Although the Emperor was around, Layue would occasionally act playfully, but having grown up together, Jinxin could always sense how much of it was genuine and how much was feigned.

As Layue stood up, the dowager lady arrived with her stepmother Linshi and Shen Jiamei. Shen Yiyi, who had likely been reminded before leaving home, was excited but still maintained her composure. Normally, she would have rushed forward already.

“Your Majesty, we greet you,” the group began to kneel, but Layue quickly helped them up, unwilling to accept their courtesy.

The dowager hesitated slightly, fearing that if this were reported, it might harm her daughter’s reputation in the palace.

Etiquette must not be neglected.

Layue smiled warmly, “Grandmother, please don’t worry. Only the people of Tingyu Pavilion are present here. If anyone ever speaks ill of this in the future, it would only be someone from within. As for major matters, I may not be able to handle them, but I’m sure Madam Zhu of the Censorate will make sure they remember it well.”

Though she smiled, the eunuchs and maids in the hall quickly lowered their heads, feeling a wave of fear.

Remembering the incident of the poisoning, those maids who had been discovered were sent back, but none of them had fared well. Madam Zhu of the Censorate was known for her ruthlessness, and everyone in the palace knew her methods well. If one fell into her hands, it would truly be worse than death.

Seeing her stepdaughter smiling while saying something chilling, Linshi quickly lowered her head.

Since their return from the pilgrimage last year, when they saw Layue learning etiquette from palace elders, Linshi felt a tightening in her chest. She sighed inwardly—those from the palace were indeed different.

Since Layue had returned to the palace for some time, she had become even more different than before. Thinking of what her husband had said, the palace was indeed unlike ordinary households.

Layue didn’t care about others’ thoughts and warmly led her relatives into the inner chamber.

The weather was cold, and soon the four of them were sitting on the heated brick bed chatting. All the maids, except Jinxin and Jinling (brought by Shen Dowager), had already withdrawn.

Shen Dowager carefully examined her eldest granddaughter for a long time before finally asking, “Are you doing well, my dear?”

Though she already knew some things, she couldn’t help but ask.

Layue smiled as she sipped her tea, “Grandmother, how do I look to you? Surely you remember what I said when I first entered the palace?”

Looking up gently, her smile deepened, “I am doing very well.”

Shen Dowager nodded with relief. Linshi remained silent, unsure of what to say, only hoping not to make any mistakes.

Though she was the official wife, she wasn’t Layue’s birth mother, and as a stepmother, she had her own difficulties.

“You’ve been in the palace for half a year now. At home, we’ve heard of several incidents you’ve faced, and we were always worried. Fortunately, you’ve managed to overcome every danger,” said Shen Dowager, her face softening as she looked at her beloved granddaughter.

Layue smiled, “Grandmother, Mother, please have some tea. This is pre-rain Longjing tea; it’s very fragrant.”

Everyone picked up their tea cups and tasted it. Indeed, it was of the highest quality—something that even money couldn’t easily buy.

Casually playing with the teacup, Layue said casually, “I often think of the mango preserves that Jinling dried back home. I miss them so much.”

After speaking, she smiled at Jinling, who beamed brightly in return.

But mango preserves?

Others didn’t understand, but Layue’s closest family members knew about this particular habit of hers.

Though Shen Yiyi and Linshi didn’t understand, Shen Dowager certainly did.

Her expression darkened slightly before she sighed, “You child.”

Seeing the conversation between Shen Dowager and Layue, which seemed unrelated to each other, yet both clearly understood, Linshi suddenly recalled what had just been said and couldn’t help but be startled. Looking at Layue’s youthful, delicate face and her blooming smile, Linshi couldn’t help but wonder—was her stepdaughter really as she seemed?

Indeed, like mother, like daughter.

Ancient wisdom never deceives.

How could she forget that Shen Layue was the daughter of her cousin, Yue Qingcheng!

Seeing Linshi lost in thought, Layue reached out and touched her hand, “Mother, what’s wrong? Why won’t you speak to me?”

Seeing her stepdaughter’s affectionate manner, Linshi quickly smiled, “Nothing. Since Madam is so concerned about Layue, I, as a mother, naturally shouldn’t interrupt first.” She patted Layue’s hand affectionately.

Layue smiled, “How is An’er doing?”

Mentioning her son, Linshi quickly replied, “Very well, everything is fine. He’s just a bit quiet. My husband says the child isn’t as active as Shuping was when he was young.”

Her face showed maternal affection.

Layue chuckled, “But isn’t my brother still fond of martial arts?”

Everyone laughed.

Shen Yiyi, sitting aside, hadn’t had the chance to speak to her sister and was getting anxious, looking at Shen Dowager impatiently, wondering if she could speak.

Seeing her expression, Shen Dowager understood she had been holding herself back.

Layue, seeing this, smiled at her younger sister’s small face, “Yiyi, have you caused any trouble at home lately?”

Seeing her sister ask this, Shen Yiyi quickly raised her hand, “No! Grandmother says I’m a grown girl now and can’t act recklessly like before. I’m going to have someone teach me etiquette for the New Year.”

It had been a long time since she had seen her sister, and the young girl couldn’t bear to look away.

Layue thought for a moment and said, “Learning etiquette is good, but don’t be overly constrained, or you’ll lose your true nature.”

She hoped her sister would always remain so innocent and happy, but she also knew that if she knew nothing, it would be the worst indulgence for her. She couldn’t stay by their side forever.

Shen Dowager nodded, “I understand that. You don’t need to worry too much while you’re in the palace.”

Layue smiled with mock indignation, “With Grandmother, Father, and Mother at home, what do I have to worry about? If anything, it’s me who has been making you worry.”

Her words were sincere.

“A mother always worries about her child, no matter how far they go. We are your closest family. Even though you are in the most prosperous place in the world, how could we not worry?” The dowager gave Layue a look.

Thinking of her husband’s instructions, Linshi spoke up, “My husband specifically told me to remind you when I came out—there’s no need to strive for anything at home. Just protect yourself well in the palace.”

Layue wasn’t close to Linshi, but no one was foolish. Everyone understood the principle that when one prospers, all prosper, and when one suffers, all suffer. Even someone like Linshi, who wasn’t particularly clever, understood this.

In the past, Layue had heard of some official wives targeting their stepdaughters or stepmothers targeting their stepchildren, and she had always been puzzled. Women would eventually marry, especially those from families like theirs. If they couldn’t enter the palace, they could still marry into official families. In any case, they would be an asset to the family. Why go out of their way to target them? She had never understood.

But she was also grateful that Linshi was a considerate person. Although she wasn’t particularly warm toward her and her brother, she was very proper and knew what she should and shouldn’t do.

After all, since her mother had chosen her, there must have been a reason.

Layue personally poured tea for the two elders.

“In the palace, if one doesn’t have favor, even the servants will bully them. I know how to behave properly. You don’t need to worry too much. As for striving or not, I have my own judgment. The Shen family will grow stronger, but not now. Acting too hastily will always cause concern.”

She smiled sincerely.

After hearing her words, Shen Dowager and Linshi thought carefully and felt that she was indeed thinking long-term.

Layue didn’t look at Shen Dowager but fixed her gaze on Linshi, “If one doesn’t have favor in the palace, even the servants will bully them. I know how to behave properly. You don’t need to worry too much. As for striving or not, I have my own judgment. The Shen family will grow stronger, but not now. Acting too hastily will always cause concern.”

She smiled sincerely.

After hearing her words, Shen Dowager and Linshi thought carefully and felt that she was indeed thinking long-term.

Layue didn’t look at Shen Dowager but fixed her gaze on Linshi, “Father is the eldest son of the Shen family, my elder brother is the eldest grandson, and I am the daughter of the Shen family and Father’s daughter, as well as my brother’s younger sister. As long as I have the ability, I will take care of everyone in the Shen family. However, Mother, there is one thing I must ask you to remember—no one can replace my brother’s position as the eldest grandson. An’er is my younger brother, and I will treat him very well, giving him the best I can within my means. He is also my close relative, but he must not threaten my brother’s position. I believe, Mother, that you are a smart person. You understand what I mean, right?”

The reason Layue spoke so openly about her thoughts in front of Shen Dowager and Linshi, even without avoiding Shen Yiyi, was to make Linshi take a stance. She also knew that although Linshi wasn’t particularly close to her, she was a sensible person.

Indeed, Linshi’s face stiffened for a moment, but soon she solemnly replied, “Your aunt trusted my character when she chose me to marry into the Shen family as a concubine. After your aunt passed away, I became the official wife, but I have never forgotten her words. You are still young and may not understand some things, but you are clever and perceptive. I am sure you know what kind of person I am. Having An’er has already made me extremely happy, and I will never try to take what doesn’t belong to me. One must always know when to be content.”

She paused briefly before continuing, “Forgive me for saying something you might not like to hear, but your mother is concerned about the entire Shen family, while I, besides that, care more about our eldest branch. Layue, you are the eldest daughter of our eldest branch. Whether or not you are my biological daughter, this fact will never change. As a lady of the household, I may not know much, but I do know that whatever your father says and whatever decisions he makes, I will never oppose them in the slightest. I am a stepmother, and An’er is still young. His future depends on the protection of his older siblings. I cannot stay by his side forever. Therefore, even though he is young, I will teach him to know when to be content. Prosper together, suffer together. I understand this principle.”

Seeing Linshi’s response, Layue smiled. She naturally knew that Linshi was a clear-headed person.

In her previous life, when she wasn’t favored, Linshi hadn’t changed her attitude. In this life, now that she was favored, it was naturally even more different.

In fact, Linshi also had some hidden meanings in her words. Yes, now that she was favored, their eldest branch would become even more prosperous. Compared to the second and third branches, her stepdaughter would not be any threat to Linshi—on the contrary, she might even be a great help.

She wasn’t stupid.

To the Shen family, she, Shen Layue, was Linshi’s support against the second and third branches. To outsiders, a favored daughter was also the entire Shen family’s support.

Seeing the conversation between the two, Shen Dowager nodded in approval, “It’s better to speak openly. No matter how many branches there are in the Shen family, we must unite and face outward. The three brothers still do so, so you sisters-in-law should also get along harmoniously. As for you, Layue, I was originally very worried, but seeing you today, I feel that even though I am old, my vision and insight are not as good as a young girl’s.”

Layue protested, “Grandmother, what are you saying? It sounds like I’m scheming.”

Seeing her playful pout, Shen Dowager smiled and gently tapped her head.

The Shen family structure was simple, and Shen Dowager had experienced few hardships. Although she was old, she was still different from Layue, who had lived in the deep palace for many years. It showed that although age could increase one’s experience, it also depended on the environment one was in.

The group continued chatting, all smiling warmly.

This family reunion happened only once a year, and Layue cherished this opportunity greatly. It was clear that the others felt the same.

Jinxin and Jinling hadn’t seen each other for a long time and were very excited.

Layue could see that Jinling had also changed during this time. She seemed more composed, which was a good thing, so Layue nodded inwardly.

At noon, each palace was given several special dishes.

Indeed, the Emperor was so shrewd that he naturally knew how to win people’s hearts.

Tingyu Pavilion received even more than the usual rewards. Layue wasn’t surprised, but Shen Dowager and Linshi were visibly delighted.

Especially Shen Dowager, who, in the blink of an eye, saw her once little granddaughter now become the Emperor’s beloved Consort, and not only that, but also greatly favored by the Emperor. At that moment, she felt both joy and a touch of melancholy.

Looking at Layue, the old lady thought of her eldest grandson.

“Layue is already married, but Shuping hasn’t settled down yet.”

Layue’s heart skipped a beat and she quickly asked, “Grandmother, have you already found a suitable family?”

Even though Xiao Die had entered the palace, she was still worried about her brother following the same path. Marriage was not only crucial for women but also for men.

Shen Dowager shook her head, “We have looked at a few families, but none were quite suitable. Nothing has been decided yet.”

“Grandmother, this matter must not be rushed. One must marry a virtuous woman. If you have found a suitable family, you must carefully investigate the girl’s character. Although my brother is of age, his heart is very pure. We must not let someone with ill intentions deceive him. Our family must be united. We must not bring in someone unkind and disrupt the peace of our home.”

Everyone nodded solemnly.

“Do you know any young ladies who are virtuous and graceful?” the dowager asked hopefully.

Layue smiled bitterly and shook her head, “The women I’ve met are all in the palace now, aren’t they?”

After thinking for a moment, Layue suggested, “If Grandmother and Father have found someone suitable, it would be best to let Uncle take a look.”

Shen Dowager hadn’t expected her to suggest this and was puzzled.

“Your uncle hasn’t visited much over the years…” the dowager hesitated.

“That’s okay. Just tell them it’s my suggestion. This matter should involve his advice.”

Seeing Layue’s insistence, the dowager nodded in agreement.

Being together as a family, even if time passed quickly, felt fleeting.

Before long, the sun had set, and Shen Dowager, along with her eldest daughter-in-law and granddaughter, prepared to leave.

Layue had prepared many gifts and thick cloaks and insisted on going out to see them off. Shen Dowager couldn’t stop her and finally let her accompany them to the door.

Holding her grandmother’s hand, Layue whispered softly, just loud enough for the two of them to hear, “Uncle has also arranged someone for me. Grandmother can rest assured. Uncle is trustworthy. There are people from the Emperor and the Empress Dowager in my palace. Whatever I do, I have my own purpose. There’s no need to worry about me.”

The dowager seemed not to hear, only slightly nodding, almost imperceptibly.

Seeing her family off at the palace gate was a rare privilege, and Layue didn’t feel it was inappropriate. Who wouldn’t be close to their own family? The palace was full of intrigue. If one didn’t get close to their own family, would they instead befriend those sisters who smiled to their faces but schemed behind their backs?

Shen Yiyi was still a child. Although she had been reminded beforehand, at this moment, she couldn’t help but cry, looking pitifully cute. Layue felt a pang in her heart.

She bent down to comfort her a bit, but the dowager, unwilling to let Layue lose her composure, lightly scolded her a few words. Finally, Shen Yiyi managed to hold back her tears.

After seeing them off, Layue waved her handkerchief, her eyes stinging.

Meeting again would have to wait until next year.

With slightly red eyes, she turned around and unexpectedly saw Emperor Jing watching her from a distance.

Their eyes met, and Emperor Jing looked at her with a complex gaze.

That look was hard to decipher.