Chapter 92:

The Shen family had not expected such news to come from the palace. However, the opportunity to visit their daughter inside the palace was certainly a good thing. This also indirectly reflected the status of Layue within the palace.

Having a daughter favored by the emperor was a tremendous advantage for the family. Even someone as simple-minded as Layue’s second uncle understood this well.

Although the Shen family was not particularly prominent or wealthy, nor had they received any official promotions, they were still regarded as quite different by outsiders.

Shen’s father was a scholar with a somewhat proud disposition. It was true that he had ambitions for power, but he was not overly obsessed with it. If he were otherwise, he would not have remained in his current position without any advancement.

He saw things clearly, or perhaps it was his wife who had seen clearly. He still remembered how his wife had once analyzed the political situation at court. Although she was now gone and a new emperor had ascended the throne, the emperor and his son would always share a familial bond. Some of her strategies could still be useful today.

Mother and son sat together, and after hearing her son’s words, Madam Shen nodded in agreement: “It must be about Ping Ge’er’s marriage that Layue wants to see me. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have arranged this meeting at such a critical time. It’s fine. I’ll go and talk with her in detail. It will at least bring her peace of mind.”

Shen’s father nodded: “Now that Layue’s status in the palace is steadily rising, you must remind her to be cautious everywhere and never act recklessly.”

They were aware that Chen Yulan had recently been sent to the cold palace. Even Chen Yulan’s mother had come to visit Madam Shen, hoping that Layue would help her daughter. But even though their family had the means to send messages into the palace, how could they possibly do so? Rumor had it that Yulan had repeatedly plotted against Layue in the palace. If she had a heart as venomous as a snake’s, she should be prepared to face the consequences.

Their family would never allow Chen Yulan’s affairs to affect Layue.

Yet regardless, this incident highlighted an undeniable fact—serving the emperor was like walking beside a tiger; life in the harem was not easy. Within just a year, Virtuous Consort, the Zhou family’s daughter, the Lian family’s daughter, the second daughter of the Bai family, and now Chen Yulan—all had gradually faded away from the palace.

Looking at her son, Madam Shen said, “Even if I don’t remind Layue, she will naturally handle things well. This girl is perceptive. I used to worry endlessly, fearing she might fall for the emperor’s heroic presence. If that had happened, who could say what the outcome would be? But it turns out that whatever her thoughts were, she always acted appropriately. Our family is no longer a prominent one in the capital, and your official rank is not high either. Looking at it this way, for her to reach where she is today must have been entirely through her own efforts.”

Shen’s father naturally understood all this.

“This girl somehow got in touch with her maternal uncle. Although he is a bit slippery, he would never harm these children. Back then, Qingcheng held her elder brother in high esteem. It’s likely that today, Layue also received his help in the palace. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have mentioned involving her uncle in Ping Ge’er’s marriage arrangements.”

Madam Shen had some complaints about her daughter-in-law’s brother being indifferent toward the children, but since he had been helpful, she chose not to speak ill of him.

She snorted slightly, “He’s always been a schemer, just like any businessman. Who knows if he’s only trying to take advantage of Layue’s stable position in the palace to gain favor?” Though she said this, her expression did not show much displeasure.

Shen’s father knew his mother was just venting her frustration verbally. He also realized that she only spoke this way in front of him; otherwise, she would never break decorum in front of others.

He smiled to comfort his mother: “Why should you think so much, Mother? Can our granddaughter possibly suffer any loss? She’s managing very well in the palace. She has her own thoughts and plans.”

Even though Qingcheng had passed away several years ago, Shen’s father still held deep respect for the Yue family.

Layue had assumed her father, being a scholar, disliked those involved in business. She didn’t realize that his coldness toward the Yues was actually due to their indifference toward her. In his heart, he had always hoped the two families could maintain a close relationship.

Despite the Yues’ coldness, Shen’s father still visited them according to tradition during festivals and holidays. In his heart, Qingcheng had never simply been a deceased wife.

…

Layue seemed to be living quite comfortably in the palace. Compared to six months ago, her cheeks had even gained a bit more fullness.

Madam Shen nodded in satisfaction when she saw her granddaughter. This time, she had come alone.

Seeing her grandmother examining her from head to toe, Layue playfully turned around: “Grandmother, are you satisfied now that you’ve seen everything?”

Madam Shen gave her a sideways glance: “You can’t be so playful inside the palace.”

If there were outsiders present, Madam Shen would certainly maintain proper decorum, for Layue was now an imperial concubine. But when they were alone, it was different. To her, Layue was still the granddaughter she had raised since childhood.

Layue, unlike her usual reserved smile in public, laughed heartily: “Grandmother, do you think I’m foolish?”

Seeing her like this, Madam Shen also smiled: “You shouldn’t act so unrestrained in front of me. You’re already grown up. Perhaps one day you’ll become a mother yourself. You can’t behave like this anymore.”

This was already the second time recently that someone had mentioned children to her, and both times, it was clearly for her own good.

Whether it was Zhu Yuning or her grandmother, their words were all meant to help her.

Layue felt her thoughts drifting. She had always thought there was no rush before. But now, hearing them speak like this, she began to feel a little uncertain.

Seeing Layue’s slight hesitation, Madam Shen took her hand and spoke earnestly: “Don’t think you’re still so young. True, you still seem like a young girl now. But aren’t all young ladies like that? In two years, the emperor will select new concubines again. Younger, more beautiful ladies will enter the palace. If you lose the emperor’s favor and still have no child, what will you do then?”

The usually clever girl seemed confused about this matter.

After biting her lip in thought, Layue nodded seriously: “I will certainly be careful. But recently, I fell into cold water and caught a chill. My body is still weak. It would not be suitable for me to conceive this year. I will work on it next year.”

Seeing that Layue was willing to listen, Madam Shen felt reassured.

She had been afraid that Layue, being independent-minded, would not heed her advice. “If you don’t listen to the elders, you will suffer the consequences.” This was an ancient saying, and it was true. Layue was still young and did not yet understand how important having a child was for a woman.

This was true even in ordinary families, let alone in the imperial harem.

“It’s good that you’re willing to listen. Just think—if you never have a child, even the Empress Dowager might not continue to favor you as before.”

Layue wanted to argue but hesitated, her lips moving slightly. In the end, she did not refute her grandmother’s words. She couldn’t deny that her grandmother was right.

“Grandmother, please don’t worry. I will work on this matter as soon as my body recovers. Grandmother, the reason I invited you here today was actually about my brother. Please don’t only focus on advising me. I will always think carefully before acting, and I have listened to your words. Now, please tell me about Miss Min?”

Seeing Layue’s expression, Madam Shen knew she was deeply concerned.

She gently patted Layue’s hand in reassurance.

“You silly girl. Don’t you think about it? Ping Ge’er is my legitimate grandson. How could I not find a virtuous wife for him? Miss Min is named Yunying. Her father served as an official in the south for several years and was only transferred to the capital a year before the selection. Miss Min may not be exceptionally beautiful, but she is still outstanding. Compared to you city girls, she has more of the gentle grace typical of southern women.”

“Choosing a wife for virtue, Grandmother, please tell me about her personality.”

Madam Shen smiled and gently tapped her granddaughter’s forehead: “You impatient girl, I’m just getting to that. I want to give you a full picture, but you’re already in such a hurry.”

Layue didn’t hold back: “I’m just worried my brother might end up with a bad woman. Beauty isn’t a reliable indicator. I’ve seen too many beautiful women who turned out to be like man-eating flowers.”

In her past life and this one, she had seen too many beautiful women with evil hearts.

Madam Shen took this as Layue’s reflection on her time in the palace and sighed as well: “Rest assured, Miss Min is truly a good person. She is gentle and graceful in manner and capable of managing household affairs efficiently. Marrying her to Ping Ge’er would not be a loss for our Shen family.”

Seeing Layue’s doubtful expression, Madam Shen explained: “The Min family is also a scholarly household. Mr. Min is a man of integrity. However, a few years ago, his eldest daughter insisted on marrying the son of a minor merchant. If he had been a good match, her parents wouldn’t have opposed it. Unfortunately, he was not a suitable man. Despite this, Miss Min was determined and even cut off her hair to sever ties with her family. She eventually left the Min household and never returned. After that, Lady Min fell ill from grief and passed away. Left alone, the second daughter took over managing the household. Because of the eldest daughter’s scandal, after the selection, no one proposed marriage to the second daughter. People naturally feared that if the elder sister was rebellious, the younger might be the same. Moreover, during the years she managed the household, she made many decisive decisions, which made people even more reluctant to consider her as a potential daughter-in-law. Elders always prefer obedient and compliant daughters-in-law rather than those who make their own decisions.”

“If that’s the case, why did you choose her, Grandmother?”

Layue naturally hoped for family harmony and peace.

“We have been looking for a suitable match for your brother, but it was he himself who fell for Miss Min. He said he tends to be indecisive, while Miss Min, though appearing gentle, is actually very strong-willed. He believes she will be better able to manage the household for him in the future. Your father also found her acceptable. After further consideration, we agreed to the match. Although she is capable, she is also considerate. And our Shen family truly needs someone like that. I am getting old, An Ge’er is still young, and your mother, although she tries her best, is not someone who can handle everything perfectly. As for your second and third aunts-in-law, let’s not even talk about them. Considering all this, a capable granddaughter-in-law would actually be better. Now that we’ve decided, we will soon go to the Min family to formally propose.”

After hearing her grandmother’s explanation, Layue thought to herself. She had originally assumed her brother preferred delicate, gentle girls like the parasitic tu si hua flower. She hadn’t expected that the girl her brother had chosen would be one who appeared gentle on the outside but was strong-willed inside.

Perhaps she didn’t understand her brother as well as she thought?

And how had her brother, once bullied so cruelly by Bai Xiaodie, eventually taken revenge with his own hands?