Chapter 010: The Wang of Langya

However, upon hearing this, Wang Si-niang's face flushed red and then turned pale. Shen Che still concealed much of what was happening outside from the family, and those outsiders were privy to even more. The ones who needed Second Master Shen to use a kite to curry favor must certainly be those disreputable women from outside.

This place is truly elegantly arranged, Ji Cheng said with a smile to Shen Yan

Since Ji Cheng arrived in Beijing, although there have been some young ladies who looked down upon her background, none have been as extreme as Wang Si Niang. She didn't even spare Ji Cheng a glance; whenever Ji Cheng participated in a conversation, she would immediately fall silent or change the subject, in short, she wanted nothing to do with Ji Cheng.

Shen Cui was aware of this principle, yet she still felt uncomfortable. A group of eight or nine young ladies went together to Yingyue Tower, where a southern river flowed in front of the building. This Qiong Garden is surrounded by water on all sides, with the southern river located to the south of the garden, hence its name. The willows by the river are lush and tender, resembling the first chirps of a yellow oriole, and there is a small wooden bridge over the river, with Ruyi Temple visible on the opposite side.

Shen Qian, however, did not notice Wang Si-niang's expression, as she was being called over by Su Jun

Shen Qian has not yet answered, and Shen Cui asked again: "Why is it that only you were given a gift?" They are all sisters from the same family. Whenever Shen Che gives gifts to his sisters, he never leaves anyone out. Shen Cui has also received several items from Shen Che, and she is truly envious.

Ji Cheng found himself missing the springtime in Jin. The women of the northern regions are not so particular; at this time, they can go out riding horses, practicing archery, and engaging in various activities. In fact, Ji Cheng had even accompanied her brothers on two hunting trips.

At that moment, Wang Yueniang heard Ji Cheng's laughter and glared over. Ji Cheng merely responded with a smile, while Wang Si Niang cast a condescending glance and then turned her slightly raised chin away.

Meanwhile, Ji Cheng, who was admiring the goldfish in the blue and white porcelain jar behind the partition, inadvertently overheard this conversation

Shen Qian said: "Good sister, please don't mention it. You know my second brother's abilities; he can charm my mother to no end. My father has broken several canes at home due to his behavior, yet my second brother still does as he pleases. I can only hope to marry a strong sister-in-law who can manage him." Although Shen Qian felt that this hope was likely to be in vain.

Shen Cui was both angry and frustrated, yet she was reluctant to leave, so she could only vent her anger at Ji Cheng, saying: "Cousin, why aren't we leaving quickly?"

The sisters of the Shen family are already accustomed to such scenes. Shen Yan has instructed the maid to pull up the curtains around, allowing the cool breeze to flow through. Inside the building, nine fan-shaped tables have been arranged, each adorned with cups, saucers, and food boxes, along with a small Guanyin jade vase containing carefully selected branches of blooming peach blossoms, arranged with both thoughtfulness and elegance

Shen Qian was too lazy to cater to her fifth sister's bad temper, and after saying that, she turned around and left

Finding a moment of respite, Wang Si-niang pulled Shen Qian aside to speak, "Why are both the Duke and the Princess not concerned about Second Brother Shen?"

Shen Cui had this intention early on, so she asked: "Is it just us few?"

In March, when the spring breeze warms the air, the garden is filled with vibrant colors. One cannot help but mention the splendid scene of the peonies blooming next month. Wang Si Niang said: "Next month, my family will once again host the Peony Banquet. At that time, I will send you invitations. This year, I specifically asked Her Majesty, the Noble Consort, to have the craftsmen from the Artisan Bureau create a peony screen for the enjoyment of the peonies."

As a result, the several young ladies of Yingyue Tower spontaneously divided into two groups. Shen Yuan needed to take care of Ji Cheng, and Shen Cui also did not favor the Wang sisters, so the three of them formed one group. The Wang sisters became friends with the other two young ladies, Lin and Yan. As for Su Jun and Shen Qian, they managed to maintain good relations with both sides, ensuring that neither group felt neglected

Ji Cheng slowly stood up, straightened the creases on his clothing, and walked outside

Ji Cheng recalled the suffering her second brother endured for her, and she felt that she could not be so selfish as to live her own little life in peace, solely relying on her family to support her.

Ji Cheng indeed knows a bit about the reason; it is nothing more than the trouble caused by Shen Cui's temperament. Although she is not the daughter of a princess, she expects everyone in the world to only hold her in high regard.

Shen Yan said somewhat unhappily, "If you feel uncomfortable, then you need not come. Cheng cousin is my sister; if you speak like this again, do not blame me for being impolite."

Due to Wang Si-niang's disdain for playing at the same table as Ji Cheng, the drinking games and guessing games could not take place. They could only enjoy flowers and play chess, which were merely pastimes of daily life and lacked much interest. In the end, Shen Yuan called for Wen'er and Su'er to sing a song, and after everyone listened to a piece, they simply set it aside.

The Wang family traces its roots back, claiming to be a branch of the Wang clan from Langya in ancient times, which reflects their lofty self-perception and disdain for humble origins, let alone merchants. Unfortunately, times have changed; the Wang clan of Langya has long since vanished, and their nobility is no longer in sight

The second branch is indeed capable of raising a daughter like Shen Yan, so it must not be lacking; I fear that the future of the Shen family will fall upon the second branch. Ji Cheng has increasingly resolved to get along well with Shen Yan.

Shen Qian felt embarrassed at once, while Shen Yuan understood a little more and her face turned slightly red. However, Shen Cui was still unaware of this issue.

Shen Yan found it quite useful, but said, "This is nothing; the Peony Banquet that Si Niang organized last year was truly unique." It turns out that Wang Si Niang's name is Si, which is why she is also called Si Niang.

"They are all my sisters, yet she told others first and only came to me last. What do you think she means by that? Does she look down on her own sisters just because she is the daughter of a princess?" Shen Cui said angrily in Ji Cheng's ear.

Wang Yueniang's voice was not particularly low, making it difficult for Ji Cheng not to hear her. It was indeed somewhat awkward, but she would not stoop to the level of someone like Wang Yueniang.

Ji Cheng did not expect that someone as gentle and accommodating as Shen Yuan would speak of Wang Yueniang in such a manner, leaving Wang Yueniang blushing with shame and guilt, and in her heart, she truly felt grateful.

Wang Si-niang heard Shen Yuan mention her name, turned around, and smiled at her, but did not respond. Wang Si-niang naturally came from an extraordinary background, and with an elder sister who was the noble consort and had given birth to the crown prince, it is understandable that she would be somewhat proud and haughty.

Shen Cui asked, "When did Second Brother give you the kite?" It is not surprising that Shen Cui is somewhat naive; mainly, Shen Che is a person who is very particular about his clothing, food, and transportation. Anything he brings back to give to Shen Qian is certainly not ordinary.

With a sigh in her heart, Ji Cheng sometimes found it difficult to be certain whether her decisions were right or wrong. Enduring cold treatment and frequent disdainful humiliation, she had to bear it with thick skin, driven by her desires. Yet, in reality, it was quite painful, and although she wished to fight back, she felt powerless. Her second brother had once advised her to stay in Jin and marry there, assuring her that if the sky were to fall, her brothers would support her.

Ji Cheng found Shen Yuan's words sharp yet endearing, and she couldn't help but chuckle. The Wang sisters indeed do not have the fate of a princess, yet they suffer from the ailments of one.

Shen Qian, fearing that Shen Yan and Shen Qian might misunderstand, quickly said: "This is the only kite, and it was not given to me by Second Brother. He originally intended to give it to someone else, but I forcibly took it from him."

Wang Si-niang felt her face flush without knowing why, yet she was afraid of being noticed, so she hurriedly dabbed her mouth with a handkerchief, not even knowing what she was wiping. It was just unfortunate that it was still late spring, and she had not yet taken up her round fan.

Originally, Ji Cheng intended to advise Shen Cui a few words, but this girl’s temperament is truly annoying, and she was too lazy to speak with her. In any case, Shen Cui would definitely not listen, and might even blame her instead.

Wang Si-niang's cousin, Wang Yue-niang, could not help but say to Shen Yan: "Sister Yan, why did you invite such people here? It makes it unpleasant for us to play together, and it also annoys my fourth sister."

After all, Sister Jun and the others are guests, so it is only natural to attend to them first. You are the own sister of the Fourth Younger Sister, and she is close to you, which is why she called for you last.

In the midst of distraction, the topic has shifted from the Peony Banquet to the paper kite.

No matter how wealthy a family may be, if it falls into the hands of a spendthrift, it will only end up consuming its own resources. Do not be deceived by the current splendor of the Duke of Qi's residence; however, once the Duke and the princess are gone, it is likely to face a bleak future in the hands of this Master Shen. Unfortunately, this Master Shen is the only offspring of Princess Anhe and the Duke of Qi, which makes Ji Cheng sigh inwardly.

Shen Qian smiled and said, "They all went."

Who are you sending it to?" Shen Cui asked casually.

Upon ascending the Yingyue Tower, one can even gaze upon the Buddha hall within the Ruyi Temple. The Ruyi Temple is densely surrounded by peach trees, which are currently in full bloom, resembling pink snow and radiant clouds, with fallen petals scattered everywhere. Ji Cheng could not help but exclaim, "Such a beautiful scene"

Shen Yan instructed the maid to fetch the kite, and Shen Qian also said: "You go tell Ziyan in my room to bring the bat kite that my second brother sent me this year"

Everyone said it was good, and even Shen Yan responded affirmatively.

The gentle spring breeze is indeed a perfect time for flying kites, taking advantage of the wind's strength

Shen Cui remained silent, gazing at Su Jun and Wang Si Niang. She noticed the two of them smiling knowingly at her, which made Shen Cui's expression turn displeased, as if they had only come to speak to her at the very end

After Shen Yan finished speaking, she no longer paid attention to Wang Yueniang, pulling Ji Cheng's hand to sit down to one side, "Don't mind her, the Wang sisters have such an arrogant disposition, they think that even a glance from them is a favor to you, hum."