Chapter 6, Underflow

Although Shen Yue did not understand what was wrong with Shen Miao's words, upon seeing Chen Ruo Qiu's anxious expression, she realized something and stood properly in place, no longer speaking.

Ren Wanyun hurriedly placed Shen Yuanbai onto the couch of Old Madam Shen, saying: "Mother, the daughters-in-law will take their leave first. Seventh Brother, be good and play nicely with the old lady."

Wanyu died on the way to the marriage alliance, and Wanyu's princess title was given to Princess Yue Ru. Princess Yue Ru naturally accepted everything that belonged to Wanyu

The young girl is dressed in a deep red embroidered long garment. She has always loved to wear bright and delicate colors, and since she does not have her parents around, she does not know how to dress up, which always gives off a rustic feeling.

In the western courtyard, the Shen couple has long been absent from the capital, and almost all the maids and servants in the courtyard have been replaced. Among them are those from the old lady's side, the second branch, and the third branch. However, since the second branch manages the household, naturally, there are more people from the second branch. It is better not to mention this, for if it were to reach the ears of outsiders, how could the eldest daughter's lack of acquaintance with any servant in her own courtyard be justified? What good intentions could the second and third branches possibly have? There is certainly no reason for the sisters-in-law to interfere in the affairs of the elder brother's courtyard. It is better not to mention this, for if it were to reach the ears of outsiders, how could the eldest daughter's lack of acquaintance with any servant in her own courtyard be justified? What good intentions could the second and third branches possibly have? There is certainly no reason for the sisters-in-law to interfere in the affairs of the elder brother's courtyard.

Old Madam Shen furrowed her brows. Although she had been with General Shen for many years, she did not understand the intricacies of officialdom, her perspective limited to the corners of the household. She could not discern the implications behind Shen Miao's words. She only felt that Shen Miao was acting strangely today, repeatedly contradicting her and already offending her authority as the head of the household, prompting her to be on the verge of anger.

Lost in thought, Chen Ruoqiu raised her head, her gaze falling upon several individuals heading towards the western courtyard.

Chen Ruoqiu also realized something and hurriedly followed Ren Wanyun's words, saying: "Indeed, Sister Yue, Sister Qing, please do not mention what was just said again. It was merely a coincidence that Fifth Young Master accidentally fell into the water and happened to be seen by His Highness the Ding Wang. There are always coincidences in the world." She smiled at Shen Miao: "Fifth Young Master, the old lady is also concerned about you and is not truly angry with you."

"No. " Shen Miao interrupted her words: "Prepare the car immediately."

Chen Ruoqiu's smile froze

Chen Ruoqiu was taken aback, glancing at the visibly displeased old lady in the high seat, and reluctantly said: "Although that is the case, it is indeed too careless for Xiao Wu to fall into the pond. How could the several maids around her not take proper care? Just because the elder brother and sister-in-law are not present, does that mean they can bully their master like this? In my opinion, it would be better to replace these maids."

Shen Miao looked at the woman in front of her. Shen Yue resembled Chen Ruo Qiu in appearance and also shared a similar temperament. Chen Ruo Qiu came from a scholarly family, with delicate and graceful features. Even in her daily walk and speech, she exuded a gentle demeanor, beautiful yet not frivolous. Such a cultured woman appeared to be easy to get along with, but who could have known what would happen later...

Shen Miao closed her eyes; if one were to say that there was no credit due to Chen Ruoqiu in this matter, it is likely that even Chen Ruoqiu herself would not believe it. It seems that Chen Ruoqiu and Madam Mei had long reached an agreement, intending to watch her believe she had hope, only to have that very hope shattered before her eyes.

And now, the deep red accentuates her complexion, making it appear even fairer. It is clearly the same visage, yet it feels considerably more solemn... even somewhat... imposing

The girl across from her looked at her, with a round face, round eyes, and a round nose. Such a visage, combined with a timid expression, easily gives rise to an impression of being dull and foolishly naive

Her Wan Yu is not yet sixteen years old

Gu Yu whispered: "The young lady's health has not yet fully recovered, so why the haste to go to the Guangwen Pavilion? The illness has already been explained, and the studies are not urgent at this moment. It is better to..."

The third house is indeed stirring restlessly

Shen Qing looked at her mother with some confusion; although she was reluctant, she still obediently kept silent

Shen Miao lowered her head and said: "Why did Third Aunt replace Gu Yu and the others? They were all left to Fifth Young Lady by Father and Mother. Now, many people in the West Courtyard have changed. Just a few days ago, that batch of second-class maidservants, Fifth Young Lady didn't recognize a single one. If Gu Yu and the others are replaced as well, Fifth Young Lady won't even know who to talk to in the West Courtyard"

Ren Wanyun let out a chuckle. Chen Ruoqiu shot her a somewhat annoyed glance, to which Ren Wanyun responded with a faint, knowing smile at the corner of her mouth

Her mind was racing, and with a smile, she shot a glance at Chen Ruoqiu, saying to Shen Miao: "Your third aunt is just joking with you. The girls from Guyu are merely careless and negligent. Our Shen family is kind-hearted and would never engage in such inhumane acts. Little Five, do not be anxious."

However, in the end, it was her Wanyu who got married

Chen Ruoqiu glanced at Shen Yuanbai, her hands resting on her abdomen, and slowly walked out of Rongjing Hall. The second branch has a son, which earns them the favor of Old Madam Shen; what does it matter how capable one is... After all, Shen Yue is just a daughter. If only there were a son, in the Shen residence, the first branch's possessions would eventually be contested. If there were a son, at least they could share the spoils equally, unlike now, where the second branch benefits for nothing... Moreover, the first branch still has a legitimate son. Although he is with Shen Xin at the border, who knows if he will return to claim a share? If only there were a son, in the Shen residence, the first branch's possessions would eventually be contested. If there were a son, at least they could share the spoils equally, unlike now, where the second branch benefits for nothing... Moreover, the first branch still has a legitimate son. Although he is with Shen Xin at the border, who knows if he will return to claim a share

In the end, she still choked out a remark at Chen Ruoqiu

Shen Yuanbai looked at his mother, then glanced at Chen Ruoqiu, and yawned. Lady Shen was somewhat impatient with the verbal sparring between her second and third daughters-in-law. Seeing this situation, she said: "Enough, it's just some trivial matters. Second daughter-in-law, bring over the seventh son, and let everyone disperse. With so many people, it's making my head spin."

This sister-in-law of mine appears to be well-educated and sensible, yet her heart is quite shrewd. Such words may deceive that fool Shen Miao, perhaps she intends to replace the people around Shen Miao. Now that Shen Yue has reached an age where she should be more discerning, in the capital, regardless of how far Shen Miao's reputation for being foolish and timid extends, in terms of status, Shen Yue is still inferior to Shen Miao. After all, Shen Xin still holds military power.

In the next moment, the girl narrowed her eyes at her and said: "I suppose that Aunt San also thinks that Xiao Wu is not at fault now, right"

Clearly, no harsh words were spoken, yet for some reason, Gu Yu shivered and did not dare to ask anything further

But now it is no longer the case. The timid expression has vanished without a trace, replaced by a solemn demeanor. It is not a sudden seriousness born of tension, but rather a sincere composure that carries a subtle sense of distance. For a moment, Chen Ruoqiu suddenly felt that the person before her was not the foolish daughter of the main house, but rather a master of high status. The sharpness contained within her presence made one tremble unexpectedly. For a moment, Chen Ruoqiu suddenly felt that the person before her was not the foolish daughter of the main house, but rather a master of high status. The sharpness contained within her presence made one tremble unexpectedly

Later, the envoys of the Xiongnu requested a marriage alliance. In the palace, there was only one eligible princess, Wan Yu. Chen Ruo Qiu stated that Shen Yue was older, and a marriage alliance could also be considered a form of settlement, thus she willingly agreed to marry into the Xiongnu. However, Shen Yue was not a princess, so Fu Xiu Yi conferred the title of Princess Yue Ru upon her, thereby legitimizing the marriage alliance.

Xiao Wu's words are quite right," Ren Wanyun interrupted the impending reprimand from Old Madam Shen with a smile, "It was originally just a misunderstanding. How could the matters of the front hall be allowed to reach the back courtyard? It was merely an unfortunate coincidence. His Highness, the Duke of Ding, has a broad mind and would not take the childish antics to heart. It is all a misunderstanding, and our Xiao Wu, having fallen into the water and been frightened, is truly wronged.

Old Madam Shen opened her mouth, feeling somewhat displeased at her second daughter-in-law for suddenly interrupting her. However, Ren Wanyun's family was a well-known merchant household in Mingqi, and many of the household expenses were supplemented by this second daughter-in-law. Although she felt dissatisfied, she was also unwilling to offend her. She let out a cold snort but did not continue speaking.

Ren Wanyun's smile abruptly ceased