On the way back to Shen's residence, Shen Miao was still riding alone in a carriage. Gu Yu and Jing Xiu were both worried about her. The notorious reputation of Prince Yu was known throughout Ming Qi, yet he had sent an invitation to Shen Miao. Not to mention that it was inappropriate for Shen Miao, a young lady, to attend, but anyone with discerning eyes could see what Prince Yu's intentions were.

  If Shen Xin were here, he would definitely refuse with his life. But now that Shen Xin is not around, the two sisters-in-law of the Shen family have ulterior motives. In the past, Shen Miao was just a child, but now that she's old enough to think about marriage, it's only natural that the idea has been planted in her head.

  Jing Zhen endured and endured, but finally couldn't help saying: "Miss, that Prince Yu... what should we do about today's matter? Shouldn't someone write a letter to Master, if Master finds out about this, he will definitely rush back."

  "Yes," Gu Yu also worried: "That person's intentions are not good, and now the backyard is... Moreover, today the young lady has made a scene, I'm afraid there will be more trouble in the mansion." She sighed.

  Shen Miao's age was still young and couldn't see anything, but the two maidservants, Gu Yu and Jing Zhen, who were specially chosen by Mrs. Shen for Shen Miao, understood clearly. The second and third branches were obviously jealous of the first branch, which is why they would openly and secretly trip up Shen Miao. With their narrow-mindedness, now that Shen Miao has made a big splash, she might become a thorn in their eyes again. It's not that they're afraid of anything else, but if they drag in the Prince of Yu... If they come up with some crooked idea, it's likely that even Shen Miao will have a hard time dealing with it. After all, the people on this side of the first branch have been replaced by the other two branches.

  "What's there to be afraid of? It depends on whether he has the ability or not."

  She was calm and composed, but her words seemed to carry a faint sense of severity, as well as a hint of ruthlessness that was hard to detect. Gǔ Yǔ and Jīng Zhān exchanged a glance, unsure what was going on, and the panic they had felt earlier dissipated somewhat, gradually calming down.

  Upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Miao only said that she was tired today and needed rest, saying that she would first return to the West Wing. Ren Yuanyun and Chen Ruqiu smiled and spoke some words with Shen Miao, instructing her to make sure to get plenty of rest. Perhaps knowing that being favored by Prince Yu was not a good thing for Shen Miao, their smiles also had some barely concealed schadenfreude. Ren Yuanyun even stroked Shen Miao's head affectionately and said: "Looking at our fifth sister who has grown up to this age, she is elegant and charming. It won't be long before she gets married."

  "Yes," Chen Ruoqiu also echoed with profound meaning: "A girl like Xiaowu can only be matched by someone of noble status. An ordinary family, no matter what, cannot marry our Xiaowu."

  Shen Yue's face flashed with a hint of joy, and Shen Qing couldn't wait to speak up: "Of course, Fifth Sister will definitely get a very 'noble' husband." After saying that, she covered her mouth and giggled, looking at Shen Miao with a knowing gaze.

  Even under Shen Miao's gaze, which was full of implication, Shen Qing's expression didn't waver at all. Shen Qing's smile stiffened, and the more calm and composed Shen Miao was, the angrier she became. Everyone understood the meaning behind the note that Prince Yu gave today - it was clear that he had taken a liking to Shen Miao. But now, Shen Miao seemed completely unaffected, probably still unaware of the danger lurking beneath. A hint of mockery flashed in her eyes, what an idiot indeed.

  "Aunt and sister have already spoken," Shen Miao said calmly: "As for age, older sister and second sister are slightly older than me, looking for a husband, naturally it's not my turn yet."

  Several people's faces paused, Ren Yuanyun smiled and said: "You child, ah, it's not that your uncle is often not in the capital. Your aunts are also heartbroken for you, as for your eldest sister and second sister, I and your third aunt are all in Dingjing, so there's no need to worry."

  "Is that so?" Shen Miao lightly asked back. Her clear eyes seemed to have no expression, but it made one's heart tremble. As if being looked at by those eyes, the thoughts in one's mind had nowhere to hide. She smiled slightly: "Since aunts are worried about me like this, in the future, I will definitely repay you one or two times."

  She spoke lightly, but for some reason, Ren Yuanyun and Chen Ruoqiu felt a faint sense of unease in their hearts. However, they immediately threw this absurd idea out of their minds. Although Shen Miao had become cleverer nowadays, she was after all only a fourteen-year-old little girl, what big waves could she stir up? Moreover... thinking about the matter with Prince Yu, both of them felt somewhat pleased.

  "Ah, Fifth Sister is being polite, we're all family." Ren Yuanyun smiled and said: "Since you're tired, go back and rest first. I still have some things to do with your Second Aunt, Gu Yu, Jing Zhen, take good care of Fifth Miss."

  Valley rain and startled insects responded, as Shen Miao left.

  After they left, Ren Yuanyun and Chen Ruoqiu exchanged a glance, both seeing the calculation in each other's eyes.

  After half a stick of incense, Old Lady Shen of Rong Jing Tang frowned and said: "You say that Prince Yu has taken a liking to Wu Nianzi?"

  Shen Yue and Shen Qing were both driven to the inner hall, these things are not suitable for young girls to participate in. Although so, the two still sneaked to the back of the screen, ignoring Zhang Mama's advice, and secretly listened to the conversation inside the hall.

  "Not bad." Ren Yuanyun's face was full of smiles, but her words were dignified and proper: "Wu Yaotou performed exceptionally well in the examination today, even catching the eye of Prince Yu. Since he has sent a betrothal gift, it means he has his heart set on Wu Yaotou. Look, wife, our Shen family might just produce a princess consort after all."

  Chen Ruoqiu's mouth twitched slightly upon hearing this. What Ren Yuyun said sounded grand and dignified, but that Prince Yu had taken a liking to Shen Miao, yet hadn't mentioned anything about marrying her properly. Moreover, even if he really did marry her, with Shen Miao's fate, who knows how many days she could last? Perhaps the princess wouldn't even make it a few days before meeting an untimely demise. After all, Prince Yu's notorious reputation was well-known throughout the capital.

  Upon hearing this, the expression of Old Lady Shen sank a few degrees. In her heart, she naturally didn't wish for the eldest branch to prosper. Why should the son born to that person who died many years ago be more excellent than the one she gave birth to? When the old general was alive, he already favored the eldest branch, and now that the eldest branch is going to produce a princess, it really displeases her. She immediately said: "Five's temper, how can she possibly make a good princess? Eldest or Second would be more suitable."

  Madam Shen has been staying in the backyard for many years, only knowing how to enjoy herself. As for external matters, she truly knows nothing. Upon hearing her words, Chen Ruoqiu and Ren Yuanyun's faces changed simultaneously. Shen Yue and Shen Qing, who were hiding behind the screen, also got a fright, because although Madam Shen didn't know, they did. Entering the Yu Qin Wang Fu was only a place where one would be tortured to death, it was like an abyss of fire.

  "Mother, it's not like that," Ren Yuanyun hastily said. "We naturally hope for the best for Wu Yaotou. Although Prince Yu is a widower and somewhat older, with a not-so-good reputation, at least his family background is good." She thought of something and her mouth curled up: "In the future, when Seventh Brother grows up, having Prince Yu take care of him will only be better. If Fifth Sister has any mistakes, the prince will also take better care of Seventh Brother to make up for it."

  She actually used Shen Miao's life in exchange for Shen Yuanbai's future, Chen Ruoyu gave her own second sister a sideways glance, and indeed it was a good calculation.