Ren Yuanyun had said as much, and Old Lady Shen was not so foolish that she couldn't hear the implication behind Ren Yuanyun's words. From what she heard of Ren Yuanyun's tone, it seemed that Prince Yu was a devil-like person, and Shen Miaoluo being in his hands was just a pleasant-sounding title. The ones who truly benefited were still the Shen family. As for Shen Yuanbai, he was indeed Old Lady Shen's treasured darling, using Shen Miao to pave the way for Shen Yuanbai, this idea was extremely to Old Lady Shen's liking.

  "Since that's the case, both of you are right. Then listen to me, Yu Qinwang is indeed a good match for Wu Yutou." Old Lady Shen's face was extremely thick-skinned, and she said this with a straight face, causing Chen Ruoqiu's eyes to flash with disdain.

  "Daughters also think it's good," Ren Yuanyun opened her eyes and talked nonsense, immediately saying: "The daughter-in-law chose a mother-in-law for Xiaowu, naturally can't choose one with low status, the Imperial Palace, that's really climbing high."

  Madam Shen nodded upon hearing this and suddenly thought of something, then said: "Can the Prince's Manor send someone to discuss the details?"

  Ren Yuanyun's face twitched, and even she wasn't a fool, but she didn't expect this old woman to be so anxious that she was eager to decide Shen Miao's marriage. Of course, the sooner the better for this marriage, otherwise it would be troublesome when Shen Xin returned. However, even if everything had been settled, Shen Xin might not let Shen Miao marry into the Prince's Manor just like that. Therefore, some unconventional methods must be used.

  Fortunately, the people in the King's palace didn't seem to plan a proper marriage either. Prince Yu was fond of such tactics, but they were indeed quite colorful. Of course, it had to be kept secret from others.

  "It's still too early, daughter," said Ren Yuanyun with a smile: "Xiaowu is still young, don't rush, and it will be difficult to avoid being gossiped about if we decide on this now. Let the two of them get along for a while, wait until they are mutually in love, and Xiaowu herself is willing, then we can bring up the marriage, that way no one will say that we forced Xiaowu."

  Even if Shen Miao was a fool, it's impossible for her to be in harmony with Yu Qianwang. In that case, it would just be covering up those ugly intentions with beautiful words. What kind of outcome will appear in the middle, no one knows.

  Chen Ruoqiu smiled quietly but didn't speak, although she also wanted to see Shen Miao suffer. However, she was cautious by nature. Such a thing should be left to Ren Yuanyun. If Shen Xin were to investigate later, it would not implicate her in any case. Watching the tigers fight from a safe distance was Chen Ruoqiu's specialty.

  Behind the screen, Shen Yue and Shen Qing both had some fear in their hearts. They did not expect that with just a few words, Shen Miao's lifelong matter would be settled. For a daughter's family, her husband means happiness for the rest of her life, but Shen Miao was destined to be unfortunate. However, Shen Yue and Shen Qing did not have even a hint of sympathy for Shen Miao in their hearts. In the official circle, Shen Xin suppressed their father, and in terms of status, Shen Miao suppressed her sisters. Adding to that, they were influenced by Shen's old madam, so the eldest branch was just a thorn in their eyes. Seeing Shen Miao being unlucky, they could only rejoice at her misfortune.

  Although Mrs. Shen was ignorant of household management, she was well-versed in the struggles between women in the inner courtyard. Especially when it came to underhanded tactics, she had relied on more than just her charming face to rise from a humble songstress to become the respected mistress of the General's estate. Her methods were naturally ruthless. Therefore, after hearing Ruan Yun's words, she understood the underlying meaning and smiled: "Oh, in that case, let Wu Yatou get close to Prince Yu. Indeed, if we really forced Wu Yatou and ended up offending Eldest Brother, it wouldn't be a good thing."

  Her current face was originally thin, and making this kind of affectionate expression only made people feel like a smiling weasel with ill intentions. Shen Yue and Shen Qing both gave each other the cold shoulder and hastily retreated to a distant place behind the screen.

  ……

  In the western wing, under the oil lamp, Shen Miao sat quietly. In front of her was a sheet of snow-white sheepskin paper, with nothing on it, and the pen and ink were already ready, as if she wanted to write, but after a moment, she lightly sighed and put away the sheepskin paper.

  There are things that are good to prepare for, but now she is just a lady in the boudoir, and what she can rely on is only the many pieces of information she has mastered. However, these things have not yet been able to exert their greatest effect on her at present. Indeed, the road still needs to be walked out step by step.

  Gu Yu and Jing Zhen saw her sighing, thinking that she was thinking of Yu Qinwang's affairs. Gu Yu stepped forward to comfort her: "Miss, don't worry, if there is any evil intention on the other side, even if it means risking our names, we servants will protect you. If all else fails, in the capital, Master has friends who are not without connections, at worst..."

  Shen Miao shook her head: "The Prince's mansion is high in status and power, with the royal family protecting it. Even if Father has a good relationship with someone, he won't risk offending the royal family to protect me." Moreover, the imperial family had been keeping a close eye on the Shen family, and if they were to rashly take action, it would make the suspicious Ming Qi imperial family suspect that Shen Xin was colluding with someone. After all, for any emperor, having one's own subjects getting too close is not a good thing.

  "Or else, let's write a letter to Master," Jing Zhen said: "Although Master has military duties, Young Master is only attached to the army and hasn't received any orders. If he returns to Beijing, he won't be punished by his superiors. With Young Master around, he can at least protect Miss."

  "Big brother is rushing back from the northwest, even with a fast horse and whip, it will take more than a month. How can they make it in time?" Shen Miao said calmly. The intimidating power of Shen Xin would make them act within the shortest possible time. Thinking that he could scare her into submission with just a few words, like cooking unripe rice until it's done.

  Shen Miao might, but Shen Empress, who bathed in blood and tears in the harem, never will!

  "What can be done?" Gu Yu and Jing Zhen's faces changed greatly, although they knew that this matter was not good, but they did not expect it to be so serious. Yu Qinwang's methods were ruthless, in the capital city, any girl who caught her eye, even if she was from a high-ranking official's family, would be ruined. In the end, the imperial family would come out and comfort them with a few words, but there was nothing that could be done. It was all because this person's methods were evil and biased, on the surface it didn't seem like anything was wrong, but in the end, it was still those girls who suffered.

  "What's to be done? Others are unreliable." Shen Miao gazed at the flickering flames: "Still have to rely on oneself."

  "But, miss..." Gu Yu was somewhat anxious, how could Shen Miao protect herself? Other people's words might be able to withstand one or two, but the people from the second and third branches might not necessarily form an alliance with each other!

  "I have my own way." Shen Miao played with the paperweight in her hand.

  The Yuqin royal family relies on nothing but the emperor's favor, and the imperial family is willing to protect them. If the imperial family does not want to protect him, what if there are enemies coming? Alas, without the imperial family's protection, the Yuqin royal family is just a handful of rotten mud.

  The king and the king, after all, have some blood ties with the royal family, so start with him first. By the way, she looked out of the window and saw a fat figure lurking outside, who was it if not Gui's nanny?

  Take this opportunity to thoroughly clean up all the remaining dregs in the Western Courtyard.