Chapter 48: You’re Far Too Reckless—Stay Away from Me

By the side of the Dowager Madam Shen, Shen Tangyu’s body stiffened slightly. She moved her lips and lowered her head, pretending not to have heard anything. She continued to support the Dowager Madam, as if nothing had happened. Behind them, however, Shen Moyu, the legitimate daughter of the third branch, let out a soft laugh and said to Shen Chayu, the concubine-born daughter, “Filial piety is something you keep in your heart, not something you act out for others. You should learn that.”

Shen Chayu followed quietly beside Shen Moyu, saying nothing. Shen Moyu paid her no mind, and after speaking, glanced challengingly at Shen Tangyu, as if to say: Look, in His Majesty’s heart, there is only Fourth Sister. There’s no place for you at all!

Shen Tangyu pressed her lips together and ignored Shen Moyu’s childish provocation, continuing to support the Dowager Madam inside. The old lady did not shake off her hand but allowed her to maintain her reputation for filial devotion. A faint smile graced Shen Tangyu’s lips—after all, Shen Moyu was still young and thought a few words could wound her. But when all was said and done, the most valued daughter of the Shen family was still Shen Tangyu herself. Even if her intentions were not sincere, what did it matter? Her grandmother would always support her, rather than uphold some so-called justice.

But as for that wretched Shen Fuyu, she was truly intolerable!

She didn’t even know her own place! At a time when she ought to step aside, she dared to speak such foolish words—truly ignorant of her own limits!

The Emperor had deigned to attend the feast, calling himself their grandson-in-law. A shrewd man like Shen Shucheng would never dare to overstep. After personally inviting Qin Zhiyi to the seat of honor, the family gathered in the front hall.

Shen Fuyu seated herself unceremoniously at Qin Zhiyi’s side.

“Dowager Madam, Master Shen, since this is a family banquet, there’s no need for excessive formality,” Qin Zhiyi said, inviting Shen Shucheng and the Dowager Madam to sit. “I haven’t yet offered my birthday wishes to the Dowager Madam. As your grandson-in-law, I wish you longevity as eternal as the southern mountains and happiness as boundless as the eastern sea.”

“Your Majesty, you do me too much honor,” the Dowager Madam replied, bowing to him. “How could I deserve such a blessing?”

“You are Fuyu’s grandmother; you are more than deserving,” Qin Zhiyi gently helped her to her seat before returning to his own. “I cannot stay long today, but the Virtuous Consort has spoken of this occasion often lately, so I could not avoid coming.”

“Your Majesty, you are always the kindest to me,” Shen Fuyu replied sweetly. “I will never forget it!”

“Fourth Sister and His Majesty are truly a loving pair—it makes your younger sister quite envious!” Shen Moyu’s clear voice rang out suddenly. She was always bold and fearless. “Fourth Sister is truly capable—she entered the palace and became a cherished consort!”

“Sixth Sister, you’ve overstepped. Now that Fourth Sister is the Virtuous Consort, you ought to address her as ‘Your Ladyship,’” Shen Tangyu said properly, curtseying and speaking as if gently admonishing Shen Moyu. “Sixth Sister, do not break the rules and give outsiders cause to think poorly of the Shen family’s daughters.”

“It doesn’t matter—among family, I’ve always liked Sixth Sister’s honest tongue best,” Shen Fuyu replied with a smile. “Eldest Sister is as stern as ever, but… Father and Grandmother have yet to speak, and you are already so eager. One would think you were mistress of the Shen household already.”

“It was I who was presumptuous,” Shen Tangyu replied, her expression cooling as she curtseyed and asked for forgiveness. In front of outsiders, she had always striven for perfection, bending where necessary—what was a little grievance? Shen Fuyu was merely enjoying a fleeting triumph.

“Your Majesty, why don’t you go with Father to the front courtyard?” Shen Fuyu said, ignoring Shen Tangyu’s small schemes and turning to Qin Zhiyi. “It’s been so long since I saw my sisters. I’ll have to be parted from you for a little while.”

“If anything arises, send someone to fetch me at once. I don’t want anything to happen to you or the child,” Qin Zhiyi instructed her.

Shen Fuyu smiled at him. “We’re at home—what could possibly happen? Your Majesty, rest assured!”

At grand banquets in Daxun, men and women were seated separately: the front courtyard for the men, the rear for the ladies. Since Shen Fuyu had risen from a concubine-born daughter to the Virtuous Consort, the Shen family’s status had soared accordingly. Many now sought to curry favor, and the ladies were all eager for a word with Shen Fuyu.

“Peace be upon you, Your Ladyship.”

Shen Fuyu smiled at the gathering. Life in the palace had been so smooth, she almost felt as though it had been ages since she’d last seen her family. She even felt a nostalgic fondness for her days in the Shen household. Unfortunately, with Qin Zhiyi and so many others present, she could not reveal her true nature. Now, in the rear courtyard, she could relax.

“You’d better keep your distance from me,” Shen Fuyu said, glancing at a lady who had eagerly stepped forward to pay her respects. The two were about the same age; Shen Fuyu vaguely recalled that she had once been a friend of the original Fuyu. “You’re too reckless—you might jostle the imperial heir in my womb.”

“I…” The woman’s face flushed red. She wished to retort but, seeing Shen Fuyu surrounded by admiration, she fell silent. Once, they had both been concubine-born daughters. Now, Shen Fuyu was a favored consort in the palace, while she had married a lowly official.

Today, she had only wanted to revisit old times, never expecting her former friend’s withering sarcasm. How could she not be resentful?

“Your Ladyship, this is Madame Zhang, formerly of the Liu family—you don’t remember? She was once your closest friend,” Shen Tangyu said, stepping to Shen Fuyu’s side. Her gaze involuntarily lingered on Shen Fuyu’s belly, filling her with disgust. “We’re all family here; no one would harm Your Ladyship.”

“Enough of that. If you must have someone at my side, Liu Zhiqing is a better choice—at least she’s not a sneak,” Shen Fuyu replied, enjoying the breeze from Bai Lian’s fan. “I don’t believe a word you say.”

Their eyes met—Shen Tangyu’s surprise against Shen Fuyu’s disdain. In that instant, Lady Gu stepped in to smooth things over. “Your Ladyship must be weary from your journey. It’s not easy to see family after entering the palace. Madam Wen is in fine spirits today—would you care to visit her?”

“Tang’er, Her Ladyship is with child. Go with her,” Lady Gu signaled Shen Tangyu with a glance.

“Yes,” Shen Tangyu replied, regaining her composure and stepping forward with a smile. “Your Ladyship, shall we?”

Shen Fuyu was of concubine birth—it was rare for her to return home, and seeing her birth mother was only natural. But she was not the original Fuyu, and she felt nothing. “There’s no need to rush. His Majesty has granted me leave to stay a few days at the Shen residence. Today is Grandmother’s birthday, Mother; don’t try to trick me into breaking the rules.”

According to the customs of Daxun, concubines were not to appear at major celebrations. If a household allowed a concubine to show herself on such an occasion, it would be a disgrace among the noble clans.

“Of course, if you’re not ashamed to break decorum, I don’t mind paying a visit,” Shen Fuyu said with a radiant smile.