Chapter Fifty: Don’t Set Your Standards Too High When Looking for a Partner

"You're nothing at all," Shen Fuyu shook her head. "Sixth Sister, as I just said, being down-to-earth is what truly matters. So what if I was once a concubine-born daughter of the Shen family? Now, as the Virtuous Consort, my position is unshakable. Even if you worked your whole life, you could never catch up. You'd do better to set your heart at ease, instead of seeing me as a thorn in your side. After all, it's not me who gets angry and frustrated every day."

"You! …You!"

"Sixth Sister, our honored guests are present. How can you be so ill-mannered? Hurry and apologize to Her Ladyship!" Shen Tangyu put on her elder sister's airs, though inwardly she marveled at how much Shen Fuyu had changed since entering the palace—so much so that she herself didn't know how to handle her anymore.

"Me, apologize? Don't even think about it!" Shen Moyu clenched her teeth at once. She was the legitimate daughter of the Shen family; one day, she would surely surpass this wretched Shen Fuyu!

Looking at Shen Fuyu's ever-smiling face, Shen Moyu's anger boiled over. The daughters of the Shen family were all beautiful, but if one had to compare: Shen Tangyu inherited Lady Gu's dignified grace, Shen Fuyu her concubine mother's alluring charm. In contrast, Shen Moyu's delicate features seemed ordinary. The realization nearly drove her mad with rage. Seeing the two of them, both more beautiful than herself, only made her want to leap up and scratch their faces.

"Oh? What a pity, then." Shen Fuyu glanced at Shen Moyu, suddenly playful, deciding to tease her one more time. "His Majesty favors me so much. Not only has he allowed me to stay at the Shen residence for a few days, but, fearing I'd be lonely, he suggested I might bring one or two close sisters into the palace to keep me company when I return. I was considering you, Sixth Sister, as the eldest legitimate daughter of the third branch—how fitting it would be for you to come with me. But since you don't wish to associate with me, I'll just take Seventh Sister instead."

Having said this, she turned and continued across the bridge toward the opposite bank of the lake.

"…It was…It was my fault, Fourth Sister!"

The allure of entering the palace was immense, especially for Shen Moyu. The Shen family was distinguished, its daughters all with prospects of marrying into the imperial family. Madam Yue had been telling Shen Moyu this since she was a child, and always reminded her that, as the legitimate daughter, she would at least marry a prince. The older she grew, the more she believed it. Watching Shen Tangyu being groomed for the roles of consort or empress, she thought: if Shen Tangyu could do it, why couldn't she? Grandmother favored Shen Tangyu, but that didn't matter; she could fight for her future herself. As long as she succeeded, no one would have anything to say against her.

Shen Moyu hurried after them a few steps and spoke meekly, "I lost my temper just now, Fourth Sister, please don't hold it against me. I misunderstood and took your joke seriously—that was my fault. Fourth Sister, please take me to the palace when you return. I am the legitimate daughter of the Shen family; Seventh Sister is only a concubine-born child!"

"It was only a jest." Shen Fuyu turned her head with a smile. "The palace is not somewhere I can just bring whomever I like. I was only teasing you, Sixth Sister—did you really take it seriously?"

Cutting words, every one a blade to the heart. Though she truly did have such a plan, in the end, the only one she would actually take into the palace was Shen Tangyu. As for Shen Moyu, she could continue to serve as a source of irritation.

How delightful! The anger Shen Moyu, always so oblivious to her own limits, provided was nearly on par with the Imperial Concubine's.

She was absolutely thrilled!

Shen Moyu stood frozen, her smile stiff, while Shen Fuyu turned away without the slightest hesitation. Shen Tangyu glanced at her and said, "Sixth Sister, Her Ladyship meant no harm. Don't take it to heart. Wipe your tears. If you cause too much of a scene, you'll only disgrace the Shen family."

With that, Shen Tangyu thought for a moment, then hurried after Shen Fuyu.

Only Shen Moyu was left behind.

Her slender fingers clenched tightly inside her sleeve, and it was only when her maid caught up with her that she angrily shook out her sleeves. She was furious! That wretch Shen Fuyu—she would make her pay! She would ruin her reputation and make the Emperor despise her!

"Was it really necessary for Your Ladyship to go so far? Sixth Sister is still young and spoiled by her mother. Any past grievances were just childish quarrels. Isn't it too much to treat her this way, especially now that you are the Virtuous Consort? Why make enemies before outsiders?"

"You and the Imperial Concubine truly deserve your reputation as the two beauties of the capital," Shen Fuyu said, glancing at Shen Tangyu. "Your words of wisdom come a bit late, just like hers always did."

At the mention of the Imperial Concubine, Shen Tangyu's expression darkened slightly. She and Lin Yunya were of the same year, and before Lin Yunya entered the palace, the two had always been rivals. But when the Emperor ascended the throne, the Shen family chose a cautious path, sending their second daughter, Shen Xiangyu, into the selection. Shen Xiangyu was plain and failed to pass even the preliminary selection. The Lin family, however, pushed forward with Lin Yunya, who ultimately became the Imperial Concubine. Shen Tangyu's own marriage, meanwhile, remained unsettled to this day.

She despised being compared to the Imperial Concubine. She always felt she should have surpassed her.

"It's been a long time since I've seen Sister Lin," Shen Tangyu said softly. "She has been in the palace for three years now."

"Yes, both of you renowned beauties. She's been married for three years—why is it that you still have no suitor?" Shen Fuyu looked at Shen Tangyu with open disdain. "When Second Sister returned from the selection, she soon found a match. Recently, Third Sister's marriage has begun to be arranged, and even Fifth Sister—the orphaned child of the second branch—has Second Uncle arranging for her. Eldest Sister, I truly feel ashamed for you. You're already so old, yet still unmarried."

"?" Shen Tangyu was momentarily stunned by this unprovoked lecture. "Your Ladyship, marriage is a matter for parents and matchmakers. How can you speak so?"

"I'm only thinking of your best interests, Eldest Sister." Shen Fuyu took her hand in all seriousness as they walked. "You see, you're already seventeen. Father and Mother dote on you and want to keep you at home a few more years, but you must make plans for yourself. Some things, if they don't mention them, you should still be mindful. You're beautiful and accomplished, but even the most beautiful girl will grow old one day. If you're still not married by twenty, no matter how talented you are, who would want an old maid?"

"Just look at me—I'm two years younger than you, and already have a child of my own!" Shen Fuyu boasted gleefully, patting her false belly. Then, in a tone both earnest and affectionate, she continued, "Eldest Sister, don't set your standards so high. Good enough is good enough. Men hate being constantly judged by women. If you're too picky, in the end, no one will dare to marry you!"