Ch 45: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Shen Yunxuan rested quietly in her room for three days, not leaving her quarters.

Madam Liu, her stepmother, summoned a servant to inquire, “Has there been any movement from the eldest young lady?”

A low-ranking maid, tasked with cleaning Shen Yunxuan’s courtyard, bowed respectfully and replied, “Madam, the eldest young lady has been sleeping most of the time, not allowing anyone to disturb her. She only calls for attendants during meals. I caught a distant glimpse; her complexion looks pale, as if she hasn’t fully recovered. She doesn’t seem to have much appetite and hasn’t smiled these past few days.”

Madam Liu dismissed the maid and turned to Liu Mama, her trusted servant, with a smirk. “Looks like the fall hit her hard. She’s probably holding a grudge and pretending to sulk to gain the master’s sympathy.”

Liu Mama sneered, her lips curling disdainfully. “Whether she’s pretending or not, there’s no cause for concern. You’ve already punished the third young master and sent a doctor with medicines. No one can fault your efforts. And honestly, the young lady startled herself by colliding with the third young master—who can she blame for her timidity? Even if she complains to the master, he’ll only scold her for lacking the decorum of an elder sister.”

That phrase, “the decorum of an elder sister,” coined years ago by Madam Liu, had become an unshakable standard hanging over Shen Yunxuan’s head, effectively binding her hands and feet. Madam Liu allowed a faint smile as she leisurely flipped through her account book. “Take the doctor over there yourself this time. Let everyone see I’m a dutiful stepmother.”

“Yes, madam, you’ve always been kind and loving to the eldest young lady,” Liu Mama replied with a smile. She understood Madam Liu’s intent: her presence would demonstrate care and concern while simultaneously cementing Madam Liu’s reputation as a compassionate stepmother. Meanwhile, any whispers of Shen Yunxuan being frail and petty were of no consequence.

Just as Liu Mama prepared to leave, Shen Yunrong suddenly swept into the room, parting the curtains. She latched onto Madam Liu’s arm and said, “Mother, you must ensure that elder sister recovers completely. If her health suffers, how can she enter the palace? This is no trivial matter. Perhaps we should summon a court physician for her.”

Madam Liu felt a headache coming on. For three consecutive days, Shen Yunrong had been pestering her, insisting on marrying into the Shao family and relinquishing the opportunity to enter the palace as a concubine. No amount of persuasion could sway her. Were it not for her firm control over the household, she might have suspected Shen Yunxuan had manipulated Shen Yunrong somehow.

Before Madam Liu could respond, Shen Yunrong pressed further, “Mother, have you sent word to the Shao family yet? Their earlier arrangement with Grandmother was merely verbal and carries no real weight. I’m the favored daughter of this household, far better suited than Shen Yunxuan. They have no reason to refuse me, do they?”

Her tone carried an urgency that bordered on desperation, suggesting she was willing to lower herself—and by extension, the prestige of the Shen family, headed by the Minister of Rites—to secure the match.

Madam Liu snapped, “Enough! Have you lost your senses? For years, you’ve spoken of nothing but entering the palace, and now you’re fixated on the Shao family? The Shao family may be a good match for your elder sister, as she has no strong backing and will benefit from their simplicity and harmony. But for you? What good would it do?

That so-called ‘young general,’ Shao Kun, is only a fourth-ranked officer. Who knows if he’ll ever advance? He may spend years on the battlefield, leaving you to manage his household and serve his parents alone. Meanwhile, he could dally with concubines and illegitimate children at the frontier—or worse, die in battle, leaving you a widow!

Even if you don’t want to enter the palace, I can arrange a better match for you. Why insist on the Shao family?”

“Shao Kun won’t let his wife suffer. He will bring her a lifetime of honor and respect!” Shen Yunrong declared with conviction. Seeing Madam Liu’s rising frustration, she dismissed Liu Mama from the room and spoke earnestly, “Mother, I dreamt I was cast into the Cold Palace, living in utter misery, surviving on leftover scraps. It was unbearable—worse than death.”

Madam Liu was startled. “Is that why you don’t want to enter the palace?” She sighed in relief. At least it wasn’t some malevolent influence. Her daughter’s drastic change in attitude had her considering a temple visit for divine intervention. But then her expression hardened. “You’re acting so recklessly over a mere dream?”

“This wasn’t a dream—it was real,” Shen Yunrong insisted, fabricating a story to make her point. “For a month now, I’ve had the same dream every night. Everything felt so vivid and real, like living through my own execution. I didn’t want to worry you, so I kept it to myself.

In my dream, I entered the palace, while Shen Yunxuan married into the Shao family. Three years later, I was thrown into the Cold Palace, while Shao Kun achieved great military success, rising to the rank of second-grade General. Feeling guilty toward Shen Yunxuan, he vowed never to take a concubine and treated her with utmost devotion.

Meanwhile, I suffered endlessly in the Cold Palace, and our family declined. Shao Kun, however, continued to achieve glory on the battlefield and was eventually titled a marquis. By the time I died, Shen Yunxuan was a super-ranked honorary matron, surrounded by children and grandchildren, living a life of happiness and admiration.

Mother, please have mercy on your daughter. Let me marry into the Shao family instead.”

Madam Liu felt a pang of sadness but didn’t believe her daughter. She reassured Shen Yunrong, promising to arrange a trip to the temple to pray for protection against evil influences.

However, Shen Yunrong, being reborn, feared divine intervention and quickly provided proof of her foreknowledge. She mentioned an upcoming incident: a relative of Madam Liu’s from the Liu family would soon pass away.

That very afternoon, news arrived from the Liu family—Madam Liu’s aunt had indeed died, choking on food while traveling in a carriage with no one nearby to help. This shocking confirmation left Madam Liu speechless.

Madam Liu listened to Shen Yunrong’s recount of the dream with a pale face, her body trembling with unease. A sudden death like her aunt choking in a carriage was a completely unexpected event. Who could predict such a thing unless they had truly glimpsed the future? Could everything in Shen Yunrong’s dream actually be true?

Shen Yunrong, sitting beside her, sighed and said, “Mother, do you believe me now?”

Madam Liu quickly dismissed everyone else from the room, pulling Shen Yunrong into her inner chambers. She urgently pressed her to recount every detail of her dreams, especially how the Shen family fell into ruin and what everyone’s fate had been.

Shen Yunrong shared everything she knew—how Shen Ming, the brilliant scholar, ended up as a minor official posted to a remote location; how Shen Yu crippled his leg and descended into self-destruction; how their father, infatuated with a concubine, became muddle-headed and died young; and how the family’s businesses suffered years of losses.

However, Shen Yunrong’s knowledge was limited, pieced together from what little information had reached her in the cold palace. Eunuchs, resentful after being neglected by the family, had mocked her with these details. She had no insight into the specifics.

Even so, the vague outline was enough to send chills down Madam Liu’s spine. The sweltering summer heat could not dispel the deep cold she felt as she realized the dire fate that awaited her family. After spending her whole life strategizing to achieve their current prosperity, how could they end up so utterly ruined?

Madam Liu was no longer willing to dismiss Shen Yunrong’s account. Her priority now was finding a way to prevent the family’s downfall. She incessantly questioned Shen Yunrong, trying to pinpoint how these disasters unfolded. She refused to believe it was all coincidental—that the entire family would meet misfortune, one by one.

Shen Yunrong, focused only on securing her place in the Shao family, had little interest in saving the Shen family. The previous lifetime had seen them abandon her to her fate in the cold palace. Her bitterness toward them left no room for sympathy. However, knowing she had to placate Madam Liu to achieve her goals, she feigned concern and offered a theory.

“I suspect someone… finds the Shen family intolerable,” she said, pointing upward.

Madam Liu’s eyes widened in shock. “The Emperor? Why would he hold a grudge against the Shen family?”

Tears welled in Shen Yunrong’s eyes. “I entered the palace as a concubine, thinking the Emperor was honoring Father by elevating me and showing favor to the Shen family. But in truth, it may have been a ploy to deceive Father while he planned to weaken our family. A new emperor always reshuffles the court. Father is an old minister who served the late emperor, and it stands to reason the current Emperor would see him as an obstacle to be removed. To save the family, perhaps Father must retire early to avoid the Emperor’s scrutiny.”

Madam Liu’s heart raced. The thought terrified her. The Emperor had been consolidating power in recent years, with several elder ministers stepping down and being replaced by his trusted allies. If the Emperor viewed Shen Xiuyuan as a relic of the previous reign, a hindrance to his plans, then their family’s decline seemed all but inevitable.

Though Madam Liu had a sharp mind for household politics, she knew little about court intrigues. Her fears grew as she considered the possibility. Yet, she didn’t know how to broach the topic with Shen Xiuyuan. Telling him about the dream would only provoke his anger, and she couldn’t risk alienating him. But doing nothing seemed equally dangerous. Could she simply watch as her family was ruined?

Shen Yunrong took her hand and said earnestly, “That’s why I must marry into the Shao family. Shao Kun will rise to second-rank general, then first-rank, and eventually become a marquis. If I marry him, I can ensure our family has his support. In my dream, Shao Kun even promoted Shen Jun, helping him become a general.”

“Shen Jun?” Madam Liu’s thoughts shifted to Shen Jun and Shen Yunxuan. The idea of her and her children falling into ruin while Shen Jun and Shen Yunxuan flourished filled her with fury.

Why should they prosper while her children suffered? What made them so deserving? She seethed, her resentment toward Shen Yunxuan and her brother growing.

Hearing her mutter in frustration, Shen Yunrong added softly, “It’s all because of Shao Kun. Shen Yunxuan’s prestige came from him, and so did Shen Jun’s career. Mother, Shao Kun is a man of loyalty and honor. If I marry into the Shao family and treat them well, the glory they enjoyed could be ours instead.”

Madam Liu pondered her words. If everything in the dream was true, Shao Kun was indeed the key to Shen Yunxuan’s success. While she might not be able to prevent the family’s decline, Shen Yunrong marrying Shao Kun could secure their future.

The more she thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. If the dream was entirely accurate, and the family’s downfall was inevitable, at least Shao Kun’s rise could provide some stability. If the dream was only partly true, and Shao Kun didn’t advance as predicted, then perhaps the family’s ruin could still be averted by guiding Shen Xiuyuan to retire early and ensuring her sons stayed out of trouble.

Finally, Madam Liu resolved to support Shen Yunrong’s plan. She promised to persuade Shen Xiuyuan to arrange the marriage with the Shao family. However, she was unwilling to let Shen Yunxuan enter the palace.

“Shen Yunxuan as a marquis’s wife refused to help her family. If she enters the palace and gains favor, she’ll surely trample us. No, I won’t let her into the palace. Those siblings were so fortunate in your dream, while we suffered under their shadow. I’ll find a suitable match for Shen Yunxuan and ensure she faces her share of hardships.”

Seeing Madam Liu’s vengeful determination, Shen Yunrong realized her stepmother intended to marry Shen Yunxuan off to someone who appeared respectable on the surface but was secretly wretched—someone who would make Shen Yunxuan’s life miserable. As for Shen Jun, still in the countryside, it would be even easier to deal with him.

Shen Yunrong had always been flamboyant in her previous life. She often summoned Shen Yunxuan to the palace to pay her respects and mocked her relentlessly. Yet, in the end, she herself ended up in the cold palace, living a life even more pitiful than an ant’s. She suspected Shen Yunxuan had laughed at her misery countless times. This time, she wanted Shen Yunxuan to taste the same bitter experience of the cold palace.

As for Shen Yunxuan gaining imperial favor? Impossible. The emperor was a man of true indifference, whose gaze bore no warmth. Perhaps Shen Yunrong’s suspicions were correct: the emperor intended to destroy the Shen family. Otherwise, how could her family have met such a tragic end in the previous life?

Moreover, from childhood to now, whenever the two sisters appeared together, Shen Yunrong had always been the one who drew attention. If even she couldn’t win the emperor’s favor, how could Shen Yunxuan? Once Shen Yunxuan entered the palace, she would undoubtedly meet the same fate—exiled to the cold palace after three years. That, Shen Yunrong believed, was the destiny of both Shen family daughters.

Unbeknownst to her, Shen Yunrong had become somewhat unhinged, driven by a deep-seated obsession to switch lives with Shen Yunxuan. She longed for wealth and glory but even more so for Shen Yunxuan to suffer the misery of the cold palace. If Shen Yunxuan didn’t enter the palace, how could these desires come to fruition?

Thus, she earnestly tried to persuade Madam Liu. “Mother, since we know the emperor plans to deal with our family, we should go along with it and send Shen Yunxuan into the palace. It’s not just him deceiving the Shen family; it’s also us lulling him into complacency. Otherwise, who knows what further schemes he might employ? What if he has someone break Second Brother’s hand and completely ruin his career? That would be worse than being posted as a minor official.”

These words struck a chord with Madam Liu. What if changing the plan only made things worse? Shen Yunrong’s dream was riddled with uncertainties, leaving Madam Liu’s mind brimming with schemes but lacking clarity on how to act. Swapping Shen Yunxuan and Shen Yunrong—sending one to the palace and the other to the Shao family—while safeguarding her two sons seemed like the safest course of action.

Madam Liu hesitated, her head spinning, as if a sword dangled above her, ready to fall at any moment. Exhausted, she waved Shen Yunrong off. “I have a headache. Leave me be for now. I need time to think.”

“Mother, you must decide quickly. The longer we wait, the more things could change—for better or worse,” Shen Yunrong urged.

She had already grasped Madam Liu’s fears. No one understood better than her how deeply Madam Liu cared for her two sons and her own standing. Shen Yunrong was certain Madam Liu would ultimately agree.

---

Late that night, Shen Yunxuan awoke with clear eyes, devoid of sleepiness. She pulled back her covers and sat up. Her maid Qinglan immediately approached, draping her in a warm robe and whispering, “Miss, the person is here, waiting by the back window. Qingju and the others are asleep.”

“Good,” Shen Yunxuan said, adjusting her robe. “Bring her in.”

Soon, Qinglan led a trembling maid into the room. The girl knelt before Shen Yunxuan, her face pale and tears streaming, looking utterly pitiful.

Shen Yunxuan smiled coldly. “Mudan, drop the act. If I didn’t know who you were, I wouldn’t have summoned you. Speak—what did you hear?”

Mudan, one of Madam Liu’s close maids, froze for a moment before realizing her usual tricks wouldn’t work here. Panicking, she crawled closer and recounted, in a low voice, every word exchanged between Shen Yunrong and Madam Liu.

Shen Yunxuan’s fingers tapped silently against the table as she processed the information. Her suspicions were confirmed: Shen Yunrong had indeed been reborn, intent on swapping lives with her. She had even concocted a compelling story to sway Madam Liu.

Shen Yunxuan couldn’t help but admit that Shen Yunrong’s approach was clever. Madam Liu, despite her many schemes, was somewhat superstitious. The vivid details of Shen Yunrong’s supposed dream, combined with the ominous coincidence of Madam Liu’s aunt choking to death, would undoubtedly compel her to act.

Having spent the past three days analyzing her next steps, Shen Yunxuan had already made her decision: she would enter the palace.

Instead of settling for the limited prestige of a noblewoman, she saw an opportunity to change the world. With the knowledge contained in the “Books of Memory,” she could bring prosperity to countless people, ensuring they were clothed and fed. As a mere marquis’s wife, her efforts would be constrained. But as someone who stood above all others, she could truly make a difference.

Calamity. But if one day she stood above the masses, she would have the power to benefit the people.

After her rebirth, “Heiress Shen Yunxuan” invested in countless promising individuals, advancing commerce significantly in that world. “Actress Shen Yunxuan” exclusively produced female-led films, leaving a profound impact on women’s careers in her world. Possessing their knowledge and vision, how could she cower and merely bask in wealth and glory?

After all, she had already experienced decades of ease and prosperity in her previous life. This additional chance at life—why not seize it? Why waste such an opportunity?

While Shen Yunxuan deliberated, Mudan knelt on the ground, hardly daring to breathe. She hadn’t expected the seemingly unassuming eldest miss to be merely acting, exuding such dominance in private. Furthermore, Shen Yunxuan knew everything about her family, pinpointing her vulnerabilities and compelling her to act on Shen Yunxuan’s orders. Mudan had risked eavesdropping on Madam Liu and Shen Yunrong’s conversation and sneaking over late at night to report it.

Both she and everyone else had misjudged Shen Yunxuan. Mudan thought of Madam Liu’s plan to send Shen Yunxuan into the palace and Shen Yunrong’s conviction that Shen Yunxuan would fail to gain favor. Those two would undoubtedly be disappointed. Someone like Shen Yunxuan, who concealed herself so deeply and now knew of their schemes, would not be so easily defeated.

After a long silence, Shen Yunxuan finally said to Mudan, “You may leave. In the future, if it’s the same news, there’s no need to report. Only come when something unusual happens, and be cautious.”

Mudan softly replied, then hesitantly raised her head to ask nervously, “Eldest Miss, if I serve you well, you… you really won’t have my family sold off?”

Shen Yunxuan gave a faint smile, her gaze steady. “The theft of Madam Liu’s valuables, your father and brother’s embezzlement at the shops—they harm Madam Liu and the Shen family, not me. As long as you fulfill your duties, I won’t involve myself.”

Without uttering a single overt threat, Shen Yunxuan had said everything. Mudan knew all too well the consequences of exposure: her father and brother would lose their lives, her mother would likely be sold into servitude, and she herself would probably end up in a brothel. She had no choice but to obey Shen Yunxuan and ensure her tasks were carried out impeccably.

On her way back, Mudan couldn’t shake Shen Yunxuan’s remark, “It doesn’t concern me.” Why didn’t Shen Yunxuan seem to care about the Shen family? Even if she were astute, wouldn’t she still need her maternal family’s support whether she entered the palace or married? If Mudan were in her position, she would leverage knowledge of Madam Liu’s wrongdoing to negotiate benefits and strengthen ties. After all, the Shen family’s future depended on the second son born to Madam Liu.

The more she thought about it, the more Mudan feared Shen Yunxuan. If Shen Yunxuan wasn’t relying on the Shen family, it meant she had other support unknown to the household. A cold gust of wind sent shivers down her spine, and she resolved never to offend Shen Yunxuan, instead striving to win her favor to ensure her secrets remained safe.

Shen Yunxuan had uncovered Mudan’s family’s misdeeds in her past life while exacting revenge against the Shen family. In truth, there were others in the household who could serve her ends. But for now, it wasn’t necessary. Over the past three days, she had only instructed Qinglan to approach Mudan, as knowing Madam Liu’s movements sufficed.

In her last life, Madam Liu had bribed Shen Yunxuan’s maid, Qingju. Now, Shen Yunxuan was coercing Madam Liu’s maid, Mudan—a poetic turn of fate.

Shen Yunxuan chuckled at the irony and pushed the thought aside, instructing Qinglan to rest early.

Qinglan helped her lie back down and tucked her in, hesitating before cautiously asking, “Miss, should we try to thwart their plans? They’ve schemed against you so much, they might do something worse.”

“Of course, they will,” Shen Yunxuan said lightly. “But they’re the ones in a hurry. I won’t let them have their way. Just stay vigilant and don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Yes, Miss. Your injuries aren’t fully healed yet; you should rest.” Qinglan trusted Shen Yunxuan’s judgment, sensing her mistress had grown sharper and more composed after this ordeal.

---

The next day, Madam Liu’s confidante, Liu Mama, arrived with a doctor. Upon entering, she saw Shen Yunxuan eating bird’s nest soup and immediately smiled. “Ah, seeing the eldest miss with a good appetite, it’s clear you’re recovering well! Madam has been so worried these days—she even asked me to bring this renowned physician from the capital to see you.”

Shen Yunxuan dabbed her lips with a handkerchief and smiled. “Please thank Mother for her concern. With good medicine and supplements, I feel much better.”

Liu Mama chuckled and exchanged pleasantries before ushering the doctor forward. The physician, Wu Langzhong from the famed Nian Ci Hall, often attended to the Shen family when a court physician was unavailable. Stroking his beard, Wu Langzhong carefully took Shen Yunxuan’s pulse. After a moment, he frowned and said, “The young miss appears to have a blood clot in her brain from the fall, and the shock has affected her heart. If not properly treated, it could lead to complications.”

Liu Mama and Qingju’s faces changed instantly. Qingju exclaimed, “How can that be? The previous doctor clearly said that after taking three days of medicine, my lady would recover. She even seems fine now!”

Wu Langzhong’s expression darkened as he began packing his belongings. “If you don’t trust me, then find someone else.”

Qinglan quickly intervened, “Please don’t be angry, Doctor Wu. Qingju was simply too worried about our young lady and misspoke. Compared to you, the previous doctor’s skills are far inferior. It’s understandable they misjudged the situation. We rely on your expertise—please, do share how best to care for my lady.”

Wu Langzhong relented and explained, “The young lady’s complexion isn’t great, which indicates internal deficiencies. While she may feel better now due to proper supplements, full recovery requires avoiding emotional extremes—no excessive joy, sorrow, or anger—and continued nourishment with premium tonics.”

Liu Mama frowned. “Is it really that serious?”

While writing a prescription, Wu Langzhong suggested, “If convenient, invite a court physician to oversee her recovery. That would likely yield better results.”

Liu Mama, knowing Madam Liu’s intentions to send Shen Yunxuan into the palace soon, couldn’t allow a court physician to be involved. If the imperial records noted her head injury and heart issues, even post-recovery, Shen Yunxuan might be barred from entering the palace.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Liu Mama dismissed Wu Langzhong with his prescription and hurried to report to Madam Liu. The prescription called for top-quality medicinal herbs—items that were rare and valuable, often reserved for emergencies or as prestigious gifts. On any other occasion, Liu Mama wouldn’t need to ask; such precious items would never be allocated to Shen Yunxuan. But these weren’t ordinary times. If Shen Yunxuan were to enter the palace, her health needed immediate attention. The decision rested with Madam Liu.

When Madam Liu saw the prescription, she was displeased. Those rare herbs, some requiring significant silver to procure, were items even she hesitated to use. How could she bear to give them to Shen Yunxuan?

For a moment, she considered abandoning the plan to send Shen Yunxuan to the palace altogether. Marrying her off to anyone decent seemed simpler.

Just then, Shen Yunrong walked in and casually asked, “Mother, have you decided yet?”

Irritated, Madam Liu snapped, “Where are your manners? How many times must I tell you not to barge in unannounced?”

Shen Yunrong stiffened. In her past life, when she last saw her mother as a concubine, even Madam Liu had to follow protocol and bow before her. Back then, the Shen family were her servants. Why would she remember to adhere to family rules now? But as she was currently only a daughter of the Shen family, she bowed her head and said, “I was too anxious and overstepped. Please forgive me, Mother.” Dismissing the servants, she leaned in and whispered, “Mother, I dreamed again. This time, I saw Second Brother living a stifled life, oppressed for decades, dying as a mere seventh-ranked official. Father’s death wasn’t straightforward either—it seemed less like illness and more like something else.”

Madam Liu immediately clutched her chest, her heart racing. Could the Emperor truly be so determined to suppress the Shen family? How else could such a fate be explained?

Yet she quickly found a discrepancy. “Didn’t you say that Shao Kun promoted Shen Jun to general? Isn’t Shen Jun also part of the Shen family? Why was he spared?”

“He wasn’t.” Shen Yunrong’s voice softened. “In my dream, Shen Jun became a general for a few years but suffered severe injuries that rendered him unable to work, forcing him into early retirement. His fate was even worse than Second Brother’s.” This part was true, though Shen Yunrong had fabricated the rest to scare Madam Liu. Still, the Shen family’s men had indeed fallen on hard times in her dream. Whether or not the Emperor was behind it didn’t matter—so long as Madam Liu feared the worst, Shen Yunrong would get what she wanted.

Madam Liu, terrified, was forced to reconsider. Moments ago, she had been unwilling to part with the costly medicinal ingredients, but now, despite her reluctance, she had no choice but to allocate them.

Just then, a servant’s voice echoed from outside, announcing Shen Xiuyuan’s return. Having taken a day off to meet friends, he had overheard servants gossiping about Shen Yunxuan’s illness, claiming that even after several days, she hadn’t recovered. He strode directly to Madam Liu’s quarters.

Seated sternly, Shen Xiuyuan asked, “What’s this about Yunxuan being frightened into illness by Yu’er? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Madam Liu hastily replied, “Who’s been spreading such nonsense? Why trouble you with a mere trifle? I’ve already handled it.”

Unconvinced, Shen Xiuyuan frowned. If it had been handled, why were the servants still gossiping? Shen Yunxuan was a well-behaved girl who rarely caused trouble. For such rumors to circulate, the situation must have been serious.

Saying nothing further, Shen Xiuyuan fixed Madam Liu with a steady gaze. Unable to withstand his scrutiny, she reluctantly recounted the incident, including Wu Langzhong’s diagnosis and the need for expensive remedies.

A young girl requiring such premium medicine could only mean her condition was dire. For his youngest son to bully his eldest daughter to such an extent—if word got out, he’d undoubtedly be criticized as a negligent father.

Having had an unproductive day meeting friends, Shen Xiuyuan’s frustrations compounded. Rising abruptly, he marched toward Shen Yu’s courtyard.

Madam Liu, seeing his simmering anger, hurried after him, insisting that Shen Yu had already been punished and knew his wrongs. Yet when they arrived, Shen Xiuyuan discovered Shen Yu’s courtyard bustling with activity. Some servants were copying scriptures on his behalf, while others sparred with him in the yard. Shen Yu, drenched in sweat, was energetically wielding a red-tasseled spear, his room arranged as a practice arena!

Shen Xiuyuan’s temple throbbed in frustration, and he glared at Madam Liu. “This is the punishment you spoke of?”

Madam Liu, preoccupied with the ominous dream revelations over the past few days, hadn’t checked on Shen Yu at all. She hadn’t expected him to be so out of line this time. Immediately, she barked, “Yu’er! Get over here and apologize to your father! Even if you dream of being a great general, it won’t happen overnight. Look at yourself—what do you think you’re doing?”

Shen Yu, spoiled and arrogant, wasn’t fazed by their stern expressions. Tossing aside the red-tasseled spear, he sauntered over and said nonchalantly, “Father, Mother, I know I was wrong. It won’t happen again.”

Shen Xiuyuan raised his voice, fury evident. “Next time? You’ve harmed your sister so badly that her health is compromised, and you’re already thinking about a next time? Are you trying to kill her outright?”

Startled by his father’s outburst, Shen Yu scowled. “Father, you’ve been busy for days, and the first thing you do when you see me is scold me? All she did was fall—how bad could it be? Did she run to you to complain about me? Fine, I’ll go fall off the rockery myself right now to even things out! Let’s see how much harm a little tumble can actually cause!”

As Shen Yu turned to leave, Madam Liu knew things were about to take a disastrous turn. Shen Yunxuan truly was injured—internal blood clots in the brain could lead to blindness, paralysis, or even death. Worse, the shock to her system had injured her heart, the same condition that had killed her mother. If Shen Yu’s carelessness became public knowledge, it would damage the Shen family’s reputation irreparably. His indifference was a direct insult to Shen Xiuyuan’s authority.

Before Madam Liu could intervene, Shen Xiuyuan roared, “Guards! Seize this unfilial son and hold him down in the courtyard. Beat him!”

“Master, please, calm yourself! Yu’er is still young; he can’t endure the rod!” Madam Liu pleaded.

Shen Xiuyuan brushed her aside. “He seems perfectly capable to me! If he has the energy to mess around with the servants, then he can endure a few lashes. Do it!”

Shen Yu struggled and yelled, “Why are you hitting me? Let go! What is this—ahhhh!”

Within moments, his defiant cries turned into screams of pain. Shen Yu was utterly bewildered and resentful. All he did was scare Shen Yunxuan a little. Why was his father so furious this time? Why did he deserve this punishment?

News of Shen Yu’s punishment spread quickly through the household. Shen Yunrong, astonished—this had never happened in her past life—rushed to the scene. Even Shen Ming, who was studying, put down his books and hurried over.

Meanwhile, Qingju burst into Shen Yunxuan’s room, practically glowing with excitement. “Miss, the master has learned about your injury and is currently punishing the third young master! Come, let’s go watch—finally, some justice for you!”

Shen Yunxuan glanced at her, then said mildly, “I’m feeling a bit dizzy, so I won’t go.”

Qingju hesitated. Madam Liu had sent word, instructing Qingju to bring Shen Yunxuan to intercede for Shen Yu. But if Shen Yunxuan refused to go and Shen Xiuyuan remained furious, no one would dare plead for Shen Yu. What if the young master was severely injured?

Still, Qingju couldn’t help muttering, “Well, I suppose it’s just as well. If you don’t appear, the master might punish him even harder. Serves him right!” Then she hesitated. “But the second young master and second young miss have already gone. If you’re the only one absent, won’t the master think you’re being heartless?”

Shen Yunxuan set down her book and stood up. “You have a point. We should make an appearance. Qinglan, I’m feeling cold. Bring me the light cloak Grandmother gave me. Qingju, you’ll go out to purchase the medicine from Doctor Wu.”

Qingju froze. “Me? But I’m worried about you, Miss. Shouldn’t I accompany you? Let Caiyue go instead.”

Caiyue was a second-class maid who could handle errands, but Shen Yunxuan took Qingju’s hand and said gently, “I’m not feeling well, and my recovery is of utmost importance. I’d feel more at ease if you went personally. Be quick—I’ll need the medicine tonight.”

“How did you suddenly worsen? You seemed fine this morning. Don’t worry, Miss, I’ll go at once!” Left with no choice, Qingju feigned concern and hurried out with the money.

Qinglan carefully applied powder to Shen Yunxuan’s face, ensuring her complexion looked pale and her lips colorless. Once finished, she draped the cloak over Shen Yunxuan’s shoulders. Shen Yunxuan smiled at her reflection. “Let’s go. It’s time to make an entrance.”

From Wu Langzhong’s diagnosis to Shen Xiuyuan’s outburst, the stage had been perfectly set. Now it was time to claim her compensation. Power and resources required capital, and the more, the better. “Heiress Shen Yunxuan” had demonstrated this principle flawlessly.

Supported by Qinglan, Shen Yunxuan made her way slowly to the courtyard. She walked deliberately, pausing frequently, her steps unsteady. Qinglan, noticing her apparent weakness, grew increasingly anxious. Though Shen Yunxuan had insisted she was fine, Qinglan couldn’t shake the feeling that her mistress was truly ill.

Noticing Qinglan’s worried expression, Shen Yunxuan was inwardly pleased. Her diligent study of “Actress Shen Yunxuan’s” acting techniques had paid off—the performance was convincing enough to even fool those closest to her. Surely, this meant her upcoming confrontation would yield even greater rewards.

This would be her first time seeing her “family” since her rebirth. She could hardly wait.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆