Ch 46: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Shen Yunxuan had just entered Shen Yu’s courtyard when Liu Mama, who had been waiting, grabbed her hand and pulled her forward, exclaiming, “The eldest miss is here! The eldest miss is here!”

Shen Yunxuan cried out in surprise, stumbling as she was pulled along. Qinglan quickly supported her and shouted, “Let go! Our miss is still injured!”

This outburst drew everyone’s attention, and naturally, they all saw the alarming moment when Liu Mama almost caused Shen Yunxuan to fall.

Shen Xiuyuan could hardly believe his eyes. It had only been a few days since he last saw his eldest daughter, but now she looked so frail and delicate. Her complexion was as pale as if she might faint at any moment, and her reliance on the maid for support only emphasized her weakness. The sight reminded him of Lady Fang.

Years ago, when Lady Fang learned of her family’s tragic demise, she had gone pale, nearly collapsed, and fainted before she could leave the house. She passed away within days.

Shen Xiuyuan’s expression darkened. “Why did you come here in your condition? Quickly, help her sit down and call a doctor to examine her.”

Madam Liu glared at Liu Mama and immediately ordered someone to help Shen Yunxuan sit properly. Shen Yunxuan caught her breath, performed a proper bow, and smiled faintly. “Father, Mother has already invited Doctor Wu to see me earlier. He said it’s nothing serious. I’ve already sent Qingju to the pharmacy to buy the prescribed medicine. A few days of taking it should make me better, so there’s no need to worry.”

Only then did Shen Xiuyuan refrain from calling another doctor. However, his brows furrowed again. “You sent someone to buy medicine? Don’t we already have everything you need at home? Why did you have to send a maid out?”

As he said this, he looked at Madam Liu. Shen Yunxuan had been ill for several days; the household should not lack the necessary medicine. Even if rare ingredients were required, the estate should have them. Why would Shen Yunxuan need to send a maid to buy them?

Madam Liu quickly defended herself. “This child is so impatient. Liu Mama had just brought the prescription to me, and I was about to take it to the storeroom to get the ingredients. I was delayed because of some issues with your third son.”

She was explaining to Shen Xiuyuan, who indeed remembered seeing a prescription on her desk. Thinking that his sudden return and reprimanding of Shen Yu had caused the delay, he found it reasonable.

Shen Yunxuan replied apologetically, “I wasn’t feeling well and wanted the medicine prepared sooner. Besides, Doctor Wu mentioned that the ingredients must be of the highest quality, which I thought would be expensive. I didn’t want to trouble the household, so I sent Qingju to purchase them.”

Shen Xiuyuan’s expression hardened. “You don’t need to concern yourself with such matters. Use whatever ingredients you need from the storeroom. If we don’t have them, your mother will arrange for someone to buy them. Your priority is to recover. Your health is the most important thing.”

Madam Liu, holding back her frustration, added, “Yes, focus on recovering. Don’t worry about anything else. We’re family, and no matter how expensive the medicine, it’s for you.”

To appease Shen Xiuyuan, Madam Liu immediately instructed Liu Mama to fetch premium medicinal ingredients from the storeroom, including ginseng and lingzhi. She even ordered a rare 500-year-old ginseng, which she was heartbroken to part with. She also instructed the kitchen to prepare Shen Yunxuan’s favorite dishes, though inwardly, she felt bitter.

Shen Yunrong, witnessing this, was furious. Because of her, Madam Liu had invited an exceptional doctor who discovered Shen Yunxuan’s frailty, requiring expensive tonics. Those storeroom treasures should have been reserved for Shen Yunrong’s dowry!

She sneered inwardly. Lucky Shen Yunxuan. This was all Shen Yu’s fault—his incompetence had caused this mess. If not for her desire to see Shen Yunxuan sent to the cold palace, she would have gladly let Shen Yunxuan marry a beggar in her current wretched state.

Shen Yunrong turned away from the sight of Shen Yunxuan and focused on the dazed Shen Yu. Regardless of everything, she still needed Madam Liu’s help in securing her marriage prospects. Choking up, she pleaded, “Father, if Sister recuperates well, she’ll recover. As for Third Brother, he’s already been punished enough. Please don’t punish him further. He’s already endured many strikes and won’t be able to take more.”

The servants who had been flogging Shen Yu earlier stopped under Madam Liu’s signal. However, Shen Yu had already endured over a dozen blows, leaving him delirious and unable to speak.

Shen Ming also chimed in, “Father, Third Brother knows his mistake and won’t act out again. Please call for a doctor to treat him. He still dreams of becoming a general and bringing glory to our family. Don’t let his injuries affect his future. Eldest Sister has always been kind-hearted, and I’m sure she wouldn’t want to see Third Brother suffer.”

He directed his gaze at Shen Yunxuan, forcing her into a position where any further insistence would seem heartless.

Shen Yunxuan glanced at Shen Yu’s pitiful state and then urgently said to Shen Xiuyuan, “Father, although Third Brother is mischievous and likes to tease me, my illness isn’t his fault. Please don’t blame him. Seeing you so upset because of me and him being punished for it makes me feel distressed and guilty.”

Shen Yunxuan clenched her fists against her chest, her brows furrowed, looking as though she might faint from anxiety.

Seeing this, Shen Xiuyuan quickly explained, “It’s not because of you. It’s because during his house arrest, he played around with the servants, made them transcribe Buddhist scriptures for him, and refused to admit his mistakes. His behavior was intolerable, so I punished him.”

Shen Yunxuan froze in surprise. “So that’s how it is. I thought…” She glanced at Shen Ming.

Everyone now realized that Shen Ming’s earlier words had implied Shen Yu was punished because of Shen Yunxuan, no wonder she had looked so nervous and uneasy. But Shen Xiuyuan’s explanation reminded everyone: Shen Yu hadn’t been punished initially. It was his own arrogance—refusing to admit fault, even accusing Shen Yunxuan of feigning illness to complain—that had enraged Shen Xiuyuan.

In truth, Shen Yu’s punishment had nothing to do with Shen Yunxuan. If he had stayed obedient during his house arrest, transcribed the scriptures sincerely, and admitted his mistakes, would he have been flogged?

But from Liu Mama shouting, “The eldest miss is here,” to Shen Yunrong saying, “Let’s not punish Third Brother anymore,” and Shen Ming adding, “Elder Sister is always soft-hearted,” the blame for Shen Yu’s punishment seemed to have been placed squarely on Shen Yunxuan’s shoulders. Coupled with the fact that Shen Yunxuan’s illness was caused by Shen Yu’s pranks, it all looked like the second wife’s family bullying the first wife’s daughter.

The servants lowered their heads, not daring to let their expressions be seen. Shen Xiuyuan, however, frowned and swept his gaze across Madam Liu, Shen Ming, and Shen Yunrong. The three of them stiffened, their usual clever words failing them as they scrambled for a way to salvage the situation.

They had assumed that if Shen Yunxuan pleaded for mercy, Shen Xiuyuan would let the matter go, turning a big issue into a small one and ending the commotion. They hadn’t expected Shen Yunxuan to seize the opportunity and turn the tables on them.

Shen Xiuyuan’s gaze fell back on Shen Yunxuan, and he suddenly felt pity for his daughter. Losing her mother at a young age, she had grown up with her grandparents and hadn’t even married before bidding them farewell. In the past, he had occasionally heard Madam Liu mutter about Shen Yunxuan being unlucky, and he had thought the same. But now, recalling Lady Fang’s final days and how Shen Yunxuan hesitated to even ask for medicine, his heart softened.

Shen Xiuyuan’s tone gentled as he reassured her, “Just focus on recovering. Don’t overthink things. If your third brother bothers you again, tell me. Don’t cover for that troublemaker. Look at you, so pale, and you still say it’s not because of him.”

His anger flared again as he spoke. What was wrong with his third son? A grown man, claiming he wanted to be a great general, yet spending his time bullying his elder sister in the inner courtyard? Even the flogging seemed too lenient—he needed to learn a proper lesson!

Madam Liu’s heart clenched, fearing the punishment would worsen. She was about to plead for mercy when Shen Yunxuan spoke up.

“Father, it truly isn’t because of Third Brother. You’ve misunderstood.” Shen Yunxuan lowered her gaze, her expression sorrowful, as she gently touched the cloak draped over her shoulders. In a soft voice, she said, “Perhaps I’m overly sentimental. After my injury, I’ve been plagued by headaches and can’t help but think of Grandfather, Grandmother, Mother, and my elder brother. I miss them deeply, and it pains my heart…”

Shen Xiuyuan’s heart trembled. He recognized the cloak as one his late mother had worn and given to Shen Yunxuan as a keepsake. Her illness, growing worse by the day, was not just physical—she was overwhelmed by her longing for her late mother, grandparents, and the elder brother who had been sent away to their ancestral home for over a decade.

Why was she so consumed by longing, to the point of harming her health? Was it not because she felt wronged in her own home, with no one to confide in? And why did she have no one to confide in? Was it not because the current matron was her stepmother, and her half-siblings shared no bond with her?

Even her father had failed to protect her.

The thought left Shen Xiuyuan feeling stifled with guilt and discomfort. His eldest daughter had been reduced to this state within her own home—how could it have come to this?

And if Shen Yunxuan’s feelings were dismissed as mere overthinking, what about his eldest son? Sent away to the countryside to grow up, had he not also been wronged?

The accumulation of past neglect now weighed heavily on Shen Xiuyuan. He realized just how much he had wronged the two children from his first marriage.

Madam Liu, who had initially felt relieved at Shen Yunxuan’s plea for mercy, now wished Shen Yunxuan had stayed silent. For years, Shen Xiuyuan had never thought much of these matters. Yet today, guilt had been stirred, and if he began to harbor remorse toward Shen Yunxuan and Shen Jun, it would inevitably lead to resentment toward her.

After all, as the head of the household, Shen Xiuyuan’s initial intent in remarrying had been to care for the children left by his first wife. If those children were now faring poorly, the blame would fall squarely on the stepmother.

Madam Liu felt a headache brewing and her chest tightening, nearly suffocating her. She took a deep breath to steady herself.

At this moment, she couldn’t afford to say anything—every word would only make things worse. Shen Ming and Shen Yunrong, too, had no standing to speak.

Shen Xiuyuan opened his mouth and hesitated before finally saying, “Your health is most important. Don’t dwell on these thoughts.” Beyond that, he found himself at a loss for words.

Shen Yunxuan didn’t make things difficult for him, nor did she voice any complaints. Instead, she nodded obediently. “I will recover soon, so as not to trouble Father and Mother further.”

Her sensibility eased Shen Xiuyuan’s heart. If Shen Yunxuan had cried or blamed him, he would have been utterly humiliated. Fortunately, she had been well-taught by the late elders and harbored no resentment.

Shen Yunxuan hesitated, seemingly wanting to speak but holding back. Shen Xiuyuan noticed and asked, “Is there something on your mind? You don’t need to hold back in front of your father. Say whatever you wish.”

Shen Yunxuan looked at him, seemingly making a firm decision. She pleaded, “Father, could you allow my elder brother to return to the capital for a while? My brother and I are twins, bound by blood, yet we haven’t seen each other for so many years. In the future… I don’t know when we’ll meet again.

If Father is concerned about my brother’s return causing trouble for him, could you permit me to visit our ancestral home to see him?”

No one had expected Shen Yunxuan to make such a request. Madam Liu’s expression immediately darkened. She had worked hard to send Shen Jun away to make room for her sons; how could she possibly allow Shen Jun to return?

Shen Yunrong’s face also changed. Shen Yunxuan was suggesting Shen Jun’s return to the capital? Would Shen Jun still go into the military? Would he still become a general? This would upend all their plans!

Even Shen Ming frowned. Though he didn’t care much about an elder brother who had grown up in the countryside, he thought Shen Jun’s return would make others gossip about his uncultured and unsophisticated brother, which would reflect poorly on him.

Shen Yunxuan looked at Shen Xiuyuan expectantly, her expression filled with hope. Shen Xiuyuan’s heart wavered. Would allowing his eldest son to return to the capital disrupt the household? Would outsiders talk about the Shen family? But was he really going to let his son stay in the countryside forever, never returning to the capital? His father, on his deathbed, had also mentioned caring for Shen Jun. If not for Shen Jun mourning for his grandparents at the ancestral home, Shen Xiuyuan might have brought him back long ago. What reason did he have now to refuse?

Moreover, Shen Yunxuan’s request was reasonable. They were twins—a rarity in the capital—and to have been separated since childhood was unusual. Shen Yunxuan had endured so much, and it was only natural for her to long for her brother.

On top of that, Shen Yunxuan was nearing marriageable age. If nothing unexpected happened, she would be married off in a few months. Once she became part of another household, it would be even harder for her to see her brother.

Shen Xiuyuan, still overwhelmed with guilt toward his late wife and parents, felt deeply sympathetic toward Shen Yunxuan and her brother. Without much hesitation, he ordered the steward to make arrangements and send a team to the ancestral home to bring Shen Jun back to the capital.

Shen Yunxuan thanked Shen Xiuyuan excitedly, her face flushing slightly with relief.

Seeing this, Shen Xiuyuan felt even more gratified, convinced his kindness had improved his daughter’s health. He spoke gently with her for a while longer before having her carried back to her quarters in a soft sedan.

Shen Yunxuan’s visit left Madam Liu and her children speechless. She hadn’t directly accused them, nor had she spoken a single bad word. Yet, one by one, they found themselves on the receiving end of Shen Xiuyuan’s anger, humiliated in front of the servants.

Madam Liu deeply regretted her decision. If she had known this would happen, she wouldn’t have let Qingju encourage Shen Yunxuan to come. Instead, she should have had Qingju stall her, keeping her confined to her room!

She couldn’t help but suspect that everything had been orchestrated to bring Shen Jun back. But she quickly dismissed the thought. Every event had been sudden and uncontrollable. Shen Yunxuan couldn’t have predicted them, let alone manipulated them. She hadn’t known Shen Xiuyuan would return home early in a foul mood or that Shen Yu would be caught causing trouble today. Even the doctor who prescribed the expensive medicine had been invited by Madam Liu herself.

If Shen Yunxuan had truly planned all this, it would have been terrifying. But it was impossible. At most, she had seized the opportunity to ask for her brother’s return.

Now that it was settled, there was no undoing it. Madam Liu could only focus on regaining Shen Xiuyuan’s favor to prevent him from allocating any inheritance to Shen Jun out of guilt.

Shen Xiuyuan, unwilling to listen to her further, sternly ordered her to discipline Shen Yu properly before leaving in frustration. Madam Liu didn’t rush after him. She knew he was still angry and couldn’t be placated immediately. It would be better to prepare a nourishing soup and approach him later with gentle words. For now, her priority was to summon a doctor for Shen Yu to ensure his injuries weren’t too severe.

Shen Ming, seeing that the commotion had ended, wanted to leave and unwind with some classmates, frustrated at the thought of his country-raised elder brother tarnishing his reputation. However, Madam Liu stopped him. “No! You’ve wasted enough time today. Go study in the library. Your elder brother is returning soon, and you need to show your father your strengths.”

Shen Ming was taken aback. Comparing him to that country bumpkin of a brother? He was clearly superior in every way—why should he have to prove it?

Despite his protests, Madam Liu, distracted by Shen Yu’s injuries and overwhelmed with a headache, wasn’t in the mood to listen. She instructed Shen Ming’s servant to keep a close watch on him, threatening to sell the servant if Shen Ming didn’t produce two essays by the end of the day.

Resigned and displeased, Shen Ming returned to the study under the servant’s anxious watch.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunrong stayed by Madam Liu’s side, helping her manage household affairs. As someone with experience in the palace, she efficiently handled various matters, easing Madam Liu’s burden and providing her with some relief.

The doctor soon examined Shen Yu, confirming his injuries were superficial and would heal with time, finally putting Madam Liu’s mind at ease.

Shen Yunrong escorted Madam Liu back to her courtyard and, noticing her pressing her head in visible discomfort, assumed she was troubled by the day’s events. She comforted her, saying, “Mother, don’t let it weigh on you. You’ve always treated Elder Sister well, and now that you’ve given her such fine things, why not arrange a good courtyard for Eldest Brother as well? Be thorough about it to show her your goodwill.

This way, once she enters the palace, she might speak up for Second Brother. If we can secure a position for Second Brother as an official in the capital before she ends up in the cold palace, I can have Shao Kun protect him and ensure he stays in the capital rather than being sent to the provinces.”

Madam Liu had always planned to use Shen Yunxuan’s entry into the palace to benefit the family, ensuring Shen Yunxuan would contribute to their interests. But she had never intended for Shen Jun to return!

No matter what, Shen Jun was still the eldest son of the Shen family, a position that carried weight. He was also of marriageable age now, just finishing the mourning period. Before arranging marriages for her two daughters, she would first have to find a wife for Shen Jun. While he had remained at the ancestral home, he had been largely forgotten, but now that he was returning, everyone would scrutinize his marriage. His wife’s status would likely be significant, giving Shen Jun even more leverage.

Moreover, Shen Yunrong’s dream revealed that Shen Jun would eventually become a general. Even if Shao Kun supported him, Shen Jun’s own abilities would be a factor. This wasn’t some countryside bumpkin—they couldn’t risk him developing skills and becoming a grassroots general. Bringing Shen Jun back to the Shen family, especially with the potential support of a powerful wife, would only create complications and hinder her sons.

Shen Yunrong persuaded, “Mother, since we know Shen Jun has the potential to be a great talent, it’s even more reason to bring him back. Keep him in the capital where he has no opportunity to join the military. Isn’t that effectively cutting off his future prospects? If he stays outside, we can’t control him. He could join the army at any time, and he might even meet Shao Kun.

If he claims to be my brother, Shao Kun would feel obligated to help him. He might still become a general like in the dream. Instead, keeping him under close watch at home would limit his opportunities. If he acts out, you’ll have the chance to deal with him directly, which is better than losing track of him.”

These words convinced Madam Liu. Since Shen Xiuyuan had already decided to bring Shen Jun back, there was no point in sabotaging it or worrying about him joining the military. Instead, it was better to appear welcoming, satisfy Shen Xiuyuan, and win over Shen Yunxuan. Once Shen Jun returned, she could deal with him when the time was right.

After all, years ago, she had nearly managed to eliminate Shen Jun under the watchful eyes of the late elders. Now that she controlled the entire Shen household, how could she not handle him?

As for Shen Yunxuan, while there had been occasional disputes among the children, Madam Liu had always maintained an outward appearance of fairness. Even Qingju had secretly reported that Shen Yunxuan bore no resentment toward her. By expressing remorse, showing kindness to Shen Yunxuan and Shen Jun, and providing extra care, she could still keep Shen Yunxuan on her side.

Once Shen Yunxuan learned she was to enter the palace, she would naturally want to strengthen ties with the family. After all, a harmonious family would only benefit her future.

Everything seemed manageable and even potentially advantageous for Madam Liu, but after suppressing the children of the first wife for over a decade without ever losing, this time felt deeply frustrating. The more she thought about it, the more her head ached. Eventually, she dismissed Shen Yunrong and retired to her room to rest.

The entire household fell into an uneasy silence, as though bracing for an approaching storm. Servants spoke in hushed tones, only daring to gossip with trusted colleagues about the events surrounding the family’s masters. The day’s developments had subtly shifted their impressions.

The eldest miss no longer seemed as powerless as they had thought. It appeared Shen Xiuyuan intended to prioritize her and the eldest young master moving forward. Meanwhile, the lady of the house and the second young master and miss didn’t seem as faultless as they had assumed. Although many details eluded their understanding, it was clear that the children of the first wife had suffered while the second wife’s family thrived.

The servants weren’t inclined to take Shen Yunxuan’s side, but their respect for Madam Liu and her children diminished.

When Qingju returned, she found Qinglan already brewing medicine. Upon asking what had happened, Qinglan recounted the events matter-of-factly. Noticing Qingju’s pale face, she asked, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Qingju forced a smile. “I hurried back and got a stitch from running. By the way, where’s Miss?”

Qinglan replied, “Miss is resting. If you’re not feeling well, go back to your room. I’ll inform Miss that you’re off duty for today.”

Qingju nodded absentmindedly and retreated to her room, her mind in turmoil. She knew Madam Liu would surely blame her. Although she had acted on Madam Liu’s instructions by encouraging Shen Yunxuan to visit, the day’s events had spiraled out of control, and Madam Liu would likely hold her responsible.

Especially Shen Yunxuan’s request to bring Shen Jun back—Qingju had no prior indication of her intentions. Madam Liu had tasked her with monitoring Shen Yunxuan, and failing to anticipate this would undoubtedly be seen as incompetence. If Madam Liu decided she was useless and discarded her, she would be in serious trouble.

For years, Qingju had navigated her position by Shen Yunxuan’s side with ease, but this was the first time she found herself in such a precarious situation. Determined to redeem herself, Qingju sat on the edge of her bed, resolving to keep a close watch on Shen Yunxuan and ensure no more mistakes occurred.

Qinglan brought the freshly brewed medicine into Shen Yunxuan’s room and softly recounted Qingju’s behavior after her return.

Shen Yunxuan nodded. “If Qingju insists on taking over tasks by my side, let her. Don’t compete with her.”

Qinglan hesitated, worried. “Qingju betrayed you. Keeping her close is too risky.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled. “It’s fine. I have my reasons for keeping her around. Don’t worry. As for Doctor Wu and those two servants, make sure everything is arranged properly.”

Qinglan acknowledged the instructions, her admiration for Shen Yunxuan growing. From the moment Mudan had informed Shen Yunxuan that Liu Mama would bring in Doctor Wu, Shen Yunxuan had meticulously planned this entire act, anticipating everyone’s reactions and using them to her advantage. She not only gained significant benefits but also cemented her image as the “victim” in everyone’s eyes. Keeping Qingju close was surely part of a calculated strategy.

After drinking her medicine, Shen Yunxuan prepared to rest. The past few days of honing her acting skills and maintaining the appearance of frailty had left her little time to recuperate. Now that everything was proceeding as planned, she could finally relax and focus on recovering her strength.

Her condition wasn’t as dire as Doctor Wu had claimed, but years of silent suffering had left her somewhat weak. Using a treasured health regimen from her past life, along with medicinal ingredients sourced from the Shen family, she could restore her body to peak condition. It was a win-win situation. Preparing to enter the palace required her to be at her best, and she also wanted to reunite with her brother in her finest state.

Thinking about her brother’s impending return to the capital made Shen Yunxuan feel a surge of excitement. It had been decades since she last saw him.

What would her brother look like at twenty years old? She realized she had never seen him at that age. In her previous life, when they reunited, he was already twenty-three, hardened from years in the military, scarred but strong—a stark contrast to what he might have been at twenty.

In her past life, her brother had joined the battlefield due to Xie Kun and Shen Yunrong’s rise as a consort. Yet, only she knew that her brother had already passed the preliminary scholar exams and had originally planned to take the imperial examinations after completing his mourning period.

Now, she had paved the way for him. All that was left was for him to return and astonish everyone!

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆