Ch 47: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The next day, Qingju indeed started to compete for tasks around Shen Yunxuan. Qinglan, who was preparing medicine, secretly swapped Doctor Wu’s prescription for Shen Yunxuan’s personal health regimen, handling every detail herself.

Qingju, thinking Shen Yunxuan’s recent injury had startled Qinglan into showing her loyalty, didn’t think much of it. With Qingmei and Qingzhu, the other senior maids, no match for her experience, Qingju naturally stayed close to Shen Yunxuan.

Seemingly casually, Qingju probed, “Miss, you’re going to be reunited with Eldest Brother soon, that’s wonderful! But these past days, Miss seems to be quietly saddened. It’s my fault for not noticing sooner. If I had, I could have comforted you, and you wouldn’t have hurt your health.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled, “You always take everything on yourself. It’s just me getting stuck in my own thoughts. How could I blame you?”

Qingju looked at her face, pleased. “Miss, you look much better today.”

Shen Yunxuan naturally responded, “It’s probably because good news lifts the spirit. My brother is returning soon, and I feel much more at ease. Plus, the medicine from Mother is so good for my health.”

Hearing this, Qingju thought it seemed like Shen Yunxuan was expressing gratitude toward Madam Liu. Her expression softened with relief. It appeared that this was truly a coincidence and not something Shen Yunxuan had deliberately planned. She followed up, “Miss has been thinking of Eldest Brother, but you never mentioned him before. I was so startled when you asked Father to bring Eldest Brother back, fearing he’d scold you.”

Shen Yunxuan walked out the door, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds, sighing with contentment. “Talking about him would only bring more sadness, so why bother? But yesterday, seeing Father care for me so much, and Mother being so dedicated to my health, I felt so touched. I couldn’t help but think of how my brother is all alone far away. How wonderful it would be if we could reunite. That’s why I dared to bring it up. I believe Father must miss him too, which is why he immediately sent someone to fetch him. I think in the past, it was because of the elder master’s will and the mourning period that they couldn’t meet.”

Her face was bright with joy, her eyes filled with happiness and emotion, making it impossible for anyone to doubt her deep affection for Shen Xiuyuan and Madam Liu.

Qingju took the opportunity to secretly go to Madam Liu to make amends, emphasizing how she had spoken up for her, helping Shen Yunxuan appreciate Madam Liu’s efforts. She finally earned Madam Liu’s favor and was instructed to continue encouraging Shen Yunxuan to grow closer to Madam Liu, care for her younger siblings, and be mindful of the family.

It was then that Qingju learned that Madam Liu intended to have Shen Yunxuan enter the palace as a concubine! She eagerly agreed, her heart brimming with excitement. Having betrayed Shen Yunxuan to serve Madam Liu, she naturally hoped for great rewards, dreaming of marrying a promising young official and eventually becoming a titled lady, thanks to the Shen family’s support.

But if she could enter the palace, there might be a chance to get close to the emperor and bear him a son. Even if she were just a palace maid to the concubine, it would still be a respectable position, and she would have better prospects when seeking marriage. This was a great opportunity, and she was determined to work toward it. Once in the palace, as Shen Yunxuan’s eyes and ears, Madam Liu would undoubtedly reward her even more.

Full of determination, Qingju began to carefully monitor Shen Yunxuan’s every word and action, subtly praising Madam Liu and her children whenever possible. Meanwhile, the servants in the courtyard spread Shen Yunxuan’s words to others, which eventually reached Shen Xiuyuan’s ears. He was deeply moved.

He realized his guilt and, upon hearing how Shen Yunxuan had shown him such deep affection and even justified his past actions, his heart softened further. It wasn’t that he hadn’t cared for Shen Jun; it was because of the elder master’s will and the years of mourning that kept him from acting. To Shen Yunxuan, he was still a good father.

Filled with a sense of fatherly love, Shen Xiuyuan immediately opened his private store and instructed the steward to send several large boxes of goods to Shen Yunxuan. Premium medicinal herbs, fine fabrics, jewelry, decorative items, books—everything was included, as if he were trying to make up for the years of neglect.

Shen Yunxuan personally received the items in the courtyard, smiling happily. “Father, you’ve remembered me. I really love these gifts. By the way, I’ve painted a fan for Father these past two days. Could the steward help me deliver it to him? I’m a bit embarrassed, though—I didn’t have good fan bones, so I couldn’t finish it. I wonder if Father will like it.”

The steward hurriedly assured her, “There are plenty of fan bones at the master’s place. They’re just right for your fan. With the fan you’ve painted yourself, Master will certainly love it. You can rest assured, Miss.”

Qingju, who had thought Shen Yunxuan had been in a good mood these past days, making sketches and occasionally embroidering, was surprised to hear that Shen Yunxuan had painted a fan for Shen Xiuyuan.

She couldn’t shake an odd feeling, as though she and Shen Yunxuan were separated by an invisible barrier. No matter how hard she tried, she could never be as close to Shen Yunxuan as before. Despite being by her side constantly, why was it that Shen Yunxuan always surprised her with things she didn’t expect?

She glanced at Qinglan and Qingzhu, noticing they were also unaware of this, which reassured her. It seemed that Shen Yunxuan had simply grown more mature and kept her thoughts to herself more. Perhaps that was why she didn’t openly share everything anymore.

After the steward left, Shen Yunxuan excitedly opened the boxes, pulling Qingju over. “Look at all these wonderful medicinal herbs and supplements—Father really is so good to me! This box is full of new materials from this year, and these sets of jewelry were crafted by the best artisans in the capital. Father certainly is generous!”

Qingju, who always followed Shen Yunxuan’s lead, eagerly praised Shen Xiuyuan, complimenting him and agreeing with Shen Yunxuan’s joy.

As Shen Yunxuan grew tired, Qingju helped her back to her room to rest. Along the way, Shen Yunxuan sighed, “I never realized how wonderful it feels to receive Father’s favor. He’s so kind to those he cherishes. Is this what it means to be the ‘head of the household’? In this Shen family, Father is like the sky above us all.”

Qingju glanced at her, amused. Shen Yunxuan had never experienced fatherly love before, so her excitement was understandable. Likely, the fan painting she had prepared wasn’t initially intended as a gift—perhaps she had never dared to express her feelings because she hadn’t felt close to her father before.

No matter. Madam Liu’s goal was to ensure Shen Yunxuan aligned herself with the Shen family, and Shen Yunxuan’s growing closeness to her father only strengthened that bond. In this sense, Qingju felt she was fulfilling her mission. With this reassurance, she stopped worrying.

The fan painting Shen Yunxuan had prepared was a bamboo forest scene. Originally meant to be a token for unforeseen circumstances, she hadn’t expected to use it so quickly. It seemed her deliberate decision to let the servants overhear her words had worked remarkably well. This way, once her brother returned, he too would benefit from Shen Xiuyuan’s favor.

Though her brother might not need it, having Shen Xiuyuan’s protection would undoubtedly smooth his path.

Shen Xiuyuan was genuinely delighted with the fan painting. It reinforced the idea that his children held no resentment toward him. He immediately ordered it to be made into a folding fan, using the finest materials for the frame and tassels. Whenever he went out afterward, he carried it proudly. If anyone noticed it, he would mention that the fan was a token of filial piety from his eldest daughter.

This brought Shen Xiuyuan a sense of relief, as if publicly showcasing his affection for his daughter could prove that he had never wronged the children of his first wife. He even casually brought up the master’s earlier prophecy, lamenting that he had no choice but to leave Shen Jun to endure hardships outside in order to raise him. Now, he intended to compensate his eldest son properly.

Before Shen Jun even returned to the capital, the story of his “fateful prophecy” spread once again, even reaching the palace. While most people treated it as an amusing anecdote, a few who saw through Shen Xiuyuan and Madam Liu’s manipulations were disdainful, distancing themselves from the Shen family and murmuring that the first wife’s children had endured hard lives.

While the outside world quickly returned to calm, the Shen residence was significantly affected.

The first issue was preparing a courtyard for Shen Jun. Since Madam Liu had decided to win over Shen Yunxuan and knew Shen Yunxuan felt grateful to her, she invited Shen Yunxuan to help choose the courtyard. To her dismay, Shen Yunxuan immediately chose the largest one, even bigger than Shen Ming’s.

Madam Liu’s expression faltered as Shen Yunxuan remarked nostalgically, “Grandmother once told me that Purple Bamboo Pavilion was chosen by my mother when she gave birth to us. But before she could settle my brother there, she passed away, and he left the capital shortly after. If my mother’s spirit is watching over us, she would surely be happy to see my brother living there.”

Madam Liu’s expression darkened further. That courtyard had been reserved for Shen Ming’s future marriage—it was the largest in the estate apart from Shen Xiuyuan’s own. To find out it had originally been designated by Lady Fang for Shen Jun was maddening. And why bring up Lady Fang? Such an inauspicious topic!

Now, refusing would seem heartless, but agreeing felt like a bitter concession. She regretted involving Shen Yunxuan at all—it was like digging her own grave.

When Shen Yunxuan noticed Madam Liu’s hesitation, she asked innocently, “Mother, is there a problem?”

Shen Yunrong quickly interjected, “How could there be? It’s just a courtyard. Mother must be thinking about how to decorate it.”

Madam Liu forced a smile. “Exactly. I was just wondering how to arrange it. After all these years apart, I don’t know what your brother likes.”

Shen Yunxuan beamed. “Why not let me handle it, Mother? My brother and I exchange letters occasionally, so I know his preferences. If I arrange it, he’ll surely like it.”

“Fine, I’ll leave it to you,” Madam Liu replied, feeling another headache coming on. If the arrangements turned out well, she could credit herself for being generous. If not, it would be Shen Yunxuan’s fault. Either way, she wouldn’t lose.

After thanking Madam Liu, Shen Yunxuan went to inspect Purple Bamboo Pavilion with her servants. Seeing Madam Liu’s sour mood, Shen Yunrong tried to console her. “Mother, since the decision has been made, don’t let it upset you. It’s not worth damaging your health over them.”

Her words were considerate, but before Madam Liu could feel touched, Shen Yunrong brought up the Shao family. “Mother, now that Father’s temper has cooled, when will you bring up the marriage proposal from the Shao family? If we wait too long, they might propose to Shen Yunxuan instead. Also, if you’re dissatisfied with Shen Yunxuan, you should finalize her entry into the palace soon and bring in a nanny to teach her palace etiquette. She’ll be too busy to trouble you and will see it as an act of your care. Father will certainly be pleased.”

Madam Liu frowned and said slowly, “Ever since you had that dream, it seems your mind is fixated on this one thing.”

Shen Yunrong opened her mouth to explain, but Madam Liu waved her off, unwilling to listen further.

Despite her irritation with the household chaos, Madam Liu couldn’t deny Shen Yunrong’s point. The Shao family matter had to be resolved quickly. If they waited for the Shao family to formally propose to Shen Yunxuan, it would be too awkward to switch the bride to Shen Yunrong afterward.

Madam Liu called for Liu Mama, and the two discussed the matter in detail. Sending Shen Yunxuan to the palace was easy enough—when they first appealed to the Empress Dowager, they hadn’t specified which daughter would Shao the palace. However, arranging for Shen Yunrong to marry into the Xie family required careful reasoning. After all, the family matriarch had originally spoken to Madam Shao about Shen Yunxuan.

If not handled properly, any rumors could bring great harm to the Shen family’s reputation.

Soon, Shen Yunxuan learned from Mudan that Madam Liu planned to tell Madam Shao that Shen Yunxuan wished to enter the palace as a concubine. The Shen family, being unable to refuse her wishes, didn’t want to strain their relationship with the Shao family and thus decided to offer Shen Yunrong as a bride instead, forging a union between the two families.

In Madam Liu’s view, Shen Yunrong, who was favored at home, could bring far more benefits to the Shao family than Shen Yunxuan. She believed the Shao family wouldn’t object to the switch, and hearing this explanation, they would likely grow disdainful of Shen Yunxuan, ensuring no further contact or rumors. The matter could then be buried for good.

Of course, Madam Liu would need to convince Shen Xiuyuan before implementing this plan, which had kept her busy the past few days.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan remained calm, continuing her daily visits to Purple Bamboo Pavilion to supervise the renovation. Occasionally, she would seek Madam Liu’s input on selecting furniture or decorative items for the courtyard.

Mudan, observing Shen Yunxuan’s composed demeanor, wondered if she truly didn’t care about the tarnished reputation that might follow her. If the story spread, Shen Yunxuan’s name would be associated with greed and ambition, and if she did become a concubine, it would be a scandal. How could she remain so unbothered?

Madam Liu, on the other hand, found Shen Yunxuan’s frequent visits tiresome. She thought Shen Yunxuan lacked tact, bothering her over trivial matters. Twice, when Shen Xiuyuan was present, Shen Yunxuan even invited him to inspect the pavilion, disrupting Madam Liu’s attempts to persuade him.

One day, Shen Yunxuan came to Madam Liu again, respectfully requesting, “Mother, I’d like to borrow some paintings and books to set up Eldest Brother’s study. I might also need some calligraphy tools and decorative items for the display shelves…”

Before she could finish, Madam Liu interrupted, “You can make the decisions yourself. Over the past few days, you’ve shown great competence, proving you’ve grown up and can handle responsibilities. Since I entrusted you with Purple Bamboo Pavilion, you may decide everything. If you need anything, just go to the storeroom.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled. “Thank you, Mother, for your trust. I just worry that, being inexperienced, I might make mistakes. If Liu Mama could accompany me to the storeroom, I’d feel more confident.”

Overwhelmed by more pressing matters, Madam Liu felt irritated just hearing about the courtyard. She didn’t want to see Shen Yunxuan’s increasingly radiant face and dismissed her quickly. “I’ll have Liu Mama inform the storeroom steward. You can pick what you need directly without consulting me further. You’ve done well enough; there’s no need to be overly cautious. Besides, you’re still recovering and shouldn’t tire yourself. Just report back once everything is arranged.”

Shen Yunxuan hesitated before responding softly, “Then I won’t disturb you further. Mother, you’ve looked a little unwell recently—please take care not to overwork yourself.”

Madam Liu nodded with feigned affection, watching Shen Yunxuan leave before her expression turned cold. Unwell? Of course, it’s because of those eyesores born of Lady Fang. If not for them, how much more peaceful would my life be?

Shen Yunxuan’s constant visits had finally worn Madam Liu’s patience thin. Qingju, always ready to flatter, commented, “Madam has been so considerate, even worried about Miss tiring herself. Perhaps we’ve misunderstood her all along.”

Shen Yunxuan appeared touched. “Yes, Mother has a soft heart. She cares about me and my brother, so I must ensure Purple Bamboo Pavilion is arranged beautifully. I’ll even credit her for the work so my brother will appreciate her kindness.” She took Qingju’s hand. “By the way, I plan to arrange Brother’s study today. Father knows best in these matters. Please wait for him in the front courtyard. As soon as he returns, invite him to inspect Purple Bamboo Pavilion.”

Qingju hesitated. “A junior maid could go instead. I should stay by your side. The workers fixing the courtyard might be clumsy and cause trouble.”

Shen Yunxuan shook her head. “How could a junior maid be sent to invite Father? That would show a lack of respect. Besides, it’s been difficult to meet him these past few days. You’re quick-witted, so I trust you to handle this.”

Left with no choice, Qingju reluctantly agreed and set off.

As soon as Qingju left, Shen Yunxuan took Qingmei and Qingzhu to the storeroom to retrieve items. Liu Mama had already informed the steward of Madam Liu’s instructions, so Shen Yunxuan faced no resistance. Everyone knew that preparing for the eldest young master’s return was a priority. With Shen Xiuyuan and Shen Yunxuan showing interest, and Madam Liu posing as a loving stepmother, everyone complied.

Thus, when Shen Yunxuan selected numerous valuable decorations, renowned paintings, and rare books, the steward, though surprised, didn’t object. After all, it was for the eldest young master’s courtyard, and Madam Liu had given her approval. Their job was simply to follow orders.

Shen Yunxuan personally oversaw the arrangement of the study in Purple Bamboo Pavilion. The rare books were discreetly placed in a corner, while the most prominent shelves displayed introductory texts like The Three Character Classic and Standards for Being a Good Student and Child. The desk was neatly arranged with high-quality stationery, understated yet elegant, with freshly laid rice paper as the centerpiece.

Qingju waited anxiously in the front courtyard, worried about being away from Shen Yunxuan for so long and whether anything might have happened in her absence. When she finally saw Shen Xiuyuan arrive, her face lit up with delight. She quickly bowed, greeted him, and explained Shen Yunxuan’s request for him to visit Purple Bamboo Pavilion.

Shen Xiuyuan, having recently learned that Madam Liu intended to swap Shen Yunrong into Shen Yunxuan’s arranged marriage with the Shao family, felt a sense of resistance toward seeing Shen Yunxuan. However, since Shen Yunxuan had specifically sent someone to invite him, he felt obligated to go.

“Let’s go to Purple Bamboo Pavilion,” he said, not even bothering to change his clothes as he headed there. Along the way, he asked, “How is your young mistress’ health? Were the medicinal supplies sufficient? Has she been overly worried about anything?”

Qingju, walking closer to him, answered each question carefully. Inwardly, she marveled at how accurate Shen Yunxuan had been—Shen Xiuyuan truly doted on those he cared about. Despite just returning home, he was heading straight to see her, showing genuine concern. Qingju regretted ever working against Shen Yunxuan on Madam Liu’s behalf. If she had advised Shen Yunxuan to curry favor with Shen Xiuyuan earlier, Shen Yunxuan might already be the most favored member of the family, and Qingju herself would be reaping the benefits.

Still, it wasn’t too late. Qingju, skilled in flattery, quickly painted Shen Yunxuan as a loving and sensible daughter who deeply respected her father. She avoided saying anything negative about Madam Liu and her children, presenting them in a neutral and harmonious light, as if Shen Yunxuan got along well with them.

To Shen Xiuyuan, this reinforced the idea that Shen Yunxuan was a kind and forgiving child, harboring no resentment despite Shen Yu’s past pranks. It strengthened his resolve to resolve the Xie family matter in her favor, thinking that Madam Liu’s insistence on the swap was unreasonable. He decided to reject Madam Liu’s plan firmly.

By the time they reached the study in Purple Bamboo Pavilion, Shen Xiuyuan’s mood had improved. Upon seeing the arrangement of the study, he remarked, “You’ve done well, Xuan’er. I believe Jun’er will like this.”

Shen Yunxuan exhaled in relief. “Then I’m reassured. Mother told me I could make my own decisions and go to the storeroom to select what I needed without constantly consulting her. I was nervous about doing it well. Hearing Father’s approval puts my mind at ease.”

Shen Xiuyuan paused, realizing that Madam Liu’s indifference stemmed from her dissatisfaction with Shen Yunxuan. After failing to convince him to swap Shen Yunrong into the Shao marriage, it seemed Madam Liu had taken out her frustration on Shen Yunxuan.

However, he didn’t share these thoughts with Shen Yunxuan. Looking at her guileless expression, he felt a pang of pity. His daughter was too trusting and easily satisfied. Shifting his gaze to the bookshelf, he noticed several beginner-level books and felt uneasy.

Jun’er had already received an education before leaving the capital at age eight, but after twelve years in the countryside, who knew how much he remembered? It was likely he would need to start over.

Following his gaze, Shen Yunxuan smiled graciously. “I wasn’t sure how much my brother had studied, so I thought it best to prepare a variety of books. He can choose as he likes. What does Father think?”

Shen Xiuyuan glanced over the shelf again, noticing a range of topics and genres. Satisfied, he nodded. The value of the books—some of which were rare or unique—mattered less to him now. His thoughts were focused on compensating his eldest son and finding a good tutor to guide him. Perhaps he might even teach Jun’er himself.

As he turned, his eyes fell on the unused calligraphy tools and blank rice paper on the desk. A pang of regret struck him. When his twins were born, he had loved them dearly, imagining all the ways he would nurture his son and dote on his daughter. How had things come to this? He didn’t even know if his son could still write properly.

Driven by these feelings, Shen Xiuyuan scrutinized the study again and decided it wasn’t good enough. Tapping on the desk, he said, “The wood used here isn’t top-quality. Have it replaced with a better set.”

He instructed the steward to retrieve the best furniture from the storeroom and ensure everything in Purple Bamboo Pavilion was of the highest quality.

The steward, understanding the significance of the pavilion, opened the storeroom to Shen Yunxuan, allowing her to select freely. Shen Yunxuan wasted no time, choosing the treasures she had already set her eyes on, and had the steward personally deliver them to the pavilion. If Madam Liu wanted to show goodwill and win her over, how could she refuse such an opportunity?

This family estate was meant to be her brother’s inheritance. While inheritance matters could wait, taking some compensation now was only fair. The eldest son’s courtyard should naturally outshine those of Shen Ming and Shen Yu.

When Shen Xiuyuan returned to Madam Liu’s quarters, he firmly rejected the idea of Shen Yunrong marrying into the Shao family, admonishing her to stop meddling. He emphasized that the match had been carefully chosen by the family matriarch for Shen Yunxuan.

Madam Liu’s frustration grew as she realized Shen Xiuyuan had first gone to see Shen Yunxuan, reigniting his protective paternal instincts. She argued to no avail, and when she pressed further, Shen Xiuyuan left for one of his concubines’ rooms, leaving her seething with anger. In her fury, she swept cups and dishes off the table in a loud crash.

The recent setbacks had stirred Madam Liu’s temper, and she decided to bypass Shen Xiuyuan and speak directly with Madam Shao about the matter. Once the decision was made and the marriage set in stone, even if Shen Xiuyuan became angry, he would have no choice but to accept it.

When Madam Liu was angry, no one dared to cross her, and naturally, no one reported the happenings within the household to her. Liu Mama was preoccupied accompanying her in choosing gifts, meeting with Madam Shao, and seeking a nanny from the palace to teach etiquette, leaving her no time to pay attention to the storeroom or Purple Bamboo Pavilion.

It wasn’t until a few days later, when Shen Yunxuan invited both Shen Xiuyuan and Madam Liu to visit Purple Bamboo Pavilion, that Madam Liu was stunned to see the courtyard filled with treasures inside and out. The value of these items combined far exceeded everything Shen Ming and Shen Yu owned! How dare Shen Yunxuan?

However, before she could react, Shen Xiuyuan was already stroking his beard with satisfaction, smiling as he praised, “Not bad, Xuan’er did an excellent job.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled graciously. “I’m glad Father and Mother are pleased. This is the first task you entrusted me with, and I was worried I might disappoint you.”

“How could you? I’m very satisfied. Your brother will surely like it when he sees it,” Shen Xiuyuan said as he slowly toured the pavilion with his hands behind his back.

What could Madam Liu say? Could she claim it was too luxurious and might make Shen Jun uncomfortable? With Shen Xiuyuan in the throes of paternal affection, saying such a thing would only invite his disdain. Forced to swallow her anger, she managed to smile and offer a few words of praise.

Her gaze at Shen Yunxuan grew colder. This daughter left behind by Lady Fang was truly insufferable! Still, the fact that Shen Yunxuan had taken so many treasures from the storeroom conveniently served as evidence of her greed for wealth. Madam Liu was confident Madam Shao wouldn’t doubt her claims.

She couldn’t wait to see how Shen Yunxuan reacted when she learned that the Shao family had decided to marry Shen Yunrong instead. Madam Liu knew that when Shen Yunxuan missed her chance to enter the palace due to mourning her grandfather, the family matriarch had reassured her, claiming the palace was not a good place and handpicked Shao Kun for her instead.

Over the years, Shen Yunxuan had probably already assumed herself to be Shao Kun’s wife and a future daughter-in-law of the Shao family. Lately, she had been basking in her success and pride, but Madam Liu would let her enjoy it for a few more days. The higher she climbed, the harder she would fall. Once the marriage was finalized, Madam Liu couldn’t wait to see Shen Yunxuan cry.

Then she would hire two strict nannies to teach her palace etiquette. That would mark the beginning of Shen Yunxuan’s miserable days!

As for Shen Jun—hmph! A country bumpkin like him had no right to use such fine things. Just wait—Shen Xiuyuan’s current overflowing paternal love would only turn to disappointment when he saw that rural brute. And with Shen Ming standing by as a contrast, Shen Jun would inevitably become nothing more than a stepping stone for Shen Ming!

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆