Ch 50: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Once one enters the palace, the world outside becomes as distant as the sea. When Shen Yunxuan entered the palace this time, the people in the manor might never get the chance to see her again in their lifetime. Thus, the farewell was both celebratory and bittersweet.

Especially for the maids and older servants in Shen Yunxuan’s courtyard, they were reluctant to part with such a kind mistress. As long as they did their jobs well, there were no unnecessary troubles. Shen Yunxuan was fair and clear in rewards and punishments, making their tasks easier. But now, with her entering the palace as a consort, she only took Madam Zhuang and three senior maids with her, leaving the rest without a mistress, which inevitably saddened them.

Shen Yunxuan had Qinglan distribute gold melon seeds to everyone and smiled, saying, “My brother has just returned to the manor and lacks capable hands by his side. I’ve already arranged for some of you to serve in his courtyard. Others will go to my shops and estates to work. Pack up and follow my brother’s instructions. For the rest, you will be assigned tasks in other parts of the manor.”

She concluded with a heartfelt wish, “I hope you all live a peaceful and smooth life with all your wishes fulfilled.”

Many were teary-eyed as they responded in unison, “Thank you for your blessings, Your Grace. We will follow your instructions.”

Since the imperial decree had been issued, Shen Yunxuan was already a consort, and the entire household addressed her as “Your Grace,” bowing whenever they saw her. The staff in her courtyard had the best discipline, a fact that pleased Zhuang Mama greatly. Over the past days, she had trained the servants as a show of her abilities to Shen Yunxuan. Fully committed to her mistress, she was ready to follow her into the palace.

As they were about to leave, a figure rushed forward in panic. Qinglan and Qingzhu immediately stepped in front of Shen Yunxuan, as the person fell to the ground and cried out, “Miss! What did I do wrong? Why won’t you take me to the palace? Have you abandoned me?”

Zhuang Mama sternly rebuked, “Silence! On such a joyous day, are you courting death?”

Qingju, startled, clamped her mouth shut as Zhuang Mama continued, “Your parents falsified accounts and embezzled money from the mistress’s shop. Your brother used her name to bully the common folk. Yesterday, the mistress had them arrested and sent to the authorities. Considering you were unaware of their deeds, you were allowed to remain in the manor, but you won’t be going to the palace.”

Qingju’s eyes widened in disbelief, trembling as she processed the news. Her family had been sent to the authorities? Sent to the authorities?!

She had heard nothing about this. Her family was ruined! The timing—arrests yesterday and the palace entry today—was too coincidental. Shen Yunxuan must have known all along. The mistress’s recent kindness and the information she’d shared with Qingju—was it all part of a ploy? Did Shen Yunxuan know she was working for Madam Liu?

Meeting Shen Yunxuan’s cold gaze, Qingju collapsed to the ground, realizing that Shen Yunxuan knew everything.

In the stifling summer heat, cold sweat drenched Qingju’s face and trickled into her collar. Shen Yunxuan, now a noble consort, could crush her as easily as an ant. Leaving her in the manor was a deliberate move to make Madam Liu suspect and torment her. With her fate sealed in the manor, she was utterly doomed.

Overwhelmed by terror, Qingju couldn’t even summon hatred, as she had no idea when she’d exposed herself. This mystery only deepened her fear, leaving her paralyzed.

Shen Yunxuan waved for the crowd to disperse and approached Qingju. Leaning down, she whispered in her ear, “For the sake of our history together, I’ll give you a piece of advice: always choose the most dependable backer. Never serve the wrong master.”

With that, Shen Yunxuan passed her by, surrounded by attendants, and boarded a sedan chair. She departed the courtyard, leaving Qingju weakly scrambling to her feet, frantically dissecting Shen Yunxuan’s words for meaning.

Shen Yunxuan would never waste words, so her advice must have significance.

Suddenly, Qingju froze. She recalled something Shen Yunxuan had once said: “In this household, Shen Xiuyuan is everyone’s sky.”

Working for Madam Liu had been a grave mistake. With no chance of returning to Liu’s side—she would be killed to silence her—Shen Xiuyuan was her only hope for survival.

After briefly considering the younger masters, Qingju dismissed them. As juniors, they wouldn’t have the power to protect her from Madam Liu. Only Shen Xiuyuan, the head of the household, could shield her.

It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was her only chance. If Shen Yunxuan hinted at seeking Shen Xiuyuan’s favor, it must also be a way to atone for her misdeeds. Perhaps, if she pleased Shen Yunxuan in the future, the consort might even protect her.

Quickly formulating a plan, Qingju abandoned thoughts of her captured family. She secured a large sum of silver and began pulling strings. With the household focused on Shen Yunxuan’s departure, she had to act swiftly before Madam Liu realized her intentions.

At the gate, Shen Xiuyuan and others bid Shen Yunxuan farewell. She exchanged simple pleasantries before looking directly at Shen Jun and softly saying, “We part today, not knowing when we’ll meet again. I wish you well, Brother.”

Shen Jun reluctantly nodded. “Your Grace, please take care of yourself as well!”

The siblings had missed too many years together. Even though Shen Yunxuan, after her rebirth, immediately found a way to bring Shen Jun back to the manor, they had only spent a month together. Once she entered the palace, even correspondence would no longer be as free as it once was.

Still, they both held hopes for the future. The harem and the court would be their respective stages to showcase their abilities. If they both worked hard, one day, they could stand side by side in another form!

Seeing that time was running short, Shen Xiuyuan spoke. “Your Grace, do not worry about the household. Now that Jun’er is back, everything will be properly managed. Rest assured.”

Shen Yunxuan sighed softly and said, “Then I must trouble Father to look after my brother. It’s not that I don’t trust the household, but… my second brother is overly detached, my third brother enjoys mischief, and my younger sister has already chosen her husband on her own…

Mother loves her children too much, and no matter how often they are punished, it doesn’t seem to help. So I can only ask Father to protect my brother more.”

With a deep bow, she added, “Your daughter bids farewell. Father, please take care of yourself.”

Shen Yunxuan’s words were heard clearly by the nearby Shen family members. Apart from Shen Jun, who remained calm, everyone else’s expressions stiffened, though they didn’t dare show their displeasure. Bowing their heads, they performed the formalities of a respectful farewell.

Ignoring their discomfort, Shen Yunxuan turned and boarded her carriage, leaving with her entourage toward the palace. This departure marked a new beginning for her, a break from all ties to the Shen family for now. Shen Yunxuan felt an unprecedented sense of clarity and freedom, discarding all irrelevant people and matters from her mind.

Her influence, however, was far from insignificant. As soon as the procession left, Shen Xiuyuan brushed his sleeves and headed to his study. Liu Shi followed, her face darkening, and said angrily, “What did she mean by that? Saying I can’t raise my children? I am her elder! Has becoming a consort gone to her head, making her look down on me?”

Shen Xiuyuan snorted coldly. “Have you raised them well? The second son is focused on studying but lacks social understanding and always says unpleasant things. The third son plays pranks, causing the eldest sister to fall ill from fright, and he refuses to change despite repeated admonitions. Yunrong is even worse—she dared to… Humph! Don’t think I’m unaware of your schemes. You always rush to discipline them first, only to let them off lightly. Last time, you sentenced the third son to confinement and scripture copying, yet he was out playing in the courtyard!”

“A lenient mother spoils her children! Your actions will ruin them!”

The accusation was severe. Liu Shi turned pale and began to cry. “My three children are all outstanding. How could you say such things? Are you taking her side just because she’s now a consort? Does that mean there’s no place in this manor for me and my children anymore?”

“Enough! Do you even hear yourself? Stop maligning the consort! You know very well whether you’ve indulged them or not. Go back and reflect. Your noise is giving me a headache. And remember, choose your words carefully. If you anger the consort, it’s your children who will suffer the consequences.”

Since secretly changing the marriage arrangement behind Shen Xiuyuan’s back, Liu Shi had lost favor with him. But his harsh tone, even telling her to “reflect,” was unprecedented. It was clear how dissatisfied he was with her.

Liu Shi dared not argue further and had to return to her courtyard in a fury. Just as she was about to throw something, Liu Mama stopped her in alarm. “Madam! Today is a joyous occasion for Her Grace’s entry into the palace. You mustn’t smash anything! If word gets out, your reputation will be ruined, and the palace will hold you accountable!”

Liu Shi’s chest heaved as she slammed the vase back onto the table and collapsed onto the bed, punching the mattress in frustration. Instead of venting her anger, she felt even more stifled, and the room spun as she nearly fainted.

Liu Mama hurried to support her. “Madam! Please calm down. Don’t dwell on upsetting matters. Today is not the day to call for a physician. Take it easy. In the future, you won’t see her often, so why let this anger harm your health and delight her instead?”

This only made Liu Shi angrier. That’s right—she wouldn’t see Shen Yunxuan often anymore, yet the consort had to take a parting shot before leaving. She had thought Shen Yunxuan was naive, someone who would be grateful and forgiving with just a few crumbs. She had spent days trying to win her over.

But now it was clear she had been the fool. After all her concessions and patience, Shen Yunxuan had been pretending all along, waiting until her departure to label her as incapable of raising children, leaving Shen Xiuyuan thoroughly furious with her.

Her indulgence of her children was an act of motherly bias, trivial matters that shouldn’t have been worth mentioning. But now, Shen Yunxuan, under the guise of a consort and concern for her brother, had used these as well-meaning advice, ensuring Shen Xiuyuan’s anger was entirely directed at her. Worse, it tainted her children as unruly in his eyes.

In the future, if they performed well under Shen Xiuyuan’s stricter discipline, all would be fine. But if they fell short, they would undoubtedly face his wrath.

Liu Shi grew increasingly agitated, unable to calm down. Her head throbbed, her chest felt tight, and she struggled to breathe. Seeing her distress, Mudan offered a small porcelain bottle. “Madam, this is a remedy I got from a physician, good for pain relief and fatigue. I take it when I’m unwell but still need to work. If you’re feeling terrible, would you like to try one?”

Shaoyao, one of Liu Shi’s personal senior maids, took no issue with the offer and handed Liu Shi a pill. Liu Shi swallowed it, then leaned against Liu Mama for support. About a quarter of an hour later, her headache eased, and the discomfort in her body subsided significantly.

Letting out a sigh of relief, she waved her hand weakly. “Leave me be. I’ll rest for a while. These past days have been exhausting. Later, call Doctor Wu to come and take a look at me.”

Shaoyao helped remove Liu Shi’s outer garments and hair accessories while Liu Mama supported her into bed. She consoled her in a low voice, “Madam, please don’t fret. At least both young ladies’ marriages are now settled. You can ease up in the future, and the Master will come around eventually. Once the second young lady marries into the Shao family and becomes the wife of a general, and the second young master becomes the top scholar while the third young master earns victories on the battlefield, your blessings will surely follow.”

Hearing this, Liu Shi felt slightly better. As long as her three children lived safely and achieved something, she would eventually enjoy the happiness of her descendants. As for Shen Yunxuan, did she truly believe that becoming a consort in the palace meant all her problems were over? Even consorts needed family support. What could Shen Xiuyuan, a man, possibly understand? If she stopped sending money to the palace and avoided mentioning Shen Yunxuan during social gatherings, people would naturally infer the estrangement.

When other consorts’ families sent messages into the palace, the other consorts would hardly treat Shen Yunxuan kindly. Shen Yunxuan’s days of hardship were not far off. And besides, according to Shen Yunrong, the Emperor might be looking for a reason to dismiss Shen Xiuyuan from his position, which would naturally affect Shen Yunxuan. Liu Shi could only wait for the day Shen Yunxuan came crying.

Whether it was the effect of the medicine or the relaxation of her thoughts, Liu Shi soon fell into a deep and restful sleep.

Liu Mama praised Shaoyao for her thoughtfulness, leaving the porcelain bottle behind, saying they would have a doctor examine it later to prepare more if suitable for Liu Shi. Shaoyao was pleased to be of help and mentioned heading to the small kitchen to prepare some hometown dishes for Liu Shi to boost her appetite. She then went to the kitchen alone.

Once alone, Mudan felt the chill of her sweat-soaked inner garments against her skin.

The pill had been given to her by Shen Yunxuan, who assured her it wasn’t poison. But Mudan had been terrified, dreading the possibility that the pill might kill Liu Shi and drag her entire family down with it. Yet she had no choice but to comply. Earlier, Mudan had harbored some selfish thoughts, but before she could act, Shen Yunxuan had confronted her, making her suspect spies might be watching her or that there were others working for Shen Yunxuan within Liu Shi’s circle.

Now that Shen Yunxuan had become a consort and Shen Jun was highly valued by Shen Xiuyuan, Mudan dared not defy Shen Yunxuan’s orders. Didn’t she see how Qingju’s entire family had been sent to the authorities? Left in the manor, Qingju was bound to suffer under Liu Shi’s torment, endure the mockery of the servants, and live a miserable life.

Mudan didn’t want the same fate and was determined to fulfill Shen Yunxuan’s tasks to the letter. Yet, the more she did, the deeper she sank, leaving no path for retreat.

Fortunately, the pill truly alleviated Liu Shi’s ailments and earned Mudan favor in front of her mistress. As long as nothing went wrong, she would have little to worry about. Beyond this task, Shen Yunxuan hadn’t given her any additional instructions, so Mudan hoped her life would be easier moving forward.

Slightly reassured, she resolved to find a way to secure her future. The moment an opportunity arose, she would leave the capital to protect her life and live in peace.

With Liu Shi resting, Shen Yunrong, Shen Ming, and Shen Yu came to see her, only to be met with closed doors. Annoyed, Shen Yu snapped at Shen Yunrong, “It’s all your fault Mother is so angry.”

Shen Yunrong, however, wasn’t about to indulge him. She scolded directly, “Have you forgotten the time you were confined and beaten for shirking your scripture copying? You frightened the consort, causing all this trouble. If you don’t reflect, you’ll end up harming yourself and others.”

Shen Yunrong disdained Shen Yu. In her previous life, he achieved nothing after becoming crippled, falling short even of Shen Jun, who had grown up in the countryside. What right did he have to act arrogant in front of her?

Shen Yu grew angrier. Why had he always tormented Shen Yunxuan? Because Shen Yunrong had hated her since childhood—hated her for being prettier, more favored by their grandparents, and even born under auspicious signs. So, he had helped bully her.

Yet this time, after taking such a heavy loss, Shen Yunrong hadn’t said a word in his defense or even visited him. She hadn’t pleaded for him when he was beaten. He had been seething for days, and now, at the first chance to confront Shen Yunrong, she had scolded him instead!

Fuming, Shen Yu retorted, “Why don’t we ask Mother who’s to blame? Was it you or me? You’re always clinging to her, whispering things, and then Mother suddenly starts forcing us to study while you end up going to the palace…”

“Enough!” Shen Yunrong’s cold glare silenced him.

Though Shen Yu held his tongue, he remained resentful, staring at Shen Yunrong with defiance. Shen Yunrong glanced at Shen Yu and Shen Ming before turning to leave.

Shen Yu complained to Shen Ming, “What’s her deal? Does she think she’s better than us?”

Shen Ming frowned, watching Shen Yunrong’s retreating figure with confusion. Everyone in the family had been acting strangely lately, and it annoyed him. The constant pressure to study only added to his frustration. Now that Shen Yunxuan was gone, their parents were quarreling again, and even Shen Yunrong had grown distant from them.

And then there was Shen Jun. Once dressed properly, he looked refined and dignified, with none of the rustic air of a country bumpkin. Shen Yu had overheard many servants praising Shen Jun for his exceptional demeanor, calling him a worthy eldest young master, which grated on his nerves. He wanted to scold the servants, but every time he sought them out, they disappeared. He suspected they said those things deliberately to irritate him, leaving him agitated and unable to focus on his studies.

When Shen Yu tried to complain further, Shen Ming left abruptly, taking advantage of Liu Shi’s rest to sneak out of the manor with a servant for some leisure. As for Liu Shi’s instructions to study diligently and not let Shen Jun outshine him, Shen Ming scoffed at the idea. No matter how refined Shen Jun appeared, he was still a rustic country boy at heart. How could someone from the Imperial Academy like himself be surpassed by him? The notion was laughable.

Shen Yu, once the most favored child of the Shen family, now had no one to confide in and was seething with anger. Frustrated, he stormed off to the training grounds to spar with the household guards.

Shen Xiuyuan, aware of the day’s significance, had instructed people to keep an eye on the children to prevent any mishaps. But witnessing the discord among the three siblings, in stark contrast to the unity of Shen Yunxuan and Shen Jun, made him wonder: Was this the difference between twins and ordinary siblings, or was it because they had different mothers?

He watched as the three quarreled outside Liu Shi’s courtyard, with Liu Shi resting inside, ignoring the commotion. No wonder she couldn’t discipline her children properly—she didn’t even have servants with the sense to intervene.

Fuming, Shen Xiuyuan retreated to his study. As he sat alone, Qingju entered, carrying a tray of tea. In a soft voice, she said, “Master, please have some tea.”

Shen Xiuyuan was surprised to see her. “Qingju? Why are you here? Didn’t you go to the palace with the consort?”

Qingju’s eyes reddened as she knelt, recounting the arrest of her father and brothers. She confessed with shame, “I grew up serving the consort and never wanted to leave her side, but I failed to manage my family and never imagined they would cause such trouble. I no longer have the face to serve her.

“Now that the consort has entered the palace, I may never see her again. Knowing that she often speaks of her concern for you, I came here hoping to serve you in her stead and take care of you on her behalf. I beg for your permission, Master.”

Typically, servants involved in misconduct were sold off, but Shen Yunxuan had their crimes reported to the authorities. Why hadn’t she informed him first? Such a move could invite ridicule about his poor household management. Yet when Qingju mentioned that Shen Yunxuan often spoke of him, his curiosity was piqued, and he told her to rise and explain further.

Wiping her tears, Qingju stood behind him and began speaking in a gentle, persuasive tone. In her previous life, Qingju had become Shen Yunxuan’s most trusted confidante, a testament to her quick wit and eloquence. When she wanted to win someone over, she could reach their heart with ease. In no time, she had Shen Xiuyuan smiling.

Outside, the servant who had taken twenty taels of silver to let Qingju in breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the master was pleased, he wouldn’t question how Qingju had been allowed to serve tea. But Qingju truly had a gift—she could turn black into white. It wouldn’t be long before the manor had a new “Qing Mama.”

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While the manor buzzed with drama, Shen Jun had no interest in any of it. Sitting in his room, he focused on the plans Shen Yunxuan had entrusted to him. He reviewed ideas for managing their shops and estates, increasing profits, gaining the Emperor’s favor, benefiting the country, and helping the people. Most importantly, he considered the best timing for introducing these innovations to maximize their advantage.

These were significant matters that would shape their future and couldn’t be taken lightly. For now, the most suitable contributions he could make were related to cowpox vaccination and the imperial examination reforms. To support Shen Yunxuan, he needed to shine brightly himself. He buried himself in creating a meticulous plan, using this focus to lessen the sorrow of their sibling separation.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan arrived at Anhe Palace, located a moderate distance from the Emperor’s residence. The Emperor, having ascended the throne just three years ago, had a relatively empty harem. Shen Yunxuan was the sole mistress of Anhe Palace, making it a quiet place. The palace decor was modest, neither extravagant nor plain, giving Shen Yunxuan the impression of mediocrity and reflecting the Emperor’s indifference.

After all, her position had been secured by the Shen family through the former princess consort’s plea to the Empress Dowager. Shen Xiuyuan was not one of the Emperor’s trusted ministers, so there was little reason for the Emperor to care.

Seated on her bed, Shen Yunxuan waited silently for the Emperor’s arrival. In her past life, she had barely seen the Emperor. At grand banquets or during the Empress Dowager’s funeral, she had always been far away and could not even glance at his face. She only knew that he was a wise ruler, fair and just, rewarding merit and punishing wrongdoing. Thanks to him, Shao Kun had risen to the rank of marquis through military achievements, and Shen Jun had become a general. Even when the Shen family fell into decline, Shen Jun had remained unaffected.

What Shen Yunxuan had been most grateful for in her past life was the Emperor’s special conferment of a high-ranking title for her. Without it, even as the matriarch of a marquis household, she would have faced a difficult old age, dependent on her descendants. With the Emperor’s recognition, she had stood above others based on her own merit, commanding respect and ensuring a comfortable later life.

She had once asked Zhuang Mama about the Emperor’s character. Zhuang Mama, who had left the palace ten years ago when the Emperor was just ten years old, didn’t know much about him now. However, she recalled that even as a child, the Emperor had been adept at concealing his abilities and emotions, much like Shen Yunxuan and Shen Jun.

Shen Yunxuan had pondered then: what kind of people were she and Shen Jun? Patient, restrained, and skilled at self-preservation when not in power, yet determined to use any position of influence to achieve meaningful goals. They valued loyalty, fairness, and justice, and they repaid kindness while avenging wrongs. Could the Emperor be the same?

If so, it would indeed be her fortune.

As night fully descended, the Emperor finally arrived.

Seeing the bright yellow robes, Shen Yunxuan rose to greet him, her nerves mounting. She was truly marrying the Emperor—the man who had seemed so distant in her past life was now her husband in this one.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆