Ch 56: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The eunuchs serving the Emperor came to the Shen family to deliver rewards. Naturally, Shen Xiuyuan invited them for tea, offered gifts, and treated them warmly. Meanwhile, Zhuang Mama followed Shen Jun back to the courtyard and shared news about Shen Yunxuan’s life in the palace.

Hearing that the Emperor treated Shen Yunxuan exceptionally well, even exclusively favoring her this past month, Shen Jun finally relaxed. He smiled and said, “My younger sister is naturally likable. However, this will inevitably attract jealousy from others. I must trouble you, Zhuang Mama, to protect her in the palace.”

As he spoke, Shen Jun made a gesture of respect, but Zhuang Mama quickly stopped him. “Master Shen, you humble this old servant. Since I willingly followed the mistress into the palace, I truly regard her as my master. I will do everything in my power to protect her and ease her burdens. Besides, my nephew is under your care. I am deeply grateful, and considering your status as the old master’s esteemed disciple, I am loyal to the mistress in every sense.”

Only then did Shen Jun relent. He continued to ask Zhuang Mama about Shen Yunxuan’s daily life in the palace: whether her mood was good, her appetite fine, and how she was getting along with the Empress Dowager and other consorts. Upon learning that Shen Yunxuan not only enjoyed the favor of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor but also maintained good relationships with Consort Li and Consort Chen, Shen Jun couldn’t help but admire his sister.

After all, life in the palace was a constant battle, with every step fraught with peril. To achieve such results in a short time was a testament to Shen Yunxuan’s mastery of human interactions. Finally, Shen Jun felt reassured about his sister entering the palace and shifted his focus to his own efforts.

His sister had sent him a trove of rare and unique books and even secured recognition for him with the Emperor. If he didn’t perform well, he would truly feel unworthy of all her efforts. With the path she paved for him, it was his duty to astonish the world and live up to her expectations.

Shen Jun also arranged for Zhuang Mama to meet her nephew, fully understanding that Shen Yunxuan had specifically sent her out of the palace for this purpose. Seeing that both were doing well would set their minds at ease, ensuring they could dedicate themselves to their respective duties.

Before leaving, Zhuang Mama conveyed Shen Yunxuan’s message to the Shen family: she would ask the Emperor to arrange Shen Jun’s marriage, so the family need not concern themselves with it.

The Shen family watched Zhuang Mama and her party leave. Shen Xiuyuan turned to Shen Jun, his expression fluctuating. He hadn’t expected that despite his kindness to Shen Yunxuan earlier, she showed no regard for him today, as if Shen Jun was the only person in the family she cared about.

As the head of the family, Shen Xiuyuan felt slighted and wore a cold expression towards Shen Jun.

Sensing the tension, Shen Yunrong suggested, “Elder Brother, the rare books sent by Sister could be placed in Father’s study for everyone to read. That way, Father and all the brothers could advance their careers and bolster Sister’s standing.”

Shen Jun sneered. “These are gifts from Her Grace to me. Why should they read them? Over the years, I haven’t seen you share anything good with me or my sister. I never expected you to make such a shameless suggestion. Oh, and remember to use proper titles for Her Grace.”

Though Shen Jun didn’t finish his sentence, Shen Yunrong understood perfectly: he was calling her shameless for stealing Shen Yunxuan’s original marriage prospect. She flushed with anger but, afraid of more accusations, didn’t argue back.

Shen Yu, however, was indignant. “If you don’t want to share, fine, but do you even understand what’s written in those rare books? Have you ever been to school? You’ll probably just leave them to collect dust, disappointing Her Grace.”

“Even if I burned the books, Her Grace wouldn’t care. Our sibling bond is beyond your understanding, as you don’t have one,” Shen Jun retorted. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m retreating to study. Oh, and I mustn’t forget to make clothes from the fine materials Her Grace sent. Can’t let her kindness go to waste.” With a parting jab, Shen Jun walked off, leaving the rest fuming.

Shen Xiuyuan, stifling his frustration, stormed off. Meanwhile, Mudan, sensing an opportunity, feigned illness, claiming a fever and spots on her skin. Fearing an infectious disease, Madam Liu moved her to a secluded courtyard.

That night, Mudan disguised her voice and staged a conversation behind a rockery, ensuring Shen Xiuyuan overheard.

“Why is Her Grace so cold to the master and mistress? Isn’t she afraid of being called unfilial?”

“Hush! Don’t you know? Her Grace learned a secret before entering the palace. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have changed her attitude so drastically.”

“What secret?”

Shen Xiuyuan initially intended to apprehend the gossipers but paused, signaling his servants to remain silent as he listened intently.

“Her Grace discovered that over ten years ago, the mistress orchestrated a series of incidents—falling from a horse, drowning, and fevers—to harm the eldest young master and pave the way for the second young master. That’s why the eldest young master had to live away for so many years to grow up safely. Her Grace could never forgive this.”

Shen Xiuyuan’s expression darkened as he pieced everything together.

“Heavens! The madam is so ruthless?”

“Hah, you joined the household late, so you don’t truly understand the madam. Do you know why there aren’t any illegitimate children in the family? It’s because the madam secretly gave the master a special drug—he’ll never be able to father children again! Ah, I’ve said too much. I must be drunk. Please, don’t spread this around…”

Shen Xiuyuan’s mind buzzed, momentarily unable to process. What did that servant just say? Liu Shi drugged him? And he can never have children again?

By the time he regained his senses and ordered his servant to catch the eavesdroppers, the people behind the rockery had already vanished. Furious, Shen Xiuyuan’s chest heaved, and he barked, “Summon the steward and the guards—head to Liu Shi’s quarters now!”

Madam Liu was speaking with Shen Yunrong about Shen Yunxuan’s favor in the palace. Both were baffled, concluding it must be Shen Yunxuan’s beauty that captivated the Emperor, as the situation didn’t align with Shen Yunrong’s previous-life dreams. They then turned to complain about Shen Yunxuan’s coldness toward the family. Madam Liu cursed her as an ungrateful wolf, accusing her of taking so much from the family yet humiliating them like this.

Shen Yunrong, however, was filled with suspicion. In her previous life, Shen Yunxuan had maintained good relations with the family after marriage, even inviting Madam Liu and Shen Ming’s wife to the Shao household. It wasn’t until Shen Yunxuan discovered a betrayal among the servants, with Liu Shi’s shadow looming behind it, that she severed ties. Why was Shen Yunxuan so indifferent to the family in this life, right after entering the palace?

Carefully analyzing the timeline, Shen Yunrong realized that in her past life, Shen Yunxuan severed ties only after Shao Kun vowed never to take concubines, solidifying her position in the Shao household. Could it be that Shen Yunxuan wasn’t as gentle and kind as she appeared, and only refrained from breaking with the family earlier because her footing wasn’t secure?

Shen Yunrong further noted that the estrangement occurred after she was sent to the Cold Palace. This suggested that Shen Yunxuan saw her as the family’s anchor in the palace. Once Shen Yunrong was removed, and Shao Kun rose in rank, Shen Yunxuan no longer hesitated. Similarly, in this life, with Shen Yunxuan’s elevation in status as a consort, she immediately distanced herself from the family.

The more Shen Yunrong thought about it, the more convinced she became. What about other matters? Could they, too, not be as they seemed?

Just as she was about to discuss this with Liu Shi, Shen Xiuyuan stormed in, ordering Shen Yunrong back to her courtyard. With the door closed, he began interrogating Liu Shi, while the steward and guards apprehended Liu Shi’s trusted nanny and maids, subjecting them to intense questioning.

Shen Yunrong hesitated to intercede. She still had a banquet at the Prime Minister’s mansion to attend and her upcoming marriage to consider. She didn’t want to risk confinement again. So, even when she heard Liu Shi’s screams, she kept silent, pale-faced, and hurried back to her quarters.

She was seething with resentment—this was all caused by Shen Yunxuan! None of this had happened in her previous life. It must have been Shen Yunxuan sowing discord, causing her parents to turn against each other and creating such chaos. Judging by how much the Emperor favored Shen Yunxuan today, his reprimands of Shen Xiuyuan weren’t because of Shen Yunxuan’s troubles but rather the Emperor venting on her behalf.

Shen Yunrong was both angry and jealous. How could Shen Yunxuan enjoy the Emperor’s favor while she couldn’t? Clutching the invitation to the Prime Minister’s banquet seven days later, she vowed to leak some information there. Consort Shu had schemed against her in the previous life, sending her to the Cold Palace. This time, she would let Shen Yunxuan taste Consort Shu’s cruelty!

Meanwhile, Liu Shi steadfastly denied everything, but Shen Xiuyuan found the accusations credible—they explained Shen Yunxuan’s sudden coldness toward him, her father. Moreover, he had long suspected Liu Shi of orchestrating Shen Jun’s misfortunes but turned a blind eye for lack of evidence, and because Liu Shi had given him two sons and a daughter and treated him warmly.

If Liu Shi truly harmed Shen Jun, then the claims about her drugging him seemed all the more likely. Otherwise, why hadn’t he fathered any more children over the years? Had Liu Shi, after bearing three children and exhausting her body, resolved to ensure he couldn’t father any more? If she could do that, what stopped her from poisoning him if she grew tired of him?

This affront to his authority as head of the family, coupled with years of misplaced trust in Liu Shi, filled Shen Xiuyuan with rage. And seeing Shen Yunxuan’s favor in the palace only deepened his regret. Had he treated her and Shen Jun well, Shen Yunxuan might have secured him a marquisate by now! Instead, his neglect, driven by Liu Shi, left him facing the Emperor’s scorn.

Late into the night, he summoned Dr. Wu, who confirmed after a thorough examination that Shen Xiuyuan indeed couldn’t father children. Though the cause couldn’t be pinpointed, the diagnosis aligned with the claim of “special drugs.” Shen Xiuyuan now fully believed the secret he’d overheard, and his gaze toward Liu Shi turned icy.

Under interrogation, one maid cracked, admitting Liu Shi had indeed drugged Shen Xiuyuan. Another revealed that Liu Shi had once expressed a desire to marry Shen Yunxuan to a beggar and had taken expensive items from Shen Ming and Shen Yu, making them act frugal and ambitious before Shen Xiuyuan while using Shen Jun as a scapegoat. She had even prepared a dowry for Shen Yunrong, deliberately including small, valuable items to surpass Shen Yunxuan’s lavish bridal gifts.

Hearing all this, Shen Xiuyuan was left speechless. If Shen Yunxuan had discovered these matters, it was no wonder she resented Liu Shi and himself, treating them so coldly.

Shen Xiuyuan pointed at Liu Shi and roared, “Venomous snake of a woman! The biggest mistake of my life was marrying someone as wicked as you!”

Liu Shi felt as if struck by lightning. She tried to defend herself, but Shen Xiuyuan had already stormed off, ordering her to be confined and forbidden from leaving. Panicked and desperate, Liu Shi grabbed her medicinal pills and swallowed them, but they didn’t work. She took two more before the headache subsided, leaving her slumped on the ground, trying to reassure herself.

She told herself she still had her three children. No matter how angry Shen Xiuyuan was, he wouldn’t divorce her. When Shen Yunrong got married and Shen Ming prepared for the autumn imperial exam, she would surely be released. By then, everything would blow over at most, Shen Xiuyuan would stop visiting her. She didn’t care about that. All she needed was for Shen Ming to excel in the exams, Shen Yu to earn military merit, and Shen Yunrong to become a marquis’s wife. Then her life would be secure.

When Shen Jun heard of this uproar, he merely chuckled. He wrote a coded letter to Shen Yunxuan and placed it in a hidden compartment, waiting for the opportunity to send it into the palace.

Afterward, he threw himself into studying late into the night. Though he had learned a great deal from his teacher over the years and was confident about passing the imperial examination, he wanted to excel. He needed to become his sister’s pillar of support. The Shen family had never been her backing; she relied only on him. To ensure Shen Yunxuan’s position in the harem, he had to gain the Emperor’s trust and become a key court official, so she would remain secure, even if she fell out of favor.

Meanwhile, the commotion didn’t affect Mudan, who remained secluded in the side courtyard. Feigning a contagious illness, no one dared approach her. With Liu Shi’s downfall finalized, there was no need to question her. After several days of her “grave illness,” her family tearfully begged the Shen household to let her marry and bring good fortune.

When news of this reached the steward, he immediately agreed, worried she might die in the manor and bring bad luck. To appear merciful, the steward consulted Shen Xiuyuan, who approved returning her indenture contract and gifting her twenty taels of silver.

Unbeknownst to them, once Mudan left the household, her family fled the capital and never returned. Liu Shi, overwhelmed by her own predicament and ill health, had no energy to dwell on Mudan’s affairs. She never suspected that Mudan had been the one betraying her all along. Thus, Mudan “retired in success.”

Some time later, Consort Shu received a letter from her family and learned about a banquet where Shen Yunrong had let slip that Shen Yunxuan had been gravely ill before entering the palace, leaving her with lingering health issues—a fact the Shen family had deliberately concealed to secure her position as a consort.

Consort Shu cursed her family for providing such trivial information but soon laughed. Concealing an illness to gain entry into the palace was an act of deceit against the Emperor. While the Emperor might not punish Shen Yunxuan directly, exposing this could force him to withdraw his favor. At the very least, it would end Shen Yunxuan’s exclusive favor.

If the Emperor neglected Shen Yunxuan and paid attention to her instead, she would win this round. As for the future, Shen Yunrong could be further manipulated, or she could use Shen Ming, Shen Yu, and the Shen family servants to her advantage. If Shen Jun could be implicated in a crime and exiled, it would severely weaken Shen Yunxuan.

The more Consort Shu thought about it, the more thrilled she became. She decided to have her family deal with the Shen household discreetly rather than act openly from within the palace. She wouldn’t have acted so boldly if Shen Yunxuan hadn’t monopolized the Emperor’s favor.

Still, she needed allies. She planned to involve the Empress and other consorts in the scheme. That way, it would be a spectacle, and her involvement would remain hidden.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan spent her days in the rear courtyard of Anhe Palace, tending to crops. After expressing interest in agriculture, the Emperor arranged for palace staff knowledgeable in farming to teach her. Though it was meant to be entertainment, Shen Yunxuan took the lessons seriously.

She recalled that hybrid rice in two other worlds was highly productive, but as a merchant and actress, she only knew it involved crossbreeding and fish farming in rice paddies. She didn’t understand the specifics. She hoped to experiment subtly, aiming to increase yield and benefit the people.

However, she knew she couldn’t introduce the idea abruptly. She intended to learn first, establish a foundation, and then find an opportunity to initiate hybridization and fish farming experiments.

Qingzhi approached her and whispered, “Mistress, the clothing sent by the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau has been soaked in medicine harmful to offspring.”

Shen Yunxuan nodded, put down her tools, and clapped the dust off her hands. Smiling, she said, “Let’s head back. You can check my pulse.”

Qingzhi became alarmed. “Mistress, are you feeling unwell?”

Over the past few days, they had discovered that farming tools were coated with harmful substances, the meals sent from the Imperial Kitchen contained incompatible ingredients, and the soil in potted plants had abnormalities. Now the clothes had been tampered with. It was clear that Shen Yunxuan’s exclusive favor had drawn envious schemes.

Hearing Shen Yunxuan’s request for a pulse check, Qingzhi immediately worried her mistress might have been affected.

Shen Yunxuan waved it off with a smile. “Don’t worry, it’s probably good news.”

Though she had maintained her composure, she had been unusually fatigued at night and struggled to wake in the mornings. Normally, she didn’t sleep so long. Remembering that some women felt drowsy during pregnancy and noting her delayed menstruation by two days, Shen Yunxuan had a hunch that something good might be happening.

Back in her room, only Zhaung Mama and the four senior palace maids were present. Qingzhi solemnly took Shen Yunxuan’s pulse, her seriousness causing the others to grow tense.

Qingzhi paused, switched to Shen Yunxuan’s other wrist, and then checked the first one again. Zhaung Mama held her breath until Qingzhi finally exclaimed with joy, “Your Grace is pregnant! Congratulations, Your Highness, you’re expecting!”

The diagnosis hadn’t been clear a few days earlier, as it had only been just over a month. Now that the news was confirmed, everyone’s faces lit up. Zhaung Mama, realizing something, quickly said, “Your Grace, you must stop gardening in the rear courtyard. All that bending and handling tools isn’t good for your body.”

Qingzhi chimed in, “And you should stop taking the health tonic as well. While the formula seems harmless and beneficial, it’s still medicine, and pregnant women must be extra cautious.”

Qinglan, on the other hand, worriedly asked, “Given all the suspicious things Qingzhi has discovered lately, should we inform the Emperor?”

Shen Yunxuan nodded. “We should tell him, but let’s wait for the right moment. For now, just avoid touching anything suspicious.”

Qingzhu then asked, “Should we inform the Emperor about your pregnancy now, or is it too early? What if he visits and stays overnight?”

Shen Yunxuan smiled gently, placing her hand carefully over her still-flat belly. “If the Emperor comes, I’ll tell him then. This is his child, so naturally, he’ll protect it too.” Her expression was soft and filled with warmth. The child she had long hoped for was finally here! She planned to inform both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, ensuring their support in safeguarding the baby.

“They are the closest relatives of this child and should share the responsibility. It would also give me added security to focus on nurturing the pregnancy. I can’t rely solely on myself for everything—this time, I don’t want to bear the burden alone.”

Zhaung Mama and the other maids began discussing how to care for Shen Yunxuan during her pregnancy. They all felt a bit worried—Zhaung Mama’s previous mistress had no children, so she had no experience with pregnancy or childcare. Qinglan and the others were even less knowledgeable. Though Qingzhi had some medical expertise, she had never cared for a pregnant woman. They feared they might not be able to support Shen Yunxuan adequately.

As they deliberated, a messenger arrived from the Empress’s palace, informing them of a flower-viewing banquet to be held in three days, as the weather was clear and the osmanthus blossoms were in full bloom. All the consorts were expected to attend.

“A flower-viewing banquet? So sudden?” Shen Yunxuan had no choice but to accept, as refusing the Empress would be out of the question. However, she found it odd. In her previous life, the Empress had openly expressed her dislike for flower-viewing and hosting banquets, finding them troublesome and prone to complications.

What was the reason for this sudden banquet? Given the recent incidents with tampered items, Shen Yunxuan suspected this might be a trap.

Zhaung Mama suggested, “Your Highness, I know a palace maid who is the foster daughter of an old acquaintance of mine. She works in the kitchens as a firewood handler, has great strength, and knows some martial arts. Shall I bring her to accompany you to the banquet alongside Qingzhi?”

Shen Yunxuan trusted Zhaung Mama’s judgment and nodded. “Go ahead. Also, we discovered someone sneaking around the rear courtyard recently. No matter whose person she is, find an excuse to send her away.”

Shen Yunxuan paused, then added, “Mama, keep a record of all the suspicious individuals we’ve identified in recent days. If something happens at the banquet, we’ll take the opportunity to dismiss them all and replace them with trustworthy people. From now until the baby is born and raised, I want Anhe Palace to be as secure as an iron fortress. No mistakes can be allowed.”

“Yes, Your Highness! I’ll handle everything meticulously.” Zhaung Mama, invigorated by the task, had already contacted several old acquaintances and observed many people. Now that the opportunity had come, she was determined to revamp Anhe Palace’s staff and make Shen Yunxuan’s surroundings safer.

For now, her priority was bringing in the strong palace maid.

Zhaung Mama quickly dismissed the suspicious maid and brought back the firewood handler, who was named Yuexi. Shen Yunxuan promoted Yuexi to a second-class maid and bestowed her a new name.

Yuexi was naturally strong, able to eat as much as three grown men. Her impoverished family couldn’t afford to feed her, so they sent her to the palace in hopes she could survive. She was assigned to chop wood and tend fires in the kitchens.

Though simple-minded and literal, Yuexi’s straightforward nature made her unappealing to schemers, allowing her to grow up safely. A retired eunuch who noticed her strength taught her a few self-defense techniques before his death. Additionally, Zhaung Mama’s acquaintance had taken a liking to Yuexi’s pure heart and adopted her as a foster daughter, further proving her character.

Shen Yunxuan liked Yuexi immediately and said, “From now on, when I go out, you’ll accompany me. If anything happens, don’t worry about others—just focus on protecting me and getting me to safety. Do your duties well here, and you’ll have plenty of good food to eat.”

Yuexi beamed. “Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll do my best to protect you and keep you safe!”

No longer having to do hard labor, with ample food and even extra pay to send to her foster mother, Yuexi couldn’t have been happier. Besides, her new mistress was beautiful and kind. Yuexi’s instincts told her Shen Yunxuan harbored no malice, making her feel she had truly found her place in a blessing-filled household.

Yuexi demonstrated her skills, and even when all four senior palace maids tried to attack Shen Yunxuan together, they couldn’t succeed with Yuexi by her side. Only then did everyone feel reassured. With Yuexi and Qingzhi accompanying her, there was no doubt that Shen Yunxuan would be safe at the banquet.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆