Ch 61: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Li Defu hadn’t expected the emperor to continue investigating so thoroughly, determined to uncover hard evidence. He promptly accepted the orders, reminding his subordinates to handle the task carefully and thoroughly.

The emperor’s insistence stemmed from his frustration. The repeated use of underhanded tactics in the harem reminded him of the late emperor’s chaotic court. If he didn’t take decisive action now, the future would surely be plagued with endless strife and scheming. While it was unrealistic to expect complete peace in the harem, the emperor was resolved to suppress the conflicts and ensure a stable environment for his children, so they wouldn’t grow up amid the constant danger he had endured.

In particular, the recent incidents implicated both the empress and Consort Shu. Ignoring their actions would effectively cede control of his harem—and his heirs—to them. He couldn’t allow that. It was imperative to cut off their influence and deliver a firm warning.

Rubbing his temples, the emperor sipped his strong tea and returned to state affairs. The border war demanded his constant attention, and every day presented new challenges.

In the palace, the monthly family visitation day allowed palace staff to meet their relatives through a barred partition, where they could exchange silver or small items under the watchful eyes of guards conducting strict inspections.

Qinglan, after meeting her family, returned to Shen Yunxuan’s side in a hurry, her expression a strange mix of fear and excitement.

Shen Yunxuan laughed. “What’s the matter? Did you see your parents?”

Qinglan nodded repeatedly. “Yes, my lady. But you’d never guess what my mother told me. There have been some big incidents outside the palace recently!”

“Oh? Tell me all about them.” Shen Yunxuan gestured for her to sit on a soft stool. “No need to rush.”

Qinglan dismissed the other servants and, ensuring the room was secure, quietly recounted the uproar surrounding Shen Yunrong’s marriage into the Shao family. Zhuang mama and the other close attendants exchanged looks, their expressions shifting as they processed the news.

Qingmei, shocked, exclaimed, “Thank goodness our lady didn’t—” She stopped herself, covering her mouth and glancing out the window. Thank goodness our lady didn’t marry into the Shao family! What was once thought to be an ideal match had turned into a nightmare. The young general had reportedly kicked Shen Yunrong off the bed after their wedding night, even retching in front of the servants, utterly humiliating her.

Had Shen Yunxuan married into that family, how much suffering would she have endured? Shen Yunrong, at least, had her parents to support her. Shen Yunxuan, with no one to rely on, would have had to swallow her grievances.

Qingzhu, fuming, added, “No wonder they were willing to wait so long. I thought it was because they were kind and honorable. Who knew… But why? How could he behave like that? How is his new bride supposed to face anyone now? And to think it’s become a laughingstock across the capital!”

Qinglan nodded in agreement. “It’s frightening just to think about it. That family turned out to be a terrible place. Second Miss always bullied you, my lady, always wanted to take what was yours. She deserves what she got. But even so, Young Master Shao’s behavior is simply revolting.”

Gripping Shen Yunxuan’s hand, she shuddered as the lingering fear overwhelmed her. If not for Shen Yunrong’s determination to snatch that marriage, Shen Yunxuan might have walked into a trap.

Shen Yunxuan hadn’t anticipated such a dramatic turn of events. In this unfair world, a woman’s humiliation in her marital bed could become a source of ridicule for a lifetime. No matter how glorious her future, this stain would always haunt her.

She suspected Shen Yunrong had tried to change the trajectory of the wedding night, hoping to create a bond with her husband and develop their relationship over time. However, Shen Yunrong clearly didn’t know about Shao Kun’s secret—his love for Bai Shi, a childhood sweetheart whose family had fallen from grace. Shao Kun had vowed lifelong fidelity to Bai Shi and had only agreed to marry Shen Yunrong under immense pressure, promising Bai Shi he wouldn’t touch his wife.

When Shao Kun realized he had been drugged and “betrayed” Bai Shi, his guilt and anger naturally turned on Shen Yunrong. While Shen Yunrong wasn’t at fault in this instance, she had taken the marriage by force and even plotted to send Shen Yunxuan into the palace to take her place.

Reflecting on this, Shen Yunxuan felt no sympathy for her sister. Shen Yunrong had plotted to steal her fate and force her into ruin; she could now enjoy the consequences of her actions. If Shen Yunrong wanted her former glory, she would have to earn it herself. The results, however, would depend entirely on her abilities.

The incident served as a stark reminder for Shen Yunxuan: altering fate wasn’t as easy as it seemed. Shen Yunrong, relying too heavily on her past-life memories, had worsened her situation by manipulating Shao Kun. Shen Yunxuan resolved to tread carefully.

The palace was fraught with danger, and she needed to protect herself, her unborn child, and her brother. Above all, she hoped to rewrite her brother’s destiny, ensuring he could thrive in court rather than retreating to obscurity after a tragic injury.

Now that she had brought her brother to the emperor’s attention and enabled him to return to the capital in time for the autumn examinations, everything seemed to be going smoothly. However, Shen Yunxuan reminded herself to stay vigilant. Avoiding the crises of her previous life didn’t mean she was safe from new, potentially worse dangers.

The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became, especially concerning Consort Shu and the Empress. They had failed to harm her and now she was pregnant. Would they turn their attention to her brother instead?

Pressing her forehead with her hand, Shen Yunxuan realized how much her pregnancy had affected her clarity of thought. She should have anticipated this earlier. Hurriedly, she asked, “Qinglan, did your parents mention my brother? Do you know how he’s doing?”

Qinglan replied quickly, “He’s doing well, my lady! The young master is in excellent spirits!” She then recounted Shen Jun’s recent accomplishments, which put Shen Yunxuan at ease. Hearing how her brother had impressed others and even received gifts from the emperor, she smiled. “The emperor is so thoughtful to look after my brother without even telling me.”

She stood and headed outside. “Let’s prepare a soup for the emperor in the small kitchen. He’s been so busy with state affairs—he should nourish himself.”

When the emperor received the soup Shen Yunxuan had personally made, he found it wasn’t as refined as the dishes from the imperial kitchen but enjoyed its flavor nonetheless. More than that, he was moved by her thoughtfulness. As he sipped, he remarked, “The Noble Consort is so considerate, thinking of me even while carrying a child.”

After finishing the soup, he chuckled. “I imagine she learned today that I sent scholarly works to her brother to support him. She must have prepared this soup to express her gratitude.”

Li Defu didn’t dare respond to this comment. It implied that Shen Yunxuan only cared for the emperor because of her brother’s benefits. However, seeing the emperor in good spirits, seemingly unbothered by the notion, Li Defu silently admired Shen Yunxuan even more.

He thought to himself: The Noble Consort truly deserves her position. Ever since entering the palace, she has shown genuine sincerity toward the emperor, avoiding petty schemes and unnecessary theatrics. Even this soup—she made it herself. She doesn’t use manipulative tactics nor creates conflict, even when targeted by others. When the emperor is too busy to visit, she amuses herself and refrains from being a burden. Perhaps this is exactly the kind of person the emperor needs by his side.

After sending off the soup, Shen Yunxuan thought no more of it. She simply believed in reciprocating kindness—if the emperor was good to her and her brother, she would be good to him in return. But if he ever turned against them, she resolved to maintain only superficial harmony, just as she had in her previous life.

Her accumulated wisdom from many lifetimes had taught her to cherish those who were kind to her and to give back some sincerity, while always being prepared to withdraw that sincerity if needed. Life required strategic thinking, but it shouldn’t be consumed by constant scheming. Allowing some things to unfold naturally within limits could bring more peace and happiness.

Late at night, for the first time since becoming pregnant, Shen Yunxuan found herself unable to sleep. Her thoughts drifted to her past life. Bai Shi had been a formidable threat for a long time, requiring her to tread cautiously every step of the way.

Back then, Madam Shao had suggested Bai Shi change her name and enter the household as a concubine. However, Bai Shi had vehemently refused, feeling deeply insulted, and Shao Kun, unwilling to disgrace his beloved, had quarreled bitterly with his mother. Left with no alternative, Madam Shao began seeking a bride for her son, eventually choosing Shen Yunxuan after meeting her grandmother.

Shen Yunxuan’s temperament, beauty, and lack of strong familial support made her the perfect candidate. With no close relatives to defend her, she would have no choice but to endure any mistreatment silently, ensuring that the family’s reputation and Shao Kun’s future remained untarnished.

Madam Shao had considered everything for the sake of her family and son. If someone had to be sacrificed, it would be Shen Yunxuan.

Yet, her conscience had weighed on her, leading to a conflicted kindness toward Shen Yunxuan after Shao Kun left for the frontier. While she treated Shen Yunxuan well, she also avoided her, unable to face her guilt.

In her previous life, Shen Yunxuan had quickly realized her precarious position. With no support in the Shao household and whispers among the servants about how Shao Kun had left without even lifting her bridal veil, she began to establish ties with her natal family. She frequently invited her relatives to visit, making it clear she was not without backing.

Her bold move shocked the most disrespectful servant into offending Liu Shi during one such visit. Liu Shi demanded an explanation from Madam Shao, who was forced to sell the servant. This action signaled to the household that Shen Yunxuan’s family supported her, silencing the whispers and securing her standing.

She had gradually won over the household, saving two servants’ ailing family members and earning their loyalty. By the time her in-laws fell ill and she assumed household management, Shen Yunxuan had firmly established herself.

Yet just as everything seemed stable, a letter from her brother shattered her peace. He had uncovered Shao Kun’s secret—his beloved Bai Shi was disguised as a servant within the household. This revelation would become a turning point in her life.

During Shao Kun’s three years away, it was common for men to take a concubine, but the fact that Shao Kun kept one so well-hidden was anything but ordinary. Shen Yunxuan, having lost all hope for their marriage, discreetly replaced all disobedient servants, swapped out stewards managing their shops and estates with her own trusted people, and completely consolidated control over the Shao household.

She also demonstrated filial piety to her in-laws and built an excellent reputation through social connections in the capital. By the time Shao Kun returned home triumphant, he could find no fault with her. Instead, he discovered that the Shao household was functioning solely due to her efforts, and even his parents’ lives had been saved by her careful care. Shen Yunxuan had become an indispensable pillar of the household, leaving him with no grounds to take any action against her.

However, Shao Kun and Bai Shi could wait no longer. After all their years together, Bai Shi was finally pregnant. Shao Kun couldn’t allow their cherished child to be born illegitimately.

Shen Yunxuan, feigning shock, suggested making Bai Shi a noble concubine. Naturally, neither Shao Kun nor Bai Shi agreed. In a heated argument, Shao Kun’s father struck him, and his mother berated him, asking if he intended to divorce Shen Yunxuan and marry Bai Shi. If marrying her had been an option, why wait so many years?

Shao Kun proposed having Bai Shi adopted into a prominent official’s family to elevate her status, allowing her to marry into the Shao household. His parents scolded him further, calling it a foolish scheme that would end in ruin if exposed. They declared that they recognized only Shen Yunxuan as their daughter-in-law and would not tolerate her being harmed.

Amid this impasse, Shen Yunxuan proposed a solution: let Bai Shi move into the household under the guise of a relative. She magnanimously offered to remain as the principal wife and assured Bai Shi she would not interfere with her relationship with Shao Kun. Bai Shi could live in the manor as “Madam Bai,” enjoy the privileges of a wife, and be free to spend her days with Shao Kun. Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan would retain her official title, continue managing the household, and avoid any risks.

Shao Kun’s mother, moved by Shen Yunxuan’s concession, took her hand and lamented her sacrifice. Despite all this, Bai Shi still hesitated. Shen Yunxuan further promised that Bai Shi would not be subject to household rules and would have the same standard of living as herself. Shao Kun could also swear never to take another concubine, ensuring Bai Shi’s exclusive position.

When Bai Shi raised concerns about her child’s status, Shao Kun’s mother firmly stated that the child would be recognized under Shen Yunxuan’s name as the legitimate heir, which was in the child’s best interest. Shen Yunxuan guaranteed that Bai Shi would always have access to the child and that the truth would not be concealed. She even pledged to provide the best education and resources for the child.

With such generous terms, Bai Shi had no choice but to agree.

Even after moving into the household, Bai Shi occasionally attempted to create discord, hoping to undermine Shen Yunxuan’s position. However, the servants were all loyal to Shen Yunxuan, who had cultivated a stable and harmonious household. Bai Shi’s attempts only solidified Shen Yunxuan’s authority.

Shao Kun publicly declared he would never take a concubine, leading outsiders to believe he deeply cherished Shen Yunxuan. Meanwhile, Shen Yunrong, who had been demoted to the Cold Palace, became a source of bitterness for Liu Shi. This resentment culminated in Liu Shi orchestrating an incident through Qingju to harm Shen Yunxuan. Though Bai Shi almost miscarried, Qinglan’s heroic efforts to save her cost Qinglan her life, shattering the fragile trust Shen Yunxuan had built with Shao Kun. Her hard-won stability nearly collapsed.

Through great effort, Shen Yunxuan uncovered evidence to clear her name and revealed Qingju’s connection to Liu Shi. Using the incident as leverage, she severed all ties with her family. However, her relationship with Shao Kun remained strained, and his wariness of her as the household’s matriarch posed significant challenges. Even Bai Shi’s children were only recognized as hers due to Shao Kun’s mother’s insistence.

Raising another woman’s children was no easy task, but Shen Yunxuan knew her future depended on them. She poured her heart into their upbringing, hiring the best tutors, doctors, and cooks to ensure their well-being and education. While Bai Shi tried to draw the children closer to her, Shen Yunxuan’s meticulous care eventually won their affection.

Over seven years, Bai Shi gave birth to five children—three sons and two daughters—all officially recognized as Shen Yunxuan’s. Outsiders admired Shen Yunxuan for her “blissful” marriage, believing her to be a fortunate wife with five legitimate children and no concubines to contend with. Meanwhile, Bai Shi remained hidden, her health deteriorating due to successive pregnancies and unresolved grievances, leaving her bedridden and forgotten by the world.

At that time, Bai Shi often lamented that she didn’t have long to live, frequently weeping about never having the chance to become Shao Kun’s wife. Unable to face her despair, Shao Kun went to the battlefield with Shen Jun. During a drunken moment, Shao Kun inadvertently revealed that Bai Shi was the daughter of a criminal official. Her inability to marry into the Shao family as a legitimate wife had left her resentful, and he deeply wished to make her his lawful wife.

Shen Jun was both shocked and enraged. The Shao family had harbored the daughter of a criminal official, and with Shen Yunxuan managing their household, any exposure could lead to her being exiled alongside the Shao family. He immediately sent a secret letter to warn Shen Yunxuan. Later, on the battlefield, when he saw Shao Kun in danger, he briefly considered letting him perish.

However, with the children still young and unable to manage the family, Shao Kun’s death could push Bai Shi into a frenzy, risking exposure of her true identity. Even if Shen Yunxuan could silence Bai Shi, it wouldn’t necessarily be discreet, and Shen Jun didn’t want his sister to stain her hands with blood. So instead, he stepped in to shield Shao Kun, taking an arrow himself. The injury rendered him unable to continue his official career.

After that, Shao Kun felt he owed Shen Jun his life. When Shen Jun retired and left, Shao Kun treated Shen Yunxuan with greater respect and protection, as if repaying his debt through her. He told Bai Shi they would reunite as legitimate spouses in the next life, but in this one, he couldn’t betray his benefactor’s sister.

Bai Shi, devastated, fell into severe depression and passed away. Not long after, Shao Kun’s parents, already in poor health, also passed away. After observing mourning for several years, Shen Yunxuan had successfully raised all the children to be outstanding individuals. At that point, she suggested to Shao Kun that if he still felt troubled, he should consider guarding the border, channeling his grief and emotions into serving the country.

Shao Kun, finding the idea reasonable and having little attachment to the household, requested to be stationed at the border permanently. Free from the household’s burdens, Shen Yunxuan finally lived a carefree life. She even introduced her late grandfather’s old military connections to Shao Kun, significantly aiding his career. Unexpectedly, while achieving great success, Shao Kun died heroically in battle, posthumously making Shen Yunxuan the Marchioness.

The day she received news of his death was the happiest day of her life.

Later, the emperor, impressed by her son’s remarkable achievements, granted her a title of supreme honor. Her children and grandchildren were all exceptionally filial, respected her deeply, and highly valued her advice. She became one of the most admired figures in the capital. By the age of forty, she was already envied by many, and no one knew just how joyful her remaining twenty-eight years of life were.

Shen Yunxuan regarded those years of happiness as a reward from the heavens for the immense hardships she had endured. She had walked a difficult path, even causing her brother to be injured, and she felt it was her duty to live her life to the fullest in compensation.

Her previous life had been a tale of suffering followed by sweetness—not by enduring the pain passively but by navigating through it step by step. Every ounce of sweetness she enjoyed later was something she had fought for.

Now, having entered the palace and risen to the position of Consort Xian while carrying a long-desired child, everything was different from her past life. The memory of the Shao family seemed distant and irrelevant. If it weren’t for Qinglan bringing news of Shen Yunrong’s situation, she might have forgotten about those events entirely.

This lifetime’s Shao family was no longer the same as she remembered. Its fate would depend on how Shen Yunrong managed her choices, just as Shen Yunxuan had altered her own path in the palace. She now fully understood that their lives as sisters had diverged entirely. The future was uncertain, and each of them would have to navigate it on their own.

Because they were both women who had suffered and rebirthed into new opportunities, Shen Yunxuan silently wished Shen Yunrong well. She hoped they could each achieve the lives they desired. However, she had no intention of helping or harming her. From now on, they would go their separate ways, neither interfering with the other.

Fortunately, in the palace, as long as she didn’t summon anyone, no one could meddle in her life. She could truly begin anew.

That night, Shen Yunxuan finally fell asleep and had a beautiful dream filled with the laughter of children, golden fields of rice, and swimming fish.

The next morning, she woke up energized and led her attendants to inspect her crops. Qin Mama followed behind, carrying a cloak, muttering, “Mistress, put this on quickly. The morning dew is heavy, and how can you be out here so early?”

Shen Yunxuan laughed. “I dreamed of rice fields and fish again. This time the dream was even clearer—the fish are raised in the rice fields! Quickly! Let’s release the fish into the fields!”

The palace attendants responsible for farming and aquaculture were baffled. “Release them… into the rice fields?”

“Yes! Do as I say, now!” Shen Yunxuan ordered with bright eyes full of anticipation.

The palace attendants dared not delay and hastily followed her instructions, transferring fish from the pond into the rice fields.

Shen Yunxuan thought to herself, I lied about dreaming of these things before, but this time the dream is real.

It must be an auspicious sign!

With the timing just right, she knew it was time to secure more blessings for herself and her child.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆