Chapter 128

Chapter 128

Everyone thought that the Third Master of the Shen family acted this way to set an example, warning others not to think they could rise in status through their children. Even if you bear a child, if its origins are unclear and you act recklessly, the Shen family will not acknowledge you.

The women of the third branch were the happiest about this matter. They had always worried that their husbands might suddenly bring in a concubine, who would then be admitted into the household. These women could be quite shameless when it came to securing their status. At the same time, some people found it amusing to see Han Ruohua’s predicament. Normally, Han Ruohua was very well-liked, even more so than the First Lady of the Qing family, who secretly said she couldn’t match Han Ruohua. Now, with the scandal involving Han Ruohua’s concubine, her reputation was tarnished, and the First Lady of the Qing family felt vindicated.

Yao Niang remained silent on the matter. She found it hard to imagine what she would do if Shen Linfeng ever had a concubine. It wasn’t that she was worried; rather, she feared that trust between people might be irreparably damaged.

She trusted Shen Linfeng so much...

Thinking about it, she had a dream that night where a woman knelt before her, demanding to be admitted into the household. She woke up abruptly, saw Shen Linfeng sleeping beside her, and punched him.

Shen Linfeng woke up immediately, surprised. "What’s wrong?"

"Your concubine came looking for trouble? Humph." Yao Niang said irritably.

Shen Linfeng replied instinctively, "I have a concubine? When did I get one? No, I don’t have one." He worked hard every day, often returning home with a sore back, and still had to spend time with Yao Niang and the children, as well as earn money. He was so busy, like a spinning top, that he had no time for anything else.

He added, "It can’t be that someone is framing me, right? I don’t have a concubine, not in this life or the next."

Seeing his reaction, Yao Niang scratched the back of her head. "I saw it in a dream."

Shen Linfeng spread his hands, speechless. "You, accusing me in your dreams. Now I’m the one with the lowest status in the family."

Yao Niang chuckled but then said softly, "Isn’t it because of men like you? Men change their hearts too quickly. My father is old now and can’t cause trouble anymore. But you, being young and surrounded by temptations, though I trust you, I fear you might also do something like that."

"It won’t happen."

"What won’t happen?"

"I mean, I won’t take a concubine."

"Why not? Life is long, how can you be so sure?"

"Because without you, I wouldn’t have the courage to face the world."

...

The next morning, after waking up from her midnight dream, Yao Niang found it amusing that she had accused Shen Linfeng in her sleep. Of course, there were many people who wanted to send him concubines or beautiful women, but Shen Linfeng dismissed them all without Yao Niang having to intervene.

Besides, the Yan family would also keep an eye on things. After all, he was still their son-in-law. Why would they want someone to create trouble for their daughter under the guise of serving her?

Soon, it was Yao Niang’s birthday. She only set up a few tables and invited family and close friends, leaving out many others. The Jie family and the Li family came together, but the Zhen family, as usual, did not show up.

Although Yan Yingqi was the heir to two branches, in reality, being an heir meant sharing the same husband, which was quite different from being true sisters-in-law.

Moreover, this year, Minister Xu retired, and Xu Sijia took over a position in the Ministry of War. Zhen felt that her son-in-law’s rank couldn’t match Shen Linfeng’s, so she didn’t want to join in the Shen family’s festivities.

In private, Jie said, "That lady over there is blaming your father for not supporting Jingwen, and also blaming Xin Wan for never encouraging Jingwen to study after their marriage. Xin Wan says she has tried, but Zhen doesn’t believe her. I see that she seems very anxious now, completely different from when she was younger. But it’s not just her; I often feel restless too. Your brother was disobedient the other day, and I even hit him."

"I’ve heard that women around forty are prone to such conditions. Once they get through it, everything will be fine. For now, since your sister-in-law manages the household, come to my place when you have nothing to do. I’ll keep you company," Yao Niang sympathized with Jie.

Jie nodded gratefully. Being able to visit her daughter frequently was a testament to her daughter’s authority.

When Jie saw her grandchildren, she was delighted and went straight to talk to them, leaving Yao Niang to speak with Li.

"Third Sister-in-Law may be at her end."

Yao Niang couldn’t believe it. After all, Xin Wan was only a few years older than her. "How could that be? Although she was ill before, we even brought in a doctor who seemed to have the right treatment."

Lady Li said, "Unless she lives like a cloud and a crane, with no cares in the world, otherwise, with all the worries and attentions to Jingwen's studies, how could she not be utterly exhausted?"

Lady Zhen’s strategy was clear, even Yan Yingqi felt that before his marriage, Jingwen had been studying diligently, kneeling half-dead in front of him as if he truly loved Xin Wan. But after marrying her, he seemed content with a life of leisure. Wasn’t he too indulged in the pleasures of love? Since ancient times, the pleasures of love have been the downfall of heroes; how could a man who only knows romance take care of his family in the future?

Though Yan Yingqi did not set high expectations for Yan Jingwen, he was still somewhat disappointed and thus paid more attention to the upbringing of Jingci. Besides his studies, Jingci often spent time with his brother-in-law, Shen Linfeng, who, aware of his father-in-law’s hopes, frequently set historical figures like Yi Yin, Huo Guang, and Di Renjie as role models for Jingci.

Moreover, Jingci was much younger than Yao Niang, who treated him like her own son. When he wouldn’t listen to Lady Jie, Yao Niang would reason with him, emphasizing that nothing was more important than the imperial examinations. Even if you passed but didn’t want to serve as an official, you would still be a Jinshi, which came with considerable benefits.

Of course, if Jingci really couldn’t pass the exams, Yao Niang believed he must at least know how to manage household affairs or have a hobby that could sustain him.

Like Lin Long, who had always loved creating mechanisms. Shen Linfeng was willing to support him, and Yan Mai specially called him to work on the river projects. It was said that he invented several things, which were now being promoted in Henan and Shandong. Or like Shen Linfeng’s uncle, Shen Xin, who was skilled in business. Though not fabulously wealthy, he was indeed from a very rich family. The two uncles of the Jie family also didn’t pursue the imperial examinations but were adept at managing their estates.

Otherwise, if one failed in studies and lacked other skills, they might squander their inheritance within a few decades, regardless of their age.

In fact, for Yan Jingwen, if he truly disliked studying, finding his interest and ability to manage the household, he could rely on his father’s position to secure a minor post through favor.

Not every family is one where the father is a hero and the son is a capable man.

But Lady Zhen was used to competing with Lady Jie and wouldn’t give up easily. Xin Wan probably wouldn’t last much longer, having been childless for years, with all the blame for her husband’s lack of success falling on her shoulders. She couldn’t bear it anymore.

But these weren’t Yao Niang’s concerns anymore, as she had her own troubles, such as when Pang Qian passed the imperial examination this year but refused to take an external post. Shen Mo sought help from Shen Linfeng, who managed to get Pang Qian a position in the Office of Envoys.

Now, Shen Mo wanted to arrange a betrothal between her daughter and Zhi Ge. After speaking with Lady Li, Shen Mo came over.

Shen Mo was now exceptionally friendly, calling her sister-in-law affectionately.

"Sister-in-law, why are you here on your birthday? I just brought our daughter over; my little Shu has missed you so much." Shen Mo smiled brightly.

Her daughter, Pang Shu, though young, was already quite precocious. At three or four years old, she rushed in and threw herself at Yao Niang: "Auntie, dear Auntie, I miss you so much. Did you prepare any gifts for me?"

"Today is my birthday; shouldn’t you be giving me a gift?"

Yao Niang could only tolerate Shen Linfeng’s playful behavior, not others, especially this little girl who always craved attention. Shen Mo might think her daughter was very generous, often encouraging her to act this way.

Pang Shu wrinkled her nose: "Dear Auntie, do you have anything to eat? I’m so hungry."

Unexpectedly, Fu Jie came over and said, "Cousin Pang, why don’t you come play with us in the back? If you’re hungry, I can have someone bring you something. I’ve never seen a child so fond of mixing with adults; we children usually play with each other."

Only then did Pang Shu go with Fu Jie.

Shen Mo actually didn’t like Fu Jie much. She was quite fond of her when she was younger, but later, seeing her sharp tongue and surprising remarks, she thought it wasn’t ladylike. She preferred her own daughter’s sweet words.

But since she wanted to marry her daughter to Zhi Ge, she needed her sister-in-law’s approval, so she endured it.

Thus, she praised, "Fu Jie really acts like a big sister. I don’t know how you raised her so well, Sister-in-law. Can you share some tips?"

"I think your little Shu is doing fine. By the way, I should go check on Lady Liu and the others." Yao Niang found her overly enthusiastic and indirect, and couldn’t stand the persistent nagging.

Seeing her leave, Shen Mo thought, _Does she look down on my daughter? Does she expect her son to marry a celestial beauty?_

Though today was her birthday, she should have enjoyed it, but she was busy. Lady Liu’s daughter, Shan, had been married for several years and was now the Lady of Jinghai, yet she remained close to Yao Niang, even telling her about her pregnancy.

At night, Yao Niang touched her belly: "I see Lady Liu is thirty-four this year, exactly ten years older than me, and she’s pregnant again. My mother was also quite old when she had me. Lady Liu told me she’s worried about aging after giving birth. I warn you, I don’t want to have another child after turning thirty."

Shen Linfeng said affectionately, "Alright, whatever you say. Just don’t hit me in your dreams."

Yao Niang laughed and heard a hurried knock at the door: "Madam, it’s bad news, the third madam of the Yan family is gone."

Yao Niang was stunned; Xin Wan was indeed gone.