Chapter 14: with translation of chapter title

Some rules are ironclad!

As long as the rule of Dayong remains stable, no one dares openly trample these rules.

Shen Yunyao looked at the proactive third and fourth cousins stirring trouble; she actually understood that these two brainless cousins were surely incited by some scheming concubine-born sister.

Even if she guessed the truth, Shen Yunyao didn't hold much resentment.

Put yourself in their shoes!

If she were in their position, she certainly would not calmly accept all this.

This world is inherently unfair to women.

The situation of concubine-born daughters is even worse.

A concubine-born daughter marrying high?

Doesn't exist!

Either marry into a modest household as the principal wife, or marry into a powerful household as the principal wife to a concubine-born son; if luck is bad, one can only become a concubine.

Of course, if luck is good and the husband she marries strives and rises on his own, then this woman can also reap rewards after hardship.

But Dayong has enjoyed peace for a long time; the only way for a man to change his station is through the imperial examinations.

But the problem is, while the exams can let one stand out, the slots are few and competition fierce—saying thousands of troops cross a single-log bridge is an understatement.

Men, at least, still have a chance to strive.

Women?

Really, they can only follow the chicken they marry, follow the dog they marry.

The marriage between Shen Yunyao and Zheng Si Que fell through; each side argues its own reasoning, but in the end it damages reputation.

The most absurd part is that people at this time love to implicate others.

Shen Yunyao's personal reputation also implicates the other young ladies of the Shen family.

As for the married daughters of the Shen family?

Unless the Shen family commits a grave treason, otherwise, as long as the Shen family stands, it basically won't affect them.

However, although Shen Yunyao harbors no resentment in her heart, it doesn't mean she will act as a doormat when faced with troublemakers like Shen Yunxi and Shen Yunshang.

Is she not also someone affected?

"Third cousin, fourth cousin!"

"If you came here to vent your dissatisfaction, then I want to say you've found the wrong person!"

"Calling off the engagement is the idea of the Zheng family matriarch!"

"They even thought of taking my life to break this engagement!"

"You come over, could it be that you think I, Shen Yunyao, should obey that Zheng family matriarch's wish and go die?"

Shen Yunyao spoke, her words razor-sharp.

Shen Yunxi is quick-tempered, but not unable to distinguish right from wrong.

Seeing Shen Yunyao speak so sternly, she hurriedly said, "Seventh sister, we don't mean that; don't wrong the innocent!"

Forcing cousins to die!

With such a reputation, they couldn't even think of marrying in this lifetime, let alone spending life with an ancient Buddha and a green lamp.

"Then what are you here for?"

"To comfort me?"

"The matter passed several days ago; your comfort comes too late!"

Shen Yunyao's words leave no room for leniency.

And the impression she gives is like a spiky hedgehog.

Shen Yunshang spoke, saying, "Seventh sister, we came to find you because we feel uneasy inside."

"We know you are also innocent!"

"But are we not innocent either?"

Shen Yunshang looked at Shen Yunyao with a wronged expression; unlike her sister Shen Yunxi's bluntness, Shen Yunshang excels at playing the wronged, pitiful little white flower.

Relying on this, she is indeed greatly favored in the Shen Family Courtyard, especially by Lady Li; among all the granddaughters, she is the most beloved.

"So, this is your reason for giving me a hard time?"

Shen Yunyao looked at the fourth cousin like a little white flower and laughed directly, "Fourth cousin, with that brain of yours, you'd better not marry; otherwise, I fear your in-laws will return you!"

Return!

That is, to divorce a wife!

In Dayong, if a woman is divorced, no matter how powerful her natal family, she faces a dead end.

Those spittle flecks come not only from outsiders but even more from her own natal family.

"You curse me!"

Upon hearing Shen Yunyao's words, Shen Yunshang immediately flared up, wronged and tearful, her tears streaming.

Seeing this, Shen Yunyao lightly laughed and said, "Fourth cousin, I was merely stating a possibility!"

"If you think this counts as a curse, fine—I am indeed cursing you!"

"What can you do about it?"

Playing the little white flower?

"Sister, you probably haven't cultivated that skill fully yet!"

To pull off the little white flower act, you need a man, an elder present, or at least a crowd of outsiders here to draw others' pity.

But right now, here we are just a group of young girls!

Although they are all sisters from the same family, those present—including Shen Yunxi, the elder sister of Shen Yunshang—have also been hurt by this little white flower tactic of their own younger sister.

Speaking bluntly, when Shen Yunshang uses this skill at this time, let alone gaining the approval of those around her, on the contrary, she will only earn their disgust.

Shen Yunshang, you've had enough!

Your parents aren't here, nor is your grandmother; conserve those tears, I'm afraid you'll need them later and won't have enough.

Her elder sister, Shen Yunxi, dealt Shen Yunshang a vicious blow.

Shen Yunshang never expected to be cursed; her own elder sister didn't offer help but instead spoke against her—such a sister is indeed not worth getting close to.

Third cousin sister, please don't say that!

Shen Yunyao caught the fleeting look of resentment in Shen Yunshang's eyes and felt she ought to give this straightforward third cousin sister a heads-up.

You're just saying it in anger, but I see Fourth Cousin Sister has taken it to heart!

Remember it then!

Shen Yunxi couldn't care less, saying, 'From childhood to adulthood, who knows how many trivial matters like this there have been.'

I really don't know how she grew such a petty mind!

Speaking of this sister, Shen Yunxi can't even be bothered to complain.

If it weren't for her mother constantly telling her to yield to this sister, she would have long ago taught her how to behave.

And what about being a woman?

Does being a woman mean one must spend all day crying and have a mind as small as a needle's tip?

Seventh younger sister, you've changed somewhat from before!

After Shen Yunxi finished complaining about her own younger sister, her gaze fell on Shen Yunyao, her eyes carrying scrutiny.

Shen Yunyao gave a bitter smile and said, 'With so many things having happened, if I didn't change at all, could I still survive?'

That's true!

Shen Yunxi nodded thoughtfully and continued, 'Actually, I came today because of Ninth Younger Sister; she is your concubine-born sister, so I won't meddle in your sisters' affairs.'

Shen Yunshang, come back with me!

Having said that, Shen Yunxi directly grabbed her legitimate younger sister and left.

Although her younger sister's mind is as tiny as a needle's tip, she is still a full-blooded sister, and one ought to discipline her.

And as Shen Yunxi and Shen Yunshang, the two legitimate daughters of the Shen Family, departed, the other concubine-born daughters all took their leave.

Little Nine, stay behind!

But Shen Yunyao called out to her half-sister, Shen Yunyin!

Older sister, I was wrong!

After the other sisters left, Shen Yunyin directly knelt before Shen Yunyao.

(End of chapter)