Chapter 16: Official Media Visits

Miao Concubine stared blankly at Shen Yunyao, a tangled mix of emotions welling up inside her.

She is also a Shen Family lady, yet because she is a concubine and her daughter is of secondary birth, does that create such a vast gap?

This Seventh Miss, with a father who is indifferent and a mother who neglects, though naturally gentle, after this broken engagement has become so opinionated and sharp.

Her daughter, however, must be confined because of this, until she marries.

Seventh Miss!

I, your maid, know Ninth Miss truly wounded your heart this time!

But she is still so young!

Please, have mercy!

Amid the words, Miao Concubine slammed her head down heavily, her forehead striking the ground and turning a faint red.

Miao Concubine's receiving Third Lord Shen's exclusive favor is not without cause.

First, Miao Concubine is beautiful, not inferior even to Lady Lu, Third Lord Shen's official wife. Second, her skin, as the books say, is whiter than snow.

As the saying goes, one shade of white covers a hundred flaws.

Miao Concubine is not ugly; her skin is like ice and snow, her temperament soft and gentle, and she flatters and worships Third Lord Shen to the utmost.

Facing such a delicate beauty, how many ordinary men would not keep her in mind?

Miao Concubine, do you know what you're doing?

You, a mere concubine, dare to force a legitimate Miss; if I write a letter to my mother, this Shen Family will have no place for you!

Lady Lu indeed ignores Shen Yunyao, but if Shen Yunyao truly writes a letter to her accusing Miao Concubine, Lady Lu would certainly deal with Miao Concubine.

Reason?

Not to defend her daughter, but purely to get rid of Miao Concubine.

As Third Lord Shen's official wife, she has not been at the Shen household these years, instead accompanying her two sons at the academy, under the pretense of caring for them, but actually unable to bear Third Lord Shen's indulgences.

If Shen Yunyao hands a knife to Lady Lu and she does not act, it can only show that Lady Lu has completely lost any marital affection for Third Lord Shen.

However, Shen Yunyao guesses that Lady Lu would not go that far.

Because as long as she is present, her two sons are legitimate heirs of the Shen Family Third Branch; but if she divorces Third Lord Shen and he remarries, her two sons' status in the Third Branch would become awkward.

Thus, even if merely for show, Lady Lu would react upon receiving Shen Yunyao's letter.

Concubine, stop bowing!

Shen Yun Yun suddenly rushed in front of Miao Concubine, blocking her from bowing to Shen Yunyao.

Sister, I have erred; I am willing to accept punishment!

I will return and shut myself in for reflection; before marriage, I will not step out of the courtyard even a single step!

Ninth Miss…

Miao Concubine was desperate.

She was pleased that her biological daughter thought of her, but if Shen Yun Yun were truly punished by Shen Yunyao to be confined until marriage, then her marriage would be left to others.

Even though she is favored, Miao Concubine does not think she can make Third Lord Shen personally arrange a good marriage for Shen Yun Yun.

She knows this man very well.

Talent, yes.

But responsibility, Miao Concubine has not seen.

At last, she still has a bit of conscience!

Shen Yunyao saw Shen Yun Yun willing to step forward and block Miao Concubine, and her impression of her improved a little.

If a person only cares for themselves, watching their own mother suffer, then Shen Yunyao would have no sisterly feeling toward this half-sister.

Return and shut yourself in for reflection, one year!

During this period, if I hear you act even a bit improperly, I will truly keep you confined until the day you marry!

A stick for punishment, then a sweet date!

The method is crude, but for many it works.

At least now, Shen Yun Yun and Miao Concubine are both grateful.

A year of confinement, compared to several years until marriage, is far better.

【5】 You both go back!

You all go back!

Seeing the gratitude and relief in the mother and daughter's eyes, Shen Yunyao waved her hand.

The matter is temporarily resolved!

People are strange creatures; once a scar heals, they forget the pain.

Shen Yunyao does not know whether the mother and daughter will cause trouble later, but she cannot let fear stop her.

When Miao Concubine and Shen Yun Yun left, Cuiyu closed the courtyard gate, returned to Shen Yunyao's side, her little face still pouting.

She is upset for her own miss.

The former Shen Yunyao was so kind to Shen Yun Yun and the others; how could she now do such a thing?

Silly girl, I'm not even angry; why are you upset?

Miss, you are just too good-tempered!

If I may say, you should keep Ninth Miss confined until she marries.

Even if it's to set an example, it should be done!

You sure know a lot!

Shen Yunyao chuckled lightly, "If I truly keep her confined until marriage, the mother and daughter would never cease fighting!"

She knows well the power of bedside whispers.

Throughout history, even the most imposing figures cannot escape the influence of bedside whispers.

Given that Aunt Miao has gained favor, if she truly intends to whisper in Third Master Shen's ear, she can certainly create a lot of trouble for Shen Yunyao.

After all, Third Master Shen is not someone with a firm will.

"This matter ends here."

"Come to think of it, we are all pitiful people."

She, Shen Yunyao, is the legitimate daughter of the Shen Family Third Branch, but because the marriage arrangement with Zheng Si Que went awry, her reputation was damaged, and her marriage prospects in this life are probably difficult.

And Shen Yun Yun, as a concubine‑born daughter, is innately deficient, her marriage is also very difficult, and being implicated by her legitimate elder sister makes her future even more uncertain.

"Miss, you are so wonderful; you will surely have a good marriage match in the future!"

"The lot we drew earlier at Sanqing Temple already said it—your good fortune is near!"

"Hehe, as long as you believe it!"

Although Shen Yunyao holds a reverence for certain metaphysical things, she truly does not think a single lot can foretell her life.

"Miss, you must also believe!"

"Heaven always opens its eyes!"

The little girl clasped her hands together, very devout.

Shen Yunyao simply smiled and shook her head.

People, when faced with problems beyond human ability or very troublesome matters, place their hope upon the heavens.

Poor heavens!

……

Shen Yunyao did not expect that some matters truly are so metaphysical.

She had only been quiet for a few days, and Cuiyu rushed into the study again, bringing an even more shocking piece of news.

An official matchmaker came to the door, proposing a marriage for Shen Yunyao.

Matchmakers of the Dayong dynasty are divided into two types.

One type is court‑certified, the official matchmakers, who have more credibility.

The other type is folk matchmakers, whose networks are broader, but their mouths are full of deceit.

Of course, hiring an official matchmaker to arrange a marriage costs a considerable sum.

Generally, only great households or official families would employ official matchmakers.

"Miss, an official matchmaker!"

"This time, you will certainly obtain a good marriage match!"

"When the time comes, see how they will arrange you!"

"Don't let them die of anger!"

Cuiyu is genuinely happy for her own miss.

Of course, when her lady gets married, she will also enjoy a good life.

(End of chapter)