Chapter 21: Choices

"Lu Shi!"

"Sure enough, upon hearing Lu Shi say that, Li Shi immediately got angry."

"Daughter-in-law, I take my leave!"

"However, facing the angry Li Shi, Lu Shi continued to do as she pleased; with just a glance, she took her two sons away from Wenxi Hall."

"As for Li Shi's angry smashing behind her, Lu Shi seemed not to hear it."

"Mother, Grandma...?"

"Shen Zheng Dun looked toward Lu Shi, his words unfinished; he frankly admitted he didn't know how to continue."

"The academy's instructor said, as juniors we should respect our elders; if elders are at fault, juniors should advise them, responding with filial piety."

"Some people aren't worth it!"

"Lu Shi replied lightly."

"She was unwilling to return to the Shen Family, mainly because of Third Master Shen's licentiousness. And Third Master Shen had once been ambitious; otherwise, he wouldn't have been chosen by Lu Shi."

"Lu Shi never imagined that Third Master Shen would become what he is today."

"And all of this originated from Li Shi."

"Third Master Shen's debauchery was all stirred up by this old lady. Even many of the flirtatious women in Third Master Shen's rear courtyard were arranged by Li Shi."

"With such a mother-in-law, how could Lu Shi possibly respect her?"

"Even if she wanted to enjoy family bliss with her son, it depended on whether she was willing."

"Lu Shi took her two sons out of Wenxi Hall; not far along, she encountered her two sisters-in-law."

"Elder sister-in-law Zhou Shi, younger sister-in-law Song Shi!"

"Third sister-in-law, you've finally returned!"

"Zhou Shi, upon seeing Lu Shi, genuinely felt joy, for she could finally be freed from Shen Yunyao's marriage matters."

"This way, regardless of whether Shen Yunyao's marriage turns out well or poorly, she no longer needs to bear responsibility."

"As for Song Shi, she was simply there to make up the numbers."

"As the primary wife of Second Master Shen, Song Shi's presence in the Shen Family is not strong."

"Often, Song Shi deliberately lowers her own presence."

"The reason is that Song Shi has been married into the Shen Family for many years, bearing four daughters but not a single son."

"As a primary wife, failing to give Second Master Shen a son is a hurdle Song Shi has never been able to overcome."

"Greetings, elder sister-in-law!"

"Greetings, younger sister-in-law!"

"Lu Shi smiled and returned their greetings."

"Shen Zheng Dun and Shen Zheng Yi also returned their greetings, then hastily bade farewell and left."

"All they wanted now was to find their sister Shen Yunyao."

"Coincidentally, Shen Yunyao was on her way over here, and she literally ran into the two brothers."

"Elder sister!"

"Spotting Shen Yunyao and Cuiyu approaching from afar, the brothers instantly cast aside their mature composure and sprinted toward her like the wind."

"Stop!"

"Shen Yunyao didn't want to endure the impact of two little cannonballs; she spoke decisively, raising her hand to signal them to stand still one step away from her."

"Look at you two, how old are you? Can't you act a bit more mature?"

"Only after the two brothers stood still did Shen Yunyao put on a stern face and speak solemnly."

"Elder sister, we're only this excited because we saw you!"

"Then should I feel honored?"

"Shen Yunyao's expression was very stern."

"She realized she could hardly tell which was the older brother and which the younger."

"These twin brothers look incredibly alike. Without past-life memories, she knows that in this household, only these two brothers are relatives she can acknowledge."

"Hehe, elder sister, let me tell you good news: we've already given that guy Zheng Si Que a good beating!"

"But don't rush, this is just the beginning!"

"From now on, we'll keep causing trouble for him."

"Exactly, he's just a top scholar; someday I'll surely surpass him!"

"The two brothers chattered excitedly."

"Good, you will surely become formidable!"

"Shen Yunyao didn't want to discourage them."

"Being a top scholar isn't easy to achieve."

"Although speaking of Zheng Si Que's talent as a top scholar, Shen Yunyao could brush it off, but deep down she actually still values this person."

"Because this is the top rank in the triennial imperial examination of Dayong."

"It's like the national college entrance exam's number one—truly a top talent!"

"At least, Shen Yunyao couldn't achieve that."

"And Mother?"

"Having calmed the two younger brothers, Shen Yunyao asked softly."

"They were stopped by the elder and younger aunts over in the little flower garden!"

"Shen Zheng Dun replied quickly."

"Lead the way!"

Shen Yunyao glanced at the other party.

"All right!"

Shen Zhengdun immediately turned around and gestured for Shen Yunyao to follow.

At this moment, in the Shen Family's small garden, Lady Lu had already heard Lady Zhou finish explaining the situation of the official matchmaker's visit.

"The Xie Family of Jingcheng!"

"This is truly a high-ranking marriage!"

After hearing Lady Zhou's words, Lady Lu's delicate brows furrowed slightly.

The Xie Family of Jingcheng, in this Dayong, is truly a top-tier aristocratic clan.

Since the founding of Dayong, the Xie Family has been a prestigious hereditary noble family.

Nowadays, the Xie Family's prominence is unmatched; the eldest son of the Xie Family is currently the Grand Tutor, and his youngest sister holds the honor of Empress.

If all goes well, as long as this Empress of the Xie Family bears a legitimate son, he will surely be the future emperor.

In Dayong, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring is especially strict.

Unless the Empress bears no son, otherwise, princes born of other consorts have no chance whatsoever of inheriting the throne.

Nowadays, the Xie Family suitor seeking her daughter's hand is actually the twin younger brother of this Empress of the Xie Family.

"Third sister-in-law, this young master of the Xie Family left Jingcheng three years ago; it is said he has a somewhat mischievous nature."

Lady Zhou reminded Lady Lu.

In her view, the Xie Family's threshold is too high; the Shen Family could never hope to climb that high.

What a remarkable coincidence!

That Zheng Si Que merely topped the imperial examinations and already looks down on the Shen Family; how much less could this Xie Family young master possibly take a liking to a Shen Family young lady?

This matter is extremely suspicious!

"Elder sister-in-law, it's said to be unreliable!"

Lady Lu inwardly is quite satisfied with this marriage arrangement.

Lady Lu does not like Shen Yunyao, this daughter.

But even so, she would not allow others to bully this daughter.

However, if this daughter could marry well and bring some benefit to the future of her two sons, Lady Lu would absolutely not miss such an opportunity.

"Third sister-in-law, I still advise you to think carefully about this matter!"

"Even if you don't like that girl Yunyao, she is still a piece of flesh that fell from your own body!"

"Elder sister-in-law, that remark goes too far!"

Lady Lu cannot bear to hear that.

She does not like this daughter; although it is the truth, she simply does not want to hear it.

Although Lady Zhou harbors resentment toward Shen Yunyao in her heart, she still hopes Shen Yunyao will marry a suitable husband so as not to regret it later.

If Lady Lu does not return, she will have to take responsibility for this matter.

But if Lady Lu returns, Lady Zhou can withdraw.

Seeing Lady Lu's attitude now, Lady Zhou also cannot be bothered to say more. After all, they are a close mother and daughter, while I am merely an aunt; why should I expend this effort?

"Third sister-in-law, since you have made up your mind, I will say no more!"

"By the way, the third brother has been punished according to family law; third sister-in-law, you had better go take a look soon!"

Having said that, Lady Zhou led the people away.

And Lady Song, after Lady Zhou departed, also took her leave.

(End of chapter)