Chapter 54: Pei Qing was worried sick for Third Brother!

At that time, Father was killed while suppressing bandits, Elder Brother went missing, his fate unknown, and the main branch ended up with only her, a daughter married out; the honor the main branch had won also fell into the hands of the second branch.

At that time she still had doubts—could it have been the second branch's doing? After all, they were the beneficiaries, but after Pei Zhi's reminder she realized there might be another possibility!

The Duke's Manor was not as overwhelmingly powerful as the Prince Yan's Manor; the Prince Yan's Manor did not take sides, so even if the princes could not get what they wanted to destroy, they dared not act rashly.

But if it were the Duke's Manor, there would be far fewer scruples.

Shen Lang commanded the troops near the capital; such a force in anyone's hands left the other side unable to rest or eat, so since they couldn't win over Shen Lang, they might as well have someone else take that position.

Shen Lang died, so they naturally wouldn't let Shen Xiuchi, this threat, go.

For the Duke's Manor, honor and loss are shared; for the second branch, the main branch losing power is absolutely more harmful than beneficial, and there is no deep hatred between the main and second branches, so why would the second branch exterminate them completely?

Mother was so intelligent that if she had even the slightest suspicion of the second branch, she would not have later devoted all her effort to boosting the second branch.

In that case, Father and Elder Brother were indeed harmed by someone—either the Crown Prince or the Third Prince, or perhaps both were involved!

But by then she had already married into the Prince Yan's Manor—would they not fear the Prince Yan's Manor?

As soon as this thought occurred, Shen Shuangning almost immediately had an answer.

Mother thought that by marrying into the Prince Yan's Manor, the Duke's Manor would gain its protection—but the precondition was that she had to win Xiao Jingyuan's heart.

But at that time everyone knew Xiao Jingyuan did not love her, and she herself was clear that he would not, for her sake, give any aid to the Duke's Manor.

Then, when misfortune befell the Duke's Manor's main branch, he would naturally stand by and do nothing.

For the then‑criminal official's daughter Song Xizhi, he would spare no effort to bring her back to the capital, yet for his lawfully wedded wife, he was always unwilling to extend any aid to her family.

It was clearly just a matter of a single sentence—perhaps it could change the Duke's Manor's fate...

This debt, she would naturally also charge to Xiao Jingyuan's head!

Thinking of all that had happened in her previous life, Shen Shuangning's shoulders trembled uncontrollably; a feeling of indescribable grievance and sorrow welled up in her heart, and her eye sockets gradually reddened.

Pei Zhi handed her a silk handkerchief and said gently, "Don't be afraid."

Shen Shuangning only then realized she had lost her composure; after uttering a thanks, she turned her head, lowered her gaze, and wiped her tears.

She felt regretful—she shouldn't have let her emotions show in front of Pei Zhi.

She was about to explain something when Pei Qing had already changed her clothes and was walking over from toward the two of them.

Pei Zhi quickly said, "Miss Ning, if you trust me, I have a way to let the Duke's Manor avoid the Crown Prince and Third Prince's factional struggle while remaining safe and sound."

Having said that, Pei Qing had already arrived before the two; seeing Shen Shuangning's red‑rimmed eyes, a look of having been bullied, her expression changed instantly.

"Third Brother, I've only been away a moment, and you're already bullying Elder Sister Ning?!"

The "bullying" Pei Qing meant was not the ordinary sort—after all, she knew just how much her third brother liked Shen Shuangning.

She only thought Pei Zhi had lost his temper and offended Shen Shuangning.

Pei Zhi gave a helpless smile: "I didn't."

Pei Qing stood with hands on hips, glaring at him: "Why is Elder Sister Ning crying? Did you do something?"

It took Shen Shuangning a while to realize that the "bullying" Pei Qing meant was of that sort.

Her cheeks instantly warmed, and she hurriedly said, "Pei Qing, it's not what you think—the Third Young Master did nothing; I just got sand in my eye."

As things stand now, Pei Zhi has overstepped not at all; even when outsiders are present, his gaze is perfectly proper, never giving her an extra glance.

Such a proper and upright gentleman—Shen Shuangning has met only one like him in her two lifetimes, and even when interacting with him she unconsciously lets down her guard.

Upon hearing this, Pei Qing didn't know whether to feel relieved or regretful.

"Third Brother is too proper—how could we possibly snatch Elder Sister Ning into our hands?"

"She's heard that the Young Marquis Xie, when courting Elder Sister Ning, was always trying all sorts of tricks to win the girl's favor!"

Pei Qing was worried sick for Third Brother.

Shen Shuangning had already composed herself, glanced at Pei Zhi, then urged, "Let's go—our turn to perform is coming up soon."

Shen Shuangning hadn't played the zither in a long while; her skill was merely intermediate, but when her zither blended with Pei Zhi's flute, it sounded like heavenly music, utterly transcending the mundane.

The Blessing Dance that Pei Qing performed is one that all noblewomen of Great Liang must learn—nothing like the flirtatious airs of common tavern dancers; her posture is proper and pleasing to behold, refreshing the mind and spirit.

The three presented their art in perfect harmony—zither and flute wove around the beams, dance steps light and graceful, leaving the audience entranced and intoxicated.

Third Prince Zhai Ji's gaze swept past the dancing Pei Qing and landed straight on Shen Shuangning behind her, his eyes darkening somewhat.

Shen Shuangning's cloud‑like hair was loosely bound, she wore a flowing moon‑white gauze skirt that trailed the ground; as her bare hand lightly touched the zither strings, she plucked and twisted them slowly, revealing wrists white as frost.

Seated before the zither, as her fingertips rose and fell, clear, melodious notes flowed forth; her downcast eyes were veiled in a soft glow, the corners of her mouth hinting at a faint smile—her whole person, amid the music, was like a serene, beautiful scroll, making viewers hold their breath.

Zhai Ji lounged in his seat, staring fixedly at her; the hand holding his wine cup trembled slightly, as if pondering something, then he suddenly smiled and took a sip.

That smile playing on his lips was extremely dangerous.

This scene fell into the Crown Prince's eyes.

The Crown Prince seemed lost in thought.

Beauties always draw attention, and many gazes in the banquet fell upon Shen Shuangning, as if she were the star of the occasion.

Song Yao, standing beside her elder sister, whispered in praise: "Miss Shen Four plays the zither wonderfully, and her bearing is truly fine."

Perhaps knowing of Shen Shuangning's involvement with Xie Lin, Song Yao no longer bore her any ill will; moreover, since Shen Shuangning had earlier come to their aid, Song Yao's opinion of her had improved, even growing fond.

At the side, Song Xizhi, hearing this, glanced at Song Yao in surprise; seeing that she actually harbored appreciation for Shen Shuangning, she furrowed her brow slightly.

Then, in a faint tone, she echoed, "Yes."

After the dance ended, applause in the hall surged like a tide.

Seeing Princess Consort Yan also applauding with approval, Song Xizhi felt a bit uneasy but did not show it.

The Grand Princess was overjoyed; the three of them received rewards, and Shen Shuangning breathed a sigh of relief in her heart, counting the task as done.

The banquet was drawing to a close, just as Shen Shuangning thought she could finally leave the imperial palace, the Grand Princess's attendant came around from behind her.

"Miss Shen Four, the Grand Princess has ordered that you please remain after the proceedings end."

Shen Shuangning felt an ominous premonition; she replied with startled delight, "Yes," then ventured, "May I ask what the Grand Princess wishes of me?"

The attendant smiled and said, "Rest easy, Miss Four—it's a splendid boon that others would beg for but cannot obtain."

Upon hearing Grandma say that, Shen Shuangning's unease grew stronger.

It's over; she's definitely going to have terrible luck.

After the banquet ended, Shen Shuangning was kept behind, and Madam Shen softly said, "We're waiting for you outside the palace gates—go on."

Afterwards Shen Shuangning went to see the Grand Princess, and the "great thing" Grandma had spoken of was to let her enter the palace to accompany the princess in her studies!

Indeed it was!

In her previous life, this opportunity had originally belonged to Song Xizhi, yet it ended up falling on her!

But she didn't want it at all!

Bear in mind that both the Third Prince and the Crown Prince reside in the palace; she had originally thought she could feign illness to avoid them at home, but if she entered the palace, where could she hide?

Shen Shuangning felt as if struck by lightning, frozen in place, momentarily not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Ning sister, are you happy to the point of foolishness?" Princess Jingyu gazed at Shen Shuangning, her eyes sparkling like stars, clear and bright, yet tinged with a cautious attempt to please.

"Father Emperor had long planned to select a companion reader for me; Aunt then chose from the daughters of aristocratic families who had topped the past etiquette contests, but I only like you, so I had Aunt put your name on the list."

Put nicely, it's being the princess's companion reader; in reality it's just to keep the princess entertained. If the princess studies well, she gets no credit; if the princess makes a mistake, she's the first one pushed out to take the blame!

She should have guessed this earlier—the princess's waist token landed in her hands, meaning she must replace Song Xizhi to carry out this thankless, arduous task.

"I've been good to you, haven't I?" Princess Jingyu, completely missing Shen Shuangning's reluctance to enter the palace, smiled at her as if seeking credit.

The Grand Princess also sat upright in the upper seat, smiling as she looked at Shen Shuangning.

Shen Shuangning lowered her head in trepidation and said, "Your servant is lazy and dull; at home I often give my parents headaches, and I know nothing of palace etiquette—making me the princess's companion reader would likely be... beyond my ability."

Before the Grand Princess could speak, Princess Jingyu beside her firmly grabbed Shen Shuangning's shoulders.

Princess Jingyu was naturally large-framed and strong; in her grip Shen Shuangning was like a chopstick, and she was bodily twisted around, eyes wide open.

"I won't let you speak like that about yourself!" Princess Jingyu's expression was stern yet full of warm affection, "In my eyes, you're the best! Palace etiquette isn't as complicated and frightening as you imagine; with me here, no one can bully you."

"Ning sister, just treat it as your own home!"

"Princess, do you know what nonsense you're spouting? You are the emperor's sole daughter, basking in countless favors; to you this palace is naturally as warm and cozy as a quilt, but she is not the same!!"

"Furthermore, the Third Prince is your imperial older brother; you siblings are of one mind—how would I know you won't sell me out?"

However, Shen Shuangning could only force a dry laugh toward Princess Jingyu: "Princess, please don't call your servant 'sister'; your servant cannot bear the title."

Princess Jingyu's eyes lit up: "Then I'll call you Ningning!"

Shen Shuangning: "......"

Seeing this, the Grand Princess said to Grandma, "Look, this person is not only outstanding but also humble, neither arrogant nor impatient, unperturbed by favor or disgrace—no wonder she's the one I've taken a liking to."

Grandma also laughed, saying, "The Grand Princess's judgment of people is naturally spot-on. Fourth Miss, you need not decline any further—your name has already been submitted to His Majesty; you are now firmly appointed as the princess's companion reader."

This shows His Majesty also approves, and it also means one thing: as long as Shen Shuangning doesn't die, even if she has to be carried, she will be brought into the palace!

And Shen Shuangning would naturally not do something that harms the Duke's residence's reputation just to avoid entering the palace.

She could only resign herself to fate.

Grandma said, "Fourth Miss, hurry back and tell your family this good news; also get ready—in three days, the servant will come to the Duke's residence to fetch Fourth Miss into the palace."

Princess Jingyu still felt a bit reluctant to part with Shen Shuangning; she had originally wanted to keep her a while longer to chat, but fearing that being too clingy might annoy her, she had no choice but to let her go.

Anyway, she only needs to wait three more days, and then she can be with Ningning at all times!

Walking along the palace road, Shen Shuangning still felt somewhat unreal.

Actually being the princess's companion reader isn't that scary; what's frightening is getting dragged into the factional struggle between the Crown Prince and the Third Prince.

Since ancient times, the quickest and most direct way to win over a faction is through marriage alliances.

And she is the Duke's only daughter; even a fool knows the best approach is to start with her.

The Crown Prince already has a Crown Princess; if he married her, she could only become a concubine—admittedly, becoming the Crown Prince's concubine would be a great honor, but Shen Shuangning is unwilling.

Looking at the Third Prince, Zhai Ji, who remains unmarried and has not even taken a concubine, if he set his sights on her, he would surely marry her with utmost sincerity—but Zhai Ji is not a good person; he swings both ways!

Just thinking about it makes Shen Shuangning's scalp go numb.

If she wishes to avoid attracting the attention of those two, perhaps the only way is for her to marry as soon as possible.

Suddenly, she thought of Pei Zhi.

Pei Zhi said he had a way.

Perhaps she should certainly listen to his opinion!

Shen Shuangning will enter the palace as the princess's companion reader; this news quickly spread among the aristocratic families, sparking much discussion.

Xiao Jingyuan had long known that the emperor intended to select a companion reader for Princess Jingyu, and he had learned earlier than many who the chosen person would be.

Because when the Grand Princess's attendant delivered the roster to the Imperial Study, he was present.

The Grand Princess had marked Shen Shuangning's name, and after Emperor Xuānwen looked it over, he also asked for his opinion.

"What do you think of this Shen girl?"