In the carriage returning to the Shen residence, Shen Miao still rode alone in one coach. Guyu and Jingzhe, beside her, were both worried for her. The Prince of Yu’s notorious reputation was known throughout Ming Qi, yet he had sent an invitation to Shen Miao. Not only was it inappropriate for a young lady like Shen Miao to visit him, but anyone with eyes could see what the Prince of Yu’s intentions were.

If Shen Xin were present, he would certainly refuse at all costs. But now Shen Xin was away, and the two sisters-in-law of the Shen family harbored sinister intentions. Previously, Shen Miao had been young, but now she was of an age to consider marriage, so naturally, they had set their sights on her.

Jingzhe held back again and again, but finally couldn’t resist asking, “Young Miss, about the Prince of Yu… what should we do about today’s matter? Perhaps we should write to the Master? If the Master knows about this, he would surely rush back.”

“Yes,” Guyu was also anxious, “That man’s intentions are not good, and now in the rear courtyard… plus, Young Miss stood out today, I fear there will be many troubles in the household.” She sighed.

When Shen Miao was younger, it wasn’t apparent, but Guyu and Jingzhe, the two maids specifically selected by Madam Shen for Shen Miao, could see clearly. The Second and Third Branches were jealous of the First Branch’s reputation, which was why they set up obstacles for Shen Miao both openly and secretly. With the narrow-mindedness of these two branches, after Shen Miao’s brilliant performance today, she would likely become a thorn in their eyes again. They weren’t worried about much else, but if it involved the Prince of Yu… if he had any crooked intentions, Shen Miao might find it difficult to handle. After all, most of the people on the First Branch’s side had been replaced by the other two branches.

Shen Miao said calmly, “What is there to fear? Whatever plans they have, let’s see if they have the ability to carry them out.”

She was composed, and her words seemed to carry a faint dignity, along with a hint of mercilessness that was difficult to detect. Guyu and Jingzhe exchanged glances, and somehow, their earlier panic had somewhat dispersed, gradually giving way to calm.

Upon returning to the Shen residence, Shen Miao said she was tired from the day and needed rest, stating she would return to the West Courtyard first. Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu smiled and said a few words to Shen Miao, instructing her to rest well. Perhaps knowing that being noticed by the Prince of Yu would bring no good to Shen Miao, their smiles couldn’t hide their schadenfreude. Ren Wanyun even stroked Shen Miao’s head affectionately and said, “Looking at Fifth Sister, she’s grown to such an age, becoming so beautiful. Before long, she’ll be ready for marriage.”

“Indeed,” Chen Ruoqiu agreed, her words laden with meaning, “A girl like our Little Five, only someone of noble status would be a match. Ordinary families could never marry our Little Five.”

A trace of joy flashed across Shen Yue’s face, while Shen Qing eagerly spoke up, “Of course, Fifth Sister will certainly get a very ‘distinguished’ husband.” After speaking, she covered her mouth and giggled, while giving Shen Miao a knowing look.

But even under her suggestive gaze, Shen Miao’s expression didn’t waver in the slightest. Shen Qing’s smile froze. The more calm and indifferent Shen Miao appeared, the more irritated Shen Qing felt. Everyone knew what the Prince of Yu’s invitation today meant—he had taken a liking to Shen Miao. But now Shen Miao showed no reaction, probably still unaware of the severity. A trace of mockery flashed in her eyes—truly a fool.

“Aunts and sisters are too kind,” Shen Miao responded blandly. “In terms of age, Elder Sister and Second Sister are a bit older than me. When it comes to finding a husband, it certainly shouldn’t be my turn first.”

Everyone’s expressions stiffened momentarily. Ren Wanyun smiled and said, “Child, it’s just that your uncle is rarely in the capital. Your aunts are concerned for you. As for Elder Sister and Second Sister, your Third Aunt and I are in Jing City, so naturally, there’s no need to worry.”

“Is that so?” Shen Miao gently questioned. Her clear eyes seemed to show no emotion, yet they made people tremble inside. It was as if those eyes could see through to one’s innermost thoughts. She smiled slightly, “Since my aunts are so concerned for me, in the future, I’ll have to repay you somehow.”

She spoke lightly, but for some reason, Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu felt a flash of unease in their hearts. But immediately, they dismissed this absurd thought. Although Shen Miao seemed smarter now, she was still just a fourteen-year-old girl—how much trouble could she cause? Moreover… thinking of the Prince of Yu’s matter, both women felt somewhat pleased.

“Oh, Fifth Sister, why be so polite? We’re all family,” Ren Wanyun smiled. “Since you’re tired, go rest first. Your Second Aunt and I have some matters to attend to. Guyu, Jingzhe, take good care of the Fifth Young Miss.”

Guyu and Jingzhe acknowledged and left with Shen Miao.

After they left, Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu exchanged glances, each seeing the calculation in the other’s eyes.

Half an incense time later, Old Madam Shen in Rongjing Hall frowned, “You say the Prince of Yu has taken a liking to the fifth girl?”

Shen Yue and Shen Qing had been sent to the inner hall, as these matters were inappropriate for young ladies to be involved in. Despite this, the two had secretly run behind the screen, ignoring Nanny Zhang’s dissuasion, to eavesdrop on the conversation in the hall.

“Yes,” Ren Wanyun’s face was full of smiles, though her words were dignified and proper. “The fifth girl performed brilliantly at the examination field today, impressing even the Prince of Yu. Since he has sent an invitation, it means he has intentions toward the fifth girl. I think our Shen family might produce a princess consort.”

Hearing this, Chen Ruoqiu’s mouth twitched. Ren Wanyun might speak with grand righteousness, but the Prince of Yu’s interest in Shen Miao didn’t necessarily mean he intended to marry her properly. Besides, even if he did marry her, with Shen Miao’s luck, who knew how long she would last? She might not even be a princess consort for a few days before meeting her demise. After all, the Prince of Yu’s evil reputation was well-known throughout Jing City.

Hearing this, Old Madam Shen’s expression darkened. In her heart, she naturally didn’t wish the First Branch well. Why should the son born to someone who died years ago be more outstanding than her own? When the old general was alive, he had favored the First Branch. Now, for the First Branch to produce a princess consort was extremely displeasing to her. She immediately said, “With the fifth girl’s temperament, how could she be a princess consort? The eldest or second girl would be more suitable.”

Old Madam Shen had spent years in the inner courtyards, only knowing how to enjoy life. She was truly ignorant of outside affairs. Hearing her words, both Chen Ruoqiu and Ren Wanyun’s expressions changed simultaneously. Shen Yue and Shen Qing, hiding behind the screen, were also startled. Though Old Madam Shen might not know, they did. Entering the Prince of Yu’s household meant only a fate of being tortured to death—it was like a hellish fire pit.

Ren Wanyun hastily spoke up, “Mother, it’s not like that. We naturally hope the fifth girl will do well. Although the Prince of Yu is a widower, somewhat older, and his reputation isn’t very good, his family background is excellent.” She thought of something, and the corner of her mouth raised, “In the future, when the seventh boy grows up, having the Prince of Yu’s care would only be beneficial. If the fifth girl were to have any mishap, the Prince would, out of compensation, take even better care of the seventh boy.”

She was trading Shen Miao’s life for Shen Yuanbai’s prospects. Chen Ruoqiu glanced at her second sister-in-law—truly a calculating woman.