Concubine Wan was on tenterhooks as she asked tentatively, “So…”
“Don’t look, don’t ask, and don’t speak.” Shen Dongling looked at herself in the mirror. “Let nature take its course. One day, we will live a good life.”
In the Shen family, not only were the people of Rosy Cloud Garden discussing Ren Wanyun, but also the people of Autumn Water Garden.
Chen Ruoqiu was wearing a plain white undergarment. She sat on the bed and said, “Second Sister-in-law is getting better day by day. Master, did Second Brother say anything about it?”
Shen Wan rubbed his forehead. Because of Shen Yuan’s case, his colleagues in the imperial court were all unhappy with the Shen family. Even he was affected, and his days had not been easy. He shook his head and said, “Second Brother didn’t mention this.”
“Even if Second Sister-in-law really recovers, there’s only Shen Yuanbai left in the second branch.” Chen Ruoqiu said, “With Second Brother’s tendency to take in concubines, I’m afraid…” At this point, she actually felt a little sad. The difference between her and Ren Wanyun was that Chen Ruoqiu could firmly hold onto Shen Wan’s heart, but the third branch had never had a son. Now that Shen Yuan was dead, Old Madam Shen was probably anxious to let her two sons have more children. Shen Gui was not a loyal person to begin with, so he naturally didn’t mind having more concubines. However, if Shen Wan was pushed too hard… Chen Ruoqiu could not help but panic. How long could he resist before giving in to the idea of marrying a concubine?
Shen Wan noticed the change of expression on Chen Ruoqiu’s face and asked in confusion, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Chen Ruoqiu forced a smile and shook her head. “I was just thinking about Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law.” After a pause, Chen Ruoqiu said, “Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law have already decided to split up. They even threatened to invite the elders of the family over. I’m afraid they really meant it this time.”
“Mother is to blame this time.” Shen Wan said, “She messed it up. If Eldest Brother is furious and decides to make it public how Mother tried to scheme against Shen Qiu, the entire capital will criticize us.”
Chen Ruoqiu nodded and said, “We’ve been living in harmony for so many years. Why did they want to split up at this juncture?” She couldn’t help but think of Shen Miao. Ever since Shen Miao’s personality changed drastically, many things in the Shen family had changed. In the past, Shen Xin and his wife were good to the rest of the Shen family because Shen Miao was on their side. Now that Shen Miao showed disgust and dissatisfaction, Shen Xin and his wife’s attitude immediately changed.
Shen Wan let out a long sigh. Chen Ruoqiu asked, “Master, is there a way out?”
Shen Wan shook his head. “If it were us, we wouldn’t be able to take it lying down either. Eldest Brother can’t tolerate nasty tricks, and the person he values the most is Fifth Miss. The Jing family and Mother have already violated Eldest Brother’s taboo by plotting against Qiu and Fifth Miss. He’s being merciful enough to only ask to split up from the Shen family. If Eldest Brother was still as impulsive as he used to be, he would probably have torn this Shen family apart.”
“But…” Chen Ruoqiu said,” It’s not a good thing for us to split up now.”
Shen Wan looked out of the window. “Now that the second branch has been dealt a huge blow, Second Brother and I have both been hindered in our official careers. In the past, we could still rely on Eldest Brother’s power and influence. Once we split up, everyone will know that the Shen family is on bad terms. For the sake of pleasing Eldest Brother, the officials won’t side with us. Our official careers will only be more difficult.”
“Not only that, but also financially…” Chen Ruoqiu said. In the past, Shen Xin would be rewarded handsomely everytime he returned to the capital. He could not spend it all because he was away in the Northwest. All of the rewards were used to run the Shen family. Old Madam Shen spent money extravagantly, and Ren Wanyun occasionally had to make up for it. Now that they were going to split up, even if Shen Xin did not want the assets left behind by the old general, their lives would only become more and more difficult.