Chapter 001

k a piece of floral-shaped pastry and smiled, “Mother Concubine’s craftsmanship is still the best. This pastry is so beautiful that everyone would be reluctant to eat it.” 。Shen Jin pretended not to h...Shen Jinxiu finished the last stitch, carefully cut the embroidery thread, and examined her face with a slight smile.

The maidservant who had been standing beside her smiled and said, “Miss, you’ve done a good job embroidering. The Princess will surely like it.” 。"Shen Jin pursed her lips and smiled, but she didn't take the maidservant's words to heart. If this was considered well done, then what about the embroideries made by the embroidery ladies in the Prince's Mansion" Chen Concubine, having heard the maidservant's voice, lifted the curtain and came in, saying, “It’s finished, isn’t it Let me take a look." 。"Mother" 。"Shen Jin heard this and gave way, asking with some unease, "I don't know if Mother will like..." 。

"Silly girl"

Concubine Chen glanced at the room and had all the servants leave. She only kept Li Ma, then took her daughter's hand and said, "The Princess has left the Zhao family and married the Crown Prince, she has seen all sorts of good things! Even if your embroidery is exquisite, what difference does it make" 。Shen Jin bit her lip and instantly understood her mother's meaning. Sending the princess was just a gesture of goodwill. Chen Shifei sighed, "It's all my fault for not being strong enough. If..." 。"Mother " 。"Shen Jin nestled into Chen Caifei's arms, and said softly, “My child is not young anymore..." 。

Concubine Chen smiled and nodded at Shen Jin's head, "Alright, go outside and take a look at the flowers and plants. The Princess had two pots of peony delivered today, they are very pretty.

" 。"

"good>>> 。"Shen Jin was young, just at the age of playing. Hearing this, he laughed and got up from Concubine Chen's arms and said, 'Then can I go for a stroll in the garden later' "

"Go ahead," 。 。Only then did Shen Jin go out to see the flowers, and when Shen Jin left, Chen Concubine's smile disappeared. Looking at the embroidered handkerchief, she sighed softly and finished what she hadn't said just now, "It's all my fault for not being capable enough to win over the Wangye's affection, which made Jin'er have to think of ways to please others at such a young age. Xu shi... Forget it." 。The King of Rui is the only younger brother of the current emperor. His palace is not only large but also very beautiful. Shen Jin's favorite part is the pavilion built in the center of the lake, especially in June when the lotus flowers are just blooming in the pond, it's exceptionally pretty. 。

However, unfortunately today, the pavilion was already occupied by someone. It was Princess Consort's elder sister, Shen Qi. Shen Jin hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to approach and disturb her. Just then, the head maid beside Shen Qi came over and invited Shen Jin inside.

"Why don't you come over when you're here" Shen Qi beckoned to Shen Jin and sat down beside her. She personally took a piece of yam and red bean cake and placed it in Shen Jin's hand before asking. 。

Shen Jin peeled open the layer of glutinous rice paper and said with a smile, “Because I didn’t know what my elder sister was doing, I was afraid of disturbing her.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Qi smiled. As the eldest child in the family, he had four younger sisters below him. His third sister was the most gentle and careful of them all, just like a white rabbit he had raised before. Not only was she timid but also very shy. However, it wasn't surprising. After all, the Chen Consort residing in the manor was as perceptive as a wise person and rarely left her courtyard. 。

The pastries made by the royal kitchen were delicious. The yam and red bean cake even had a hint of aroma but wasn't greasy at all. Shen Jin ate happily, taking small bites, her eyes curving into crescent moons. Shen Qi saw this and felt that all his worries disappeared. After Shen Jin finished eating, he brought another piece.

Then, Shen Jin smiled sweetly, "Thank you, big sister"

Shen Qi blushed, looking at Shen Jin's face. She really was soft-hearted, "Eat it."

"It turned out that the elder sister and the third younger sister were hiding here, whispering." 。Shen Zi saw Shen Qi and Shen Jin from afar. She immediately brought her younger sister, Shen Jing, over. Shen Zi wore a long, crimson dress adorned with scattered flowers, and she had a pure gold hairpin in her hair, which was studded with dazzling rubies. Though she was dressed in a flamboyant manner, it didn't appear vulgar at all. Instead, it made Shen Zi even more eye-catching. It wasn't hard to imagine how stunning she would be when she grew a few years older. 。

But walking behind Shen Ziyue, Shen Jingyi was long and graceful. She wore a pearl headdress and swayed with each step. Although not as dazzling as Shen Zi, she had a touch of charm.

Upon seeing the two, Shen Jin promptly set down the half-eaten pastry she was having and stood up. She greeted them first, saying, "Second Sister, Fourth Sister," 。Compared to Shen Zi and Shen Jing, Shen Jin's pretty appearance paled in comparison. She merely inherited her mother's genes, with fair and delicate skin and a pair of round almond-shaped eyes, which were quite unique in the Shen family where everyone else had peach blossom eyes. Her eyes, especially, were moist and exceptionally clear, as if they could see through one's heart. At first glance, she might not be as striking as her sisters, but she was undeniably endearing. The longer you looked at her, the more pleasingly beautiful she became. 。After greeting each other, several people sat down. Shen Qi instructed the maid to serve tea to the two of them before saying, "The kitchen has made a few new snacks, you should try them too" 。He just said that and didn't, like he did with Shen Jin, personally hand us each a piece. 。Thank you, big sister 。"Shengjing first took a piece of floral-shaped pastry and smiled, “Mother Concubine’s craftsmanship is still the best. This pastry is so beautiful that everyone would be reluctant to eat it.” 。Shen Jin pretended not to hear the meaning in Shen Jing's words. He picked up the cake he had just eaten half of and continued to sit on the side, nibbling slowly, occasionally dropping crumbs to feed the fish in the lake. Watching a group of beautiful fish scramble for them was particularly interesting, just like the sisters at home. 。

Shen Zi took a sip of tea and suddenly noticed the coral bracelet on Shen Qi's wrist. She looked up at Shen Qi's ears and sure enough, there were matching coral earrings. Back then, she had heard that the palace had received a set of red coral jewelry and had wanted to ask Wang Rui for it, but Wang Rui refused. Unexpectedly, she saw it on Shen Qi today, worn so casually.

Shen Zi's eyes were too sharp. Not to mention Shen Jin, who had always been careful and observant of her surroundings, even Shen Qi, who didn't care much for the two younger sisters, noticed it. A glance at her wrist made things clear. She couldn't help but sneer in her heart. She put down the folding fan in her hand and directly took off the string of beads, pulling over Shen Jin's hand and winding it around her wrist, circle by circle. "I think you're dressed too simply. I'll give you this string of beads to play with." 。"Shen Jin couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her heart. She had retreated to the side to feed the fish, and how could she possibly be involved now However, at this moment, she didn't dare say much. She simply raised her wrist, swinging it gently, showcasing the beautiful red coral beads adorning her hand. With a cheerful tone, she said, "Thank you, elder sister. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it." 。Well, since this mess is settled and I've already offended Shen Zi, it's best not to offend Shen Qi again. 。"Third sister, you really have an eye for quality. This kind of thing is a rare treasure even in the palace." 。Shen Zi held the handkerchief in her hand, clearly furious, but a smile was plastered on her face. "Be sure to keep this well, don't lose it, you hear I bet even the concubines haven't seen anything as good as this." 。This is a bit sour, even Shen Jin felt her teeth aching, but Second Sister really does love red things, she's practically dressed like a lantern. 。Shen Qi smiled and said, “People like us have everything we need. This thing is pretty good too. If I lose it, I'll just find a better one for the third sister later.” 。"The implication is that Shen Zi's eyes are not very sharp." 。

Shen Zi's face changed, and she suddenly smiled, "Big sister is right. But I heard that Mother Empress is talking to elder sister about marriage. Could this be specially prepared by Mother Empress for..."

Shen Jin widened her eyes. She didn't know about this at all. So elder sister was going to get married Wait a minute, this wasn't something their family girls could do. If the Duchess found out, they would be severely punished.

Indeed, Shen Qi frowned. Shen Jing also realized something was wrong and hurriedly pulled on Shen Zi's sleeve, but Shen Zi didn't care and continued, "Let elder sister bring the good tidings" "Come here" 。"Shen Qi said without any emotion, his face calm, "Tie up all the maidservants and female attendants by Er Jie's side." 。After finishing, Shen Jin only felt that bad luck had befallen him today. He wondered what he was doing coming out for nothing. It seemed like he would cause trouble for his mother again. Shen Qi naturally wasn't afraid of Shen Zi and the others, but Shen Jin was. Moreover, the Princess wouldn't let this opportunity pass. Not only would the maids and female attendants around Second Sister be punished, even Xu Consort would suffer the consequences. 。What are you doing, big sister 。Shen Ziqi stood up, saying in a flustered and angry voice, "If someone from Shen Qi's side were to be kidnapped today, they would probably be the laughingstock of the household tomorrow!" 。

Shengjing quickly said, "Big sister, second sister was just joking. Let's forget about the second sister finding you a partner."

Shen Zi didn't even look at them, supporting the maid's hand and walking out. "Second sister, why don't you come with me to see Mother" 。Then he glanced at Shen Jin, seeing her eyes wide open, like a little girl startled. He couldn't help but soften his voice and say, "Third Sister and Fourth Sister, you should go back first." 。Shen Jin immediately said, “Yes” 。“She was about to walk out, probably feeling that something was wrong, so she stopped and said, “Big sister, second sister, fourth younger sister, I’m leaving first.” 。After finishing his words, he waited for Shen Qi's nod before leaving with the maid. 。After a moment of contemplation, Shen Jing decided to go back and find her mother for help. She gave Shen Zi a discreet wink before leaving. 。

Shen Jin was actually extremely remorseful. He went straight to the main room and found Chen, the concubine, without caring about the maids inside. He rushed into his mother's arms, hugging her waist and smelling the faint fragrance on her. Only then did he truly relax. He had to remind his mother about this first. Seeing her son come back and burrow into her arms, Chen gently patted him on the back and instructed, "Li Ma, go and bring a cup of water."

“Mother, I just…” Shen Jin lowered his voice and recounted the events. Then he took the string of beads from his hand and placed it in Chen Caifei’s hand, asking, “What should I do”Chen Caifei was also secretly resentful in her heart. The eldest and second daughters fought each other, no matter how she handled it, they always dragged their son into it. I'm afraid that tomorrow when he goes to the study, his son will be wronged again. The second daughter is also a person who doesn’t remember kindness. Even if Xu Caifei favors him more, this courtyard is ultimately run by the Princess. 。But it wouldn't do to say any more now, lest she be frightened. So he only said, "Don't be afraid, today's affair has nothing to do with you. Since this string of pearls was given by the eldest lady, just wear it. I have never seen such a beautiful coral necklace before, it goes perfectly with that pale yellow ribbon you made." 。Shen Jin took a cup of water from his mother's arms and drank half of it, "I think it's very beautiful too. By the way, that sweet potato and red bean cake is delicious." 。"Silly girl, if you like it, have the kitchen make some and send it over today. " 。"Concubine Chen caressed the earlobe of her son, and said with a smile:" 。Shen Jingang wanted to say a few more words, but just then Li Ma came in from outside, with a worried look in her eyes, "Madam, the Princess has sent someone to invite the third young lady, saying she wants to ask her a few questions." 。"Mother" Shen Jin bit her lip. 。

Noble Consort Chen patted his hand, “Don’t panic, Princess. Just tell the Princess whatever she asks.”

After thinking about it, I still felt uneasy. I took her hand and said, "I'll go with you." 。"

"ing. Sending the princess was just a gesture of goodwill. Chen Shifei sighed, "It's all my fault for not being strong enough. If..." 。"Mother " 。"Shen Jin nestled into Chen Caifei's arms, and said sof...