Chapter 34: Who Shall Manage the Household

The story of Han and Shen Zhifeng’s quarrel and her subsequent confinement, fueled by those with ulterior motives, soon became a wildfire of rumor throughout the household. In truth, Shen Zhifeng had no intention of truly punishing Han; he simply lacked the power. He hoped Han would eventually yield, come to him to apologize as she always did, perhaps even bring a precious gift to soothe his pride, and the matter would fade away.

But this time, something inexplicable happened. Han, who had always accepted her fate, chose instead to shut herself away, refusing even to send a message to him through others.

Shen Qingyun visited her mother, finding her quietly embroidering a robe intended for Shen Zhifeng, and was at a loss for words.

“Mother.”

“Qingyun, you’re here. How was your lesson with Master Xu today?” Han looked up and smiled gently.

“Mother, why are you still working on that robe? If you’re upset, you must tell me.”

For a moment, Shen Qingyun wanted to say outright that Shen Zhifeng was not worthy of such devotion.

Han set the robe aside, smiling with a hint of exasperation. “What couple doesn’t quarrel from time to time? It’s only a misunderstanding. Life must go on. Qingyun, you’re still young. One day you’ll understand—not everything can be handled impulsively.”

“If that’s so, you’ve been confined for three days already. Why hasn’t Father come to see you?”

“Your father is busy. Besides, his jealousy only proves he cares for me. This will pass in a few days. Qingyun, don’t worry about me. Focus on yourself. When the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet comes, make a good impression—perhaps you’ll find a worthy husband.”

Busy? Busy comforting that Yue girl, no doubt!

Watching her mother chatter on, Shen Qingyun couldn’t bear to interrupt, replying only sporadically.

The Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet...

In her previous life, before she even left home, rumors in the capital claimed she was ugly and ignorant—a mere village girl. Especially when compared to Shen Sisi, her shame kept her from attending the banquet. Shen Sisi, on the other hand, shone brightly at the event, so that everyone remembered only her name when thinking of the Duke’s household.

Now, recalling that past, she realized she hadn’t even left home—so where did those rumors come from? And how had those vile words, those mocking jests, been so cleverly delivered to her ears?

No doubt, Shen Sisi had orchestrated it all.

“Qingyun, are you listening?”

“Mm... yes, I am.”

“Silly child, you don’t understand yet. It’s fine. When the time comes, I’ll be with you. There’s nothing to worry about. I don’t ask for fame or fortune for you, only health and a good companion.”

Shen Qingyun was moved, the glimmer of tears hidden at the corner of her eyes. She pretended to be shy, joking with her mother.

When she returned to Jianjia Court, she leaned by the window, chin propped in her hand, watching the breeze stir the leaves outside, lost in thought. From afar, she was the picture of serene beauty.

“Miss.”

Hanyu suddenly appeared behind her, startling her.

“What is it?”

“I noticed earlier that two people were secretly observing Madam. Their intentions aren’t clear, but they don’t seem to mean harm.”

“What? Are their martial skills strong? Could you defeat them?”

Hanyu smirked. “Even if there were two more, they wouldn’t be a match for me!”

Shen Qingyun relaxed. Who could it be, watching her mother? Who sent them?

For some reason, a name came to mind: Xiao Jue.

That day, certain signs had appeared. Judging by General Xiao Jue’s demeanor, he seemed to care deeply for her mother—he couldn’t possibly be unaware. Perhaps, General Xiao Jue might become a powerful ally.

Still, having lived again, though Shen Qingyun wanted a protector, she hoped even more to handle matters herself.

“What about Yue?”

If General Xiao Jue discovered Shen Zhifeng’s involvement with Yue, what would he do?

“The Duke has been visiting there daily. If he’s attentive, surely he’ll notice something soon.”

Hanyu seemed to understand her thoughts and answered accordingly.

He glanced up at Shen Qingyun, who was tilting her head, frowning in contemplation. Her red lips looked so soft—would they drip with sweetness if bitten?

Suddenly aware of his own thoughts, he quickly lowered his gaze.

“Let’s wait and see,” said Shen Qingyun, not noticing. After issuing her instructions, Hanyu vanished once more.

After all, this might be an opportunity.

“Pearl, when I took you to Warm Jade Pavilion, did you befriend that maid who sweeps there?”

“Of course, Miss. I did as you instructed, and even bring her sweets to chat.”

“Good. Pass along the Duke’s recent schedule to her.”

Han trusted Shen Zhifeng too much, but now cracks had begun to form. All Shen Qingyun needed was to tear away the last veil.

...

Thus, several days of outward peace passed. Each morning, Shen Qingyun went to Warm Jade Pavilion to learn household management from her mother, then studied music, chess, calligraphy, and painting with Master Xu, all while plotting her next moves.

Shen Zhifeng assumed Han would eventually relent, so he took the chance to visit Yue frequently.

Shen Sisi, meanwhile, behaved herself, visiting the old Madam or staying in her room, busy with unknown matters.

The servants gossiped: how many days would it take before Madam reconciled with the Duke?

Now, the end of the month had arrived—the most crucial time, as all expenses would be settled and next month’s finances determined.

But Han was still under confinement. Except for Shen Qingyun, she saw no one. What to do? The stewards were at their wits’ end.

Shen Zhifeng grew restless, but pride kept him away. So, the old Madam took matters into her own hands.

She went to Warm Jade Pavilion herself, adopting a lofty attitude to instruct Han: “Han, after all these years, you’ve never given the Shen family a son. My son spoils you, and now you sulk over a little quarrel? A couple quarrels at the bedside and makes up at the foot. Just bow your head and admit fault. You’re the lady of the house—don’t be childish.”

Han’s face turned pale.

All these years, Shen Zhifeng had kept his promise and never taken a concubine, but the old Madam never stopped reminding her, bringing it up whenever she pleased, forcing Han to swallow her grievances.

Shen Qingyun frowned and said, “Grandmother, this isn’t Mother’s fault. Father ordered her confinement—what can she do? Every steward is in turmoil. Why not let Grandmother manage the household? I’d love to learn from your example.”

The old Madam’s brow twitched. “That won’t be necessary.”

She had no intention of spending her own money, and even if she did, she certainly wouldn’t offer it.

Shen Qingyun smiled. “Then who will manage things?”