Chapter 120: You Are Showing Favoritism

Shen Nanyuan knew nothing about this uncle that Shen Sinian mentioned, so naturally, she felt no particular affection for either him or the cousin.

She nodded in response. "Mother is indeed very attentive to our cousin."

One could tell just by looking at the courtyard prepared for her, which was filled with the finest furnishings. With the title of "Young Lady of the Duke of Zhen's Estate," she would certainly be able to find a suitable husband.

"I don't think Mother just wants to find her a good husband," Shen Nanyuan remarked. Perhaps she was aiming for a promising young official's son.

"That's not for us to worry about," Shen Sinian said, shrugging slightly. "It depends on what Mother wants. In any case, Father listens to Mother on these matters; he is entirely focused on the imperial court and has no time to manage such things."

Shen Nanyuan pondered for a moment. "The imperial hunt is coming up in a while. Mother will likely want us to take our cousin along."

Ever since Xiao Yan returned to the palace, everything had deviated from the original book, including the murder case he was recently investigating. To Shen Nanyuan, everything was now an unknown variable, including this cousin.

"The cousin seems gentle and introverted," Shen Sinian added. "She’s a bit shy. You two are both girls, so it should be easier for you to grow close. I expect you'll have to put in a little more effort."

"That's not a problem." She picked up a pastry and took a bite, her gaze resting on Shen Sinian. "You've gained another sister; you haven't forgotten about me, have you?"

Shen Sinian replied, "I run to your courtyard to talk to you every single day—how could I forget you?"

"You've clearly been running to Xiao Yan's place constantly lately. You haven't been coming to talk to me every day at all."

"I go to see Xiao Yan to help him with the investigation, don't I?"

Shen Nanyuan’s gaze deepened. Having finally steered the conversation to this point, she asked, "Well then, tell me, what have you been helping him investigate?"

"I've found out many things..." Shen Sinian started to say, but he suddenly realized something and fell silent. After a moment, he added, "...Let's not talk about it for now. You'll find out in a few days anyway."

Shen Nanyuan let out a disappointed sigh. "Fine, whatever."

"However, what I can tell you is that this matter should have a result very soon."

A trace of a smile played on Shen Sinian’s lips. Seeing his confident expression, a thought suddenly crossed Shen Nanyuan’s mind.

"You go to see Xiao Yan so often; if the Second Prince finds out..."

He would know that even though he and Shen Nanyuan were engaged, the Duke of Zhen’s estate was not standing on his side. She didn't know what he might do. It wouldn't have mattered much before, but now that she was betrothed to the Second Prince, this layer of complexity left her truly uneasy.

"I’m not stupid. Of course, I visit Xiao Yan in secret."

*In secret...*

Shen Nanyuan twitched her lips and forced a dry laugh. That word felt somehow... off.

Because Wu Miaofu had arrived at the Duke of Zhen’s estate, Lady Shen specially called Concubine Meng to join them for dinner that evening. Concubine Meng glanced at Wu Miaofu with a trace of disdain, taking in the cheap fabric of her clothes and the inexpensive hairpin in her hair. She said nothing in front of Shen Yi, but once she left with Shen Jinyu, she let out a cold snort.

"A wild girl from the countryside, having nothing to her name. If not for the fact that her aunt is the Lady of this estate, she would never have had the chance to live in a place like ours in her entire life."

Hearing this, Shen Jinyu couldn't help but sigh. "Mother, please don't say such things. She is, after all, Mother's niece. Mother invited you to dinner today to show you respect." He paused, observing Concubine Meng’s displeased expression, and quietly added, "If someone else overheard and it reached Mother's ears, it wouldn't be good."

Concubine Meng’s expression softened slightly, and her voice dropped. "I can see that she came here this time wanting to rely on our estate to find a good marriage. A wild girl like her—I’d be ashamed to take her out in public."

Shen Jinyu said nothing, following silently behind Concubine Meng with a helpless sigh.

"Although I don't like your eldest sister, at least she isn't timid and cowardly; she would never embarrass us. The imperial hunt is in a few days, and I hear she’s going too. A country bumpkin—I don't know where she got the luck to attend such an event."

The sharp, mocking tone made Shen Jinyu want to speak but hold back; he could only keep a constant watch on their surroundings, terrified that someone might hear and report it to Lady Shen.

The next day arrived in the blink of an eye. Before they set out with Wu Miaofu, Lady Shen called them over. Two seamstresses stood in the room holding measuring tapes. Lady Shen smiled and said, "The weather is turning cold, and I was just about to have some new clothes made for Yu'er. I thought I would have some made for Miaofu as well."

Wu Miaofu paused, a flicker of joy crossing her heart.

Shen Nanyuan walked into the inner room with a seamstress to have her measurements taken. Another seamstress approached Wu Miaofu, bowing slightly with an air of extreme respect. "Miss, please come with me."

Such treatment made Wu Miaofu’s vanity swell. She lowered her eyes, hiding the emotion within, and followed the seamstress into the inner room.

Once the measurements were taken and the seamstresses had left, Lady Shen mused, "There are many hairpins and pieces of jewelry in the storehouse. When you return this afternoon, I will have someone send some to your courtyard so you can pick a few." She added, "Since you are going out today, if you see anything you like while you're out, just buy it."

Lady Shen was generous with her wealth.

Shen Nanyuan couldn't help but huff. "Mother, you're biased."

"Nonsense," Lady Shen said, glancing sideways and affectionately patting her daughter’s head. "When has the jewelry not been sent to Shaohua Courtyard for you to choose from first?"

Shen Nanyuan thought about it earnestly. "...I suppose it is like that every time."

But she already had so much jewelry she couldn't possibly wear it all. The rare treasures and ornaments bestowed upon her by the Emperor when she was titled a Lady and on her birthdays were already more than enough.

Wu Miaofu stood to the side, eyes lowered, acting obedient. She and Shen Nanyuan had completely different temperaments—one lively and outgoing, the other gentle and introverted. The more Wu Miaofu acted this way, the more Lady Shen felt sorry for her.

"Alright, run along now, and remember to be back early," Lady Shen said.

"We know, Mother."

Outside, the sun was bright, but a chilly breeze still blew. Shen Nanyuan donned a pale green cloak that added to her elegant temperament. Qingrui helped her into the carriage and then extended a hand to Wu Miaofu. "Cousin, watch your step."

Wu Miaofu took her hand and climbed into the carriage. Seeing the elegant and comfortable interior, she couldn't help but recall the plain carriage she had arrived in, and she bit her lip slightly.