Chapter 70: Scheme

In the carriage back to the Shen family, Shen Miao was still sitting in a carriage alone. Gu Yu and Jingzhe, who were beside her, were both worried for her. Everyone in Ming Qi knew that Prince Yu was notorious, but he still sent a letter to Shen Miao. Everyone could tell what Prince Yu was up to.

If Shen Xin was here, he would definitely reject the invitation on his daughter’s behalf, but he was not around. The two madams of the Shen family were up to no good. In the past, Shen Miao was still young, but now that Shen Miao was old enough for marriage, they naturally couldn’t wait to scheme against her.

Jingzhe tried to hold it in, but in the end, she couldn’t help but say, “Miss, Prince Yu… What should we do about that? Why don’t we get someone to write a letter to your father? If your father knows it, he will definitely rush back.”

“That’s right.” Gu Yu was also worried. “Now that Miss stole their thunder today, I’m afraid the two madams will find trouble with Miss in the mansion.” She sighed.

Shen Miao was young at first, so she didn’t think much of it. However, the two maids, Gu Yu and Jingzhe, who were specially chosen by Mrs. Shen for Shen Miao, understood. The second and third branches were obviously jealous of the first branch, which was why they deliberately made things difficult for Shen Miao. With the narrow-mindedness of these two madams, Shen Miao had probably become their eyesore again today. If Prince Yu was involved… If he had any evil intentions, it would probably be difficult for Shen Miao to deal with him. After all, most of the people in the first branch had been replaced by the other two branches.

Shen Miao said indifferently, “What’s there to be afraid of? He can’t hurt me yet.”

Gu Yu and Jingzhe looked at each other. For some reason, the panic they had just now dissipated a little, and then they gradually calmed down.

When they returned to the Shen family’s mansion, Shen Miao only said that she was tired and needed to rest today and said that she had to go back to the west courtyard first. Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu smiled and said something to Shen Miao, reminding her to rest well. Ren Wanyun rubbed Shen Miao’s head and said warmly, “You have already grown into a beautiful woman. It won’t be long before you get married.”

“That’s right.” Chen Ruoqiu chimed in meaningfully, “Only people of noble status can match our fifth Miss.”

A trace of joy flashed across Shen Yue’s face. Shen Qing could not wait to say, “Of course. Fifth Sister will definitely get a very ‘nobel’ husband.” After saying that, she covered her mouth and giggled.

However, even under the mockeries, Shen Miao’s expression did not change at all. Shen Qing’s smile froze. The more indifferent Shen Miao was, the angrier she was. Everyone knew why Prince Yu sent Shen Miao an invitation today. He was into her. But Shen Miao acted like she couldn’t care less. Shen Qing thought to herself with a sneer, “She is probably too stupid to realize what kind of danger she was in.”

“I don’t think it’s my turn to get married yet.” Shen Miao said flatly, “In terms of age, Eldest Sister and Second Sister are slightly older than me. They are supposed to get married before me.”

Hearing that, the few of them were stunned. Ren Wanyun smiled and said, “Because your father isn’t in the capital, your aunties are very worried about you. As for your sisters, your third aunt and I are both in the capital, so naturally they can wait.”

“Is that so?” Shen Miao asked softly. Her clear eyes did not seem to have any expression, but they made people’s hearts tremble. It was as if she could read their thoughts with one glance. She smiled and said, “I definitely have to repay you in the future for worrying about me so much.”

For some reason, Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu felt a little uneasy. However, they immediately threw this ridiculous thought to the back of their minds. Although Shen Miao was smarter now, she was still just a 14-year-old girl. What could she do? Moreover… at the thought of Prince Yu taking a fancy to Shen Miao, the two of them smiled smugly.

“Don’t mention repaying us. We’re family.” Ren Wanyun smiled and said, “Since you’re tired, go back and rest first. Your second aunt and I still have something to do. Gu Yu, Jingzhe, help Fifth Miss in.”

Gu Yu and Jingzhe left with Shen Miao.

After they left, Ren Wanyun and Chen Ruoqiu looked at each other and smiled meaningfully.

Half an hour later, Old Madam Shen frowned and said, “Are you saying that Prince Yu likes Fifth Miss?”

Shen Yue and Shen Qing were both asked to leave the inner hall. It was not appropriate for them to hear the conversation. Even so, the two of them still secretly ran behind the screen and listened to the conversation despite being stopped by Mrs. Zhang.

“That’s right.” Ren Wanyun was all smiles. “Fifth Miss performed well at the test today and attracted Prince Yu’s attention. I think he is interested in Fifth Miss and wants to take her in. I think it won’t be long before we have a princess consort in our mansion.”

When Chen Ruoqiu heard this, the corners of her mouth curled up into a smile. Ren Wanyun made it sound nice, but Prince Yu did not say that he wanted to marry Shen Miao officially. Moreover, even if he really married her, with Shen Miao’s body, she might not be able to last for a few days. After all, everyone in the capital knew how notorious Prince Yu was.

Hearing this, Old Madam Shen’s expression darkened. In her heart, she naturally did not want the first branch to do well. When the old general was alive, he had always liked the first branch. Now that the first branch was going to have a princess consort, she was really unhappy. She immediately said, “With her temperament, how can Shen Miao be a princess consort? Shen Qing and Shen Yue are more qualified than her.”

Old Madam Shen stayed in the mansion all year round. She did not know anything about the outside world. Hearing her words, Chen Ruoqiu and Ren Wanyun’s expressions changed. Shen Yue and Shen Qing, who were hiding behind the screen, were also shocked. Old Madam Shen did not know, but the two of them knew after entering Prince Yu’s mansion, they would most likely end up being tortured to death.

Ren Wanyun hurriedly said, “Mother, that’s not the case. We naturally want Fifth Miss to do well. Although Prince Yu is a widower and is a little old and has a bad reputation, fortunately, he is one of the royal family.” She thought of something and smiled. “If anything happens to Fifth Miss, Prince Yu will definitely treat our family better and the official career of your sons will be more smooth-sailing.”