books44 Chapter 40 The Attitude of Asking for Help
Chapter 40 The Attitude of Asking for Help
"I can't get rid of her no matter where I go. From childhood to adulthood, she has always compared herself to you in everything. If she can't beat you, she will slander you everywhere."
"Ever since she became a princess, she's really become arrogant. Every time she tries to make you perform a grand ceremony, the way she acts makes you think she's the Empress Dowager." Peony couldn't help but mutter to herself when she heard the news of Princess Yi entering the palace, her words full of dissatisfaction.
Shen Li was having lunch. Su Mei had come by today, and her lunch was much more lavish than usual.
"You're already getting angry before you've even met the person?" she teased Peony.
“This servant just can’t stand her. She’s always trying to outdo you. Back then, both the Imperial Concubine and Prince Yi favored you more. If you were willing, what would she have to do with it?”
Shen Li did not stop her, firstly to let the child vent, and secondly because that was indeed the case.
Although her father never abused his power for personal gain, the Shen family's influence in the court was undeniable, and anyone vying for the throne would surely want to marry a daughter of the Shen family.
Her refusal clearly enraged the King of Yi, who wanted to kill her for many years to come, but Gu Chang'an protected her and prevented him from succeeding.
"It's a good thing you didn't agree. I heard that Prince Yi recently took another concubine and spends his days indulging in pleasure. Even these concubines are enough to give the princess a headache." Peony said, shaking her head. "In this respect, he is far inferior to our master."
Everyone in the manor knows that the master grants the lady's every request, and the inner quarters are peaceful, making her, as the mistress of the house, live a life of unparalleled comfort and ease.
“Indeed, there’s no comparison.” Shen Li replied. In her eyes, her husband was the best, and no one else could compare.
"Madam Gu, the Princess Consort has arrived." A young palace maid came out to the outer room and announced through the screen.
"Mmm." Shen Li continued eating a piece of deer tendon, only responding with a faint murmur.
Although Peony was displeased, she stepped aside, ready to receive the emperor. However, she belatedly realized that her young mistress had not gotten up, so she quickly whispered a reminder: "Miss..."
Being angry is one thing, but breaking etiquette is a serious matter, especially in the palace where it can lead to severe punishment.
"Hmm?" Shen Li slowly turned her head, as if she didn't understand her reminder.
Peony was almost stamping her feet in frustration, because she had caught a glimpse of a gorgeous skirt fluttering in from the corner of her eye.
Princess Yi's maiden name was Xia Shiyin. Her maternal grandfather was the Minister of War, and her father was the Left Vice Minister of Works. He was a colleague of the Right Vice Minister who was impeached and imprisoned.
When Xia Shiyin walked in, she saw Shen Li sitting there eating steadily. She didn't even put down her chopsticks, let alone get up to greet her.
This immediately ignited her anger. Since childhood, she had always been inferior to Shen Li in every way. Now that she could finally use her status to put Shen Li in a better position, Shen Li actually refused to bow.
"I thought the Princess Consort would arrive later, and it was truly impolite of me not to greet her properly." Shen Li seemed to only then realize that she had entered, and immediately put down her chopsticks and was about to get up.
“What are you saying, Sister Shen? We’ve grown up together since we were little, why are you bothered by formalities?” Xia Shiyin quickly stepped forward and pressed down on Shen Li’s shoulder: “Sit down and let’s talk.”
Peony, standing to the side, almost had her eyes pop out. When did this Princess Yi change her personality? Wasn't she the one who, unable to surpass her mistress since childhood, colluded with others to isolate her?
Later, when she became a princess, she always made a grand show whenever she saw her mistress, looking down at her with an air of superiority as she bowed. Wasn't that also her?
She had never even seen Xia Shiyin act so warmly before. Had the sun risen in the west today?!
Xia Shiyin sat down next to Shen Li as if they were old friends, and took her hand, saying, "If I had known that Sister Shen had entered the palace, I would have submitted several memorials asking to come and see you. My mother finally agreed and I came right away."
"Sister Shen, are you getting used to living in the palace? If you need anything, just tell me. Come here and feel at home."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness." Shen Li glanced at their clasped hands, then subtly raised her eyes: "Has Your Highness had lunch yet?"
"I've already used it at Mother's... Little sister, you haven't finished using it yet, have you? Look at your brain, you can use it slowly, I won't bother you." Xia Shiyin smiled awkwardly, let go of Shen Li's hand, and moved to sit opposite her.
Seeing her somewhat reserved demeanor, Peony really wanted to touch her head to see if she had gone mad from the fever.
People are so strange today. First, Su Mei's attitude changed drastically and she brought a lot of delicious food. Now, Princess Yi is also acting this way.
Is he planning to ask his young mistress for a favor?
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness," Shen Li said casually, picking up her chopsticks and continuing to eat.
Because she was eating quietly, Xia Shiyin didn't know what to say, and the atmosphere became a little awkward.
Xia Shiyin was furious. From the moment she entered the room, Shen Li hadn't paid any attention to her. This couldn't just be described as rude; it was downright arrogance!
She had never seen Shen Li like this before. Even though she had created many conflicts with her since childhood, Shen Li never seemed to lose her temper. She was always humble, polite, and almost always willing to help.
She had thought that the task assigned by her mother would be easy to complete, and that she could do it by compromising herself. Now, it seemed that Shen Li was more like a stubborn and unyielding rock.
After dinner, Shen Li invited Xia Shiyin to her inner room for a chat. They talked about ordinary, trivial matters, and Xia Shiyin repeatedly brought up the imperial court, but Shen Li skillfully avoided the topic.
Xia Shiyin was getting impatient, so she got straight to the point and lowered her voice: "Sister Shen, could you please dismiss everyone else? I have something to say."
Shen Li gave Shaoyao a wink, and Shaoyao nodded and withdrew with her maid Xia Shiyin.
Peony had her own considerations. Although she didn't understand other things, she knew that even if the two people in the room started fighting, the young lady wouldn't suffer any losses. In that case, she could leave.
After the door to the inner room closed, Xia Shiyin said, "Sister Shen, the court and the country have been in turmoil recently. Are you aware that the Vice Minister of Works is being tried at the Dali Temple?"
"I overheard a few things in the palace, but I don't know the details." Shen Li's expression remained indifferent, as if she had no interest in these matters.
"Corruption can be a big deal or a small deal. I believe His Majesty would not want this matter to escalate. My sister is a sensible person. Could you do me this favor?" Xia Shiyin continued.
"Your Highness is straightforward and frank," Shen Li praised, then added, "But you've come to the wrong person in this matter. Whether His Majesty intends to make a big fuss or not, how could I, a mere woman, possibly know? And how could I possibly offer any help?"
Hearing this, Xia Shiyin knew that the matter would be difficult, but she could not give up. So she smiled and said, "It is said to be a major matter of the court, but in reality it is just a small matter in Lord Gu's hands. If you are willing to let me know, my mother and the prince will definitely be grateful for your kindness."
"Your Highness flatters me. Even if it is a small matter, it is a big deal in the court. The only way to resolve it is in the court, not in a few words between you and me." Shen Li shook her head slightly.
However, Xia Shiyin seemed to see a glimmer of hope upon hearing this. She leaned forward and lowered her voice, saying, "My mother and the prince have instructed that if Sister Shen has any conditions, she should speak up."
What they feared wasn't that Shen Li had conditions, but that she, like Shen Zizai, was without desires or wants, because that would mean they had no chance.
As long as there is something to be desired, there will be weaknesses, and these weaknesses may even be leverage over them.
Xia Shiyin was overjoyed as she thought about all this.