Guide to Failing as a Full-Level Green Tea-Chapter 14 - Tearing Down the Façade

Rong Shuyao gestured to the two maids behind her, “Your Highness, this is Bai Wei and Zi Su. His Highness instructed that you should have a few capable maids at your service.”

Shen Roujia’s eyes darkened. She knew Rong Shuyao was placing spies around her.

Although Shen Roujia didn’t understand why Rong Shuyao harbored such hostility towards her, it was better not to tear down the facade until she figured things out.

Shen Roujia was adept at playing along. She feigned sincere gratitude, her eyes brimming with tears, and said joyfully, “His Highness still cares for me.”

Rong Shuyao’s eyelids twitched with anger, but she controlled her temper. “You two, take good care of Her Highness.”

Shen Roujia scrutinized the two delicate maids and sighed, “My days are filled with nothing but the empty shell of wealth and splendor. It’s good to have you here to talk to. Don’t be too restrained, feel at ease.”

Bai Wei and Zi Su exchanged confused glances before bowing timidly, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Xiao Fu led the two maids away. Only then did Shen Roujia’s expression return to normal as she looked seriously at Rong Shuyao.

“Chief Advisor Rong, you must be busy. I won’t keep you.”

Seeing Shen Roujia turn to leave, Rong Shuyao quickly stepped forward, her expression twisted with anger.

“Your Highness, do you really think you matter? Have you forgotten how you came to the Eastern Palace? His Highness was merely playing along with you. He hasn’t visited you before, and he won’t in the future.”

Shen Roujia didn’t turn around, but her frown deepened.

When Xiao Fu returned, Shen Roujia seriously grabbed her arm.

“Xiao Fu, what’s the story behind Rong Shuyao?”

Xiao Fu’s expression was evasive, but she couldn’t resist Shen Roujia’s persistent gaze.

“Chief Advisor Rong, she is the only daughter of the late Grand Tutor.”

Shen Roujia was puzzled but pressed on, “If she is from such a noble family, why did she enter the palace to become a mere lady-in-waiting?”

Xiao Fu frowned, “Your Highness, it’s because Chief Advisor Rong was once the Princess’s study companion and childhood friend with His Highness. The Grand Tutor died because of His Highness, and Chief Advisor Rong has always been deeply in love with him. Later, other matters delayed her.”

Shen Roujia understood most of the story now. She laughed self-deprecatingly.

“No need to say more.”

Marriage is for mutual benefit, and their pure feelings were likely disrupted by conflicts of interest.

No wonder Rong Shuyao disliked Shen Roujia so much. Who knows how the Emperor forced the two of them, resulting in His Highness reluctantly marrying the original Shen Roujia.

“Xiao Fu, prepare the ink and paper. I need to write a letter to my brother.”

Xiao Fu, confused by Shen Roujia’s sudden mood, quickly complied. “Yes, Your Highness, right away.”

Now Shen Roujia understood. The young lovers were truly in love, and she had inadvertently come between them.

She had also met Xu Zening before, and it was clear he was a gentle person. Helping them would be helping herself.

Her first thought was her brother. Perhaps the matter of separation could really work out.

Just as she sealed the envelope, hurried footsteps approached.

Bai Wei came to inform her that Consort Shu’s maid had sent a message, summoning Shen Roujia for tea.

Tea, tea, and more tea, as if Consort Shu’s family was in the tea business.

Shen Roujia had established her image as docile and easy to manipulate, so she couldn’t refuse easily. Even if she declined today, there would be tomorrow and the day after.

As long as she hadn’t achieved her goal, trouble would keep coming.

Shen Roujia rubbed her wrist. “Xiao Fu, stay here and manage things.”

This was Shen Roujia’s first visit to Consort Shu’s palace, so she was very cautious.

Before she reached the palace gate, she heard the sound of ceramics breaking inside.

“What does Consort Jia think she is! Her father was elevated by our Bai family, and now she dares to ride over me! Get out, all of you!”

“Your Grace, be careful with your health.”

The palace maid leading Shen Roujia knelt before her, “Crown Princess, I’m incompetent and have no choice but to ask you to persuade Her Grace.”

Shen Roujia quickly declined, “No... What is going on?”

After listening for a while, Shen Roujia understood.

It turned out that Prince Chun had gotten into trouble. The fourth prince, who was already not favored, finally got a lucrative position but messed it up.

There was a mine collapse, and accusations of the overseers mistreating miners, even resulting in deaths, came to light. This issue had been suppressed before, but the collapse brought it to the forefront.

Moreover, the dignified Consort Shu had another reason for her outburst. Consort Jia, while under house arrest, was mistreated by palace staff and almost starved to death.

Coincidentally, a doctor diagnosed her with pregnancy, which infuriated the Emperor. He punished several people and seemed to be at odds with Consort Shu, not visiting her for several days.

By the time Shen Roujia reached the main hall, Consort Shu had already composed herself, though she looked a bit frail.

“Why did they bring you here?”

Shen Roujia smiled warmly, “Your Grace, what has happened? May I help ease your worries?”

Consort Shu glanced at her and waved for the others to leave.

“I’m just feeling stifled, nothing more.”

Shen Roujia remained silent, sensing Consort Shu’s gaze constantly shifting towards her.

She took a sip of tea. “This is spring tea from Prince Chun. Have a taste.”

Shen Roujia naturally took a sip. “Mmm, it’s rich and mellow, truly fine tea.”

Consort Shu smiled faintly. “The tea is good, but my son isn’t so fortunate.”

Shen Roujia looked up. “How can that be? With you as his mother, he is surely blessed.”

Consort Shu’s fingers paused, and the two exchanged pleasantries. Suddenly, the conversation turned to Shen Roujia.

Consort Shu laughed, “You’re smart. There’s no need for pretense between us. You don’t need to flatter me.”

Shen Roujia responded seriously, “What do you mean, Your Grace?”

Consort Shu gently touched her belly and snorted. “I’ve seen all kinds in my years here. Pretending to be a lamb in front of me?”

Shen Roujia’s expression turned cold. “We all have to survive. I don’t see any fault in that.”

Consort Shu looked at Shen Roujia disdainfully. “You act high and mighty now, but our Bai family played a significant role in your marriage. Now that it’s your turn to help, you act all righteous?”

Shen Roujia’s heart sank. She pressed her lips tightly. “Since we are being honest, what do you want me to do?”

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Consort Shu, thinking Shen Roujia had yielded, lifted her chin slightly. “It’s a simple matter. The Emperor has always favored the Crown Prince. Just speak to the Crown Prince, and have him persuade the Emperor to help his brother.”