The Shen family was bustling with guests, making it exceptionally lively.

Jiasan arrived early, found a pavilion to sit in, surrounded by several matriarchs of noble families trying to get close.

She couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Until someone came in and said something that piqued her interest.

"Madam Gu, I just came over and saw your daughter. Oh my, she’s so gentle and soft, I quite like her."

Jiasan glanced at the sycophantic face, didn’t recognize it.

But she smiled.

"Where is she?"

"She’s over by the garden, taming tigers."

Jiasan: ?

Gu Wu: ??

Everyone: ?? Gentle and soft???

Seeing Jiasan’s interest, the round-faced woman eagerly elaborated.

"Just the General’s White Tiger, shamelessly trying to seize the Shen family’s concubine daughter’s swing, but as it sat, the swing collapsed."

"It perhaps felt embarrassed. It covered its face and refused to get up, insisting the concubine daughter broke the swing first, demanding her apology."

"Later on, it thought the craftsmen didn’t build the swing sturdy enough."

"The General’s wife told it to be reasonable."

The woman paused.

"Then the General’s wife pondered and agreed the tiger had some sense."

Due to proximity, it wasn’t easy to find a craftsman.

"So she helped White Tiger extort ten taels of silver from the concubine daughter."

"Then praised the daughter for being wealthy and generous! She liked her."

Jiasan: ...

Gu Wu: ...

Everyone: ...

————

In front of a polished mirror, Shen Zhiyi had a lotus flower hairpin on her forehead, her fingers stained with rouge, blending on her lips.

A maid brought in a gilded makeup case with entwined lotus patterns, and Shen family’s sister-in-law stood by, meticulously selecting jewelry from it.

"No need to bother so much; I look good in anything." Shen Zhiyi commented as the sister-in-law picked bracelets for a while, couldn’t help but speak.

"Don’t be careless."

Shen family’s sister-in-law shot her a glance: "Not to mention there are too many guests today, later your brother-in-law will come with betrothal gifts."

A subtle unease flashed in Shen Zhiyi’s eyes; she casually picked a red agate bracelet and slipped it onto her wrist: "After all this effort, am I dressing up just for him?"

"Sister-in-law, you just finished confinement; don’t overexert yourself."

"Stop babbling."

Her fair skin made the bracelet shine, and Shen family’s sister-in-law nodded quietly, her gaze gentle. She picked matching agate drop earrings and put them on her.

"Am I that delicate?"

"Married for three years, your brother is useless, a gambler with no abilities, uncertain in decisions, despised by father, oppressed by others. But he has a good heart."

"Even if he complains you manage him too strictly, not acting like a sister, you always argue when meeting, he was ecstatic learning Heir Xiao wants to marry you. Says he’s climbed a high branch, no one can look down on him."

Shen Zhiyi smirked faintly.

Not surprising.

"But last night, your brother tossed and turned, got up in the middle of the night, worried that Marquis Zhongyong Mansion’s rank is too high, fearing you might be wronged."

Shen Zhiyi paused slightly.

Somewhat uncomfortable.

She genuinely found her brother frustrating.

A man should be stalwart, protecting mother and sister, but these years she had to shield him.

Not a shred of promise. Due to being close to Mr. Shen, he inherited some of his temperament, making him think Shen family’s girls should sacrifice like their aunt, looked down upon.

But after all... they’re siblings.

"You know well the family’s tradition of favoring concubines, neglecting wives. If not for a kind mother-in-law and you giving priority to me, considering me for good things, daring to stand up to father-in-law and brother-in-law, teaching the concubine children. Otherwise this life... would be unbearable."

"We’re fine, but put a fierce reputation on sister. I cherish sister’s goodness."

"Sister-in-law can’t do much, just wants to dress you up thoroughly, let you be radiant."

If everything ahead goes well, the future won’t be bad.

She just hopes Shen Zhiyi’s days go smoothly.

Outside people gossip a lot.

Saying Shen Zhiyi cast some spell on Xiao Huaian to win the marriage.

No matter how many guests came today, how many genuinely offer blessings? Most have ulterior motives.

Shen family’s sister-in-law wants those people to see her sister winning Marquis Zhongyong Mansion’s favor, capable and blessed.

But there’s advice that needs to be given.

"Now that you’re engaged, it’s different from before. Be more reserved in front of Heir Xiao." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Shen Zhiyi felt she might not manage that.

Shen family’s sister-in-law: "The wedding is rushed, but your dowry, don’t worry your mother. Even father-in-law won’t be careless. I checked the list; he’s invested heavily... It’s your support, don’t feel embarrassed to accept."

Shen Zhiyi: ...

Would she feel embarrassed?

She actually found it scarce.

She thought she should empty Mr. Shen.

"Yi."

Noise came from outside.

Shen family’s sister-in-law’s face turned cold upon hearing the voice.

Shen Zhiyi didn’t even look up, playing with her folded fan.

"Troublesome people have come."

Just as she finished saying, the door was pushed open. An elderly lady wearing a headdress, dressed in a purple silk skirt laced with dense patterns of longevity and double happiness, was surrounded by a throng.

Soon, the room became crowded.

"Oh my, Yi is truly stunning today."

Seeing her still, not getting up, the elder’s eyes showed displeasure but quickly softened, going forward to hold Shen Zhiyi’s hand warmly.

"What, don’t recognize me?"

"I said among this young generation, only you are most fortunate."

Old Mrs. Ge wiped nonexistent tears from the corner of her eyes.

"It’s a pity your grandparents passed early. With no longtime elders to support, I’m genuinely worried your mother might be overwhelmed, so I came early to help."

"Yi. I’m your elder. These you should call aunt and uncle, all came to have a look."

She gestured to Shen Zhiyi to see the people on the left.

"These are from the Shen family’s old home, came specially, come greet them."

As soon as she finished, didn’t wait for Shen Zhiyi’s response. Someone quickly said, "Don’t, don’t. Miss should finish dressing; we’re not outsiders, can chat here, no big etiquette."

Someone grinned broadly, trying to ingratiate.

"Last time I saw Yi was six years ago, in a blink, she’s about to get engaged."

Old Mrs. Shen smiled, invited everyone to sit down, instructed servants to serve tea: "Indeed, who would have thought, my heart is also unwilling. Fortunately, the two families are close; even after marriage, during festivals she can come home."

After speaking, her clever eyes turned.

"Yi, I watched you grow up, know my family’s children lack accomplishments, these years busy themselves. Look, later ask the groom to help out?"

As she spoke, those less familiar elders with Shen Zhiyi also chimed in.

"Indeed, lifting up family, help if you can. My husband, you should call him uncle, his official title hasn’t risen in years... "

"Yi, although my son’s failed the imperial exams, he hopes for an official post, can you help him find a path?"

Not a word was proper.

Shen family’s sister-in-law stepped forward: "Everyone’s here to celebrate, my Shen family welcomes. But if these frivolous things continue, don’t blame me for being impolite."

"Sister’s busy, if you don’t want to be embarrassed, perhaps sit outside."

Everyone exchanged glances.

"This..."

Seeing it was her, Old Mrs. Ge sneered, relying on her age, acting pretentious.

"What did you say? Just because you gave birth to a boy, you think you’re better? That’s outrageous."