With that, Shen Qing left the main hall with Nanny Mi, leaving Madam Feng standing where she was, her expression dark.
Shen Ying'er walked over, carrying a bowl of freshly brewed white fungus soup. "Mother, was that Nanny Mi from the Grand Princess Estate?"
Seeing Shen Ying'er, Madam Feng's expression softened considerably. Her daughter was the true pride of the family, whereas Shen Qing was nothing but a wild girl from the countryside, lacking both paternal love and maternal care.
"Ying'er, come here," she said, rubbing her aching temples and letting out a sigh. "The Grand Princess sent Nanny Mi to take Shen Qing to catch up."
"Shen Qing is only basking in the Grand Princess's influence; she’s just enjoying a moment of vanity," Shen Ying'er said softly, her tone laced with both disdain and a flicker of envy.
Madam Feng scoffed, took a sip of the white fungus soup, and looked grim again. "The Grand Princess holds her in such high regard. If she uses this opportunity to sow discord in front of Her Highness, our lives will become difficult."
Shen Ying'er smiled slightly, a flash of cunning in her eyes. "Mother, don't worry. Shen Qing is a mindless fool. Even with the Grand Princess backing her, she won't be able to stir up any trouble. We simply need to act with caution and ensure she doesn't find any leverage against us."
Hearing this, Madam Feng’s brow smoothed slightly, though she remained uneasy. "That may be so, but the Grand Princess is royal blood, after all."
Shen Ying'er patted Madam Feng's hand gently, her tone confident. "Mother, don't forget that Shen Qing is isolated and helpless in this manor. Besides the Grand Princess, who else can she rely on? As long as we use some underhanded tactics to ensure she falls out of favor with Her Highness, she will be ours to manipulate as we please."
Hearing this, a ruthless glint flashed in Madam Feng's eyes. "Ying'er, you're right. Shen Qing is a useless piece of trash. We just need to be careful and not let her ruin our plans."
Shen Ying'er nodded, a cold smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Mother, rest assured, your daughter has her own ways of dealing with her."
...
Meanwhile, Shen Qing had already arrived at the Grand Princess Estate with Nanny Mi.
The Grand Princess was about thirty years old, possessing a dignified and beautiful face with an air of authority in her features. She wore a luxurious, deep purple court gown embroidered with exquisite gold-threaded peonies, and jade earrings hung from her lobes, highlighting her porcelain skin and regal elegance.
Seeing Shen Qing, a joyful smile immediately appeared on the Grand Princess's face. "Qing'er, you’ve finally come!"
Shen Qing stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Qing'er pays her respects to the Grand Princess. Thank you for thinking of me."
The Grand Princess waved her hand with a smile. "No need for such formalities. Come, sit."
Shen Qing sat as bidden. The Grand Princess looked her over carefully, a trace of heartache crossing her eyes. "Why didn't you send word when you returned to the capital? I only found out after I sent someone to look for you."
Shen Qing smiled faintly, her tone calm. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am doing quite well."
The Grand Princess sighed, her tone tinged with reproach. "You child, you are always so headstrong. I heard you caught a cold?"
Shen Qing did not elaborate on the situation at the manor; she merely smiled and said gently, "Thank you for your concern. I only had a slight cold a few days ago, but I have already recovered. All is well at the manor, and Madam Feng has been taking good care of me."
Hearing this, the Grand Princess frowned slightly; she was clearly skeptical of Shen Qing's words, especially since Shen Qing did not call her stepmother "Mother," but instead addressed her formally as Madam Feng.
As a member of the royal family, she was well aware of the affairs of the capital's noble houses, especially one as prominent as the Marquis Manor. She had long heard that Madam Feng was not kind to Shen Qing, but seeing that Shen Qing was unwilling to speak further, she did not press the matter.
"Qing'er, if you encounter any difficulties, do not hesitate to tell me. You nearly lost your life saving me all those years ago; I have always kept that kindness in my heart," the Grand Princess said with sincerity, her eyes filled with pity.
Shen Qing felt a warmth in her chest, knowing the Grand Princess was being genuine. She said softly, "You are too kind, Your Highness. I only did what was right. However, I did come today with a request."
The Grand Princess looked curious. "Oh? What is it? Speak your mind."
Shen Qing lowered her head slightly, her tone pleading. "Your Highness, since returning to the capital, I have wished to light a perpetual lamp at Taihua Temple for my mother, to comfort her spirit in heaven. I know you are a devout follower of Buddhism, so I was hoping you might assist me."
The Grand Princess's eyes softened with sympathy. "You child, why didn't you say so earlier? Lighting a lamp is a virtuous act; I will certainly arrange it for you. The Abbot of Taihua Temple and I share some acquaintance; I shall send someone to handle it at once."
Shen Qing hurriedly stood and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Highness. I am eternally grateful."
The Grand Princess waved her hand and laughed. "No need for such formalities. I had met your mother a few times while she was alive. That you would think to light a lamp for her shows what a filial child you are."
Tears shimmered in Shen Qing's eyes. "My mother passed away early. I have never been able to fulfill my duty as a daughter, and my heart is full of regret. Now, I can only do what is within my power to honor her."
The Grand Princess sighed and gently patted Shen Qing's hand.
Inside, Shen Qing sneered to herself. She knew that although the Grand Princess felt pity for her, she would never turn against the Marquis Manor for her sake. She had come today only to leverage the Grand Princess's influence to buy herself time and opportunities.
Shen Qing raised her head and said softly, "Your Highness, I know your birthday banquet is in three days. Might I have the honor of attending?"
The Grand Princess looked surprised. "You didn't know about the banquet? I remember sending an invitation to the Marquis Manor and specifically requesting that Madam Feng bring you."
Shen Qing's heart tightened; she knew Madam Feng had indeed obstructed her. She feigned surprise: "Perhaps Madam Feng was too busy and forgot to tell me."
The Grand Princess's expression darkened, and she said coldly, "It is kind of you to remember my birthday. No matter—on that day, I will send a private carriage to fetch you."
Shen Qing felt a surge of joy and quickly bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness."
The Grand Princess waved her hand, her tone softening. "Do not be so formal. Since you are here, stay and dine with me today."
Looking at the gentle and elegant Grand Princess before her, Shen Qing could not reconcile her with the regent who would one day hold the empire in her palm and usurp the throne five years later.
Knowing it was improper to overstay her welcome, Shen Qing was about to find an excuse to take her leave when a voice interrupted.
"Your son has come to pay his respects."
Shen Qing’s words died on her lips.
It was General Changning, the Grand Princess's only son.
After the Grand Princess had married the Great General who guarded the nation, they lived in harmony until his death on the battlefield two years later. The Grand Princess, heartbroken, had turned to Buddhism and raised Xiao Yu on her own.
Xiao Yu had displayed extraordinary talent and was highly favored by the Emperor. Having just been summoned to the palace that day for his success in annihilating bandits in the northern border, he had been bestowed the title of General Changning and granted his own manor.
Countless noble families in the capital were currently vying to align themselves with him.