When the banquet concluded, Madam Xiao called Shen Jiaojiao to her side before leaving. She unclasped a jadeite bracelet from her wrist and presented it to her as a token of their first meeting.
Before Shen Jiaojiao could even offer her thanks, Madam Xiao turned and left. This was why Shen Jiaojiao was now grinning from ear to ear, clutching the jade bracelet.
Upon returning to the Marquis Manor, Shen Jiaojiao followed Madam Shen into their courtyard and dismissed the servants. She sat down beside her mother, looking at her with wide, expectant eyes.
"Mother, what do you think Madam Xiao meant by this?"
"Does it mean she has set her heart on me to be the future young mistress of the Duke Xiao Manor?"
The mere thought of this possibility made Shen Jiaojiao so happy she could have jumped for joy on the spot.
Madam Shen had actually been pondering the significance of Madam Xiao’s actions herself. Upon hearing her daughter’s words, she shook her head.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. It may just be a simple gift from an elder to a younger one."
Shen Jiaojiao was not satisfied with this answer. "Well, has Shen Mingzhu ever received one?"
Madam Shen thought for a moment. That girl Mingzhu had always been favored by the elders; to say nothing of jadeite bracelets, she had received so many rare jade bangles and hair ornaments that they were too numerous to count.
Shen Jiaojiao curled her lip.
"You really must stop thinking about comparing yourself to Mingzhu," Madam Shen said, her tone shifting. "However, it is not entirely impossible that Madam Xiao has some intentions of that sort."
Shen Jiaojiao’s eyes lit up.
"Madam Xiao is a woman of the most complex thoughts. She has only one precious son, Xiao Yi, and she views the character and family background of her future daughter-in-law as matters of the utmost importance."
"Have you heard of that Lady Pu from today?"
Shen Jiaojiao thought for a moment. "The cousin from the Duke Xiao Manor?"
Madam Shen shook her head. "What kind of cousin is she? The relationship is so distant it’s practically non-existent. You couldn't even find a solid connection if you tried."
"Ah? But that is how she introduces herself to others."
Shen Jiaojiao recalled their first meeting. "I am Lady Pu, a cousin from the Duke Xiao Manor," she had said. When the woman spoke, her tone had been neither arrogant nor impatient; in fact, her demeanor was quite cordial. It did not seem like a lie.
"That is merely her inflating her own status. Madam Xiao has never acknowledged that there is such a cousin in the Duke Xiao Manor."
Shen Jiaojiao remembered how, when several ladies jokingly referred to Pu Ying as a cousin of the Duke Xiao Manor, Madam Xiao had not responded at all.
"Then how does she dare to say such things?"
"She merely relies on the fact that the legitimate son of the Duke Xiao Manor shows her some degree of care."
Shen Jiaojiao frowned. They were both unmarried—what did it mean to "show some care"?
Madam Shen glanced at her daughter, who had yet to catch the implication, and sighed inwardly. "It is quite common for talented scholars and beautiful ladies to harbor mutual admiration."
Shen Jiaojiao was stunned for a moment. What did that mean? Xiao Yi liked Pu Ying? They liked each other? How was that possible?
"Mother, where did you hear such rumors? They seem completely unreliable."
Madam Shen gave a cold laugh. "Madam Xiao said it herself."
Madam Xiao’s original words had been: "Ignore her. My Duke Xiao Manor is like a lush, spreading tree; if everyone who wanted to climb up to us were allowed in, even the beggars at the city gates would be knocking on our door. Besides, Yi’er is my only legitimate son. The position of the future young mistress of the Duke Xiao Manor is not something just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can occupy. Even if they like each other, I will never consent to it."
Pu Ying’s family background was poor, and she was a relative in name only. Madam Xiao would certainly never allow her son to marry such a girl.
"How is that possible?!" Shen Jiaojiao blurted out.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Madam Shen asked, looking puzzled.
In her past life, Shen Jiaojiao had never heard of Xiao Yi liking anyone else. She remembered that after their wedding, although Shen Mingzhu did not often return to the Marquis Manor, whenever she did, Xiao Yi was always by her side.
Whenever Shen Mingzhu ate food with shells, like shrimp or melon seeds, Xiao Yi would either peel them for her in advance or let her spit the shells into his hands—a sight that often filled others with envy. Who didn't say that Shen Mingzhu had a wonderful life? Not only was she born into a prestigious family, but she had also married into the Duke Xiao Manor, living a life free from worry, doted on by her husband. Even when Shen Mingzhu went to the courtyard to admire the flowers, Xiao Yi would follow at her side.
Shen Jiaojiao had been both envious and jealous. But she had never heard of any "beloved cousin" Xiao Yi had before the marriage.
Shen Jiaojiao frowned in thought. Still, even if there were one, it didn't matter. The position of the young mistress of the Duke Xiao Manor could only be hers.
"You said it yourself, Mother—Madam Xiao is dissatisfied with her status. Doesn't the fact that she gave me this jade bracelet mean that she is very satisfied with me?!"
Madam Shen looked at her daughter’s bright, beautiful smile. "I wouldn't say she is 'very' satisfied. After all, Madam Xiao originally had her eye on your sister, Mingzhu."
"She is no sister of mine," Shen Jiaojiao muttered under her breath.
Madam Shen glared at her. "In terms of learning and social grace, you are still far behind Mingzhu." Although one should naturally favor one's own child, the truth was the truth. Madam Shen was merely stating facts. The first thing she had to teach her daughter was to see herself clearly.
"No matter how much you deny it, that is the reality. If you want to aim for the position of the young mistress of the Duke Xiao Manor, you must first steady your heart. You need to understand the complex webs of relationships within the various noble clans and prominent families. Only then will you have a chance of success."
Even if she didn't become the mistress of the Duke Xiao Manor, she would need to understand these things to be the wife of any other noble house. As for the jade bracelet Madam Xiao had gifted her, it was both a reminder and a test—a test to see if their Marquis Manor would bring Mingzhu back. If they did, it would serve as a welcome gift for Mingzhu. If they didn't, then no matter how good Mingzhu’s character was, Madam Xiao would never look upon a merchant’s daughter with favor.
Though Madam Xiao appeared glorious on the surface, the Duke Xiao Manor was internally on the decline. Therefore, the daughter-in-law had to be a noblewoman with a strong background. Perhaps Shen Jiaojiao had performed well enough at the banquet today that Madam Xiao deemed her a suitable candidate to cultivate. If she had status and a quick mind, and perhaps a bit more cunning, then replacing the candidate for daughter-in-law would be no great issue.
Hearing her mother’s words, Shen Jiaojiao felt immensely proud. See? She was no worse than Shen Mingzhu! In her previous life, Shen Mingzhu had been the one eyed by Madam Xiao at this banquet. But in this life, the one chosen was her!
As for that Pu Ying—or Pugongying, or whatever her name was—Shen Jiaojiao didn't care about her in the slightest. If she knew her place and stayed out of the way, Shen Jiaojiao might be in a good enough mood to find her a husband. But if she proved to be a nuisance, Shen Jiaojiao would not be so polite.