Shen Qingrui was anxious to find Cen Liangxuan, so she told Princess Consort Su that she had something to attend to and needed to leave.
Old Madam Shen, however, forbade it. The birthday banquet was about to begin; if Shen Qingrui left the side of Princess Consort Su, her place would immediately be taken by the Princess Consort’s own granddaughter. Once that spot was lost, she would have no chance to show her face alongside the Princess Consort again. Although Old Madam Shen already harbored suspicions about Shen Qingrui, she still bore the name Shen and remained closely tied to the General’s Estate. Before she was married, it had been difficult for her to move about freely, but now that she was a wife, she ought to mingle with other ladies and young mistresses to build connections. With Princess Consort Su present, appearances had to be maintained.
"What is Shen Qingrui in such a hurry to do?" Shen Yiren stuffed two grapes into her mouth, her cheeks bulging, making her speech muffled.
Chapter 62