Chapter 189 - 187 Princess Wu’s Scrutiny

Words : 1362 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

Yin Shanshan and Gao Yun were invited in. The sisters-in-law shoved and nudged each other, as though embarrassed about something and hesitant to speak. Shen Yinning saw through their little schemes at once and shook the invitation in her hand. "You want to go?" The two’s eyes lit up. Today, someone from the palace delivered invitations, inviting Shen Yinning to the palace banquet on the third day of the New Year. The pair immediately became fixated on it. Yin Shanshan wanted to promote her pre-sale system Ruqun dresses. After all, the people attending the banquet were wealthy noblewomen and official daughters. If she could win their favor, wouldn’t the future sales take care of themselves? She’d also heard the Princess Wu would be attending. A Magistrate’s daughter from Jiangnan—if they could establish a good sisterly relationship, perhaps the next time Yin Shanshan went to Jiangnan to purchase silk, Princess Wu might waive all fees with a grand gesture, just like in the novels! Gao Yun, on the other hand, simply wanted to see what the Imperial Palace was like and network with influential figures. After all, she was destined to be the wife of a royal merchant someday. Familiarizing herself early with the circles of power would benefit her business in the long run. And besides... Gao Yun touched her face, her ears quietly turning red. She was quite good-looking, otherwise, how could she have married Zou Dacheng, the sort of wealthy man? But Zou Dacheng’s wealth was only significant in Gan State. Since arriving in the Capital, she’d realized the city was teeming with well-to-do clans and prominent officials. Zou Dacheng was practically nothing—his ancestral assets weren’t even enough to buy a courtyard here! If she could use this chance to attend the palace banquet and capture the heart of some powerful figure, wouldn’t she catapult herself to better prospects? The more Gao Yun thought about it, the more delighted she became, and she looked expectantly toward Shen Yinning. The sisters-in-law spoke in unison, "Can you take us along to broaden our horizons?" Shen Yinning’s gaze was akin to looking at fools. These two had targeted her at every turn in the past, so why did they think she’d help them now? She curled her crimson lips maliciously and deliberately misled them, saying, "I’d love to, but unfortunately, the invitation specifies I can only bring one family member. Why don’t the two of you discuss and decide who should go?" Yin Shanshan and Gao Yun were stunned. The two exchanged glances. Yin Shanshan hastily said, "Yunmei, I think my matter is more important—it concerns whether our family can make big money in the future!" Gao Yun retorted aggrievedly, "Shanshan Jie, didn’t you say you often visited the palace with your eldest brother? You’ve already been there so many times, and I’ve rarely had the chance to come to the Capital. I just want to see what the palace is like—can’t you even give me this tiny opportunity?" "Gao Yun, when did you turn into one of those narrow-minded, ignorant feudal women?" "Yin Shanshan, are you insulting me? Who do you think I am?!" "..." Haitang caught Shen Yinning’s look and politely interjected, "Ladies, you should go home and discuss it carefully. You still have two days to decide. My lady is tired and wishes to rest now." The squabbling pair left noisily. The room fell silent. Haitang poured Shen Yinning a cup of hot tea. "That palace banquet might bring trouble. Madam, are you truly planning to attend?" Shen Yinning toyed with the invitation playfully. "Since my return to the Capital, have you seen me lose to Shen Yunxi even once? If she dares to invite me, I naturally won’t shy away." Soon, the third day of the New Year arrived. Shen Yinning was preparing to board the carriage and head to the palace when Gao Yun suddenly rushed over, all dressed up. She had adorned herself in an ostentatious manner and smiled brightly. "Sister-in-law, wait for me!" Shen Yinning mused inwardly that the battle between the sisters-in-law had ended with the younger sister-in-law victorious. She allowed Gao Yun to board the carriage and scrutinized her from head to toe. Gao Yun proudly spread her arms, showing off her new clothes. "How do I look? This is a newly tailored outfit!" Shen Yinning absorbed the blossoming romantic ambitions written all over her face. Her nominal little sister-in-law was likely not attending the banquet out of curiosity about the palace but rather harbored aspirations of climbing to higher branches. With one last shred of conscience, Shen Yinning advised, "The Capital is full of distractions; Yunmei, don’t lose your true self." Gao Yun rolled her eyes. "Your fancy language—I don’t understand a word of it!" Shen Yinning smiled faintly and couldn’t be bothered further. The banquet was held in the Hanging Fragrance Hall in the Imperial Garden. Gao Yun couldn’t resist looking around, and eventually, she got separated from Shen Yinning. Not wanting to stick with Shen Yinning in the first place, she chose not to seek her out and instead wandered around on her own. Shen Yinning stepped into the Hanging Fragrance Hall and was guided by a palace maid to the second-floor Warm Pavilion. It was the New Year, and the Warm Pavilion was bustling with young men and women chatting noisily. Noble Consort Zhang sat in the upper seat, with Lu Zhengliu on one side and Lu Shiyan along with Luo Wanzhao on the other. Shen Yunxi was present, though Lu Ying was notably absent. Shen Yinning properly curtsied and greeted, "This humble servant pays respect to Noble Consort Zhang, Crown Princess Consort, Second Prince, Fifth Prince, and Princess." The Warm Pavilion gradually quieted down. This marked Shen Yinning’s first palace visit since her return to the Capital a year ago. Everyone recalled her rumored connection to Lu Shiyan—a tale that had circulated for ages, suggesting Shen Yinning was destined to marry him. Neither of them had ever denied it. Noble Consort Zhang had even frequently invited Shen Yinning to the palace, treating her as though she were her future daughter-in-law. The rumors only subsided when Shen Yinning was ordered to marry Lu Ying. And now, things had flipped entirely—both Lu Ying and Lu Shiyan had married other women, while Shen Yinning, once thought to be the Crown Princess Consort-to-be, had plummeted from grace to marry a lowly Eighth Rank official. If not for the Crown Princess Consort’s invitation, she wouldn’t even qualify to attend such banquets anymore. With her current status, she wasn’t fit to associate with this circle of nobles and elites, let alone rekindle anything with the Crown Prince or Prince Wu! Such twists of fate! Noble Consort Zhang offered a gesture of support and smiled. "It’s been years, yet Zhaozhao remains as beautiful as ever." "Otherwise, how would Second Brother have liked her?" Shen Yunxi suddenly spoke softly. "Second Sister-in-law, when you arrived in the Capital, you kept asking me what kind of woman Second Brother liked when he was young. Well, here’s my cousin—you can judge for yourself. What do you think of her?" Shen Yinning raised an eyebrow slightly and discreetly watched Luo Wanzhao. The lady had a delicate and refined appearance typical of a sheltered beauty, but she wasn’t strikingly gorgeous. Her pallid complexion and overly thin frame hinted at ill health, while her features naturally carried an air of melancholy. Luo Wanzhao was also sizing up Shen Yinning. The more she looked, the deeper the sorrow in her eyes grew. After a while, she spoke gently, "Your name is Shen Yinning, correct?" Shen Yinning glanced at Lu Shiyan, who sat serenely, and then replied, "Speaking to Princess, my maiden name is Shen Yinning." Luo Wanzhao gestured for her to come forward. "Come closer." Shen Yinning lowered her lashes and gracefully approached. Luo Wanzhao took her hand, carefully examining Shen Yinning’s features, shoulders, neck, and figure before studying her hands. Finally, she softly remarked, "Turn around. Let me see." Shen Yinning’s brows furrowed slightly. Luo Wanzhao’s demeanor felt akin to appraising merchandise. Suppressing her discomfort, Shen Yinning turned around before her as requested.

Chapter 189 - 187 Princess Wu’s Scrutiny

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