"Your elder brother claims to do everything for the family, but we haven’t really benefited from his ’Light’, have we?" Shen Jiashi also sighed, "I know the bonds between you brothers are strong and you want to support each other, but look at these past years, has your elder brother considered us? A few years ago, even when my elder brother wanted to seek a position, he didn’t care. Alright, let’s not talk about that, he is an upright official who cannot act unjustly for personal gain, we understand, but what about Wenbi? Our Wenbi studies well, earning the title of Scholar on his own merit, and next year he will take the provincial examination. Yet, your elder brother doesn’t offer to bring Wenbi to Beijing to give him some guidance, even those who don’t have connections seek out the Imperial College..."
Shen Wanyin’s expression turned sour.
"And think about how arduous it is for us to run the tavern? Most of the money we earn each year ends up with him, while elder brother’s expenditures in Beijing are like running water, as if we are free labor..." Shen Jiashi had long been dissatisfied, and this was a chance to air her grievances, "But in the end, when have we ever reaped any benefit? Every time he returns, it’s either criticism or more criticism, and we don’t dare to so much as let out a fart..."
"Enough." Shen Wanyin finally waved his hand, "Just vent your grievances to me and let that be the end of it. Once you leave this room, it’s as if these words were never spoken, and I never heard them..."
"This concubine understands." Shen Jiashi quickly nodded her head; she knew that their elder brother was an important court official whom they could not afford to offend or fall out with. Although she complained about not benefiting from him, in truth, they did gain some advantages. Without their elder brother, their lives wouldn’t have been so smooth. So, in essence, she was merely venting her frustrations.
Meanwhile, Shen Yizhen, who had been locked up, finally calmed down. The events from before had left her constantly anxious, but once the turmoil subsided, Miss Shen began to think. She did not want to sit around waiting for her doom; she needed to save herself, and her only way out was through Prince Yun Yang.
Luckily, Shen Wanyin had only stripped her of her freedom; her maidservant was able to come and go as she pleased.
Thus, Miss Shen exchanged clothes with her maidservant, and once again, under the cover of night, she ran off to the quarters where Qi Jingrong resided.
"My mistress sent me to deliver a message to the Prince," Shen Yizhen spoke softly, her head bowed, fearful that Yun Yang would recognize her.
"Wait here." Yun Yang turned and went inside to relay the message, fortunately returning soon after, and he ushered her in.
Stepping into the familiar room, Qi Jingrong had already changed into a moon-white brocade robe, languidly reclining on the beauty couch. The flickering candle flames cast a faint golden glow over his features, making him appear even more handsome.
"Miss Shen comes in disguise in the dead of night; is it to sit idly by?" Qi Jingrong didn’t even lift his eyelids, merely propping his head with one hand while the other toyed with a small jade ball, "Or is it to ’spice things up’ for me again?" he said sharply, suddenly lifting his gaze; a piercing look shot from his eyes.
In an instant, Shen Yizhen felt as if a sharp sword had passed straight through her heart, causing her to shiver and then hastily kneel down: "Prince... Zhenzhen truly likes the Prince, that’s why she did such a thing. This maidservant really fell in love with the Prince at first sight, unable to get him out of her heart, leading to such foolish actions... Please, Prince, in consideration of Zhenzhen’s sincere heart, save her. Zhenzhen is willing to serve as your slave and maidservant for the rest of her life..."
Just then, Yun Yang came back in, saying that Shen Yila’s maidservant had also arrived.