Volume 1, Chapter 7: Grandmother's Protection

Page 1/3

Then, Madam Yu wore an expression of frustrated disappointment. "Since Yu’er insists on doing this, she might as well do it with a ruthless heart."

“Mother, I can’t really hang myself from the beam, can I?”

To frame Shang Yinqiong, it would be a grave loss if she ended up getting herself caught in the trap.

Shang Runyu clenched the quilt tightly.

Madam Yu gently stroked the ends of her hair. “Yu’er, regarding today’s matter, you must find a way to keep your father and elder brother on your side. Make sure they see this as nothing more than a young girl’s tantrum, and not some cruel, wicked intent.”

She believed Shang Runyu could manage that smoothly.

With that, Madam Yu fell silent.

The grievance on Shang Runyu’s face was replaced by burning hatred. She bit her lip and hissed, “Shang Yinqiong, I will never let you go.”

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Main Hall

The matriarch sat in the seat of honor, while the Duke of Zhen Guo was seated to her right, attentively picking up food. “Mother has been away from home for many years, eating vegetarian and chanting at the temple. Surely she must miss these exquisite dishes from home.”

Shang Yinqiong was pushed aside to the farthest corner.

Inwardly, she despised the Duke of Zhen Guo’s pretentiousness.

Back then, she couldn’t understand why her grandmother had resolutely left the Duke’s residence. Now she realized it was because this place had long since turned into a den of bloodsuckers.

“Father, grandmother is vegetarian at the temple. If she eats too much greasy food, she might feel unwell.”

During her three years in the palace, she had suffered greatly but learned much.

The Duke of Zhen Guo finally put down his chopsticks with a sullen expression and apologized, “Mother, please forgive me. I was inconsiderate.”

The matriarch sipped her tea, “Your thoughts have long strayed elsewhere.”

Her son was meticulous in everything except his heart, which was as hard as stone.

Those words struck a guilty chord in the duke.

He glanced instinctively at Shang Yinqiong, noting her expression remained unchanged, allowing him to finally relax.

Shang Fei snorted coldly at Shang Yinqiong and whispered, “What a show.”

Naturally, Shang Yinqiong heard this but did not retort.

This family shared one trait: they could not hide their feelings; every change was plainly visible on their faces.

Dealing with such people, the greatest counterattack was simply not to engage in petty calculations.

Madam Yu arrived tardily. “Qiong’er, mother has missed you deeply during these three years you’ve been away.”

As she spoke, Madam Yu’s personal maid placed a redwood-carved box on the table.

Madam Yu opened it and set it before Shang Yinqiong. “This was part of my dowry back then. Now that you have returned from the palace and will soon marry the young master of the Jing Guo family, consider this an early addition to your trousseau from your mother.”

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The dining table fell silent.

Shang Yinqiong put down her chopsticks and glanced lightly at the box. Inside lay a jade bracelet.

It appeared valuable, but upon closer inspection, the jade was of poor quality with obvious flaws. Such an item would fetch only a few taels of silver on the market.

Besides, she had already heard rumors in the palace that the young master of Jing Guo favored Shang Runyu.

The matriarch slammed down her chopsticks heavily. “That marriage was nothing but a verbal joke among elders, not even a hint of an arrangement. Madam Yu, as a senior, to say such things—are you trying to ruin Qiong’er’s reputation?”

“Mother, I mean no such thing.”

Madam Yu knelt down in response.

Though aged, she was well-preserved with a slender waist, and her tears were truly moving.

The Duke of Zhen Guo helped her up as he spoke, “Mother, your words pain us. Qiong’er is our daughter; how could we harm her reputation?”

“You too—don’t ever mention such a joking marriage again.”

Madam Yu’s eyes were red and swollen, making her appear pitiful.

The matriarch raised an eyebrow. “Madam Yu, you are the mistress of the Duke’s household—what is this crying and wailing?”

“Enough. I’m old and full from eating. I’ll go rest now.”

Nanny Tang supported the matriarch as they left.

At the door, the grandmother’s voice floated softly, “Qiong’er, finish eating quickly and come to the grandmother’s quarters for instruction.”

Several people found the meal tasteless.

Shang Yinqiong was the first to put down her chopsticks. “Father, mother, grandmother has further orders for me. I will take my leave first.”

Madam Yu snorted coldly without reply.

Seeing the awkward scene, the Duke of Zhen Guo tried to ease the tension. “Qiong’er, don’t tire yourself too much. After you visit grandmother, come back early to rest. It’s your old room—I have instructed the servants to keep it ready.”

Shang Yinqiong nodded slightly.

She knew well this was just a hollow promise from her unfeeling father. Her place in this family was long gone; how could there still be a room for her?

Bitterness welled up in her heart.

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“Grandmother.”

Shang Yinqiong knocked on the door, carrying a bowl of lotus seed soup as she entered.

The matriarch had her eyes closed, resting, while Nanny Tang gently massaged her shoulders. “Madam, Third Miss has arrived.”

“Everyone else, leave,” the grandmother ordered.

Nanny Tang ushered the others out.

When Shang Yinqiong stepped in, the matriarch still had her eyes closed.

Quietly, she moved behind her and pressed her warm fingers on the grandmother’s temples.

The matriarch’s high cheekbones, graying temples, and deeply lined face did nothing to diminish her dignified aura.

“Grandmother, you’ve been overworked.”

Shang Yinqiong was grateful for her grandmother’s support today.

At first, she had come to the temple seeking a strong backing, so her contact with the matriarch had been with purpose.

She was not cold or heartless; kindness given to her was always repaid manifold.

These few times of protection had naturally moved her heart.

The matriarch raised a hand, and Shang Yinqiong obediently returned to stand before her. “Grandmother, I made this lotus seed soup myself in the kitchen. Please try it and see if you like it.”

At her words, the grandmother stirred the spoon and took a sip.

Lotus seeds are bitter and difficult to prepare well; if done poorly, the soup tastes bitter. But this bowl was sweet without being cloying, perfectly suited to her palate.

In no time, the soup was gone.

“I’m glad you like it.”

At last, a smile befitting her age appeared on Shang Yinqiong’s face.

“Qiong’er, do you know how a person quickly establishes their footing?”

The grandmother’s gaze was sharp as a hawk’s.

Shang Yinqiong answered honestly, “By having trustworthy people who can move freely outside.”

Living within these four walls, it was hard to leave the residence. The only way was to cultivate trusted agents to conduct affairs outside, thus securing one’s position swiftly.

“Exactly.”

The grandmother nodded approvingly. “I believe you have the ability to cultivate your own confidants. If you ever lack money, don’t hesitate to seek out Nanny Tang.”

This was all the help she could offer.

Shang Yinqiong knelt down and kowtowed deeply. “I will always remember grandmother’s help and kindness.”

For three years in the palace, bearing the stigma of atonement, her monthly allowance had been withheld. Now, troubled by financial matters, she had not expected her grandmother to see through it at a glance.