Everyone Has a Few Girlfriends to Squabble With

"His Majesty has issued an edict revoking the title of Xuanxin Zhenren and taking back the plaque of Mystic Temple. From this point on, Xuanxin can no longer stay in Zhaojing. His Majesty has also rewarded me, and even His Highness the Crown Prince is quite grateful to me—but as I said before, because this matter involves a prince, I cannot reveal your identity, nor can I publicly reward you."

So that's what it was about. Shen Lantang smiled and said:

"Daughter-in-law still maintains the same point: I have no desire to participate in power struggles. If I were to fall into the eyes of any powerful figure and become interested in me, my good days would be over. More than any reward, daughter-in-law would prefer to live a happy and carefree life."

"Very well, then I'll take that as what you really think."

"That's how it is."

Xie Heng nodded, his smile deepening, seemingly quite satisfied with her reply.

"Besides that, there is one more thing."

Shen Lantang listened attentively.

Xie Heng stood with his hands behind his back. He was tall and imposing, but his usual composure made it difficult to notice his appearance. At this moment, a faint smile appeared on his face, his eyes gleamed, and he exuded a free and unrestrained spirit.

"My Xie Family has received imperial favor for three generations, and royal blood flows in the veins of my descendants. Generations of ancestors have worked hard to make our Xie Family flourish like a blazing fire and blooming flowers. As the saying goes, excessive joy leads to sorrow, so my siblings and I constantly teach our descendants to restrain themselves and act cautiously. But this does not mean we should be timid and afraid of others. My Xie Family will not provoke trouble, but we are not afraid of criticism either. So Lan Tang, you can stand tall outside. If you see injustice or despicable people, you are free to speak out for justice. My Xie Family will support you!"

The last sentence was resounding and its echo lingered, causing a tremendous shock to Shen Lantang's heart, leaving her stunned on the spot.

It should be understood that, given Xie Heng's status, there was absolutely no need for him to show favor to a daughter-in-law with no family background, let alone to speak in such a way that was almost completely biased. This could only mean that he approves of himself and that he is an upright person.

Even though Shen Lantang still regarded the Xie Family as friendly partners at heart, she was still moved by his words.

She was moved, and a hint of emotion showed on her face.

Shen Lantang took a deep breath and said solemnly:

"I understand, Father. Your daughter-in-law will remember it."

"Alright, good boy, go ahead."

"Yes, daughter-in-law will take her leave now."

After Shen Lantang left, Madam Xie turned to Xie Heng and scolded him, "What are you saying? Aren't you afraid of scaring Lan Tang?"

Xie Heng smiled faintly, "Lan Tang is calculating and won't be easily intimidated."

Xie Heng subsequently tried several times to probe Shen Lantang, hoping she would reveal more about "chemistry" from her heart. However, after revealing her true feelings during dinner, Shen Lantang became no different from an ordinary person. According to Madam Xie's speculation, she was no longer deeply moved and simply suppressed the matter.

To be able to regain composure in such a short time—that kind of courage is remarkable, even among seasoned veterans.

"That's true." Madam Xie nodded and said:

"I'm lucky I wasn't scared."

"..."

Shen Lantang hurried back. Baozhu had gone out today, and only Lan Xin was with her. Seeing that she looked somewhat dazed, Lan Xin quickly came forward and asked with concern:

"What's wrong, Miss? Why do you seem so distracted?"

Shen Lantang squeezed her hand, her mind still replaying Xie Heng's words from earlier.

"Lan Xin, I think..."

"Um?"

"... I think my parents-in-law are pretty good people."

Lan Xin smiled upon hearing this and whispered, "Then congratulations, Miss."

As a woman, it is inevitable that she will get married.

Having a child

Regardless of her husband's character, the fact that her parents-in-law are good is always a good thing for a woman.

"Yes, that's what I earned from doing good deeds. Yeah, people really should do good deeds."

Shen Lantang explained the objective facts using her own thinking, ultimately concluding that people should still do good deeds, which can be considered in line with socialist values.

After returning home, Shen Lantang felt that her parents-in-law were quite nice. Perhaps people's minds go a little crazy when they are in a good mood. In the following days, Shen Lantang cooked some food in her own courtyard for the first time in a long time. After finishing, she even asked the servants to take a portion to the Main Courtyard.

Looking at the plate of delicate milk pastries in front of her, Madam Xie smiled at her daughter-in-law's rare display of filial piety.

"He's still a child."

The old nanny chimed in, "The young mistress is still young, and isn't the young lady at the same age where she should be enjoying eating and drinking?"

"That's true, it's good for him to be more lively; at least it will help Hongwen to be plump and healthy."

The story of the two elderly masters and servants chatting and laughing while enjoying the food is another matter.

Chapter 24 Everyone has a few girlfriends they like to tease.

Two days later, Shen Lantang and the others received the invitation and went to the appointment on time.

In Zhaojing, banquets of all kinds of celebrities are always held, with the most in spring and autumn. Now it is the eighth month of the lunar calendar, which is autumn in terms of dates. Although it is not yet the season of clear skies and crisp air, most young men and women can come out.

Today's hostess is called Madam. In the previous dynasty, the title "Madam" could only be used by the wives of high-ranking officials. In the Jing Dynasty, the title "Madam" can be used freely by ordinary people, but if it is preceded by a title, then it is a proper Madam with a title and rank.

Lady Jingfeng was divided into four ranks, from highest to lowest: Ya, Shu, Gong, and Yi. Lady Yunya was the highest rank. She was the wife of Emperor Yuancheng's brother and the current emperor's aunt. Her family had produced three top scholars in the imperial examinations and was a prestigious family that had continued from the previous dynasty.

Everyone had to give face to this aunt of the emperor. On the day of the banquet, the streets were filled with luxury cars and fine horses, and servants carrying celadon platters flowed endlessly through the mansion.