She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Inside the main hall, Duke Zhao and four clan elders summoned Zhao Yi to the study in the front courtyard.

The third master and his wife were very afraid of trouble, so they took their children and followed closely behind.

The fourth wife was happy to see Zhao Yi become the heir, as it would make life more comfortable for the fourth branch of the family.

She glanced at the pale-faced second wife, then left with her maid in a cheerful mood.

The second mistress seemed to have all her strength drained away, and slumped into the chair. She opened her mouth, but could not speak, and beckoned to the maid to help her back to her room.

This setback was not only due to the loss of their long-planned title, but also because people inside and outside the mansion were paying attention to the selection of an heir for the Duke of Zhao's mansion.

Feeling confident of victory, she couldn't resist hinting to others, when they tried to probe her, that the title would be inherited by the second wife.

Once the news of Zhao Yi winning the title spreads today, who knows how people outside will ridicule their second branch of the family.

Thinking of this, the second wife felt utterly hopeless.

The maid helped the second mistress toward the door, where she once again encountered the first mistress and others.

Seeing the First Madam's calm and composed demeanor, the Second Madam felt a surge of jealousy and enviousness, and glared at her fiercely.

Seeing her embarrassed and angry expression, the First Madam spoke up, "Second Sister-in-law, you look very unwell. Are you feeling unwell?"

The second wife kept a tight expression on her face: "I feel fine."

"Is it because of today's events that you're upset?" The First Madam returned all of the Second Madam's previous words at this moment: "Second Sister-in-law, we are family. We are all the same family, and it doesn't matter who gets the title. No matter what the outcome is today, the other one must not turn against us and damage our brotherly harmony just because she was not elected."

The second wife felt a surge of bloodiness rise to her throat, wishing she could turn back time to before she uttered those words. If only she could swallow them whole, she wouldn't have to endure the first wife's mockery.

"Sister-in-law, I just had a headache." The second wife didn't want the first wife to see her make a fool of herself, so she forced a stiff smile: "We share the same fate, so we should support each other."

Before the First Madam could speak, she quickly said, "Oh dear, my head is throbbing badly, so I'll be going now."

Then, he urged the maid to help her walk quickly.

Watching the Second Madam's departing figure, the First Madam turned to Shen Qingtan beside her and said, "Tan'er, our jewelry shop received a new batch of goods today. We happen to have some free time now, let's go take a look together?"

Shen Qingtan was taken aback, quite surprised that the First Madam would want to leave the manor.

The First Madam said in a low voice, "Your mother has come to the Duke's mansion, and the Second Branch has lost its title. Your sister is feeling bad. If she finds an excuse to make things difficult for you and take it out on your sister, you will suffer again. Let's just stay away from her and let her have nowhere to vent her anger."

Shen Qingtan glanced at Shen Mingzhu, who was sitting blankly in the chair, seemingly still not recovered from the blow.

She was not surprised by today's result.

Zhao Jue was arrogant and conceited, and believed that everyone was driven by self-interest. That's why he rashly went to visit the elders without investigating their character, attempting to bribe them in secret.

From the moment Zhao Jue approached the clan elder, the outcome was already decided.

Moreover, how can a brave but reckless warrior compare to a wise and resourceful top scholar?

She took the First Madam's arm affectionately: "Mother, let's go."

When the First Madam saw Shen Qingtan's smiling face up close, she was as radiant as a delicate flower in the courtyard, making her especially endearing and lovable. She couldn't understand why Madam Shen's heart was so biased.

If I were to give birth to such a beautiful and delicate daughter, I would spend a lot of money to make everything she uses, and cherish and pamper her. How could I bear to let her suffer the slightest grievance?

Then she thought of the marriage exchange at the Marquis of Chengen's mansion, which could be considered a good thing for Shen Qingtan. Otherwise, once Shen Qingtan entered the second wife's household, the pressure of filial piety and rules would have made her suffer a lot at the hands of the second wife, no matter how resourceful she was.

Although Zhao Yi treated Shen Qingtan very well after she married into their main household, he could not give her any children.

The more the First Madam thought about it, the more she felt sorry for Shen Qingtan. She secretly gave Guan Mama a look: Did you bring enough money?

Guan's mother held up a number.

The First Madam was relieved and decided to let her treat her son's wife well today.

-

Second house, Qingyun Garden.

Madam Shen sat upright on the daybed, anxiously waiting for Zhongxia to bring her good news.

A few days ago, Consort Ling conveyed a message to Marquis Chengen: "I have relayed this message to Lady Zhao. If Duke Zhao insists on not establishing Zhao Jue as his heir, I am helpless."

After all, the Duke of Zhao is the Emperor's father-in-law, and he still owes the Emperor a debt of gratitude. If I were to use this debt to force the Duke of Zhao to comply, and he were to turn against me, I would incur the Emperor's displeasure. I'm sure you, my lord, can discern the better course of action.”

It is already unreasonable for a concubine in the harem to interfere in the selection of a duke's heir; how can this be brought into the open?

In particular, the Duke of Zhao was a tough nut to crack. He once said, "If my son is useless, I will make a grandson the heir. If my grandson is not good enough, I will adopt a son from the clan to inherit the title. I will not leave the title to an unworthy descendant to ruin the Zhao family's century-old legacy."

Madam Shen came to her senses and hoped that Zhao Jue would win the title today, so that she could feel happy.

But she waited and waited, and still no one came back.

Madam Shen couldn't sit still any longer and couldn't help but go outside to find out what was going on.

As soon as I reached the courtyard gate, I heard the servants gossiping.

"With Third Master causing such a commotion, I thought he was going to win the title, but who knew..."

"I heard that back then, Third Master had no talent for studying and felt that he would be overshadowed by Second Master if he took the imperial examination, so he went to learn martial arts and join the army. I am not surprised at all that Second Master won the title."

"Tsk tsk tsk, Third Madam specially invited the Lady of Chengen Marquis to come and watch the show, but who knew she invited someone to laugh at her."

Madam Shen was stunned. Just as she was about to reprimand the servants, she saw Shen Mingzhu with her entourage.

The gossiping servants, upon seeing Shen Mingzhu, turned pale with fright and immediately bowed in greeting.

Shen Mingzhu ignored them and threw herself into Madam Shen's arms as soon as she entered the courtyard, crying and saying, "Mother, the title has been taken away by the eldest son's family. The third master only treated me with some respect because we fought for the title for him. Now that the title is gone, my life in the second son's family will become even more difficult."

“How could this be… that strategy… your father asked the clan head.” Madam Shen was equally unable to accept this result. Seeing Shen Mingzhu crying so sadly, she forced herself to comfort her, “If you can be more virtuous and get pregnant with Zhao Jue’s legitimate son as soon as possible, and give birth to the eldest great-grandson of the Duke’s mansion, you can keep your position in the mansion.”

Shen Mingzhu longed to give birth to a legitimate eldest son more than anyone else, but Zhao Jue was unwilling to touch her at all.

"Don't be discouraged." Madam Shen's eyes were filled with ruthlessness as she whispered in Shen Mingzhu's ear, "So what if Zhao Yi becomes a young master? Even if he becomes a duke, there is still a chance that the title will fall on your heads."

Shen Mingzhu understood the meaning behind Madam Shen's words, and her heart was no longer as painful as before.

"Your eldest aunt's fiftieth birthday is in half a month." Madam Shen patted Shen Mingzhu's head and said meaningfully, "You should rest well and not be sad about what happened today."

Shen Mingzhu lowered her eyelids: "Mother, I understand."

-

Shen Qingtan and the First Madam arrived at Baibaoge by carriage. The two of them, wearing veils, got off the carriage and were about to enter the shop when someone called her.

"Miss Shen?"

Shen Qingtan paused, turned around and saw Boss Qin also getting off the carriage.

"Uncle Qin, it's me."

Just as Shen Qingtan was about to exchange a few pleasantries, she saw another distinguished-looking middle-aged man alight from the carriage.

Mr. Qin introduced, "This is Mr. Gu."