Chapter 166 - 164: Drunkenly Striking the Golden Branches
Sun Miaoniang had just had a miscarriage, and after resting for ten days, her body had recovered for the most part.
Seeing Shen Yinning come over, she expressed her gratitude: "Last time in the Eastern Palace, thank you, Cousin Shen, for helping me. I can see clearly now—among the women of the Shen Family, only you truly care for me."
Shen Yinning smiled lightly: "Naturally so. I’ve always had a warm and caring disposition. I came to visit you tonight because I worried you might feel upset with Cousin marrying—after all, a new sister-in-law entering the house might trouble your heart."
"Who calls me a concubine?" Sun Miaoniang’s face was somber. "My background is poor and can’t compare to Princess Qianqian, who is noble and of pure lineage. Even committing the grave crime of causing me a miscarriage, the Emperor merely punished her with a few days of confinement. I fear that in the days ahead, life in the Shen Family will become increasingly difficult for me."
The candlelight illuminated Shen Yinning’s face—a half-lit visage like a hibiscus blossom.
She fiddled with the candle flame, her tone layered with meaning: "No matter how noble, once married into the Shen Family, she is just a Shen Family woman—no different than you. Word has it that Cousin deeply loves you and is merely making a show of it with Princess Qianqian. If tonight Cousin chooses to stay with you, rather than consummate the marriage with Princess Qianqian, then surely even the Shen Family servants will regard you as more important than the Princess and dare not show you disdain."
Sun Miaoniang was dumbfounded.
She hesitated, nervously twisting her handkerchief: "This..."
Shen Yinning’s expression grew serious: "I feel a connection with you, Sister-in-law, so I’ll say a few more words. Since you’ve come to the Capital, you must fight for your place. If contention is inevitable, why delay until later? Even if Sister-in-law doesn’t care for favor and affection, you must still think of Fan’er. What if Princess Qianqian conceives a male heir—what then of Fan’er’s future?"
Sun Miaoniang’s breathing quickened.