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墨書 Inktalez
After the Marriage Cancellation Incident was thoroughly resolved, the Shen Residence welcomed a rare period of tranquility.
Without the disturbances from the Liu and Shen Ling, my father seemed much more relaxed, dedicating more energy to state affairs and scholarly pursuits. As for me, I had truly become the head of the Shen Family.
The servants in the residence treated me with utmost respect, and no one dared to act insincerely. The managers of the estate and shops worked diligently, delivering profits and accounts to me on time. The properties left by my mother seemed to have been infused with new vitality, flourishing under my management. I allocated part of the earnings to support household expenses and improve the treatment of the servants, winning their loyalty. The other part was saved as capital for future contingencies.
I was no longer the sheltered young woman who only understood love and was easily manipulated. The experiences of these past few months had allowed me to grow rapidly. I began to think like a true leader, strategizing and planning ahead.
I knew that this peace was only temporary. Zhao Yan would never accept defeat so easily. He was like a lurking viper, ready to strike again at any moment.
I had to continuously strengthen myself to remain invincible in the face of future storms.
In addition to managing the family business, I consciously began to expand my network. My father had a good reputation in court, with many former students and acquaintances spread throughout. Taking advantage of my role in handling his affairs, I established connections with some honest and reliable officials’ families. While these ladies might not be able to assist me directly in court, their network often provided unexpected intelligence.
Through business dealings, I also met several royal merchants and influential guild leaders. In the commercial world, interests often served as the best bond. Maintaining good relationships with them not only solidified my enterprises but could also become a formidable force in critical moments.
Of course, I did not forget to enhance my own "hard skills." I hired the most renowned martial arts master in the capital and practiced various exercises for strength and basic self-defense techniques every morning. Although I might not become a master, at least I could ensure that I wouldn't be helpless in times of danger.
Qing Zhu watched me busily engaged each day with both concern and pride: “Miss, you are becoming more impressive by the day.”
I smiled, wiping the sweat from my brow: “In this world, if a woman wants to stand her ground, she must possess more skills.”
One day, while I was reviewing accounts in my study, Qing Zhu hurriedly entered with an unusual expression: “Miss, someone from the palace has arrived.”
The palace? My heart stirred as I set down the ledger: “Who is it?”
“It’s a matron from the queen’s palace; she says… Her Majesty requests your presence in the palace.”
The queen? What could she want with me?
Since the last palace banquet, I had had no dealings with them. The queen's sudden summons—was it fortune or misfortune?
After a moment's thought, I instructed: “Prepare for me.”
Regardless of the situation, I needed to see for myself what it was about.
Dressed in appropriate court attire, I accompanied the matron into the palace. As we traveled, my mind raced with speculations about the queen’s intentions. Was it to reprimand the Shen Family? Or was there another scheme at play?
Upon arriving at Kun Ning Palace, after announcing my presence, I was ushered inside.
The queen sat on a warm couch sipping tea. Upon seeing me enter, she greeted me with a gentle smile: “Shen Wei, come sit.”
“Servant Girl pays respects to Her Majesty; may you enjoy good fortune and peace.” I bowed respectfully.
"Please, no formalities. Take a seat," the Empress gestured towards the Golden Mound beside her.
The palace maid served tea and snacks. The Empress dismissed everyone except for the Trusted Matron, who remained to attend to us.
"This Palace invited you today to chat casually," the Empress said, setting down her teacup and looking at me with gentle eyes. "I apologize for the distress caused by the annulment of your engagement."
"Your Majesty is too kind," I replied, lowering my gaze. "To have Your Majesty and the Empress show such understanding is already a great comfort to me. Matters of marriage depend on fate; they cannot be forced."
The Empress nodded in approval. "It is good that you think this way. This Palace has always believed you are a wise and perceptive young woman."
She shifted her tone. "In fact, there is another reason I called you here today."
A chill ran through me as I awaited her next words.
"You know that the Crown Prince is not young anymore, and the position of Crown Princess has remained vacant..." The Empress looked at me slowly, continuing, "This Palace believes you would be an excellent candidate. What do you think?"
Crown Princess?!
I nearly dropped my teacup in shock! The Empress wanted me to become the Crown Princess?!
This... this was simply...
I quickly raised my head to meet the Empress's smiling eyes. Her gaze was sincere, devoid of pretense.
The Crown Prince Zhao Qi was the Empress's biological son, known for his gentle nature and kindness, with a good reputation in court. However, it was precisely because of his excessive kindness and lack of decisiveness that he had always been at a disadvantage in competition against the ambitious Prince Jing, Zhao Yan.
Was the Empress trying to use my family's reputation and influence to bolster the Crown Prince's position against Prince Jing?
It was a tremendous temptation but also a perilous whirlpool. Becoming the Crown Princess would mean an immediate rise to power, potentially even ruling as a mother figure in the future. But it also meant I would be deeply embroiled in the struggle for succession, facing Zhao Yan once again in an even more dangerous manner.
How should I choose?
In my past life, faced with such an opportunity, I might have accepted without hesitation. But after experiencing life and death once, I had come to understand the cruelty of power and the unpredictability of human nature.
I remained silent for a moment before raising my head to meet the Empress's gaze again, speaking with determination and sincerity: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. However... as a humble servant girl, I fear I am unworthy of such a heavy responsibility as Crown Princess. Moreover, having just gone through the Marriage Cancellation Incident, I truly... have no heart to discuss marriage matters again. Please forgive me."
I had refused.
It wasn't that I didn't desire power; it was that I knew power gained by relying on others was ultimately illusory. What I wanted was the strength to control my own destiny, not to become another man's subordinate.
The Empress seemed taken aback by my straightforward refusal; a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes but quickly faded into calmness. She looked at me intently before sighing deeply: "Very well. Everyone has their own aspirations; this Palace will not force you."
She paused for a moment and then said, "However, this Palace appreciates your character. If you have time in the future, do come to the Palace often to chat with me."
"Yes, I will obey," I replied, rising to bow.
Leaving Kun Ning Palace, I walked along the long palace path. The sun shone brightly, yet it could not dispel the chill in my heart.
The Empress's probing today seemed gentle, but it was laced with hidden sharpness. She was both trying to draw me in and warning me. Having rejected her "kindness," I knew that if I wanted to establish myself in the capital in the future, I would have to be even more cautious.
The struggle for succession was already rife with undercurrents. Although I did not wish to be involved, how could I remain completely uninvolved while being in the midst of it?
Upon returning to Shen Residence, I told my father about the Empress's summons. He remained silent for a long time before saying, " Wei'er, your father only hopes for your safety and smooth journey in this life."
I nodded, feeling warmth in my heart.
Indeed, safety and smoothness—these seemingly simple four words were incredibly difficult to achieve.
But I would not back down.
Having lived again, I, Shen Wei, would carve out my own space in this ever-changing world.
I walked to the window and opened it wide; fresh air rushed in. In the courtyard, several newly planted wintersweet trees were quietly blooming against the cold wind.
Winter had arrived; how far could spring be?
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