Chapter 24: Enduring Every Cold Look

Although the Shen family had declined in recent years, it remained a prestigious clan with a long-standing heritage.

Within a few days, news of Shen Yishu’s return had spread throughout the capital, reaching the ears of the extended family and the venerable elders. Even if Shen Yishu was considered a disappointment, he was still the only son of the old Marquis and the unquestionable future master of the estate.

His return naturally required the presence of the elders to witness the proceedings. They were to retrieve his spirit tablet and cenotaph from the ancestral hall, and as they were of the Marquis’s bloodline, his children were to be formally entered into the family genealogy.

Liu Xin’er had waited for this day for over a decade. Once her children were added to the records, she would be a recognized member of the Shen family, and the Marquis’s estate would no longer have any excuse to cast her aside.

She waited in eager anticipation, lining her children up before the scrutinizing gaze of the elders, her expression one of gentle submissiveness as they offered their respects one by one.

"She is certainly fertile."
"The Marquis’s estate has few heirs; having more children is a good thing."
"The eldest master has been away for years, yet his bearing remains unchanged. He truly is his father’s son; his future is boundless."
"The boys look cheerful; the estate will be lively now. They must strive to bring honor to the house when they grow up."

The murmurings continued, and Liu Xin’er felt a surge of secret triumph.

She cast a shy, hesitant glance at Shen Yishu, her eyes brimming with love and joy, which brought him back to his senses. He remembered the other important matter of the day.

"Respected elders, senior kin, and Mother, I have something to say."

He stepped forward, his gaze firm, and stood tall under the adoring eyes of Liu Xin’er. "I have wandered for many years, and Liu has been my constant companion. She is the only wife in my heart, and I cannot fail her. Now, with all of you as witnesses, I intend to take Liu Xin’er as a wife of equal rank!"

The announcement caused a stir. Those in the ancestral hall exchanged glances, their expressions shifting—yet there was none of the support Shen Yishu had anticipated. On the contrary, the leading elders, who usually appeared dignified and righteous, now looked guilty and awkward.

The joy on their faces vanished. They cursed Shen Yishu internally for his lack of tact and awareness. Their livelihood for years had depended on the funds provided by the Lady of the house, Dou. Without her support, were they expected to starve alongside this useless man who held no rank or official position? None of them dared to offend Dou Hongyan.

The elders offered awkward, forced smiles. "The Marquis’s estate is a house of decorum. Since we adhere to tradition, there is no precedent for taking a wife of equal rank. Liu has worked hard all these years; let her be a concubine, and the Shen clan will treat her well."

As they spoke, the old men stole glances at Dou Hongyan’s face. Seeing no sign of anger, they breathed a silent sigh of relief.

Their probing gazes did not escape Liu Xin’er’s notice. She froze, a wave of immense hatred surging within her. She glared secretly at Dou Hongyan, who sat in the high chair behind them.

Why should this unloved woman remain firmly in the seat of honor while she had to stand below, humble and subservient? It was all because she had stolen her place. If not for Dou Hongyan clinging to the position of mistress, everyone would be fawning over her instead!

The more she thought, the deeper her resentment grew, to the point where she wished she could expose Dou Hongyan on the spot.

"Xin’er cannot be a concubine!" Shen Yishu protested in disbelief.

He turned his hostility toward Dou Hongyan as well, his voice cold. "If she cannot be an equal wife, then divorce this arrogant and overbearing woman!"

"Silence!"

Old Madam Shen panicked instantly.