Chapter 261: Chapter 204: The Living Matter Too

Yang Family’s face turned pale instantly and hurriedly said, “Ruoxi, how could I be a burden?”

Shen Ruoxi gave her a deep look, her eyes full of compassion.

Her sister-in-law, just in her early thirties this year, yet time has mercilessly left traces of weariness on her face, with a few strands of white hair emerging at her temples, evoking sympathy.

Her heart ached, and she slowly said, “Sister-in-law, you have worked tirelessly for the Shen Family.”

Yang Family froze in place, seemingly a bit surprised by these words, “Ruoxi, what are you?”

Ruoxi’s eyes instantly filled with moisture, her voice becoming choked with emotion: “Sister-in-law, although the Shen Family has given you glory and prestige, the bitterness and hardships are only known to you in your heart.

In the past, before I married Prince Zhan, I also thought about bringing a husband into the family to support the Shen Family’s reputation.

But now that I am married, although the Prince once said that he is also a son of the Shen Family, the situation is, after all, different.

He is busy with affairs, barely able to take care of his side, let alone the Shen Family.

I have pondered repeatedly, this time, regardless of the outcome of Fifth Sister-in-law with Chunyu Che, I have decided to recruit a husband for you, as this family needs a man to support it.”

Yang Family’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said: “Ruoxi, sister-in-law is already of this age, don’t think about these things anymore.

Didn’t you often say that what men can do, we women can do as well?

Besides, let’s discuss this matter later, for now, let’s focus on Fifth Sister-in-law’s issue.

Chunyu Che dares not take her away, coming from a defeated country and now in our land, what right does he have to be so arrogant?”

Shen Ruoxi lowered her voice, but her tone was exceptionally firm: “Sister-in-law, Fifth Sister-in-law can handle her own matters, you don’t need to worry.

I am about to return to the Prince Mansion, and the matter of recruiting a husband for you is settled.”

Yang Family frowned tightly, looking troubled, “Ruoxi, I have deep feelings for your big brother, I really don’t want to betray him.”

Shen Ruoxi also responded softly, her expression serious and solemn: “Sister-in-law, if my big brother truly loved you, truly cherished you, he would not be unwilling for you to find another support.

For you to have someone to care for and love you, he would probably be happier in the afterlife.

Sister-in-law, you are only thirty-one years old, the road of your future life is still long.

I do not wish to see the Shen Mansion always so lifeless; it ought to truly radiate its glorious splendor, rather than being suppressed under the title of loyalty, unable even to have laughter and brightness.”

Yang Family was momentarily speechless, “But…”

Shen Ruoxi said earnestly: “Sister-in-law, is this so-called loyalty what we truly want?

The answer is clearly no. What we all hope for is not this hollow fame; we all long for the family to be whole and united.

But now that things have come to this, do we have to continue like this forever? Some things were forcibly imposed upon us, why can’t we pursue our own happiness?

You were asked to keep your chastity, painting a complete picture of loyalty, but on what grounds?

Our lives should be governed by ourselves. They indeed died on the battlefield, but we, the living, must also live out our own wonderful lives.

The Emperor has already expressed his opinion; as long as we agree, he will support us. Once Fifth Sister-in-law’s matters are resolved, Sister-in-law, you must face this issue.”

Yang Family stood frozen, while Shen Ruoxi gently pressed her shoulder, speaking softly, “Qing’er and the others also need a father, only that this choice must be made with great care, finding someone extremely tolerant and responsible.”

Yang Family pressed her lips tightly, her eyes reddened, and after a long pause, she replied in a low voice: “Ruoxi, I will leave everything to your arrangements.”

“Alright, I’ll return to the Prince Mansion now,” Shen Ruoxi said.

Yang Family hurriedly held her back, pleading earnestly, “I’ve had the kitchen prepare a meal; please stay and eat before you leave.”

“Sister-in-law, I still have some issues to deal with once I return, I will come over when I have time.”

Shen Ruoxi politely declined Yang Family’s invitation and then returned to her Shaohua Courtyard to ask Jun Moling to return to the Prince Mansion together.

This time, after getting into the carriage, Jun Moling clearly felt that his wife’s mood seemed to have improved somewhat. He wrapped his arms around her waist and asked softly, “Has the matter been resolved?”

Shen Ruoxi shook her head gently, “This matter ultimately needs to be resolved by the parties involved; I am powerless.

It depends on Chunyu Che’s ability. For some reason, I feel that Fifth Sister-in-law will leave, and on one hand, I feel happy for her, and on the other, somewhat melancholic.”

“Didn’t you say before that this is a good thing?” Jun Moling asked in confusion.

Shen Ruoxi raised her eyes, a hint of sarcasm flashing through them as she said slowly, “Fifth Sister-in-law said she wants to take Xiang’er away; once this happens, it is bound to cause a great uproar.

At the very least, it won’t pass the hurdle of Sister-in-law, and there’s also the Shen family’s clansmen. When the Shen family was in trouble, they turned a blind eye, but once they think this would harm the clan’s reputation, they would inevitably intervene.”

Jun Moling lowered his voice, “Darling, whatever you do, I will unconditionally support you. I just don’t understand; Xiang’er, after all, has the Shen surname—why would you agree to let Fifth Sister-in-law take her away from the Shen family?”

Shen Ruoxi closed her eyes softly, her thoughts drifting back to the past.

These three nieces of hers have always been dear to her heart, having the only true blood connection with her in the Shen family.

However, she understood that for a child, the closest people are their parents.

The nieces’ father had already passed away, so should they be forced to separate from their mother as well?

The Shen surname could never compare to a mother’s profound love. She had to agree, no matter who comes to stop her.

“Husband, think about it; if your father had passed away before you, and your mother remarried, would you have left with her?” Shen Ruoxi looked at Jun Moling with a burning gaze.

Jun Moling was taken aback; he had never thought of this question before.

Shen Ruoxi continued: “I had been away from home for many years, and though there are some childhood memories, they have long become blurred.

But when I saw my parents again, the overwhelming sense of grievance nearly engulfed me.

An orphan without the companionship of their parents is truly too pitiful. I cannot allow Xiang’er to lose her mother’s love.”

Jun Moling nodded slightly, speaking tenderly: “Darling, I understand now, rest assured! As I’ve said before, whatever decision you make, I will unconditionally support it; anyone who dares to oppose you must be prepared to face my wrath.”

To have such a person standing firmly behind her, giving her full support, is truly a wonderfully comforting feeling.

Shen Ruoxi suddenly forced a light smile, “These are just my speculations; perhaps Fifth Sister-in-law won’t leave, and we are worrying too much.”

“Indeed, let’s go home,” Jun Moling said, wrapping Shen Ruoxi tightly in his embrace.

Leaning in his warm, broad embrace, Shen Ruoxi felt a sense of peace and tranquility, as if all the turmoil in the world was kept at bay.

Returning to the Prince Mansion, barely catching her breath, a servant announced: “Prince, Princess Consort, Ning Zhen’er has arrived.”

Jun Moling frowned slightly, evidently quite displeased with her.

The now-renowned Ning Zhen made a fortune through some business dealings, earning everyone’s admiration and praise.

This, however, placed the Xiao family in an awkward position; everyone said the Xiao family was an unfortunate place, as Shen Ruoxi separated from Xiao Chengyi and married the most powerful warrior prince in the Capital City, Jun Moling.

They had divorced Ning Zhen, who went on to become wealthy through business, while the Xiao family now has to rely on Xiao Chengyi’s meager salary, struggling to make ends meet.

Ning Zhen’er came this time to share her wealth with Shen Ruoxi.

Looking at the significant sum of silver, Shen Ruoxi couldn’t help but admire Ning Zhen for her business acumen and capabilities.

The next morning, just after Shen Ruoxi and Jun Moling finished breakfast, a servant hurriedly ran in, with an anxious expression, “Reporting to the Prince, reporting to the Princess Consort, someone from the Shen Mansion has arrived, claiming to have an important matter to report.”

Shen Ruoxi felt puzzled; what major issue could have occurred at the Shen Mansion? She quickly instructed, “Bring the messenger in.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep