Reborn in Each Other’s Bodies: A Mother and Daughter’s Deadly Revenge - Chapter 152

Gao Shan soon learned from Qingxiang about Sheng Minmin’s attitude towards Huang Yaning’s marriage prospects. Upon hearing this, Sheng Mingjian sneered coldly and set about preparing for the matters to come.

Meanwhile, Sheng Mingzhu’s mood also improved considerably.

She had received a letter from her senior martial brother, who told her that during the upcoming birthday banquet at the Third Princess’s estate, he would make those who bullied her pay.

Sheng Mingzhu felt her senior brother truly understood her. Moreover, at the Third Princess’s estate, she would surely have a chance to see Prince Qi. Unable to contain her joy, her heart leapt with happiness…

Amidst this anticipation, the day of the banquet finally arrived.

The Sheng family party arrived at their destination in several carriages.

Today was the birthday celebration of the Dowager of the Murong family. A continuous stream of guests came to offer their congratulations, making the entrance bustling and lively.

In truth, the Third Princess’s estate was also bestowed by the late Emperor.

However, the Third Princess’s residence was not just a little smaller than the Princess Royal’s estate; it was also less grand and less exquisite.

Back then, the late Emperor’s explanation was that this location was close to the Murong family residence, and opening a side gate would make it convenient for her to visit her in-laws…

Yet when the late Emperor bestowed an estate upon the Princess Royal, he gave no consideration to it being near the Duanyu family, her marital home.

Besides, how many wealthy and powerful wives in this world actually enjoy living under the watchful eyes of their mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law?

Over the years, the Third Princess’s estate and the Murong residence had long since merged into one.

Mention the “Third Princess’s estate,” and everyone subconsciously knows it refers to the Murong residence.

A princess, upon marriage, could have lived in her own estate. The late Emperor’s arrangement seemed deliberately intended to have the Third Princess pay daily respects to her mother-in-law and fulfill filial duties, essentially tormenting her.

In contrast, the Princess Royal, her consort, and their children could live separately in their own estate, enjoying a comfortable and carefree life.

Comparing the two, Sheng Minmin thought it would be a miracle if the Third Princess had any genuine affection for the Princess Royal!

Servants of the Murong family led their party inside. Today, the Murong household had not specifically segregated male and female guests.

The guests were almost all in one area, separated only by a single wall.

That wall had many moon gates, allowing glimpses of the scene on the other side.

So, today really was a “matchmaking gathering.”

Speaking of marriages, not one of those three ungrateful wolves in the Sheng family was any good. She had no desire to let those people ruin the lives of good girls from decent families.

Only Sheng Mingli and Sheng Mingshu, in her opinion, deserved careful matchmaking once they achieved success in the imperial examinations.

Then there was Xian’er.

Xian’er was intelligent and kind-hearted, and had been very filial towards her over the years. She was determined to find Xian’er a good marriage.

Over the past two years, she had helped re-establish contact with Xian’er’s maternal grandparents’ family. If possible, she wanted to unite all available forces to help Xian’er leave the Sheng family.

Unfortunately, that family was exceedingly timid, not even daring to send a relative to the Sheng residence to visit Xian’er.

It seemed Xian’er couldn’t rely on her maternal relatives.

And Sheng Yong, eager to swallow the Huang family’s assets, would certainly be unwilling to marry Xian’er off…

He might even do as in the previous life, arranging for Xian’er to marry Sheng Mingli or Sheng Mingshu.

In this life, both Sheng Mingli and Sheng Mingshu were promising and would surely have successful futures.

But Sheng Minmin still hoped Xian’er could escape the quagmire that was the Sheng family.

It would be best if Xian’er could find a family where she truly loved her future husband, and the groom’s family had enough power to force Sheng Yong to disgorge the Huang family’s assets.

However, she knew that was somewhat wishful thinking and almost impossible to encounter.

Sheng Minmin had no intention of giving up without even trying; she was resolved to seriously search for a good match for Xian’er.

Of course, this matter had to be conducted in secret.

Otherwise, if Sheng Yong caught wind and, cornered, lashed out at Xian’er, the loss would far outweigh the gain.

Compared to wealth, life was most important.

Therefore, Xian’er’s situation could not be rushed at all.

Sheng Minmin prepared for the worst. If she truly couldn’t find Xian’er a reliable marital family, then so be it.

Because within six years at most, those three legitimate-born Sheng brothers would become useless, and Sheng Mingzhu would be ruined.

And by then, she would definitely take action against Sheng Yong!

As long as Sheng Yong was incapacitated or gone, she would have the final say in the Sheng household, and Xian’er would be free!

As for Huang Yaning, Sheng Minmin had no plans to let her “marry” off.

The conversation with Qingxiang that day was deliberately spoken for Sheng Mingjian’s ears.

Given Sheng Mingjian’s character, he was likely planning something for today.

Then there were Murong Yan and Lin Zhijing…

She suspected those two might target Huang Yaning, and possibly even her.

Therefore, to be safe, Sheng Minmin decided to send the others away and find a place to properly “lie low.”

She found a seat under a corridor with Qingying and Qingdai and said with a smile, “It’s rare to have such a lively occasion today. You young ladies should go enjoy the gardens. I won’t be joining you.”

Huang Yaning and Huang Xianjing wanted to stay, but two pretty maidservants approached.

They said the young ladies were all playing in the back and invited the several young misses to join in the fun.

Left with no choice, the group curtsied to Sheng Minmin and followed the maidservants leading the way.

In the past, due to her close relationship with the Commandery Princess, Huang Yaning had been targeted by Murong Yan many times.

But back then, Huang Yaning hadn’t wanted to break openly with Murong Yan and had always left some room.

Ever since Sheng Mingzhu returned to the capital, and especially after Sheng Mingzhu’s master and senior brother became close with the Third Princess’s estate, Huang Yaning completely stopped caring about saving face for Murong Yan.

Last time at the Libai Pavilion, she had offended Murong Yan without any restraint. Murong Yan was probably furious.

Now that she was in Murong Yan’s territory, no amount of caution was excessive.

Of course, she hadn’t come to the banquet unprepared.

Earlier, she had asked the Commandery Princess for help, commissioning a skilled craftsman from the palace to make something for her.

If she sensed anything amiss, Huang Yaning would definitely strike first.

“Cousin, I wonder if the Commandery Princess has arrived today…” Xian’er whispered.

Huang Yaning shook her head, “I don’t know either. It’s still early; normally, the Commandery Princess wouldn’t come this early—

“But she loves a lively scene, and it’s been a while since she’s seen us. Perhaps she might come earlier today.”

Seeing Xian’er nod, but with a slight frown of worry on her brow,

probably concerned she might be targeted by the Murong family, Huang Yaning took Xian’er’s hand and gave it two gentle pats to reassure her.

After walking for a while, Huang Yaning saw a group of elaborately dressed daughters of officials.

At the center of the crowd sat Murong Yan in her splendid attire.

“Mingzhu, dear sister, come quickly—”

Murong Yan spotted the three of them as soon as they appeared, immediately calling them over with a smile.

As they approached, Murong Yan rose and was the first to take hold of Sheng Mingzhu, who was about to curtsy.

“It’s only been a few days, but you seem to have lost weight, dear sister. Is your health unwell, or are the servants not taking good care of you…”

Murong Yan examined Sheng Mingzhu’s face with concern.

The gazes of all the young ladies present fell on Sheng Mingzhu, who seemed somewhat embarrassed, a slight blush on her cheeks.

“Thank you for your concern, County Princess. This subject’s health is fine. Perhaps it’s due to the hot weather affecting my appetite, which led to some weight loss…”

Murong Yan nodded, “I also feel the weather has been too hot lately. But you mustn’t stop eating and harm your health. Just have the servants put more ice in your rooms…”

The two of them chatted warmly, putting on the appearance of close sisters who had known each other for years.

They completely ignored Huang Yaning and Huang Xianjing, who were still maintaining their curtsy.

Huang Yaning inwardly sneered. This Murong Yan had a heart smaller than a needle’s eye. Her methods of revenge were so petty and low-class; she looked down on her immensely.

She also couldn’t stand Murong Yan’s hypocrisy and affectation, pretending to be close with Sheng Mingzhu to curry favor with Master Dale and give Sheng Mingzhu face…

But she couldn’t even pretend convincingly, constantly referring to herself as “this County Princess.” It was too sloppy.

Having lived a second life, Huang Yaning didn’t give Murong Yan a second thought. She simply straightened up herself and pulled Xian’er up with her.