Chapter 14: The Xue Family Horse Race Meeting

“The Xue family’s horse racing club is truly impressive.”

Shen He held the invitation to the Xue family’s horse race as she entered the grounds, surrounded by murmurs of admiration.

The pavilion, adorned with intricately carved beams and painted rafters, overlooked a verdant racecourse like a lush carpet of emerald. Elegantly dressed guests streamed back and forth, each detail a testament to the Xue family’s immense wealth as the city’s richest household.

The Xues had been merchants for generations, their enterprises sprawling across every industry and region in the vast Dahan Empire, flourishing like flowers blooming everywhere.

Shen He silently observed Shen Jiao, a mocking smile curling at the corner of her lips.

“Second Younger Sister, you’d better be careful. It must have taken great effort from the eldest madam to persuade Father to let you attend the horse race.”

When she first heard that Shan Zhuyu had convinced Shen Huai’an to allow Shen Jiao, who was still under house arrest, to participate in the race, Gu Yu was furious.

Shen He, however, remained unmoved. After all, the Xue family’s horse race attracted most of the nobility and princes of the capital. Many sought this rare opportunity to observe the young ladies and gentlemen of each prominent family.

Shen Jiao’s expression darkened, shooting Shen He a fierce glare.

“Eldest Sister, there’s no need for such pretentiousness. As the legitimate daughter of the Shen family, of course I must come. I suppose Father wants me here to uphold our family’s honor.”

“Oh? Second Younger Sister is competing today?”

Shen Jiao’s smile brimmed with pride. “My horsemanship has been taught by Mother since childhood. Naturally, I am the Shen family’s finest representative. As for you, don’t embarrass yourself.”

“Very well, I look forward to seeing your prowess.”

Shen Yan watched the two sisters exchange barbs, not daring to breathe.

At the entrance, Xue Yifei, who had been waiting, spotted Shen He from afar and hurried over.

Today, Xue Yifei was dressed in riding attire, exuding a dashing and heroic aura.

Seeing Xue Yifei approach, Shen Jiao quickly adjusted her hair and greeted softly, “Young Master Xue.”

Xue Yifei, as if not seeing her, turned with a smile and pulled Shen He along. “Come, I have something to show you.”

He tugged her away without another word.

Shen Jiao stood frozen, eyes burning as she stared in the direction Shen He had disappeared.

Xue Yifei led Shen He to a man-made lake behind the racecourse and handed her an envelope.

“What’s this?” Shen He asked, taking the envelope with a puzzled look.

“A gold mine development plan, not far from your coal mine,” Xue Yifei said in a hushed, mysterious tone. “But it’s a fake gold mine.”

“Fake?”

Shen He instantly grasped Xue Yifei’s intention. A cold smile curved her lips as she looked at the envelope.

“Thank you.”

“Just saying thanks?”

Shen He rolled her eyes. “Then how do you want me to thank you?”

“I treated you to Eight Treasure Vegetarian Feast last time. You owe me a meal in return,” Xue Yifei teased with a playful grin.

“Yifei, it’s so good to have you back,” Shen He said sincerely.

Xue Yifei’s cheeks flushed as he chuckled foolishly for a moment. “Remember to treat me.”

“Ah He!”

A voice called out. Shen He turned to see her cousin Shen Wei.

Shen Wei and Shen Yue were daughters of the second uncle’s family—twin sisters.

Their personalities were completely different. Shen Wei was straightforward and carefree; Shen Yue was gentle, refined, elegant, and composed.

Shen Wei was married to the Xue family’s second son, Xue Guanyu, while Shen Yue was wed to the Chen family’s eldest son, Chen Chuhe.

“Sister Weiwei!” Shen Wei’s belly was noticeably swollen, and she moved somewhat heavily. Shen He hurried to meet her, worried she might overexert herself. “Take it easy, sister.”

Shen Wei reached out and grabbed Shen He’s hand. The two sisters embraced, their joy unmistakable.

Shen He smiled warmly at her sister’s belly. “It’s so big already. Be careful today.”

Xue Yifei stood nearby, saying, “Big Brother didn’t want Sister-in-law to come, but she insisted on joining the fun.”

Shen Wei laughed. “I heard you were here, so I wanted to see you. Besides, knowing there would be such excitement, how could I stay home? I’m not your Sister Yue! She went to the temple today for blessings. Honestly, who finds temple blessings as fun as a horse race?”

“You’re already a mother and still talk so much. Watch out—my little nephew might become a chatterbox just like you.”

“What’s wrong with being chatty? I hope my child will talk plenty, unlike his father.”

“Ah Wei!” Xue Guanyu came running from afar, shouting as he approached, “Slow down! I can’t catch up with you!”

Shen Wei chuckled. “Speak of the devil.”

Shen He recalled how, in her previous life, Shen Wei had gotten hurt standing up for her and had suffered a miscarriage. Xue Guanyu had also come to resent her.

This horse race must be the moment to protect herself, and to protect Shen Wei.

Xue Guanyu was slightly plump, and as he ran, the flesh on his face bounced comically. He finally reached Shen Wei and supported her. “Be careful.”

Shen He smiled. “Brother-in-law is so thoughtful, truly caring for Sister Wei.”

Xue Guanyu smiled foolishly. “It’s hard to do much when Sister Wei is carrying the child.”

“Brother-in-law, the horse race will be crowded today. Please be careful.”

“Of course, little sister. Don’t worry.”

“You two are so naggy,” Shen Wei rolled her eyes.

Back at the racecourse, men sat on the east side, women on the west.

Some genuinely loved horsemanship, but most had their eyes on the opposite seats, hoping to spot someone they fancied.

“The Princess Royal has arrived! The Third Prince has arrived! The Fourth Prince has arrived! The Sixth Prince has arrived!”

Several eunuchs shouted, prompting everyone to rise and bow.

Whispers spread through the crowd—no one expected the Princess Royal and several princes to attend.

Behind the Princess Royal walked her daughter, Princess Anning, followed by three princes.

The women on the west side blossomed with smiles. Being noticed by the Third or Fourth Prince could be a transformative blessing.

As for the Sixth Prince… better not even think about it.

The Princess Royal and her royal family settled into a spacious, separate tent. With her arrival, the matriarch of the Xue family naturally handed the opening gong to the Princess Royal.

With a gong’s resounding strike, the horse race officially commenced.

The prizes were provided by various families, but only the finest items made it to the Xue family’s race.

Shen Yan sat timidly inside the tent, glancing outside nervously. Shen Jiao sat at the front, stealing glances at Xiao Jingren, occasionally locking eyes with him. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken intimacy, palpable even from a distance.

Shen He wondered how her eyes had been so blind in her past life, missing the tension between those two.

As she mocked herself in silence, a richly dressed maid suddenly appeared before her, speaking with respectful yet firm tone, “Miss Shen, Princess Royal requests your presence.”

Shen He furrowed her brows.

The Princess Royal?

Why would she summon her?

Shen Yan rose worriedly beside her, looking at Shen He with concern.

“Alright, Sister, please lead the way.”

Shen He followed the maid without a trace of emotion, though a subtle unease stirred within.

After Shen He left, Shen Jiao sneered coldly, “Hmph, since when did she get in with the Princess Royal?”

Shen Yan dared not speak, only watching Shen He’s departing figure.

The maid led Shen He to the Princess Royal’s tent, which was separated from the others and furnished with spacious comfort.

“Miss Shen, please,” the maid invited.

Shen He drew back the curtain and stepped inside.

A stately, elegant woman sat at the main seat, beside her a delicate and charming young girl.

They were the current Princess Royal and her daughter, Princess Anning.

“Greetings, Princess Royal, greetings, Princess Anning,” Shen He said with a slight bow, her tone neither humble nor arrogant.

“I did not intend to attend this horse race,” the Princess Royal began, piercing eyes fixed on Shen He. “But Jingchi insisted. Lady Liangfei was concerned and asked me to accompany him. Besides, I wanted to see you. Rumor has it you have feelings for Jingchi?”

Shen He’s heart tightened. As expected, this was about Xiao Jingren.

“Yes, I do admire the Sixth Prince,” Shen He admitted calmly.

“Hmph. Admire?” The Princess Royal snorted disdainfully. “Jingchi is someone I have watched grow up. His marriage is something I will oversee carefully.”

She appraised Shen He from head to toe. “A woman like you is not worthy of him.”

Her tone was icy and merciless.

Shen He’s expression shifted slightly. “Your Highness, is there some misunderstanding about me?”

“No misunderstanding. As long as I am here, do not entertain such thoughts. Though Jingchi’s mind is still childish, finding him a good princess consort is easy. In Dahan, anyone can marry Jingchi—except you!”

The Princess Royal’s contempt was abrupt and fierce.

Though Shen He had met her before in the palace, the Princess Royal was never openly hostile like this.

Why now?

Shen He was at a loss for words.

“Your Highness, I…”

The Princess Royal cut her off. “At the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, neither the Empress Dowager nor His Majesty truly consented. Do not bring that up.”

Princess Anning watched from the side, a gleam of triumph in her eyes.

She had long disliked Shen He.

“Guards, escort Miss Shen out!”

The Princess Royal waved dismissively.

Two guards immediately stepped forward and “politely” removed Shen He.

Biting her lip, Shen He wished she could read the Princess Royal’s thoughts by touching her, but such a moment was impossible now. She could only bow properly and leave.

No sooner had she stepped away from the tent than a hand grasped hers.

“Ah He!”