The Whole Family is Reborn, But I Transmigrated into a Book - Chapter 55

The more Shen Yanming thought about it, the angrier he became. His gaze toward Shen Xixue grew heavy with disappointment.

“Father, I truly love my cousin. I hope you can grant us your blessing,” Shen Xixue said, dropping to her knees and speaking her heart immediately. She had to secure her desired outcome today; any delay would only lessen her chances of marrying Jiang Yucheng. “Cousin and I are of one mind. I beg Father to fulfill our wish.”

Ignoring Jiang Yucheng’s reaction, she spoke as if she were a woman entirely blinded by love.

“You shameless creature! You actually have the audacity to say such things!” Shen Yanming roared, wanting nothing more than to point at her nose and curse. “Do you have any idea what will happen to your sisters’ reputations if word of this gets out? Where am I to hide my old face? Our entire Shen family will become the laughingstock of the capital!”

“Father, I know my actions were wrong, but my love for Cousin is sincere. If there is blame, let it all fall on me. Please, do not make things difficult for him.” Shen Xixue played the part of the devoted lover perfectly, not forgetting to shield Jiang Yucheng.

Jiang Yucheng, who had suspected a trap, felt a flicker of guilt upon hearing this. Xixue loves me so much; I shouldn’t have doubted her.

“Uncle,” Jiang Yucheng spoke up, realizing the situation was set. If he didn’t marry Shen Xixue now, the alliance with the Shen family would be severed. “This matter is not entirely Xixue’s fault. Xizhi does not like me and refuses to spend time with me. Since our families have a marriage pact and Xizhi and I lack affinity, I ask you to betroth Xixue to me instead.”

He knew that while Shen Xixue was a concubine-born daughter, her devotion meant she would scheme for his benefit after marriage. If he married the legitimate daughter, Shen Xizhi, he would likely spend his life walking on eggshells around her cold temperament.

“Now that the two of you have already shared a bed—and may even have conceived a child—do I even have the room to refuse?” Shen Yanming sneered. “I shall inform your aunt and write to your parents immediately to discuss the marriage.”

Shen Yanming had no intention of letting Jiang Yucheng leave for home yet. If the Jiang family refused to acknowledge the deed once he was gone, Shen Xixue would have no choice but to die to save face.

Jiang Yucheng frowned. He had hoped to convince his parents first, but caught red-handed, he could only submit. “I shall abide by Uncle’s decision.”

Seeing his submission, Shen Yanming felt slightly mollified. “Since you are so ‘devoted’ and have already crossed the line, I, as a father, will not play the villain who tears lovers apart. My intention is for you to marry as soon as possible to avoid further complications.”

Shen Yanming eventually excused them, feeling a deep sense of unease. Was my judgment truly so poor? Is Jiang Yucheng not a man to be trusted?

He didn’t want to admit he was wrong, so he pushed the blame onto Shen Xixue, telling himself she had seduced the man. He then visited Madam Shen to relay the news.

“It seems this was simply not Xizhi’s fate,” Madam Shen sighed. “Since she was unwilling and Xixue is so enamored with him, letting Xixue marry him fulfills the spirit of the old marriage pact.” She paused, her voice tinged with sadness. “Xizhi’s health shows no sign of improvement. Marrying her off now would weigh heavy on my heart. Let us keep her home for a few more years; our family can certainly afford to care for her.”

While the elders discussed the fallout, the news reached the secluded courtyard of Shen Xizhi.

“Miss! Second Miss and the Young Master are really together! The two families are going to discuss the engagement!” the maid Xiao Mei reported with a grin. Her lady’s biggest worry was finally gone.

“That is good,” Shen Xizhi replied calmly, showing no surprise. “Xixue always admired Cousin. They are a well-matched pair.”

She had long anticipated this day, though she found Xixue’s lack of patience somewhat foolish. To sacrifice everything for a man like Jiang Yucheng was a poor investment indeed. “Tell me this and let it be forgotten. Do not spread word of this outside.”

“I know, Miss! I only tell you,” Xiao Mei nodded obediently. She brought out a tray of delicate pastries. “These were just made in the kitchen to your taste. Try a bite.”

As the winter chill deepened, Shen Xizhi’s health had worsened. She spent her days in a room filled with the scent of medicine, able to stomach very little except for these small treats.

“Xiao Mei, I’ve made things hard for you,” Shen Xizhi sighed. “My body keeps me prisoner, and so you are trapped in this room with me all day.”

“Miss, don’t say that! I serve you because I want to. You are so good to me,” Xiao Mei protested. She often wondered why such a kind lady had to suffer from a congenital deficiency that prevented her from running, jumping, or enjoying the world.

“You say that, but if you served another master, your life might be much more vibrant.”

“No one is better than you, Miss,” Xiao Mei said firmly.

Shen Xizhi didn’t argue. She picked up her brush. To pass the time, she had mastered calligraphy and painting. Beneath her steady hand, a lifelike bird soon appeared on the paper. The bird looked as if it were about to take flight, yet it also seemed strangely restrained—much like Shen Xizhi herself, trapped within the walls of the manor by a body that refused to cooperate.

Even if she managed to leave the Shen family, she knew a broken body like hers wouldn’t survive long in the world. She sighed softly, unable to stop herself from quietly envying those who could simply walk away.