Chapter 2: Favoring the Concubine, Disregarding the Wife

No one had ever asked her opinion or how she felt; she was like a puppet manipulated by others, powerless to decide her own fate.

Shen Mengqing, having gotten what she wanted, strutted into Shen Mengli’s courtyard, eager to flaunt her triumph.

“Oh, sister, you’re still reading? No matter how much you study, what good does it do? It’s better to marry well than to learn well. Marriage is a woman’s second life—having a good husband is the most important thing.”

Shen Mengli looked up at her, her gaze calm and steady. “Isn’t your future husband a poor scholar? From what you’re saying, are you suggesting he’s even better than the heir of Prince Duan?”

“In my heart, my husband is far superior to Prince Duan’s heir. Don’t be deceived by his humble status now—one day, he’ll pass the imperial exams with top honors, earn a marquisate, and become a high minister. When that day comes, I will be a Lady of the First Rank, showered with honor and envy from all.

“Unlike you, who will enter the prince’s mansion only to be widowed. That heir has affection only for that lowly courtesan; sooner or later, he’ll favor the concubine and cast aside his wife, leaving you utterly humiliated.

“This life, I want you, Shen Mengli, to feel what it’s like to be trampled beneath someone’s feet. You only met Zhuo Hua by luck in your last life, but this time, I’ve set things right. Go on, go suffer in Prince Duan’s household.”

Three days later, the betrothal gifts for both sisters arrived.

To demonstrate their regard, Prince Duan’s household sent Shen Mengli one hundred and thirty chests of wedding gifts.

Their father, Shen Tao, decided not to take anything from his daughters’ dowries, and added twenty more chests himself. Combined with the eighteen chests left by Shen Mengli’s late mother, her dowry totaled one hundred sixty-eight chests.

This number left Shen Mengqing seething with envy.

On her end, the betrothal gifts paled in comparison. The Zhuo family was a small, impoverished household with little money to spare. They sent just five chests, filled mostly with things that were impressive in appearance but of little real value.

It became a laughingstock, with everyone mocking her for picking up sesame seeds and losing a watermelon—giving up a royal noble like Prince Duan’s heir for a destitute nobody.

Even Shen Tao gave the two daughters different dowries. In their past lives, when Shen Mengqing married Prince Duan’s heir, Shen Tao lavished all the best things on her, leaving only the leftovers for Shen Mengli.

But with the sisters’ marriages swapped this time, the dowries were exchanged as well. As the future wife of a prince, Shen Mengli now received what had belonged to Shen Mengqing in their previous lives.

Madam Liu looked at those unimpressive betrothal gifts, her face dark with displeasure.

“What respectable family sends only five chests of gifts when marrying a daughter-in-law? The Zhuo family has truly disgraced themselves. Compared to what Shen Mengli received, it’s not even a fraction.”

“Mother, please say no more,” Shen Mengqing said. “The Zhuo family really can’t offer much right now, but these hardships are only temporary. When Zhuo Hua rises in rank and becomes a great official, all the struggles I’ve endured will have been worthwhile. Those who laugh at me now will one day envy the good husband I married.”

Madam Liu frowned, wanting to persuade her further, but seeing Shen Mengqing’s resolute expression, the words died on her lips.

Very well, she thought, she would trust her daughter this time. If he truly soared to success in the future, her daughter would indeed have a good life.

Elsewhere, Shen Tao was showing his fatherly affection to Shen Mengli.

“I remember you like collecting paintings. I specially sought this one out for you—see if you like it.”

Shen Mengli accepted the painting. “Thank you, Father. I like it very much.”

“And here is a jade hairpin, your mother’s keepsake. I’ll give it to you as well.”