The pregnant woman pressed down on the wife, and the cousin collapsed into the prince's arms.

Shen Yunshuang's gaze swept over the potted orchid, then a faint smile appeared on her face: "Aunt, what's wrong?"

Wang snorted coldly, her face clearly showing displeasure: "I don't know why, but these orchids are already withering in just a few days. It's so disheartening."

Shen Yunshuang then stepped forward to examine the orchid, and sure enough, the petals had some scorched edges.

When she was with Lingdang, she had studied the cultivation of herbs and flowers. She could tell at a glance that this orchid was caused by root rot.

She had a good idea of ​​what was going on. Her gaze swept over the porcelain pot containing the orchids, and she let out a soft "Ah!"

"Aunt, this flowerpot..." She hesitated, seemingly unsure whether she should speak.

Seeing this, Wang became suspicious: "What's wrong with the flowerpot?"

Shen Yunshuang stepped forward and whispered, "Although this flowerpot is luxurious, it is not breathable. Orchids like moisture but are afraid of waterlogging. Only a plain earthenware pot is suitable for them."

She paused, frowned slightly, and continued, "My cousin-in-law put it in this porcelain basin; it's really... a waste."

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang's expression turned quite unpleasant. The flowers were sent by Su Wanrou, and at the time she was somewhat pleased, thinking that her daughter-in-law had genuinely repented and had found such precious flower seeds to make her happy.

But to my surprise, it wasn't out of care at all; it was clearly a lack of concern! Otherwise, why would they use such a flowerpot?! How can a flower that bloomed beautifully for only a few days and then withered be considered a good omen?

Seeing that Madam Wang was unhappy, Shen Yunshuang secretly curled her lips, but then said, "Aunt, my cousin-in-law must not know the skills of growing flowers, that's why she was so negligent. She must not have done it on purpose."

"I thought she was genuinely repentant, but I didn't expect her to be so perfunctory towards me, her mother-in-law. It seems she's really had enough of her comfortable life."

Wang was so angry her chest ached. Looking at the orchid, she felt no longer the same fondness she used to have, and she didn't want the gardener to see it either: "Take it away quickly! Let it fend for itself!"

Shen Yunshuang's eyes flashed, and she felt a little regretful. She stepped forward and said, "Aunt, why don't you give this pot of flowers to Shuang'er? If Shuang'er can take good care of the flowers, she can give them to Aunt."

"You like orchids? Your aunt will find you two more."

Shen Yunshuang blushed slightly and lowered her head, saying, "I just feel it's a bit of a pity."

Wang thought to herself with admiration that her niece was the true lover of flowers, while Su Wanrou was merely a pretentious admirer!

Since her niece had said so, Wang naturally wouldn't refuse.

When Shen Yunshuang left Fuxi Hall, she took this pot of orchids with her.

There are no secrets in the Marquis's mansion, and since Shen Yunshuang did not try to cover it up, the matter quickly reached Su Wanrou's ears.

"What? My mother-in-law gave that pot of flowers to Shen Yunshuang?" Upon learning this, Su Wanrou angrily threw the ivory comb onto the dressing table.

That orchid was extremely valuable, and finding it was difficult, so she put in a lot of effort.

Her mother-in-law actually gave it to Shen Yunshuang; how little she valued her feelings!

Madam Zhou gave the little maid who brought the news a wink, and after she left, she stepped forward to comfort Su Wanrou: "Madam, you don't need to worry about it, and you mustn't show any dissatisfaction. It's just a pot of flowers, why take it to heart?"

Su Wanrou gritted her teeth. How could she not care? Was this about the flowers? It was about her mother-in-law disapproving of her intentions!

Furthermore, she was vaguely wary of her mother-in-law's excessive fondness for Shen Yunshuang, fearing that Pei Jingnian might extend that fondness to her because of it.

"When I gave it to my mother-in-law, she clearly loved it." Su Wanrou recalled with some resentment, then suddenly remembered the look in Shen Yunshuang's eyes when she first saw the orchid, and it all became clear: "Aunt Zhou, could it be that Shen Yunshuang asked my mother-in-law for it herself?!"

The more she thought about it, the more she realized it made sense. She thought to herself, "She really comes from a humble family; she's no good! She even cares about such a small thing."

Thinking this way, his dislike for Shen Yunshuang intensified.

Zhou's mother was unaware of the true situation, but in her opinion, she did not want Su Wanrou and her wife to have any disagreements. Therefore, if Su Wanrou was willing to direct all her dissatisfaction at Shen Yunshuang instead of resenting her wife, that would be a scene she would be happy to see.

So she didn't refute, but instead echoed, "If Miss Biao asks for it, Madam would naturally be too embarrassed to refuse. Madam has such good taste; the orchids she chose are truly enviable."

Su Wanrou snorted coldly, her contempt for Shen Yunshuang growing stronger.

At this moment, Zhou Mama picked up the ivory comb and slowly combed Su Wanrou's hair, saying gently, "Madam, don't think about this. Tonight, the young master will be having dinner at Jinlan Courtyard. That's what you should be concerned about."

Upon hearing this, Su Wanrou's cheeks flushed red. Yes, Pei Jingnian hadn't come to her room in a long time, and she was determined to seize the opportunity today.

Still worried, Madam Zhou added, "Madam, you absolutely mustn't mention this in front of the young master. No man in this world likes his wife talking about his mother, you know that?"

Su Wanrou pouted. She had never thought of going against her mother-in-law. In the three years since she entered the household, when had she not been respectful to her mother-in-law?

"Oh, I know, I was just venting in our own yard, why would I say that to Master? I'm not stupid."

Hearing Su Wanrou say this, Zhou's mother was finally relieved.

_

As evening fell and the sun set, the colors of the sunset grew increasingly intense.

In the main room of Jinlan Courtyard, Su Wanrou, dressed in a crimson brocade dress, was instructing her maids to set out the meal. The pearl hairpins on her cloud-like hair swayed gently with her movements.

On the round rosewood table, a variety of delicacies were laid out: crystal beef as thin as cicada wings, golden squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, rouge goose breast, Longjing shrimp, and crab roe tofu, all steaming hot and fragrant.

Almost as soon as the meal was laid out, Zhou Mama came in happily: "Madam, the young master has returned."

Pei Jingnian is very strict and self-disciplined. If he is not tied up with official business, he usually goes home on time after his shift and never lingers in places like taverns and entertainment venues. That is why Su Wanrou's timing is so precise.

However, even though it was expected, she was still very happy at the moment, and even a little apprehensive.

As the sound of footsteps grew closer, Su Wanrou's heart pounded faster and faster.

Upon seeing that tall and refined figure, a gentle smile spread across her face as she went to greet him: "Young Master."

Having not visited Jinlan Courtyard for a long time, Pei Jingnian even felt somewhat unfamiliar with it, including with Su Wanrou.

Su Wanrou would never have smiled at him like that before.

He sighed inwardly. Marital discord is detrimental to the prosperity of the household, which is why he came to Jinlan Courtyard today. However, some cracks have appeared and are difficult to repair.

So he was still a little awkward. Fortunately, Su Wanrou was enthusiastic enough to lead Pei Jingnian to the dinner table.

Pei Jingnian looked at the dishes on the table and was somewhat satisfied. After all, he was tired after a long day, so he didn't say much and started eating.

Su Wanrou added a bowl of soup to Pei Jingnian's bowl and placed it in front of him. As she did so, she revealed the jade bracelet on her wrist: "This is bamboo fungus and chicken soup, with Jinhua ham added as well. Please try it, Your Highness."

Looking at Pei Jingnian's handsome features, Su Wanrou felt a mix of sadness and tenderness in her heart. How long had it been since she had been able to see the young master so closely?