Chapter 3 Spoiled Beyond Measure

Early the next morning.

At 1:30 AM, the sound of the night watch's clappers echoed from the street. The sky had not fully brightened, while inside and outside the Shen Residence, lights were ablaze, making it bright as day.

Today was Shen Wei's burial; the adoption ceremony could not be too extravagant, but necessary rituals must not be lacking.

In the ancestral hall dedicated to the Shen Family ancestors, there were the memorial tablets of Shen Hua's biological mother, Ms. Shen Chun, and her deceased elder brother, Shen Zhi.

Following the customs of Fengzhou, with the Shen Clan Leader as a witness, Shen Qu kowtowed to the ancestors and offered incense to Ms. Shen Chun and Shen Zhi. After doing all this, he served tea to Mrs. Xue and established some agreements.

Shen He Wen stood to the side, hiding his overwhelming joy, pretending to be sorrowful and melancholic, repeatedly instructing Shen Qu.

"Now that you are the heir of the main family, you must be filial to your mama. The rise and fall of the responsibility is on you alone; you must not neglect and let down the clan elders' intentions. You must also allow your daddy to be laid to rest in peace."

Shen Qu bowed and respectfully said, "Yes, Second Uncle."

Shen Hua heard this address and smirked coldly.

But just then, the clan elder led Shen Qu to her front. His tone remained as amiable as ever.

"Yangyang, Ah Qu was originally your elder brother, and now he is adopted under your mama's name, does your heart feel joyful?"

Shen Hua coldly said, "I detest it extremely."

Clan Elder Shen: ?

Shen Hua indifferently said, "Given my current state, seeing him every day, I fear I won't live long. It's said the clan elders care for me, but this time, I haven't seen a hint of it."

The clan elder didn't expect Shen Hua to be so resistant.

Also, Shen Hua was in poor health, constantly on medication, already indulged by Shen Wei, treating her abusively.

The daughter's calm and steady voice made everyone present look displeased.

"The several sons of the second uncle's family are difficult to see even during festivals; I assume they're all talented enough to become top scorers or even Wenquxing. Such figures, I truly wonder why they are now stooping to rush to be my brother."

"Indeed, the main family has nothing much but lots of silver. The second family lacks nothing but silver."

"Some people might appear noble and upright in the past, but inside they've long been rotten through."

The clan elder's face sank, scolding, "Shut up! What are you talking about?"

Shen Hua paused, feigning ignorance, looking at him.

"I didn't say it was you. Why are you in such a hurry, clan elder?"

Currently, she was at others' mercy, without strong backing, alone and couldn't do anything about these demons and monsters, but not knowing what tomorrow holds, she might as well seek a quick end now.

After all, she was indeed spoiled.

She certainly had a knack for disgusting people.

The clan elder was furious to death: ???

Mrs. Xue raised her hand, adjusting the white silk flower in her hair.

"Clan elder, you don't know, Yangyang's temper has been growing; she even talked back to me, her mama, yesterday. I really can't manage her anymore."

Shen He Wen stood to the side, smiling silently, with suppressed coldness in his eyes.

Yet, Shen Qu hurriedly stepped forward to mediate. His voice was gentle and right.

"Daddy just left; Yangyang is naturally feeling upset in her heart, which is why she's been sharp. In the future, the responsibility for her guidance falls on me. Please, clan elder and mama, rest assured."

As he spoke, he looked warmly at Shen Hua.

"This is a meeting gift from me as the legitimate elder brother. If it's not to your liking due to the urgency, I'll prepare something better for Yangyang next time."

Shen Hua stood aloof, expressionlessly watching this group of beasts in human attire. She really wanted to rip off Shen Qu's mask to see what was inside.

Everyone was watching Shen Hua closely, fearing she might do something extreme.

Shen Hua knew what was inside the box.

It was an Eastern pearl as large as a fist.

Pearls of this size had extremely low output, with reportedly fewer than ten of top quality produced annually.

Shen Qu indeed spared no expense.

The dark light in her eyes flickered; she smiled meaningfully, accepted it, and said nothing more.

It was truly unusual, but everyone present breathed a sigh of relief. The proceeding acknowledgment went smoothly afterward.

The sky was gradually getting brighter.

Friends and family who came for the funeral were arriving one after another.

Shen Qu was in the limelight, busy with the funeral arrangements and hosting visitors, earning everyone's praises for his filial piety.

In contrast, Shen Hua, who was panting every few steps she took, had everyone shaking their heads.

The mourning music played together, heartrending and mournful.

Mrs. Xue cried continuously in front of everyone. She threw herself onto the coffin, her insincere lament only to gain a good reputation: "Master, how shall I live now that you are gone?"

Shen Hua's eyes were red. She held back the urge to cry but could not endure Mrs. Xue's hypocrisy. Her voice, stripped of sobs, carried a cold hardness.

"The stepmother is so deeply affectionate that if she truly can't bear the separation, she might as well accompany daddy. As her daughter, I would surely ask the government to establish a memorial archway for her chastity."

Mrs. Xue choked, almost losing her breath.

But just at that moment, the He Family's people arrived.

He Chu wore plain clothes; his appearance could barely be called delicate. Not long ago, he became a Scholar; although not at the top, for his age, he was considered promising. By his side, Mrs. He kept her words and smiles reserved, with a hint of sharpness in her brow bones.

After all, as the mother of a Scholar, wherever she went, she was flattered, considering herself noble. She had long been dissatisfied with this marriage, let alone now.

Seeing Shen Hua's eloquent manner, she felt even more displeased.

"Aunt He."

Shen Qu quickly stepped forward and respectfully performed the junior's salute, not forgetting to call Shen Hua over.

"Yangyang, come over and pay your respects."

Evidently, he was quite adjusted to this new status.

Shen Hua chuckled.

Though Shen Qu was ignored, he showed no trace of embarrassment, only apologizing, "My little sister was rude, I hope Aunt He doesn't mind."

Mrs. He glanced around, realizing even if she offended the main family thoroughly, she could maintain good relations with the second branch: "Since the Shen family elders are present, it's good to have a witness. I've come specifically to annul the engagement."

A single sentence caused a thousand ripples.

The crowd hadn't even digested the words when Mrs. He walked a few steps closer to Shen Hua, with a distinct air of superiority.

"Miss Shen, don't blame the He Family for being tactless. Forgive me for being blunt; my son's future is limitless, and those of his age have all married; we can't wait for you to finish your three-year mourning period."

She glanced at Shen Hua.

"You're such a sickly person, unable to bear children, naturally the He Family can't be dragged down by you."

Her son, Chu, was currently highly sought after, with many eager to marry into the He family, anyone of whom was better than Shen Hua.

But given Shen Hua's cunning nature, she probably wouldn't be willing to let go of such a good match.

Mrs. He feared she wouldn't agree, causing a huge commotion and leaving the He Family disgraced.

But in the next moment!

Shen Hua cried!

The girl wept pitifully.

She was already frail, and now seemed as if she couldn't bear the blow, her body swayed as if about to collapse.

Would someone like Shen Hua cry?

Mrs. He felt an inexplicable chill down her back. Sensing a scheme.

Then she heard Shen Hua feign grievance and say.

"I understand."

"Who in Fengzhou City doesn't know you're notoriously mercenary, Madam?"

Mrs. He: ??? Huh?