Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 101

Shen Tangning couldn’t help but shudder at the thought — in her past life, she never realized just how reckless Chi Jingyu was.

Born into a noble family, he never once lacked silver coins in hand, and yet he didn’t understand the dangers behind these so-called “pawn loans.”

If no one had whispered in his ear, he probably wouldn’t have thought to borrow money through this shady channel.

She suspected someone might be secretly stirring the pot, but for now, she couldn’t pinpoint who.

It wasn’t likely to be Shen Xiwei — she was still dreaming of becoming the Young Master’s wife; the Chi family’s debts would bring her no benefit.

A flicker of emotion passed through Shen Tangning’s eyes. She hadn’t expected the Chi family to hide such dangerous schemes — sending Chi Jingyu to borrow from pawn lenders was a clear trap set to entangle him.

But the enemy of my enemy is my friend. She wasn’t kind enough to warn Chi Jingyu; instead, she told Yuan Zhao quietly, “Keep a close eye on him. Find out who he’s been meeting with lately.”

Yuan Zhao nodded.

She squinted slightly — this man had layers of secrets and schemes, and she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.

Thankfully, the family split early, or else the Second Branch would have been swallowed by this mess.

Shen Tangning quickly pushed the matter aside. Hui Niang was cautious and guarded. Though she occasionally came to visit, she never pried into Shen Tangning’s secrets.

Gradually, Hui Niang seemed less suspicious of her presence.

One day, Shen Tangning sat in Hui Niang’s room as usual. “Your health is fragile; you must be careful in your care going forward.”

After drinking the medicinal broth, Hui Niang’s heart stirred. “Thank you for your concern.”

She knew her body all too well — already broken and frail, and those days in the Princess Mansion had only worsened her condition.

Recently, the doctors had been attentive, and the costly medicines were sent without charge — Hui Niang could never forget such kindness.

As Shen Tangning rose to leave, Hui Niang suddenly called out, “Miss Shen.”

Her lips curled faintly, and turning back, Shen Tangning’s gaze suddenly fixed. “You said before you could help me — do you still mean it?”

Hui Niang thought long and hard but couldn’t figure out why Shen Tangning would want anything from her.

After all, to outsiders, she was just a lowly servant, disfigured, with no special skills. No one knew her true background or the fate she carried.

Shen Tangning looked surprised for a moment, then nodded brightly. “Of course.”

Hui Niang pursed her lips, mustering courage. “What price must I pay?”

There’s no free lunch in this world; no one helps without expecting something in return.

Shen Tangning visited every day, chatting casually, never asking about her origins or hardships — which only made Hui Niang’s caution useless.

Unable to read her intentions, Hui Niang chose to strike first.

Shen Tangning’s expression shifted meaningfully. “No need. I’ve already taken what I deserve from you.”

Hui Niang was confused, her heart tightening. Everyone said Miss Shen was clever, graceful, and kind, but her actions seemed layered, not as pure as they appeared.

Yet, she had indeed saved her, showing no hint of malice.

Hui Niang bit her lip. “I want to see the Princess.”

Having spoken, she braced herself for questions, nervously watching Shen Tangning’s reaction.

To her surprise, Shen Tangning looked thoughtful, then hesitant. “The Princess isn’t easy to see.”

The light in Hui Niang’s eyes immediately dimmed. She pressed her lips, about to speak, but Shen Tangning’s tone shifted, “But I might be able to try.”

Grateful and in disbelief, Hui Niang quickly stood to bow.

Shen Tangning steadied her gently. “What are you doing? Such a grand gesture isn’t necessary.”

Hui Niang choked on her words, tears welling up. “It’s the least I can do! Your great kindness, I will never forget.”

Shen Tangning dabbed her tears with a handkerchief, her eyes flickering softly.

She wasn’t trying to make things hard for Hui Niang — if the matter seemed easy, how could Hui Niang be so grateful?

She wasn’t some saint who did favors without expecting returns. On the contrary, she wanted Hui Niang to truly value this life-saving debt.

…

After several twists and turns, Shen Tangning finally managed to contact the Princess.

Hui Niang was beyond excited when she heard the news. That day, she unusually asked Shen Tangning for a bronze mirror to carefully apply makeup.

Previously, Shen Tangning had deliberately put away all the mirrors in the room — not out of malice, but simply because it was convenient.

Everyone loves beauty, and appearance means everything to a woman — she understood that deeply. Not letting Hui Niang look in the mirror was to spare her pain.

Looking at her reflection, Hui Niang was stunned.

She had burned this face herself; without doing so, she wouldn’t have survived.

She only remembered the pain at that moment — for a long time, she avoided mirrors altogether. But today was different. Today, she was going to meet His Highness.

Shen Tangning watched silently. Hui Niang’s hands were skilful; at first, her makeup was clumsy, but soon she became practiced.

The woman in the mirror grew radiant and fresh — ignoring the disfigured half, she was still a beautiful girl.

“All done.” After finishing, Hui Niang glanced at Shen Tangning, who had been waiting quietly, then stood up awkwardly.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

She lowered her head uncomfortably, unconsciously shielding the scarred side of her face. No matter how she dressed, it made little difference.

But she instinctively felt this was a solemn moment.

Shen Tangning’s bright eyes curved gently. “You look beautiful. No need to hide.”

She thought quietly — Your Highness will surely recognize you.

Hui Niang’s eyes misted unexpectedly.

…

“She wants to see me?”

Yan Mingyi casually tossed aside the sutras she’d been copying, looking bored. “How convenient. I heard she’s been quietly handling some big matters lately — I’ve wanted to meet her myself.”

Yin Fang softly added, “Miss Shen said she wanted to bring someone to see Your Highness.”

Yan Mingyi raised an intrigued brow. “Bring someone? Could it be my nephew?”

She shook her head.

The Crown Prince was still recovering and wouldn’t want to risk stirring trouble now.

“It’s strange. My nephew’s always been thick-headed, but now he’s suddenly playing tricks on his superiors. If no one’s guiding him, I don’t believe it.” Yan Mingyi smiled slyly, her eyes narrowing playfully.

Outside, a young monk came with a message. “Your Highness, your guest has arrived.”

Yan Mingyi lifted her eyes. Yin Fang understood and stepped out to greet them.

Shen Tangning entered briskly, and Yan Mingyi immediately noticed the veiled woman following behind her.

With a careless tease, she said, “Shen Tangning, you’re getting bold — acting so mysterious before me.”

Before she finished, the woman hurriedly lifted her veil, knelt with a thud, and exclaimed, “Your Highness!”

Yan Mingyi froze, staring at the woman’s face.

Moments later, she stood abruptly, losing her composure!