Rebirth: So what if my husband is a little crazy? He loves me.

Chapter 45: The Trump Card – How to Use It

Shen Li gently patted her hand on the way to comfort her.

With her sharp hearing, how could she not know that there was no snake at all? Naturally, she wouldn't fall down just because the other party exerted too much force. There was simply no need to reveal her abilities at such an insignificant time.

That's not how you use your trump card.

Wanshou Palace was as quiet as ever. There were few palace servants to be seen along the way, and those few were busy with their work. The palace was very peaceful, and the scent of sandalwood could be smelled everywhere.

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager prefers quiet, so there are few people in the palace. Even when she is close to her, she only leaves two people to serve her," said Zhang Mama as she walked.

Shen Li nodded slightly. Even someone as flamboyant as Xia Shiyin didn't dare to make a scene here, only bringing Lianxin with her and speaking in a low voice.

This empress dowager was decisive and ruthless in her early years. Although she was old and had less control over the affairs of the court and the harem, she still maintained her authority.

When Shen Li and Xia Shiyin entered, Lin Wan'er had already arrived. She stood beside the Empress Dowager, her expression different from the numb indifference she showed during their farewell in the previous life. Now, Lin Wan'er's eyes were sharp, and her narrow-sleeved Hu-style clothing exuded a heroic air.

Lin Wan'er was also looking at her; their eyes met in the air for a moment before separating.

"Greetings, Empress Dowager." Shen Li and Xia Shiyin bowed together.

The Empress Dowager, nearing seventy, had a kind and gentle appearance and was in good spirits. Upon seeing the two, she smiled and said, "You've both arrived. Get up. Shen girl, come and see my newly acquired calligraphy."

"Princess Consort Yi is so thoughtful, remembering that I like these things."

"I'm glad you like it, Your Majesty. It's all thanks to the Prince's constant reminders to be filial to you. The Prince also obtained this calligraphy by chance, and upon seeing it, he asked me to bring it to you." Xia Shiyin was quite humble in front of the Empress Dowager.

"It's rare to find someone with such filial piety," the Empress Dowager nodded.

Xia Shiyin was secretly delighted; this time, the gift she sent had finally touched the Empress Dowager's heart.

"These characters are vigorous and powerful, like a dragon soaring in the wind, written in one breath. The true meaning of the brushstrokes seems to burst out of the paper. It is obvious at a glance that they are the work of a master. They are truly rare." Shen Li's eyes were glued to the characters, and her admiration almost overflowed from them.

When the Empress Dowager met a kindred spirit, her smile was even more heartfelt: "The calligraphy you sent me the other day was also very well written, and I liked it very much."

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am still far from proficient. The reason I dare to make a fool of myself is that I hope you can give me more guidance." Shen Li said sincerely, "My father said that you are the most knowledgeable person in the court when it comes to calligraphy. I still have a lot to learn from you."

"You're such a modest child. If your handwriting isn't good, then there are few good handwritings in this era." The Empress Dowager was so pleased that she couldn't stop smiling. "Lin girl, don't you think so?"

“Yes, Sister Shen’s paintings are superb, and her calligraphy is also superb. There are few rivals in this era.” Lin Wan’er also stepped forward to look at the calligraphy with the two of them.

Xia Shiyin also wanted to talk, but she was worried about saying something wrong and revealing her ignorance, so she opened her mouth several times but ultimately didn't say anything.

Shen Li, however, always managed to speak to the Empress Dowager's heart, earning her repeated praise.

"Shen girl has profound insights, which is not what you should have at your age. With such understanding, you will surely become a master of calligraphy and painting in the future."

"It's because I really love this calligraphy that I was so moved and spoke without thinking in front of the Empress Dowager," Shen Li said with shame.

The Empress Dowager took it seriously and immediately said, "Since you like this calligraphy, I will give it to you. If you can learn something from it, it will be a way for me to contribute my efforts to the art of calligraphy."

Xia Shiyin was stunned upon hearing this. What? He gave it to her? The prince had gone to great lengths for this calligraphy, how could it be given to Shen Li in just a few words?

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable. This is what you love, how could I dare to take away what you cherish?" Shen Li immediately refused without the slightest hesitation.

You may like something, but you can't just take it indiscriminately.

"Don't refuse. A fine sword is a hero's gift. I think this painting is most suitable for you." The Empress Dowager then looked at Xia Shiyin, who had been neglected for a long time, and asked, "Princess Consort Yi, you have no objections, do you?"

"No... Your Majesty, I dare not." Xia Shiyin quickly replied, her smile stiff.

"Look, even the person in question has no objections." The Empress Dowager waved her hand: "Wrap it up."

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. I will certainly strive to live up to your expectations." At this point, Shen Li could only express her gratitude.

The Empress Dowager was very satisfied with Shen Li's attitude and also liked Lin Wan'er very much. So at noon, she ordered a meal to be served and invited the three women to have lunch together.

After lunch, the Empress Dowager felt tired, and the three of them bowed and took their leave.

"I've heard that the orchids in Her Majesty's back garden are in full bloom. May I go and see them before I leave?" Lin Wan'er asked as she stepped forward.

"Go ahead, you may come along if you wish, but once you've seen it, return to the palace on your own and do not need to come back."

"Yes."

After leaving the main hall, Lin Wan'er asked Shen Li, "Sister Shen, would you like to come along?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking." Shen Li nodded slightly.

Looking at the long, narrow brocade box in Shaoyao's arms, Xia Shiyin felt a surge of anger with nowhere to vent it. Not wanting to let Shen Li be at ease, she immediately said, "I also want to go. Why didn't Miss Lin ask me?"

"Oh, I overlooked that," Lin Wan'er said nonchalantly, and took the lead in walking towards the back garden.

Because the Empress Dowager was too old to go to the Imperial Garden, the Emperor built a separate garden in the Longevity Palace. Although it was not large, it had pavilions, small bridges and rockeries, and it was a beautiful sight when the flowers were in bloom.

However, the autumn weather brought a sense of desolation. The garden looked as if it had been tended that morning, but now there wasn't a single palace servant to be seen.

"Shen Li, I never knew you could be so shameless. How dare you take such a priceless piece of calligraphy?" Seeing that the place was empty and deserted, Xia Shiyin no longer cared about anything else and spoke without leaving any room for argument.

"Do you know where this character came from?" Shen Li asked back.

"What?" Xia Shiyin didn't know where she got this question from.

“I heard about this calligraphy in my early years, and I have been sending people to search for it over the years. Until recently, I heard that this calligraphy was in the residence of Chen Wenjin, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.”

Shen Li walked onto the small bridge and began to speak in detail, with Lin Wan'er leading the way.

Xia Shiyin's expression changed. Chen Wenjin was being tried at the Dali Temple, and his embezzlement had been confirmed. At this time, she couldn't let anyone associate the prince with him.

"Shen Li, don't spout nonsense." She ran up and blocked Shen Li's way, warning her, "I can give up the words, but you'd better keep this to yourself."

Peony's eyes widened in shock; how dare this thing threaten her young lady?

"First, this word is mine. Second, what bargaining chip do you have to shut me up?" Shen Li raised an eyebrow at her slightly, clearly intending to provoke her.

Xia Shiyin was already full of anger, and now she was even more shocked and furious. Looking at the lake under the bridge, an idea popped into her mind.

With no one around and Lin Wan'er, the only one, never meddling in other people's business, this is a good opportunity.

"Then go die." She said, and pushed Shen Li hard.

A disdainful smile appeared on Shen Li's lips as she grabbed her wrist with one hand and flung it off the bridge.