Chapter 7

Madam Shen spoke coldly: "Miss Lin, what do you mean by that? Although Qingnian is the late Madam's child, as the matriarch of the Shen family, I must treat her equally."

The master and the late madam were a young couple with a deep affection for each other, so naturally they treated Qingnian exceptionally well. Miss Lin, please refrain from making unfounded speculations!

Shen Zheng had a deceased wife who accompanied him to the position of prime minister, but she passed away not long after. Later, Shen Zheng married his current wife, Madam Shen.

Shen Qingnian was fostered under Madam Shen's name under the guise of being the daughter of his deceased wife. This was not something that was concealed, but it was the first time it had been pointed out so openly.

The noble ladies and gentlemen raised by the powerful and wealthy in the capital are all cunning, and even Lin Yue'er, who was sent to the mountains to recuperate for three years, understood this.

She is speaking frankly now because she has been in the limelight recently, which has made her too popular. She is the center of attention wherever she goes, but today is not like before. How can she compromise?

In other words, she was getting anxious.

When Lin Yue'er saw Madam Shen's face turn cold, she was startled and realized that she had gone a bit too far.

Looking at Shen Qingnian again, her face was slightly pale and her eyes were filled with tears, but she still maintained the dignity of a noble lady.

She said softly, "Although my mother has passed away, she treated me very well. After my mother left, my father and wife never mistreated me and treated me as their own daughter."

Please, Miss Lin, don't say such things. If my father were to hear them, he would surely be heartbroken.

"Lord Shen loves his daughter dearly, and everyone in the capital has seen it. Miss Shen need not worry," Song Xuan couldn't help but comfort her, a pang of pity rising in his heart as well.

Even though she was already heartbroken, she was still thinking about others, which shows that she had a kind heart.

Beside her, Lin Yue'er gave a forced, awkward smile. She glanced at Song Xuan's profile and said stiffly and perfunctorily, "I was wrong just now. I hope Miss Chen will forgive me."

If Song Xuan hadn't been alive, she would never have apologized.

Anyone could tell that Lin Yue'er's words were very perfunctory.

Shen Qingnian, however, seemed not to have noticed and gave a relieved smile. She said softly, "I overreacted. What Miss Lin said is true. It's just that her words reminded me of my birth mother, and I couldn't control myself for a moment. It has nothing to do with Miss Lin."

After saying that, she raised her hand and pressed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief, her posture elegant, like jasmine after the rain.

Seeing that Shen Qingnian was willing to give her a way out, Lin Yue'er's stiff smile turned into a hint of smugness.

What about the Prime Minister's daughter? So what if she's beautiful? She still has to give herself an out.

Lin Yue'er's smug smile was clearly seen by Song Xuan. Song Xuan's gentle eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

Shen Qingnian and Madam Shen naturally saw it, and after exchanging a glance, their smiles became even more sincere.

The surrounding guests had already focused their attention on Song Xuan, and since they hadn't tried to keep their conversation quiet, they had overheard it.

These people were both amazed by Shen Qingnian's character and Lord Shen's deep affection for her, and also saddened by Lin Yue'er's arrogance.

Lin Yue'er, relying on the Crown Prince's favor, has become increasingly arrogant, daring to say anything. Compared to Shen Qingnian, they are worlds apart.

However, some people envy Lin Yue'er's good fortune. She is clearly inferior to Shen Qingnian in every way, but she can surpass Shen Qingnian simply by relying on her previous relationship with the Crown Prince.

It's quite a sad story.

At this moment, a maid came over and whispered a few words in Madam Shen's ear.

Madam Shen looked at Song Xuan: "Your Highness, the poetry gathering is about to begin. Please move to the table."

There was an open space in front, furnished with tables, chairs, and benches, and decorated with many paintings and calligraphy works for guests to appreciate and discuss.

Song Xuan nodded slightly, and the group headed towards the open space together.

As the Crown Prince, he walked at the very front, while Madam Shen and Shen Qingnian walked to his right, slightly behind him. Lin Yue'er walked to his left, wanting to be closer to him.

After walking a few steps, Song Xuan slowed his pace slightly. He turned his head slightly to look at Shen Qingnian, and a faint jasmine fragrance wafted into his nose.

He noticed that the girl was not wearing any earrings today, and her small white jade ears looked like they were exquisitely carved.

Aside from Lin Yue'er on the left, the two were now standing shoulder to shoulder.

Song Xuan's gentle voice rang out: "Miss Shen, do you like jasmine?"

This fragrance reminded him of the scent in the dilapidated temple that day—people who were clearly unrelated, yet inexplicably connected...

"Yes, I like it. Jasmine is delicate and elegant, and it makes me feel happy," Shen Qingnian replied softly, her tone relaxed and tinged with joy.

Song Xuan turned his head and fixed his gaze on the girl's jade-like ears: "You are not wearing earrings today."

Shen Qingnian's body stiffened visibly, and then she said somewhat awkwardly, "This humble woman doesn't really like earrings."

After she finished speaking, she touched her ear somewhat awkwardly, and then quickly walked forward.

Her slender back seemed to convey a hint of panic, as if she was trying to hide something. Madam Shen hurriedly followed, looking very worried, like a loving mother.

Song Xuan's eyes were deep and thoughtful, his gentle gaze revealing a profound contemplation.

“Brother Crown Prince, let’s go take a look at that painting,” Lin Yue’er couldn’t help but say.

Their seemingly casual conversation made her wary. Her brother, the Crown Prince, had never paid attention to her attire, let alone inquired about her preferences.

Upon hearing Lin Yue'er's words, Song Xuan's eyes remained gentle, and he simply said, "I need to go and take a look ahead."

Having said that, he strode away, leaving Lin Yue'er alone.

Watching Song Xuan's departing figure, Lin Yue'er's eyes flashed with grievance and resentment.

Half an incense stick later, the poetry gathering officially began.

Shen Qingnian remained calm, a smile on her face, sitting beside Madam Shen, occasionally whispering a few words to her.

The other guests sat below the two, while Song Xuan sat in the main seat, very close to Shen Qingnian's table, and Lin Yue'er sat on the stool next to Song Xuan.

Lin Yue'er's eyes would occasionally glance at Song Xuan, as if she was watching him closely. Although Song Xuan's expression remained gentle, he kept his eyes fixed straight ahead, only looking down at the tea on the table.

This tea is also jasmine tea; she seems to have a particular fondness for jasmine.

Was the woman in the dilapidated temple that day also like that?

A gentleman is humble and refined, and of noble status, which naturally attracts the attention of many.

At that moment, a young man sitting behind the guests asked curiously, "Miss Chen seems to have a special fondness for Jasmine?"

This young man had regular features and a slender figure. His eyes, as he looked at Shen Qingnian, flashed with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

He is Ye Lingzhou, the heir of the Marquis's mansion. Apart from the princes of the imperial family, he is the only young heir of the Marquis's mansion in the capital.

Shen Qingnian is beautiful, and naturally many people admire her, including Ye Lingzhou.

Shen Qingnian, seated at the table, replied with a smile: