Chapter 571 Liu Nanshi's old problem has relapsed.

Shen Wantang looked at her with a puzzled expression: "Since they all like you, why are you taking your anger out on me? Anyone who didn't know better would think they all like me and that you're jealous of me!"

Liu Nanshi was so angry she almost couldn't suppress her voice: "Me, jealous of you? You're the one who's jealous of me!"

Shen Wantang sighed and shook her head: "The daughter of a high-ranking official, how can you be so petty? Are you an imposter? With such a narrow mind, you'll be a disgrace to the Grand Secretary, let alone the Grand Secretary's daughter."

Liu Nanshi was so angry she almost ground her teeth to powder. She was famous throughout the capital, and everyone treated her with respect and courtesy. They would even rush to flatter and fawn over her. But Shen Wantang was an anomaly. Whether in her previous life or this one, she never took her seriously when they met!

She sneered, "Shen Wantang, I didn't expect that you, a concubine's daughter from a fifth-rank official family, would be so arrogant when you go out. What do you rely on? Do you think that the Princess Consort of Ning and the Duchess of the State can be your backers? Or do you think that your lowly father can protect you?"

Shen Wantang stood on the stairs, looking down at her: "Why is Miss Liu so concerned about me, the illegitimate daughter of a fifth-rank steward? I've never seen you before, and I don't know you at all. I have no grudge against you, yet you provoke me the moment we meet. It's truly incomprehensible. If you're mentally ill, go see a doctor instead of coming out here acting crazy."

Liu Nanshi's face flushed red, then turned pale, then flushed again, before she suddenly smiled and put on a magnanimous expression: "Miss Shen, why did you suddenly start cursing? Is this how the Shen family raises their daughters? I was thinking of making friends with you because of your extraordinary temperament, but I didn't expect you to start cursing me like this. Forget it, you've disappointed me too much."

Shen Wantang initially found it strange that Liu Nanshi had suddenly changed her expression, but when she looked up and saw Xiao Qingyuan standing at the door, she finally understood.

It turns out that Liu Nanshi was putting on a show for Xiao Qingyuan.

She frowned as she looked at Liu Nanshi. This person was really strange. She clearly didn't like Xiao Qingyuan, but she liked to act like a good person in front of Xiao Qingyuan to arouse his interest in her.

If she hadn't seduced Xiao Qingyuan in her past life, he wouldn't have gotten close to her, let alone had an affair with her in the palace, and she wouldn't have been ruined.

Even after being given a second chance at life, Liu Nanshi's old habits still haven't changed?!

The old saying is indeed true; it's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature!

As Shen Wantang was thinking, Xiao Qingyuan walked over.

As soon as he arrived, he coldly reprimanded, "Shen Wantang, why did you curse Nan Shi? She has no grudge against you and wants to be your friend. If you don't want to, fine, but why curse her? Have you forgotten all your manners and etiquette? Apologize to Nan Shi right now!"

Just as Shen Wantang was about to scold him, Liu Nanshi spoke up first: "Young Master, don't be angry with Miss Shen because of me. I think she just likes you too much. She thinks I have a good relationship with you, so she deliberately targeted me. You should explain to her that we are not close and have no relationship at all. I will never ruin your marriage."

Shen Wantang's eyebrows shot up: "Liu Nanshi, what nonsense are you spouting? I'm not familiar with Prince Xiao at all. Who likes him? If you like him, just say so. Accusing me of liking him makes you look despicable!"

Liu Nanshi glanced at her: "Is Miss Shen shy? Didn't you say you liked him before Prince Xiao came? Why are you afraid to admit it now that he's here? Prince, I'm not lying to you. Please believe me. I swear, Miss Shen really did say she liked you just now!"

Xiao Qingyuan nodded: "Nan Shi, you don't need to swear. I believe whatever you say. Besides, I've known for a long time that Shen Wantang likes me. She loved me to the bone in her past life and refused to divorce me no matter what. It's not surprising that she has fallen in love with me again in this life."

Shen Wantang was speechless. She could only blame herself for acting too convincingly in her past life. Xiao Qingyuan actually believed that she was hopelessly in love with him!

These two are so perfectly matched, even in their illnesses!

Since Liu Nanshi was spreading rumors about her, she wouldn't hold back. Spreading rumors is something everyone knows how to do.

"Young Master Xiao, you misunderstand. I have never liked you. There are many people here today, so let's make this clear to avoid any rumors in the future."

Shen Wantang's expression was indifferent. She didn't even look at Xiao Qingyuan, but stared at Liu Nanshi and said sarcastically, "It seems that this Miss Liu from the Grand Secretary's Mansion is very fond of the young master. However, she has a secret she can't tell, so she doesn't dare to get too close to the young master, lest he discover her abnormality."

Xiao Qingyuan frowned: "An unspeakable secret? Shen Wantang, what nonsense are you spouting? How could Nan Shi possibly have any unspeakable secret!"

Liu Nanshi was also furious. This Shen Wantang was really good at spreading rumors. She couldn't even imagine how much of an impact the rumors about her having an unspeakable secret would have on her if they spread. It would cause her hard-earned image as a talented woman to collapse in an instant!

"Shen Wantang, stop spreading rumors about me! I'm perfectly healthy, and I have absolutely no secret problems!"

Hearing Liu Nanshi's furious voice, Shen Wantang couldn't help but sneer. "So you feel the pain now that the knife's been stabbed into you? Weren't you quite pleased when you were spreading rumors about her?"

Shen Wantang ignored Liu Nanshi and turned to Xiao Qingyuan, saying with a surprised look, "Your Highness seems to know Miss Liu very well. How do you know if she has any unspeakable difficulties? What, have you had very intimate contact with her?"

Xiao Qingyuan dared not admit in public that he had had intimate relations with Liu Nanshi in his past life. He coldly reprimanded Shen Wantang: "Shut up! Nanshi and I are completely innocent. Don't insult Nanshi. If you dare to talk nonsense again, I'll break your legs!"

Shen Wantang looked frightened: "Yes, yes, I was wrong. I won't say anything more about Miss Liu's unspeakable troubles. With the young master protecting Miss Liu like this, I suppose your wedding is just around the corner? Congratulations!"

Xiao Qingyuan was momentarily at a loss as to whether to scold Shen Wantang or nod in agreement. He was indeed going to marry Liu Nanshi, and her congratulations were certainly not wrong.

Seeing that Xiao Qingyuan did not refute and directly acquiesced to Shen Wantang's words, Liu Nanshi was so angry that she trembled slightly.

But there are some things she can't say herself.

She immediately tugged at her personal maid's sleeve and whispered a few words.

Her nanny immediately shouted, "What nonsense is Miss Shen spouting? What are you trying to do by pairing our eldest young lady with Prince Xiao?! Everyone in the capital knows that our Grand Secretary's Mansion is about to form a marriage alliance with the Duke's Mansion! I think you're just trying to curry favor with the Duke's Mansion and deliberately ruining our eldest young lady's reputation!"