Chapter 147 Secretly Meeting with Another Man Behind My Back

A piece of paper floated down lightly.

Shen Qingnian picked it up and looked at it, her eyes reddening slightly.

Xiao Huaiyi was waiting for her by Taihu Lake!

She picked up the note, looked at it again and again, and hesitated.

It's no longer convenient for the two of them to meet. All the expectations they once held in their hearts have vanished like smoke.

She thought of Xiao Huaiyi's injury and Xie Yanzhi's scheming.

His gaze hardened.

"Liu Momo, let's go to Taihu Lake!"

Upon hearing Shen Qingnian's instructions, Liu Momo replied, "Aunt Qing, it's time to return to the manor after buying the gold thread."

This young lady is now the eldest son's concubine, and with such striking beauty, she is really not suited to appear in public.

Shen Qingnian clenched the note in her hand, her tone stern: "Go ahead, I'll talk to the old lady and the young master!"

"This...?" Liu Momo was still a little hesitant.

"Doesn't Liu Momo believe I have this ability?"

"Neither the old lady nor the young master have confined me to my quarters!"

Shen Qingnian's voice came from behind the curtain again, clearly tinged with impatience.

"Yes." Liu Momo knew that Shen Qingnian was unhappy, so she could only indulge her temper for the time being.

If the eldest young master and the old lady are really angry about this, they will take it out on Shen Qingnian, and it has nothing to do with her.

"To Taihu Lake!" After saying this to the coachman, the man remained silent for the rest of the journey.

After a while, their carriage arrived at the shore of Taihu Lake.

Shen Qingnian lifted the curtain and took a look.

This is where she and Xiao Huaiyi first met.

Xiao Huaiyi hasn't arrived yet; perhaps his injuries are too severe for him to come.

Shen Qingnian got up and got out of the car.

Seeing that the sun was getting hot, Hongyu suggested that Shen Qingnian rest in the pavilion nearby for a while.

Seeing Shen Qingnian looking at Taihu Lake, Liu Momo wondered what was so interesting about it.

Instead of wasting time and energy, it would be better to spend some time thinking about how to maintain the eldest son's favor.

She pouted, looking somewhat impatient.

Only then did another carriage stop to the side, next to Shen Qingnian's carriage.

Ping An lifted the curtain, and Xiao Huaiyi, enduring the injury on his shoulder, stepped down from the carriage.

He had a smile on his face, trying his best to appear as if nothing was wrong.

Liu Momo noticed that the young man looked familiar and suddenly remembered that he was the same young man she had met at the silk thread shop.

However, he was pale and looked unwell.

He is now heading towards the pavilion where Aunt Qing is staying.

Liu Momo immediately stood in front of him, blocking Xiao Huaiyi's steps as he tried to enter the pavilion.

"Young master, the lady in this pavilion is a concubine of the Marquis of Jingnan. Please find a place to rest."

Xiao Huaiyi couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the old woman so protectively guarding her.

Hearing the word "aunt" made him feel even more bitter.

If it were him, he would never wrong Miss Chen to be a concubine!

Shen Qingnian turned around when she heard the voice and saw Xiao Huaiyi looking like she was still recovering from a serious illness.

Compared to his usual refined and handsome appearance, he now appears more weathered.

"Young Master Xiao, how have you been?"

"Please have Young Master Xiao come over, Liu Momo."

Xiao Huaiyi saw that the person in front of him had her hair styled like a married woman, and her face was still as gentle and serene as ever. He felt as if he had been transported to another world.

In just two days, such a big change occurred between him and Miss Shen.

Liu Momo was shocked when she heard Shen Qingnian's words.

Is Consort Qing secretly meeting with another man behind the eldest son's back?

If word gets out, where will the eldest son's face be?

"Aunt Qing!" Liu Momo was adamant about not backing down on this matter.

If the old lady finds out that she brought Shen Qingnian here for a secret rendezvous, it won't be a simple matter.

"Liu Momo, don't forget that I am the master and you are the servant."

Shen Qingnian was somewhat displeased to see that Liu Momo still refused to let Young Master Xiao come over.

"Young Master Xiao, what brings you here today?"

Xiao Huaiyi didn't want Liu Momo to allow it, and he didn't want to be so far away from Miss Shen either.

With a wink, Ping An drew his sword and held it to Liu Momo's neck.

"Go!" Ping An coerced her, making her head out of the pavilion.

Liu Momo felt the coolness on her neck and immediately shut her mouth.

His eyes were filled with worry, fearing that Shen Qingnian would do something to bring shame to the Jingnan Marquis's mansion.

But now she dares not speak out against her anger.

After all, a knife was held to her neck, and one careless move could separate her head from her body.

Ping An glanced at his young master and led Liu Momo out of the pavilion.

To protect Miss Shen's reputation, Xiao Huaiyi did not drive Hongyu away.

He remained standing outside the pavilion, the distance between them not enough to cause any misunderstanding.

Seeing this, Hongyu breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, this young master is a polite and sensible person.

Xiao Huaiyi looked at Shen Qingnian.

She looked more haggard than before, with tired, bluish eyes and a general lack of energy.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy: "Miss Chen, are you alright?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingnian turned away from him, afraid that if she saw the deep affection in Xiao Huaiyi's eyes, she wouldn't be able to keep up the act.

She was actually not doing well; she didn't like Xie Yanzhi.

I loathe his domineering nature and his physical contact.

She hated the rules of the mansion, hated the status of a concubine, and hated the title of Aunt Qing.

She wanted to leave day and night!

She pretended to look at the scenery in the distance and said softly, "I'm fine, my husband treats me very well."

As she spoke, Shen Qingnian made sure she had forced back the tears in her eyes before turning around, forcing a smile, and looking at Xiao Huaiyi.

The sincerity in Xiao Huaiyi's eyes stung her heart.

Young Master Xiao is the right person for her, and she has thought about her future with him.

They might live in Tongzhou, in the small courtyard left by his mother, and have another two children.

She became the shopkeeper's wife, while he remained a leisurely official.

But now, because of Xie Yanzhi, all of that is impossible.

She looked at Xiao Huaiyi's shoulder, where he had been stabbed and bled profusely today because of her.

As a result, he lost all his former radiance.

Thinking of this, Shen Qingnian felt a pang of heartache.

She had to make her final statement today, so that he wouldn't be put in danger for her sake again.

Xie Yanzhi should let her handle it alone; she must not drag others down with her.

The word "husband" caught Xiao Huaiyi off guard, and he stood there stunned.

She was stubborn and had been forced into that situation.

Now we have to obey a servant woman's every word, and we can't disobey her in the slightest.

How can this be considered good?

The forced bitter smile on her face showed no sign of Xie Yanzhi treating her well.

Seeing the shock and sadness in his expression, Shen Qingnian felt a pang of sadness in her heart as well.

"Does Young Master Xiao have anything else to say?"

Xiao Huaiyi sensed the distance in Shen Qingnian's tone and stepped forward to ask, "Has Miss Shen ever blamed me?"

If he hadn't suggested that she leave the capital with him, Xie Yanzhi wouldn't have been driven to such a desperate situation that he forced her into marriage.

He's the one who ruined her.

Shen Qingnian shook her head slightly and smiled faintly: "Even without Young Master Xiao, I would have done the same."

"It just came a little earlier than originally planned."

"However, I still want to thank Young Master Xiao."

“I used to think my cousin was strong and domineering, but now that I’m with him, I know his gentle and considerate side.”

"I have already regarded him as the only husband in my life, the good man of my life."

Shen Qingnian clenched her fists tightly, feeling as if her heart was being crushed repeatedly, causing her excruciating pain.

Her eyelashes trembled, and she lowered her head, not wanting him to see the tears in her eyes.

Xiao Huaiyi's body stiffened, his eyes filled with sorrow.

But he still refused to believe that Shen Qingnian was telling the truth.

He noticed that Shen Qingnian had been staring at his shoulder for several moments.

She must have known she was injured and didn't want me to risk my life for her anymore.

His beloved Shen was always gentle, kind, and considerate.

And there it was again, the white corner in her hand; she still kept the note he had written for her!

Thinking of this, Xiao Huaiyi's eyes suddenly brightened, and his gaze was earnest: "Miss Chen, I just want you to know that no matter what happens, my feelings have never changed."

"From the past until now, I have always loved you."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingnian looked up and saw Xiao Huaiyi's face beaming with a gentle, spring-like smile.

It was as if what she had just said was merely her own illusion. Those hurtful words seemed never to have been uttered.

However, she dared not implicate him any further, and finally hardened her heart:

"Young Master Xiao, please don't say such things again."

Her voice trembled slightly: "But I have no feelings for Young Master Xiao anymore, so please don't come looking for me again."

Even though he knew that Shen Qingnian's words were against his will, Xiao Huaiyi's body still stiffened upon hearing them.

He stood frozen in place, not uttering a single word.

Shen Qingnian turned to leave, afraid that if she stayed any longer, she would be unable to resist the urge to comfort him.

As they brushed past each other, Xiao Huaiyi said, "Miss Chen, it must have been hard for you to say these words."

Shen Qingnian turned her head to look at him, her eyes filled with astonishment.

Xiao Huaiyi didn't dislike her at all after hearing these words.

Xiao Huaiyi looked at her tenderly and said softly, "I know you're saying such heartless things because you're worried about me."

Shen Qingnian was stunned again, and her tender heart felt a slight sting.

Young Master Xiao always knew what she was thinking.

Before she could say anything, a voice came from behind her: "Huaiyi, why do you keep bothering my aunt?"

When Shen Qingnian saw Xie Yanzhi approaching, her body trembled almost imperceptibly.

When Xie Yanzhi saw Xiao Huaiyi with her, was he going to make things difficult for Xiao Huaiyi again?

Her eyes were full of worry.

Xiao Huaiyi whispered in her ear, "Don't worry. Just keep saying those heartless things."

Miss Shen's situation was worse than his.

When Hongyu saw Xie Yanzhi approaching, she knew something was wrong.

Aunt Qing finally managed to reject the deeply affectionate young master in front of her, only to be discovered by the eldest young master having a secret rendezvous with someone else.

Her heart jumped again, and she didn't dare to breathe.

Xie Yanzhi strode over, his eyes filled with frost.

He pulled Shen Qingnian into his arms and sat her down on the stool, then pulled her closer to sit down as well.

He then pinched her chin with his hand, his eyes full of inquiry:

"Or are you secretly meeting your lover here behind my back?"

Shen Qingnian looked up at Xie Yanzhi, her body trembling slightly, her nose turning red, and her eyes filled with pleading.

She didn't want Xiao Huaiyi to see her being so intimate with Xie Yanzhi.

Xie Yanzhi seemed oblivious to the pleading in Shen Qingnian's eyes. He released her chin, caressed her waist with his hand, and looked at Xiao Huaiyi provocatively.

Xiao Huaiyi's face was even paler than before.

Xie Yanzhi's actions were not only disgusting to him, but also an insult to Miss Shen.

If he doesn't like Miss Chen, why force her to stay by his side?

Xiao Huaiyi cupped his hands and said, "The reason I met with Aunt Qing today was simply to dissuade me from harboring any more illusions about her."

As she spoke, Xiao Huaiyi glanced at Shen Qingnian with a sorrowful look in her eyes.

Xie Yanzhi glanced at Shen Qingnian and saw that she only had grievances in her eyes and never looked at Xiao Huaiyi.

He asked Shen Qingnian, "Really?"

Shen Qingnian nodded: "Now that I have a husband, I naturally want to put an end to any other people's thoughts."

Upon hearing this, Xie Yanzhi lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Then I'll help you."

Shen Qingnian was somewhat puzzled upon hearing this.

Before she could react, Xie Yanzhi grabbed the back of her head and kissed her fiercely.

Seeing this, Hongyu quickly turned her back. Her face remained calm, but her heart was in turmoil.

The eldest son is so dissolute, being so intimate with his concubine in public; it makes one blush with embarrassment.

Shen Qingnian stared at Xie Yanzhi in shock, wondering how he could do something so shameless in front of others.

Xie Yanzhi, as if venting his anger, fiercely caressed her lips.

She felt a sharp pain in her lips but couldn't make a sound.

She thought that Xiao Huaiyi was still watching from the side, witnessing her in such a shameful state.

Shen Qingnian's tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably.

She had just been telling Xiao Huaiyi how well Xie Yanzhi treated her.

In the blink of an eye, Xie Yanzhi humiliated her in front of a man, showing her no respect whatsoever.

What does he take her for?!

Xiao Huaiyi was filled with anger upon seeing Xie Yanzhi's actions.

Unexpectedly, Xie Yanzhi did such a despicable thing to Miss Shen just to disgust him.

He saw the tears rolling down Shen Qingnian's cheeks again, and it felt like a knife piercing his heart, causing him immense pain.

Just to make him give up his thoughts, Miss Shen had to suppress her discomfort and call Xie Yanzhi her husband in front of him.

But what could he do? If he protected Miss Shen now, how would Xie Yanzhi punish her?

Thinking of this, he suddenly realized that even though he had now replaced Xiao Hongyi, he was still powerless in front of Xie Yanzhi.

Xie Yanzhi felt the person in his arms trembling and thought to himself, "Now you know fear?"

When she came to meet Xiao Huaiyi, didn't she think about what would happen if he found out?

She even cried because she felt wronged!

He just didn't want Xiao Huaiyi to see his intimacy with her.

He wanted to show her what that young master Xiao, who claimed to love her, would do if he saw him bullying her like this.

To teach her a lesson, Xie Yanzhi bit that soft spot again.

Xie Yanzhi only released her after tasting a sweet and fishy flavor.

Shen Qingnian, now free, reached out a finger and touched her lip, feeling a stinging pain. Looking at the bloodstains on her finger, a bitter feeling welled up inside her.

She knew she was utterly ashamed to face Xiao Huaiyi again, and with red eyes, she looked out at Taihu Lake outside the pavilion.

But somehow, tears still streamed down my cheeks like beads from a broken string.

Upon seeing this, Xie Yanzhi's face darkened again.