Chapter 2: Deciding to Stay Away
Chapter Two: Deciding to Stay Away
The peach blossom cake was ready quickly. She tasted it and found it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet but not greasy.
Shen Tang nodded in satisfaction, divided the pastries into several portions, and instructed A Yun to deliver them to each room later.
Ayun nodded in agreement, then asked hesitantly, "Should we send it to the Crown Prince?"
In the past, there was no need to ask; the young master's share wouldn't be affected by anyone's absence. But now... I don't know if these pastries should still be sent over.
After a moment's hesitation, Shen Tang said, "Let's send it."
If she sent the gifts to all the households except Meng Huaiyan's, it might be seen as targeting him, and she didn't want to give people something to talk about.
Whether she sends it or not is her business, and whether he eats it or not is his business.
A-Yun sent the items to the other rooms first, and then to Qingyun Courtyard last.
Today, only Tingsong was on duty in the courtyard. I didn't see Qingyang. I wonder if he went out on business.
Ayun doesn't like Tingsong very much. Every time she comes to Tingsong, she's sarcastic and has a sharp tongue.
Now that the young lady no longer likes the young master, A-Yun is too lazy to deal with him. After giving him the pastries, she quickly left.
After taking the pastries, Tingsong looked puzzled and couldn't help but mutter to himself.
In the past, when Ah Yun delivered pastries, she would openly or secretly inquire about the prince's whereabouts.
And now he's just gone like this?
Ting Song clicked his tongue; both master and servant were behaving strangely today.
She pretended to be indifferent, but actually eagerly brought over some pastries.
Could it be that, seeing that persistent pursuit had failed, they're resorting to playing hard to get, a game of feigned reluctance and indifference?
Tingsong looked down at the pastries in her hand; they looked and smelled delicious, clearly made with care.
It's just a pity that its final resting place won't be too good...
He knocked on the study door and, after receiving permission, brought in the pastries: "Young Master, Miss Shen sent some pastries through A-Yun."
Meng Huaiyan, who was working on case files with his head down, didn't even look up when he heard this, and said coldly, "Throw it away."
As he expected, Tingsong bowed his head in agreement.
After leaving the study, he casually handed the pastries to the cleaning servant: "Take them and throw them away."
Ah Yun never expected to see this scene; she only realized she had lost her handkerchief halfway through her journey.
I searched all the way and found it had fallen onto a tree branch at the entrance of Qingyun Courtyard. It must have been accidentally snagged on the branch when I turned around.
Ayun picked up the handkerchief and was about to leave when she vaguely heard Tingsong's voice.
She looked up and saw the servant bowing as he took the box from Tingsong's hand.
I hurried to the corner of the yard and threw it into the filthy bin without hesitation.
Ah Yun was very familiar with that box; it was clearly the one she had personally handed to Ting Song just now.
*
Shen Tang knew nothing about any of this.
Inside the Pear Blossom Courtyard, Madam Shen sat quietly by the window, embroidering.
Shen Tang lay on the chaise lounge like a boneless person, reading a storybook and munching on snacks, looking incredibly comfortable.
Seeing her like this, Madam Shen couldn't help but scold her, "You have no manners at all. What kind of behavior is this?"
Shen Tang wasn't afraid of her at all. She said to Madam Shen in a coquettish tone, "Why pretend in front of Aunt? Of course, I'll do whatever makes me comfortable."
Seeing her niece like this, Madam Shen shook her head, looking somewhat helpless.
But she's already seventeen this year; if she doesn't get engaged soon, I'm afraid...
Everyone knows Tang'er's feelings for Meng Huaiyan these past two years. The fact that the Duke and the Princess haven't shown their affections means they know there's no possibility between them.
Tang'er was unaware of what was happening, but she, as an observer, saw it all clearly.
Meng Huaiyan had absolutely no feelings for her.
Moreover, he came from such a distinguished family; his father was a Duke and his mother was the Emperor's elder sister.
He had already achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination at a young age, and his future was limitless. With his status, he could marry a princess or a county princess.
Among aristocratic families, marriage is based on matching social status, and Tang'er's background made it impossible for them to be compatible.
She wanted to offer some advice, but seeing how devoted Tang'er was to Meng Huaiyan, she couldn't bring herself to say it.
A few days ago, she heard from the Second Master that the Eldest Princess intended to marry the daughter of the Right Chancellor.
Madam Shen looked at Tang'er with a troubled expression.
She hesitated before speaking, "Tang'er, you and that Prince Meng..."
Shen Tang put down the storybook in her hand and sat up.
She understood her aunt's unspoken words perfectly well, and had originally planned to find a time to explain things to her aunt. Now was a good opportunity: "Aunt, I've come to my senses these past two days. I'm not suitable for that Prince Meng."
"Since ancient times, marriage between men and women has always been about matching social status. As for me and him, firstly, our family backgrounds are not compatible, and secondly, we do not have mutual affection. Therefore, your aunt will have to put in a lot of effort in arranging your niece's marriage."
Upon hearing this, Madam Shen found it hard to believe. How could she suddenly come to her senses and give up!
She had prepared a whole host of words of advice, but now they were all useless. She asked in surprise, "You...you really...have you figured it out?"
Shen Tang said firmly, "Aunt, I have truly come to a realization."
*
When Shen Tang returned to his residence, it was already 7 PM, but he did not see A Yun upon entering.
I'm a little confused. It shouldn't be like this. It's so late. They should have finished delivering the pastries by now. Why is no one here?
Could he be asleep?
Shen Tang walked towards A Yun's bedroom, but no one was inside. After searching around the courtyard, she finally found A Yun by the lake.
His eyes were red, as if he had been crying.
When Ayun suddenly saw Shen Tang, she panicked and quickly got up to wipe her face, trying to pretend that nothing had happened.
She exclaimed happily, "Miss, you're back?"
Shen Tang frowned slightly and stared at A Yun, asking, "What's going on?"
Ayun tilted her head, bit her lip, and was extremely conflicted, not knowing whether she should tell the young lady.
If she says it, the young lady will definitely be sad.
But if she didn't tell her, and let the young lady remain in the dark, she felt she couldn't swallow her anger.
Miss should be made aware that Meng Huaiyan is a hypocrite, and see his true colors as soon as possible.
After all, they grew up together, so how could Shen Tang not understand A-Yun's expression? It seemed that this matter was related to her.
Shen Tang comforted her, "Tell me what happened. Didn't we agree before that we should be honest with each other?"
After a moment of silence, A-Yun briefly recounted the day's events to Shen Tang.
Upon hearing this, Shen Tang froze, then gave a self-deprecating laugh.
In her past life, she always thought he hated her and that he drugged her so he would have no choice but to marry her.
So he already hated her this much at this point?
It was just a dish, yet he found it so objectionable.
And what about her?
Thinking of all this, Shen Tang felt as if she couldn't stand up straight and leaned against the artificial hill beside her. It felt like a huge rock was pressing on her chest, making it hard for her to breathe.
To have one's sincere heart discarded like trash is truly heartbreaking.
It must have been really tough on him, disliking her so much yet still having to maintain a gentlemanly demeanor and feign politeness towards her.
Seeing the young lady like this, Ayun was somewhat worried.
She stepped forward and gently hugged Shen Tang, while in her heart she cursed Meng Huaiyan repeatedly.
The night was deep, and the moon cast a soft glow, quietly illuminating the small courtyard.
The two fell silent for a moment, the courtyard unusually quiet.
After a while, Shen Tang felt less upset and said, "I only gave it as a courtesy. Since the young master doesn't like it, there's no need to give it to him anymore."
Ayun hesitated for a moment, but in the end she didn't say anything and obediently replied, "Okay."
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