Chapter 97 Insolence "You tell me, who is my subject?"...
*
When Zhao Danxin chased after them out of the manor, Cheng Ying and Shen Qinglu were nowhere to be seen.
She was both angry and annoyed. She stomped her foot and turned to ask the coachman to take her to the general's mansion. After meeting Gu Ruxu, she first said that she wanted to get closer to Shen Qinglu, but Shen Qinglu only wanted to be alone. The reason she hadn't stayed with her was entirely out of necessity.
She also said that after the incident, she offered to take Shen Qinglu home, but Cheng Ying's attitude was very tough. She didn't even give Princess Fangfei any face and just picked her up and left. She tried her best to chase after her but couldn't catch up.
To express her worry, she forced out tears and kept pressing her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Aunt, so many people saw Cousin Ali being carried away by Lord Cheng. I don't know if we can keep it a secret. What if word gets out?"
Gu Ruxu's bright face remained calm. After looking at her for a while, she had someone escort her away while ordering Xu Mama to prepare a carriage.
After the carriage was harnessed, the master and servant immediately boarded and set off for the Shen residence.
When they arrived at the Shen residence, Cheng Ying had already left.
Gu Ruxu sat down on the edge of the bed and carefully examined Shen Qinglu for a long time. After confirming that Shen Qinglu was alright, she finally breathed a long sigh of relief. "Thank goodness it was a close call. It really scared me to death."
Since family members don't speak differently, Shen Linlang told Shen Qinglu about her poisoning in detail.
She listened intently, her expression growing increasingly grave. "They actually dared to use such a vicious method; they probably don't take our Shen family seriously at all!"
Given the Shen family's status, the fact that those people dared to make a move is simply because they were relying on the Prince Xin's mansion.
Not to mention them, the entire court and the public have already decided that the Prince Xin's Mansion is the future of the world. With a powerful backer, one can not only gain the Way, but also do whatever one wants and eliminate dissidents.
"Ah Li, you've suffered." She lovingly stroked Shen Qinglu's face. "Luckily you were quick-witted, otherwise..."
Upon hearing this, hatred welled up in Shen Linlang's reddened eyes. "If anything really happens to Ali, I'll fight them to the death!"
"You do look a bit like you when you were young." She was pleased with her sister-in-law's reaction, but also felt a mix of relief, fear, and anger.
“Ali is Ali, and they are them. In my opinion, their lives combined are not as good as Ali’s. If Ali really gets into trouble, even if I cut them into a thousand pieces, it will not be enough to quell my hatred.”
The atmosphere became oppressive and incredibly heavy.
After a long while, Gu Ruxu took Shen Qinglu's hand and said, "This matter is probably not over yet. The fact that Commander Cheng carried you away will probably spread soon, and there will inevitably be some rumors. You should be aware of that."
She believed the child had his own ideas about how to face or resolve the situation.
As she expected, gossip often arrives even faster than the truth.
The spring outing was attended by so many girls from prominent families in Donglin City. The influence behind them was deeply entrenched, like a huge information network. In just one night, the news spread like wildfire, and the story became increasingly distorted with each passing day.
"That niece of the Shen family is really something else. As soon as she recovered from her mental illness, she caused so much trouble, one thing after another. I wonder if she's here to collect a debt?"
"This uneducated woman is so audacious. If she really had fainted, why would those people at the spring outing need that commander to escort her home? Who knows what ulterior motives they might have..."
"I heard she and that commander of the Divine Martial Guard have been having an affair for a long time. She must have been unable to control herself and simply pretended to faint, hugging and cuddling in public. Tsk..."
Several well-dressed women emerged from a fabric shop, chatting as they walked, exchanging knowing glances.
Their voices were loud enough for passersby to hear, and some even secretly followed them for a short distance in order to hear them more clearly.
This person was none other than Qin Mama, who was by Yu Qingxue's side.
Once they entered another shop, Qin's mother stopped following them, turned around and went into an alley, winding her way through the streets before finally stopping in front of a house.
The house was of ordinary style, a two-courtyard structure, with no plaque above the gate, so it was unknown who the owner was. If the gate were closed, passersby would think it was an empty house.
She knocked on the door a few times, and the door opened from the inside. It was Yu Qingxue who opened the door. The scar on Yu Qingxue's face had healed, but she was still wearing a veil. After letting her in, she quickly bolted the door again.
"How is it?" Yu Qingxue asked her in a low voice.
"It's all over."
"That's good."
As they talked, they entered the main house together. As they stepped over the threshold, it felt as if they had gone from day to night.
The entire room was completely covered, not a single ray of light could get in, yet the lights were on inside, as if it were nighttime, even though it was broad daylight.
The atmosphere was already very strange, but what was even stranger was the red-clad girl sitting in the middle, who wore heavy makeup in an attempt to cover up her sickly complexion, but because the makeup was so thick, it looked like she was wearing a mask.
"Tang'er, things have spread like wildfire, just as you predicted," Yu Qingxue said, her expression slightly ingratiating.
Yu Liuzhu looked at her with a hint of disdain in his eyes.
This fool is indeed foolish, but he has some backup plans; he actually bypassed me and sought refuge with the Prince of Xin's mansion. It's fortunate that he did so, because after being expelled from the Shen family, I still have somewhere to go.
The thought of that day instantly filled Yu Liuzhu with intense hatred, so intense that her eyes widened and her face trembled.
She hated Shen Linlang, and she hated Shen Qinglu even more!
They were the ones who made her bear the stigma of poisoning her adoptive mother, making her unable to hold her head high, afraid to face anyone, afraid to show her face, living like a shadowy rat in the gutter. So she wanted revenge, she wanted to retaliate, she wanted to make Shen Qinglu suffer the same fate as her, publicly humiliated and ruined.
"Tang'er, Mother doesn't understand. Aren't you helping that wretched child?"
Although Cheng Ying came from a humble background, she had the backing of the Mu family and was quite capable herself. Even if she married him to quell the rumors, she wouldn't be considered to have lost out.
Yu Qingxue couldn't understand Yu Liuzhu's actions. Why did she have to go to such lengths to pair them up?
"How could I possibly help her!" Yu Liuzhu's eyes flashed with hatred, her mask-like expression slightly distorted. "There are plenty of people in this world who are outwardly glamorous but inwardly despicable. I want her to live the rest of her life in agony, wishing she were dead!"
"You mean that Commander Cheng is acting improperly in private?" Yu Qingxue's eyes lit up, as if she had thought of something. "Now that you mention it, it's true. Commander Cheng seems a bit effeminate. Could it be..."
"It's good that you know, but don't tell anyone." Yu Liuzhu was afraid that she might let something slip and ruin her plans. "Originally, she was going to be disgraced, but now she's just going to marry a useless man. She's really getting off easy."
Given the prevailing social customs and etiquette, if an unmarried girl is approached by a man, the best outcome is to go with the flow and arrange a marriage.
Everyone assumed that after such an incident, Shen Qinglu would have no choice but to marry Cheng Ying, and some even predicted that the Shen family would soon hold a wedding.
This was the news that Yu Jingliang and Mu Lin heard as soon as they entered the city.
After the two finished reporting their mission, they happened to run into Cheng Ying.
Yu Jingliang, being impatient, grabbed her arm. "Aying, I've heard some rumors since I returned to the capital. What's going on?"
Cheng Ying naturally wouldn't hide it from him, and immediately told him what had happened.
After hearing this, he slammed his fist against the wall, his handsome young face filled with anger and self-reproach. "Did those people really think our Shen family had no one to rely on? How dare they humiliate us like this!"
This is not some ordinary trick between girls; it's about completely ruining a person.
"Luckily, my Ali is smart, and luckily you came back to Beijing early." He turned around and grabbed Cheng Ying's shoulders tightly, giving her a big hug. "You didn't say goodbye when you left, and I was angry with you these past few days. I really shouldn't have done that."
The young man's true feelings were revealed, and his eyes were red.
He held Cheng Ying in his arms, and whether it was because she was being squeezed too tightly or because she was holding her breath, her delicate face flushed red, as if it had been stained with a layer of fine rouge.
"Yu Jingliang, let me go!"
"Ah Ying, how can I ever repay your great kindness?" As he released Cheng Ying, he was suddenly struck by her beauty and chuckled, "I always thought you looked like a woman, but now that you're blushing, you look even more like one. How about I repay you with my body..."
Before he could finish speaking, Cheng Ying's sword was already drawn from its sheath, startling him so much that he screamed, "I was just joking with you, how could you take it seriously?"
Mu Lin, much more composed, felt a bit relieved upon seeing the situation, and said with a wry smile, "Jingliang, don't tease Aying. If it really comes down to a fight, you're no match for him."
His secret was exposed by his best friend, but he wasn't angry. He just kept chuckling. Then, he suddenly became serious. "There are rumors that Ali and he are having an affair. What should we do? We can't just let this go and make him my brother-in-law."
The moment the words "brother-in-law" were uttered, all three fell silent.
Mu Lin's face darkened, and he lowered his head without saying a word.
Yu Jingliang looked intently at Cheng Ying, and when he saw Cheng Ying frown, he frowned as well.
After a long pause, Cheng Ying said, "I consider Ali my younger sister, and I will not marry her."
“I can…” Mu Lin was interrupted before she could finish speaking.
“Ah Lin, Ah Li is different from other girls. She would never compromise herself or others just to protect her reputation. Besides, I said I wouldn’t marry her, but I didn’t say I couldn’t help her.”
"You have a way?" Yu Jingliang looked at him with burning eyes.
He frowned even more deeply under Yu Jingliang's gaze, avoided his eyes, and said, "Yes."
*
Shen Qinglu's poison has been neutralized, but she is still somewhat weak.
Shen Linlang stayed by her side all night, barely closing her eyes. When she woke up and saw the person lying by her bedside, she was first overwhelmed with a sense of disorientation, and then deeply moved.
In the past, when she was unwell, someone would stay with her, coax her to sleep, and wait for her to wake up.
She was fortunate enough to be reborn with family by her side.
Mei Xiaomei checked her pulse and confirmed that she was alright before Shen Linlang went back to rest.
Hanxiao returned from outside, bringing with her the rumors.
"Miss, I've heard it's being spread like wildfire, as if someone deliberately spread it."
"Some people, having failed with one plan, simply settle for second best."
Shen Qinglu's half-closed eyes held the darkness and coldness of the polar night.
After a while, she looked up and surveyed her surroundings. The red gauze curtains, the auspicious patterns embroidered with gold thread, and the antique furniture and utensils all exuded the wealth of a prominent family.
She reached out her hand and flicked the hanging incense ball. As the ball swayed, its delicate fragrance wafted out.
Just then, Yu Mama's voice came from outside the door, "Eldest Miss, Princess Fangfei has come to see you."
Princess Fangfei did not come alone; she was followed by several young ladies, including Zhuang Lanyi and Jiang Xinyue.
When they arrived, they said they were there to visit Shen Qinglu. They were very polite, and there were quite a few gifts from the Prince's Mansion, piled up on the table.
The Spring Outing was hosted by Princess Fangfei. Someone had an accident at the event, so it was reasonable for her, as the host, to visit them. However, given her noble status, this action was already an act of condescension.
After bowing, Shen Linlang said a few words of thanks.
Princess Fangfei and she had frequent exchanges, and their conversations were always full of polite words.
“I was unaware that Miss Shen was ill; otherwise, I would have arranged for someone to take care of her. When she fainted, she happened to run into Commander Cheng. Commander Cheng is a man, and according to propriety, he should have avoided suspicion, but I don’t know why he insisted on bringing her back. I am uneasy and afraid that Madam will misunderstand, so I have come here today to explain.”
"Your Highness is so kind." She appropriately showed her gratitude, glanced at Shen Qinglu, and said, "Commander Cheng is on good terms with my second son. He usually treats my Ali like his own sister. When his brother saw his sister in trouble, he couldn't help but panic and act somewhat inappropriately."
You're too kind, and I'll be too.
Even the most intense and secretive conflicts between powerful families would never surface. They would offer explanations, and regardless of the truth, at least they could maintain a semblance of politeness.
However, there are always those who are unwilling to let things rest and are determined to muddy the waters.
"Why did I only say that Miss Shen and Commander Cheng are very close, their relationship has long surpassed that of siblings, and they are probably already engaged..."
"What nonsense are you spouting!"
When Yu Jingliang, Mu Lin, and Cheng Ying arrived, they overheard Jiang Xinyue's words and immediately interrupted her sharply.
Jiang Xinyue turned her head and saw Mu Lin. Her thin face first lit up with joy, then filled with resentment. "Cousin, Young Master..."
Mu Lin ignored her and instead bowed to Princess Fangfei.
Yu Jingliang then also bowed.
Cheng Ying acted as if she hadn't seen Princess Fangfei and went straight to Shen Qinglu.
As Princess Fangfei's follower and confidante, Zhuang Lanyi naturally knew of her displeasure and immediately seized the opportunity to attack Cheng Ying, "Commander Cheng, how arrogant you are to look down on the princess like this!"
Cheng Ying didn't even look up, speaking softly to Shen Qinglu.
Completely ignored, Zhuang Lanyi was furious. "Look at them! Do they look like siblings? I'm afraid what's being said outside is true; they're having an affair!"
"Smack!"
She stared in shock at the person who had appeared before her in an instant and slapped her across the face. "You...who are you? Do you know who I am? How dare you hit me..."
"Smack!"
After Cheng Ying finished hitting him, she took out a clean white handkerchief and wiped her hands. "Your mouth is so foul, I don't even want to get my hands dirty by hitting you."
"You..." Zhuang Lanyi felt deeply humiliated and blurted out, "I am the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's mansion, you lowly..."
"Smack!"
Cheng Ying slapped him again, her effeminate face turning icy cold, looking quite frightening.
Even when beating a dog, one must consider its owner. He hit Zhuang Lanyi, but he was disgracing Princess Fangfei.
Princess Fangfei looked very displeased. "Commander Cheng, how dare you be so insolent!"
"Insolence?" Cheng Ying turned to look at her, a half-smile on her face. "She spoke rudely, so I taught her a lesson. How is that insolence?"
She was the legitimate daughter of Prince Xin, and behind her was the entire Prince Xin's mansion. Anyone who disrespected her was considered an enemy of the Prince Xin's mansion. Cheng Ying, on the other hand, could only rely on the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion. No matter how large the Marquis's mansion was, it could not be larger than the Prince's mansion.
Cheng Ying didn't give her any face, and because of her status, she couldn't use her power to bully others, so she slightly raised her chin and looked at Mu Lin.
"Young Master Mu, what do you think of this matter?"
Mu Lin frowned. "Miss Zhuang has ruined people's reputations and was rude first."
"Fine, very well!" Princess Fangfei was enraged. "Is your Marquis's Mansion trying to make trouble for our Royal Mansion?"
The atmosphere was tense and fraught with tension.
The people will not fight against the officials, and the officials will not fight against Heaven.
Shen Linlang was very anxious and wanted to step forward to defend herself, but Shen Qinglu pulled her back.
Shen Qinglu gently shook her head at her, "Mother, let's take another look."
She looked at Shen Qinglu with a puzzled expression. Shen Qinglu nodded slightly to her, signaling with her eyes not to ask anything for the time being. Still wondering, she sat down with some skepticism.
They could remain still, but Yu Jingliang, who was already with Mu Lin, couldn't stay silent. He clenched his fists and said, "We have no ill will towards the Prince's Mansion; it's just that she spoke too harshly."
"I'm telling the truth!" Zhuang Lanyi covered her face, first glaring at him, then at Shen Qinglu with hatred. "They're clearly having an affair, behaving inappropriately in public, and making you come all this way. Not only are they ungrateful, but they also show no respect for you whatsoever. It's all on purpose!"
Upon hearing this, Princess Fangfei's expression became even more unpleasant.
Not content with that, she added fuel to the fire, saying, "This Commander Cheng is the most arrogant of all, disregarding etiquette and hierarchy. He didn't even bow to you; he's utterly disrespectful."
As she spoke, she didn't dare to look at Cheng Ying.
Cheng Ying snorted coldly, and indeed seemed somewhat arrogant.
Those who had come with her looked at each other, secretly thinking that their chance had come. One by one, they chimed in, doing their best to show their loyalty to Princess Fangfei.
Jiang Xinyue, in particular, was the thinnest but had the loudest voice. "I saw it too. Commander Cheng only had eyes for Miss Chen and didn't even see the princess, let alone bow to her."
It was truly a double entendre, firstly proving Cheng Ying's disrespect for hierarchy, and secondly alluding to his affair with Shen Qinglu.
Faced with their accusations, Cheng Ying showed no remorse and remained indifferent, saying, "You didn't see wrong, I really didn't bow to her."
The crowd was shocked by his arrogance and erupted in uproar.
"Ah Ying, some things can be done impulsively, but some things cannot. You lost your temper in this matter, so hurry up and apologize to the princess," Mu Lin whispered to him.
“Yes, Ah Ying, this is no joke. If Prince Xin takes it to heart, your future will be ruined.” No matter how unwilling Yu Jingliang was, he had no choice but to persuade him.
He looked at them, unmoved, and said nonchalantly, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Upon seeing this, Princess Fangfei angrily said, "He himself admitted that he did not bow to me. Could it be that he harbors rebellious intentions?"
The phrase "disloyal intentions" carries immense weight, enough to warrant execution.
To everyone's surprise, Cheng Ying was not afraid at all upon hearing this. Instead, she smiled and glared at Princess Fangfei, whose face was pale. "What a disloyal heart! Tell me, who is the subject?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
