Chapter 109 When Shen Qinglu said this, she even smiled at him…
When Mu Hanshi said this, everyone present was there and heard it with their own ears.
The reason Zhao Danxin took these words as a sword, intending to stab Shen Qinglu's heart, was simply because, like everyone else, she had never imagined that the person would be Shen Qinglu.
Not to mention others, even Shen Linlang, as her own mother, had never thought of this possibility. After all, Shen Qinglu and Mu Hanshi had only met a few times on the surface, and Mu Hanshi had not shown any difference towards Shen Qinglu in public, nor had he even spoken to her alone.
For a moment, the elders' expressions turned rather unpleasant.
For a young woman, knowing that her future husband has someone else in his heart is generally unacceptable. And this marriage, bestowed by the emperor, cannot be canceled or broken, making it even more of a thorn in her side.
Zhao Danxin thought she had hit Shen Qinglu's sore spot and was secretly pleased with herself, but she pretended to have said something wrong and covered her mouth, repeatedly apologizing.
"Cousin Ali, I'm sorry. I was just worried about you, and I said the wrong thing in a moment of panic. Please don't blame me."
Although Li was angry, she did not intend to break ties with the Shen and Gu families. She was annoyed that her daughter was ignorant, but she had to step in to smooth things over.
"Danxin has always been a straightforward child, please don't take offense. If you ask me, the person His Highness Prince Chen is fond of must be Ali, who else could it be?"
These words sounded like they were giving Shen Qinglu a way out, but they also seemed more like a sarcastic slap in the face.
Shen Qing's bright green face remained expressionless throughout, her indifference giving off a somewhat wooden feeling. When her dark, cold, and jade-like eyes looked at them, the unfathomable emptiness sent a chill down the spines of both mother and daughter.
As they were filled with horror, she spoke calmly, saying, "I don't know who His Highness Prince Chen's beloved woman is. If you really want to know, you can go and ask him."
Upon hearing this, not only were they taken aback, but even Shen Linlang and Madam Meng were startled.
Only Gu Ruxu's bright face showed no sign of appreciation. She raised her eyebrows slightly and laughed, "Ali is right. How could others know such a thing? If you are really curious, you should ask His Highness himself."
Shen Linlang and Meng Shi came to their senses and echoed the sentiment.
Shen Qinglu remained expressionless, which made Meng think to herself, no wonder her proud and arrogant daughter would look at this child differently, she really is a rare find.
Compared to her sentiments, Li and her daughter Zhao Danxin had mixed feelings.
First, I was annoyed; second, I was embarrassed.
How could they possibly ask Prince Chen about such a thing!
If they were to actually ask, they would be humiliating themselves. Anyone with a brain wouldn't do such a thing, not only losing face but also dragging their entire family into the mess and making them a laughingstock in the whole of Donglin City.
Despite her inner annoyance and embarrassment, Madam Li forced a smile and insincerely scolded Zhao Danxin a few times before praising Shen Qinglu, "Ali is such a magnanimous child; no wonder she has such great fortune."
They simply couldn't stand it any longer, and this time they finally managed to say goodbye and leave.
As was her old habit, Shen Linlang was about to get up to see him off when Gu Ruxu stopped her with a look.
After they left, Gu Ruxu snorted coldly, "I used to think that Danxin was just a little scheming, but it was harmless. I didn't expect her to be so calculating. I really misjudged her."
"Only through experience can one truly see people's hearts, which isn't necessarily a bad thing," Meng said.
Shen Linlang didn't speak, but looked at Shen Qinglu with slight concern and comforted her, "That day, His Highness Prince Chen may have been just being perfunctory in his haste, and didn't really have someone he liked. Don't overthink it."
“Ali, your mother is right. His Highness has never been interested in women, and I have never heard of him getting close to anyone. As for the claim that he already has someone he likes, it must be just an excuse.” Meng Shi added, giving Gu Shizhi a wink.
Gu Shizhi tugged at Shen Qinglu's sleeve, acting like a little adult, "Sister Ali, you and His Highness Prince Chen are a match made in heaven. Don't you care what others say?"
Unable to utter such words, Shen Changting could only nod frantically.
Shen Qinglu looked at them and couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry, I won't overthink it or take it to heart. This is a marriage bestowed by His Majesty, and I believe His Majesty has his own considerations."
As for the emperor's considerations, that is self-evident.
“I’m relieved that you think this way.” Gu Ruxu was genuinely relieved because she believed that Shen Qinglu was a self-consistent person and capable of handling such matters. “His Majesty values His Highness the most. He must have asked His Highness’s opinion before bestowing the marriage. I suppose His Highness has already accepted it and is not entirely indifferent to you.”
Whether it has a heart or not, Shen Qinglu couldn't say for sure.
She couldn't see through Mu Hanshi. Even though he told her that she was the one he loved, she wouldn't take it seriously or believe it. So she couldn't tell those who cared about her.
With the imperial decree granting the marriage, the union is now a done deal.
As the elders adjusted their mindset and began to discuss her dowry and betrothal gifts, one of the maids guarding Yu Jingxian came to report that Yu Jingxian was making a scene and demanding to see Shen Linlang.
The joy on Shen Linlang's face vanished instantly, and she let out a soft sigh.
*
Lately, one unpleasant thing after another has happened in the manor. The masters are in a bad mood, and the servants dare not laugh or joke, so the atmosphere has been oppressive for many days.
Now that the eldest daughter of the household has been betrothed to a prince, the news of this joyous occasion has swept away all bad luck, and everyone is beaming with happiness.
Especially after receiving the lucky money, he became very active, and even Yu Jingxian, who was imprisoned, could hear his cheers and laughter from time to time.
He thought he had misheard, and he felt both scared and anxious.
"Where's my mother? Why hasn't she come yet? Did you go and deliver the message?" he shouted, his usual refined manner completely gone.
Perhaps it was the fright he suffered last night, or perhaps it was the effects of the aphrodisiac, but now his every word and action seemed like those of a completely different person.
As soon as Shen Linlang entered the courtyard, she heard his furious voice. She closed her eyes in sorrow for a moment, and when she opened them again, she could not hide her disappointment.
As soon as the door opened, before he could rush out, he was restrained by the two maids.
“Mother, I still need to continue my studies. I can’t let my studies be delayed, or the teacher will punish me.”
“I’ve already asked the teacher for leave for you, so you don’t need to worry.” Shen Linlang looked at him with heartache and said earnestly, “Big Brother, if the poison in your body cannot be completely removed, it will definitely cause endless trouble in the future.”
"Mother, I'm fine. Look at me, I'm perfectly alright. I'm not hurt at all. Please let me out. I promise you, I'll never touch that stuff again, okay?"
"Brother, that thing is far more powerful than anyone can control." Shen Linlang sighed, took out a silk handkerchief, and wiped the dust off his face.
Shen Linlang not only valued this eldest son highly but also doted on him. How could she not feel distressed to see him in such a disheveled state?
He was furious, but then he suddenly remembered what he wanted to ask, and a chill ran down his spine. "Mother, I just heard someone shouting that there was some imperial edict. Has something happened?"
"It's a joyous occasion." Shen Linlang's expression softened. "His Majesty has bestowed a marriage upon Ali and Prince Chen. Eldest son, our family is different now than before, so we must be even more careful and cautious. We must not allow anyone to take advantage of us. Do you understand what I mean?"
"How could this be?" His mind was buzzing. He wasn't happy for his sister at all; instead, he felt fear and dread. "She'll be a princess from now on. How am I supposed to... Mother, tell me, this isn't real, this isn't real, is it?"
"Dalang, you..."
"Mother, listen to me, Ali, she..." He was about to say something when his pupils suddenly trembled. Looking at the person who came in, he swallowed the words that were about to come out.
Because he swallowed too quickly, he choked on his own saliva and coughed violently.
Shen Qinglu entered step by step, and then hurriedly poured him tea herself, and thoughtfully handed it to him. "Brother, you must be happy for me, so excited that you can't even speak. Drink some water to moisten your throat, don't rush, speak slowly."
He met Shen Qinglu's dark, unfathomable eyes, and his hand trembled slightly as he took the teacup.
This isn't excitement, this is fear!
The tea spilled, and Shen Linlang's eyes were filled with heartache.
Shen Linlang had no idea that he was afraid of Shen Qinglu. She thought his reaction was due to the aphrodisiac, and her heart, which had been somewhat reluctant, hardened again.
Shen Qinglu took out a bottle of medicine and said, "Mother, I was afraid that my brother would lose control of himself when the poison took effect and hurt himself and others, so I specially asked Miss Mei to prepare this medicine. After taking this medicine, one can fall asleep immediately. If the situation becomes unfavorable, my brother can take it."
Shen Linlang felt a warmth in her heart, and her gaze was as gentle as the water of a hot spring. "You are such a thoughtful child. You care about your older brother more than your mother does."
Then she said to Yu Jingxian, "Eldest brother, you should thank your sister. She is thoughtful and considerate, and she was worried that you would suffer. That's why she had Miss Mei prepare medicine for you so that you can feel better."
Upon hearing this, Yu Jingxian felt no emotion whatsoever, only fear.
His mind was filled with the words Shen Qinglu had said last night. Fearing that Shen Qinglu would poison him, he didn't dare to lift his eyelids and said to Shen Linlang in a trembling voice, "I... I can hold on, Mother. I don't think I need this medicine."
Shen Qinglu could easily see through his thoughts, and directly stuffed the medicine into his hand.
He was so shocked and scared that he almost threw the medicine away.
With her back to Shen Linlang, Shen Qinglu's gaze was as cold as the night sky, devoid of any emotion. Yet, her words were soft and gentle: "Brother, don't force yourself. If you want to suffer less, you still need to take this medicine. Don't worry, this medicine is not poisonous."
"Brother, your sister means well, please accept it. It's better to fall asleep after taking medicine than to be knocked unconscious by someone."
"mother……"
Only then did he realize that Shen Linlang had instructed the maid to knock him unconscious if he went berserk and lost his mind. He was filled with fear and dread, and tears streamed down his face.
"You...you..."
"Big Brother, what's wrong with you?" Shen Linlang noticed something was wrong with him and frowned.
He dared not say anything more, much less complain about Shen Qinglu.
Who can blame them when this younger sister is the future Princess Consort of Prince Chen!
“Mother, my brother is just too touched. Isn’t he?” Shen Qinglu said, smiling at him.
That smile didn't reach his eyes; it was cold and cruel.
He felt a chill run down his spine and nodded stiffly.
*
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