Chapter 109

Chapter 109: Returning the Dowry

“What are you doing?!” Sheng Zhi Wan’s heart leaped, and she quickly stepped forward to block his way.

“Sheng Zhi Wan, you’d better remember your place!” Qi Shu Xian’s eyes were bloodshot. Her attempt to block him only deepened his suspicions.

Blinded by rage, he forgot even the pain from his recent beating and pushed her aside roughly. Sheng Zhi Wan crashed hard against the edge of the table.

Watching Qi Shu Xian rush past, her fingers clenched tight. [Which poison can silence him forever?]

Qi Shu Xian yanked aside the folding screen, tearing open the bed curtains.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s hand swiftly gripped a porcelain vial inside her dressing table.

But in the next instant, as the bedcover fell aside, Sheng Zhi Wan’s eyes trembled sharply.

As Qi Shu Xian turned around, her face turned icy cold, voice like frost. “Has the Heir Apparent lost his mind? Storming into my room in the dead of night—were you expecting to find a man hidden here?”

Qi Shu Xian met her mocking gaze and was speechless.

He didn’t understand why he’d had such a wild thought in the first place.

After a long silence, he softened his voice, pleading, “Zhi Wan, my back aches terribly from the beating. Could you help apply medicine for me?”

“If the Heir Apparent feels pain, seek a doctor, Meng Concubine, or Huan Zhu Concubine,” Sheng Zhi Wan replied coldly. “I’m wicked and ruthless, remember? If I accidentally hurt you, wouldn’t that be bad?”

Qi Shu Xian stammered, “Why must you be this way? You know I have no choice. The Third Prince favors Meng Yang greatly. Nothing can happen to her.”

“I’ve had enough!” Sheng Zhi Wan interrupted sharply. She gathered her robe, voice commanding. “Someone, escort the Heir Apparent out! I’m tired.”

“My lord, please.” Ting Lan gestured politely.

Qi Shu Xian stared heavily at Sheng Zhi Wan’s unmoved face. Finally, he took a deep breath and turned away, storming off.

As his footsteps faded, Sheng Zhi Wan closed the door without expression.

Only then did she let out a long sigh.

But before her breath fully left her, a shadow suddenly dropped from above.

“You!” Sheng Zhi Wan startled, realizing Shang Hang Yu had never left.

“Princess, you were very commanding just now,” Shang Hang Yu teased lightly. “If you hadn’t stopped the Heir Apparent, I’d surely have been discovered.”

Recalling how she’d pushed him hastily beneath her blankets, and nearly been caught, Sheng Zhi Wan felt even more uncomfortable.

She coughed gently, quickly changing the subject. “Has something happened in Tedan? Is that why Second Young Master Shang visits at midnight?”

“I heard Capital City had grown lively lately,” Shang Hang Yu said casually, making himself comfortable on her vanity stool. “And since I always love excitement, I came rushing back.”

Sheng Zhi Wan frowned, skeptical.

A journey from Tedan would take days even at full speed. Could this future Prince Qin Yu really make such a tiring journey simply for amusement?

But then, what excitement had there even been in Capital City?

Seeing Sheng Zhi Wan’s puzzled expression, Shang Hang Yu’s smile faded slightly. He pulled out a small box from his robes and set it on the table.

“I found someone selling this in Tedan, and thought Princess might need it.”

“What is it?” Sheng Zhi Wan asked, surprised.

Instead of answering, Shang Hang Yu changed the topic smoothly. “Things in Tedan are proceeding exactly as planned. The King of Tedan now demands fresh arrangements of purple li-lan flowers three times daily in his chambers.”

“Moreover, the finest royal painter has created portraits of the king and queen with the purple li-lan blossoms. Merchants have already begun hoarding the flowers.”

“It seems even faster than I expected,” Sheng Zhi Wan nodded approvingly. “With Second Young Master Shang handling matters, I have no concerns.”

Shang Hang Yu smiled, eyes brightening. “However, I must return to Tedan tomorrow morning. Having slipped into the city tonight unnoticed, I wonder if Princess might let me stay here for the night?”

“Stay… here?” Sheng Zhi Wan’s face stiffened in shock.

Shang Hang Yu truly had audacity beyond measure!

How could she, a noblewoman, allow a man to stay overnight—especially him?

Sheng Zhi Wan was no fool; she knew Shang Hang Yu had feelings toward her. Whether sincere or just using her, she’d already suffered once because of Qi Shu Xian. She wouldn’t repeat the same mistake.

Just as she was caught between embarrassment and anger, figuring out how to refuse, Shang Hang Yu laughed lightly.

In a blink, he leaped gracefully toward the open window, leaving behind only his voice: “It was merely a joke. Rest well, Princess. I won’t disturb you further.”

Sheng Zhi Wan stood frozen in place.

A moment later, her composed expression broke into a frustrated huff.

Truly a rascal—teasing girls came to him naturally!

Her eyes drifted toward the small box he’d left behind. Hesitating briefly, she opened it.

At the first glance, her breath caught in her throat.

Inside lay three precious Tianzhu fruits, ones she had recently been desperately searching for.

So, all his talk about watching excitement was nonsense?

He’d rushed back purely to deliver these fruits…

Sheng Zhi Wan stared at the open window. Despite the cold breeze, a sudden warmth bloomed in her chest, making her heart thump twice, fiercely.

…

That night, Sheng Zhi Wan slept surprisingly well.

So when loud noises woke her the next morning, she felt little annoyance.

“An Zhi, what’s happening?”

An Zhi quickly entered, reporting, “Princess, you’re awake? The Heir Apparent and Meng Concubine have arrived with many servants, claiming they’re returning your dowry.”

Sheng Zhi Wan raised an eyebrow, calmly ordering, “Find someone quick-footed and send them to Dali Temple. Inform them that Duke Mansion is returning my dowry, and request they bring my dowry ledger to verify everything in person.”

Outside was noisy, but Sheng Zhi Wan took her time preparing, leisurely dressing herself before stepping out.

When Meng Yang saw Sheng Zhi Wan’s radiant beauty, hatred flashed through her eyes.

She curtsied softly, clutching her waist. “Greetings, Princess.”

But she stumbled weakly as if about to faint.

Qi Shu Xian quickly steadied her. “Enough. You’re pregnant. There’s no need for ceremony when there are no outsiders.”

Meng Yang clung to his arm, smiling gently. “My lord’s kindness moves my heart deeply. Yet etiquette must be kept. It’s just that standing here half an hour has made me dizzy.”

Sheng Zhi Wan clearly understood Meng Yang’s subtle blame, but ignored it. “Meng Concubine is indeed more proper than when she first arrived. It must be thanks to Mother’s careful guidance.”

Hearing Madam Cui mentioned, Qi Shu Xian hesitated to exempt Meng Yang from future greetings.

Meng Yang’s expression stiffened.

Sheng Zhi Wan had purposely kept her waiting, and now was openly mocking her past ignorance!

Just then, Fang Hong Zhi from Dali Temple entered with several officers, respectfully bowing. “Princess, as requested, we have come to witness Duke Mansion’s return of your dowry.”

Qi Shu Xian’s face instantly darkened like a storm cloud.