Chapter 113

Chapter 113: An Apology Offered

The next day, Sheng Zhi Wan was in her chamber, carefully writing down the medicinal herbs needed for the Rising Yang Elixir, when a servant arrived, announcing the Young Miss had come.

She lifted an eyebrow slightly and stepped out of the study.

Standing in the courtyard was Qi Fei Yan, her cheek swollen and red.

On her way over, every servant who saw Qi Fei Yan looked at her strangely. This left her feeling ashamed and humiliated, but with the old nanny specially assigned by Old Madam Lian following closely, Qi Fei Yan could only grit her teeth and endure.

Sheng Zhi Wan stepped closer and examined Qi Fei Yan’s face.

“Oh, did Elder Sister get slapped?”

“You—!” Qi Fei Yan barely opened her mouth when a soft cough interrupted her.

The old nanny immediately curtsied to Sheng Zhi Wan and spoke, “Princess, our Young Madam has come to apologize regarding the dowry incident.”

“Oh?” Sheng Zhi Wan raised her brows. “Since she has come to apologize, naturally everyone must witness it. An Zhi, Ting Lan, summon all the Masters of the household.”

What was an apology without an audience? Naturally, it had to be done before everyone in the Duke’s residence.

Having issued her command, Sheng Zhi Wan leisurely sat down on a stone stool in the courtyard. “Elder Sister, please wait a moment.”

Qi Fei Yan’s face turned red in anger upon hearing this. Sheng Zhi Wan actually wanted her to apologize in front of everyone?

Had she lost her mind?

How could she dare!

“Why, does Elder Sister look unwilling?” Sheng Zhi Wan asked mockingly.

Before Qi Fei Yan could speak, the old nanny quickly replied, “Of course not. If the Princess requests it, we naturally must comply. Isn’t that right, Young Madam?”

Qi Fei Yan drew a deep breath and replied stiffly, “Yes.”

Soon, An Zhi and Ting Lan returned, bringing everyone except Duke Qi, who was away from home, and Qi Shu Lang, who was confined to the ancestral hall. Qi Shu Xian, Meng Yang, and even the concubines Huan Zhu, Lian, and Ping had come.

Sheng Zhi Wan raised her eyebrows slightly. “Madam didn’t come?”

“Mother is unwell,” Qi Shu Xian replied through gritted teeth. If his mother saw Qi Fei Yan apologize to Sheng Zhi Wan, she’d likely be angered half to death.

“Then let Madam rest,” Sheng Zhi Wan said generously, turning her attention to Qi Fei Yan. “Elder Sister, you may begin.”

Qi Fei Yan felt deeply humiliated, yet her in-laws had already made it clear—if she didn’t obtain Sheng Zhi Wan’s forgiveness, she would still face divorce upon her return.

With a bitter heart, Qi Fei Yan shut her eyes and stepped forward. “Sister-in-law, regarding the dowry incident earlier, it was an oversight on my part—I forgot to return them—”

“Wait!” Sheng Zhi Wan interrupted. “Just an oversight? You forgot to return them? If Elder Sister still doesn’t understand her mistakes, there’s no need to carry on this false apology!”

“Sheng Zhi Wan!” Qi Fei Yan burst out in fury.

“Young Madam!” The nanny’s voice was even louder, causing Qi Fei Yan’s newly found courage to quickly fade.

Qi Shu Xian frowned. “Zhi Wan, that’s enough. Elder Sister already knows her mistake.”

“Enough? Knowing her mistake means just an oversight? Then it’s truly easy to admit mistakes!” Sheng Zhi Wan stood up, ready to leave.

“Young Madam, think about the Master’s instructions…” the nanny urged impatiently.

Qi Fei Yan had grown accustomed to acting arrogantly in front of Sheng Zhi Wan, and even now she could not clearly see her own situation. But at the nanny’s reminder, she remembered she was the one needing help.

“I’m sorry!” Seeing Sheng Zhi Wan truly about to leave, Qi Fei Yan hardened her heart and blurted out frankly, “I was shallow in the past and wanted your belongings for myself. I’ve now returned everything to you. Please don’t hold a grudge against me!”

Qi Fei Yan spoke quickly, her face burning in shame.

Satisfied, Sheng Zhi Wan sat back down. “Wouldn’t it have been easier to admit it openly from the start?”

The nanny hurriedly asked, “Princess, then you’ve forgiven our Young Madam?”

Sheng Zhi Wan turned towards her. “Who said that?”

The nanny was stunned, and Qi Fei Yan stared at Sheng Zhi Wan in disbelief.

“Judging by Elder Sister’s attitude, it seems she’s here not to apologize, but to force me to forgive her. But I just don’t want to,” Sheng Zhi Wan said with a smile.

Qi Fei Yan trembled uncontrollably in rage and stepped forward, reaching out to tear at Sheng Zhi Wan.

But as soon as her hand brushed Sheng Zhi Wan’s robe, a crisp “slap” echoed through the courtyard, causing everyone to gasp.

Ting Lan shook her tingling palm, having waited long to strike Qi Fei Yan.

Qi Fei Yan felt her cheek buzzing painfully.

“Sheng Zhi Wan! Is this how you discipline your servants?” Qi Shu Xian angrily stepped forward.

Sheng Zhi Wan shielded Ting Lan behind her. “So, Elder Sister is allowed to attack me, but my servant isn’t allowed to protect me?”

“Sheng Zhi Wan, good—very good! It’s one thing if you strike me, but now even your servant dares to?” Qi Fei Yan glared venomously at Ting Lan.

“Slap!” Sheng Zhi Wan raised her hand again.

Qi Fei Yan’s mouth filled with the taste of blood. Staring at Sheng Zhi Wan incredulously, she was at a loss for words.

Sheng Zhi Wan smiled lightly. “Elder Sister said it herself—it’s fine if I strike you.”

“You—!” Qi Fei Yan could barely speak from anger.

“What? Is it customary in the Lian Residence to strike people during apologies?” Sheng Zhi Wan asked the nanny coldly.

The nanny turned pale. The people in Duke’s residence dared to bully Sheng Zhi Wan only because she’d always yielded in the past two years. But this nanny was from the Lian Residence and was terrified seeing her Young Madam actually dare to attack the Princess!

Now, seeing Sheng Zhi Wan retaliate, the nanny felt relieved. Immediately dropping to her knees, she repeatedly kowtowed, pulling Qi Fei Yan down with her.

“Princess, please forgive our Young Madam! This old servant apologizes on her behalf!”

“Sheng Zhi Wan, must you be this arrogant? Won’t you spare someone even when you have the upper hand?” Qi Shu Xian’s face darkened.

Sheng Zhi Wan laughed mockingly. “Yes, I am arrogant, and I refuse to spare anyone. What of it? Perhaps you should go complain to Imperial Father?”

“You…” Qi Shu Xian fell silent.

“Enough!” Sheng Zhi Wan waved dismissively. With the Heaven Pearl Fruit obtained, she wished to finish preparing the Rising Yang Elixir soon and avoid further suffering from the Cold Poison. “I’m tired. If there’s nothing else, you may all leave.”

Ignoring the expressions of those in the courtyard, Sheng Zhi Wan turned gracefully and walked back into her chambers.

“Princess, I’m so happy!” Ting Lan entered with cheerful steps after dismissing everyone. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hit Qi Fei Yan. My wish finally came true!”

Sheng Zhi Wan glanced at her with amusement. “Aren’t you afraid she’ll retaliate?”

“I’m not afraid at all! I serve you, Princess. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy!”

Sheng Zhi Wan lightly tapped Ting Lan’s forehead. “Don’t worry. I won’t give her that chance.”