Chapter 161

Chapter 161: The Imperial Edict Arrives

The imperial hunt ended early because the Fourth Prince of Northern Di had been poisoned.

The next morning, the Eunuch Attendant arrived to announce that everyone must return to the capital ahead of schedule.

Sheng Zhi Wan had Liu Shang and An Zhi pack early. Just as she stepped out of her courtyard, she saw Qi Shu Xian helping Meng Yang outside.

Meng Yang’s face was pale, but her spirits seemed high.

Seeing Sheng Zhi Wan, Meng Yang pretended to push Qi Shu Xian away in distress.

Yet Qi Shu Xian wouldn’t let her go. After a token struggle, Meng Yang softened against him. “Heir Apparent, Princess is watching. You mustn’t act like this.”

Qi Shu Xian glanced coldly at Sheng Zhi Wan. “It doesn’t matter. You’re hurt, she should understand.”

He had not yet told Meng Yang about losing the child.

[Sheng Zhi Wan owes Meng Yang this.] Even if Sheng Zhi Wan was displeased, could it compare to Meng Yang’s pain at losing her child?

Qi Shu Xian’s resentment grew. Ignoring Sheng Zhi Wan, he helped Meng Yang into the carriage.

Detached Palace’s courtyards were close together, and many eyes witnessed this scene. Several curious gazes turned towards Sheng Zhi Wan.

“Princess!” An Zhi bit her lip, upset by how others might gossip.

Sheng Zhi Wan merely smiled lightly. “It doesn’t matter. Heir Apparent and Concubine Meng are deeply affectionate, a perfect match indeed.”

As for her, she would no longer be in their way.

When they returned to Duke Qi’s estate, Qi Shu Xian’s carriage entered directly without a word to Sheng Zhi Wan.

She didn’t care.

Once she descended from the carriage, an Eunuch Attendant arrived to collect the medical book.

It wasn’t Su De Yun, but Sheng Zhi Wan recognized him as the same eunuch who delivered the verbal decree earlier. Without trouble, she had An Zhi fetch the book from the study, handing it straight over without even touching it herself.

Once the Eunuch Attendant left, Sheng Zhi Wan went alone to the study.

She had An Zhi light a brazier outside.

The first item she tossed in was the grass-woven cricket that Qi Shu Xian gave her when they first met. Back then, he didn’t know who she was, seeing her playing alone near the palace, he had casually offered the woven cricket. His youthful warmth had shone brightly then—but only then.

The second was a wooden hairpin Qi Shu Xian carved for her himself. Sheng Zhi Wan lacked nothing, yet she cherished the simple wooden pin greatly. Its smooth shine was proof of her frequent gentle touches.

As for the rest…

She collected scroll after scroll from around the study.

Qi Shu Xian fishing, Qi Shu Xian flying a kite, Qi Shu Xian smiling, Qi Shu Xian frowning while studying…

She had painted countless images of him during the two years of his absence. Each glance reminded her of the hopeful waiting and longing in her heart.

Sheng Zhi Wan traced her fingers over the paper one last time, then without hesitation, cast every single one into the flames.

Fire leaped, consuming the memories.

Sheng Zhi Wan heard the shocked gasps of her maids outside.

Opening the door, she saw Qi Shu Xian storming toward her with icy eyes.

“Liu Shang!” Sheng Zhi Wan called sharply.

Liu Shang quickly stepped forward to block his path.

Qi Shu Xian’s face darkened even more, his gaze falling briefly on the smoldering brazier without care.

His eyes, filled with bitter disappointment, locked onto Sheng Zhi Wan as he accused coldly, “Meng Yang’s child is gone.”

Sheng Zhi Wan raised an eyebrow, unsurprised.

“It was a boy, fully formed. If you had acted yesterday, perhaps he would still live.” His voice shook with grief and accusation. “Zhi Wan, when did you become so heartless?”

That was his first child!

Yet because of Sheng Zhi Wan, it didn’t even get a chance to see the world.

Sheng Zhi Wan, after brief astonishment, laughed coldly. “Her child is dead, what has that to do with me?”

Qi Shu Xian was stunned by her lack of remorse. Were other lives worthless to her now?

“Meng Yang said you pushed her into the flower pond and forced her to stay soaked for a long time. You also shoved her down. She was healthy before; without your harassment, how could she have delivered prematurely?”

Sheng Zhi Wan found this absurd. “And did you witness me pushing her into the flower pond?”

“You dare deny it? Had I known, I would have waited until she birthed safely before bringing her home!”

Qi Shu Xian was filled with regret, blaming Sheng Zhi Wan’s cruelty.

Sheng Zhi Wan scoffed, “Instead of suspecting me, perhaps you should ask yourself why she had to earn silver for the Duke’s household while caring for Duchess Cui?”

“If you truly cared, why didn’t you personally tend your mother? Why weren’t you the one earning silver?”

Sheng Zhi Wan’s words rendered Qi Shu Xian speechless, his cheeks burning with shame and anger, unable to refute.

“Princess, Lord Duke requests your presence!” A servant called from outside.

Qi Shu Xian pursed his lips and coldly turned away.

Sheng Zhi Wan calculated the timing and smiled lightly. “Very well, let’s go.” She was curious to see how shameless the Duke’s household could become.

In the biting cold of winter evening, Sheng Zhi Wan and Qi Shu Xian entered one after another.

Inside, Concubine Lian cast a worried glance at Sheng Zhi Wan.

All masters and concubines of the Duke’s house, except Qi Fei Rui and Meng Yang, were gathered here.

Madam Cui lay in bed, her eyes wide with anger.

Qi Shu Lang glared at Sheng Zhi Wan resentfully.

Concubine Ping was beside Madam Cui, while Concubine Lian and Concubine Tao sat quietly by Duke Qi.

Duke Qi sat imperiously above. Upon seeing Sheng Zhi Wan, he hurled a teacup at her. “Shu Xian’s wife! Kneel!”

The cup shattered before her. Sheng Zhi Wan didn’t even blink, looking calmly at Duke Qi. “Why should I kneel?”

Duke Qi darkened with rage!

“Because you’re jealous and cruel! You caused Shu Xian’s first child—this household’s first grandchild—to die!”

Sheng Zhi Wan smiled faintly. “Does Lord Duke have evidence?”

“I saw it with my own eyes! You’re spiteful and ruthless! You know medicine yet refuse to save your own kin, choosing outsiders instead. Without proper repentance, this household cannot accept you!”

“So, how would Lord Duke have me repent?”

“Kneel in reflection! Moreover, His Majesty granted you a promise yesterday for saving Northern Di’s Fourth Prince. Use that promise to restore Shu Xian’s official position. Only then can you redeem yourself!”

At this, Sheng Zhi Wan finally laughed in outright scorn.

“What are you laughing at?” Duke Qi roared.

Just then, the steward hurriedly announced from outside, “Lord Duke! Heir Apparent! An Imperial Edict has arrived from the palace!”

Everyone’s expressions shifted.

Duke Qi immediately stood, smiling brightly, “It must be His Majesty rewarding Shu Xian for his excellent performance during the hunt!”