Chapter 216

Chapter 216: Let the Dogs Bite Each Other

“You already owe me a favor. Have you forgotten it was my people who saved you?”

“Silence!” Ming Jia snapped sharply. “It was this Commandery Princess’s maid who was kidnapped!”

“Oh? Then why bring such a force here today?” Sheng Zhi Wan’s voice was icy.

Some repay kindness with gratitude, while others seek to silence witnesses.

Sheng Zhi Wan reached out and gripped Commandery Princess Ming Jia’s chin. Seeing the fear in Ming Jia’s eyes, she said coldly, “Bringing all these guards, yet you waste your time here instead of searching the mountains for those bandits. Don’t forget, it’s not just your rescuers who know you were kidnapped—the bandits themselves know it best. You’re truly as foolish as a pig!”

“You—you—” Ming Jia trembled from head to toe.

Sheng Zhi Wan flung her away, continuing harshly, “Besides, it’s too late if you intended to silence everyone. Many pilgrims saw you being taken. Do you plan to silence all of them as well?”

“And me, along with the Morning Light Temple’s Abbot and monks? Do you have the skill to silence everyone?”

Ming Jia’s eyes turned red, speechless.

Sheng Zhi Wan regarded her once more.

Gritting her teeth, Ming Jia finally managed to say, “Keep your people in check. If anyone dares spread rumors, even if it costs my life, I’ll drag you down with me! …Move out!”

Watching Ming Jia’s retreating figure, Sheng Zhi Wan frowned slightly.

Only after Ming Jia departed did Sheng Zhi Wan summon Lin Yue privately.

“When you went to rescue Ming Jia, what exactly did you see?” The moment Sheng Zhi Wan asked, she felt something was wrong.

Lin Yue’s expression was strange. After hesitating, he answered awkwardly, “I—I saw several men pressing down on two women, their clothes… partly torn.”

Lin Yue stammered, but Sheng Zhi Wan showed no embarrassment at all.

“Normally, the bandits would flee first and only consider such actions once they felt safe. Yet, you encountered this scene midway during your pursuit.”

“Yes,” Lin Yue admitted, recalling how odd he had found the bandits’ urgency.

“They clearly intended you to see it. Tell the men not to breathe a word of this.”

In truth, the bandits hadn’t had time to truly harm Ming Jia. They purposely staged that scene, likely not to kill Ming Jia, but to ruin her reputation instead.

Sheng Zhi Wan considered advising Ming Jia, but in the end, she decided otherwise. Better let dogs bite each other.

As Lin Yue stepped out, An Zhi intercepted him.

Lin Yue wasn’t close with An Zhi, knowing only she was one of the Princess’s most trusted maids.

Then An Zhi pressed ten silver ingots into his hand.

“What is this?”

“Guard Lin, the Princess says you worked hard earlier, and extra work deserves extra rewards. This is your rightful reward.”

Lin Yue froze briefly.

His comrades beside him chuckled, patting their bulging purses. “Take it, Brother Lin. We’ve all got ours too.”

Lin Yue gratefully accepted the silver and respectfully bowed toward the room behind him.

Yet it didn’t end there. Upon returning to the outer courtyard, Shang Hang Yu gifted each man an additional twenty silver ingots…

Matters at the Morning Light Temple were clearly not concluded, but for Sheng Zhi Wan, it no longer mattered. She finally enjoyed two days of peace—fasting as she pleased and wandering the grounds leisurely. They spent one more night at the temple before heading back to the Capital City the following morning.

Once back, Shang Hang Yu visited the Imperial Astronomical Bureau every day. Today, at last, he secured the Emperor-approved auspicious dates for the marriage rites.

Only then did he return to Shang Residence.

Firstly, he wished to see how well Grand General Shang had prepared his mother’s dowry. Secondly, he intended to refurbish the residence.

Even though he would live in the Princess’s estate after marriage, one never knew when the Princess might whimsically decide to visit his childhood home. Shang Hang Yu planned to rebuild the courtyard according to his childhood memories.

But upon arrival, everything at Shang Residence remained unchanged.

Not only was there no festive air of impending celebrations, but Grand General Shang showed no signs of planning to leave.

Seeing Shang Hang Yu return, a servant boy hurried inside to report. Shang Hang Yu raised an eyebrow curiously.

Moments later, an elderly woman dressed simply yet walking briskly approached.

Shang Hang Yu sighed inwardly. “Grandmother, why have you returned?”

“You child, you finally remembered to come home?” The old Madam beamed joyfully, her eyes full of affectionate warmth. “Grandmother has been here several days already. Your father said you couldn’t be found anywhere. Grandmother heard you want to marry the Princess. Marrying a Princess is fine, but why must you choose one who’s already divorced—”

“Grandmother!” Shang Hang Yu interrupted. “Was it General Shang who asked you to return?”

Years ago, after his mother passed away, Shang Tian Hao insisted on making Liang Rao his official wife. Grandmother had been so angered she moved to the countryside. Shang Hang Yu always visited her during festivals.

Even during the last New Year, she showed no intention of coming back. Her quiet return now could only be Shang Tian Hao’s idea.

Did Shang Tian Hao believe he wouldn’t fight openly if Grandmother was here?

“What General Shang? He is your father.” Madam Shang lightly slapped his arm.

Shang Hang Yu smiled without responding.

Old Madam Shang knew her grandson was stubborn. But even so, she never imagined he’d go so far as to marry a divorced woman just to spite his father.

Thinking of this, her heart ached. Her beloved grandson, always so obedient and sensible—how could he marry a twice-wed woman?

“Grandmother,” Shang Hang Yu read her thoughts clearly. He guided her gently inside, seated her comfortably, and sent everyone else out. “I don’t know what General Shang has told you, but marrying the Princess is my own choice. I adore Princess Ning. Anyone who dares speak ill of her—I’ll sever ties immediately.”

Sever ties?

Old Madam Shang’s eyes widened in shock. Her gentle, dutiful grandson had never said anything so harsh. Over these many years, even when Shang Tian Hao neglected her, Shang Hang Yu never once forgot her.

Every time he visited, he tended the gardens by her side, careful and caring.

“Yu, my boy! Are you threatening Grandmother?” Her hand grasped his anxiously. “What exactly is so special about this Princess Ning—”

“Grandmother!” Shang Hang Yu stood abruptly, his gaze turning icy. His grandmother choked back the rest of her words.

Speechless, she stared at him in disbelief, finally forcing herself to say, “Fine…fine. Grandmother won’t speak of it again. But must you take your mother’s dowry to the Princess’s estate?”

“Yes! This is His Majesty’s command,” Shang Hang Yu replied bluntly, ending all discussion.

“But your father spent all these years supporting the family. He’s a man—he can’t manage household funds! If you take everything away, what about Yuan’er and your sisters?”

“Did Grandmother misunderstand? I’m only taking my mother’s dowry. I won’t touch a single silver ingot from the General’s residence. My marriage won’t cost General Shang a single coin. Besides, isn’t Madam Shang managing the household now? Surely it makes no sense to use the dowry of the first wife to raise the children of a second.”