Chapter 227

Chapter 227: Thank Her for Me

“Commandery Princess!”

“Commandery Princess, please stop! This is an Imperial Edict!” A palace maid knelt in panic, desperately blocking Ming Jia’s path.

Ming Jia kicked her viciously, again and again, but the maid clung to her stubbornly, refusing to let go. Only after Ming Jia had vented her fury did she collapse limply into her chair, sobbing bitterly.

“Imperial Edict?” Ming Jia whispered harshly, eyes burning with resentment.

She should have known better!

Sheng Yuan Jun had flattered and courted her from the beginning; of course, he had his own plans.

Yet she never imagined he would be this shameless.

All his talk—about punishing Shang Hang Yu for offending her, about destroying Shang Hang Yu’s reputation—every word had been nothing but deceit.

And she had foolishly fallen for his trap, leading to her humiliation!

What could she do now?

Though outsiders might remain unaware of her shame, the Emperor surely knew. It was impossible now to marry the Third Prince as she’d dreamed.

Her only choices were death—or marriage to the Crown Prince.

But why should she choose death?!

Sheng Zhi Wan and Shang Hang Yu were still alive! If not for them, she would never have been ensnared by Sheng Yuan Jun’s scheme. Therefore, she must stay alive.

Only by living could she ensure those she hated suffered a fate even more miserable than her own.

…

“Eldest Young Master Shang, your scheming is truly impressive!”

“Last time, Princess Ning said your so-called brotherly love was fake. I didn’t believe it, but now—ha!”

“Forget it! We’ve all been blind!”

“From now on, a friend like Eldest Young Master Shang is too high for someone like me.”

“And me too, Sun agrees.”

“Feng also learned his lesson!”

“Brother Shang…” Wang Huai Zhi, walking last, spoke with the greatest bitterness.

He’d never imagined his closest friend could use him like this.

Earlier today, Wang Huai Zhi had been upstairs at the Flower Morning literary gathering, discussing poetry with classmates. Shang Xiu Yuan seemed distracted.

Concerned for his friend’s health, Wang asked repeatedly until Shang Xiu Yuan finally confessed hesitantly—he had accidentally discovered a secret that could destroy Shang Residence.

When Wang Huai Zhi heard it involved Shang Residence, he hesitated. If it had been his past self, he would have eagerly pressed for more information. But after distributing porridge in the slums, he had learned many truths not found in books: even between close friends, there must be boundaries.

So Wang Huai Zhi chose not to ask further.

Yet Shang Xiu Yuan, after a pause, volunteered the secret—Shang Hang Yu, despite being betrothed to Princess Ning, had stolen invitations from Shang Xiu Yuan’s household and intended to indulge in debauchery with prostitutes at the literary gathering!

Shang Hang Yu’s extravagance and depravity were certainly believable.

But such a man was allowed to marry Princess Ning? If not for his mother’s interference, Wang Huai Zhi himself would have…

At the time, Wang Huai Zhi felt righteous anger. Determined to inform the Princess of Shang Hang Yu’s true character, he urged Shang Xiu Yuan fervently.

Shang Xiu Yuan eventually yielded, seemingly choosing justice over family. He even brought them to the inner chambers to catch Shang Hang Yu in the act.

But the outcome…

Wang Huai Zhi’s face twisted bitterly.

Shang Xiu Yuan opened his mouth, trying to explain, yet in the end, no words emerged.

He’d thought Shang Hang Yu’s reputation would be utterly destroyed tonight—no one would believe his excuses afterward.

But never in his wildest dreams had he imagined it was the Crown Prince himself in that room!

Thinking of this, Shang Xiu Yuan forgot even Wang Huai Zhi’s presence. He had inadvertently caught the Crown Prince in scandal—wouldn’t the Crown Prince hold a grudge?

Shang Xiu Yuan panicked completely.

Wang Huai Zhi, seeing him silent, shook his head in disappointment and left.

Only Shang Xiu Yuan remained, standing in the bitter winter wind, shivering violently.

A mocking voice suddenly emerged behind him: “Oh? Elder Brother hasn’t left yet—are you waiting for me? I never expected Elder Brother to always think about me this much.”

Shang Hang Yu approached leisurely, each word dripping with hidden meaning.

Shang Xiu Yuan saw him, fury and bitterness surging uncontrollably. He clenched his fist and swung it towards Shang Hang Yu’s face.

But another hand easily captured that fist.

Shang Xiu Yuan’s eyes widened in disbelief.

The night was dark; he couldn’t clearly see Shang Hang Yu’s face, but the steadily tightening grip made him pale.

His arm felt trapped in iron pincers, unable to strike or retreat.

When had Shang Hang Yu become this strong?

Shang Xiu Yuan’s face shifted anxiously.

It seemed ever since Princess Ning’s abduction, the worthless fool he’d always scorned had suddenly changed!

First, he rescued Princess from bandits; next, he cleverly gained the Emperor’s favor on the training field; and now, he was betrothed to the Princess and had even escaped the Crown Prince’s vicious plot!

Suddenly, intense pain pierced through his trapped arm.

Shang Xiu Yuan trembled violently, uncertain whether it was fear or agony.

Then, abruptly, Shang Hang Yu released him.

Shang Xiu Yuan stumbled and fell heavily to the ground.

Shang Hang Yu bent over him, his voice soft and terrifying: “Has Elder Brother been standing too long? Can’t even walk properly now? Let me help Elder Brother up.”

Shang Xiu Yuan, paralyzed by fear, allowed Shang Hang Yu to lift him and guide him forward.

When they reached Shang Residence’s gate, Shang Hang Yu suddenly exclaimed, as if remembering something important: “Oh? I almost forgot—Elder Brother no longer lives here. But it’s not far; surely Elder Brother can manage the walk back alone.”

“And yes, do remember to thank Madam Shang for the red coral. I quite like it—and I’m certain Princess Ning will love it, too.”

Shang Hang Yu smiled broadly, turned, and stepped through the grand gate.

Shang Xiu Yuan watched helplessly as the tall, familiar gate slammed shut in his face.

Clutching his heart, Shang Xiu Yuan could endure no more. Blood spurted violently from his mouth!