Volume 1, Chapter 7: Return to the Manor

For the past two days, Shen Zhi had been busy organizing the gifts for her homecoming visit, paying no mind to Zhao Wan, who had taken it upon herself to settle into the Seventh Prince’s Mansion as if it were her own home.

Due to the Empress Dowager’s decree, Pei Jing could not protest, and since he could not see, he did not care.

That morning, Shen Zhi had prepared early and waited at the entrance for Pei Jing to accompany her on the visit. As winter approached, the air had grown chilly, and standing beside the carriage, she appeared somewhat petite and delicate.

As time ticked by, Shen Zhi’s expression darkened. It was almost noon, and he still had not arrived!

"Mingzhi, what time is it?"
"Replying to my Lady, it is already the hour of Si (9:00 to 11:00 AM)."

Shen Zhi pressed her lips together, her heart burning with rage, though she kept her composure. "Since the Prince is willing to lose face, I cannot stop him. Prepare the carriage! We shall depart ourselves!"

Shen Zhi waved her hand, intending to leave alone. The coachman nearby, however, showed no intention of moving.

Shen Zhi frowned. "What is the meaning of this?"

The coachman looked at her with disdain. He had long heard that this Princess was merely a pretty face, favored not at all by the Prince. He looked at her and replied, "Replying to the Princess, this servant only follows the Prince’s arrangements."

At these words, Shen Zhi’s expression turned icy. She sneered, "Mingzhi, slap him!"

"Yes!" Mingzhi immediately stepped forward and struck the coachman across the face.

Shen Zhi looked at him unhurriedly. "Now, can we go?"

Du Kang clutched his stinging cheek, his eyes full of defiance. He muttered, "Princess! The Prince has not arrived yet, how can you leave first?"

"It seems you do not understand my words." Shen Zhi stepped before him and slapped him again. Having been struck twice, Du Kang’s face began to swell. "I am the Prince’s lawfully wedded wife and the ultimate authority in this Seventh Prince’s Mansion. As a mere servant, you dare to be so disrespectful to me? Do you hold the Seventh Prince in such low regard?"

Hearing this, Du Kang knelt in a hurry. "Princess, please calm your anger! I was wrong, I was blinded by arrogance and forgot who my master was. I beg for your forgiveness."

Shen Zhi did not spare him a glance and climbed into the carriage. "Depart!"

"Yes!"

***

At the Shen Manor, Shen Qi and Pei Huai had already arrived. Pei Huai had brought a mountain of gifts, delighting both Zhong Lengyu and the Old Madam.

Shen Qi clung to Zhong Lengyu’s arm, smiling sweetly. "Mother, I told Brother Pei not to buy so much, but he insisted."

Zhong Lengyu glanced at her, beaming. "Oh, First Prince, our Qi’er is ignorant of the proper etiquette; I hope you will be patient with her."

Pei Huai maintained his decorum, bowing slightly. "Mother-in-law, what are you saying? Qi’er and I are in mutual agreement; marrying her is my greatest fortune."

Comparing Shen Qi to Shen Zhi, Pei Huai felt a thousand times over that he was lucky to have chosen Shen Qi. Though she was only the second daughter, she was at least a true member of the Shen family—far superior to that foolish, cowardly Shen Zhi!

"By the way… why hasn't older sister returned yet?" Shen Qi feigned surprise, covering her mouth with a handkerchief. "I heard the Seventh Prince is quite cold and heartless. He wouldn't bully sister, would he?"

Despite her words, her eyes were filled with triumph. Yet, she recalled the palace visit—Pei Jing had seemed to favor Shen Zhi. Was it just her imagination?

Just as she was thinking this, a crisp voice sounded from the doorway: "I didn't realize you missed me so much, sister."

Shen Zhi, dressed in vibrant red silk, looked grand and imposing. She entered the room and sat down without ceremony. "Mingzhi, brew some tea for me!"

"Yes, my Lady!"

Seeing such arrogance, the Old Madam flew into a rage and slammed the table. "Shen Zhi! Do you have no respect for family law? Do you not know to pay your respects to your grandmother and aunt upon returning home?"

Mingzhi placed the tea before her. Shen Zhi took a slow, calm sip. "Grandmother, you are right about the rules. However, speaking of etiquette, I am now the Seventh Princess. Should you not be the one to pay your respects to me first?"

Shen Zhi set down her cup and raised her eyes. The Old Madam was so furious she nearly fainted. "Shen Zhi… you… you…"

Shen Zhi laughed, stood up, and walked to the Old Madam. With a raised eyebrow, she said, "Grandmother, I am certainly worthy of your respect, so please, do not worry."

"How audacious!" Zhong Lengyu scolded. "Shen Zhi! Even if you are the Seventh Princess, we are your aunt and grandmother, and you still bear the name Shen!"

"Ha! You know I bear the name Shen, not Zhong! Aunt, make sure you know your place," Shen Zhi retorted sharply.

Seeing her mother and grandmother unable to best her, Shen Qi looked at Pei Huai. Seeing he had no intention of interfering, she glanced toward the door and noticed the absence of Pei Jing. Her eyes flickered. With a polite smile, she went to support the Old Madam. "Sister, why are you alone? Where is the Seventh Prince? Why hasn't he come in?"

At these words, the Old Madam and Zhong Lengyu stared at the door. Even Pei Huai could not help but look behind her; Pei Jing was nowhere to be seen.

Shen Zhi remained calm and sat down. "The Prince had matters to attend to; he will arrive shortly."

Seeing her composure, Shen Qi became even more certain that Pei Jing simply did not want to come. She laughed aloud. "Shen Zhi, are you still lying to yourself? Did he have matters to attend to, or did he simply not want to come? You ran to him, but does he even care for you?"

Shen Zhi’s expression stiffened.

Zhong Lengyu caught on. "Shen Zhi! Today is the day for a bride's homecoming! A husband must accompany her! By returning alone, are you telling the entire Xuan Yue Kingdom that the Seventh Prince wants nothing to do with you?"

"You have brought such shame upon the Shen family!"

Recalling the slap he had received from Shen Zhi, Pei Huai smiled. "Seventh sister-in-law, don't mind it. My younger brother is just a bit capricious."

"Is it just capriciousness, or does the Seventh Prince’s Mansion not think anything of you at all?" Shen Qi curled her lips, her eyes filled with unconcealed triumph. "Shen Zhi, are you not shaming the Shen family? How can you still show your face?"

"The Seventh Prince, you see, simply does not want you."