Chapter 74: The Delusion that King Li Would Marry Jing'an

After dealing with Yue Niang, Shen Qingyun knew the next target was Shen Minglei. Now that he had saved Princess Jing’an, and given that the princess hated her to the core, Shen Qingyun had to seize the initiative.

At this moment, a plan was forming in her mind.

She hadn’t expected, though, to hear rumors outside that Prince Li was set to marry Princess Jing’an.

“How could that be, Miss?” Pearl exclaimed in surprise.

Even Shen Qingyun found it hard to believe. It was true that Princess Jing’an had always been devoted to Prince Li, but they both knew that under the current circumstances, it was impossible for Prince Li to marry her.

So she summoned Hanyu. “Go and find out what’s really happened. How could such a rumor have started?”

Hanyu nodded respectfully, her steps a little too lively, causing Hanfeng, standing nearby, to shake his head in silent disapproval.

When Hanyu returned with the news, everything became clear: it was Princess Heshuo’s idea.

Princess Heshuo, the emperor’s half-sister and close to the Empress, wielded considerable influence in the capital. She’d long been widowed, and after her consort’s early death, Princess Jing’an became her only daughter. Naturally, she doted on Jing’an, who grew up proud and arrogant. Everyone in the aristocracy knew Jing’an had always been infatuated with Prince Li. Yet Prince Li never reciprocated, and Princess Heshuo, wary of the prince’s ill-fated history with his wives, had always kept Jing’an away from him.

This latest scandal had been covered up, but ever since Princess Jing’an was disgraced by the beggars, she had been deeply traumatized, growing hysterical and calling out for Si Molì day and night, which broke Princess Heshuo’s heart.

After much deliberation, Princess Heshuo visited Prince Li’s manor herself.

Naturally, the answer she received was a refusal.

For her daughter’s sake, Princess Heshuo relented. “Molì, you know Jing’an has waited for you until she’s almost become a spinster. No one’s devotion to you can compare with hers. Now that she’s in this state, all I ask is that she joins your household—not as your principal wife, but as a concubine. Is that too much?”

Si Molì looked at Princess Heshuo, a mocking light flickering in the depths of his eyes. “Didn’t you once warn me not to give Jing’an any hope, to keep my distance? Why this sudden change of heart?”

Princess Heshuo’s expression froze, but she maintained her regal pride. “I saw that Jing’an was driven nearly mad by her feelings for you, that’s why I agreed.”

“Oh? Then I suppose I should thank you?” Si Molì’s gaze was as dark as midnight, cold and bottomless as an ancient well, sending a chill down the princess’s spine.

She still held onto a sliver of hope, thinking Si Molì was unaware that Jing’an’s madness stemmed from her disgrace.

“Your Highness, you should return. The Prince’s manor will find a suitable mistress in good time.” Si Molì’s voice was calm, yet brooked no argument.

“Molì, Jing’an’s love for you is true. Are you really so heartless?” Princess Heshuo’s gaze grew sharp.

“Steward, see the princess out.”

The old steward immediately stepped forward, raising his hand and smiling respectfully. “Your Highness, this way please.”

Inwardly, he cursed the princess and her daughter roundly. They really thought themselves something? Never mind that his lord already had his heart set on Miss Shen; even just considering Jing’an’s selfish, ruthless arrogance, she was no match for his master.

Seeing Prince Li’s icy resolve, Princess Heshuo swept her sleeves and left.

Still, the rumors spread, likely fanned by Princess Heshuo herself.

Hearing all this, Shen Qingyun couldn’t help but sneer at Princess Heshuo’s overestimation of herself. Perhaps being lauded for so long had blinded her to her true position—a princess with nothing but lingering affection for her late husband, daring to scorn and threaten a prince commanding great armies.

All the better; now she could involve Prince Li in her plan.

“Pearl, ready the carriage. We’re going to Prince Li’s manor.”

“Yes, Miss.”

After a brief preparation, Shen Qingyun arrived at the manor and was quickly ushered inside.

Si Molì hadn’t expected her sudden visit. The rumors outside made his face grow tense. Had she misunderstood something?

But Shen Qingyun seemed not to believe the rumors at all. Instead, she said earnestly, “Your Highness, I have a way to ensure Princess Heshuo never troubles you again.”

“What’s your plan?” Si Molì’s gaze softened. She truly cared about this matter.

“Since Shen Minglei saved Princess Jing’an, he now knows her identity. A man as calculating as he is would certainly seize the chance to marry her and further his own ambitions. In that case, why not give him what he wants?”

“How do you propose to do that?”

“Shen Minglei must be in a panic after hearing the news. At this moment, if we find a way to coax him into admitting that Princess Jing’an’s purity is lost, but that he was her savior, then she’ll never be sent to your manor.”

Si Molì nodded. “You’re right. But aren’t you concerned that, with Princess Jing’an’s support, Shen Minglei might become a threat to you?”

Shen Qingyun smiled brilliantly, her eyes dancing with meaning. “But what if Princess Jing’an learns that Shen Minglei is actually my half-brother? Would she still think he saved her?”

Si Molì immediately understood. “Then perhaps she’ll believe you and Shen Minglei plotted against her together.”

In that case, Princess Jing’an would not only fail to aid Shen Minglei; she might even become his undoing.

“For this, I’ll need your help, Your Highness. Can you ensure the princess regains her sanity after the wedding, and then find a way to let her learn the truth?”

“Of course.”

They exchanged a knowing smile.

A thought occurred to Shen Qingyun. “Your Highness, to restore the princess’s mind, perhaps the famed physician from the Suspended Medicine Pavilion could help. His skills are renowned.”

Si Molì’s faint smile froze instantly.

Lian Rufeng—he had yet to settle accounts with that man.

“All right. Leave it to me. You need not trouble yourself to visit the Pavilion.”

Seeing Si Molì’s response, Shen Qingyun realized that, with his influence, finding a skilled physician would be no difficult task. She said no more and took her leave.

The old steward approached with a box, grinning. “Miss Shen, this is from the prince. Since you’re here, please take it with you.”

Shen Qingyun assumed it was some pastries, accepted it with a gentle smile, and failed to notice the steward’s look of pride—as if his master had finally come to his senses.