Chapter 86: Jiang Lin and Shen Sisi’s Engagement

Madam Han had just taken a short nap and, upon hearing that Jiang Lin had arrived, hurriedly got up, still feeling somewhat fatigued. When she heard Jiang Lin utter those words, she thought she must have misheard and was momentarily unable to react.

Shen Sisi’s shy smile froze on her face as she stared at Jiang Lin in disbelief. “Brother Lin, what are you saying?”

Jiang Lin cast a comforting glance at Shen Sisi. “Sisi, don’t be upset. Our engagement was arranged by our parents and matchmakers. I will always be your brother.”

Hearing this, Madam Han was displeased. Was Jiang Lin not implying that he was being forced to marry Qingyun, yet his heart still lingered with Sisi?

She began to feel her judgment was indeed poor. Shen Zhifeng was a man of duplicity, and now it seemed he nearly muddled the marriage arrangements, pushing her own daughter into a pit of fire.

Her eyes grew uncharacteristically cold. “Your Highness, there’s no need to make things so difficult. Sisi was the one you were supposed to marry. Is this not what you want?”

“What? Wasn’t I here to exchange birth dates with Qingyun?” Jiang Lin was momentarily stunned.

Madam Jiang hurriedly entered. “Lin’er, you must have misunderstood.”

She smiled apologetically at Madam Han. “I suddenly felt unwell earlier and was delayed in the restroom, so I only sent a maid to deliver the message. It seems she didn’t explain things clearly.”

As she spoke, she shot Jiang Lin a meaningful look.

Seeing Shen Sisi’s wronged and sorrowful expression, Jiang Lin had no choice but to change his tune. “So that’s how it is. Of course I am willing to marry Sisi. Madam Han, I was presumptuous.”

Though he said this, a trace of bitterness swept through his heart. For some reason, all the joy he once felt had suddenly vanished.

How could Shen Sisi fail to notice Jiang Lin’s odd mood? Flames of anger blazed within her—when had that wretched Shen Qingyun managed to ensnare Brother Lin behind her back, making him so reluctant to let go?

Yet all her frustration was forced down. Now, she wanted nothing more than to hold fast to Jiang Lin.

She would never allow Jiang Lin, who had always loved her, to turn his feelings toward Shen Qingyun!

But she knew now was not the time for anger. With a bashful, timid look, she said, “Mother, let us exchange the birth dates. I am willing.”

As she spoke, she gazed at Jiang Lin with deep affection.

Jiang Lin’s heart softened. She was the woman he had wanted to marry since his youth, and now she was finally his fiancée. A faint sweetness welled up within him.

Madam Jiang, seeing Shen Sisi’s demeanor, secretly cursed the little enchantress for so bewitching her son. She could not help but roll her eyes.

Shen Sisi noticed this, a flash of mockery in her eyes, and spoke as if casually, “Madam, it’s been so long since we last met, but you look wonderful—almost younger still.”

Others would naturally see this as praise for her future mother-in-law, but Madam Han glanced at Madam Jiang curiously. “It does seem so. Indeed, joy brings a glow to the face. Now that we are in-laws, everything is well.”

Compared to her haggard, anxious appearance that morning, Madam Jiang’s countenance had indeed changed. It was hard to say what was different, but she seemed like a flower refreshed by rain after a long drought—her eyes sparkled with new life.

Madam Jiang self-consciously touched her cheek, smiling awkwardly, claiming she had simply refreshed her powder and not daring to meet Madam Han’s gaze.

Having exchanged the birth dates and received the silver, she took Jiang Lin and prepared to leave.

Shen Sisi, knowing Madam Han disliked her, did not linger and made her way to Yansong Hall to inform the old madam of the good news.

Hearing that the engagement was settled, Shen Qingyun finally felt at ease.

Thinking of Shen Zhifeng, she suspected she had used too little of the drug—he still had the energy to cause trouble. Indeed, unless hung on the wall, he would never be truly docile.

Still, today’s events had far exceeded her expectations.

She had only wanted to see what they would say, never expecting things to unfold as they had.

Yicui was still kneeling outside. She knew she had been too careless today, having trusted Hongyu too easily.

Shen Qingyun sighed. In truth, she had always kept Yicui away from such secretive matters, which was why the girl had no sense of how much intrigue lurked within this grand household.

In her past life, Yicui had not been her chief maid, and after living again, Shen Qingyun had come to trust no one near her.

Compared to Zhenzhu, she had perhaps neglected Yicui, but the girl simply did her tasks without complaint. According to Nanny Jiang, Yicui, though sometimes aggrieved, had never harbored any ulterior motives.

Perhaps she should try to trust those around her more. The human heart could be base, cold, selfish, and cruel, but that did not mean all sincere feelings should be doubted.

“Zhenzhu, bring Yicui in.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Zhenzhu went to the door and helped Yicui inside.

Shen Qingyun sipped her tea in silence for a while before asking, “With all you’ve seen and heard today, what do you think happened?”

Yicui lifted her head, confusion flickering in her eyes. Seeing Shen Qingyun’s serious expression, she tried to recall everything that had occurred and said uncertainly, “Hongyu meant no good. There must be secrets in that room I shouldn’t have witnessed.”

Seeing her quick understanding, Shen Qingyun nodded and signaled Zhenzhu to explain what had happened.

Zhenzhu cleared her throat. “Madam Jiang and the Duke met privately in that room.”

Yicui broke out in a cold sweat. If she had barged in unthinkingly, not only would the Duke not have spared her, but she would have implicated her mistress as well.

Shen Qingyun spoke slowly, her voice soft but each word striking Yicui’s heart. “The Duke’s residence is not as peaceful and prosperous as it appears, but is full of schemes and shadows. Except for my mother, none of the masters here wish me well. Yicui, I offer you two choices: take this silver and leave the estate to live a quiet life, or stay with me and face all these plots and conflicts together.”

Yicui bit her lip, then suddenly knelt and bowed low. “Miss, I know no grand principles, but since you bought me, you are my only mistress. As long as you don’t despise me, I would rather serve by your side all my life.”

Her eyes were red. If Shen Qingyun was willing to speak so openly to her, did it not mean she was being sincerely accepted?

Shen Qingyun stepped forward and helped her up. “There are many things I will have Zhenzhu explain to you slowly. For now, there is one thing I need you to do. Here is a packet of powder—put it in Shen Zhifeng’s food tonight. If you regret your choice, you can still withdraw.”

Yicui accepted the little packet, her hand trembling slightly, but her gaze resolute. “Do not worry, Miss. I will take care of it.”