Chapter 75: Setting a Trap

When Shen Qingyun returned to the residence and opened the box, she was instantly rendered speechless with astonishment.

The top layer was indeed filled with pastries.

But the two layers beneath held secrets within.

The second layer revealed a long box of purple sandalwood. Upon opening it, she found three large, perfectly round black seawater pearls. Each one was flawless, radiating a peacock-green sheen from every angle.

Pearl, standing nearby, couldn’t help but cry out in delight, “Oh my, Miss! These pearls are so beautiful, even more splendid and larger than the ten pearls the miracle doctor gifted us. Ah, Miss, when will I ever be so enchanting?”

Shen Qingyun couldn’t help but laugh. “Who compares themselves to pearls, after all?”

Pearl stuck out her tongue mischievously. “Well, my name is Pearl, isn’t it? Miss, hurry and open the next box! I can’t wait to see what’s inside.”

The third layer also held a rectangular box. Shen Qingyun opened it to reveal a white jade hairpin, set with gold filigree and inlaid with gemstones. It was exquisitely crafted and exuded an air of opulence. The red gem set in gold and jade shone with a searing brilliance—one glance was enough to ensnare the eye.

Bathed in sunlight, the light and shadow cast by the hairpin became all the more breathtaking.

Prince Li was truly generous.

Pearl was at a loss for words; these two items alone could be called priceless treasures.

After all, Shen Qingyun was still a young woman—how could she not be entranced by such exquisite ornaments? For a moment, she was reluctant to part with them, though a hint of doubt arose in her heart.

She hadn’t done anything to deserve this, nor was it any special occasion. Why would she suddenly receive such precious gifts?

Recalling the subtle affection hinted at in their last conversation, her cheeks flushed.

Of course, she could not have known that it was Lian Rufeng’s influence that prompted Prince Li’s actions.

At that very moment, Lian Rufeng was striding cheerfully into Prince Li’s residence.

He thought to himself that he’d originally intended to come last time to fetch a few things, but had been too busy. Now, it seemed he would need Prince Li’s help again.

Should I take some fine brocade? Or perhaps a few jewels? I wonder what Miss Shen would like best.

With such thoughts, he entered the study, grinning, “Mo Li, what did you call me here for this time?”

Behind him, the door slammed shut with a bang, startling Lian Rufeng. He turned to see the old steward, his smile tinged with murderous intent.

“Wh-what is it, Steward? Why do you look so… unsettling?”

A gust of a palm swept past his chest; Lian Rufeng narrowly dodged it. “Hey! Mo Li, have you lost your mind? What are you doing?”

The old steward advanced, blocking his retreat, his face filled with grievance.

Si Mo Li fixed him with a gaze cold as a blade’s edge. “Lian Rufeng, last time, you said you had feelings for a young lady—which one?”

Lian Rufeng’s face was a picture of confusion and alarm, unable to comprehend what had happened—all of a sudden, these two looked like vengeful spirits. He stammered, “It’s… Second Miss Shen, Shen Qingyun. Mo Li, are you jealous? Don’t worry, you’ll always be my best friend.”

The steward let out a wail, “Young Master Lian, haven’t you ever heard that a friend’s wife is off-limits? How could you not understand?”

“What?”

“Enough, Lian Rufeng. Let’s compete fairly.”

With that, Si Mo Li struck again.

Lian Rufeng didn’t even have time to process the true meaning behind “compete fairly,” before he was forced to exchange blows with Si Mo Li. In only a few moves, he found himself battered and bruised.

Aside from being adept at lightness skill, Lian Rufeng was outmatched in every way by Si Mo Li—after all, this was the Qianqi Dynasty’s undefeated God of War.

After being thoroughly trounced, Lian Rufeng finally understood.

“Mo Li, this isn’t fair—you can’t just settle things with brute force,” Lian Rufeng protested.

“What, you think negotiation didn’t go well?” Si Mo Li’s voice was icy.

“It went well, it went well,” Lian Rufeng replied with a sheepish grin, inwardly cursing his luck. “Brother, if it weren’t for the rare sight of you truly caring for someone, I wouldn’t give up so easily.”

Catching Si Mo Li’s gaze, Lian Rufeng shut his mouth, rubbed his sore arm, and hastily changed the subject. “So, what did you call me here for?”

“The medicine I previously obtained from you—the one that clouds the mind—does it have an antidote? Something that can restore one’s senses?”

“Of course, but I’ll need to see the patient’s specific condition.”

“No problem. I’ll arrange it in the next few days. Wait for word at the Pavilion of Suspended Medicine.”

Lian Rufeng leapt to his feet. “I’ll go wait right away.” With that, he dashed off.

The steward closed the door that had been flung open, sighing inwardly: Misfortune has befallen this house, for a traitor has emerged from within. Thankfully, the prince discovered it in time.

Now, whenever he thought of that box of Eastern pearls—which he’d personally handed over—his teeth ached with regret.

...

The next day, the rumors on the street took a new turn.

“It’s said that Princess Jing’an was defiled by beggars, and if not for a certain young master drawing his sword to save her, who knows what would have happened.”

“Did such a thing really occur?”

“Yes, I heard that the princess’s mother, Princess Heshuo, ordered all the beggars’ limbs to be broken. Their corpses are still lying unattended in the paupers’ graveyard.”

“Does that mean Prince Li will still marry Princess Jing’an?”

“Impossible! Prince Li is our God of War—he’d never marry a woman who’s lost her virtue.”

“What a shame! I hear Princess Jing’an is renowned for her beauty—the acknowledged fairest in the capital.”

“Of course! Why else would even beggars be so bewitched as to throw away their lives for her, just to take advantage?”

“To die beneath the peony—what a romantic end. If I had such a chance, heh...”

Such rumors quickly piqued everyone’s curiosity. After all, it concerned the capital’s most celebrated beauty and a princess of such high rank—who wouldn’t want to witness a noble lady’s fall from grace?

Some, eager for more excitement, even went to the paupers’ graveyard, and actually found the beggars’ broken corpses, further convincing them of the rumor’s truth.

With a bit of deliberate encouragement, everyone soon learned that the one who had rescued the princess was Shen Minglei.

As for what had happened that day, the tale grew ever more exaggerated with each retelling.

Princess Heshuo, upon learning of the affair, wished to intervene, but how could rumors be so easily quelled?

It’s over, she thought to herself.

Now, the only solution was for Shen Minglei to marry Jing’an. Only then could it be claimed that he had rescued her before anything happened.

After all, in this world, what scion of a noble family would willingly marry a woman defiled by several beggars?

Thus, Princess Heshuo didn’t even have time to verify Shen Minglei’s identity before hastily spreading the word:

Princess Jing’an narrowly escaped calamity, Shen Minglei heroically intervened, the two fell in love at first sight, and would soon be wed.

Shen Minglei hadn’t expected things to proceed so smoothly; his classmates at the academy all offered their congratulations on his impending marriage to a beauty. In his excitement, he promptly forgot all about Yueniang.

Meanwhile, Yueniang, who had been locked up for several days, had barely breathed a sigh of relief when she encountered a group of black-clad assassins intent on taking her life.