Chapter Thirty-Two: Are You Not Afraid He Will Retaliate Against You One Day?

This made her quite anxious, wondering whether there might be any divergence from the original story. She had no wish to alter the main direction of the plot; all she wanted was for the Shen family to survive under the grand narrative.

Shen Nanyuan truly felt she was carrying a heavy burden. Not only did she have to ensure the Duke of the State’s household could endure under the male protagonist’s rule, she also worried about the romance between the main characters.

She pinched a bit of fish food and scattered it over the water, pondering quietly that if Meng Chuyue did not come soon, she would have to take Xiaoyan and go herself.

Qingrui came out from the house, gently draping a cloak over Shen Nanyuan’s shoulders, her tone tinged with concern: “The weather has turned cold, miss, and you’re not dressed warmly enough. If you catch a chill, you’ll have to take medicine, which you dislike most.”

Shen Nanyuan sighed, “I’m not as delicate as that.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than her nose began to itch, and she yawned, looking up to meet Qingrui’s gaze.

...How many times had she contradicted herself already?

Qingrui poured a cup of hot tea. “Please warm yourself up.”

The hot tea eased the chill in her body somewhat. “Is the Duke of the State’s residence far from the Prime Minister’s mansion?”

“Do you mean to visit Miss Meng?” Qingrui refilled her cup. “It’s not far, but I hear the Prime Minister’s mansion has had some trouble lately. It’s best you don’t go.”

Shen Nanyuan frowned. “What happened?”

“I heard the legitimate young lady pushed the second miss into the pond. In this cold weather, the second miss had a fever all night and only awoke today. Since it is a family matter, it’s not appropriate for you to visit now. If you wish to see Miss Meng, perhaps wait a few days.”

At those words, Shen Nanyuan finally recalled the plot from the original novel.

Because the mistress of the Prime Minister’s mansion was placed under house arrest, Meng Chuyue’s elder sister blamed everything on her. In the ensuing quarrel, she pushed Meng Chuyue into the lotus pond. The incident quickly spread throughout the capital, and everyone said the legitimate young lady of the Prime Minister’s mansion was arrogant and jealous of her sister, whose fame exceeded her own. They claimed she disregarded familial affection and sought to harm her sister.

From then on, her reputation was ruined. Even the Prime Minister was bitterly disappointed in his daughter and hastily married her off.

Such matters from great families rarely leak outside, and the servants wouldn’t dare gossip. The novel wrote that it was Meng Chuyue herself who instructed the servants to spread the story.

Her fall into the pond was not accidental; she had her reasons, too.

She quietly eliminated the mother and daughter who had bullied her and her own mother since childhood.

From then on, the Prime Minister cherished her even more.

So, it was indeed inappropriate to visit now. With the scandal sweeping the capital, her arrival might easily be seen as someone coming to witness the commotion.

Shen Nanyuan did not merely represent herself; she stood for the entire Duke of the State’s household behind her.

There was already some discord between Shen Yi and the Prime Minister; that was why, for the last thank-you visit, only Meng Chuyue had come.

She lifted her teacup and said, “Then I’ll wait a while before going.”

She realized she had been here for several months already. There were three months left until the end of the year. She had long since adapted to life here and seldom thought of her previous existence before entering the story.

Yet, whenever she did remember, a sense of melancholy lingered in her heart.

She wondered how things were back there, how her parents were, and what had become of herself.

Would there ever be a chance to return?

Shen Nanyuan propped her face on her hand, lost in thought, feeling sad.

She could not dwell on it any longer. Rising, she wrapped herself more tightly in her cloak, saying, “Let’s go to my elder brother’s courtyard and see how Xiaoyan is progressing in his studies. It’s almost time for supper; we can return together.”

Night fell early now, and the world outside was dim, lit only by the soft glow of lanterns.

Today’s lessons ended early. Xiaoyan emerged from Shen Sinian’s courtyard and stretched his arms. Though slightly tired, his whole body felt strong and energetic.

Since he began training in martial arts, he could clearly sense the changes in his body, which made him very happy.

“Tsk, we just don’t have his luck. He gets to work in the eldest miss’s courtyard. She even lets him learn martial arts with the young master. What good fortune!”

“It’s just because he’s good-looking. Who knows what tricks he uses in front of the eldest miss?”

“I still remember how the young master once whipped him. He looked like a wretched dog, barely surviving.”

Xiaoyan ignored them and walked right past.

“Look at him now—what’s so impressive? Back when he lived in Qingfeng Pavilion, he even ate food thrown on the ground. Now that his life’s improved, he seems to have forgotten his past disgrace.”

“How do you know he ate food off the ground?”

“How could I not know? I was the one who delivered his meals—and the one who threw them!”

“Oh, ha ha, aren’t you afraid he’ll take revenge someday?”

“He’s just the eldest miss’s lapdog. How could he ever retaliate against me?”

Every word reached Shen Nanyuan’s ears. She and Qingrui stood in the shadows, watching Xiaoyan’s indifferent expression as he walked past the group. A sudden pang of sympathy welled up within her.

Even Qingrui could not bear to listen, muttering angrily, “They’re terrible, boasting about it as if it were something to be proud of.”

Shen Nanyuan said nothing. Her gaze remained fixed on Xiaoyan, her lips pressed tightly together.

Judging by Xiaoyan’s demeanor, it was not the first time he had overheard such remarks. He had grown numb to them, yet he had never mentioned it to her and never showed any sign of distress upon returning to Shaohua Courtyard each day.

She only discovered the truth today, witnessing it firsthand.

Shen Nanyuan’s expression darkened. She waited until Xiaoyan disappeared from sight before walking toward the group of servants.

“It’s almost time for supper. Let’s finish our work quickly so we can eat!”

“Working at the Duke of the State’s household is good. At least we never lack food or drink, and we get a monthly wage. It may not be as comfortable as Shaohua Courtyard, but—”

“Stop right there.”

Their chatter halted abruptly. Turning around, they saw Shen Nanyuan behind them. Their faces changed instantly, and they quickly bowed. “Eldest Miss.”

Shen Nanyuan’s smile was faint, her eyes cold and clear, instilling a subtle fear in their hearts.

The servants exchanged uneasy glances, their faces clouded by anxiety.

The dim candlelight in the side chamber illuminated the whole room.

Shen Nanyuan glanced toward it several times. Jin Zhu approached her, sounding somewhat anxious.

“Miss, where have you been? It’s time for supper and we couldn’t find you anywhere. Usually, you’re always the first to arrive for meals.”

Shen Nanyuan: “...”

She smiled. “I’m here now.”

“The food has cooled a bit. I’ll ask Uncle Li to reheat it for you.”

“No need,” Shen Nanyuan waved her hand, “I’ve just dealt with a few people and I’m very hungry. I can’t wait any longer. Cold is fine.”