Chapter Twenty-Three: Childish

When Jiang Nansheng saw Shen Yi arrive, she stood rooted to the spot, somewhat surprised. She certainly did not think that their relationship had improved enough to chat so frequently. After all, she had taken Shen Yi’s place as princess consort—Shen Yi must wish her dead. Likewise, Jiang Nansheng herself wished the same for Shen Yi. Their current coexistence under the same roof was solely because of Xiao Huaijin.

Jiang Nansheng addressed Shen Yi, “Sister, have you come today for some matter to discuss?”

Shen Yi smiled softly as she regained her composure. “I have finished making the clothes for Brother Jin and the princess consort. If the princess consort has time, please come and collect them.”

Jiang Nansheng hesitated, surprised by Shen Yi’s kindness. Still, since Shen Yi had made the clothes, even if she did not intend to wear them, it was only fitting to accept them—after all, it was a matter of dignity for the princess consort.

“Very well, then I shall trouble you, sister,” Jiang Nansheng replied.

After speaking, Shen Yi turned and left. She still had some unresolved thoughts and was unwilling to share them with Jiang Nansheng; naturally, she would not be foolish enough to reveal her hand.

Once Shen Yi departed, Cui’er stepped forward. “Princess, do you really think Shen Yi would be so kind?”

Jiang Nansheng gazed in the direction Shen Yi had gone and answered, “I no longer understand Shen Yi.”

Soon, Jiang Nansheng furrowed her brow. “We’ve examined so many account books. After all these years managing the Wang residence, Shen Yi hasn’t embezzled even a single tael of silver. It’s almost unbelievable.”

Cui’er said, “So, Your Highness suspects Shen Yi falsified the accounts to appear so perfect?”

Jiang Nansheng wanted to say it was falsification, but even she, trained in advanced mathematics, found no fault. Others would be even less likely to uncover any secrets.

There were only two possibilities: either Shen Yi had fabricated a set of accounts so flawless that even Jiang Nansheng could not detect it, or Shen Yi had truly devoted herself wholeheartedly to the Wang residence all these years.

The first seemed unlikely. Despite her grievances against Shen Yi, Jiang Nansheng had to admit Shen Yi wasn’t cunning enough for such deception.

The second possibility distressed Jiang Nansheng deeply.

Rubbing her forehead, she resolved to think no more on the matter.

When Xiao Huaijin returned from his official duties, Jiang Nansheng immediately greeted him with a bright smile and gave him a shoulder massage. Naturally, they began to chat about everyday matters.

Xiao Huaijin pulled Jiang Nansheng into his arms, letting her sit upon his lap.

“Princess, after managing the household these past few days, do you feel any weariness?”

Jiang Nansheng shook her head. “Not at all. Sister Shen Yi managed everything so meticulously—the household’s expenses, clothing, and provisions were all perfectly arranged. I’m merely standing on her shoulders.”

Xiao Huaijin’s gaze lingered on her full, luscious lips.

After a kiss, they naturally retreated to their shared intimacy. When it was over, they lay together, Xiao Huaijin holding Jiang Nansheng close.

“Yi’er is nineteen now, isn’t she?”

Jiang Nansheng’s heart skipped a beat. Why bring this up? Was he considering marrying Shen Yi as well?

She remained composed and nodded. “Yes, nineteen. In most families, she would have been married for years by now.”

Deliberately, she asked, “Are you mentioning this because you wish to bring Sister Shen Yi into the Wang residence as well?”

Xiao Huaijin laughed wryly. “Princess, you misunderstand. The Wang residence has delayed Yi’er’s prospects for too many years. She’s nearly an old maid now. I merely think it’s time to find a suitable match for her.”

Jiang Nansheng smiled. “That’s not something decided by a single word from Your Grace. It depends on whom you choose for Sister Shen Yi. But let me be clear: if you select a poor match, I, as princess consort, will be the first to oppose it.”

Xiao Huaijin fell silent before naming someone. “How about Qin Xuanbai, the heir of the Qin State?”

...

Unaware that after their intimate reunion, Xiao Huaijin and Jiang Nansheng had already begun discussing her marriage, Shen Yi found herself perplexed. Were their moments together so brief that they had time to contemplate such trivialities? Those who spent longer time together were like oxen, too busy to think of such things.

In the Great Yu Dynasty, girls could marry at fourteen, boys could wed at sixteen. Thus, a nineteen-year-old unmarried woman like Shen Yi was often seen as undesirable.

Indeed, no one had dared propose to her, given her status as Xiao Huaijin’s sworn sister. Though called a sworn sister, who truly knew if there was more to their relationship?

From fourteen to nineteen, no suitor dared approach the Wang residence. Meanwhile, many girls her age had suitors pounding on their doors.

Shen Yi had long considered herself mistress of the Wang household. Many believed she would become the princess consort.

Until the war prince met the astonishing Jiang Nansheng.

A simple country girl suddenly arriving in the capital, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and medicine—a woman of many talents who could captivate anyone.

Shen Yi, however, did not dwell on such thoughts.

She wondered whether Jiang Nansheng knew that the child she had left in the countryside was actually Xiao Huaijin’s biological son.

If she knew, she would have surely brought him back to the Wang residence.

If not, that would contradict the original storyline.

Could it be because of her that even a reborn Jiang Nansheng was unaware her son was the young master of the war prince’s residence?

Shen Yi pondered deeply but found no clear answer.

Perhaps she had deliberately withheld the child, or maybe her presence had altered the course of events.

Thinking this, Shen Yi felt life was unbearably difficult.

Suddenly, the window was pushed open again, and a man leapt in during the dead of night.

This time, Shen Yi merely glanced at him and ignored him.

Qin Xuanbai, seeing Shen Yi resting her face in her hands and barely acknowledging him, was struck.

He even thought he had misheard a dismissive “tsk.”

Who was he? Qin Xuanbai! The heir of the Qin State’s noble family! Shen Yi had seriously underestimated him.

Folding his fan and tucking it behind his back, Qin Xuanbai sat beside Shen Yi.

He poured himself a cup of water, took a sip, and let out a loud sigh.

Shen Yi rolled her eyes at him and spat two words: “Childish!”

Qin Xuanbai’s eyes widened in disbelief.

What had she said? She called him childish!

On what grounds did she claim that?

Furious, Qin Xuanbai retorted, “Shen Yi, you dare call me childish? I saved you!”