Shen Che was not as sympathetic as the Old Madam regarding Shen Cui being beaten. “It takes two hands to clap. If Cui hadn’t gone too far, given Zheng’s pragmatic nature, he wouldn’t have dared to hit her. Cui’s temperament is too arrogant. Whenever something happens, she’s convinced she’s right and everyone else is wrong, never willing to back down. She’s turned what could have been a good life into a mess, causing trouble every few days. You may be able to handle this incident, but can you manage her for a lifetime?”
Ji Cheng lowered her gaze, her eyelashes fluttering rapidly. She wasn’t sure if she was being overly sensitive, but she had a feeling that Shen Che was implying something.
Ji Cheng raised her head to look at Shen Che, but he seemed oblivious as he stood up and addressed the Old Madam, “I’ll oversee this matter.”
Seeing that Shen Che was about to leave, the Old Madam said, “Your wife has had a long day too. Why don’t you both go back together?”
Shen Che replied, “I’m not returning to Jiuli Court yet. I have some matters to attend to outside.”
The Old Madam complained, “Look at how busy you are. Are you busier than those in the Hall of Government?” The Hall of Government was the central hub for handling all affairs in the Great Qin, naturally the busiest place, hence the Old Madam’s comparison. “How long has it been since you’ve had dinner at home? Fortunately, your wife is so virtuous. If it were someone else, they’d have caused a scene by now.”
Shen Che didn’t respond, only turning his head to glance at Ji Cheng.
That glance was full of sarcasm, mockery, and disdain, chilling Ji Cheng to the bone. She was so stunned that she didn’t even notice when Shen Che left.
In reality, while eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, if you search your heart, aside from the objective existence of eye discharge, can you truly see clearly into another’s inner thoughts through their eyes?
More often than not, you only see in those eyes what you expect to see.
Seeing Ji Cheng’s dazed and sorrowful expression, the Old Madam couldn’t help but sigh. She pulled her close and said, “Don’t be sad anymore. Che’s nature is that he hasn’t settled down yet, but it will improve in a few years. He’s been spoiled by me since he was little. He doesn’t even spare a glance for those who eagerly pursue him. In my opinion, you shouldn’t pay him any mind either.” It seemed the Old Madam had a certain understanding of Shen Che’s nature.
Ji Cheng tried to force a smile to appease the Old Madam, but her lips felt as heavy as if they were weighted down, unable to curl upwards.
The Old Madam sighed. She had observed these two young people over the past few months. Every time Ji Cheng saw Shen Che, her eyes never left him, filled with affection, making the Old Madam reluctant to blame her. As for Shen Che, he was indeed too cold-hearted. Initially, he had insisted on marrying her against all opposition, but now, just a few months later, he had completely distanced himself. The Old Madam couldn’t help but feel dismayed.
Ji Cheng’s heart still hadn’t recovered. She was in a daze, not knowing what she had been waiting for all these days. But today, she suddenly realized that whatever she was waiting for would never happen. Instead, she had turned herself into a joke. The outcome was her own choice; what right did she have to regret it?
With a lump in her throat and slightly reddened eyes, Ji Cheng impulsively said, “Great-grandmother, I… I want to…” But before she could utter the words “divorce,” she was interrupted by the entering Cui Mama.
That night, the Old Madam tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Not a single one of them gave her peace of mind. Although Ji Cheng hadn’t finished her sentence, the Old Madam could guess what she wanted to say.
Since she couldn’t sleep, the Old Madam decided to get up and send for Shen Che.
In the middle of the night, the maid, not knowing what urgent matter had arisen, hurried to Jiuli Court without delay.
However, Shen Che hadn’t returned yet. The little maid could only wait outside, not daring to disturb Ji Cheng, as the Old Madam had instructed not to let the Second Young Madam know.
Shen Che returned to the Shen residence when the moon was high in the sky. Surprised that the Old Madam was still awake, he didn’t even bother to change his clothes before hurrying to Ruiying Hall.
“Great-grandmother, why are you still up so late?” Shen Che went over to adjust the Old Madam’s backrest.
The Old Madam raised her hand to pinch Shen Che, “You reek of rouge. Where have you been carousing again? I thought getting married would settle you down a bit, but I see that Ji Cheng girl is incapable.”
Shen Che replied wearily, “I just had some drinks outside. How is that carousing?” In Great Qin, it was customary to have female entertainers accompany drinking parties, so it wasn’t unusual to pick up the scent of rouge.
Seeing Shen Che’s poor spirits, the Old Madam grew worried. Others might not notice the change in Shen Che, but the Old Madam could see it. In the past, at this hour, Shen Che would have been joking around, making her laugh herself to sleep. But in recent months, he couldn’t even smile himself, let alone cheer her up.
Marital discord is the most hurtful. The Old Madam was somewhat angry with Ji Cheng today for wanting to mention divorce. No matter how wrong Shen Che might be, the Old Madam always favored her grandson.
But now, seeing Shen Che’s listless appearance, she suddenly thought that divorce might not be a bad thing after all. At least Shen Che could remarry someone he liked, instead of having a wife he didn’t go near. She didn’t know when she would be able to hold her direct great-grandchild.
“I see that you and Cheng girl are growing apart. She’s been here for so long without any sign of pregnancy. If you don’t like her, it might be better to divorce. It would save you from ending up like your parents in the future.” The Old Madam’s words weren’t without a hint of probing. Old people, no matter how angry, tend to encourage reconciliation rather than separation.
Hearing this, Shen Che narrowed his eyes, “Great-grandmother, why are you suddenly bringing up divorce? Weren’t you trying to mediate between Ji Cheng and me just this afternoon?”
The Old Madam thought to herself: Well, well, you know everything, yet you’re still pretending to be busy with me?
“Was it Ji Cheng who brought up divorce?” Shen Che’s voice was low and steady, giving no hint of the storm brewing behind his words.
The Old Madam, concealing her true thoughts, said, “No. I just saw how Cui causes trouble every few days, and I’m afraid you might follow in their footsteps.”
But the Old Madam’s thoughts couldn’t fool Shen Che. She was the kindest person; how could she bring up the word “divorce” without reason?
Shen Che gave a mocking laugh. He hadn’t expected that these would be the words he’d ultimately hear. Finally, with a gloomy face, he said slowly, “Our family doesn’t divorce wives.”
At the same time Shen Che’s face darkened, Ji Cheng was also awake, regretfully pulling at her hair. Fortunately, she hadn’t finished that sentence this afternoon. It was just a momentary impulse born of frustration. When she truly calmed down, she realized she couldn’t bear to let go.
Ji Cheng was afraid that the Old Madam had sensed something at the time because although the Old Madam was old, she was still very astute.
Early the next morning, the dark circles under Ji Cheng’s eyes were particularly noticeable against her snow-white skin. Even Liu Ye’er, with her usual temperament, couldn’t help but sigh, “Miss, you didn’t sleep well again last night?”
Altogether, she hadn’t slept more than two hours. This had been going on for several days. It was only thanks to Ji Cheng’s youth and good constitution that she hadn’t collapsed, but it was certainly not good for her skin.
Yu Qian’er brought water, the rice-washing water from the kitchen. Cloud Lady had always used rice-washing water to wash her face, saying it whitened the skin. Ji Cheng had been using it for several months now, and it was indeed effective. Her complexion was now almost the same as before she went to the grasslands.
After washing up, Ji Cheng warmed her stomach with a bowl of bird’s nest porridge in a pheasant and peony-patterned bowl. Liu Ye’er had already skillfully done her hair and was now holding a jewelry box for her to choose hair ornaments.
In the past, Ji Cheng never cared about these things, but since returning from the grasslands, she had suddenly become concerned about her appearance and dress. After all, she wanted to look beautiful enough to catch people’s eyes.
However, this morning, Ji Cheng wasn’t in the mood. She waved her hand and said, “You choose for me.” Ji Cheng reached out to open the powder box in front of her. The dark circles under her eyes were too obvious and needed to be concealed. She also applied some lip rouge. Only then did her complexion look somewhat better.
“I’ve noticed that Miss has been listless recently, with a poor appetite. Should we invite Doctor Li to come and have a look, perhaps prescribe something to improve your health?” Liu Ye’er asked Ji Cheng.
No prescription could cure her illness. Ji Cheng shook her head, declining.
After paying respects to the Old Madam in her chambers and chatting for a while, they heard a maid announce that the son-in-law from the Qi family had arrived at Tiemao Hutong.
Ji Cheng stood up and said, “I’ll go and have a look.”
The situation was completely beyond Ji Cheng’s expectations. She had thought the Third House would be in an uproar, but instead, it was quiet. Qi Zheng was kneeling shirtless before Third Master Shen Ying and Ji Lan, with thorny branches on his back.
Was this an act of contrition? Ji Cheng felt she didn’t know where to look and quickly turned her body sideways, lowering her eyelids.
“It’s all this son-in-law’s fault. I was misled and acted rashly, hurting Cui. It’s all my fault,” Qi Zheng said, kowtowing.
Ji Cheng’s eyes rolled around, surprised at how quickly the Qi family’s attitude had changed. Today, Qi Hua was also present, but he just stood to the side with his head down, not speaking. The concubine from yesterday was nowhere to be seen.
“We dare not accept this. If a moment of rashness can beat our Cui to this state, what if you were serious? Would our Cui even see tomorrow’s sun?” Ji Lan pressed her advantage.
Shen Ying, being a man, could somewhat understand those men who couldn’t help but hit their wives. Seeing his son-in-law sincerely asking for forgiveness, his anger subsided a bit. Moreover, the couple still had to live together in the future, so he couldn’t be too picky. He advised Ji Lan, “Alright, say no more. This is a matter between the young couple.”
Then he said to Qi Zheng, “The person you’ve wronged isn’t us, but Cui. If she can forgive you and go back with you, we won’t stop her. But if she can’t forgive you, our family can certainly afford to keep our daughter.”
Qi Zheng repeatedly agreed, then knee-walked to Shen Cui’s front, calling softly, “Cui, Cui.”
The wooden doll Shen Cui now reacted, crying continuously and turning her body away from Qi Zheng.
Qi Zheng knee-walked to the other side, grabbing Shen Cui’s hand and saying, “Cui, Cui, it’s all my fault. You can hit me, scold me, just don’t ignore me. I regretted it right after I hit you the day before yesterday, and I was too ashamed to face you. Who knew Hua would be so thoughtless and even come to make a scene at your house? It was all that Zhao woman’s instigation, framing you. I’ve already driven her out. Will you come back with me?”
Qi Zheng spoke emotionally, his own eyes reddening.
Shen Cui was crying even harder now, sobbing out loud. Finally, she raised her small fist and hit Qi Zheng’s shoulder, “You’re too heartless, wuwuwu~~”
With these words, everyone could tell that Shen Cui still wanted to go back with Qi Zheng.
“Alright, alright, we’re still in the middle of a celebration, with people coming and going. It wouldn’t look good if others saw this. Cui, take your brother-in-law to your room. You two should talk out whatever you need to say, don’t keep it bottled up,” Shen Ying said.
Shen Cui was also feeling sorry for Qi Zheng. Seeing him come early in the morning carrying thorny branches and kneeling for so long, she took the opportunity to save face, getting up and heading to her room, though still not acknowledging Qi Zheng.
Qi Zheng, knowing Shen Cui’s temperament well, immediately stood up and followed her.
At this point, Qi Hua also came forward obediently to apologize, saying that he had been too rash yesterday. He blamed everything on Concubine Zhao, saying that Zhao hadn’t taken good care of Young Master Huan, and fearing being divorced for harming Huan, she had framed Shen Cui instead.
How could Shen Ying be harsh with a young girl? He just waved his hand, telling someone to take her to rest in the side hall.
Cui Long hadn’t come today. Li Rui, with her heavily pregnant belly, whispered to Ji Cheng, “Oh, I thought there would be a big scene today. I didn’t expect the Qi family to be like this.” Li Rui’s words were tinged with sourness. Similarly estranged, Shen Cui was a Shen family daughter, so Qi Zheng came eagerly to ask for forgiveness. But she had to slink back, and Shen Jing still hadn’t given her a kind look.
Ji Cheng didn’t respond to Li Rui’s words, only thinking to herself: Ji Lan’s eye for choosing a son-in-law isn’t very good.
Since there was nothing else to do, Ji Cheng wanted to leave. However, she glanced in the direction of Shen Cui’s small courtyard, still feeling somewhat worried. The elders in the family all encouraged reconciliation, so they were happy to see Qi Zheng soften his stance.
But in Ji Cheng’s view, Qi Zheng’s actions were far too submissive, and Shen Cui was too easily appeased. A moment of rashness could beat someone until they could barely see.
The Qi family’s apology was certainly not sincere, otherwise, why would Qi Zheng have hidden yesterday and not shown his face? It seemed that Shen Che must have intervened behind the scenes, dealing with Qi Zheng, which was why he obediently came to apologize today.
Ji Cheng certainly couldn’t say that Shen Che had done wrong. By rights, she should feel that Shen Che’s actions were correct. However, Ji Cheng didn’t know why she felt that Shen Cui would be better off without Qi Zheng.
The word “love” is most hurtful. The previous Ji Cheng didn’t understand this “word” at all, which was why she looked down on her mother. Only after experiencing it herself did she understand that no matter how intelligent or self-righteous you are, when faced with true emotions, you will act like a fool.
Just like herself now, knowing she was in too deep, that if she didn’t save herself now it would be a lifetime of sinking, yet she could do nothing. Every day she lived as a joke.
As for Shen Cui, in Ji Cheng’s eyes, wasn’t she also a tragic joke? Ji Cheng could even assert that this definitely wouldn’t be the last time Qi Zheng hit Shen Cui; in the future, it might even escalate. Shen Cui’s feelings for Qi Zheng were too deep, while Qi Zheng was merely using her as a stepping stone and fooling her like an idiot.
Ji Cheng knew she shouldn’t meddle, especially in Shen Cui’s affairs. But she didn’t know what had come over her. Once, she had been among those waiting to see Shen Cui make a fool of herself, but now she couldn’t help wanting to give her a few words of advice. Perhaps it was because after being hurt herself, she knew how painful it was and didn’t want others to experience the same. Moreover, Shen Cui and she didn’t have any real enmity; she was her cousin and also Shen Che’s cousin.
However, now wasn’t the time to say these things. Shen Cui and Qi Zheng were probably being lovey-dovey at the moment. Ji Cheng returned to Ruiying Hall and reported the situation to the Old Madam, smiling as she said, “I don’t know what’s gotten into the Qi family, they’re different every day.”
The Old Madam snorted, “That son-in-law Qi is also a muddle-headed one.”
Ji Cheng knew that Shen Che must have told the Old Madam the truth. It turned out that on that day, Qi Hua had been upset at her husband’s home and angrily returned to her maiden home. She saw the wet nurse carrying Qi Zheng’s eldest son by a concubine, Young Master Huan, out to play.
Children are inevitably noisy, and for some reason, he was crying incessantly. Qi Hua was so irritated she felt like dying and couldn’t help but push the wet nurse. Who knew that they were just walking on a bridge at that moment, and the wet nurse lost her balance and fell into the water?
This time, Qi Hua panicked. She saw that she had caused a big disaster and ran away in a panic, not even calling for help. Later, the wet nurse was rescued without much harm, but the poor child drowned.
Seeing that her parents and brother would not let her off, Qi Hua came up with a plan. She bribed the wet nurse to pin the blame on Shen Cui.
“Oh my!” Ji Cheng couldn’t believe the truth was like this. No wonder Qi Hua had come to make a scene at the Shen family yesterday with such righteousness. This was truly a case of a thief crying “Stop thief.” Qi Hua had gone too far, afraid of being suspected, she decided to strike first and insisted it was Shen Cui. “But today I saw Qi Hua come over with Qi Zheng as if nothing had happened. Don’t they know the truth in their family?”
The Old Madam said, “Between a concubine and a blood sister, who do you think is more important?”
Ji Cheng sighed deeply, thinking that although Qi Zheng’s character was somewhat lacking, he was indeed considered a filial son. At this juncture, how could he move against Qi Hua and anger his mother? So they could only sacrifice the poor Concubine Zhao.
In the end, those without blood ties were always dispensable.
A few days later, on the day of Shen Zheng’s wedding ceremony, Shen Cui’s face was finally presentable. She had applied thick powder to cover the unhealed bruises, which were unnoticeable unless one looked closely.
These past two days, Qi Zheng had been flattering Shen Cui, so she had forgotten the pain of her wounds and started to bounce around again, especially in front of Ji Cheng.
Shen Cui didn’t know what was wrong with her. She was particularly bothered that Ji Cheng had seen her at her most miserable, and the thought of it made her grit her teeth in hatred.
So when Shen Cui saw Ji Cheng, she walked over, deliberately pretending to have a secret to share, and said in a low voice, “Sister Cheng, let me tell you something.”
Ji Cheng had to cooperate and lean in to listen.
Shen Cui first sighed, building up the atmosphere before speaking, “Brother Qi said he’s seen Second Brother drinking with courtesans several times outside. Those vixens cling to Second Brother like syrup, impossible to shake off. You’d better keep a close eye on Second Brother. Even if a woman is as beautiful as a celestial maiden, men get tired of looking at the same face for too long.”
Shen Cui’s words, seemingly caring but gloating, irritated Ji Cheng immensely. She understood Shen Cui’s mentality a bit; she just couldn’t stand seeing others better off than her. However, Shen Cui’s words undoubtedly hit Ji Cheng’s sore spot. Her heart was already aching, and now to be mocked by Shen Cui like this naturally angered her.
Ji Cheng said, “Thank you for the reminder, Fifth Sister.”
Seeing Ji Cheng’s indifferent response, Shen Cui was somewhat displeased.
Ji Cheng’s nature wasn’t the type to turn the other cheek when slapped, and she also disapproved of Shen Cui’s habit of stirring up trouble after just a couple of days of peace. So she said, “Fifth Sister since you’re so concerned about me, there are some things I must say. Now that your husband has hit you once, I’m afraid there might be a next time. If you’re content to live with him, you should change your temperament. If you can’t bear it anymore, come home early. You’re still young; you could remarry into a good family.”
To be honest, Ji Cheng’s intentions were good, but good words spoken at this time were like a slap in the face to Shen Cui. Sure enough, Shen Cui immediately widened her eyes, ready to curse.
Ji Cheng didn’t care what Shen Cui thought. She felt she had fulfilled her duty as a sister-in-law to give advice, but she didn’t care about the effect. Ji Cheng was doing this on purpose, knowing that Shen Cui was most afraid of losing face in front of her, yet she deliberately stepped on Shen Cui’s sore spot.
“You!” Shen Cui angrily said, “Fine, I knew you only hoped for our marriage to fall apart. That would suit you, wouldn’t it? You’re just jealous that Brother Qi chose me and not you back then.”
Ji Cheng snorted twice without responding. Only Shen Cui would treat Qi Zheng like a treasure.
Unbeknownst to them, their whispered conversation was overheard by Li Rui, who had deliberately tiptoed over. She made an exaggerated expression and said, “Second Sister-in-law, you…”
Ji Cheng’s heart sank, but her face remained expressionless. Shen Cui, however, knew she had made a mistake. She had just been indulging in verbal sparring, but now if Li Rui spread rumors about Ji Cheng and her husband Qi Zheng having something going on, Qi Zheng would not let her off.
Ji Cheng looked at Li Rui and slowly said, “I what?”
Li Rui wasn’t a fool. This wasn’t something that could be said in front of everyone. She was just secretly delighted to have caught some dirt on Ji Cheng. She shook her head repeatedly and said, “I didn’t hear anything, I didn’t hear anything.”
Ji Cheng smiled, “You didn’t hear? That’s good. Otherwise, if any rumors were to spread later, I might think it was sister-in-law gossiping behind my back.”
With that, Ji Cheng left, leaving Li Rui alone and annoyed. How could the thief be more righteous than her?
Li Rui turned to Shen Cui and probed, “I never thought Second Sister-in-law had her eye on your husband. You really can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Even though Shen Cui was foolish, she knew this pot couldn’t be hung on her husband’s head, and she was also feeling guilty. Last night, when she happened to speak ill of Ji Cheng, Qi Zheng had sternly reprimanded her, saying that was her Second Sister-in-law and how could she casually slander her. He also said he still had many things to ask of her Second Brother and told her to be more respectful to Ji Cheng in the future.
Shen Cui was angry when she heard this, which was why she came to annoy Ji Cheng today. Now Shen Cui only regretted her quick tongue. Looking at Li Rui, she was also angry, “Sister-in-law, how do you walk without making a sound? Did you come specifically to scare people? Just now, my sister Cheng and I didn’t say anything. You must have misheard.”
Li Rui pouted, knowing that Shen Cui probably wouldn’t admit it. She didn’t pursue it further. After a while, seeing Cui Long, she started muttering again, “Eldest Sister-in-law, do you know what I just heard Cui say? That Second Sister-in-law had originally fancied the Qi family son-in-law, but he didn’t fancy her and chose our little sister instead.”
Cui Long wasn’t a gossip like Li Rui. She knew too well what consequences this matter would have if it spread. Moreover, in Cui Long’s view, this was completely impossible. Given Qi Zheng’s appearance, how could Ji Cheng fancy him? Only Shen Cui would treat him like a treasure.
“Second Sister-in-law isn’t that kind of person. How could she fancy her brother-in-law? Don’t think nonsense,” Cui Long said. “And don’t go around saying this. If Second Brother hears it, he might be unhappy.”
Li Rui pouted, thinking of Shen Che, remembering how he had looked at her that night. She couldn’t help but blush slightly, feeling a bit of excitement in her heart. What kind of person was Shen Che? He was a famous playboy in the capital, and every woman he fancied was one in a million beauties. Thinking of how Shen Che treated Ji Cheng coldly but looked at her differently, Li Rui’s dislike for Ji Cheng was somewhat balanced out.
“I know, I won’t tell anyone,” Li Rui said.
By dusk, Shen Zheng had welcomed his bride into the Shen residence for the wedding ceremony. All the sisters-in-law and sisters went to tease the newlyweds in the bridal chamber.
Although Shen Yuan was less than three months pregnant, this was her third brother’s wedding, so she naturally had to come. Great Aunt Shen Yun had also arrived on this day. She was four months pregnant, not very noticeable, but the child was already secure.
Only Second Aunt Shen He didn’t come. She had sent a message these past two days saying that her husband was ill, and she had to stay home to take care of him.
In the bridal chamber, dragon and phoenix candles were burning, and a red mosquito net embroidered with mandarin ducks was hung. Various festive snacks were laid out – red dates, red peanuts, all bright red, festive, and lively.
Shen Zheng, wearing a big red robe, was using the wedding scale to lift the bride’s veil.
Feng Shuang was already quite pretty, and after being nurtured in the Shen residence for these few months, she had become even more radiant. Her skin had become more delicate, and in the lamplight, she looked like a beauty.
On this joyous day, Shen Zheng naturally couldn’t keep a straight face. The corners of his mouth were slightly curved, truly a match made in heaven, perfectly compatible, making people happy and envious from the bottom of their hearts.
Ji Cheng didn’t stand at the front, only silently standing in the corner.
The more festive and red the surroundings were, the more they highlighted the desolation in Ji Cheng’s heart. She could hardly remember the details of her wedding to Shen Che. At that time, she was full of unwillingness, but Shen Che had been good-tempered towards her.
When the wedding nanny scattered the bed curtains, Shen Zheng raised his hand to shield Feng Shuang, a considerate gesture that immediately drew laughter from the sisters-in-law teasing the newlyweds.
Ji Cheng remembered that Shen Che had also reached out to shield her.
Ji Cheng didn’t know why she kept thinking of Shen Che tonight. Perhaps it was the scene triggering her emotions.
Looking at the people around her, Shen He was already the mother of several children and now pregnant again. Her face was rosy, clearly living a very satisfying life. Not to mention Shen Yuan–Zeng Xiuwen was very fond of her, giving her two children in three years, and now she was pregnant again. Cui Long and Li Rui were also about to become mothers. As for Shen Cui, although things were a bit rough, she had the Old Madam and Shen Che who would help her no matter what happened. Her life was already much better than ordinary people’s.
Ji Cheng floated out of the bridal chamber like a wandering soul. The entire Qing Garden was decorated with lanterns and filled with the sound of silk and bamboo instruments. Everyone’s face wore a happy smile, except for her who couldn’t lift the corners of her lips no matter what.
Ji Cheng returned to Jiuli Court. The courtyard was pitch black. The maids and old women had either been borrowed to help with this marriage or had finished their duties and gone to listen to music or watch plays.
Ji Cheng lay quietly alone on the bed. She felt extremely uncomfortable, almost unable to breathe, feeling only exhaustion. She was like a madwoman, frantically jealous of the smiles on those people’s faces.
For a moment, Ji Cheng thought of Shen Cui and Li Rui again. She hated these two people extremely, yet had to smile and deal with them, even bustling about for their affairs. Ji Cheng also thought of the incident overheard by Li Rui, feeling both ashamed and angry.
In the past, when Shen Cui used Qi Zheng to humiliate her, Ji Cheng didn’t feel particularly hurt. But now she hated herself for being so blind back then. If Shen Che knew, he would probably look down on her even more.
When Li Rui looked at her with that exaggerated expression, countless evil thoughts surged in Ji Cheng’s heart. Everyone has their own experiences, and Li Rui was no exception. Ji Cheng didn’t believe that someone with Li Rui’s personality wouldn’t have any shameful secrets. She only needed to spend some money to have someone investigate, and she could naturally threaten Li Rui to keep her mouth shut.
Even if this approach didn’t work, wasn’t there still Shen Jing? Ji Cheng was all too clear about Shen Jing’s feelings for her. Making Li Rui’s marriage discord was not a difficult task for Ji Cheng.
If it were in the past, Ji Cheng would have started plotting without a second thought. But now she did nothing. That was Shen Jing’s wife, and Shen Jing was Shen Che’s brother. He was most protective of his own. Moreover, Shen Che looked down on her using underhanded means to harm others.
Ji Cheng only felt stifled in her heart. All her joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness seemed unable to be vented according to her own heart. She was always mindful of this and that, but in reality, it was all useless. No matter how much she thought, it was useless; many things had already predetermined outcomes.
Ji Cheng was annoyed at her indecisiveness, but she couldn’t break free from the shackles binding her. Once a person falls in love, they become completely unlike themselves, making her feel both fearful and disgusted.
Perhaps due to her low mood, evil spirits easily invaded. The next day, Ji Cheng couldn’t even get out of bed. Headache, thirst, aching and weak limbs, a burning forehead – she was in a daze, her mind unclear.