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墨書 Inktalez
Rumors spread like wildfire through the streets and alleys of the capital. At first, people treated it as mere gossip, speculating about the identity of the "mysterious woman." But as more details emerged, suspicions began to point towards the Shen Family's Second Miss—Shen Ling.
Some claimed to have seen Shen Ling's personal maid near Zhou Han's residence. Others noted that the jewelry Zhou Han had gifted to that woman bore a striking resemblance to what Shen Ling had worn at a recent banquet. Even more people "casually" revealed that Shen Ling had been acting strangely lately, often wandering out alone with no clear destination.
In no time, Shen Ling became the latest topic of conversation in the capital. Various scandalous speculations and discussions filled the air. The gates of the Shen Residence remained tightly shut for several days. The Liu was so furious that she fell ill, while Shen Ling spent her days in tears, too ashamed to face anyone.
When Father learned of this matter, he was furious and summoned Shen Ling to his study for a scolding. He ordered her to be confined to her quarters, forbidding her from stepping outside even once. The Shen Family was engulfed in gloom.
Meanwhile, I continued my daily routine in Zhi Lan Courtyard, reading books and managing accounts, as if the turmoil outside had nothing to do with me. I knew that the calm before the storm was always brief. Zhao Yan would surely not remain idle.
Sure enough, just a few days later, someone from Prince Jing's mansion came knocking at our door—not to comfort his fiancée or offer explanations, but to deliver a letter directly addressed to Father.
After reading the letter, Father stormed into Zhi Lan Courtyard with a pale face.
"Wei'er," he said, his voice filled with disbelief and rage, "Prince Jing... he wants to break off the engagement!"
Break off the engagement? I couldn't help but smirk inwardly. Zhao Yan had indeed lost his patience. But instead of punishing Shen Ling, he chose to annul our marriage?
"Why?" I feigned surprise while already guessing most of it.
"The letter states... that our Shen Family has improper family conduct and poor upbringing of daughters, fearing it would tarnish the royal reputation!" Father trembled with anger. "He is blaming Shen Ling's mistakes on the entire Shen Family! On you!"
What a claim of "improper family conduct and poor upbringing"! Zhao Yan intended to use Shen Ling's situation to smear both our family and me, thus justifying his decision to break off the engagement!
He likely believed that Shen Ling had lost her value and had become a liability instead. As for me—Shen Wei—who was increasingly seen as "unmanageable," I was no longer his ideal choice for a princess. For him, breaking off the engagement was simply a way to cut his losses.
He truly played his cards well! Trying to shift all responsibility for the annulment onto the Shen Family while keeping his hands clean?
"Father, please calm down." I stepped forward to support him. "Since Prince Jing has said this, he must have his reasons. However... this matter of breaking off an engagement is serious. It is an imperial decree bestowed upon me by His Majesty; how can it be nullified by just a letter from Prince Jing? If there is to be an annulment, it should come with proper justification from His Majesty."
I could not allow Zhao Yan to cast me aside so easily. This marriage must either be concluded with dignity or make Zhao Yan pay a price!
Scholar Shen took a deep breath and gradually calmed down. "You are right. This matter requires careful consideration. I will go to the palace and seek an audience with His Majesty!"
"Father," I stopped him, "this matter should not be rushed. Since Prince Jing dares to send a message, he must have some backing. If you recklessly enter the palace, it may not end in our favor. Instead... let us observe the situation quietly for now."
"Observe quietly?" Father frowned. "Are we to just allow him to bully the Shen Family like this?"
"Of course not." I shook my head, a cold glint flashing in my eyes. "What I mean is, we can agree to this annulment. However, it will not be him who dismisses the marriage; it will be the Shen Family that refuses to marry our daughter to someone who is untrustworthy and indulges in chaos within his household!"
I would turn the tables! Let the world see whose fault it truly was!
Father was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to say such a thing.
"Wei'er, you..."
"Father," I interrupted him, my tone resolute, "this marriage was wrong from the start. Since it is wrong, it must be corrected in time. I would rather remain unmarried for life than have any further ties with Prince Jing's mansion. As for the reputation of the Shen Family... I believe that those who are clear will naturally be vindicated. We only need to show our stance and let the world know that it was the Shen Family who voluntarily abandoned this marriage, not out of disdain from the royal family!"
Scholar Shen looked at me with shock, pride, and a hint of determination in his eyes. His daughter had truly grown up, developing her own opinions and sense of responsibility.
"Good!" Scholar Shen slammed his hand on the table. "Then it's settled! If Prince Jing is unkind, he cannot blame the Shen Family for being unjust! We do not covet this marriage!"
With that, he picked up the letter sent by Zhao Yan and walked over to the candle holder, igniting it.
Watching that letter turn to ashes in the flames, a heavy stone finally lifted from my heart.
Shedding the identity of Consort Jing was my first step in this rebirth and also the most crucial one.
"Father, next we need to make some preparations." I gazed at the burning paper, my expression calm. "Prince Jing will certainly not let this go easily. We need to take the initiative."
Scholar Shen nodded. "What do you suggest we do?"
I leaned closer to him and quietly laid out my plan...
After listening, Father fell silent for a moment before finally nodding firmly. "Alright! Let's do it!"
I looked out the window as dusk fell. Zhao Yan, your calculations have gone awry. You think you can trample over the Shen Family and leave unscathed? It won't be that easy!
Next, it was time for the Shen Family to take action.
I turned around, walked to my writing desk, picked up a brush, and began drafting an official document.
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