The Double-Chapter 549 - 164: Rift_2

By the time he had left Prince Cheng’s Mansion, the sky was already completely dark.

Shen Yurong made his way toward the Shen family home. During his return at noon today, he had been interrogated by Mother Shen and Shen Ruyun, who had rushed back from Marquis Ningyuan’s Mansion, about what had happened. Shen Yurong could only brush them off by saying that it had all been Emperor Hongxiao’s idea. Even so, Mother Shen and Shen Ruyun actually suggested going to Princess Yongning to plead for a change to this marriage arrangement, which gave Shen Yurong a headache.

For the first time, he seriously observed his mother and sister and realized they were not only foolish, but also, through the years of having their demands met, had developed a reckless nature. They believed that even the Emperor, seated in the highest position, could retract his declared edicts. And that Princess Yongning was omnipotent—any difficult matter, if it was brought to Yongning, could be resolved easily.

How could they be so naive, even unreasonable?

In the end, Shen Yurong had almost lost his temper before they finally quieted down. Even then, Mother Shen and Shen Ruyun acted as if the sky had fallen. It seemed to them that the current state of the Shen family was indissolubly linked to Princess Yongning and that without her, the family’s wealth would vanish instantly. As for himself, he was only valuable because of his connection to Yongning Palace.

How tragic.

Shen Yurong thought of Xue Fangfei again. He did not have the patience to reason with Mother Shen and Shen Ruyun. In the past, when conflicts arose between Mother Shen, Shen Ruyun, and Xue Fangfei, Fangfei always yielded. He thought little of it, and a few comforting words in private to Fangfei were enough for him. Only when he himself was confronted did he realize, there’s no reasoning with his own family.

It was indeed hard on her.

Thinking of Xue Fangfei, Shen Yurong shook his head; he could not help but think of her constantly. He remembered her standing under the trees gathering dewy flowers, warming tea for him on wintry days, adding fragrance to his sleeves... He once had a wife, and she was good, so good that even after her death, she still appeared before his eyes from time to time.

Shen Yurong walked slowly, and when he reached a corner, someone suddenly called his name: "Lord Shen!"

He turned around to see a person resembling a palace maid emerging from the darkness, and he recognized her—Mei Xiang, Princess Yongning’s personal palace maid.

Mei Xiang said, "Lord Shen, the princess is waiting for you at a nearby teahouse to speak with you, please follow this servant."

This was a situation Shen Yurong was accustomed to, so without hesitation, he followed Mei Xiang to the aforementioned teahouse.

Princess Yongning was indeed waiting for him inside.

Princess Yongning looked much more haggard, and even her breath seemed extremely weak. Shen Yurong wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but she appeared even thinner than she had a few days ago.

"Mr. Shen," she stood up upon his arrival.

Shen Yurong stood at the doorway, not entering, and simply said indifferently, "Congratulations, Your Highness."

Even this one sentence was like a stab in the heart for Princess Yongning. She felt like her heart was being wrung out, and she was on the verge of tears.

Princess Yongning said, "I don’t want to marry Li Xian. You know, in my heart, there’s only room for you."

For Princess Yongning, someone of noble birth, to speak such lowly, pleading words—if overheard by others, they might find it impossible to believe they came from the mouth of Princess Yongning. Shen Yurong seemed moved by her tearful tone, turned back, and looked at Princess Yongning.

"Mr. Shen!" Princess Yongning grasped his hand, "You must believe me! I told my mother I wanted to marry you, and the Empress Dowager said the same. But the Emperor issued a decree, arranging my marriage to Li Xian. I don’t understand what’s happening at all. I am carrying your child; how could I willingly marry Li Xian?"

This statement caused Shen Yurong’s expression to change immediately, and he said, "What child?"

Princess Yongning paused, realizing she had let something slip, but looking into Shen Yurong’s eyes, she steeled her heart. Previously, she had not found the opportunity nor knew how to bring up this matter to Shen Yurong, but sooner or later, the day to reveal it would come, so she might as well take this chance to lay all the cards on the table.

"Yes," Princess Yongning said, "I am carrying your child. The imperial physician has seen me, it’s just been a full month."

"How is that possible?" The usual calmness in Shen Yurong’s expression cracked, and his voice lost its usual composure, "How could it be possible?"