Chapter 21: Why Are You Still Living at Your Parents' House?

In her previous life, she was scolded and forced to copy the "Instructions for Women" by her mother-in-law for causing a scandal by marrying a rooster and spending her wedding night alone in the bridal chamber within the prince’s mansion. She was even excused from the customary tea ceremony the next day that should have been presented to her parents-in-law.

On the day of the return visit to her natal home, Qi Yunyan was taken away by that shameless Lin Qingyu, leaving her to return to her family all alone. The humiliation she endured then was something Shen Mengli wanted Shen Mengqing to experience firsthand this time. She would not miss the chance to mock her properly.

“Qing’er, are you really sure the Crown Prince of the Duke’s estate won’t come?”

“Don’t worry, Mother. Qi Yunyan’s concubine isn’t someone to be taken lightly. Do you think she’d miss such an opportunity to sabotage Shen Mengli on the return visit day? Shen Mengli should be outside the door now, crying with a mournful face while being scolded by her father for not even being able to keep a man’s heart — a complete failure.”

“Sister, what are you laughing about so happily? Tell me and let me laugh with you.”

Shen Mengli’s voice echoed from the main hall.

“Of course, it’s you…”

Her words caught in her throat the moment she saw Qi Yunyan and his entourage standing just outside the door.

“What’s wrong with me?” Shen Mengli teased, swaying before Shen Mengqing’s eyes.

“Qi Yunyan, why are you here?” Shen Mengqing shouted in shock.

“The Crown Prince is, of course, here to accompany me on my return visit. Why are you so surprised, sister?”

“That’s impossible, this can’t be true…” Shen Mengqing muttered to herself.

Madam Liu quickly tugged at her hand, signaling her to mind her manners.

Shen Mengqing took a few deep breaths and slowly calmed herself.

“Looks like you don’t welcome me, sister?” Shen Mengli feigned sadness.

“How could that be… I couldn’t be happier that you’ve come home. Why would I not welcome you?” Shen Mengqing gritted her teeth and replied.

“You don’t seem very happy, though?”

“Sister, you’re mistaken.”

Shen Mengqing forced a smile, stepped forward, and took Shen Mengli’s hand to show affection.

Soon after, everyone took their seats together.

In her heart, Shen Mengqing comforted herself: even if Qi Yunyan accompanied Shen Mengli on the return visit, what of it? A dull woman like her could never win Qi Yunyan’s favor. Besides, with Lin Qingyu around, that woman would never allow anyone to steal her beloved’s attention.

Perhaps this time Qi Yunyan was only here to keep up appearances for the sake of the mansion’s reputation.

“Sister, your cheeks are so rosy; I suppose your married life must be going well.”

Surely, she spent every night alone in an empty room, unloved by any man. That rosy complexion must be the result of heavy rouge applied to hide her pallor.

“With someone as outstanding as you, the Duke and Duchess must be very pleased.”

That old shrew and the ancient dowager were so stern and rigid; no doubt they imposed many rules on her, including morning and evening reports. Her unpleasant personality must have only made her suffer more under their harsh treatment, perhaps even forcing her to copy the "Instructions for Women."

“With your kind nature, sister, you must get along well with everyone in the mansion.”

That wretched Lin Qingyu must have caused you no end of trouble. With your foolish disposition, Shen Mengli, you must have suffered many setbacks under her hand.

Watching Shen Mengqing grow increasingly cheerful, Shen Mengli rolled her eyes inwardly. What on earth was this woman imagining to be so smug and pleased?

Shen Mengli said nothing, merely returned her a smile.

Seeing this, Shen Mengqing felt even more satisfied. See? I must have hit a nerve. That’s why her smile was so forced, looking worse than crying.

“Sister, after you married, why are you still living at your natal home?”