Chapter 23: Unavoidable Encounter

“Sister, dishes picked by yourself could never taste as delightful as those chosen by your husband. Young Lord, you wouldn’t really be displeased with your sister, would you?”

Faced with Shen Mengqing’s relentless prodding, Shen Mengli felt a surge of irritation.

Why couldn’t she just enjoy her meal in peace? Why all these unnecessary complications?

Was it that she simply couldn’t stand to see her well?

Besides, she never believed Qi Yunyan would bother to serve her food.

Considering how he had previously avoided her like the plague, there was no way he would pay her any mind now.

She was fully prepared for Qi Yunyan to ignore her.

Yet, to Shen Mengli’s surprise, Qi Yunyan actually did serve her some food.

She saw him use his chopsticks to pick up a piece of braised pork knuckle and place it carefully into her bowl.

“My lady, eat more to nourish yourself,” he said.

Shen Mengli glanced at him in unexpected wonder.

In truth, Qi Yunyan’s reasoning was simple: he had promised to make it up to Shen Mengli, and now was not the time to go back on his word. Besides, since she had served him food, a little courtesy in return was only proper.

Hearing his words, Shen Mengqing was stunned in place.

What did Qi Yunyan just call Shen Mengli?

“My lady?”

Wasn’t he only fond of Lin Qingyu? Why would he call Shen Mengli “my lady” and even serve her food?

Could it be that he had taken a liking to Shen Mengli?

No, that couldn’t be. If he truly cared for Shen Mengli, he wouldn’t have abandoned his bride on their wedding night to go to Lin Qingyu’s side.

He must have been acting out of respect for the Shen family’s face, reluctantly serving Shen Mengli some food.

After all, if word got out that he was dissatisfied with his wife mere days after their marriage, everyone would blame the Shen family for poor upbringing, thinking their daughter had somehow provoked her husband’s disdain right after returning to her marital home.

It had to be this way—he certainly wouldn’t have fallen for Shen Mengli.

Throughout the meal, Shen Mengqing’s mind raced with such speculations.

In contrast, Shen Mengli and Qi Yunyan ate with ease and contentment, savoring their food heartily.

Shortly after finishing, the two left the Shen residence and returned to the prince’s mansion.

No sooner had Qi Yunyan’s feet touched the ground than the Duke summoned him to the study.

Shen Mengli, meanwhile, went to pay her respects to the Duchess.

“Did everything go smoothly at your return to your maiden home? Did that scoundrel Yunyan neglect you? If he treated you poorly, tell me—I’ll have his father teach him a lesson,” the Duchess said with concern.

Shen Mengli smiled and shook her head. “Mother, the Young Lord treats me well. Though he usually wears a cold expression, he is gentle and kind at heart. Earlier at the Shen residence, when my half-sister tried to set a trap for me, it was the Young Lord who came to my aid.”

Hearing her praise, the Duchess felt a surge of happiness.

“That scoundrel isn’t as good as you make him out to be. He’s just foolish enough to be blinded temporarily by Lin Qingyu, which is why he neglected you. And you, silly child, still speak well of him.”

“The Young Lord is kind to Lin Qingyu because he values loyalty and sentiment. If he were one to easily discard old affections for new ones, falling for whoever caught his eye, that would truly be bad. Besides, he’s also good to me, Mother. I am very content,” Shen Mengli replied.

The Duchess found herself increasingly pleased with Shen Mengli. She admired a daughter-in-law who wholeheartedly supported her son and believed that one day he would come to fully appreciate her virtues.

After a while of conversation, the Duchess bestowed a generous gift upon Shen Mengli and bid her to rest.

Smiling, the Duchess told Baihe, “Our Young Lady is clever and devoted, wholeheartedly thinking of the Young Lord. This daughter-in-law is truly a perfect match. With such a wife, I believe the Young Lord will only grow better and better.”

Back at the Snow Bamboo Residence, Shen Mengli changed into comfortable clothes and took a short nap.

Upon waking, she took the key and, accompanied by Nurse Hu and Magpie, went to Qi Yunyan’s storage room.

Nurse Hu, once Qi Yunyan’s wet nurse, had been assigned by the Duchess to serve as Shen Mengli’s steward.

“The Young Lord actually gave you the key to his storage room, which means he truly cares for you. In the past, he wouldn’t even allow strangers inside. Young Lady, your fortune lies well ahead,” Nurse Hu remarked with a smile.