Chapter 43: Qin Yanshu, have you Lost your Mind?

Qin Zhilan’s expression darkened slightly. Although she did not know the identity of the person in front of her, looking at the other party’s composed and mocking expression, she suspected that this person was merely bluffing. However, she did not dare to take the risk.

At this moment, losing face would only mean losing face for her and her brother.

If the other party was truly someone of great importance, it would likely result in the entire Qin family losing face.

Qin Zhilan turned to look at her elder brother, only to see Qin Yanshu’s face swollen and bruised, staring blankly at the departing carriage, looking lost and distracted, with no intention of paying attention to anyone else.

Qin Zhilan felt a surge of resentment and said coldly, “Someone, send the eldest young master home.”

With that, she turned around and got into her own carriage.

The onlookers, seeing this, immediately burst into a chorus of sneers.

“It seems the Imperial Uncle’s residence is truly no longer as glorious as before, to be so easily intimidated by a few words from a complete stranger.”

“On the contrary, that Regent’s Princess Consort seems quite different from the rumors, possessing the demeanor of the Regent.”

“Indeed, no wonder the Regent took a liking to her.”

“I heard that the Regent has long admired the eldest daughter of the Shen Family, but she was previously engaged and repeatedly refused the Regent’s proposals, which is why the incident with the bandits in the countryside happened…”

“What? You mean the Princess’s virtue was actually compromised by the Regent…”

“Shh, this is just a rumor, don’t spread it carelessly.”

Sitting inside the carriage, Qin Yanshu’s body trembled, unable to believe what he had just heard.

He lifted the carriage curtain and saw two women whispering to each other. He quickly let the curtain fall and rose to exit the carriage.

He approached the two women and asked, his face pale, “What were you just saying? Shen Ning’s virtue was sullied by the Regent?”

The woman who had been speaking instinctively took a step back at the sight of him. “It’s just a speculation, Young Master Qin, don’t get upset… Anyway, your family has already called off the engagement. The Princess is now married to the Regent, which can be considered a perfect match. The Regent would certainly not doubt the Princess’s virtue…”

“Nonsense! Utter nonsense!” Qin Yanshu seemed to be in shock, suddenly losing control of his emotions. “Shen Ning’s virtue has nothing to do with the Regent! Pure fabrication!”

“Young Master Qin, why are you so upset?” The woman was startled. “Whether it was the Regent or not, many people are discussing this in private. Besides… besides, it’s a good thing, at least there’s no other man, right? If it was the Regent, it would actually be better. The Regent would certainly not suspect the Princess of being unchaste…”

“Brother, have you had enough of this commotion?” Qin Zhilan walked over, her brows furrowed tightly, her expression extremely unpleasant. “Can we go home now?”

Qin Yanshu turned to look at her, his eyes red, filled with a sense of desperate brokenness, making Qin Zhilan’s heart clench.

“Shen Ning was my fiancée, she should have been my wife…” Qin Yanshu’s voice was filled with solitude and desolation as he turned dejectedly towards the carriage. “I destroyed it all with my own hands…”

A sense of foreboding rose in Qin Zhilan’s heart. “Brother?”

Qin Yanshu boarded the carriage and leaned back inside, dazed for a while. He suddenly commanded the coachman, “Speed up.”

The carriage quickened its pace towards the Qin residence.

Upon returning home, Qin Yanshu ignored the servants who bowed to him and hurriedly summoned several reliable maids. “The gossip among the common folk is rampant. Go and find out what the recent rumors about Shen Ning are saying.”

The maids exchanged glances after hearing this.

Mama Li smiled. “This old servant has actually heard quite a bit. Recently, many people are discussing that the bandits Shen’s eldest daughter encountered in the countryside were actually sent by the Regent. The Regent has been infatuated with her for a long time, but Shen Ning never liked the Regent. In anger, the Regent sent someone to teach her a lesson.”

Qin Yanshu stiffened.

No, it’s not true, it’s not like that…

“This old servant thinks it’s for the best.” Mama Li sighed. “Since Miss Shen has lost her virtue, it’s just right for her to marry the Regent who took it from her. Isn’t this a perfect solution? Young Master doesn’t need to worry about the Regent disliking Miss Shen anymore.”

Qin Yanshu spoke with difficulty, “Has no one questioned this matter?”

Mama Li shook her head. “The Regent is known for his cruel nature. It’s not at all surprising that he would do such a thing. Many people find it perfectly reasonable.”

Reasonable?

Qin Yanshu’s eyes were downcast, and he felt a chill rising from the soles of his feet straight to his spine.

No, it’s all lies, all of it.

This is neither reasonable nor just!

Shen Ning was his, she had always been his, how could she marry the Regent?

Why would the Regent like her?

What right does he have to like Shen Ning?

Qin Yanshu gripped the armrest of the chair tightly, unable to accept such an outcome.

Had Shen Ning completely lost all feelings for him?

Did she also believe that the Regent had sullied her virtue, making it normal for her to submit to him?

“Someone!” Qin Yanshu commanded urgently, rushing out. “Prepare the carriage, I’m going to the Regent’s residence.”

No, it’s not true, it’s not like that…

“Qin Yanshu, have you lost your mind!” Madam Qin walked over, surrounded by maids, her face full of anger. “It’s bad enough that you’ve embarrassed yourself in the streets, but now you want to cause a scene at the Regent’s residence? Are you just asking for the Regent to kill you?”

Qin Yanshu was indeed mad.

He regretted it to the point of madness. He didn’t know how things had turned out this way. He only liked Shen Ning and wanted her to marry him. Was that wrong?

The person who ruined Shen Ning’s virtue was clearly not the Regent. Why would he take the blame for this?