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Shen Yuling returned to the Residence of Prince Lingyang from the palace.
In Ninglan Courtyard, most of the staff were people planted by Quan Minghe, making many actions inconvenient. Therefore, whenever she needed to speak with Xi Tong, she could only do so in her own room.
As soon as she returned to the residence, Shen Yuling hurriedly reconfirmed tomorrow’s arrangements with Xi Tong, then silently planned the lines she would say the next day.
Later that evening, Feng Moheng unexpectedly returned earlier than Shen Yuling had anticipated.
This time, upon returning to the residence, Feng Moheng initially headed toward Ninglan Courtyard but was intercepted halfway by Liu Jingyi.
Shen Yuling couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her mouth.
Had she become a part of the game played by these two?
Feng Moheng intentionally made Liu Jingyi jealous, and as he wished, Liu Jingyi vied for him, competing for his attention.
As for her, Shen Yuling… she was nothing.
Because every time, Liu Jingyi was able to snatch the prince away from the princess, and in many aspects of life—clothing, food, shelter, and travel—she was even able to compare with the princess.
When the princess first entered the residence, the prince had even spared Liu Jingyi from performing the customary tea-serving ceremony for the legitimate wife.
Now, the servants in the residence quietly whispered among themselves, subtly plotting against the princess.
They believed that the princess was not favored by the prince.
Shen Yuling naturally complied with Liu Jingyi’s wishes, spending each day in the Residence of Prince Lingyang feeling dejected, pretending to be a woman who had endured great grievances.
In any case, whatever Liu Jingyi took, Quan Minghe would make up for it once he knew, and it was always with something even better.
Shen Yuling reveled in pretending to be sorrowful.
The next day, Feng Moheng sent someone to summon Shen Yuling to go flower viewing at the renowned Yingxu Mountain outside of Qianjing.
Yingxu Mountain had always been a favored spot for many talented scholars and beauties in Qianjing.
They often went to the mountain to enjoy the flowers, taste tea, compose poetry, and indulge in the pleasures of a leisurely outing.
Shen Yuling received the summons and walked gracefully to the entrance of the Residence of Prince Lingyang.
Liu Jingyi was standing intimately beside Feng Moheng, their hands tightly intertwined.
The scene was so intimate that anyone who saw them would easily recognize the closeness between them.
Could it be that Liu Jingyi was still upset about the time when she and Feng Moheng had gone to pay respects to the Princess, and had held hands during that visit?
Shen Yuling pretended not to notice, her lips always curving into a polite and composed smile.
Now, her role in the Residence of Prince Lingyang was to appear melancholic and withdrawn within her own courtyard, but on the outside, she had to maintain the image of a strong, graceful, and noble princess consort.
As a woman from a prominent family, she could not afford the slightest blemish on her reputation.
Her expression was calm and composed as she walked toward the two of them.
She gave a slight bow and softly said, “Husband, I took longer than expected to get ready. I hope you can forgive my tardiness.”
Feng Moheng’s gaze fell upon Shen Yuling.
She was dressed in a light green robe with a white skirt, the colors perfectly coordinated, exuding a fresh and elegant aura.
Her hair was styled into an intricate butterfly knot, with only simple pearls and jade embellishing it, adding to her understated elegance.
Two strands of hair in front were gently tied with silk ribbons, wrapped in soft coils before cascading down, exuding a unique charm.
Feng Moheng gazed at her, feeling that she was both cold and radiant.
These two seemingly contradictory traits managed to coexist harmoniously in one person.
However, appreciating a beauty was like admiring a beautiful scenery—once viewed, one would only offer a few compliments, and that would be the end of it.
It wouldn’t leave a mark in his heart.
Feng Moheng spoke in response, “It’s nothing. Jingyi and I have just arrived as well.”
On the side, Liu Jingyi followed the proper etiquette and curtsied.
She softly said, “I pay my respects to the Princess.”
Shen Yuling smiled gently at the corner of her lips.
“There’s no need for such formalities, sister. Just call me ‘sister’ when we’re outside.”
Today marked the first time she and Liu Jingyi had met.
Liu Jingyi had a gentle and serene appearance, with delicate eyebrows and bright eyes—indeed, a beautiful woman in the making.
Liu Jingyi replied, “Yes, sister.”
Her eyes, warm with a smile, subtly carried a hint of coldness.
From the moment Shen Yuling arrived and called Feng Moheng “husband,” to now, when she made Liu Jingyi address her as “sister,” Liu Jingyi felt an unease stirring within her.
In the past, when she hadn’t dealt with the legitimate wife directly, the distinction between a concubine and the official wife hadn’t felt as sharp.
Because her Sujin Courtyard was no less grand than Ninglan Courtyard, and due to Feng Moheng’s favor toward her, the servants in the mansion all treated her with great respect.
However, she was someone with a modern soul, and the discomfort of the concubine and official wife clashing was intensely sharp for her.
At this moment, Liu Jingyi’s strong desire to become the legitimate wife surged uncontrollably within her.
Feng Moheng felt the slight stiffness in Liu Jingyi’s body as he held her hand.
He inwardly smiled.
It seemed that inviting Shen Yuling along for the flower viewing had been quite a good idea.
The warm spring sun hung high in the sky, and a luxurious carriage stopped in front of the Prince’s residence.
Feng Moheng boarded the carriage first, followed by Liu Jingyi, who gracefully stepped in and sat closely beside him, their posture intimate and seamless.
Shen Yuling, not in a hurry, calmly boarded the carriage after them.
Inside the carriage, Liu Jingyi smiled brightly, taking the initiative to engage in conversation with Feng Moheng.
Her voice was soft and melodious, her words laced with intimacy.
At times, she would lean slightly toward Feng Moheng, and at others, she would gently tug at his sleeve.
Throughout their conversation, she would occasionally steal a glance at Shen Yuling with the corner of her eye.
In Liu Jingyi’s gaze, there seemed to be a hint of expectation, as though she were eagerly hoping to see a trace of jealousy or envy on Shen Yuling’s face.
But Shen Yuling appeared oblivious, quietly gazing out of the window.
Her expression was calm and indifferent.
Although Liu Jingyi did not see the scene she had hoped for, she felt a sense of satisfaction at seeing Shen Yuling behave so tactfully.
Before long, the ornate carriage of Lingyang Prince smoothly arrived at the foot of Yingxu Mountain.
At this time, the area around Yingxu Mountain was bustling with activity.
Many newlyweds, or talented men and beautiful women who had come in pairs, were gathered in small groups, either whispering or teasing one another.
Laughter and cheerful voices echoed through the mountain.
The season of April was the perfect time for the earth to rejuvenate and flowers to bloom in full display.
However, the most famous feature of Yingxu Mountain was the cherry blossom trees that covered the mountainside.
The entire mountain was adorned with a riot of colors, but the cherry blossom forest, with its mix of pink and white flowers, resembled clouds of mist falling from the sky—beautiful and ethereal, like a dream.
The reason why Feng Moheng had brought Liu Jingyi and Shen Yuling here was to admire the breathtaking beauty of the cherry blossom forest.
Once the carriage stopped, Shen Yuling and Liu Jingyi both donned veils to cover their delicate features, and then followed Feng Moheng as they stepped down from the carriage.
Xi Tong supported Shen Yuling’s arm and, at the same time, gave her a knowing glance.
Everything had already been arranged.
Shen Yuling understood at once, giving a slight nod.
She took a deep breath, fully immersing herself in the peace and joy that nature’s beauty brought.
Looking up, she saw the surrounding green mountains, clear waters, and a sea of blooming flowers. It was indeed a scene too beautiful to behold.
As they walked along the path up the mountain, both sides were lined with blossoming flowers and fresh green grass. The gentle breeze carried the mingling scents of flowers and grass, refreshing and soothing.
Upon reaching the cherry blossom forest, Feng Moheng’s actions made Shen Yuling inwardly roll her eyes.
He allowed Liu Jingyi’s slightly jealous behavior to go unchallenged.
She let Liu Jingyi pull her through the cherry blossom forest, stopping here to admire one sight, and there to gaze at another. Occasionally, Liu Jingyi would turn to ask Shen Yuling’s opinion, but her eyes showed little genuine interest.
Shen Yuling could imagine how much the original owner must have suffered facing such a scene.
Watching Feng Moheng and Liu Jingyi so intimately sweet, perhaps the original owner had already prepared to retract her heart. But when they returned to the manor, Feng Moheng would still care for her, showing concern and warmth.
This kind of push and pull—so close yet so distant—had fully controlled the original owner’s emotions.
Though she thought this in her heart, Shen Yuling maintained a composed expression, pretending to be saddened by their closeness while feigning calmness.
She reluctantly stayed and played along with the two of them for a while.
Soon after, she found an excuse to leave.