Chapter 44: Fierce Momentum

Shen Yuling sat quietly in the carriage, the interior enveloped in a tranquil silence.

Feng Moheng furrowed his brows slightly.

Just moments ago, Li Ming had found Yuling and mentioned that she had lost her way in the palace and was resting in a certain palace.

But ever since he laid eyes on her, she had remained silent, her face devoid of any particular expression.

When Li Ming was present, Feng Moheng had refrained from asking too many questions, considering various factors.

Once they boarded the carriage, he couldn’t help but inquire about what was troubling her, but she merely replied that it was nothing, just that she was tired and wanted to rest.

At this moment, the only sound in the carriage was the rhythmic creaking of the wheels turning.

Again and again, the sound was monotonous and heavy.

Because Shen Yuling said nothing, Feng Moheng’s thoughts began to swirl.

Could it be that Liu Zhaoyi had done something to her?

He felt a bit anxious and wanted to clarify, but when the words were on the tip of his tongue, he didn’t know how to ask.

If he were to ask, it would seem as if he had anticipated that something would happen to her in the palace.

But if he didn’t ask and remained ignorant of what had happened, he would be left to wonder.

Thus, the two of them traveled from the palace back to the Residence of Prince Lingyang without exchanging a single word.

Shen Yuling slightly drooped her eyelids, her expression appeared somewhat indifferent, and it was unclear what she was truly thinking.

Fortunately, the distance between the palace and the Residence of Prince Lingyang wasn’t far; in just fifteen minutes, the carriage stopped at the gate of the residence.

Feng Moheng was the first to exit the carriage.

He stood by the side of the carriage, reaching out to assist Shen Yuling down.

However, Shen Yuling seemed to ignore him entirely, merely lifting the hem of her dress slightly before stepping down from the carriage on her own.

Once she was down, she didn’t even cast a glance at Feng Moheng.

She walked past him.

Feng Moheng quickly stepped forward and grasped her elbow with a hint of urgency.

“Yuling, what exactly is wrong?”

Feng Moheng’s brows knitted tightly.

“Did someone bully you in the palace…?”

His question came out somewhat laboriously.

He feared hearing that Shen Yuling had indeed been mistreated in the palace.

Yet Shen Yuling abruptly turned her head, her smile not reaching her eyes as she looked at Feng Moheng.

Coldly, she replied, “Then what does my husband think? Who in the palace would dare to bully the Princess Consort of Lingyang?”

Feng Moheng was instantly rendered speechless, staring blankly at her.

Shen Yuling forcefully shook off his hand and continued walking forward without a backward glance.

Feng Moheng, feeling helpless, could only follow hastily behind her.

As they walked, Feng Moheng’s confusion deepened.

Just moments ago, they had arrived at Ninglan Courtyard; why wouldn’t she go inside?

Feng Moheng’s anxiety intensified.

“Yuling, where are you going?”

His voice rose a few pitches.

Shen Yuling, however, seemed not to hear him, continuing to walk ahead in silence.

Feng Moheng’s heart sank as he observed her direction.

Was she heading towards Sujin Courtyard?

Was she going to look for Jingyi?

Feng Moheng’s expression darkened instantly, an inexplicable irritation and unease swelling within him.

“Shen Yuling! Stop.”

Feng Moheng called out loudly.

Only then did Shen Yuling’s steps slightly halt.

“Your Highness, I just want to find Liu Jingyi to clarify some matters; you don’t need to follow me.”

Her tone remained frosty, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

Feng Moheng was abruptly startled.

She had not only ceased to call him “husband” but had also plainly stated her intention to find Jingyi.

It seemed that something had indeed happened to her in the palace, and it was somehow related to Jingyi!

Feng Moheng felt lost at that moment.

He had no idea what exactly she had encountered in the palace.

He opened his mouth.

Not knowing how to comfort her or how to stop her.

In that instant of hesitation, Shen Yuling had already arrived at the door of Sujin Courtyard.

Sujin Courtyard and Ninglan Courtyard were among the finest residences in the Residence of Prince Lingyang.

They were very close to each other, less than a quarter of an hour apart.

At this moment, Liu Jingyi in Sujin Courtyard was naturally still awake.

She was eagerly awaiting her sister to bring her good news.

Liu Jingyi reclined on a soft couch, a smile gracing her lips, as if she already felt victory was in her grasp.

She seemed to visualize Shen Yuling in the palace committing an indiscretion, caught in the act by everyone, her embarrassment palpable.

Hmph, didn’t the Princess Xihe take a liking to this daughter-in-law?

If she were to become a daughter-in-law whose innocence had been tarnished, would she still hold that affection?

And what about Feng Moheng? Hadn’t he gradually grown fond of Shen Yuling?

If he were to witness his wife pleasing another man, would he continue to feel that way?

As Liu Jingyi pondered this, she couldn’t help but let out a cold snort, the sound echoing harshly in the quiet room.

Suddenly, Li Su hurriedly walked in.

“Master, the Princess Consort is here!”

Liu Jingyi was immediately taken aback, raising her brows in surprise.

How could she return so quickly?

Why would Shen Yuling come to her?

Could it be that she had guessed that Liu Jingyi had contacted their sister and had arranged for her to suffer such humiliation in the palace?

If so, did that not mean that their sister had succeeded?!

A hint of uncontainable joy flashed in Liu Jingyi’s eyes.

Then she smiled, stood up, and gracefully walked into the main hall.

As Liu Jingyi made her way to the hall, Feng Moheng, who had rushed over out of concern for any potential trouble, hurriedly followed behind.

Ever since realizing his feelings for Shen Yuling, Feng Moheng had been deliberately avoiding letting Shen Yuling and Liu Jingyi be alone together.

He had even been reluctant to allow them to meet.

But unexpectedly..