CHAPTER 33 (PART 2)

Shen Jingyan reached out to touch the softness in front of her chest, listening to her uncontrollable soft moans. The corner of his lips curled into a faint smile. “Since Madam dislikes me so much, I won’t stay the night then.”

Shi Li: “……” Are you even speaking human words?

After saying this, Shen Jingyan got up as if to leave. Realizing that he was truly about to go, Shi Li panicked and quickly clung to his waist. “Don’t… don’t go…”

“Does Madam still have something to say?” Shen Jingyan asked.

Shi Li: “……” She had figured it out—this man was utterly black-hearted, through and through. Clearly, he had intended to stay tonight, but just to watch her suffer, he deliberately changed his mind.

Taking a deep breath, she reached behind him and undid his belt, slipping her small hands through the opening of his robe. Shen Jingyan’s gaze darkened, and he turned, pressing her beneath him.

A night of indulgence.

At first, Shi Li relied on the effects of the drugged wine to endure, so it didn’t feel too painful. But as the effects wore off, the pain gradually spread. The more she resisted, the more relentless Shen Jingyan became. By the time it was over, she had thought several times that she might actually die.

Even when it ended, her mind was still in a haze. In her dazed state, Shen Jingyan dragged her up and stuffed a pill into her mouth. The pill dissolved instantly, leaving only a bitter aftertaste. Shi Li’s eyes widened in horror. With a hoarse voice, she asked, “Are you poisoning me?”

“You’re overthinking it, Madam. How could I bear to?” Shen Jingyan’s eyes were filled with mockery.

Male Lead Hatred Value: 130%

To hell with it! It was always like this—after suffering, she still had to watch his hatred value rise. No matter how good her temper was, she couldn’t help but want to curse at this moment. She held back for a long time before gritting her teeth and asking, “Then what did you just make me take?”

“Nothing more than a contraceptive pill,” Shen Jingyan said lightly. He glanced at her and, seeing no sign of distress on her face, his eyes darkened slightly. “My children should be born to women of clean lineage, so as not to tarnish their reputation.”

Shi Li’s mouth twitched. “Oh.”

Male Lead Hatred Value: 132%

Shi Li: “???” She hadn’t even said anything offensive. Why did it still go up?

She paused and turned her head away, just enough to show a trace of humiliation. As expected, Shen Jingyan seemed slightly more satisfied. “Hot water is ready. Since Madam does not wish for my service, you may handle it yourself. Oh, and now that you hold the title of Madam Shen, household affairs will be entrusted to you. Starting tomorrow, the concubines will come to pay their respects. If they have any concerns, you should pay attention to them as well.”

“Concubines?” Shi Li’s expression finally showed a hint of reaction. When Shen Jingyan married her back then, he had personally promised not to take concubines or visit brothels. She hadn’t expected that now he actually had concubines.

Shen Jingyan fixed his gaze on her. “Yes, concubines. What, is Madam surprised?”

“…A little, yes. I thought you wouldn’t take concubines.” Shi Li forced a smile.

Shen Jingyan sneered, his eyes finally showing a flicker of resentment. “If Madam had remained faithful, if there had never been that elopement, I naturally would not have taken concubines. But unfortunately, it was Madam who first broke the vow of lifelong devotion. In that case, taking a few concubines hardly seems unreasonable, does it?”

“N-no, not at all,” Shi Li answered awkwardly.

She didn’t actually feel much about it. Whatever feelings she once had for him had long been erased by the system. Now, she felt more fear than anything else. As for those concubines… she could only offer them her deepest sympathies.

After all, dealing with a man this terrible in bed must be exhausting.

Shi Li lowered her head, her thoughts wandering. But in Shen Jingyan’s eyes, her reaction looked like distress and heartbreak.

When she looked up again, the hatred value had dropped to 100%.

…What just happened? Shi Li stared at him in confusion. But Shen Jingyan didn’t answer her silent question—he simply flicked his sleeve and left.

Shi Li: “……” Scumbag. Used her and left, wouldn’t even stay the night. What did he take her for?

If she were a real ancient woman, she would probably be weeping into the night over his heartlessness. But Shi Li didn’t have the time for that. She just wanted to lie down and sleep properly, then go to the doctor tomorrow to get some ointment for certain areas so she could recover faster.

By her plan, she should have been able to sleep until late morning. But just as dawn broke, a maid woke her up. “Madam, the concubines are waiting in the main hall for you. Please go quickly.”

Shi Li grunted in displeasure. Hearing the maid call her again, she turned over reluctantly. But as soon as she moved, the pain jolted her awake.

“Madam, please get up,” the maid urged.

Shi Li frowned, staying still for a long time before sighing. “Mm, I’m getting up.”

“Let me assist you in dressing,” the maid said, pulling her up.

Shi Li let out a soft breath and allowed the maid to help her freshen up. It took her a while before she finally emerged from the room and began trudging toward the main hall… She wanted to walk faster, but any larger step sent waves of pain through her body—especially in certain places that shall not be named.

The maid assumed she was just feeling unwell and patiently supported her as they walked. When Shi Li finally reached the entrance of the main hall, she could already hear the voices of the women inside—

“What does this Shi Li mean, making us wait here for nearly half an hour? Does she think she can lord over us just because she’s the official wife?”

“Keep your voice down. If she hears you, she’ll surely punish you.”

“Punish me? As if I’m afraid of her. Even though she’s the main wife, her actions are disgraceful even in the eyes of us concubines. Using aphrodisiac wine to seduce the master—how shameless.”

Shi Li: “……”

How did they all know about the wine?

Wait, what did they mean by “seduce”?

She stood outside the door for a moment, listening to the full conversation, and suddenly had the urge to slam her head into the ground and die. The maid beside her, noticing her darkened expression, cautiously reassured her, “Madam, don’t mind their words. You’re a good person—I know that in my heart.”

“It’s fine. Let’s go in.” Shi Li sighed, utterly resigned to her fate.

The maid nervously supported her into the hall, and the room immediately fell silent. The concubines, upon seeing Shi Li’s face and figure, froze for a moment, exchanging glances—clearly not expecting the Shen family’s madam to be so beautiful. Once they regained their senses, they quickly stood to greet her, their previous arrogance nowhere to be seen.

Shi Li gracefully walked to the main seat and sat down. Her weary body felt an immediate sense of relief. After taking a brief moment to rest, she smiled and gestured for the women to sit.

The concubines who had spoken so disdainfully earlier were now eager to engage her in conversation. Shi Li, exhausted, responded perfunctorily. Before long, their true natures began to show.

“Madam, you seem quite tired today. Did you not sleep well last night?” Concubine No. 1 inquired with feigned concern.

Shi Li blinked, just about to reply when Concubine No. 2 interjected, “You shouldn’t bring up Madam’s troubles. Everyone knows that Lord Shen didn’t stay with her last night but went to Sister Yu’s place instead. It’s understandable if Madam is feeling upset.”

At her words, the others nearly burst into laughter. It was common knowledge that this madam had specially prepared aphrodisiac wine, yet she still failed to keep Lord Shen by her side—how utterly humiliating.

Concubine No. 3, the so-called Sister Yu, quickly stood up and bowed to Shi Li, her expression pitiful. “Madam, please don’t be angry. I had no idea Lord Shen would come. I even tried persuading him to return to you, but he just… Madam, it’s all my fault. Please forgive me this once.”

Shi Li: “…”

She hadn’t even said a word yet, but this Sister Yu was already playing the victim? The way she spoke—it was obvious she was a seasoned manipulator.

Shi Li studied her for a moment. Despite her frail appearance, Sister Yu’s complexion looked exceptionally well. After a pause, Shi Li asked, “After Lord Shen stayed with you, did he have you serve him?”

Sister Yu’s eyes flickered briefly before she firmly nodded. “Of course, Lord Shen had me serve him.”

“And how did you serve him?” Shi Li pried, curiosity in her tone.

Sister Yu stiffened, clearly not expecting such a direct question. After a long pause, she blushed and replied, “Just the usual… bedroom affairs.”

Shi Li: “Take a few steps forward.”

Sister Yu looked confused but still rose and walked a few steps.

Shi Li’s face remained blank.

…Lies. Shen Jingyan hadn’t touched her at all.

She knew all too well about Shen Jingyan’s… performance issues. He had been utterly incapable for years, yet he was oblivious to it—

After all, as his only woman, she had never told him the truth, for fear of wounding his pride.

If he had truly shared “bedroom affairs” with this woman, even just once, she should be limping the same way Shi Li was. Instead, she moved with ease, not the slightest bit sore or unsteady.

Shi Li clicked her tongue and glanced at the other women. They all looked puzzled, not understanding why she was making Sister Yu walk. An idea crossed Shi Li’s mind, and she casually asked them, “Do any of you notice anything unusual about Sister Yu?”

The concubines all shook their heads.

“Don’t you think,” Shi Li hinted, “that after serving Lord Shen, she shouldn’t be moving so lightly?”

“What do you mean, Madam?” Sister Yu’s expression tensed, sensing something was off.

Shi Li gave a serene smile. “Oh, it’s nothing. You’ve all greeted me now, so you may leave. In the future, there’s no need to come and pay respects unless necessary—I’m not one for too many formalities.”

The concubines, who had no desire to greet a woman they looked down upon, agreed immediately. Only Sister Yu felt an inexplicable sense of defeat, while the others were visibly delighted.

Once they were gone, Shi Li was about to return to her room to rest when her maid stopped her. “Madam, you need to go learn the household accounts from the steward.”

Shi Li: “…”

After a long silence, she expressionlessly followed the maid.

She spent several grueling hours in the study, poring over ledgers. By the time she was finally free, her back felt like it was breaking. But just as she returned to her chambers, she saw Shen Jingyan waiting for her.

Shi Li: “!!!”

“That look on your face… Are you not pleased to see me?” Shen Jingyan narrowed his eyes.

Shi Li swallowed nervously and forced a smile. “Not at all.”