Only Shen Qingqing's parents and two elder brothers attended this evening meal. Her second sister-in-law had taken her daughter back to her maternal home for a short stay, while the eldest sister-in-law had just given birth and was still in confinement, requiring rest and recovery.
As for the Guardian Duke Shen Dingqin, he was advanced in years and resided in the West Garden, some distance away from the main residence. Moreover, they didn't wish to trouble him with such matters that might affect his health.
The atmosphere at the dining table was heavy, and no one had much appetite.
In contrast, Shen Qingqing's mood had already stabilized. Now that her family was all here, everything could still be set right. Having been reborn, she was determined to protect her family this time and make Song Lingxiao and those three ingrates pay the price!
"Father, Mother, Eldest Brother, Second Brother, let's eat first. We need our strength to fight, don't we?" she said, serving them soup.
"Let me do that. You're not fully recovered yet," her eldest brother Shen Jingzhi immediately took the ladle from her.
After they had eaten some, Shen Jingzhi sighed heavily. "It's my fault for misjudging his character and letting a wolf into our home!"
"It's my fault for not securing a good match for Qingqing earlier," her father Shen Mizhan said with deep remorse. Having finally been blessed with a daughter, she had been wronged by that beast Song Lingxiao!
Seeing her family members blaming themselves, Shen Qingqing could no longer hold back her tears.
"We shouldn't blame ourselves. The fault lies with Song Lingxiao. Given the circumstances, we should focus on our strategy," she said, wiping away her tears earnestly. "From the beginning, his approach to Eldest Brother and me was calculated. He coveted our Shen Family's status and connections. After I bore him children, he decided I had served my purpose and plotted to eliminate me."
"But why? Wouldn't the Shen Family be of more help to the Song Family if you were alive?" Shen Jingzhi couldn't understand.
"Madam!" Just then, Xijin arrived.
"Did you find anything?" Shen Qingqing asked, thinking that two days of investigation should have yielded some clues.
Xijin promptly reported her findings. "The three of them were childhood sweethearts. According to the neighbors, both brothers liked her back then and wanted to marry her, but eventually the elder brother married her."
The Shen family listened in confusion.
"I suspect Song Lingxiao is having an affair with his sister-in-law Yang Wanqing, so I had Xijin look into their past."
"Yang Wanqing has won over all three of my children. I suspect that if I were poisoned to death, Song Lingxiao wouldn't remarry. Instead, he could carry on with her in the manor while maintaining his reputation as a grieving widower!"
"Scoundrel! This is utterly depraved! Depraved!" Shen Mizhan slammed the table in fury. "To commit such incestuous acts between uncle and sister-in-law!"
The Shen Family was a scholarly household known for its integrity and high moral standards. Just hearing about such matters was considered a profound disgrace, let alone discovering it involved their own son-in-law!
"These are just my suspicions for now. We need evidence. So next, I'll gather proof to ruin their reputations completely." Without evidence, they couldn't touch Song Lingxiao—he was too skilled at maintaining appearances, and his reputation as the devoted Yong'an Marquis was well-known.
"If it comes to it, just get a divorce and come home. If the children are willing to go with you, bring them all back. We can afford to raise them." He truly couldn't bear to lay eyes on that filthy man again!
Shen Qingqing shook her head. "The children are all close to them. They won't come with me." Nor would she want them—she wouldn't take a single one of those three children.
"I'll be staying at my parents' house tonight. Song Lingxiao will definitely come to fetch me early tomorrow morning, so don't reveal anything," she instructed.
The Shen family couldn't sleep that night. The thought of their youngest daughter being mistreated yet having to endure it was utterly frustrating.
But they understood the importance of patience in critical moments – small impatience could ruin great plans.
"Qingqing, once you've recovered, I'll find you a martial arts instructor. Learn some self-defense skills so you can beat him up when you're unhappy," Ye Manshu said regretfully. She had previously thought the Shen Family could protect Shen Qingqing, sparing her the hardship of martial arts training, but now…
If you don't endure hardship yourself, others will make you suffer!
"That's a great idea. I was just thinking the same," Shen Qingqing replied. Even some basic martial arts would be enough to deal with a scholar like Song Lingxiao.
"Sleep now. With your mother here, don't be afraid!" Ye Manshu gently patted her back.
That night, Shen Qingqing slept peacefully, without dreaming of her past life.
The next morning, Song Lingxiao indeed arrived at the Guogong Manor.
However, only Shen Jingshuo received him. As a merchant accustomed to dealing with people from all walks of life, Shen Jingshuo remained composed facing Song Lingxiao.
But upon seeing Song Lingxiao, he noticed something wrong – his face was puffy with heavy dark circles under his eyes, typical signs of overindulgence.
Having seen many men who frequented brothels, he recognized this appearance instantly.
Previously he thought the affair between his sister-in-law and brother-in-law was too absurd, but seeing Song Lingxiao like this, he felt it was almost certainly true. After all, there were no concubines in the Marquis Manor – it couldn't be self-inflicted, could it?
"Why do you look so exhausted?" he casually asked.
"I've been busy with official duties lately, plus worrying about Qingqing's health has kept me awake at night," Song Lingxiao explained.
Shen Qingqing happened to overhear this as she approached and couldn't help but sneer. She thought it must be due to his excessive indulgence with Yang Wanqing these past few days.
"Why are you here? I can return by myself," she said indifferently.
"It would already be a sin that I didn't accompany you here. How could I let you return alone? Especially since you haven't fully recovered – I must come to fetch you." His words sounded noble as always, maintaining his usual pretense.
This made everyone think Song Lingxiao doted on his wife – taking no concubines, visiting no brothels, being gentle and considerate, never throwing his weight around because of his father-in-law's family.
"Where are my parents-in-law? I'd like to pay my respects." Every time he visited the Shen Family, he acted humble and polite. If not for Shen Qingqing's rebirth, it would be hard to see his true nature.
"My father isn't here. Mother is helping my elder brother look after the children."
Ye Manshu actually wanted to see Song Lingxiao, but Shen Jingshuo worried she might lose control – after all, Ye Manshu knew martial arts and could cripple someone directly.
"Second brother, we'll be leaving now."
"Leaving so soon? Shouldn't we have the Fu Doctor examine you to prevent any lasting health issues?" Shen Jingshuo had been watching Song Lingxiao's expression from the corner of his eye. Sure enough, after he said this, Song Lingxiao's face changed, clearly becoming tense and uneasy.
"Are you feeling unwell again?" Song Lingxiao quickly asked.
"No, second brother is just concerned about me." Shen Qingqing noted how Song Lingxiao couldn't even meet her eyes and sneered inwardly.
"Then let's not trouble them. We can have our Fu Doctor examine you when we return to our manor."
Just then, the Fu Doctor arrived.
"Please examine my younger sister and advise on how to recuperate her health."
Song Lingxiao's face instantly turned pale.
But at this moment, he had no reason to stop the Fu Doctor from examining Shen Qingqing.
The Fu Doctor frowned. "Miss, your health…"
Song Lingxiao's heart immediately leaped into her throat. Despite the cold weather, sweat beaded on her forehead.