Shen Yuling returned to the Prince Consort’s residence from the palace.
Most of the staff in the Ninglan Courtyard were arranged by Quan Minghe, making it inconvenient for her to move freely. 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 the arrangements for the following day with Xi Tong, then silently rehearsed the lines she would deliver the next day.
When evening arrived.
Feng Moheng actually returned, earlier than Shen Yuling had expected.
Upon his return, Feng Moheng initially headed toward the Ninglan Courtyard, but halfway there, he was intercepted by Liu Jingyi.
Shen Yuling couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her mouth.
Was she becoming a part of these two’s little game?
Feng Moheng deliberately made Liu Jingyi jealous, and Liu Jingyi, as he wished, fought for him and vied for his attention.
Only Shen Yuling was nothing…
Because Liu Jingyi always managed to snatch the Prince Consort away from the Princess Consort, and in many aspects such as clothing, food, housing, and daily life, she even rivaled the Princess Consort.
When the Princess Consort first entered the residence, the Prince Consort even exempted Liu Jingyi from the ritual of serving tea to the principal wife.
Now, the servants in the Prince Consort’s residence were quietly gossiping about the Princess Consort behind her back.
They believed the Princess Consort was not favored by the Prince Consort.
Shen Yuling naturally fulfilled Liu Jingyi’s wishes, appearing despondent and aggrieved every day in the Prince Consort’s residence.
After all, whatever Liu Jingyi took away, Quan Minghe would replace with something even better once he found out.
Shen Yuling thoroughly enjoyed playing the role of the sorrowful one.
The next day.
Feng Moheng sent someone to summon Shen Yuling to view flowers at the famous Cherry Blossom Mountain outside Qian Capital.
Cherry Blossom Mountain had always been a favorite spot for many talented scholars and beauties in Qian Capital.
They often went to the mountain to admire flowers, savor tea, compose poetry, and enjoy leisurely outings.
Upon receiving the summons, Shen Yuling gracefully made her way to the entrance of the Prince Consort’s residence.
Liu Jingyi stood intimately beside Feng Moheng, their hands tightly clasped together.
Anyone who saw them could easily discern the closeness between them.
Could it be that Liu Jingyi was still bothered by the fact that she and Feng Moheng had held hands when they went to pay respects to the Grand Princess that day?
Shen Yuling pretended not to notice, a proper smile lingering at the corner of her lips.
Her persona in the Prince Consort’s residence now was to appear despondent within her own courtyard, but outside, she had to maintain the facade of an elegant and noble Princess Consort who put on a brave face.
As a noble lady from a prestigious family, she could not afford to have even the slightest stain on her reputation.
With a calm expression, she walked up to the two of them.
She gave a slight bow and said softly, “My lord, I took a bit too long dressing up and arrived somewhat late. I hope you will forgive me.”
Feng Moheng’s gaze fell upon Shen Yuling.
She wore a green blouse and a white skirt, the colors perfectly matched, fresh and elegant.
Her hair was styled into an exquisite butterfly bun, adorned only with simple pearls and jade, making her appear even more refined.
Two strands of hair in front were gently tied with ribbons and left to hang down, adding a unique charm.
Feng Moheng looked at her and felt she was both aloof and radiant—
two such contradictory qualities could coexist in one person.
However, appreciating a beauty was like appreciating a beautiful scene; after admiring it, one would merely offer a few words of praise.
It would leave no trace in his heart.
Feng Moheng replied, “It’s fine. Jingyi and I have just arrived as well.”
Beside him, Liu Jingyi adhered to etiquette, curtsying respectfully.
She said softly, “Greetings to the Princess Consort.”
A faint smile played on Shen Yuling’s lips.
“There’s no need for such formality, sister. Just call me ‘sister’ when we’re out.”
Today marked her first meeting with Liu Jingyi.
Liu Jingyi had a gentle and serene appearance, with delicate features—truly a budding beauty.
Liu Jingyi replied, “Yes, sister.”
In her gentle, smiling eyes, there was a faint hint of coldness.
From the moment Shen Yuling arrived and addressed Feng Moheng as “husband” to now asking her to call her “sister,” Liu Jingyi felt a wave of discomfort.
Before interacting with the main wife, she hadn’t felt such a stark contrast between a concubine and the main wife so strongly.
Her Sujin Courtyard was no less impressive than Ninglan Courtyard, and due to Feng Moheng’s favor, everyone in the estate treated her with respect.
But as someone with a modern soul, the discomfort of this confrontation between concubine and main wife was particularly intense.
At this moment, Liu Jingyi’s strong desire to become the main wife surged forth.
Feng Moheng held Liu Jingyi’s hand, sensing the slight stiffness in her body.
He smiled inwardly.
It seemed inviting Shen Yuling along to admire the flowers was a good idea after all.
Under the warm spring sun, an ornate carriage stopped in front of the Prince of Lingyang’s estate.
Feng Moheng boarded the carriage first, followed by Liu Jingyi, who gracefully stepped in and sat close beside him, their posture intimate.
Shen Yuling followed unhurriedly, entering the carriage as well.
Inside, Liu Jingyi smiled warmly and initiated conversation with Feng Moheng.
Her voice was soft and melodious, her words filled with affection.
At times, she leaned slightly toward Feng Moheng, and at others, she gently tugged at his sleeve.
Throughout, she occasionally stole glances at Shen Yuling from the corner of her eye.
Her gaze seemed to hold a hint of expectation, as if she were eager to see signs of jealousy or envy on Shen Yuling’s face.
But Shen Yuling appeared oblivious, quietly gazing out the window.
Her expression remained calm.
Though Liu Jingyi didn’t see what she had hoped for, she felt somewhat satisfied with Shen Yuling’s tactful demeanor.
Before long, the Prince of Lingyang’s lavishly decorated carriage arrived steadily at the foot of Yingxu Mountain.
The base of Yingxu Mountain was bustling with activity.
Many newlywed couples, as well as talented scholars, beauties, young masters, and ladies who had come in groups, gathered in twos and threes, chatting softly or teasing one another.
Laughter and cheerful voices echoed through the mountains.
In April, the earth was awakening, and flowers bloomed in abundance.
But what Yingxu Mountain was most famous for was the cherry blossom trees covering its slopes.
Flowers of all kinds vied for beauty across the mountains, and the pink-and-white cherry blossom grove resembled clouds descending from the sky, dreamlike in its splendor.
Feng Moheng had brought Liu Jingyi and Shen Yuling out specifically to admire the cherry blossom grove’s magnificent scenery.
Once the carriage stopped, both Shen Yuling and Liu Jingyi donned veils to conceal their lovely faces before following Feng Moheng out of the carriage.
Xi Tong supported Shen Yuling’s hand, simultaneously giving her a meaningful look.
Everything had been arranged.
Shen Yuling understood and nodded slightly.
She took a deep breath, fully savoring the comfort brought by the natural scenery.
Looking around, she saw green mountains, clear waters, and a profusion of flowers—truly a breathtaking sight.
As they walked along the path up the mountain, blooming flowers and tender green grass lined both sides. A gentle breeze carried the mingled scents of blossoms and grass, refreshing the senses.
When they reached the cherry blossom grove, Feng Moheng’s actions made Shen Yuling roll her eyes inwardly.
He tacitly accepted Liu Jingyi’s slightly jealous behavior.
Allowing Liu Jingyi to pull him through the cherry blossom grove, looking here and there, occasionally turning her head to ask Shen Yuling’s opinion with feigned magnanimity, yet her eyes held little genuine concern.
She could imagine how heart-wrenching and uncomfortable the original host must have felt facing such scenes back then.
Seeing Feng Moheng and Liu Jingyi so affectionate and sweet, perhaps she had already prepared to withdraw her own heart.
But upon returning to the mansion, Feng Moheng would then show concern for the original host, asking after her well-being.
This kind of ambiguous distance meant the original host’s emotions were entirely manipulated by Feng Moheng.
Though thinking this in her heart, Shen Yuling still pretended on the surface to be saddened by their intimacy while feigning composure.
She reluctantly played along with the two for a while.
Before long, she found a random excuse and left.