It Was A Fake Marriage, But Jiu Qian Sui Took It Seriously - Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Encountering Chen Dabao Again
“The Fake Marriage We Agreed Upon, But the Ninth Prince Took It Seriously” by Wu Naizi

When Jiang Yuying saw Shen Qing Li enter, she gently tugged at Zhou Mianxiu’s sleeve: “…Stop talking.”

After seeing what happened to Madam Lu, she was truly frightened. Even with Madam Lu having the support of Grandmother Lu, she still ended up in such a situation. She and her mother could barely even speak in the Marquis’ house.

Thinking back to when she had almost caused Shen Qing Li harm, Jiang Yuying couldn’t help but feel a lingering fear and had stayed indoors for a few days without stepping out.

If it weren’t for the daughter of the Minister of Rites inviting her, she wouldn’t have wanted to leave.

Shen Qing Li coldly eyed the two women inside.

Zhou Mianxiu put on a gentle and composed demeanor and softly said, “Miss Shen, what kind of look is that? Can’t others speak about your actions? ”

The matter with Madam Lu hadn’t been made public. Since it involved the Marquis’ reputation, outsiders only knew that Lu Yuan had tried to extort Miss Shen using a piece of clothing.

Shen Qing Li sneered. Her attempt to avoid conflict had never earned her any kindness. Trying to smooth things over only encouraged such people.

She noticed a cup of cold tea on the table. She picked it up and walked towards Zhou Mianxiu.

Zhou Mianxiu smiled arrogantly. So what if she had money? In the end, this woman would have to apologize to her… A woman without a father dared to be rude in front of her?

As she thought of this, she prepared to spill the tea on Shen Qing Li when she offered it.

But the cold tea was splashed right onto Zhou Mianxiu’s face instead, soaking her chest and the front of her dress, and her hair was covered in tea foam.

She had never been so humiliated. After a moment of shock, she screamed, “Ah! How dare you splash me? ”

Shen Qing Li placed the teacup down and said indifferently, “A young lady from a noble family, speaking filth like this. I’m just helping you clean up your mouth. You should be thanking me and not acting so ungrateful.”

The store was busy with many customers, and those who were nearby clearly heard Zhou Mianxiu’s words. Though spoken softly, they were clearly inappropriate for a lady of her standing.

Some of them exchanged amused glances.

One lady remarked, “A woman’s reputation is more important than anything. Miss Shen’s matter was cleared up the other day; it was just a scoundrel trying to cause her trouble. This young lady is still making insinuations; she deserves a lesson.”

Zhou Mianxiu’s lips trembled with anger. “You… My father is the Minister of Rites! ”

Shen Qing Li replied, “My father is the General of the Cavalry and a close friend of the Ninth Prince.”

Zhou Mianxiu choked on her words—Shen Zhong had already died, and while she wasn’t afraid of him, the Ninth Prince was still around.

Jiang Yuying was afraid that the situation would escalate. She pulled on Zhou Mianxiu and whispered, “Forget it, Miss Zhou, let’s go change our clothes.”

Zhou Mianxiu reluctantly followed Jiang Yuying, but as she turned to leave, she heard Shen Qing Li’s cold voice: “Shopkeeper, show them out. From now on, no one from the Minister of Rites’ family is to do business with any of my shops.”

This ready-made clothing store, with its unique designs and luxurious fabrics, was very popular among the ladies of Shengjing, and Shen Qing Li had always been fond of shopping there.

So this was Shen Qing Li’s shop?

Zhou Mianxiu glanced at the clothes she had just picked out; a pang of regret passed through her heart. She scoffed and said, “Even if you invite me, I wouldn’t come back.”

Jiang Yuying led Zhou Mianxiu out, and as they reached the door, they heard Shen Qing Li’s voice again: “From now on, anyone from the Marquis’ family who comes to my shop must pay in full, not a single coin less.”

Back when she and Shen Qing Li were on good terms, she didn’t even have to come out to shop. The shopkeeper would bring the latest fashions to her home to choose from.

Jiang Yuying didn’t turn back. She clenched her fist as she left the store.

Shen Qing Li handed the designs she had drawn to the shopkeeper, then stepped outside and took a deep breath.

It felt good not to suppress herself.

She had deliberately used Jun Mo Ran’s name to pressure the Minister of Rites, wondering if it would cause him trouble. Would he be angry?

Though she had doubts, she was quietly confident he wouldn’t be.

The autumn afternoon was pleasant, so Shen Qing Li decided to take Chunhua for a walk on the street. They ended up at the largest restaurant in Shengjing, Tianxia Yizhuang, intending to grab a bite.

No one knew who the real owner of this restaurant was, but no one dared to cause trouble in there either. The food was outrageously expensive but incredibly delicious.

Shen Qing Li had been there many times but always had the food packed to take home. This was her first time dining inside.

Since they hadn’t made a reservation, they found a corner on the first floor to sit.

Just as they placed their order, a loud and crude voice interrupted: “Oh, where did this young lady come from? You look so familiar. Come here and let your brother take a good look.”

Shen Qing Li looked up to see a man with yellow teeth, one of which was a golden fang, his foul breath aimed directly at her.

This man was Chen Dabao, the grandson of the Prime Minister.

He was notorious for his lust, always harassing young girls, and had ruined the reputations of many common women. There had even been a murder case in the past, though it had been hushed up.

Though not yet married, he already had several concubines in his household.

Despite this, he still harassed women in public without care.

Shen Qing Li held her nose with a handkerchief and forced herself to endure the disgust while saying coldly, “You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

Her voice was soft and sweet, almost like a kitten’s, enticing in a way that could make anyone weak in the knees.

Chen Dabao didn’t care whether he recognized her or not. He sat down beside her with a lustful smile. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t know me; we can get acquainted now.”

He reached out with his filthy hand, aiming to touch her soft and fair hand…

Shen Qing Li quickly stood up, and Chunhua stepped forward to shield her, arms spread wide, yelling loudly, “How dare you! What do you think you’re doing in broad daylight? ”

Chen Dabao, used to this behavior, wasn’t scared at all. In fact, he relished the challenge. His desire for conquest is growing. He grinned, eyeing Chunhua: “This little maid’s not bad either. I’ll take both of you tonight.”

With that, he shoved Chunhua aside.

In Shengjing, the only people Chen Dabao didn’t dare to provoke were from a few powerful families, and he knew these two girls didn’t belong to any of those.

This young lady’s skin was as white as snow, her waist was slender with enticing hips, and her voice was melodious. Chen Dabao couldn’t resist and felt an overwhelming urge to take her home immediately.

She seemed made for him, perfect in every way, especially those soft, tempting features…

He reached out, unable to stop himself.

Chunhua swiftly slapped his filthy hand away. “Miss, let’s go.”

Chen Dabao was taken aback by their defiance and ordered his men to surround the two of them.

“You little wildcat, don’t think you can get away. Sweetheart, don’t leave. Come with me, and I’ll make you my one and only.”

Chen Dabao’s lackeys were skilled fighters, and Chunhua was outnumbered, struggling to hold her ground.

“Miss, run! ”

Chen Dabao attacked forward, but Shen Qing Li kicked him to the ground.

“Ah!” Chen Dabao groaned, clutching his chest as he scrambled to his feet. “Peh! You want to refuse my offer? Then I’ll make you regret it. Get them, boys! Capture the beauty and deal with the maid.”

“Stop! ” A cold voice rang out from upstairs.