Chapter 143 - 141 The Only Man in Her Heart Is Gu

Words : 1486 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 143: Chapter 141 The Only Man in Her Heart Is Gu"If he wants to sever ties, let him. I don’t have the time to coax him." After finishing copying the Buddhist scripture, Shen Yinning sat down at her dressing table to touch up her makeup. Adjusting her appearance from left to right, she added a golden silk hibiscus hairpin to her cloud-shaped bun. Today was the day Gao Zheng and Yin Shanshan were hosting a banquet at a restaurant for Gao Yun, Zou Dacheng, and Yin Yang. As per Gao Zheng’s insistence, this was an important family gathering for the Gao Family. Shen Yinning, as the legitimate wife, was expected to attend in order to preserve appearances. But Shen Yinning cared little for the so-called Gao Family banquet. Her main reason for going out today was for Mianmian. There would be a night market opening in the northern part of the city tonight, gathering merchants from all over. She had sent a message to Mianmian, inviting her to join her for a stroll. Since returning to the Capital, she hadn’t had a chance to properly explore the bustling streets yet. Knowing her mistress wanted to go shopping, Haitang thoughtfully opened a chest to fetch some money. When she saw the money shop token belonging to Lu Ying, she hesitated. "Madam, the token from the Crown Prince’s money shop is still with us. Should we send someone to return it to him?" "Return it, and send back all the jewelry he gifted me as well," Shen Yinning scoffed lightly. "He probably thinks I can’t survive without him. I’ll live better, just to prove him wrong." Following her instructions, Haitang sent Cuicui to deliver the items back to the Eastern Palace. When Lu Ying received the items, he was in the study discussing matters with Xue Ling. Opening the box, he saw it was packed full with everything he’d gifted Shen Yinning. Even the money shop token, most significant of all, had been returned. Xue Ling smirked gleefully. "Your Highness, another argument with Madam Shen? It seems this time it’s serious. She even returned the token. Looks like she’s determined to cut all ties with you." Lu Ying closed the box, his expression indifferent. "She’s just a woman." "True. The Eastern Palace is filled with beauties. Which one of them doesn’t harbor a deep, undying affection for Your Highness? There’s no need to be hung up on just her. Let her chase after some other man, be it Cui Ji or Lu Shiyan. None of them can measure up to you." Lu Ying pressed his hand down on the box. He was the esteemed Crown Prince, yet no matter what methods he employed, he couldn’t win the heart of a single woman. Thinking of Shen Yinning’s stubbornness and rebellious spirit, his pride took a hit. Annoyed, he emphasized, "The only man in her heart is me." Xue Ling raised a brow. He wanted to laugh but didn’t dare. The Crown Prince to whom he owed allegiance — brilliant and disciplined in all other respects — was painfully inexperienced in matters of the heart. Shen Yinning had sent back all the items intact, clearly signaling a clean break. How could she still have feelings for him? Idly toying with a copper coin, Xue Ling asked, "How can you be so sure?" "If she truly wished to sever all ties with me, she could’ve returned these items three days ago. The fact that she deliberately chose today to send them back means she couldn’t bear the cold shoulder for three days. Returning the items is a pretense; her intention is to draw my attention." Lu Ying’s analysis was thorough and convincing. So convincing, in fact, that even he began to believe it. After all, these past three days had been torturous for him. He couldn’t help but wonder if Shen Zhaozhao had taken the contraceptive medicine for some unavoidable reason. That seemingly delicate yet defiant woman might have spoken only in reverse that night, true to her contrary nature. Perhaps he shouldn’t have pushed her so hard. He shouldn’t have lost his temper so severely. Xue Ling was dumbstruck. He couldn’t fathom what sort of spell Shen Yinning had cast on the Crown Prince. The young heir, typically revered as astute, morally upright, and impervious to feminine charm, was now unraveling in self-delusion. Behind Xue Ling, Xue Mianmian knelt, silently arranging the tea utensils. She knew Zhaozhao wanted revenge and wished to help by winning the Crown Prince’s favor, giving her ally leverage on her path of vengeance. She tugged lightly on Xue Ling’s sleeve, a pleading gesture. Understanding, Xue Ling cleared his throat. "Madam Shen has invited my maid to the northern night market tonight. I intend to accompany them. Your Highness, would you like to come along? Of course, not to see Madam Shen, but merely to go incognito and observe common life." Lu Ying fell silent. His hand tightened subtly around the box. After what seemed like an eternity, he replied in a casual tone, "With the year’s end approaching, it would indeed be wise to examine the state of the people. Your suggestion is a good one." Xue Mianmian was aware that Shen Yinning had plans to attend the Gao Family banquet at *Jin Yu Man Tang* today. The Gao Family was insufferable, and if the Crown Prince could be brought there, he might intervene if Zhaozhao were mistreated. So she softly suggested, "I heard Zhaozhao plans to dine at *Jin Yu Man Tang*. Your Highness, why don’t we go too? Not to see Zhaozhao, of course, but simply for the convenience of heading to the night market together later." Lu Ying’s expression remained composed, but a shadow began to cloud his heart. Shen Zhaozhao dining at *Jin Yu Man Tang*? Was she going alone, or in someone else’s company? Had she perhaps arranged to meet Cui Ji? Maybe she presumed that since she was no longer his lover, she could openly disregard him, parading an ostentatious rendezvous with Cui Ji. Lu Ying’s face darkened, and he gave a chilly "Fine." ... *Jin Yu Man Tang*. By the time Shen Yinning arrived, Gao Yun and Zou Dacheng had already joined Gao Zheng and Yin Shanshan. They were chatting about family matters. Gao Yun clasped Yin Shanshan’s hand, beaming with delight. "Shanshan, you’re incredible. Just one letter to your elder brother, and he’s been promoted to a Capital Official. You’ve saved him decades of struggle! Shanshan, you’re the pride of our Gao Family." "What talent do I have?" Yin Shanshan chuckled lightly. "Compared to Shen Yinning, I’m hardly worth mentioning!" Gao Yun and Zou Dacheng, having gleaned details about Shen Yinning’s family background during their earlier conversation, exchanged disdainful glances. Gao Yun sneered, "She puts on such airs, but in truth, she’s just the daughter of a disgraced official! When it comes down to it, she doesn’t even measure up to us common folk!" "That’s not fair," Yin Shanshan said, dabbing her lips with a handkerchief. "You don’t know her cunning ways, do you? As early as three years ago, she seduced the Crown Prince and gave herself to him! Ancient virtues cherish chastity, but in her case, I’d argue she’s even less virtuous than me! If I had lost my purity before marriage — tsk, tsk — I wouldn’t have the face to live." Gao Yun’s contempt deepened. "She surrendered her purity, yet wasn’t even taken into the Eastern Palace? Instead, her cousin was married in grand style. Evidently, the Crown Prince didn’t take her seriously. She was merely a passing novelty." Yin Shanshan covered her mouth, giggling. Even Gao Zheng found himself nodding in agreement with Gao Yun’s perspective. The private room rang with a chorus of derisive laughter. Shen Yinning, unperturbed, didn’t so much as furrow her brow. She calmly asked, "What’s all this cheerfulness about?" She was stunningly beautiful. Jealousy flickered in Gao Yun’s eyes, though she maintained a disarming smile. "Ah, big sister-in-law, you’ve arrived? Please, have a seat." Unfastening her fox-fur cloak, Shen Yinning sat down gracefully. "I heard you and your husband plan to stay in the Capital to expand your tea business?" "Indeed," Gao Yun replied with a haughty tilt of her chin. "Now that my elder brother is a Capital Official, and my brother-in-law works as a trusted aide to the Crown Prince, we thought their influence would guarantee even greater profits." Turning a walnut in his hands, Zou Dacheng pressed, "By the way, what’s the progress on becoming an Imperial Supplier? Has there been any news?" Gao Zheng turned to Shen Yinning, speaking as if it were a matter of course. "Have you asked the Crown Prince to arrange for my brother-in-law to be the exclusive Imperial Tea Merchant? You don’t do much at home, but surely this minor favor isn’t too difficult to secure?"

Chapter 143 - 141 The Only Man in Her Heart Is Gu

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