Chapter 17: Driven to the Edge

Shen Ahua listened to Lu Qingqing speak in that tone, tears streaming down her face. They had grown up together since childhood.

She knew better than anyone what kind of person Lu Qingqing was. The once headstrong, willful eldest daughter of the Lu family had now become a shadow of her former self.

“No, I cannot let that woman ruin the bond you and my brother have shared for so many years.”

Shen Ahua was determined to bring Lu Qingqing and Shen Jin back together, but Lu Qingqing didn’t want to tell her how Shen Jin had humiliated her these past days; all she wanted was to protect Manman.

“Tomorrow I’ll go see my brother. I want to see for myself what kind of person Jiang Jiu Yue is!”

“Ahua, if she’s able to hold a place in Shen Jin’s heart, it means she must have something extraordinary about her to catch his eye.”

Shen Ahua understood Lu Qingqing’s words instantly; if she wasn’t remarkable in some way, Shen Jin would never have kept her by his side. The battlefield was no ordinary place.

“When the wild goose flies by, it leaves traces. That day at the palace banquet, there were so many leeches in my skirt. Even if no one speaks, I know… It must have taken some effort to gather so many large leeches in such a short time.”

Lu Qingqing had already considered this, but she was not in a position to investigate herself. She could only rely on Shen Ahua to help her secretly.

The Noble Consort Shen had far-reaching influence, her power spreading wide over the years. She didn’t rely solely on Shen Jin to reach her current position, and she was far from an innocent flower.

“I understand, sister-in-law. I will have someone look into it.”

“There’s more… The poison in Manman. The doctor said it was a rare kind of toxin. I imagine she must have been very cautious.”

Lu Qingqing had hoped to start with the poison, but upon reflection, she knew it couldn’t be so simple.

“My only worry is…” Shen Ahua sighed. “I know my brother’s temperament best. If he’s determined to indulge her, even if she’s at fault, he may not listen to reason.”

“That’s why, Ahua, I don’t want to use Shen Jin’s hand to strike her.”

Lu Qingqing’s eyes were bright. She intended to bring the matter to light for all to see, to use imperial authority to deal with it.

“I understand.” Shen Ahua was clever; Lu Qingqing spoke only a few words, and their mutual understanding was reached.

Night had deepened, and Lu Qingqing could not linger in the palace any longer.

She left the hall, and as she walked down the narrow path, she heard footsteps behind her. Her heart tightened; the hand hidden in her sleeve shaped itself into a knife.

Suddenly, a shadow dragged her away. The grip was strong.

“Tsk, do you think you can escape? Lu Qingqing, you burned down my General’s residence and walked away so easily.”

Shen Jin reeked of alcohol, his words slurred as they fell upon Lu Qingqing’s ears.

A fierce glint flashed in the woman’s eyes. “Shen Jin, let go.”

“Tell me, how do you plan to compensate? Half of my eastern courtyard was burned because of you.” As Shen Jin spoke, he suddenly lowered his head, burying it against Lu Qingqing’s neck.

He had always liked that, his breath tickling her and making her shiver.

“Shen Jin, make it clear—that fire wasn’t set by me. Had I not escaped early, it would have burned me alive!”

Lu Qingqing gritted her teeth, wishing she could pry open Shen Jin’s mind. He had been so clever in their youth, seeing through all the schemes of women with ease.

But now, faced with Jiang Jiu Yue, his mind seemed rusted and useless. Yet Lu Qingqing dared not speak; Shen Jin was a powerful general, and provoking him would bring dire consequences.

“You’re lying—it was clearly you who set the fire.” Shen Jin said, reaching out to tap her nose.

His touch was careful, as if afraid to damage a rare treasure.

But then, contempt flickered in Shen Jin’s eyes, and he smiled. “After becoming a wife, you’ve gained more allure. My Qingqing has truly grown up. Tsk, the taste…”

Suddenly, Shen Jin lowered his head and kissed Lu Qingqing fiercely.

But the woman pushed back with all her strength, biting Shen Jin’s lip until blood welled at the corner of his mouth, the pain sobering him slightly.

Lu Qingqing’s eyes were red, her breath unsteady. “Shen Jin, even a cornered rabbit will bite!”