Volume One, Chapter Six: Unmasking the Deception

“Big brother, I think your heart is truly biased without a shred of reason.”
Shang Yinqiong raised the corner of her eye, her words sounding exceptionally innocent.

“Hmph.”
Grandmother snorted coldly. “I think some people are blind in their eyes and even more so in their hearts.”

As the eldest in the family, Grandmother’s words carried weight.

Shang Fei felt stifled but could only endure it in front of his elder. “Grandmother, your grandson has no intention of favoritism. It’s just that when Shang Yinqiong first came to the mansion, she was always lying to curry favor and even framed Yuer. She’s simply untrustworthy.”

He cast a cold glance at Shang Yinqiong as he spoke.

Shang Yinqiong was speechless.

Those past events had long since become impossible to clarify. Even if she explained them now, no one in the entire Zhen Guo Duke’s Mansion would believe her.

“Big brother, since you say I framed her, why don’t you cooperate with me on a matter, and then we’ll see whether the hanging incident is true or false.”

Shang Yinqiong was not afraid of their doubts in the slightest.

Shang Runyu, hidden beneath the blanket, clenched her hand into a tight fist.

Impossible.

As long as she insisted, Shang Yinqiong would have no chance to turn the tables.

She wiped nonexistent tears from her face, sobbing uncontrollably. “Little sister, whatever goes wrong is all my fault. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have had to take my place in the palace and suffer for three years. In these three years, I’ve wept every day. If I could turn back time, I would never have let you replace me.”

Her words were heartfelt, deeply moving those present.

Madam Yu patted Shang Runyu’s back. “Yuer, you’re a good child. We absolutely won’t allow anyone to insult you.”

Her words were a clear jab at Shang Yinqiong.

Meanwhile, Shang Yinqiong had already pulled down the rope hanging from the ceiling beam and shook it toward Shang Fei. “Brother, are you afraid now?”

“If we’re going to do this, then let’s do it. But if you cause a scene today, even Grandmother won’t protect you.”

Shang Fei had decided not to let Shang Yinqiong off easily today.

Although Grandmother was uncertain about the truth in Shang Yinqiong’s words, under such circumstances, she had no choice but to support her. “If what Qiong’er says is true, then you, as the elder brother, should reflect carefully.”

After all, without Shang Yinqiong’s mother in the past, how could the Zhen Guo Duke’s Mansion have flourished?

Those who leech off the deceased and mistreat the only remaining daughter.

Shang Yinqiong said no more, wrapping the rope around Shang Fei’s arm.

She directed the group of servants outside; with their combined strength, they hoisted Shang Fei up.

“Ah!”

Only Shang Fei’s agonized cries remained in the room.

“Stop this nonsense! Put him down at once.”

The Duke of Zhen Guo intervened to halt the scene.

The servants naturally dared not truly hang the young master and hastily released him.

Once on the ground, Shang Fei quickly untied the rope from his hand.

“Shang Yinqiong, you clearly want me dead.”

Indeed, someone so vicious three years ago would never change for the better.

“Don’t be so quick to accuse me.”

Shang Yinqiong tossed aside the rope. “Take a good look at the marks on your wrist.”

Marks!?

Shang Runyu, lying on the bed, immediately went limp.

There was no way she would have been so cruel to herself—only a faint mark, barely red.

Shang Fei spread out his hand; in just a short while, his arm was bruised and purple.

“Sister, how about showing everyone the marks on your neck?”

Shang Yinqiong’s words were naturally directed at Shang Runyu.

Madam Yu, thinking Shang Yinqiong was maliciously speculating, said, “Everyone else, please leave.”

All the maids and servants left the room.

“Yuer, pull your collar down a bit.”

“Mother, I—”

Before Shang Runyu could refuse, Madam Yu had already tugged down her collar.

The mark on her neck was indeed much lighter compared to Shang Fei’s, only a faint red streak.

Shang Yinqiong moved closer, her cold fingers tracing the base of Shang Runyu’s neck, smearing away a trace of rouge. “Sister, care to explain why you’ve put makeup over your wound?”

“I…”

Tears welled in Shang Runyu’s eyes; her doe-like gaze sought help from Shang Fei. “Brother, I didn’t, I…”

But she could not explain.

Who would have thought that over three years, Shang Yinqiong had become so cunning? If it had been in the past, nothing like this would have happened.

“Yuer, you’ve terribly disappointed me.”

Shang Fei understood perfectly—this entire act was her own fabrication.

Just to… frame Shang Yinqiong?

Madam Yu hadn’t expected things to turn out this way. She quickly composed herself. “Yuer, I know you’re scared because Qiong’er has come. Rest assured, no matter what, you’ve been our cherished daughter for over ten years. The Zhen Guo Duke’s Mansion will always have a place for you.”

Shang Yinqiong was filled with contempt.

Three years ago, she had actually expected to find a sense of family here, to find kinship.

It seemed all of it had been wishful thinking.

She should have woken up long ago—when they chose her to replace Shang Runyu in the palace, that was the day they severed the last thread of family.

“Duke of Zhen Guo, is this how you manage your household? If this spreads, won’t the whole world laugh at you?”

Grandmother slammed her cane heavily on the ground. “This farce today requires an explanation to Qiong’er. You must not let a big issue be made small, nor a small issue be ignored.”

Her words left everyone in the room with varied expressions.

Especially Shang Fei, who had just been shouting about punishing her. Now, he was utterly ashamed.

Yet in his heart, he never thought Shang Yinqiong was a good person. He only believed this time she had been lucky, and Yuer had been a bit confused.

“Grandmother, this matter is my fault. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions before the truth was clear.”

Shang Fei’s attitude was sincere.

Grandmother said nothing, only turning her head away.

Shang Fei calmed himself and rephrased without directly admitting guilt. “Qiong’er, I did wrong to accuse you today. In a few days, I’ll have one of the servants bring you a new set of jewelry. Yuer has not suffered much all these years, and she was indeed confused today. Father will educate her properly.”

The Duke of Zhen Guo stepped forward to smooth things over. “Qiong’er, since you just returned, there’s a banquet set up in the front hall to welcome you. No need to waste time here.”

“Yes, the food in the front hall is just right to eat now.”

Madam Yu chimed in.

With things said to this extent, if Shang Yinqiong kept pressing the matter, she would appear unreasonable.

“Grandmother, let me help you.”

Shang Yinqiong supported Grandmother and left the room first.

One by one, the others left, leaving only Madam Yu and Shang Runyu.

“Mother, do you think Father and Brother dislike me now?”

“Impossible! They’re only putting on a show for the old lady. You’re still the one they love most!” Madam Yu comforted her.