Chapter Eight: A Confession After the Private Chamber “Contest”
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Shen Ningshuang’s hands clutched tightly at Leng Yichen’s collar, as if trying to imprint his very essence into her grasp, firmly holding onto him. Then, with a sudden tug, she briskly moved three steps in two, swiftly reaching the bedside, and without hesitation, shoved him forcefully.
Leng Yichen was utterly stunned by this unexpected act. He could never have imagined that this seemingly delicate girl harbored such boldness. Just as he was caught off guard, the light before him vanished abruptly—it was because Shen Ningshuang had wrapped him tightly under the quilt.
Anger surged within Shen Ningshuang like a roaring tide. She simply straddled the quilt, unconcerned whether her small fists struck his face or legs, pounding the quilt relentlessly like a dense rainstorm, muttering incessantly, “Heartless scoundrel, you devil, just wait and see if you dare bully me again—I’ll make sure to teach you a lesson.”
Just as she was getting into the rhythm, Shen Muyun burst in like an unexpected whirlwind.
“Are you done talking?” he asked.
Yet, upon taking in the scene before him, he was instantly lost in bewilderment, exclaiming in shock, “Where’s the Prince?”
Seeing the shock etched on Shen Muyun’s face was like a sudden jolt to Shen Ningshuang, snapping her out of her frenzy. She gave an embarrassed laugh and quickly jumped down from the bed, her voice sweet and coy, “Brother, I was just playing hide-and-seek with the Prince.”
Shen Muyun’s eyes widened as if they were copper bells, his disbelief evident.
Then, he helplessly watched Leng Yichen struggle to rise from the tangled quilt.
Leng Yichen’s clothes were disheveled, his hair in chaos, and the usual stern, imposing image he carried was utterly shattered—he looked as if he had been lightly violated. Yet Shen Ningshuang seemed oblivious, shamelessly approaching and gently patting his shoulder, cheekily asking, “Prince, was it fun? If you want to play again, come find me next time.”
Having said that, she darted away like a nimble fawn, moving faster than a blink to escape the awkward place.
In that moment, Leng Yichen was fully alert. In a flash, he blocked her escape path.
His gaze was as sharp and cold as a blade, seeming to devour her, teeth clenched tightly as he said, “Absurd! Insolent! I will have your head!”
Shen Ningshuang trembled with fear, panicked, and quickly hid behind Shen Muyun, clutching his collar tightly, refusing to let go.
“Brother, save me!”
At this moment, Shen Muyun was at a loss about how to process the shocking scene before him, but he unhesitatingly stood firm to shield Shen Ningshuang, speaking earnestly, “Your Highness, please calm down. My sister is mischievous and immature. Please consider her youth and do not hold it against her.”
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“Step aside!” Leng Yichen shouted angrily, his voice booming like thunder through the room.
“Your Highness, this is the Shen residence. Please, I beg you to stay calm,” Shen Muyun said, firmly shielding Shen Ningshuang behind him and continuing to reason, “My father is also at home. If disturbed, the situation may spiral beyond control. Please, Your Highness, think carefully.”
Leng Yichen panted as he glared fiercely at Shen Ningshuang, his eyes seeming to pierce right through her, as if to burn a hole in her very being.
He stood there, his face dark and foreboding.
His gaze flickered between Shen Muyun and Shen Ningshuang, but the anger in his heart refused to subside.
As a prince, he had never suffered such humiliation.
Yet he was aware of the Shen family’s considerable influence at court. If he clashed with them now, it would not bode well for himself.
Retracting his sword back into its sheath, he said to Shen Muyun, “Have her explain herself clearly. Today, I will let her off. Otherwise, no one will be able to clean up this mess.”
Shen Muyun, unaware of what had transpired between them, turned to Shen Ningshuang and whispered, “What exactly have you done? You should tell him the truth. He’s not someone to be trifled with. Even father grants him some respect. If father gets involved, things will only get worse.”
Shen Ningshuang slumped helplessly.
At this moment, the atmosphere in Shen Ningshuang’s courtyard was tense and delicate.
She and Leng Yichen sat opposite each other at a round table. Leng Yichen’s face remained as dark as if it could drip water—an eerie scene indeed.
Blinking her wide innocent eyes, Shen Ningshuang tried to break the oppressive mood and obediently said, “Heh, Your Highness, please don’t be angry. Just think of me as a naughty little brat.”
But Leng Yichen was unmoved, responding coldly, “Don’t try that on me—the way you handle your brother won’t fool me.”
Shen Ningshuang took a deep breath.
Then she spoke again, “Your Highness, you have secrets you don’t want others to know, so why trouble me? You only need to know that I would never harm you.”
Leng Yichen’s expression remained stern and unyielding as he pressed on, “What exactly is your relationship with Yuhua Pavilion?”
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Annoyance flared within Shen Ningshuang, and she spoke bluntly, “Yuhua Pavilion belongs to me. Are you satisfied now?”
Leng Yichen snorted coldly, eyes full of disdain, questioning, “Yours? How old are you? How can you speak such nonsense?”
Shen Ningshuang sighed helplessly, “See, if I don’t say anything, Your Highness demands I do. But when I say it, you don’t believe me. It’s truly frustrating.”
Leng Yichen fell silent for a moment, his dark eyes swirling with thought before continuing, “Then why have you used Yuhua Pavilion to place spies within my manor?”
Suddenly, a radiant smile bloomed on Shen Ningshuang’s face, bright and enchanting like spring flowers.
Without hesitation, she said, “Because I like Your Highness—I want to marry you.”
At those words, Leng Yichen’s face flushed crimson like a burning sunset.
He rose abruptly, eyes wide with shock and fury, roaring, “You’re a woman—so reckless and ignorant! Do you have no sense of shame?”
Yet Shen Ningshuang showed not the slightest fear; instead, she laughed.
She reached out and lightly brushed his chin, then playfully said, “Your Highness has already been to my bed. Since I have no virtue left, why should I care about shame?”
Leng Yichen trembled with anger at her audacity. “You! You!!!”
He glared at Shen Ningshuang, momentarily at a loss for how to respond.
He had never encountered such a bold woman—her words and actions were beyond his comprehension.
Taking a deep breath, Leng Yichen struggled to calm the storm within. He looked at her carefree demeanor, and his anger surged once more.
“Shen Ningshuang, you are utterly unreasonable.”
His voice was icy and stern.
“Do you think you can force me to yield with such antics? I am no one to be trifled with.”
But Shen Ningshuang was undaunted by his imposing aura. She lifted her chin slightly, eyes sparkling with defiance.
“You’d better give up your schemes. I am not the kind of woman Your Highness would ever like.”
Leng Yichen replied coldly, turning away, “You’d better keep your thoughts to yourself.” His resolute figure left, carrying with it a chill that seemed to cool the very air around them.