Volume One, Chapter Six: No Loiterers or Dogs Allowed Inside

“Wow, young lady, you’re amazing! Shall I applaud and praise you?” Shen Zhi blinked her bright eyes, looking at her with an innocent expression. “Since the commotion is over, it’s time to leave. In the Seventh Prince’s Mansion, neither idlers nor dogs are allowed inside. Judging by your great havoc, you’re clearly no idle person, so…”

Wasn’t that just calling her a dog?

Zhao Wan’s face flushed red and then paled, as if there was no place to put her shame.

She hadn’t realized that Shen Zhi’s words were so cunning and eloquent—she could talk even the dead back to life.

“You! I’m telling you, Shen Zhi! I come here under the Empress Dowager’s orders to build a relationship with the Seventh Prince! The Empress Dowager said that in the future, I will become a part of the Seventh Prince’s household! As for you—hmph… move aside!” Zhao Wan said, pushing her aside and heading straight to Pei Jing’s study.

Shen Zhi frowned slightly. She had only been here two days and had scarcely met Pei Jing. Now, the Empress Dowager had even sent a concubine!

Wasn’t this a clear lesson for her defiance of Pei Huai last time?

Shen Zhi was almost amused by the absurdity and wanted to see what tricks this woman would play.

Could she survive in the Seventh Prince’s Mansion?

“Mingzhi, who is that woman?” Shen Zhi flipped through her past memories but found no trace of this woman.

“Miss, this woman is Zhao Wan, the youngest daughter of Minister Zhao. She usually keeps to herself, so it’s normal that you don’t know her,” Mingzhi replied obediently.

Seeing Shen Zhi’s indifferent reaction, Mingzhi thought she might be upset and said, “Miss, the Empress Dowager is obviously trying to intimidate us. In our Xuan Yue Kingdom, a woman traditionally returns to her natal home on the seventh day after marriage. Your homecoming gift hasn’t even arrived yet, and the Empress Dowager has already sent a concubine to enter the Seventh Prince’s Mansion. Isn’t this clearly a way to show us attitude?”

Shen Zhi’s heart sank. Indeed, her homecoming gift hadn’t arrived yet. If she showed herself like this, what would become of her family’s reputation?

She felt the need to talk to Pei Jing about the upcoming homecoming ceremony. Shen Zhi pressed her lips, wondering if he would be willing to return with her…

With that thought, Shen Zhi turned and headed to Pei Jing’s study.

“Brother Jing, someone brought you some pastries. Please try them~” Zhao Wan carried a tray of neatly arranged pastries to Pei Jing, smiling shyly.

Shen Zhi entered just in time to see this scene. Zhao Wan was leaning intimately close to Pei Jing’s face, almost about to kiss him. Yet Pei Jing remained motionless, expressionless, his eyes fixed on his memorial.

Shen Zhi gritted her teeth. This was her target, after all. If Pei Jing truly fell for someone else, how could she ever return?

And Pei Jing—what was his deal? He was always cold or rolling his eyes at her, yet he was strangely “patient” with Zhao Wan!

Taking a deep breath, Shen Zhi put on a polite smile. As the saying goes, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. She stepped forward, sweetly pinching her throat, and said, “Husband… didn’t you say you’d accompany your wife to pick out the homecoming gifts? Why are you here? It makes it hard for me to find you…”

Pei Jing, motionless until now, finally showed a flicker of reaction at her words. His previously stern face softened slightly. He put down his pen and glanced at her lightly, his eyes saying, “I’m watching your performance.”

Shen Zhi ignored his expression and, as if just noticing Zhao Wan, gasped in surprise, covering her mouth with a handkerchief, tears shimmering in her eyes. “Husband, am I disturbing your fun?”

Zhao Wan was shocked by her act. Just moments ago at the door, she had mocked Shen Zhi as a dog. Now it was as if she didn’t know her at all?

“If you know you’re disturbing me and Brother Jing, then leave quickly! Otherwise, Brother Jing will kick you out!” Zhao Wan shouted angrily, pointing at her. Who was she trying to fool?

Shen Zhi nodded painfully, looking helpless and wronged, clutching her handkerchief. “Husband, I miss my parents. I want to write them a letter…”

Pei Jing’s face stiffened. He was clever—how could he not catch her hidden meaning?

She was basically saying she wanted to complain about the mistreatment and grievances she suffered here in the Seventh Prince’s Mansion and hoped General Shen would intervene.

Pei Jing almost laughed bitterly. How could he not know that the girl he married was so sharp-tongued and full of schemes?

He stood up, grabbed her hand, and pulled her out immediately.

“Hey… slow down. Aren’t you going to wait for Sister Zhao…”

Pei Jing stumbled slightly, almost losing his balance, then glared at her fiercely.

Shen Zhi touched her nose innocently. How could he turn so cold so quickly?

Without a shred of mercy, Pei Jing led her to her inner chambers and slammed the door shut.

Mingzhi tried to follow but was mercilessly left outside by Pei Jing.

“No one is allowed in without my permission!”

The young man’s voice carried a chilling edge, making Shen Zhi shiver involuntarily.

Had the game gone too far? She nervously swallowed and looked at Pei Jing cautiously.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t you enjoy your little show just now?” Pei Jing sneered.

“I did, but as for the Seventh Prince marrying me only to raise a concubine, I think I have a say in that.”

Shen Zhi met his gaze steadily, tilting her head with a playful smile. “Seventh Prince, are you dissatisfied with the Shen General’s household?”

“Hmph, dissatisfaction is an understatement. I’m utterly displeased with you from head to toe. Shen Zhi, you take yourself far too highly! Marrying into my Seventh Prince’s Mansion means you belong to me. Oh, I almost forgot…”

Pei Jing’s eyes narrowed as he leaned close to her. “The one you want to marry is probably Pei Huai, right?”

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhi laughed outright. “Pei Jing, why didn’t I know you could overthink things so much? Could it be you have feelings for me, so you keep worrying about who I want to marry?”

“I couldn’t care less who you like. I’m just reminding you not to do what you shouldn’t.”

“Then you should focus on what you should do, like what gifts you’ll bring for the homecoming ceremony.”

Shen Zhi tilted her head, looking at him mischievously. “I have no feelings for Pei Huai. Right now, there’s only one person I like.” She gave him a sly look for a few seconds.

Pei Jing felt uncomfortable under her gaze, opened the door, and left abruptly. As he stepped out, he glanced back and said, “Rest assured, I will arrive on time with the homecoming gifts!”

With that, he left without looking back.

Shen Zhi didn’t mind. As long as he would come, his attitude didn’t matter!

There was plenty of time ahead. She was confident Pei Jing would fall in love with her yet!