Shen Ruoyu’s treatment of her brother was less than kind. At first, Rong Yan merely pitied the boy. Seeing Shen Xinghuai reminded him of his own younger self, sparking a sense of empathy. He often offered assistance, sometimes overtly, sometimes discreetly. If Shen Xinghuai was beaten, Rong Yan would send medicine. If he expressed a fondness for pastries, Rong Yan would deliver a selection. When Shen Xinghuai complained of his sister’s indifference, Rong Yan, in turn, became distant towards Shen Ruoyu.

Initially, Rong Yan believed his actions stemmed from pity. Gradually, however, he found himself staring blankly at Shen Xinghuai, his thoughts drifting towards the boy in the quiet hours of the night. He felt a pang of jealousy whenever Shen Xinghuai interacted closely with others. He was aware that his future wife was Shen Ruoyu, that he should be devoted to her. Yet, his heart remained untouched by her.

Rong Yan knew this perverse affection was shameful, but it was beyond his control.

“I’ve known for a long time that you have feelings for my brother, Rong Yan. I’m tired. Let’s break off the engagement. Is this deceitful behavior how a gentleman, as you constantly claim to be, acts?”

Shen Ruoyu noticed the slight swelling around his eyes, a sign he had been crying. She had done him no wrong; he was the one who had been deceiving her. A marriage to Rong Yan was considered a significant step up for someone of her social standing. She couldn’t understand why she had been so determined to be his gentle and virtuous wife, enduring countless indignities, when she could have remained the carefree young mistress of her household.

Rong Yan had anticipated this day. He had expected tears and hysterics, but her face was an impassive mask, revealing no emotion. His voice was hoarse as he spoke, “Miss Shen… please reconsider the matter of the broken engagement.” He didn’t want to end it. A nameless fear gripped him; he couldn’t explain his sudden desperation.

Fragmented, unfamiliar memories flickered in his mind. He saw Shen Ruoyu dead, within the walls of the Rong estate. Alone and abandoned, even he had turned his back on her. Emaciated and a shadow of her former radiant self, she was hastily buried in a straw mat by servants who saw only her downfall. Her body, left to the ravages of wild dogs, was mourned only by the simple-minded Jiang Peizhi.

“Rong Yan, after all that has happened, are you still uttering these ridiculous words?”

Rong Yan’s face was pale, etched with pain. Shen Ruoyu turned away, unable to bear the sight of him. Even a glance felt like torture. Did he still intend to cling to her after all this? She would not only break off the engagement but also make him pay.

However, revenge against Rong Yan presented a significant obstacle: Lu Zhixing. As long as Lu Zhixing lived, Rong Yan would remain under his protection. What methods had Rong Yan employed to forge such a strong bond with someone like Lu Zhixing?

The best approach, then, was to dismantle Lu Zhixing first.

“I’m sorry, I will try…”

Rong Yan wanted to say he would try to treat her better, but Shen Ruoyu had already left. Her decision was final. She had come not to hear his excuses, but to deliver her verdict.

Outside the Rong estate, a wave of sadness washed over Shen Ruoyu. She wasn’t as strong as she had imagined. She longed for a drinking companion but found her circle of friends small. Apart from General Zheng Ruyan, whom she had met in the Northwest, there was only Jiang Peizhi. Jiang Peizhi was still studying at the academy and unlikely to have the leisure for a drinking session.

Shen Ruoyu ended up alone at a reputable restaurant in the capital, ordering a pot of potent Sanbai wine. Despite its strength, her tolerance was high, and she remained clear-headed even after half a pot.

“The last time I drank was with Shen Xinghuai in the back courtyard. What happened after that?”

As the fiery liquor burned its way down her throat, a memory stirred. Why couldn’t she recall what had happened after that day?

Before she could delve deeper, a familiar male voice, laced with complaint, reached her ears. “Honestly, that crazy woman… don’t even mention her, it’s too depressing…”

The door to the neighboring private room wasn’t fully closed, allowing the sound to drift into Shen Ruoyu’s room. Wasn’t that Qi Ziyi’s voice? What a small world. She seemed to encounter him everywhere.

Her mood soured further. As she was about to leave and settle the bill, she heard Qi Ziyi continue his rant to his companion. “Do you know, that madwoman even made me apologize to her brother? They say bad people get their comeuppance, so why hasn’t heaven dealt with her yet…?”

Already in a foul mood, Shen Ruoyu’s anger flared at Qi Ziyi’s words. Although he hadn’t mentioned her by name, his meaning was clear. What did he mean by “bad people get their comeuppance”? And who was he to act so high and mighty?

She flung open the door to the adjacent room, startling the two occupants.

The unfamiliar man in grey robes recognized Shen Ruoyu and, seeing her confrontational stance, knew he couldn’t afford to offend her. He stammered an excuse, “Young Master Qi, I have some urgent matters at home. I must leave.”

“Wait!” Qi Ziyi cursed his luck. Was this woman his nemesis? He had merely complained about her, and here she was, confronting him.

“Where do you think you’re going, dear nephew?”

Shen Ruoyu grabbed the fleeing man and pulled him back. Caught off guard, Qi Ziyi stumbled and fell to the floor. A scholar, he was no match for her physical strength. He hadn’t expected her to be so strong. Was it true that she had spent her childhood in military camps, which accounted for her fierceness?

His fine robes were now covered in dust. He cried out in pain, “Shen Ruoyu, are you insane? What’s the point of tormenting me like this? I’ve already been humiliated, kneeling before your brother in public and apologizing. Now the entire capital is laughing at me. Aren’t you satisfied yet?!”

Fueled by the alcohol, Shen Ruoyu stared at his face, which bore a slight resemblance to Rong Yan. She gripped his chin. “Repeat what you just said about me.”

“I… I… Let go of me!”

Panic seized Qi Ziyi. He was genuinely terrified of her. His cheek still stung from the slap she had given him earlier, a slap that had made him the subject of ridicule for days. He dreaded what she might do next.

Qi Ziyi had his own temper. Just as he was about to retaliate, Shen Ruoyu’s hand slipped inside his inner robe. Her fingers brushed against his n1pple through the thin fabric, sending a jolt of unexpected pleasure through his body.

The tingling sensation was overwhelming. He scrambled to his feet and yelled, “Are you sick?! What pleasure do you get from tormenting me? You know I’m in love with my uncle…”

“In love with your uncle? Hah.” Shen Ruoyu found his outburst amusing. “You claim to detest women, but perhaps you should take a look at your lower half before you speak.”

Confused, Qi Ziyi glanced down. He was… arovsed?!

How… how was that possible? Just from her touch?