Chapter Thirteen: The Widow

He stared fixedly at the noble man before him, a man who carried the most exalted bloodline in the world. If this man could recognize him, then what did the rumors and misunderstandings of the world matter?

Fu Cen felt the almost burning gaze from Zhou Shi, his face turning pale and then flushing red. Fortunately, just now he had sent his close friends to the west side room to drink; otherwise, who knew how they might have mocked him!

The Duke of Rong and the Duke of Cheng, who had originally intended to mock Prince Ning, paused upon hearing this.

“I remember now... this man seems to be Zhou Shi, the son of Censor Zhou, a scholar with some reputation,” said the Duke of Cheng.

They exchanged glances, then looked at the third prince ahead, seeing a trace of teasing in each other’s eyes.

Fu Cen, sensing their camaraderie, felt a surge of displeasure. He was nothing like Zhou Shi. He had formally married Zhenzhen as a secondary consort through proper ritual, securing her place in the royal registry. That was completely different from this man who kept mistresses outside.

The difference in nature was vast!

Moreover, he had shown Lin Menghua enough respect, unlike this man who oppressed and persecuted his legitimate wife.

Taking a step back, Fu Cen deeply felt this man was sick in the head.

He recalled the recent jokes circulating among the common folk, branding Zhou Shi and that concubine as a “shameless pair.” If he were like Zhou Shi, then what would that make him and Zhenzhen?

“I am not like you!” Fu Cen snorted coldly, his phoenix-like eyes burning with anger.

He added, “I hold the princess in the highest regard!”

With that, he swept his sleeve and walked away.

Not far off, the Duke of Cheng and the Duke of Rong exchanged looks. Alright, it seemed they had misunderstood.

As Fu Cen walked, he reflected on his conduct. Had he done something wrong to cause others to misunderstand him so? If rumors had truly spread, what would become of Zhenzhen?

He gritted his teeth and ordered, “This is unbelievable! Go inquire outside if there are any rumors about the household.”

Previously, those he sent out had returned empty-handed; no news of his estate had spread. So where had Zhou Shi heard this?

Zhou Shi, left standing there, was completely stunned, unable to comprehend what was happening, his face vacant and lost.

Yet the maid Xing’er, trailing behind him, scurried off like a flash, seeking out Yang Yin.

---

Upon learning the news, Yang Yin’s expression was deeply troubled. She had always suspected Zhou Shi would cause trouble. Watching Lin Menghua busily entertaining the noble ladies nearby, she felt a pang of guilt.

Lin Menghua smiled at her and came over.

The two sat down in the pavilion.

Though embarrassed, Yang Yin recounted everything that had happened.

When she mentioned Pei Zhenzhen, she hesitated, then glanced toward the cheerful woman not far off. Did Sister Hua really not mind at all?

Lin Menghua understood her thoughts and took a sip of tea. “Cousin, I have what I want.”

“Cousin, what do you want? What kind of life do you desire?”

Yang Yin was confused, thinking for a moment before saying, “I just want to raise Brother He well. If only... if only I didn’t have to face a scoundrel like Zhou Shi!”

Indeed, she no longer hoped Zhou Shi would change his heart and treat her and Brother He well. She had completely lost faith in him.

All she wanted was to care for Brother He and raise him properly.

If Zhou Shi were gone, she wouldn’t have to worry about him keeping a mistress and sullying the family’s reputation, nor about future illegitimate children affecting Brother He. She wouldn’t have to be dragged into gossip and ridicule.

But how could she be without Zhou Shi? He was Brother He’s biological father, and she couldn’t divorce him.

The more she thought about it, the more resentful she became of Zhou Shi’s deceit. She was his lawful wife, yet in his mouth, she had become a stumbling block to his love!

Recalling his constant belittling and disdain, she wondered: was she really so inferior to that other woman?

Lost in doubt and self-denial, her mind a muddled mess, a clear voice suddenly rang out.

“Ah, the lady of the Wang family lost her husband last year. I thought she would be forever despondent, but today she seems to have moved on.”

The bright voice cut through her thoughts like a ray of light. She looked up toward Lady Wang.

The woman wore a stone-blue cloud-patterned brocade, her hair piled high without extravagant adornment, only a few plain silver hairpins holding it in place.

She laughed heartily, chatting freely at the banquet, her eyes sparkling with vitality, every smile and frown full of life.

In contrast, though adorned with jewels and fine clothes, Yang Yin felt wrapped in bitterness.

Could a widow live like this?

---

“How did Lady Wang’s husband pass away?” Yang Yin asked, not noticing her voice trembled.

“He... fell ill and didn’t make it...” Lin Menghua smiled gently.

As Yang Yin returned, the words “widow” echoed in her mind, so much so that when Zhou Shi abruptly wanted to get off the carriage to visit his mistress, she didn’t react immediately.

Regaining her senses, she grabbed Zhou Shi. “Where are you going?”

“You have to come back with me today. How long has it been since you’ve seen Brother He?” Zhou Shi tugged his sleeve awkwardly. “Another day... another day I’ll go see him.”

“No! You have to come back with me today! Tomorrow is Brother He’s birthday!” Yang Yin held him tighter.

“I’ll come back tomorrow evening! Why are you acting like a shrew? A lady from a noble family behaving so! Not as gentle as your mother, nor as gracious and proper! Pulling and tugging!” Zhou Shi snapped, yanking off his sleeve and jumping down from the carriage.

“A shrew?” Yang Yin trembled with anger, her grievances spilling out. “Zhou Shi, you’re the one who turned me into this. The more violent I am now, the more wronged I feel! You ruined me for that woman. Why didn’t you just marry her outright? Why did you drag me down like this?”

“You... you’re unreasonable!” Zhou Shi glanced nervously around; he didn’t want to be scolded by the crowd.

“Are you crazy? Making a scene in public! Don’t you care about Brother He?” Zhou Shi suddenly straightened his back.

“I am Brother He’s father. If I don’t treat Brother He well, who else will? Even if you don’t care for the Zhou family or me, don’t you at least care for Brother He?”

He slammed the carriage door shut. “Take the lady back now! Don’t go out unnecessarily. Think of Brother He!”

Then he strode off toward the alley on the east side of the city.

“That bastard... how...” Yang Yin trembled with fury inside the carriage.

Why wouldn’t he just die?

Startled by the dark thought, she shook her head, casting it away.

How could she be so cruel?