SGEIRS -Chapter 288 It Was Him Who Killed Him

That day, after the snowfall, the sky cleared. It was also an auspicious day for marriage.

The only legitimate daughter of the Director of the Imperial Academy was getting married today. She was marrying the legitimate eldest son of Minister Shen from the Ministry of Works. The two families were well matched in status.

Speaking of Minister Shen, he had once been a poor scholar. That he had managed to rise to his current position was partly due to good fortune. When he was at his lowest, he met Madam Shen, who fell in love with him at first sight. With her and her family’s support, he was able to study and sit for the imperial examinations, gradually achieving success. Now his son had also entered the Hanlin Academy, bringing honor to the Shen family.

Now, by becoming in-laws with Official Song’s family, their status in the capital rose even further. The Song family had deep roots in the capital and was also connected by marriage to the influential Qi family. Madam Song herself was the eldest married daughter of the Qi family. With such connections, the Shen family’s position improved greatly.

When Meng Jinyao arrived at the Song residence, Song Xinning had already finished her makeup. Her face carried the joy and shyness of a bride as she chatted with her close friends.

After greeting everyone, Meng Jinyao handed her the bridal gift.

“A-Ning, may you and Young Master Shen grow old together and soon be blessed with children.”

Hearing the words “soon be blessed with children,” Song Xinning’s already blushing face grew even redder. She accepted the long wooden box with both hands and smiled.

“Thank you, A-Yao.”

Before long, Princess Jingning also arrived and presented her gift.

When the wedding procession reached the Song residence, everyone finally saw the groom. Twenty-two-year-old Shen Shuxian had a gentle and refined temperament. Compared to teenage boys, he appeared much more steady and mature. He was also handsome and looked perfectly matched with Song Xinning.

Watching the grand procession depart, Meng Jinyao couldn’t help smiling. Her good friend had married her childhood sweetheart, someone who truly loved her. In a year or two, there would probably be an adorable child calling her “Aunt Meng.”

Princess Jingning said softly, “A-Ning’s fiancé is quite outstanding. He seems very good.”

Meng Jinyao replied, “Young Master Shen is indeed good. His mother and A-Ning’s mother have known each other for many years, so he and A-Ning grew up together. They were supposed to marry last year, but the Song family couldn’t bear to part with their daughter, so he waited another year.”

Princess Jingning looked envious, but soon her head drooped again.

Seeing this, Meng Jinyao asked, “What’s wrong?”

With a sigh, Princess Jingning said, “Seeing all the girls around me getting married makes me worried. I don’t know what kind of man Mother will choose for me. After the New Year, I’ll be sixteen. My marriage will probably be settled next year, and I’ll marry at the latest the year after.”

Meng Jinyao comforted her gently. “Don’t overthink it. Everything will work out. The Princess Consort will surely choose someone you like.”

Princess Jingning pursed her lips helplessly.

“Let me tell you secretly—although I don’t dislike the men she chooses, I don’t really like them either. I don’t feel that ‘heart-pounding’ feeling from storybooks. A few days ago, I even rejected someone she introduced.”

“Why?” Meng Jinyao asked.

Lowering her voice, Princess Jingning replied, “He’s good in every way, except he’s a bit short. Standing next to me, he’s only about three inches taller. He’s already twenty, so he probably won’t grow anymore. I’m not even sixteen yet—I might still grow. What if I end up taller than him?”

Meng Jinyao was stunned. She subconsciously compared their heights and noticed that Princess Jingning had grown taller than half a year ago and was already two inches taller than herself.

Seeing the envy in her eyes, Princess Jingning said helplessly, “Why are you envying me?”

“I envy that you’re taller than me,” Meng Jinyao said gloomily. “And you can still grow. I don’t think I’ve grown at all this year.”

“What’s the use of being so tall?” Princess Jingning rolled her eyes.

Looking annoyed, she said, “Look at you—small and delicate, only reaching the Marquis’s shoulder. When you lean into his arms, you look so gentle and fragile. But if I keep growing, I won’t look delicate anymore. I’ll be like a giant bird spreading its wings, and he’ll be the delicate one. I don’t want that!”

Meng Jinyao burst out laughing.

“What nonsense! ‘Giant bird spreading its wings’? No matter how tall you grow, you’re still a delicate young lady. If that ever happens, it’s because the man is too short, not because you’re too tall.”

Hearing this, Princess Jingning felt much better and nodded repeatedly.

“Exactly! It’s because he’s too short. I need to find someone tall.”

Then she suddenly remembered something.

“A-Yao, have you heard about what happened at Duke Shen’s residence?”

Meng Jinyao nodded slightly. Though it had happened only two days ago, she had heard about it.

It was said that the Duke’s second legitimate son, born to his second wife, had died—killed by wolves. His face had been mangled beyond recognition. Fortunately, it was winter, and he had been bundled tightly in thick clothes, so most of his body was spared.

The Duke and his wife were devastated. The Duchess had only this one son. When she saw his corpse, she fainted on the spot.

The Duke himself did not faint, but he was barely holding on. Within one year, he had lost his only two legitimate sons. The remaining concubine-born sons were useless.

Earlier, the heir, Shen Yunzhou, had gone missing after an accident. Since no body had been found, the Duke refused to believe his outstanding eldest son was dead and secretly sent people to search for him. The news had been kept quiet until yesterday.

However, both Meng Jinyao and Princess Jingning knew that Shen Yunzhou was still alive. When he had been on the brink of death, they had rescued him. He was now in the capital but had never shown himself.

Lowering her voice, Princess Jingning asked, “A-Yao… do you think… it was him who did it?”

Though she didn’t say the name, Meng Jinyao knew whom she meant.

After recovering, Shen Yunzhou had stayed in the capital without returning home or informing anyone. Now, his younger brother had coincidentally been killed by wolves. It was hard not to suspect something.

After glancing around to make sure no one was nearby, Meng Jinyao whispered, “A-Yan, when people are pushed too far, they won’t show mercy. Being kind to enemies is being cruel to oneself.”

Princess Jingning froze. Shen Yunzhou’s handsome face flashed through her mind, and she shuddered. How could someone so good-looking be so ruthless?

Then she remembered how badly injured he had been when they found him. Those wounds must have been caused by his stepmother and younger brother.

If she were him, after surviving such danger, she wouldn’t let her enemies go either.

Thinking this way, she felt his actions were understandable. If others wanted you dead, you should kill them first and eliminate future threats.

Meng Jinyao glanced at her and warned, “A-Yan, this is only speculation. Without evidence, never mention it to anyone. Let it stay between us. If you see him again, don’t ask about it. Pretend you know nothing. Understand?”

Princess Jingning nodded quickly.

“Don’t worry, A-Yao. I won’t talk nonsense. Other people’s affairs have nothing to do with us. We’ll just treat it as gossip.”