Chapter 13

I transformed into the future Young Lady of the Shen Family.

As soon as the engagement news spread, the Princess’s Mansion promptly sent gifts, claiming it was compensation for me.

The palace maid who came with the gifts glanced sideways at the scars on my face and sneered, “Miss, remember to treat your face, so you don’t scare the groom on your wedding night.”

The princess’s whip was indeed vicious; it would take months for the marks to fade.

I thanked her with a bright smile, silently noting this debt in my heart.

We had resolved Qi Yu’s major trouble, and from then on, Shen Yunian became Qi Yu’s close friend.

Qi Yu would frequently invite Shen Yunian for drinks, and when he got thoroughly drunk, he would vent his grievances about the princess.

Originally, he was the only son of the Grand Commandant, and had smoothly passed the Imperial Examination, but was chosen by the haughty Princess Yurou as her husband.

As a Prince Consort, he was not allowed to hold an official position in court, his career ruined by the princess, and he had to endure her whims, which was truly stifling.

Shen Yunian and I listened quietly, never mentioning it afterward.

In return for favors, the Grand Commandant wanted to promote Shen Yunian to Deputy Commander. However, the princess suppressed this attempt.

Qi Yu felt quite apologetic towards Shen Yunian and remarked with a sarcastic smile, “Hmph, she probably fears my father’s influence is too great.”

I sighed deeply; the Shen Family’s backing was still not strong enough.