Chapter 50: A Lesson

Chapter 50: A Lesson

Young love is always passionate; the young Shen Qingrong harbored deep affection and joy, recklessly pursuing her heart's desire, completely losing her mind.

However, Mother Shen and the elderly matriarch understood that Shen Qingrong's infatuation was a fantasy, and marrying Lu Mingke was her best choice. Therefore, they refused to annul the engagement and confined Shen Qingrong before her wedding, sending Jiang Shu to counsel her.

Enduring Shen Qingrong's anger and verbal abuse, Jiang Shu patiently consoled her for nearly two months until Shen Qingrong finally relented, but she bore a grudge against Jiang Shu ever since.

All her efforts were in vain, making her neither appreciated nor respected. Shen Qingrong was like an ungrateful wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Hearing Shen Qingrong's continued insults from within the room, Jiang Shu's face turned cold as she stepped inside.

"I wonder how my younger sister behaves in the Lu household, showing respect to her mother-in-law, listening to her teachings, and being considerate to her husband. Perhaps you could share your experiences with me."

Caught off guard by Jiang Shu's sudden appearance, Shen Qingrong's words caught in her throat, almost choking her.

"You were eavesdropping, shameless!"

Jiang Shu smiled.

Those who gossip behind others' backs and spread rumors are not shameful, but those who catch them in the act are. How ridiculous.

"Since my younger sister is so angry, why don't we invite Young Master Lu to judge? You can also tell him about the past events, so he understands why you hate me so much."

"How dare you!" Shen Qingrong's face turned green with rage, her body trembling with fear and anger.

Four years had passed, and she was no longer the naive girl with foolish dreams. She was satisfied with her current stable and prosperous life and would not allow anyone to disrupt it.

Jiang Shu spoke coldly, "Then let's see."

In the past, Jiang Shu would never have done such a self-destructive thing.

But facing someone like Shen Qingrong, who repaid kindness with ingratitude, she did not mind using underhanded means.

The two stood in a tense standoff when Mother Shen tried to intervene, but Jiang Shu turned and walked out.

"Shu'er, Shu'er..." Mother Shen panicked and hurried after her.

Shen Qingrong did not expect Jiang Shu to actually do it. After a moment of shock, she shouted in fury, "Jiang Shu! Stop right there!"

Jiang Shu's steps were light and quick, already stepping out of the door without any intention of stopping.

Shen Qingrong rushed out to block Jiang Shu.

"Move aside." Jiang Shu's expression was cold.

Shen Qingrong, enraged, threatened, "If you dare to slander me, I... I'll have Big Brother divorce you."

"Yes, divorce her."

Believing she had found Jiang Shu's weakness, Shen Qingrong repeated it, raising her chin arrogantly, completely disregarding Jiang Shu.

"Divorce me?" Jiang Shu laughed as if hearing a great joke.

Shen Qingrong sneered triumphantly, "As a merchant's daughter, if you're divorced and sent back home, I doubt anyone in Shang Jing would dare marry you."

"Before that happens, let's see if Young Master Lu will abandon you." Jiang Shu's lips curled into a cold smile, showing no fear.

She had long grown tired of this marquis household, but if she were to leave, it would not be through divorce!

"Jiang Shu, don't push your luck!" Shen Qingrong's anger boiled over, wishing she could tear Jiang Shu's mouth apart.

Seeing their argument growing louder, Mother Shen feared others might hear and became anxious.

Fortunately, all the servants were busy preparing for the birthday banquet, so no one heard.

"Shu'er, don't take Qingrong seriously; you know her temper."

"Qingrong, what nonsense are you spouting? Shu'er will always be your elder sister-in-law."

Mother Shen tried to mediate between them.

But Shen Qingrong, used to being arrogant in front of Jiang Shu, still saw her as the soft target she once was.

And Jiang Shu, having endured enough humiliation, developed a backbone and no longer tolerated insults.

"Smack!" Jiang Shu slapped Shen Qingrong across the face.

Shen Qingrong was stunned, turning her head and covering her face, staring at Jiang Shu in disbelief.

"You dared to hit me?"

Shen Qingrong was furious. She had been pampered since childhood, and no one dared to touch her. Even in the Lu household, any mistakes were addressed verbally, never physically.

Yet Jiang Shu, a lowly merchant's daughter, dared to strike her!

"Disrespecting your elder sister-in-law, speaking nonsense, spreading rumors, and causing trouble at home—this is for you."

Jiang Shu's face was stern, her posture straight, and her petite frame exuded an intimidating presence, leaving Mother Shen stunned and unable to react.

Shen Qingrong's eyes turned red with hatred, raising her hand to strike back.

Jiang Shu anticipated this and grabbed Shen Qingrong's wrist, warning coldly, "Today's matter ends here. If you are not satisfied, we can go to Young Master Lu and let him decide."

"He is my husband; do you think he will side with you?" Shen Qingrong put on a brave face, but inwardly, she was terrified.

She knew Lu Mingke's character well.

Though he loved and spoiled her, he was rigid and principled, especially concerning the Lu family's reputation and his own dignity. He would never protect her in such matters.

"Who would Young Master Lu side with, isn't it clear to you?"

From yesterday's probing, Jiang Shu had already seen through Lu Mingke, so she was very certain that Shen Qingrong wouldn't dare to argue with her in front of Lu Mingke.

"You! Despicable and shameless!" Shen Qingrong gritted her teeth in anger, wishing she could devour Jiang Shu whole.

She never expected that Jiang Shu would actually threaten her.

"Take care." Jiang Shu disdainfully shook off Shen Qingrong's hand and walked away.

As she passed by Mother Shen, Jiang Shu did not apologize but instead gave her a look of disappointment and hatred.

This entire household was full of ungrateful and heartless people; none of them deserved her genuine kindness.

She had intended to maintain a peaceful facade and live quietly, but they insisted on provoking and humiliating her. In that case, she would tear down this pretense, making life difficult for everyone.

"Mother, did you see that? She has become so arrogant and unruly because of your indulgence. If this continues, even you will have to live under her thumb."

Once Jiang Shu left, Shen Qingrong began to sow discord again.

Mother Shen sighed, resignedly saying, "I am old, and Jinchu lacks the ability to manage the household. Only Shu'er can uphold the honor of the Marquisate; we cannot do without her."

"But she is too arrogant, daring to hit me." Shen Qingrong remained resentful, her anger still simmering.

"Let's go inside. I'll use a handkerchief to soothe your cheek, so the son-in-law won't notice anything suspicious and start asking questions, which would be troublesome."

Mother Shen was inherently weak-willed and had been suppressed by the matriarch all her life, leaving her spirit worn down.

Though she felt heartache for Qingrong getting slapped, Mother Shen knew that Shen Qingrong was at fault first and had a weakness in Jiang Shu's hands, so she could only advise her to let it go.

Though Shen Qingrong was unwilling, she dared not cause trouble, swallowing her anger and behaving for a few days.

In the blink of an eye, it was already August, and the birthday banquet was approaching, making the household increasingly busy.

Shen Qingrong, as a guest with nothing to do, invited Cheng Jinchu to chat and admire the scenery in the garden, watching Lu Xingyuan play with Yan Yang and Yan Huan chasing after snowballs.

What should have been a joyful and harmonious scene was disrupted by a stray rabbit that wandered into the garden.

"Hey, bunny." Lu Xingyuan spotted the rabbit first and ran over with his short legs, wanting to play with it.

Sensing danger, the rabbit kicked its legs and ran away.

"Bunny." Lu Xingyuan missed and fell.

Seeing this, Shen Qingrong instructed a maid, "Go, catch that rabbit for the young master."