Chapter 269: Hidden Rivalry

Chapter 269: Hidden Rivalry

The April breeze was mild, and the sunlight was gentle. Guests gathered in small groups, strolling through the garden, admiring flowers, composing poems, and enjoying the lively fun.

Cheng Jinchu, with no relatives or friends, was left alone at the back, feeling out of sync with the banquet.

No one paid attention to her, and naturally, no one noticed her unusual behavior. However, Shen Changze, who had been keeping an eye on her, saw it all.

Afraid she might stir up trouble, Shen Changze deliberately lagged behind. After everyone had moved forward to enjoy the garden, he walked up to Cheng Jinchu.

"What do you intend to do?" Shen Changze asked with a stern expression, his tone laced with warning.

Cheng Jinchu withdrew her gaze and said with self-mockery, "What can I do? Can’t I even admire the glory of Prince Jing's wife? Tell me, husband, don’t you feel anything seeing Prince Jing's wife?"

She stressed the title "Prince Jing's wife" heavily.

She was filled with jealousy and resentment, unable to understand why Shen Changze still protected Jiang Shu even after she had married someone else.

Unwilling to indulge Cheng Jinchu’s unreasonable behavior, Shen Changze snorted coldly, "Let me remind you again, she is now Prince Jing's wife, and you can’t afford to mess with her. If you keep pushing your luck, I won’t be able to save you when things go south."

He couldn’t help her, nor would he try.

Shen Changze hadn’t planned to bring Cheng Jinchu today, but she argued it was a matter of her dignity. If he wouldn’t even give her this, he might as well divorce her. Mother Shen had also said rumors were spreading because he often attended banquets alone. Since Cheng Jinchu had been behaving lately, Shen Changze had reluctantly agreed.

"Last time, Yan Yang merely injured Young Master Zhuang, and he was almost expelled from the capital. If you act foolishly again, no one will plead for you."

Shen Changze took a deep breath and added in a low voice, "If you want to lose it, at least think of Yan Yang and Yan Huan."

With that, Shen Changze strode away.

Cheng Jinchu stood frozen for a while before snapping out of it.

Yes, she still had children to protect.

Jiang Shu was now Prince Jing's wife and no longer in her way. There was no need for her to continue harboring resentment and entanglement.

With that, Cheng Jinchu pushed her feelings aside and followed the crowd.

Putting aside her distractions, Cheng Jinchu turned her attention to the surrounding flowers, only then realizing how beautifully they had bloomed this year, each one unique and stunning in its own way.

Looking up, she saw the wives and young misses walking ahead, chatting and laughing together. Cheng Jinchu’s eyes brimmed with envy and embarrassment.

At such a lively banquet, she was alone, unable to blend in.

People's eyes passed over her, but no one stopped for her.

Despite the laughter and chatter around her, Cheng Jinchu felt a deep sense of loneliness and shame.

Finally, after the garden tour ended, the midday banquet began. Cheng Jinchu watched as everyone took their seats. She scanned the room, noticing that there were hardly any empty seats left, unsure of where to sit.

As the hostess, the Crown Prince’s wife had no choice but to step forward and attend to her.

Just as she was about to find a seat for Cheng Jinchu based on her status, Cao Muxue suddenly spoke up.

"There's a seat here. Why don't you join us, Lady Marquis Jingan?"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at Cheng Jinchu.

Being invited to sit with the Crown Prince’s wife was a great honor.

Jiang Shu hadn’t noticed Cheng Jinchu until now, only realizing she was present upon hearing this. Her almond eyes swept over her indifferently.

Cheng Jinchu wore a pink embroidered satin dress, looking thin and listless. She stood there, her hands clasped nervously.

Jiang Shu recalled the first time she had seen Cheng Jinchu, bold and spirited, full of life—a stark contrast to how she looked now.

After more than a year, she had changed so much.

Jiang Shu sighed inwardly.

It seemed the Jing’an Marquis Residence was a real snake pit, where anyone would be worn down and lose their luster.

Feeling the curious stares around her, Cheng Jinchu was deeply embarrassed, as if she had been stripped bare for everyone to scrutinize.

She suddenly wished she hadn’t come.

After looking at Cheng Jinchu, everyone turned to Jiang Shu.

By rank, Cao Muxue, Jiang Shu, and Yu Lan were seated together.

Everyone knew Jiang Shu’s past. Cao Muxue’s invitation to Cheng Jinchu was clearly intentional.

Jiang Shu shot a glance at Cao Muxue.

Cao Muxue seemed to have just realized and asked apologetically, “It’s just sharing a meal at the same table. Prince Jing’s wife wouldn’t mind, would she?”

She was fishing for a reaction.

Yu Lan was about to refuse, but Jiang Shu stopped her.

“My sister-in-law can decide about her own guest,” Jiang Shu said lightly, her expression unreadable.

The casual remark made Cao Muxue’s expression change.

Jiang Shu was hinting that Cao Muxue was overstepping and lacked manners.

The Rui Princess, sensing the tension, quickly stepped in. “The food and wine are the same. It doesn’t matter where you sit. Marquis Shen’s wife, please sit.”

Cheng Jinchu reluctantly took a seat next to Cao Muxue.

She didn’t want to sit there, but refusing would seem ungrateful and make her look afraid of Jiang Shu.

The food and wine were served, with light fruit wine for the women.

Jiang Shu held a teacup instead of wine.

Cheng Jinchu sat across from Jiang Shu, their eyes meeting.

Jiang Shu’s gaze was steady and indifferent, as if Cheng Jinchu didn’t matter.

After the toast, everyone started eating.

There was a fish dish on the table, placed not far from Jiang Shu’s left hand. Jiang Shu frowned instinctively at the smell.

Yu Lan had the fish removed, saying pointedly, “She can’t stand the smell. Take it away before it ruins her appetite.”

“I remember you like fish, sister-in-law. Put it in front of you.”

The maid moved the fish in front of Cao Muxue as told, placing it between her and Cheng Jinchu.

Both Cao Muxue and Cheng Jinchu looked at the plate of fish with grim expressions.

Yet, Yu Lan's words were flawless, leaving no room for criticism.

Cao Muxue indeed loved fish, but today, the fish tasted like cardboard to her, and she couldn't savor it.

Beside her, Cheng Jinchu was also mindlessly picking at her food, putting bite after bite into her mouth without tasting anything.

In contrast, Jiang Shu, Yu Lan, and Sun Yijun were much more at ease, digging in with gusto.

Seeing Jiang Shu eat so heartily, Cao Muxue finally couldn't hold back and said, "Jiang Shu is truly blessed. Even while pregnant, you have no trouble eating and enjoy everything."

Jiang Shu swallowed her food and said nonchalantly, "I noticed you haven't eaten much, sister-in-law. Does the food not suit your taste?"

The implication was, "You're not pregnant, yet you still have no appetite?"

Cao Muxue was struck dumb, unable to come up with a retort.

"The chefs in the prince's residence naturally can't compare to the imperial chefs in the palace. It's understandable if you find the food unpalatable, sister-in-law," Sun Yijun cut in.

Upon hearing this, Cao Muxue's face clouded over.

Sun Yijun's words not only mocked her for being picky and delicate but also subtly implied that she disdained the prince's banquet.

"However, I think the food is quite good. Every dish is delicious," Sun Yijun added, as if to rub it in, and then picked up another bite of food, eating with gusto.

Cao Muxue's face turned stormy, and her hand holding the chopsticks trembled slightly, clearly struggling to contain her anger.

But as the Crown Prince’s wife, her every word and action were watched like a hawk. She had to be extremely cautious and couldn't afford to be as unrestrained and outspoken as Sun Yijun.

She glared at Sun Yijun, her chest rising and falling with barely contained fury.