After the delicate and soft-spoken wife gave up, the aloof and powerful minister embraced her and sh

Chapter 180 Meeting the Eldest Princess (2)

Wen Jiayue never expected that Li Zhilan would actually take her hand.

So when she came to her senses, she had already subconsciously shaken off Li Zhilan's hand.

She was filled with disgust, and if she held her hand any longer, she was afraid she would lose control and pinch her.

However, shaking off her hand was inappropriate, so she calmed herself down and explained.

"Just now at the teahouse, I ate two pastries. The pastries were a bit sticky, and I haven't had time to wash them yet, for fear of soiling Your Highness's hands."

Li Zhilan's expression softened slightly, and he said, "In that case, Madam Shen, please go and wash your hands first. Zhuyu, take her there."

Wen Jiayue curtsied and turned to leave with Zhuyu.

Upon entering one of the cabins, I found a wooden basin in a small compartment.

Zhu Yu and Ru Yi waited outside, while Wen Jiayue went in alone.

As soon as she entered the room, her smile vanished, and she began washing her hands repeatedly.

In her past life, she and Li Zhilan only met at a palace banquet; they never met at other times.

However, she almost never left the mansion at that time, so naturally she wouldn't run into him.

She never expected to run into Li Zhilan on this trip out of the manor; she was completely unprepared.

It seems that nothing needs to be prepared.

There are still two and a half years before Li Zhilan poisons her, so for now, she should maintain a superficial peace.

However, if she can't help but show her disgust, then things might get complicated.

knock --

Someone knocked on the door, and Ruyi's slightly worried voice came through.

"Madam, are you feeling better?"

Wen Jiayue took a deep breath, responded, and walked out the door.

Zhu Yu said, "His Majesty, the Eldest Princess, and Lord Shen have already entered their cabins. Madam Shen, this way please."

Wen Jiayue nodded and followed her to the cabin.

A quick glance revealed that Shen Fuhan and the Emperor were sitting on one side, while the empty seat next to Li Zhilan was reserved for her.

Wen Jiayue pursed her lips slightly and sat down.

In both her lifetimes combined, she had never sat this close to Li Zhilan.

Li Zhilan rested his chin on his hand and said lazily, "I heard from Lord Shen that Madam Shen doesn't go out often. What brings you out for a stroll today?"

Wen Jiayue glanced at Shen Fuhan across from her. Why did he tell everyone everything?

The thought had barely formed when Shen Fuhan asked, "May I ask, Your Highness, when did this humble subject say that?"

Li Zhilan never expected him to expose her at this moment, and she immediately felt embarrassed.

However, if she panicked over such a small matter, she wouldn't be Li Zhilan.

She then replied without batting an eye, "You forgot? It was probably around October last year."

Shen Fuhan said calmly, "This humble subject does not recall such a matter."

Li Zhilan immediately smiled and said, "That's strange. If it wasn't Lord Shen who said it, how did I know?"

Wen Jiayue was almost convinced by Shen Fuhan, but she was taken aback when she heard Li Zhilan say this.

Who is lying?

She had a vague feeling that Li Zhilan was sowing discord and trying to subtly damage their marital relationship.

Thinking of this, she glanced at Shen Fuhan with a resentful look, but a forced smile remained on her face.

"The Marquis is really something, with such a bad memory."

Since Li Zhilan wants to see it, she will perform for her.

This will give her more time, and prevent things from happening in her past life from happening sooner.

After saying that, she ignored Shen Fuhan's reaction and looked at Li Zhilan.

Then she said, "I don't often leave the manor. This time, I just wanted to take a casual stroll."

Li Zhilan asked with interest, "What did Mrs. Shen buy?"

Shen Fuhan also looked over.

Wen Jiayue smiled and shook her head: "I didn't buy anything. I went to the jewelry shop, but unfortunately I didn't find anything I liked."

She didn't mention that she had bought a birthday gift for Shen Fuhan, fearing that Li Zhilan might mistakenly think that the couple had a good relationship.

Li Zhilan wholeheartedly agreed, saying, "That's true. The things on the street are all vulgar and unappealing."

As she spoke, she pulled out the jade pendant fan and kingfisher feather hair ornament from her hair.

She twirled the shimmering hairpin and said with a smile, "I feel an instant connection with you. Consider this hairpin my gift to you."

Wen Jiayue paused for a moment, clearly feeling some resistance; she didn't want to accept it.

From now on, whenever she sees this hairpin, she will think of Li Zhilan and her hatred will only grow stronger.

But since things had already come to this point, she had no choice but to accept it.

Take it if you want, you can keep it as a keepsake, and wear it when you see Li Zhilan again.

Thinking of this, she said with a hint of excitement, "It is my honor to receive a hairpin from the Princess."

Li Zhilan nodded in satisfaction, helped her put the hairpin in, and looked at Shen Fuhan.

"Lord Shen, does this hairpin match your wife?"

Shen Fuhan glanced at her indifferently: "Too luxurious, not suitable for her."

Wen Jiayue silently grumbled to herself, he knew it wasn't appropriate, so why give her a gold hairpin on her birthday?

So, he probably just randomly picked a piece of jewelry from the storeroom and gave it to her as a birthday gift.

Upon hearing this, Li Zhilan glanced at Wen Jiayue and saw her lower her eyes and remain silent, a slight smile playing on her lips.

He said, "Lord Shen really doesn't know how to speak or act. Just now, both the Emperor and I asked him to welcome you onto the ship, but he said..."

She paused deliberately, and Wen Jiayue, knowing she wanted her to ask first, cooperated and asked, "What should I say?"

Her tone was slightly urgent, but in reality, her heart was already completely calm.

Originally, Shen Fuhan was just putting on a show of marital bliss in front of others.

With Li Zhilan present, he no longer wanted to pretend, fearing that the princess would misunderstand.

Li Zhilan mimicked Shen Fuhan's tone and said, "It's just a few steps, why do we need to go?"

Wen Jiayue pursed her lips and remained silent, feigning a sad and dejected expression.

She forced a smile and said, "It really is only a few steps away. If you don't want to go, then don't go."

After saying so much, she roughly understood Li Zhilan's thoughts—he wanted to see her suffer.

Whenever she looked gloomy, Li Zhilan's eyes would light up.

It's just a war of words for now. Since Li Zhilan wants to gain the upper hand, she's happy to let her lower her guard.

Shen Fuhan took a sip of tea and silently looked at Wen Jiayue, a moment of bewilderment on his face.

Her behavior in the Marquis's mansion was not like this at all. Is this current demeanor an act, or is it genuine?

If she's faking it, why would she pretend?