Chapter Twenty-One: Superficial Efforts

The atmosphere grew solemn.

Pei Yanzhou’s demeanor was far from unfriendly.

Liang Shanru’s hand, hidden in her sleeve, was pinched red by her own grip.

Her aunt sat in the main hall. Earlier, she had repeatedly referred to her cousin as “cousin,” but as soon as she spoke, she called him “heir apparent.”

She had thought Pei Yanzhou would pretend not to hear and let it slide—that it was just a small selfishness of hers, a way to gain some advantage verbally and irritate him a little.

Who could have guessed he wouldn’t cooperate at all and insisted on exposing it right then and there.

“Chuchu?” Her long silence made even Lady Liang suspicious.

Liang Shanru cursed Pei Yanzhou mercilessly in her heart before lowering her head and muttering in a small voice, “It’s not that I despise... Cousin Yanzhou.”

She truly didn’t want to call him that; her tongue stumbled awkwardly, “With such disgrace in the Liang family, after all, he’s an outsider. I originally thought that with only Aunt returning, Second Cousin would be enough. But Cousin Yanzhou, he...”

The young girl grew aggrieved, the corners of her eyes reddening, mist gathering beneath her lashes, and when she looked up, it was heart-wrenching, evoking a deep sympathy.

Lady Liang sighed and pulled her into her embrace, “Look at you, just a few words and you’re about to cry. It’s late at night, calm down now.”

The bond between a blood-related niece and a nephew from a different branch was clear to Lady Liang.

With pity for Liang Shanru, she sighed and addressed Pei Yanzhou, “I understand, and I suppose you do too. This isn’t Chuchu’s fault. Now that you know, it’s not your concern. The timing of your visit was simply wrong. Don’t hold it against Chuchu. As the elder brother, you should be magnanimous.”

Pei Yanzhou rose and bowed to Lady Liang, “Third Aunt, rest assured, I will not.”

Liang Shanru, sensing the matter was smoothed over, nestled in Lady Liang’s arms and gently tugged at her sleeve, “After days on the road, it’s late. Let me escort Aunt to get settled.”

Her expression naturally read as shame and frustration to Lady Liang—it was clear she wanted to escape this place, unwilling to face Pei Yanzhou, the outsider.

So, as agreed, she took her hand and led her outside.

Pei Yanzhou still watched her, and as they brushed past, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. Before he could say anything, Pei Jingxing beat him to it, calling out, “Brother, we’re not going to bed this early. You’ve been to Yangzhou so many times; why not take your younger brother out for a stroll?”

Lady Liang stopped in her tracks and glared back, “Don’t stay out too late. We have important matters tomorrow.”

Pei Jingxing quickly agreed, looking up at Pei Yanzhou expectantly.

Words failed to come.

Pei Yanzhou took a deep breath and switched to a gentle expression, soft as water, “I’ll watch him. Third Aunt, accompany your niece.”

Lady Liang trusted his judgment, so she nodded and took the young girl away.

They left the hall and walked along the corridor toward the inner courtyard. After passing through the moon gate, Lady Liang slowed her pace.

“Chiran is of excellent character and temperament, renowned in the capital as a gentleman. He won’t mock you. Don’t let this weigh on you.”

Liang Shanru responded with a dull “oh,” still not in high spirits.

Lady Liang rubbed her gently, “Actually, his coming isn’t a bad thing. Outsiders don’t know the full story and think he came on behalf of Third Prince, just to back you up. The Liang family has bullied you for so long; don’t you want to show some strength and see them humbled?”

Lady Liang had a ready way with comforting words. Liang Shanru thought to herself, “That’s exactly it.” But it wasn’t to support her; it was to keep her in the dark, making her the most effective pawn.

“I understand that, which is why I didn’t want to say anything earlier,” Liang Shanru said meekly, her gentle demeanor accentuated by the bright moonlight. “But the heir apparent insisted on asking, and I couldn’t just say I disliked him. I had to tell the truth.”

She linked her arm with Lady Liang’s and swayed coquettishly, “At least help me smooth things over. Don’t let him think I’m ungrateful and disdainful.”

She still wanted to maintain appearances. Since she planned to return with her aunt to Shengjing and likely stay at the Duke of Xinguo’s mansion, she feared the Third Prince and Pei Yanzhou wouldn’t let her be. If anything else happened then, she didn’t want her aunt to mistakenly believe it was because she had offended Pei Yanzhou back in Yangzhou.

Lady Liang grasped her hand in return, “Chiran isn’t that kind of person. You’re overthinking it. But Chuchu, since Chiran is willing to treat you like a sister, calling him ‘heir apparent’ repeatedly would make anyone think you resent him.”

Liang Shanru quickly corrected herself, “Cousin! From now on, I’ll call him Cousin Yanzhou.” Then she murmured, “After all, he’s not my real cousin; there’s still a layer between him and my elder cousins.”

Since she was well-behaved, Lady Liang was pleased and agreed, “Just a casual name. You have your real cousins; we’re not rushing to claim any kinship. Politeness takes time to learn. When you’re older, I’ll teach you all the social graces.”

The matter was settled. Lady Liang then asked, “When we return to the Liang residence tomorrow, shall we wait for them first?”

Liang Shanru nodded, “I roughly mentioned it in my letter. It’ll take about half an hour.”

Having grown up in the inner residence—from the Marquis of Changle’s mansion to the Duke of Xinguo’s palace—Lady Liang had seen plenty of dirt and filth. She saw straight through Liang Shanru’s little schemes and thought it was no big deal.

It was merely a venting of grievances. When someone has backing, even venting must be done cleverly—killing with words and striking at the heart was understandable.

“The most important thing is you find relief. We’ll do as you say,” Lady Liang said, rubbing her again. “Tonight, will Aunt sleep with you?”

Liang Shanru stiffened instantly.

She was not used to it and now felt even more averse.

In her former life, she had been alone for so long that after marriage, the intimacy of a partner at night was a torment. It took her a long time to get used to having someone else beside her bed.

Later, after that incident, her companion was never sincere, colluding with the Third Prince against her. Those who should have been closest were indifferent to her demise.

Since her rebirth, just thinking of it sent chills down Liang Shanru’s spine, sometimes making her vomit violently.

“Chuchu?” Lost in thought again, Lady Liang lightly patted her, “Are you unwell?”

Liang Shanru quickly shook her head, “I’m restless at night. Aunt, you’re tired from the journey and need to rest well. I’d only disturb you.”

Without waiting for Lady Liang’s reply, she acted spoiled and insisted on sending her off, “I know you care about me. We have a long road ahead. Tonight, you should get a good sleep, save your strength. Tomorrow we’ll wipe out the Marquis of Changle’s mansion completely!”

At last, Lady Liang saw some youthful vigor and liveliness on her face and relaxed, indulging her, “Alright, alright, as you wish. You’ve always been good at acting spoiled, knowing I’m most susceptible to it. It works every time.”

Then she gently pushed Liang Shanru’s hand and instructed, “Have the maids escort me. You should go rest by yourself. You’ve been crying and laughing all day. Have someone apply a compress to your eyes so you won’t wake up swollen and embarrassed. Let’s see if you’re ashamed.”