CHAPTER 187: CHAPTER 5: STRIFE BETWEEN LEGITIMATE AND ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING (PART 5)

An Xin generally didn’t bother with Li Shumeng. Since she wanted to go, let her. She’s grown up, it’s her own body. If she doesn’t care, who else would?

Li Shumeng’s personal maids had all been dismissed. This time, all the maids accompanying her were new.

One of them, quite clever, quickly gained Li Shumeng’s favor, and the master-servant relationship warmed swiftly.

In reality, that maid was placed there by Li Shuning, and as for the relatively stupid maids, they were also arranged by Li Shuning.

Her mother being the family’s matriarch gave Li Shuning a bit of advantage, which she could wield.

Upon returning from Qianqiu Mountain, Li Shuning learned from the maid that Li Shumeng indeed met with the Fifth Prince.

As for what they discussed, the maid hadn’t overheard.

Li Shuning sneered coldly; this woman is adept at acting pitifully. She might further win the Fifth Prince’s sympathy, right?

Indeed, though Li Shuning had a wound on her hand and after having a lively conversation with the Fifth Prince, between the lines, she hinted the wound was Li Shuning’s doing.

Naturally, the Fifth Prince had a poor impression of Li Shuning.

Mistreating her younger sister truly showed no noble demeanor.

Upon Li Shumeng’s return, she became quiet.

She attempted several plots thereafter, but unfortunately, Li Shuning was no longer who she once was and never fell prey.

Li Shumeng found it unfortunate that she couldn’t make Li Shuning’s legitimate daughter status insignificant.

If the Li Family disregarded Li Shuning, that would be better.

Since hopes with the family were dashed, she could only rely on the Fifth Prince.

Li Shumeng met with the Fifth Prince a few more times, naturally growing more delicate and considerate in his presence.

A gentle, vulnerable, beautiful and harmless woman, clearly gifted, yet a concubine’s daughter bullied by her legitimate sister, with no one standing for her, stirred softer feelings in the Fifth Prince’s heart, growing ever more sympathetic to Li Shumeng.

Meanwhile, the Emperor also began preparations; he wished to have the Fifth Prince marry Li Shuning.

Li Shuning knew very well, the Fifth Prince would soon seek permission from the Emperor to marry Li Shumeng.

Indeed, before long, Li Gui received an imperial edict, a marriage decree.

Initially believed to be for Li Shuning, the chosen Princess Consort turned out to be Li Shumeng.

The Li Family was momentarily caught off guard.

In the palace, the Emperor felt somewhat embarrassed; it was meant for the legitimate daughter, yet the Fifth Prince chose the concubine’s daughter, it undermined Li Shuning’s dignity, and in the noble circles, Li Shuning might well be subject to ridicule.

Thus the Emperor made another decree; upon returning to the Li Mansion, Li Gui brought back another imperial edict, another marriage decree.

As the plot has it, Li Shuning was betrothed to Duke Dingguo.

While marrying the Fifth Prince, Li Shumeng’s position was somewhat unseemly.

So, the Li Family had An Xin raise Li Shumeng under her name, thus counting as half a legitimate daughter.

Li Shumeng was quite pleased; at least her wishes materialized.

Li Shumeng’s wedding was set for the beginning of June, and on the third of March, the Seventh Princess visited the Li Family with her companion, at the Fifth Prince’s request, wanting the Seventh Princess to meet his beloved and also to show the Li Family how the Royal Family valued Li Shumeng.

Li Shuning and Li Shumeng both came out to receive them.

Perhaps with the realization of her wishes, Li Shumeng, somewhat gloating, often stole Li Shuning’s spotlight.

However, Li Shuning didn’t mind, fell behind alongside the Seventh Princess’s companion, someone she was acquainted with, they strolled arm-in-arm, laughing and chatting, so there was no awkwardness.

The Seventh Princess, having a good relationship with the Fifth Prince, was originally inclined to favor Li Shuning; after all, she was the rightful legitimate daughter. But considering her brother often perceived Li Shuning as malicious, though the Seventh Princess didn’t quite agree, since Li Shuning was still popular in noble circles over the years. Even she had heard, Li Shuning was a gentle and considerate lady, not understanding why her Fifth Imperial Brother harbored such biases.

Nonetheless, Li Shumeng was her future Imperial Sister-in-law, thus warmly accompanying Li Shumeng as they leisurely explored the Li Family grounds.

Li Shumeng was in a buoyant mood, even arranging a boating excursion by the little lake.

At that time, the weather was still chilly, the Seventh Princess slightly displeased, usually keen on self-care, the lake moisture wasn’t beneficial to health.

If anyone fell into the water, it wouldn’t be a laughing matter.

Yet Li Shumeng had already made arrangements.

Soon, two small boats were released onto the lake.

Li Shumeng boarded the boat first, waving to the Seventh Princess and the others.

Naturally, Li Shumeng and the Seventh Princess shared one boat, while Li Shuning and Wang Yanran occupied another.

Li Shuning’s hand touched the lake water; though not as cold as when Li Shumeng had intentionally pushed her in it before, it was still piercingly chilly.

Li Shuning and Wang Yanran quickly found this tedious and returned, brewing tea in a nearby pavilion, prepared to offer to the Seventh Princess and Li Shumeng upon their return.

The Seventh Princess felt bored as well and suggested heading back.

Li Shumeng enjoyed the lake’s boating; otherwise, she wouldn’t have proposed coming here, normally refraining from such extravagant requests.

Seeing the Seventh Princess’s intention to return, she became anxious, standing up, and with such abrupt movement, the boat swayed.

The maid by the Seventh Princess immediately embraced her, Li Shumeng inexplicably suddenly fell into the water.

The Seventh Princess wasn’t fragile; she promptly instructed her maid to inspect the boat, and discovered no problems.

Onshore, Li Shuning sensed something amiss and immediately commanded the servant women to dive into the lake to rescue Li Shumeng.

The servants were terrified; this was the future Princess Consort, nothing could go wrong, or they’d be finished.

Before long, the old madam and others received the news and rushed over.

Fortunately, though anxious, Li Shuning had orderly command; it didn’t take long, and Li Shumeng was rescued; she didn’t intend for Li Shumeng to perish just like that.

Previously, when Li Shumeng attempted to shove Li Shuning into the water, Li Shuning naturally wouldn’t take it lightly; earlier, as her spiritual power surged, Li Shumeng probably thought she had suddenly stood too briskly, which caused dizziness leading to her fall.

Li Shumeng was sent back to Rumeng Pavilion, and a doctor was soon summoned.

The old lady conducted a special investigation and discovered it was indeed an accident.

Li Shumeng awoke but was trembling, face pale.

The old lady inquired about what occurred.

Li Shumeng wished to blame Li Shuning somehow, but couldn’t pin it on her, ending up saying pitifully, "Grandmother, it was my carelessness; when the Princess mentioned returning ashore, I decided to return as well, stood up so quickly, felt a bit dizzy, then fell into the water."

The Seventh Princess returned to the palace, the Fifth Prince was already informed, knowing his beloved fell into the water, anxiously awaiting, immediately went to inquire upon her return.

"Imperial Sister, what happened exactly? How did Shumeng end up in the lake? Was it Li Shuning’s doing?"

The Seventh Princess was a bit stunned, incredulously looking at the Fifth Prince, who in his anxious concern, didn’t notice the disappointment in the Seventh Princess’s eyes.