Chapter 44: Settling the Bill

Shen Mengqing was convinced that Shen Mengli was not favored by her husband and must be struggling financially. The Prince Duan estate was no ordinary household; the complex social obligations and the need to tip servants required significant funds. She assumed that whatever dowry Shen Mengli had brought with her must have been long since exhausted.

She figured Shen Mengli was now penniless, unable to afford even a decent piece of jewelry, and was merely putting on a brave face to save pride.

"Sister, you should keep your money for yourself. I can certainly afford such a small amount."

"Sister, if you don't have the money, just say so. I wouldn't mock you. There’s no need to pretend and make yourself look ridiculous," Shen Mengqing said, her expression filled with disdain.

"I am the legitimate Princess Consort of the Prince Duan estate. How could I be short on money? The estate would never deny me such petty expenses."

"Shen Mengli, stop the charade. Others might not know you, but I do. Back at the Shen estate, you were like a ghost, completely invisible. Qi Yunyan’s heart belongs to his 'white moonlight'; you don't even compare to a single strand of Lin Qingyu's hair. Since you can't win over your husband, I'm sure Prince Duan and the Princess Consort don't care for you either. You have no standing in their eyes, so why would they give you money to spend?"

Shen Mengqing remained as foolish and self-assured as ever. So, this was the stereotypical image she held of her. She could never imagine just how well-regarded Shen Mengli was in the Duan estate now.

Although Qi Yunyan did not love her, he treated her with the respect she was due. Her parents-in-law were even more doting, frequently bestowing gifts upon her, and the servants were fiercely loyal, following her every command. How could she possibly be lacking in funds?

"Then show me the money! Let’s see how you talk your way out of this one."

Shen Mengli was momentarily struck dumb. In the Duan estate, she had maids who managed the accounts and provided funds; she never had to carry money herself. Having come along with Qi Yunyan this time, she had simply assumed he would handle the payments; it had never crossed her mind to bring any cash. Thus, she was indeed empty-handed at the moment.

However, even though she had no money on her person, Qi Yunyan did, and his money was her money.

"Although I don't have any cash on me right now, my husband does. He told me to pick whatever I like, and he will take care of the bill."

Shen Mengqing looked Shen Mengli up and down, her eyes filled with contempt.

"Shen Mengli, you’re the same as ever—bragging without a shred of truth. Even when caught in a lie, you still refuse to admit it. Qi Yunyan has money, sure. If you said he was buying something for Lin Qingyu, I might believe you. But to claim he’d pay for you? Do you think I’m a fool who would fall for such a clumsy lie?"

Just as the two were locked in confrontation, Qi Yunyan walked over from nearby. Shen Mengqing was stunned to see him. Why was he here? Could he have accompanied Shen Mengli?

Impossible! Qi Yunyan loved Lin Qingyu, not Shen Mengli. It must be that Shen Mengli had nagged and pestered him into coming with her. How shameless!

"Shen Mengli, have you made your choice?"

"I'm still looking."

She had indeed been browsing, but her rhythm had been disrupted by Shen Mengqing’s sudden outburst. To Shen Mengqing, these were all just excuses. She was certain that because Shen Mengli knew Qi Yunyan wouldn't pay for her and she had no money of her own, she was just pretending to still be choosing to save face. She was determined to expose the lie.

"Sister, you’ve been looking for ages; how can you not have picked anything yet? With the Heir Apparent here, you don't need to worry about paying the bill, right, Your Grace?"