Chapter 42 The Intent to Kill Is Set

Nobody knew the overwhelming intent to kill that surged through Xiao Ze when he held that letter last night, nor how he forced himself to suppress that murderous impulse and allowed Shen Yishu to continue living.

Dou Hongyan, naturally, was entirely unaware of this.

Having waited the entire night without seeing any move from Xiao Ze, she was caught off guard when the Third Prince suddenly inserted himself into the situation, taking a curious interest in the Marquis's Mansion.

"Mistress, even the Third Highness's personal steward came over himself. It is clear how much importance he places on the eldest master."

As Liuyun gently traced Dou Hongyan's eyebrows and helped her dress, she spoke in a low voice: "He brought quite a few tonic gifts. He is showing a great deal of care."

The more Liuyun spoke, the more depressed Dou Hongyan became.

Regret and annoyance gnawed at her heart.

The current Third Prince, Xiao Yanqing, was arguably the Crown Prince's greatest rival. Over the years, Xiao Yanqing's momentum had been formidable, and he was locked in an intense struggle against Xiao Ze.

Why on earth would he suddenly take notice of Shen Yishu?

Now that Xiao Yanqing had sent people to show favor to the Marquis's Mansion, the previously insignificant estate was suddenly thrust into the royal spotlight.

Regardless of what ulterior motives Xiao Yanqing harbored, it was an undeniable fact that he had established a connection with Shen Yishu.

This would undoubtedly cloud Xiao Ze's judgment. If she wished to keep Xiao Ze steady from now on, she would have to take many more factors into consideration.

A headache was forming.

Dou Hongyan closed her eyes and rolled them internally.

The longer this man stayed back, the more reasons he gave for her to find him an eyesore. Both Shen Yishu and Xiao Ze should have properly stayed away.

One should have gone to the countryside, and the other to the northern border; neither should have stayed to bother her.

Despite the annoyance boiling inside her, on the surface, Dou Hongyan still had to maintain the poise of a mistress of the house, receiving the steward from Xiao Yanqing's residence with flawless etiquette.

When the steward saw Dou Hongyan, he showed deep respect: "It is this humble servant's fault for making an abrupt intrusion, but our Highness heard that the eldest master of the Shen family was feeling unwell, and thought that he must have suffered a great deal out in the world."

"That is why we prepared a few modest gifts. I hope the Mistress will not take offense."

With an air of dignified grace yet full of courtesy, Dou Hongyan replied, "Not at all. It is most kind of His Highness. The Marquis's Mansion is flattered beyond measure that the Third Highness would hold him in such remembrance. It is truly the fortune of our house."

Wearing a gentle smile, she added, "Thank you for making the trip in person, Steward."

"I dare not, I dare not..."

Exchanging polite pleasantries, the two of them walked into the reception hall. Suddenly, the steward paused in his steps, his smile deepening as he looked at Dou Hongyan: "Forgive me, Mistress, but this humble servant would also like to pay his personal respects to Eldest Master Shen, to demonstrate our sincerity."

Dou Hongyan's gaze flickered for a fraction of a second, though her expression remained completely composed: "I see. Please follow me."

News that the Marquis's Mansion had a visitor soon traveled to the Listening Rain Courtyard.

Upon hearing that the visitor was connected to an imperial prince, Liu Xin'er hurriedly dressed and primped, anxiously guarding Shen Yishu's side.

Seeing the two approaching, she quickly stood up with a smiling welcome, attempting to edge Dou Hongyan out of the way: "So it is His Highness the Third Prince who has sent someone to visit my husband. Esteemed sir, you have had a hard journey—"

She bowed gently with a soft, yielding grace, revealing a delicate neck and moving with the swaying elegance of a weeping willow, her voice sweet and tender.

The steward, however, frowned, took a step back, and asked Dou Hongyan, "Who is this...?"

Liu Xin'er quickly offered a gentle, smiling explanation: "This concubine is surnamed Liu. Over the years, I have accompanied my husband out in the world—"

Her remaining words were abruptly cut short by the steward.

"Ah, so it's just a concubine."

He waved his hand in disgust and shook his head, saying, "Lady Dou is far too soft-hearted to allow a concubine to address him as 'husband'. For a mere concubine to show her face and receive guests—truly, someone coming from the countryside lacks all sense of propriety."

With that, he turned back to Dou Hongyan with flattering courtesy, "The fatigue Mistress has endured all these years is witnessed by the entire capital. Why must you be so courteous to a mere servant?"