Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 35

Before entering the temple, Shen Tangning had asked Chi Yan if he wanted to come along. Seeing that he wasn’t interested, she didn’t force him and told him to wait outside.

After she left, Chi Yan lingered under a tree for a while, his gaze fixed thoughtfully on the red prayer ribbons fluttering in the branches.

He approached the young monk nearby, glanced around uneasily, and cleared his throat. “Give me one too.”

The monk smiled knowingly. “Please wait a moment, benefactor.”

——

The golden-coated Buddha statue gazed down with compassionate solemnity upon the sufferings of the mortal world.

Shen Tangning lit the incense with a wax candle and knelt on the prayer mat, lifting the incense above her head as she looked up at the dignified figure with a calm expression. “I do not believe in gods or buddhas. What I seek today is peace of mind.”

“What I want, I will obtain with my own hands. Those who wronged me will pay the price, personally.”

“Today I endure and lie dormant, waiting for the day the hidden dragon rises to the heavens.”

She did not kowtow. Instead, she rose and respectfully placed the incense in the holder, leaving without a backward glance.

Just before stepping out of the main hall, the corner of her eye swept across a side meditation room. Without pause, she walked on.

When her footsteps faded, the crisp sound of a Go stone broke the silence.

A kind-faced monk glanced at the noblewoman seated across from him. “Your Highness, your mind is wandering.”

The woman looked up. She had an extraordinarily striking face, and her eyes were cold and commanding, not easily looked upon. Yet she wore plain robes, no jewelry — simplicity that made a statement.

Yan Mingyi casually tossed a black Go stone back into the bowl. “Master Kongji, your skill is above mine. I admit defeat.”

The surname Yan was the imperial surname. Calling herself “this princess” and being addressed as an honored guest by Master Kongji clearly marked her as someone of high standing.

A maid nearby pursed her lips. “That woman just now was speaking nonsense in a holy place. Why didn’t Your Highness let this servant reprimand her?”

Yan Mingyi’s lips curled slightly. “I found her quite bold and… interesting. Go find out which noble house she’s from. I’ve been secluded here for too long — I wasn’t aware the capital now had such a character.”

She rose gracefully. “Let’s end our game here for today. I’ll visit again to continue our match.”

Master Kongji smiled gently. “Farewell, Your Highness.”

This princess had always been unconventional; he was used to it. In fact, she seemed oddly in tune with that woman just now.

——

The maid acted quickly and returned shortly after with news.

“Shen Tangning?” Yan Mingyi narrowed her eyes and smiled meaningfully. “So, she’s Xie Langhua’s niece? But the two are complete opposites.”

Xie Langhua had followed the rules her entire life, while this niece of hers… defied every expectation. One had to wonder what she thought of her niece’s rebellious nature.

The maid twitched at how casually her mistress called the Empress by name and quickly changed the subject. “The Third Prince has been moving frequently lately. He clearly has ambitions. What does Your Highness plan to do?”

Yan Mingyi raised her brows lazily. “Tell him I’m unwell and can’t receive guests. He’s been coming so often he might as well move in.”

She chuckled coldly. “As if this palace were his own house.”

——

After burning the incense, Shen Tangning still felt unsettled.

It was said that the eldest princess, Yan Mingyi, was unpredictable and hard to approach. She wasn’t sure whether her earlier bold words had caught the woman’s attention.

But she could not sit by and watch the Third Prince win over the princess.

Yan Mingyi’s life, after all, was nothing short of legendary.

She was the current emperor’s sister and the late emperor’s most beloved daughter. Just how favored had she been?

Rumor had it the late emperor had intended for her to inherit the throne and had even given her a private army loyal only to her.

Yan Mingyi lived up to trust. She had shown brilliance from a young age, excelling in both literature and martial skills — even outshining the princes.

But because she was a woman, the court vehemently opposed her.

What happened behind the palace doors was unknown to outsiders. All that was certain was this: the emperor passed away, the princess gave up her claim, and the current emperor ascended the throne.

Soon after, Yan Mingyi claimed illness and retreated into a life of solitude and meditation.

In Shen Tangning’s previous life, the Third Prince somehow won the princess over to his side — a key reason the crown prince was later deposed.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Chi Yan appeared. “What’s got you thinking so hard?”

She blinked, startled by his handsome face suddenly so close. Smiling, she said, “Nothing. Did I keep you waiting too long?”

“It’s fine.” Chi Yan straightened up, his gaze flickering toward the tree. “Should we head back?”

Just as Shen Tangning was about to answer, a voice came from behind. “Miss, please wait.”

She turned to see a stern-looking woman scrutinizing her. “My lady wishes to speak with you.”

Shen Tangning’s gaze flickered. She recognized this as Yinfang, the trusted maid of the Eldest Princess.

Chi Yan stepped protectively in front of her, his tone wary. “May I ask who your mistress is? Asking someone to talk without even giving her name — what if something happens to my wife? Who would I blame?”

Shen Tangning was surprised by Chi Yan’s reaction. He always seemed lazy and indifferent, yet now he was surprisingly reliable.

But this was the princess they were dealing with — a single misstep could mean serious consequences.

She tugged lightly on his sleeve to signal him to back down, but Yinfang suddenly smiled.

“Rest assured, young master. My lady is also a woman. She won’t be running off with your wife.”

She added coolly, “Her surname is Yan. Title: Princess Jianing.”

Chi Yan’s casual expression instantly vanished.

The surname Yan — of the royal family.

Even the most carefree nobleman had heard of Princess Jianing.

“It was rude of me,” he said quickly.

Yinfang didn’t take offense. She’d heard the rumors that this Second Young Master of the Chi family was a useless playboy. She’d felt sorry for Miss Shen, but seeing him now, perhaps the rumors weren’t entirely true.

At least he cared about his wife.

“Please, this way.”

Shen Tangning hadn’t expected her little gamble to succeed — she was going to meet the princess.

Yinfang led her to a secluded pavilion where a woman sat brewing tea. Her every movement was graceful and fluid, radiating poise.

No fancy dress or jewels could match her commanding aura.

Shen Tangning thought to herself: If her cousin Yun’an wanted to learn proper royal bearing, she should study this aunt of hers carefully.

The princess didn’t look up as the footsteps approached. Only when Shen Tangning curtsied and greeted her did she lift her eyes slightly and speak with cool indifference:

“Daughter of the Shen family… You are bold indeed. Playing tricks in front of me?”