Yes, I Do(n't)

Chapter 35: Oh brother!

Shen Baiyu freezes on her spot upon seeing the newly arrived Mu Heli. This is quite unexpected. Usually, he only came back during festive seasons to visit the younger Shen Baiyu who found him to be quite an annoying person because he always forced her to go out from her comfortable courtyard and faced the judgmental "wolves" who had nothing better to do other than judging others. Being in this younger body of Shen Baiyu made her realized that the younger Shen Baiyu is definitely not timid. She is just a lazy young woman and prefers to live in an easygoing and peaceful life. Her weak constitution has never been considered as a curse by the younger Shen Baiyu, for her, it was a blessing in disguise and her family members accommodated her lazy ways all these years.

"Heli greets uncle, Madam Li, brother Yili and Her Royal Highness. Lianhua, you’ve grown more and more beautiful since the last time I've seen you. Zhishi is indeed a lucky brat! Cousin sister... Why did you not tell me about your predicament? Just say the word and I will call all of the scholars in our Kingdom to submit petitions so that the one who caused you pain will be punished."

Shen Baiyu then says, "Cousin brother, thank you for your concern but I rather not. I honestly wanted my engagement to be annulled as well."

Mu Heli stares at her with a teasing smile on his lips, "Aaah... If that how it is... No worries. I will find the perfect candidate to be your husband! Look at what we have here! The three handsome brothers from the Prime Minister's family. Come! Come! Choose one of them."

No wonder the younger Shen Baiyu somewhat hated this cousin brother of hers. She then answers, "Cousin brother... Do not simply throw them at me without them knowing what's what first. Poor Ke Ai nearly chokes on her tea after hearing your outrageous words."

Mu Heli turns to look at Xiao Ke Ai and says, "Pretty one... Don't you think that having my cousin sister as your sister-in-law is quite a tempting idea? Work with me on this."

"Lord Mu, as much as I am tempted to have older sister Baiyu to marry any one of my brothers, I am a bit wary that a certain gentleman will be very angry..."

"Who? That prince? Or, the other prince? Who cares about those brothers? Pardon me for my words, Your Royal Highness." Mu Heli respectfully bowed to First Princess Nangong Rouran but she softly laughed and nodded her head.

"Heli... Watch your words. They are, after all, the princes of our Kingdom." General Shen Jilie warned him, but he is obviously not even bothered with what has just been said by Mu Heli. This nephew of his is obviously here to be with Baiyu's for the upcoming welcoming banquet.

"Heli, are you staying here? Did your parents know?" Captain Shen Yili asked.

"Yili... I've come here after I've heard about this matter from my parents and my grandparents. They wanted to visit, but both are equally important for them, so they decided to stay out of it for the sake of impartiality. But I am obviously in Baiyu's side on this matter."

Concubine Li Xiyin smiles and says, "I am glad that you are here, Lord Mu. Baiyu needed all the support that she can get."

Mu Heli smiles and says, "Madam Li, I am here for that very reason. Especially when it involves Baiyu's happiness."

"Cousin brother, I am fine. I can handle this matter on my own. I will firmly stand on my ground for the engagement to be annulled for good in front of imperial aunt. And, I have no wish to be the concubine of the Third Prince either." She said as she sits next to her sister-in-law.

"Speaking of the Third Prince, his Wangfei is on her way back to the imperial city as well. The Third Prince and his Wangfei seem to live their own separate lives. Separate residences. Being ignorant of one another's matters. Coming back in a different group. This will get very interesting indeed." Mu Heli said as he continues to smile.

First Princess Nangong Rouran then softly sigh, "At the beginning of their marriage, Princess Hong Meigui is absolutely in love with imperial third brother. But that i***t goes on to take in a Ce’fei and a concubine at the same time soon after their marriage. Imperial mother told me that imperial sister-in-law is absolutely devastated and slowly her health deteriorated... In their first year of marriage, she nearly dies after being bedridden for almost a week. But she miraculously bounced back and bought another residence not far from the main residence. Sh then moved out and stays there ever since. She has changed drastically ever since her illness has been healed. She even opens a medical hall where the poor will be given free treatment while those who can afford it, have to pay accordingly. Seems she is quite knowledgeable in medicine and treating the sicks. She even becomes the first individual who successfully operated a severely ill-person."

Shen Baiyu listens in full concentration and thought, that Zhongda Wangfei sounds like she is another transmigrator from modern time. Successfully and single-handedly operated another? That method is still not supposed to be done in this timeline. Interesting... Maybe she can do something about her annoying husband.

As others are conversing with each other during breakfast, she just sits in silence and absorbs every single (juicy) details. When the time comes for the three young master to leave, Xiao Ke Ai and her walk side by side to send all three of them at the entrance gate. It is quite funny to see all three brothers are making a fuss before they leave Ke Ai while the ungrateful 'dumpling' eyes are shining in delight when she sees they are gone from her sight.

"Ke Ai, we will attend the banquet soon... We have to train hard to strengthen our bodies and minds before we enter the lions' den."

Xiao Ke Ai laughs and says, "Definitely!"

Days before the long-awaited banquet, both of them trained hard and, noticeably, both of them have changed. Shen Baiyu can feel that her body is becoming stronger day by day and her flexibility has been improved as well. Her sharp senses are more apparent too. For Xiao Ke Ai, due to a strict yet healthy diet combined with physical and martial arts training, her body seems to be slimmed down. Most importantly, she is more confident and become bolder due to the influence of both Shen Baiyu and Shen Lianhua.

Mu Heli, on the other hand, keeps on bothering Shen Baiyu whenever she is trying to get her rest. But she never rejected his visits because he somehow reminded her of her own older brother, Marcus Shen Jingling. Too bad as Marcus is not as good-looking as Mu Heli.

When the day for the banquet has arrived, Shen Baiyu dresses up to the nine but her veiled hat is a must-have fashion accessory of course. Xiao Ke Ai has to wait for her outfit as it has to be altered due to her slightly slimmer body. Thank goodness that both Moli and Xingxing are quite a talent in sewing and embroidery. As she waits for Ke Ai, Mu Heli suddenly shows up and hands out a veil to her.

"Cousin brother, I am wearing a veiled hat..."

Mu Heli insists her to wear it by saying, "Wear it. Your face can still be seen underneath your veiled-hat."

(Picture available on w*****d)

She then takes out her silver face mask and wears it before she takes the veil offered by Mu Heli to be worn above the silver mask. Only after making sure the knots for the face mask and face veil are fully secured, she covers her whole face once more with her veiled-hat. Better be safe than sorry. She has no intention to disclose her face to others for the time being. Seeing Xiao Ke Ai walking towards them with Xingxing and Moli bright behind her made her smile. Xiao Ke Ai is slowly becoming more and more beautiful with her slightly slimmed down body. Impressively, her confidence has been greatly boosted too.

"Let us go then. Everyone is waiting for us." Shen Baiyu said.

Mu Heli is looking at them and says jokingly, "This young master is definitely lucky to be accompanied by four beautiful maidens. Ahhhh... My poor heart!"

All of them laugh when they heard his ridiculous words and how silly he is with his both hand seems to be holding onto where his heart is. Mu Heli is indeed a sweet-talker. Once they arrived at the manor's main door gate, two carriages have been waiting for them. The first carriage will be occupied by General Shen Jilie, Captain Shen Yili, and Mu Heli while the second carriage which is more spacious will be occupied by Concubine Li Xiyin, First Princess Nangong Rouran, Shen Baiyu, Shen Lianhua, Xiao Ke Ai and Shen Xianghua. Both Moli and Xingxing are seating on the driver's seat where Moli is expertly controlling the horses.

Inside the second carriage, Shen Baiyu yawns sleepily before she leans towards Concubine Li Xiyin's shoulder. She sleeps soundly within seconds while the others look at her in amusement. Seems like she is not bothered at all on what will happen during the banquet.

"This girl... Look at her sleeping without any care for the world. Seems like the annulment of her engagement is not something for her to be bothered about." Concubine Li Xiyin said with a gentle smile on her lips gently put her hand around her stepdaughter's shoulder.

First Princess Nangong Rouran gently takes off Shen Baiyu's veiled hat so that she will be much more comfortable taking her nap. She continues to stares when she realized that on the beautiful face, a beautiful silver mask and a face veil securely fixed on the fair and smooth skin. She smiles and says, "She is really adamant on not showing her real appearance to others..."

"Older sister Baiyu is so beautiful but she refused to show her face to others. Which is quite a shame really..."

"Right? Older sister is the best!" Shen Lianhua said enthusiastically.

They continue with their conversation while both Shen Baiyu and Shen Xianghua are sleeping soundly.

The carriage suddenly stops and that means they have arrived at the destination. One by one come down from their carriage with the assistance of the men. They then walk towards the direction where the banquet is made, Changshou Hall, which is already full of people including the imperial family members including those coming from the Kingdom of Beitang. Most of the attendees are there to watch the scene that will be unfolded soon but the guest-in-honour is still a no-show. Suddenly, a eunuch standing guard at the entrance door announced the long-awaited arrival of the infamous Eldest Miss Shen with her family members.

"The arrival of General Shen Jilie and Madam Li Xiyin together with Captain Shen Yili, First Princess Nangong Rouran and Little Miss Shen Xianghua! The arrival of Third Miss Shen Lianhua and Second Miss Xiao Ke Ai! The arrival of Magistrate Mu Heli and Eldest Miss Shen Baiyu!

(Picture available on w*****d)

She is the last one to be announced by the eunuch with two maidservants walking closely behind her. Even with her head covers by her veiled hat, everyone noticed that she is different, the way she walks calmly with both of her crossed hands slightly above her stomach. That walk itself exudes an aura of royalty and with each of her steps, all eyes are on her. Gone were the days where she will stumble after a few steps due to her weak body. Now, each of her confident steps shows everyone that she is a force to be reckoned with. It is true then that she completely obliterated the three young (and foolish) misses for slighting Second Miss Xiao and herself before.

Magistrate Mu Heli went to sit with his parents on the opposite side whereas Xiao Ke Ai went to sit with her family members. Shen Lianhua then takes Shen Baiyu's hand to lead her to their seats. Once she is settled, she lifts her head up before her eyes caught a familiar figure. Seeing where he is seated at only means that he is a royalty. He watches her with a smile on his face. So, he is the Crown Prince of the neighbouring Kingdom. Did he play with her from the very beginning?

Xiao Ke Ai, on the other hand, is looking down as she busies herself with playing with her fingers. She realized that her beloved fiancé is staring at her as if he wanted to strangle her. Why is he so angry with her?

Shen Baiyu takes a deep breath to calm herself down. She will go with the flow and put a stop to anything that will not benefit hers at all.

"Moran, you're dead meat!" She keeps on saying the same thing over and over again inside her head.