Chapter 172 - 170: This Little Vixen is Starting to Complain
Lu Jiazhe pondered for a moment and asked, "By the way, Sister Shen, do you know who sent those assassins?"
"Who else could it be but Shen Xinghan?"
Shen Yinning recalled the look in Shen Xinghan’s eyes during her time in the Imperial Prison, her phoenix-like eyes gleaming with faint amusement.
The Shen Family had faced one misfortune after another this past year. With Shen Xinghan’s intellect, he must have started to suspect her by now.
He was ruthless, knowing full well that one must eliminate threats at the root. Unfortunately, he hadn’t accounted for the people protecting her.
Lu Jiazhe sneered coldly. "Of the Shen Family, the one I despise the most is Shen Xinghan! That guy outwardly appears righteous and virtuous, but all he’s done is imitate Brother Xingye’s ways. Even his clothing and mannerisms are deliberate copies of Brother Xingye!"
Shen Yinning froze for a moment.
Suddenly, she recalled that Shen Xinghan’s attire and bearing did indeed bear a faint resemblance to her elder brother.
Lu Jiazhe went on, "I still remember the Lantern Festival when we were kids. Everyone went to the streets to admire the lights; Brother Xingye solved many riddles on the lanterns, and even the Commandery Princess Qinghe praised his intelligence. Shen Xinghan couldn’t beat him and ended up standing alone in the shadows, his eyes red as if they were dripping blood. It was terrifying, as if he wanted to devour someone. In the end, it was Brother Xingye who, out of consideration, deliberately got a few riddles wrong to ease his mood. Only then did Shen Xinghan’s face brighten a little!
"Later, no matter what Brother Xingye did, Shen Xinghan would try to copy him, as if he had to prove he was better. In recent years, whenever anyone in the Capital mentioned Brother Xingye, Shen Xinghan would throw a tantrum on the spot. A noble young gentleman, gentle as jade? He’s just a jealous imitator!"
Shen Yinning had been unaware of these subtle rivalries between men.