Chapter 45

The main hall of the Duke's manor.

Except for the Duke, who is still governing Zhengding and is absent, all the masters of the Shen household who have a say are here.

"Big sister‑in‑law, how can we possibly not go to the Song household's banquet? You lot from the main house aren't going, so you can't very well stop us." This was said by the Second House Madam.

She had a pair of tapered‑corner phoenix eyes, a nose bridge straight as a cut, thin and distinct lips; at a glance you could tell she was a woman quite scheming and capable.

Madam Yang of the Third House was also present; she said nothing, but had already made up her mind in her heart to attend the banquet.

Those invited to the Song household's banquet are surely prominent families, not much inferior to the Rong Duke's household; Madam Yang went with the intention of selecting a husband for Shen Ling.

She already felt the main house would not sincerely treat her and her daughter, so the more Madam Shen pressed to forbid them from going, the more she believed the main house could not bear to see others prosper.

Madam Shen sat in the seat of honor, glanced at them, and said, "I have already replied to the Song household; for the banquet three days from now, not a single member of the Shen family will go."

The Second House Madam's face changed, her tone somewhat displeased: "Big sister‑in‑law, you can't be this overbearing—how can you make decisions for us?"

Madam Shen said, "I am the mistress of the Duke's household; of course I can do this."

Second Master Shen Wei spoke in a relatively gentle tone: "Sister‑in‑law, you ought to have a reason for this—saying none of us will go is hardly giving the Song family face; isn't that just offending them to death?"

Madam Yang also couldn't help but say, "Big sister‑in‑law, you're not afraid of offending the Song household—don't drag us down with you."

The matter of Grand Secretary Song's collusion with the Holy Heaven Sect cannot be spoken of openly; this secret has so far leaked not a whisper in Jingcheng. If it were to be inadvertently spread from the Duke's household, it would surely stir up unpredictable trouble.

Madam Shen looked at them, too lazy to waste words: "If you won't listen to me and insist on going, I won't stop you—but whoever wants to attend the Song household's banquet must first split the household."

"Split the household?!" the Second House Madam exclaimed in shock, "Are you crazy?"

Shen Wei said, "Sister‑in‑law, you can't joke about that kind of thing—we're all one family; talking about splitting the household hurts feelings."

"I'm not crazy, and I'm not joking with you." Madam Shen said calmly, "I've laid out my words here: whoever wants to go must first split the household, then go."

Splitting the household means dividing the property; thereafter each will live separately.

However, the Second and Third Houses have little ability to earn money; the family's food, clothing, housing, travel, and even the greasing of their official careers all depend on the main house—based on this alone, Madam Shen can easily hold their vital point.

Moreover, Madam Yang was still counting on the dowry Madam Shen had promised for Shen Ling; if the household were split, that dowry would surely be unobtainable.

For a moment, the people of the Second and Third Houses became obedient, though their faces still showed a hint of resentment.

Madam Shen's tone eased a little, and she spoke softly: "We're one family, we don't speak of two houses; as the mistress of the Duke's household, I naturally put the household's overall situation first. The Song household's banquet is a Hongmen feast—we cannot go; you will understand in time."

"If I find out any of you sneaked off to the Song household behind my back, it's still the same saying: get out of the Rong Duke's residence."

The Second House Madam is shrewd; she will hear the implication in those words, which are mainly meant for the Third House to hear.

Madam Yang's slight calculation of ingratiating herself was shattered by that warning, and she ultimately forced those thoughts down.

The Second House Madam added, "What about the Zhen Duke's residence—should we go or not?"

Madam Shen took a sip of tea before saying, "You decide for yourselves."

The Second House Madam lowered her eyes, rolled her eyeballs, and said nothing.

After leaving the main hall, the Second House couple walked back along the covered corridor.

Shen Wei asked his wife's opinion: "Should we still go to the Zhen Duke's residence or not?"

Madam You immediately said, "Not going, none of us are going."

Shen Wei didn't understand and asked again: "What, we can't go to the Zhen Duke's residence either?"

Madam You stopped in her tracks, feeling somewhat helpless and also frustrated, as if wishing she could knock some sense into him: "We turn down the Song household's invitation and then head straight to the Zhen Duke's residence—what do you think the Song side will make of that?"

"Better to go to neither place and offend no one—just feign illness that day, stay in the manor, and see no one. Do you understand?"

Shen Wei thought it over, found it reasonable: "Alright, I'll do as you say." Having said that, he turned to leave.

After taking two steps, he seemed to recall something, turned back and said to Madam You, "By the way, I'll be staying at Madam Lin's place tonight—no need to wait for me."

Upon hearing this, Madam You's face darkened; she fixed her gaze on Shen Wei's hastily retreating back, a flash of resentment crossing her eyes.

She muttered under her breath, "That little slut, Madam Lin!"

Although the Duke also has a concubine, that was forced upon Shen Lang by the old matriarch back then, and Madam Qin only conceived her child through some scheming.

After that, Shen Lang never set foot in her chambers again, and for over twenty years he took no other concubine—his eyes were for Madam Shen alone.

Looking at Shen Wei, he is practically the complete opposite of Shen Lang! Over the years he has had countless women—inside the house and out—so many that she can't even keep track, and she is utterly exhausted in both body and mind.

Madam You's sole consolation is that, although her own husband is useless, she managed to pick a decent husband for her daughter.

Shen Miaoyun will have a happy and fulfilling marriage, and will not follow her mother's old path.

As for Shen Shuangning, it's hard to say—men as single‑minded and deep‑feeling as Zhao Lian'an are few and far between; you won't find a second one among Jingcheng's noble youths.

People naturally have a competitive streak, especially when they share the same roof and bear the same surname.

Madam You thought, although the Second House cannot compare to the main house's splendor, her daughter must marry even better than the main house's!

Shen Shuangning had just come out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor's residence.

"Older sister, you're not in good health—I've already said you don't need to see me off."

Shen Miaoyun said gently, "I'm fine; why are you more nervous than your brother‑in‑law?"

Shen Shuangning added in a low voice, "Older sister, about what I just told you—you really need to take it to heart. For the next three months, don't have any dealings with the Song household."

"All right, I'll remember." Shen Miaoyun then added carefully, "Be careful on the road and return to the manor early."

"I'll go see Ningning off," said Zhao Lian'an from the side.

Shen Shuangning felt a faint aversion toward Zhao Lian'an and politely declined.

Shen Shuangning had arrived by carriage.

After bidding farewell to Shen Miaoyun, she bent down and got into the carriage with Aheng's support.

Zhao Lian'an's gaze lingered on her slender, graceful back; his Adam's apple bobbed, his heart grew ever more itchy, yet fearing the lady might notice, he dared not stare longer.

Shen Shuangning was preoccupied and had no leisure to pay attention to Zhao Lian'an.

This time the Song household invited half of the prominent families in Jingcheng, a considerable gathering, and Shen Shuangning increasingly felt that the Song household harbored ill intent.

Fortunately, the Su family was not among them, so Shen Shuangning spared herself some trouble; otherwise she would indeed have had a bit of a headache.

Three days later, the day of the banquet arrived.

The second branch of the Duke's mansion didn't go anywhere; only Shen Er, Shen Ling, and Shen Shuangning went together to the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State.

Interpretation: "The second branch of the Duke's mansion didn't go anywhere; only Shen Er, Shen Ling, and Shen Shuangning went together to the Zhen Guo Gong's residence."

The second branch of the Duke's mansion didn't go anywhere; only Shen Er, Shen Ling, and Shen Shuangning went together to the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State.

Check for any added words: we added "the" etc. That's fine for natural English.

We must keep it single line.

The Pei clan of the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State is a century-old family, older than the Xie and Xiao clans; they were once prominent for a while, and although now somewhat declined, they are still an existence not to be underestimated.

Interpretation: "The Pei clan of the Zhen Guo Gong's residence is a century-old family, older than the Xie and Xiao clans, once prominent as well, though now somewhat declined, yet still not to be underestimated."

The Pei clan of the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State is a century-old family, older than the Xie and Xiao clans; they were once prominent for a while, and although now somewhat declined, they are still an existence not to be underestimated.

We'll translate: "The Pei clan of the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State is a century-old family, older than the Xie and Xiao clans, once prominent as well, though now somewhat declined, yet still not to be underestimated."

The Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State does not have the awe-inspiring high gate of the Xie family, nor does it exude the cold, stern aura of the Prince Yan's mansion; instead, amidst its spacious solemnity, it carries a hint of warm, amiable grace.

Interpretation: "The Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State does not have the awe-inspiring high gate of the Xie family, nor does it resemble the Prince Yan's residence with its cold, stern aura; instead, amidst its spacious solemnity, it carries a hint of warm, amiable grace."

The Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State does not have the awe-inspiring high gate of the Xie family, nor does it exude the cold, stern aura of the Prince Yan's mansion; instead, amidst its spacious solemnity, it carries a hint of warm, amiable grace.

Thus: "The Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State does not have the awe-inspiring high gate of the Xie family, nor does it resemble the Prince Yan's residence with its cold, stern aura; instead, amidst its spacious solemnity, it carries a hint of warm, amiable grace."

Madam Pei's treatment of Shen Shuangning remained warm as before, just right in friendliness; instead it made Shen Shuangning feel a bit embarrassed.

Interpretation: "Madam Pei's treatment of Shen Shuangning remained warm as ever, just right in friendliness, which instead made Shen Shuangning feel a bit embarrassed."

Madam Pei's treatment of Shen Shuangning remained warm as before, just right in friendliness; instead it made Shen Shuangning feel a bit embarrassed.

Thus: "Madam Pei's treatment of Shen Shuangning remained warm as ever, just right in friendliness, which instead made Shen Shuangning feel a bit embarrassed."

"Fourth Miss, just treat this as your own home; if you want anything to eat, tell Qing Jie'er, don't be polite."

Interpretation: "\"Fourth Miss, just treat this as your own home; if you want anything to eat, tell Qing Jie'er, don't be polite. \""

"Fourth Miss, just treat this as your own home; if you want anything to eat, tell Qing Jie'er, don't be polite."

The Qing Jie'er that Madam Pei spoke of refers to her younger daughter Pei Qing, who is still a year away from the coming-of-age ceremony, not much older than Shen Ling.

Interpretation: "The Qing Jie'er that Madam Pei spoke of refers to her younger daughter Pei Qing, who is still a year away from the coming-of-age ceremony, not much older than Shen Ling."

The Qing Jie'er that Madam Pei spoke of refers to her younger daughter Pei Qing, who is still a year away from the coming-of-age ceremony, not much older than Shen Ling.

Pei Qing is the only young lady in the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State; to say she is surrounded by adoring stars is not an exaggeration, yet her temperament is not spoiled.

Interpretation: "Pei Qing is the only young lady in the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State; to say she is surrounded by adoring stars is not an exaggeration, yet her temperament is not spoiled."

Pei Qing is the only young lady in the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State; to say she is surrounded by adoring stars is not an exaggeration, yet her temperament is not spoiled.

The Pei family gives off a feeling of gentleness like water.

Interpretation: "The Pei family members all give a feeling of gentleness like water."

Thus: "The Pei family members all give a feeling of gentleness like water."

Shen Shuangning feels very at ease here.

Interpretation: "Shen Shuangning felt very at ease here."

Thus: "Shen Shuangning felt very at ease here."

This is a banquet for the younger generation; Madam Pei knows her presence would make them uncomfortable, so after sitting a while she left.

Interpretation: "This was a banquet for the younger generation; Madam Pei knew her presence would make them uncomfortable, so after sitting a while she left."

Thus: "This was a banquet for the younger generation; Madam Pei knew her presence would make them uncomfortable, so after sitting a while she left."

Everyone present were young juniors; once Madam Pei left, the crowd became lively.

Interpretation: "Everyone present were young juniors; once Madam Pei left, the crowd became lively."

Thus: "Everyone present were young juniors; once Madam Pei left, the crowd became lively."

Among these people were a few familiar young ladies; after greeting them, Shen Shuangning quietly sat in the pavilion drinking tea.

Interpretation: "Among these people were a few familiar young ladies; after Shen Shuangning greeted them, she quietly sat in the pavilion drinking tea."

Thus: "Among these people were a few familiar young ladies; after Shen Shuangning greeted them, she quietly sat in the pavilion drinking tea."

She came with a purpose and had no time for small talk with these people.

Interpretation: "She came with a purpose, having no time to make small talk with these people."

Thus: "She came with a purpose, having no time to make small talk with these people."

It is largely because Shen Shuangning's face is too outstanding, and because of some topics about her, the young ladies, when speaking of her in private, have a tone of dislike.

Interpretation: "Probably because Shen Shuangning's face is too outstanding, and also some topics about her, when the young ladies gossiped about her in private, their tone carried some dislike."

Thus: "Probably because Shen Shuangning's face is too outstanding, and also some topics about her, when the young ladies gossiped about her in private, their tone carried some dislike."

The young masters and ladies kept some distance; the Pei family's young masters were over there, but none of them was Pei Zhi.

Interpretation: "The young gentlemen and ladies kept some distance; the few young masters of the Pei family over there were not Pei Zhi."

Thus: "The young gentlemen and ladies kept some distance; the few young masters of the Pei family over there were not Pei Zhi."

Few young masters came to the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State; likely most went to the Song mansion to attend the feast.

Interpretation: "Not many young gentlemen came to the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State; likely most went to the Song residence to attend the banquet."

Thus: "Not many young gentlemen came to the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State; likely most went to the Song residence to attend the banquet."

Today the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State and the Song mansion held banquets simultaneously; the prominent families in the capital received invitations from both, but eighty or ninety percent declined the invitation from the Prince's residence and turned to the Song mansion's banquet.

Interpretation: "Today the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State and the Song residence held banquets simultaneously; the prominent families in the capital all received invitations from both, but eighty or ninety percent politely declined the invitation from the former and turned to the Song residence's banquet."

Thus: "Today the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State and the Song residence held banquets simultaneously; the prominent families in the capital all received invitations from both, but eighty or ninety percent politely declined the invitation from the former and turned to the Song residence's banquet."

After the incident at the Zhuangyuan Bridge, the Song family's prestige rose like the midday sun; who in the capital wouldn't want to ride this wave and gain some glory?

Interpretation: "Since the incident at the Top Scholar Bridge, the Song family's prestige has been soaring; who in the capital wouldn't want to borrow this momentum to gain some glory?"

Thus: "Since the incident at the Top Scholar Bridge, the Song family's prestige has been soaring; who in the capital wouldn't want to borrow this momentum to gain some glory?"

By comparison, the invitation from the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State seemed lighter in weight; but they never imagined that the Song mansion's hall would collapse, and those who clung to the Song family would also be implicated...

Interpretation: "By comparison, the invitation from the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State thus seemed lighter in weight; but they never imagined that the Song residence's main building would collapse, and then those who clung to the Song residence would also be implicated......"

We need to keep the ellipsis as is. So: "By comparison, the invitation from the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State thus seemed lighter in weight; but they never imagined that the Song residence's main building would collapse, and then those who clung to the Song residence would also be implicated......"

Pei Qing came over to speak with Shen Shuangning on her own initiative.

Interpretation: "Pei Qing took the initiative to come and speak with Shen Shuangning."

Thus: "Pei Qing took the initiative to come and speak with Shen Shuangning."

The two were not close.

Interpretation: "The two were not well acquainted,"

Note: The line ends with a comma; we need to keep it as part of translation? The instruction: keep each translation on a single output line. We should translate exactly, preserving punctuation. So we translate: "The two were not well acquainted,"

"Ning elder sister, are you talking about my third older brother?" Pei Qing said with a smiling gaze, "Today many young ladies have come to the residence; he might be shy, still tidying up his appearance; he'll be here soon."

Interpretation: "\"Ning elder sister, are you talking about my third older brother? \" Pei Qing said with a smiling gaze, \"Today many young ladies have come to the residence; he might be shy, still tidying up his appearance; he'll be here soon. \""

"Ning elder sister, are you talking about my third older brother?" Pei Qing said with a smiling gaze, "Today many young ladies have come to the residence; he might be shy, still tidying up his appearance; he'll be here soon."

We need to keep the quotes and punctuation.

Shen Shuangning knew that today the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State was holding a banquet for Pei Zhi, ostensibly to celebrate his recovery, but actually to make an appearance.

Interpretation: "Shen Shuangning knew that today the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State was holding a banquet for Pei Zhi; on the surface it was to celebrate his recovery from illness, but in fact it was to make an appearance."

Thus: "Shen Shuangning knew that today the Residence of the Prince Who Stabilizes the State was holding a banquet for Pei Zhi; on the surface it was to celebrate his recovery from illness, but in fact it was to make an appearance."

Although she had already shown her face once at the Wanghe Pavilion, she still needed to be more formal; in the future she would inevitably have to interact with these aristocratic disciples.

Interpretation: "Although she had already shown her face once at the Gazing Crane Pavilion, she still needed to be more formal; in the future she would inevitably have to interact with these noble offspring."

Thus: "Although she had already shown her face once at the Gazing Crane Pavilion, she still needed to be more formal; in the future she would inevitably have to interact with these noble offspring."

Shen Shuangning knew that Pei Zhi had given her an invitation, so he would certainly appear; therefore she was not in a hurry.

Interpretation: "Shen Shuangning knew that Pei Zhi had given her an invitation, so he would certainly appear; therefore she was not in a hurry."

Thus: "Shen Shuangning knew that Pei Zhi had given her an invitation, so he would certainly appear; therefore she was not in a hurry."

At that moment, some people came from the garden side; a woman in splendid palace attire, with a full figure, arrived gracefully amidst the attendants.

Interpretation: "At this moment, some people came from the garden side; a woman in splendid palace attire, with a plump figure, arrived gracefully amidst the entourage of palace attendants."

Thus: "At this moment, some people came from the garden side; a woman in splendid palace attire, with a plump figure, arrived gracefully amidst the entourage of palace attendants."

"It's Princess Jingyu!" someone exclaimed softly.

Interpretation: "\"It's Princess Jingyu! \" someone whispered in surprise."

Thus: "\"It's Princess Jingyu! \" someone whispered in surprise."

The young ladies near the waterside pavilion all rose to salute; Shen Shuangning also stood up.

Interpretation: "The young ladies near the waterside pavilion all rose to pay their respects; Shen Shuangning also stood up."

Thus: "The young ladies near the waterside pavilion all rose to pay their respects; Shen Shuangning also stood up."

"We pay our respects, Your Highness the Princess." everyone said.

Interpretation: "\"We pay our respects, Your Highness the Princess. \" everyone said."

Thus: "\"We pay our respects, Your Highness the Princess. \" everyone said."

"Everyone, please rise." Princess Jingyu's gaze swept over the crowd, and when she saw Shen Shuangning her eyes lit up slightly.

Interpretation: "\"Please all rise. \" Princess Jingyu's gaze swept over the crowd; when she saw Shen Shuangning, her eyes lit up slightly."

Thus: "\"Please all rise. \" Princess Jingyu's gaze swept over the crowd; when she saw Shen Shuangning, her eyes lit up slightly."

"Princess." Pei Qing went up to greet her, her attitude affectionate, smiling brightly.

Interpretation: "\"Princess. \" Pei Qing went up to greet Princess Jingyu, her attitude affectionate, she said with a smiling face."

Thus: "\"Princess. \" Pei Qing went up to greet Princess Jingyu, her attitude affectionate, she said with a smiling face."

Only then did Princess Jingyu withdraw her gaze, she also smiled at Pei Qing; her face is round and fleshy, and when she smiles she shows two shallow dimples.

Interpretation: "Only then did Princess Jingyu withdraw her gaze, she also smiled at Pei Qing; her face is round and fleshy, and when she smiles there are two shallow dimples."

Thus: "Only then did Princess Jingyu withdraw her gaze, she also smiled at Pei Qing; her face is round and fleshy, and when she smiles there are two shallow dimples."

The princess and Pei Qing have a good relationship, something Shen Shuangning only just learned.

Interpretation: "The princess and Pei Qing have a good relationship; this Shen Shuangning also only just learned."

Thus: "The princess and Pei Qing have a good relationship; this Shen Shuangning also only just learned."

In her previous life, after marrying into the Prince Yan's mansion, she hardly interacted with the capital's young ladies, so many things were unclear to her.

Interpretation: "In her previous life, after she married into the Prince Yan's residence, she seldom socialized with these capital young ladies; many things she was not clear about."

Thus: "In her previous life, after she married into the Prince Yan's residence, she seldom socialized with these capital young ladies; many things she was not clear about."

Princess Jingyu naturally carried the dignity of a princess, and she brought a group of palace attendants; the young ladies did not dare to be as familiar with her as Pei Qing was, yet they still wanted to curry favor.

Interpretation: "Princess Jingyu naturally carried the dignity of a princess, and also brought a group of palace attendants; the young ladies did not dare to be as familiar with her as Pei Qing was, yet they still wanted to curry favor."

Thus: "Princess Jingyu naturally carried the dignity of a princess, and also brought a group of palace attendants; the young ladies did not dare to be as familiar with her as Pei Qing was, yet they still wanted to curry favor."

Because of her past-life connection, Shen Shuangning had not yet had time to avoid Princess Jingyu, and she did not eagerly make small talk with her like everyone else.

Interpretation: "Because of the relationship in her previous life, Shen Shuangning had not yet had time to avoid Princess Jingyu, and did not eagerly make small talk with her like everyone else."

Thus: "Because of the relationship in her previous life, Shen Shuangning had not yet had time to avoid Princess Jingyu, and did not eagerly make small talk with her like everyone else."

She sat properly in the pavilion, while behind the young ladies in a corner she calmly admired the lotus flowers in the lake.

Interpretation: "She sat properly in the pavilion, in the corner behind the young ladies, leisurely appreciating the lotus flowers in the lake."

Thus: "She sat properly in the pavilion, in the corner behind the young ladies, leisurely appreciating the lotus flowers in the lake."

However, Princess Jingyu walked straight toward Shen Shuangning.

Interpretation: "However, Princess Jingyu walked straight toward Shen Shuangning."

Thus: "However, Princess Jingyu walked straight toward Shen Shuangning."

Princess Jingyu was delighted to see her, but being shy, she wanted to speak with Shen Shuangning yet didn't know what to say, and when embarrassed would unconsciously pick at her fingers.

Interpretation: "Princess Jingyu was very happy to see her, but she is shy; she wanted to speak with Shen Shuangning, yet did not know what to say, and when embarrassed would unconsciously pick at her fingers."

Thus: "Princess Jingyu was very happy to see her, but she is shy; she wanted to speak with Shen Shuangning, yet did not know what to say, and when embarrassed would unconsciously pick at her fingers."

Shen Shuangning could see that she wanted to get close, and her feelings were inevitably complex.

Interpretation: "Shen Shuangning saw that she wanted to get close to her, and her mood inevitably became complex."

Thus: "Shen Shuangning saw that she wanted to get close to her, and her mood inevitably became complex."

In her previous life, Princess Jingyu was close to Song Xizhi; after the Song mansion was ransacked and Song Xizhi was exiled from the capital, while Shen Shuangning married into the Prince Yan's mansion, Princess Jingyu often used the excuse of helping her good sister vent anger, directing various actions against herself.

Interpretation: "In her previous life, Princess Jingyu had a good relationship with Song Xizhi; after the Song residence was ransacked, Song Xizhi was exiled from the capital, while Shen Shuangning married into the Prince Yan's residence, and Princess Jingyu often used the pretext of helping her good sister vent anger, targeting Shen Shuangning in various ways."

Thus: "In her previous life, Princess Jingyu had a good relationship with Song Xizhi; after the Song residence was ransacked, Song Xizhi was exiled from the capital, while Shen Shuangning married into the Prince Yan's residence, and Princess Jingyu often used the pretext of helping her good sister vent anger, targeting Shen Shuangning in various ways."

But now she cannot reconcile the woman before her with the willful princess of her past life.

Interpretation: "But now she actually could not associate the woman before her with the willful princess of her previous life."

Thus: "But now she actually could not associate the woman before her with the willful princess of her previous life."

Is it that she has been reborn, and Princess Jingyu has also changed?

Interpretation: "Is it that she has been reborn, and Princess Jingyu has also undergone a change?"

Thus: "Is it that she has been reborn, and Princess Jingyu has also undergone a change?"

Seeing Shen Shuangning's cold attitude toward her, Princess Jingyu suddenly whispered, "Do you not like me?"

Interpretation: "Seeing Shen Shuangning's cold attitude toward her, Princess Jingyu suddenly whispered, \"Do you not like me? \""

Thus: "Seeing Shen Shuangning's cold attitude toward her, Princess Jingyu suddenly whispered, \"Do you not like me? \""

"Princess, you misunderstand; how could I dislike the princess?" Shen Shuangning said.

Interpretation: "\"Princess, you misunderstand; how could I dislike the princess? \" Shen Shuangning said."

Thus: "\"Princess, you misunderstand; how could I dislike the princess? \" Shen Shuangning said."

Princess Jingyu blinked her round, glossy eyes, "Really?"

Interpretation: "Princess Jingyu blinked her round, glossy eyes, \"Really? \""

Thus: "Princess Jingyu blinked her round, glossy eyes, \"Really? \""

Shen Shuangning nodded, saying insincerely, "Really."

Interpretation: "Shen Shuangning nodded, saying against her will, \"Really. \""

Thus: "Shen Shuangning nodded, saying against her will, \"Really. \""

Princess Jingyu then burst into laughter, actually somewhat cute: "Then could you accompany me in playing pitch-pot?"

Interpretation: "Princess Jingyu then laughed, actually somewhat cute: \"Then can you accompany me to play pitch-pot? \""

Thus: "Princess Jingyu then laughed, actually somewhat cute: \"Then can you accompany me to play pitch-pot? \""

Shen Shuangning naturally could not refuse: "Of course."

Interpretation: "Shen Shuangning naturally could not refuse: \"Of course. \""

Thus: "Shen Shuangning naturally could not refuse: \"Of course. \""

Princess Jingyu then went to order someone to fetch the pitch-pot equipment.

Interpretation: "Princess Jingyu then went to order someone to bring the pitch-pot equipment."

Thus: "Princess Jingyu then went to order someone to bring the pitch-pot equipment."

"Ning elder sister, actually the princess admires you very much." Pei Qing, sitting beside Shen Shuangning, whispered to her.

Interpretation: "\"Ning elder sister, actually the princess greatly admires you. \" Pei Qing sat beside Shen Shuangning and whispered to her."

Thus: "\"Ning elder sister, actually the princess greatly admires you. \" Pei Qing sat beside Shen Shuangning and whispered to her."

Shen Shuangning startled: "Admire?"

Interpretation: "Shen Shuangning startled: \"Admire? \""

Thus: "Shen Shuangning startled: \"Admire? \""

Pei Qing said: "The last time you competed in the ladies' etiquette contest against Grand Secretary Song, she thought you were very formidable."

Interpretation: "Pei Qing said: \"Last time you competed against Grand Secretary Song in the ladies' etiquette contest, she thought you were very formidable. \""

Thus: "Pei Qing said: \"Last time you competed against Grand Secretary Song in the ladies' etiquette contest, she thought you were very formidable. \""

The noble ladies disliked Shen Shuangning, but Princess Jingyu liked her, which made them hate her even more, to the point of itching their teeth.