Chapter 297: Chapter 297 - 289: Still Wet Behind the Ears, and Trying to Flirt?

Shen Qingli’s pretty face turned red with anger and shame, "Don’t slander me! How could I do such a thing?"

The other party lazily replied, "Why not? You think Shen Tang stole your position, so you had to resort to this desperate measure to regain your status."

The young man was clearly someone who supported Shen Tang.

Shen Tang raised her eyebrows in surprise and looked over, recognizing that this must be a young master of the Snow Mink Clan, seated next to the Family Head. She didn’t know his name, though he seemed to be around sixteen or seventeen and quite handsome.

The young man noticed Shen Tang looking his way, and immediately straightened his lazy posture, hurriedly tidying his clothes and hair, even winking flirtatiously.

"..."

Lu Xiao noticed this little interaction, his eyes darkened, and he unobtrusively stepped forward to block the view.

Xiao Jin crossed his arms, his golden eyes fierce, glaring back fiercely!

Where did this young pup come from, daring to flirt before he’s fully grown?

There are only five spots in the family, no more can be added.

Jia Lan saw a young and handsome male beast even younger than herself, and a sense of crisis arose in her heart. She suddenly felt that Shen Tang’s current brilliance had its downside—there were more wildflowers and weeds to guard against!

The young man, unable to see even a corner of the Princess’s clothes being blocked, pouted angrily. How could it be like this!

A bunch of old scallions, once His Highness selects concubines to expand the harem in the future, he will definitely squeeze his way in.

Shen Tang, however, didn’t notice these little actions of the beast husbands. She turned back leisurely to look at Shen Qingli, who had a difficult expression, and was in no hurry to speak, looking all the while like she was enjoying a good show.

As the young man’s words fell, several others began whispering in low tones.

Gradually, more and more people began discussing, and a commotion arose.

"...They just determined the heir, and rumors immediately started spreading—what a coincidence. Moreover, all the rumors target His Highness Shen Tang alone, which is hard not to overthink."

"Besides, don’t you think it’s strange? Every year there are many rumors, mostly baseless, but Shen Qingli has been so confident since she entered the door, immediately pointing at His Highness Shen Tang without a second thought. What gives her that confidence?"

"Yeah, I feel it’s not so much doubt as it’s trying to pin something bad on His Highness Shen Tang."

"Now that you mention it, the more I think about the things Princess Shen Qingli said, the more suspicious they sound."

"Could she really be the one secretly directing everything..."

"Rumors can destroy a person. This action is too despicable, the mind truly malicious."

Hearing these words, Shen Qingli was furious, feeling like her lungs would explode. She hurriedly tried to explain, but how could one voice overpower the hundreds present?

Her weak explanations were soon drowned in the voices of questioning and accusation.

The evidence was clear, Yun Han could not defend her.

Yun Han looked at Shen Qingli with dim eyes full of disappointment, ultimately not speaking up for her.

The beastmen spreading rumors were dragged out and executed per the Empire’s law.

Though no evidence was obtained, the cunning veterans of the council had experienced plenty of political battles; this minor trick was not sophisticated, and most people had already realized what was happening.

They just hadn’t expected that Shen Qingli, who always appeared perfect and kind in public, was such a person in private?

It’s truly about knowing the face, not the heart!

Previously, they had thought everything Shen Tang had done since her return was just a pretense. But now they saw that the real master of disguise was right in front of them all along!

Shen Qingli’s attempt to be cunning backfired, causing her reputation to plummet.

Back when she was captured by the rebel army, missing the chance to be an heir, many people had felt pity for her. Now that pity evaporated, and people only felt blame.

Those who had doubted Shen Tang due to the rumors felt deeply ashamed.

Soon, the truth of this matter was announced to the city, and the rumors quickly disappeared without a trace.

The citizens of the city were stunned upon learning the truth.

"Princess Shen Tang has such a bitter fate. She fights to the death for the people, yet has to suffer from such an unjust calamity that nearly destroyed her reputation—how arduous it is!"

"I’ve always believed in His Highness, never swayed by the rumors. I don’t know which despicable scoundrel dared spread rumors about His Highness, truly shameless and vicious!"

"With the current political turmoil in the Empire, it’s certainly spies sent by rebel armies or other neighboring countries, trying to prevent His Highness from taking the throne, throwing the Empire into further chaos!"

"The more chaotic the Empire, the more they can benefit themselves!"

"So, we have to be more united and not let them divide us!"

"Since they dread His Highness so much, we must protect His Highness more firmly."

"Yes, we must trust in His Highness and support His Highness!"

[Ding! Congratulations to the host, Kongdu City’s public sentiment +10!]

A notification suddenly appeared in Shen Tang’s mind. She was surprised, "System, are you active again?"

[I’ve been here all along, ok? It’s just that I was forced into mandatory hibernation before.]

"Didn’t you say your hibernation penalty would be for half a month? It’s only been a few days, how did you wake up so soon?"

[The main system reviewed my violation and deemed my actions in an emergency situation to be correct. So it granted me a pardon... Now all system functions are back to normal, and I can fully serve the host!]

Shen Tang was also delighted. At first, she considered the system just a tool, but now she couldn’t see it as a mere emotionless tool anymore; it was more like a little companion to chat with.

For these days, she’d felt a bit uneasy without it chattering in her ear.

"By the way, why did public sentiment increase?" Shen Tang asked.

The system explained, [Perhaps the host isn’t aware. Now the whole city believes this rumor wave was a conspiracy by enemy nations or rebel armies. After this turmoil, it actually made the city’s citizens more united, and their expectation for the host to rise to power has increased! This turn of events can be considered a blessing in disguise!]

Shen Tang raised her eyebrow, realizing the people’s speculation was somewhat off, but it was a fortuitous mistake.

Shen Qingli surely suffered a double loss, probably on the verge of bursting with anger!

...

Meanwhile.

After Shen Qingli and Yun Han left, they returned home silently.

The atmosphere was icy cold.

Shen Qingli’s system issued an urgent warning, [Warning! Yun Han’s affinity is at freezing point, the host must take measures to remedy it urgently, or you will face an electric shock penalty!]

What?

Shen Qingli’s face was filled with horror as she silently cursed the system a thousand times!

She had intended to ignore Yun Han to make him realize his mistake, but now she had no choice but to approach him.

Shen Qingli hurriedly changed into a semi-transparent cool nightgown, accentuating her slim and graceful figure, her chest slightly open, pure yet sexy.

She went to Yun Han’s room, wrapped her arms around his waist, and broke the ice herself, trying to end the cold war.

She pressed against his broad, firm shoulder and chest, her pretty face slightly flushed, speaking in a tender voice, "Big Brother Yun Han, I missed you so much, it’s been a long time since we..."

In the past, Yun Han would lose control just seeing her dressed like this, eagerly throwing her onto the bed to love her passionately.

But this time, he merely spared her a glance, apathetically pushing her away, "...I still have things to handle; you should get some rest."

Shen Qingli was shocked; she quickly grabbed his hand, hoping to keep him there.

But in the end, she couldn’t stop him.

Yun Han left the residence.