Chapter 5 Whispers
I stood alone in place while everyone drifted away from me.
With the marquis’s order, eager servants immediately began preparing items and arranging the courtyard for Shen Wanrong.
I overheard their whispers.
“She’s the descendant of a loyal martyr. She suffered so much on the border. Now back in the capital, she has to rely on others. How pitiful.”
“Exactly. Miss Shen only asked for a courtyard, yet our delicate young lady refuses. She truly lacks empathy.”
“I say the young lady did it on purpose. Haven’t you noticed how highly the marquis regards Miss Shen? The young lady must be jealous and deliberately making things difficult.”
“Typical noble daughter—only knows how to enjoy herself. Where’s her sense of courtesy? Unlike Miss Shen, raised by General Shen herself—so straightforward and generous.”
I dug my nails into my palms and took a deep breath.
The female protagonist’s halo was indeed powerful. In one meeting, she won over the entire household.
In the storybook, I refused to accept reality—stubborn, resistant, grasping—and not only lost the courtyard but allowed these rumors to spread beyond the mansion.
My reputation was ruined, and I became isolated.
All the tragedies that followed began here.
Mother said jealousy only blinds you.
Sometimes retreating is the real way to fight.
I lifted my head and forced a smile.
It was only a courtyard. Let her have it.
According to the book, she would try to take far more later. Why wait for her to seize them?
Since Xie Chengzong doted on her so much, I would be proactive and offer everything with both hands.