Chapter Forty-Four: Minor Punishment

When Yan Heru returned to the Ninth Prince’s residence, the entire household staff suddenly became respectful toward her.

“Welcome home, Princess of the Ninth Prince.”

The servants stood at the doorway, all gazing at Yan Heru in unison. Unfazed by their display, she maintained her composure and entered the residence.

Back in her chambers, Yan Heru dismissed everyone, keeping only Mo Yi behind.

“Mo Yi, the Prince has been gone for six days now. Why hasn’t there been any news?” Worry crept onto her face, causing Mo Yi to secretly smile.

It seems the Princess has grown fond of the Prince.

But what Yan Heru truly thought was… If Shen Hezhi dies, it’ll be difficult to find another powerful ally. Losing Shen Hezhi would embolden those dissatisfied with the former mistress to act.

“Don’t worry, Princess. Though the Prince hasn’t sent word, Young Master Jiang has been relaying messages to Shen Yi. There’s nothing for you to be overly concerned about,” Mo Yi replied.

“Good, that’s reassuring. By the way, where is Miss Cen?” Yan Heru, preoccupied for so long, realized she had almost forgotten about the instigator.

But it wasn’t too late to remember. Mo Yi answered, “She’s still living in Young Master Cen’s courtyard. That place was assigned to him by the Prince.”

Yan Heru nodded, rose, and made her way to Cen Changjing’s quarters. Upon arrival, she found Cen Changjing sitting in the courtyard, tending to her flowers.

Even as Yan Heru approached from behind, Cen Changjing remained oblivious.

“Judging by your mood, something good must have happened, hasn’t it?” Yan Heru suddenly spoke from behind.

Startled, Cen Changjing spun around, and upon seeing Yan Heru, her anger flared.

“What’s wrong with you? Can’t you greet someone from the front instead of sneaking up behind them and scaring them?” Cen Changjing’s face was dark with displeasure.

Yan Heru cared little for her mood and didn’t mind her hostility.

She had come to demand justice, not to make friends.

Yan Heru sat on a stone bench nearby, eyeing Cen Changjing with disdain.

“I don’t know why you’re so angry. It’s such a trivial matter, yet you’re this upset. With the things you’ve done to me, should I just kill you right now?” Yan Heru smiled, her words sending chills down Cen Changjing’s spine.

Cen Changjing hesitated, but realizing no one in the Prince’s residence was backing Yan Heru at the moment, her courage grew. She pushed Yan Heru aside.

Yan Heru hadn’t expected Cen Changjing to dare such a thing under these circumstances. Though she quickly regained her balance, she staggered several steps back.

“Cen Changjing, do you realize what you just did is enough for me to sever your hands?” Yan Heru stared coldly at her.

But Cen Changjing showed no fear. She lifted her chin defiantly, “I don’t believe you’d dare to cut off my hands here in the Ninth Prince’s residence.”

Seeing Cen Changjing so pleased with herself, Yan Heru smiled. Then, moving faster than Cen Changjing could react, she dislocated both her arms.

“I haven’t cut off your arms—not because I lack the courage—but because there’s nothing suitable to do so with. For now, I’ll just take your arms apart as a lesson,” Yan Heru spoke calmly.

As for Cen Changjing, she barely registered Yan Heru’s words. The instant her arms were dislocated, pain overwhelmed her, threatening to consume her mind.

“Aaahhh!”

Yan Heru watched Cen Changjing writhing on the ground in agony, her eyes devoid of satisfaction, only cold indifference.

In her eyes, Cen Changjing was nothing—not even worth avenging. There was no thrill in retribution.

“Cen Changjing, I’ve never been someone easy to bully. I don’t seek trouble, but you’ve crossed my line. I’m sparing your life only because of your brother’s relationship with the Prince. If you dare meddle in the shadows again, I’ll kill you. Try me if you don’t believe it.”

Yan Heru circled her a few times before leaving, leaving Cen Changjing to howl in the courtyard.

Though Cen Changjing had attendants, seeing Yan Heru’s fierce demeanor, none dared enter the courtyard. Besides, they’d long been displeased with Cen Changjing.

During Yan Heru’s absence, Cen Changjing acted as if she were mistress of the residence, ordering the servants about.

Without comparison, the difference was hard to see. Now, the staff realized the disparity between Yan Heru and Cen Changjing—the resentment ran deep.

Watching Yan Heru punish her felt satisfying, so they simply observed Cen Changjing’s suffering.

After Yan Heru left, only then did the servants venture into the courtyard to check on Cen Changjing’s injuries.

“Miss Cen… ah!”

One maid attempted to help Cen Changjing, but was roughly shoved aside, falling to the ground. Seeing this, the others refrained from approaching.

“Are you all dead? Why aren’t you helping me?” Cen Changjing had lost all her former composure, now shrieking like a shrew.

Despite her anger, none of the maids moved to assist her, fueling her fury.

“Can’t you hear me? Why aren’t you coming over?”

Finally, they acted. Though they disliked Cen Changjing, she was, after all, Cen Changxiao’s sister, and the Ninth Prince valued Cen Changxiao highly.

If they ignored Cen Changjing, whatever the reason, they would be punished.

Once the maids helped her up, Cen Changjing shoved them aside. “You lot—when the Prince returns, I’ll make sure he punishes you!”

The maids paid her no mind, withdrawing to the side without any unnecessary gestures.

Yan Heru returned to her own quarters, feeling thoroughly refreshed. Though Cen Changjing wasn’t worth holding a grudge against, a small act of discipline brought her satisfaction.

Now, she only needed to wait for the rumors in the capital to gradually fade. Aside from the Court of Judicial Review, she would have to put in her own efforts.

Next, she needed to visit the Shengjing Medical Hall. She had intended to go before, but kept delaying it. The irascible master of the hall would certainly scold her once she arrived.

Even if the master berated her, she would still go, bracing herself for it.

Checking the time outside, she saw it was still early. Yan Heru tidied herself, preparing to leave. To avoid being discovered by Shen Hezhi, she deliberately sent Mo Yi and Shen Yi away, just as she had done previously when visiting the Shengjing Medical Hall.