A servant ran across the courtyard, breathless with urgency.
Madam Bai Yuhuan sat gracefully at her table, sipping her tea, her expression calm yet sharp, as if asking silently, "Why are you disturbing my peace?"
"Madam… there's a problem… there's a problem!" the servant stammered.
"That… that Shen woman… she… she woke up!"
Bai Yuhuan's shout rang through the hall. Shock froze her in place.
"What!
Shen Qingling woke up?!" she exclaimed, eyes wide.
"How could it be?
Bai Lianhua and I have always administered the Five-Stone Powder to her.
She can't wake up!"
"I swear, Madam, I speak the truth," the servant insisted.
Hmph.
She was lucky to be alive.
Bai Yuhuan gripped her scarf, tightening it with her fingers, her teeth clenched in fury. Yet, a wicked smile slowly spread across her face.
"So what if she's awake?" she murmured, touching herself lightly, eyes glinting with arrogance.
"That old hag isn't young or beautiful like me."
Her personal servant, Shuqin, stood quietly beside her, sensing the storm brewing in her mistress's heart.
She smiled, nodding in agreement with her own thoughts.
Shen Qingling had always been disliked by the marquis. At that time, the marquis had feared the infamy of being seen as unrighteous and heartless, which was why he had not divorced her.
Bai Yuhuan snorted softly, and a sly smile spread across her face.
Shen Qingling just woke up today… this is the perfect time to divorce her.
Her lips curved into a happier grin.
"Come, let's go find her and settle the score."
Her servant returned the smile with a nod.
Bai Yuhuan rose from her seat, moving quickly, her servant following dutifully behind her.
________
The doors swung open with force.
"Lord Marquis!"
"Lord Marquis!"
Servants lined up across the manor, bowing their heads in unison as the marquis stepped in, his presence commanding and cold.
********************
Meanwhile, in Shen Qingling's courtyard.
"Haa… my arms don't hurt anymore after I hit someone."
Shen Qingling turned her wrists slowly, examining them with satisfaction.
"My back doesn't ache anymore either…"
She stretched her body lazily, as though she had just woken from a refreshing nap rather than years of weakness.
Before her, the First Son Shen Mingyuan, the Second SonShen Jinghao, and Bai Lianhua knelt stiffly on the ground.
None of them dared to speak.
The kneeling figures lowered their heads, their expressions tense.
"I could slap another person in one go," Shen Qingling added casually, sitting with her hands on her waist.
Her two daughters-in-law Lin Yurou and Zhou Yuxin. Stood at the side, exchanging confused glances but neither dared to say a word.
Silence filled the courtyard.
"Tsk."
Shen Qingling stood up.
Cough.
Her hands moved behind her back, her posture straight, chin lifted with dignity and authority.
"Since God allowed Shen Qingling to wake up…"
Her voice rang out clearly.
"I will reclaim the Marquis' mansion."
Behind her, her personal servant smiled brightly, nodding in agreement.
"So today, I will establish new rules."
She took a step forward.
"First"
Her gaze swept across everyone.
"You may sleep later than a dog… but you must not rise earlier than a rooster."
The daughters-in-law blinked in confusion.
What kind of rule was that…?
"Resolutely resist the 8 a.m. culture,"
Shen Qingling added firmly.
"Second"
Her expression turned cold.
"Whoever dares to beat their wife again…"
She slammed her fist into her palm.
"I..!"
"I didn't hit my wife today!" Shen Jinghao suddenly blurted out.
"It's all Big Brother's fault!"
He pointed accusingly.
Shen Mingyuan froze, his eyes widening in shock as he frantically signaled for him to shut up.
Shen Qingling slowly turned, her hands resting on her waist.
"Oh ho… you dare talk back?"
Her voice rose sharply.
Shen Jinghao immediately flinched, covering his face in fear as her hand lifted.
Shen Mingyuan secretly clapped his hands in delight, pleased to see his brother getting what he deserved.
But.
Shen Qingling lowered her hand.
"Don't force me," she said calmly. "I've already said it."
"I am a woman of stable emotions."
Then she pointed at them, her eyes sharp and fearless.
"Even if your father were here today"
"I would still act without hesitation."