"Bai Ze buried the two of them together, which can be considered as giving you an explanation. This is all I know. I only asked Bai Ze to tell you this so that I could give you an explanation."

Shen Jinchen held Cen Xi's waist, recalling the way those two died, and a barely perceptible sneer curled his lips.

"She's really courting death! Tian Ying was so determined, brave and strong back then, wanting freedom and to be with Lu Duling, but in the end, she resented Lu Duling because of her ridiculous family relationships."

"What a pity for her lovely, doll-like face. She was so beautiful. All the effort I put into helping her back then was for nothing. It's really cruel of fate."

As Cen Xi listened to Shen Jinchen's description, word by word, she felt quite uncomfortable, but in the end, she could only sigh.

"What does this have to do with God? This is their own choice. Some people and some things have to be taken responsibility for. Words spoken are like water spilled, they can't be taken back. The same goes for being pretentious. Ah-Xi, don't worry. You can help them once, but you can't help them for a lifetime."

Shen Jinchen twirled a strand of Cen Xi's hair with his fingers, his calm eyes showing no trace of sympathy.

In his eyes, the whole thing those two made was a joke.

Lu Duling was stupid. Tian Ying told him to die, so he just went and died. He could have just hidden away for a while before going to find Tian Ying.

How could a woman who has fallen in love with a man possibly let him die?

Like Cen Xi, she doesn't love him that much yet, but she panics whenever she gets hurt.

"Oh well! It's their fate! I just feel a bit sentimental."

Cen Xi sighed softly and nestled in Shen Jinchen's arms without saying a word.

With the carriage, the group quickly arrived at the town market.

Because it was Chinese New Year, the town was very lively, with all sorts of things for sale: paper-cut window decorations, couplets, children's clothes, women's jewelry, and all kinds of snacks, making it dazzling to look at.

As soon as Cen Xi got off the carriage, Shen Jinchen grabbed her hand, and they strolled around leisurely, taking in the sights.

Moreover, in order to prevent the three from disturbing them, Shen Jinchen gave Feng Qin a wink.

Cen Xi saw it but didn't care. Anyway, it didn't matter. Her purpose in coming here was just to wander around when she was bored, and she didn't care who she wandered around with.

"It looks quite lively, but there aren't many things for sale, so there's not much to choose from, and the items are all made very roughly."

After walking with Shen Jinchen for a while, Cen Xi couldn't help but sigh.

"The capital is quite lively at the end of the year, but it takes more than a month to get back to the capital from here. Let's wait until next year. Next year, your husband will definitely take you to see it properly."

When Shen Jinchen wants to be with Cen Xi, his eyes are full of doting affection, and anyone can see that he is utterly in love with this woman.

"Great! I heard there will be a lantern festival during the Lantern Festival? You can help me with the lantern riddles then, and I want the biggest prize from the shopkeeper."

Cen Xi turned her head and pinched Shen Jinchen's cheek, clearly very happy.

"There's a little old man there with some nice jade pieces. How about we go pick out a pair of earrings?"

Shen Jinchen was quite pleased with Cen Xi's coquettishness. Even though his face stung, he wasn't angry; he just wanted to please his wife.

"Great! I used to love browsing trinkets at street stalls too. That old man's jade looks pretty good. Let's go pick some out. There's also a mask stall up ahead. How about we each buy one and wear them?"

Cen Xi finally understands why couples are so sweet when they go shopping.

Seeing the person you love smile makes you happy.

Yes, Shen Jinchen is smiling very happily right now.

And I was very happy.

This is very different from the kind of fun I get from playing pranks on others; this kind of fun has a hint of sweetness to it.

"Um!"

Shen Jinchen was momentarily stunned by her radiant smile. This was the first time Cen Xi had smiled like this, and the first time she had smiled so genuinely and happily.

"This young master is so refined and elegant, he must know his stuff. My items are quite nice, would you like to pick out a couple for your wife? They're definitely worth more than their price."

As the two approached, the old man greeted them, his eyes holding a hint of inquiry.

"The item is quite nice. This white jade flute looks exquisite, like a top-grade piece. What do you think, Shen Jinchen?"

Before Shen Jinchen could say anything, Cen Xi squatted down and began picking through the items. She couldn't help but exclaim upon seeing a flute made entirely of white jade, "It's so beautiful!"

She wanted to buy it and give it to Shen Jinchen.

Shen Jinchen picked up the flute and examined it carefully. He smiled, his eyes glancing at the old man intentionally or unintentionally.

"What do you think, young master? I also think it's a top-quality item. What's your opinion, young master?"

The old man asked with a smile.

"It's a good item. Items made by the imperial craftsmen of the previous dynasty are naturally of high quality. Is this senior a member of the Chen family?"

Shen Jinchen looked at the old man with a half-smile.

"It seems I made the right choice coming here today. A few days ago I heard that a distinguished person had come here, so I thought I'd try my luck since it's market day. I never expected to actually run into him."

The old man nodded, acknowledging his identity.

"Oh, so you're here to try your luck, old man. Tell me, what do you want from us?"

Even if Cen Xi were slow to realize it, she would understand that the old man was after them.

Since the encounter was intentional, there must be something they want from them.

“I have a grandson named Chen Yu, whose carving skills are superb. I wanted to find him a good future, but unfortunately, our Chen family has fallen on hard times and offended the local powerful figures. Originally, I had given up hope and let him spend his whole life stuck in this small village. But I was unwilling to accept that, so when I learned that a distinguished person had come here, I thought I would try my luck. It seems that my luck is not bad today.”

After giving an awkward smile, the old man revealed his intentions.

"You want us to take your grandson away so he can have a bright future?"

Cen Xi understood what he meant, and asked while picking through the items.

"Well! But if you're not willing, this old man will just consider it a market and won't force you."

The old man nodded, his expression suddenly darkening.

“These things were all carved by your grandson.”

Cen Xi picked and chose with great interest.

"Hmm! Although these jades are not top-grade, the carving skills are unmatched by anyone in the surrounding area."

The old man looked at Cen Xi with a glimmer of hope.

He could tell that if he wanted them to take his grandson away, this noblewoman was key; if she agreed, the deal would almost certainly succeed.

"My dearest husband, what do you think of these ruby ​​earrings?"

Cen Xi didn't reply to the old man, but instead picked out a pair of earrings and acted coquettishly towards Shen Jinchen.

"Beautiful! Madam looks good in anything!"

Shen Jinchen smiled, pursing his lips.

"Then please take it with you and let me see."

Cen Xi smiled playfully and handed him the earrings.