When Liu Jiaojiao returned, Shen Changji had already sat back down in his original spot, holding a book in his hand.

"You're back?"

"Well, since it's a rare opportunity for you to try my tea, I naturally have to show you some sincerity."

Liu Jiaojiao smiled and began to brew tea for Shen Changji.

At first glance, it didn't seem like anything special.

Shen Changji didn't say much and continued reading the book in his hands.

However... his true intentions were not what they seemed.

Liu Jiaojiao felt the atmosphere was a bit awkward, so she couldn't help but strike up a conversation with Shen Changji.

But her long-standing indifference contrasted sharply with her enthusiasm.

She couldn't help but look at the book in Shen Changji's hand. "What a coincidence! I've been reading this book recently, and I didn't expect Shen Lang to pick it up right away. We really are on the same wavelength."

Shen Changji gave a soft "hmm" in response to Liu Jiaojiao's words.

"It seems that Shen Lang and I are kindred spirits, and even a match made in heaven."

Liu Jiaojiao smiled sweetly and handed the brewed tea to Chen Changji.

What does Shen Lang think?

Upon hearing this, Shen Changji put down the book in his hand, met her gaze, and replied, "Yes."

That one sentence filled Liu Jiaojiao's face with joy.

"Shen Lang, have a taste."

Shen Changji did not refuse, picked it up, took a sip, and gave a few comments.

"Actually, I feel that my tea brewing is not very good, not as good as Master Shen's. I wonder if Master Shen would be willing to give me more advice."

Liu Jiaojiao took the opportunity to link her arm with Chen Changji's, rested her head on his shoulder, and asked softly.

"Can."

"Shen Lang, you are so kind."

As Liu Jiaojiao leaned back, she couldn't help but imagine the day she would get married, a day when all the women in the capital would be most envious of her.

That feeling... was wonderful.

She, Liu Jiaojiao, should be like this, standing above everyone else!

Liu Jiaojiao didn't get enough of leaning on him before Shen Changji pulled his arm away.

"It's getting late, I should go."

"Okay, I'll see you off."

"Um."

Just as Shen Changji was about to get into the carriage, Liu Jiaojiao grabbed his sleeve.

"Although everyone respects you and calls you General Shen or Duke Shen, in Jiaojiao's heart, you are not as cold and serious as people say. You are the best to me."

Liu Jiaojiao looked at Shen Changji with tender affection and spoke.

"knew."

After a long and silent reply, he turned and got into the carriage.

Although his attitude hadn't changed, Liu Jiaojiao could sense that Shen Changji cared about her more than before.

At least... he would take the initiative to come see her and stay with her for a while.

She turned and went back into the house, and only when she was about to remove the hairpin from her head did she notice the letter on the ground.

When she saw the words inside, her expression instantly became somewhat unsettled.

Just now... it seems that Shen Changji didn't notice this thing.

There probably isn't, otherwise this man wouldn't be so calm.

She was, after all, his betrothed wife. A man like him would at least have questioned her a few times.

Liu Jiaojiao quickly took a deep breath.

Thankfully...no.

After seeing Shen Changji leave, Cui'er told Liu Jiaojiao about Shen Yueyin's departure.

"You can go and do it now." A dark glint appeared in Liu Jiaojiao's eyes.

This is a rare opportunity! She doesn't even need to get the person out of the Duke's mansion.

...

He returned after a long silence, and as soon as he entered, he saw Xie Qin in the side room caring for Su Miao.

"Don't be sad! You need to be prepared that Ziji might not marry you!"

"I know……"

"Don't cry either, I'm most afraid of women crying," Xie Qin said.

He had just extended his handkerchief when he hesitated for a moment.

But seeing Su Miao's tearful appearance, his heart softened.

"I didn't cry." Su Miao continued to stuff chicken legs into her mouth.

"You should have been prepared for this a long time ago. After all, there are plenty of good men in this world, like..."

Before Xie Qin could finish speaking, Shen Changji walked in.

He looked at Su Miao and said coldly, "I'll have Lone Eagle send you back first."

"Ziji, don't be so mean to people. I can take Su back too."

"Shut up. You stay here." Shen Changji looked at Xie Qin.

"Thank you, Your Highness...then...I'll be going now."

With that, Su Miao stood up slowly, behaving obediently, and bowed respectfully before leaving.

"Ziji, you were pretty quick to send them back!" Xie Qin couldn't help but tease.

What's the situation between you and her?

"From what you've seen, what? You don't even trust your own brothers?"

He remained silent for a long time.

Seeing Shen Changji's attitude, Xie Qin thought about it and felt that something was wrong.

Why does he look like he's been caught cheating by Shen Changji?

"That's not right! Why should I explain to you? Don't you already have Liu Jiaojiao?"

"You little rascal, you don't actually have feelings for Su Miao, do you?" Xie Qin couldn't help but ask.

"Su Miao is not simple; I have little contact with her."

Xie Qin heard this as if it were a joke.

Not simple? Not simple at all, yet Shen Changji has been in contact with her all along!

"Good, good, good, not simple!" Xie Qin didn't explain further.

Shen Changji didn't stay long; he left after Xie Qin finished explaining the situation.

...

As night fell, the Duke's mansion received news that Shen Yueyin had been defiled.

The third wife was just about to fall asleep when she heard this news and instantly lost all sleepiness.

She hurriedly ran out, throwing on her clothes, her heart filled with turmoil.