Shen Changji remained silent, raising his hand to take the charcoal that Gu Ying had heated. His clear, cold eyes gleamed as he approached Steward Liu, who was kneeling on the ground, step by step.

When Butler Liu saw the charcoal emitting white smoke, he trembled and cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

"General Chen... what does this mean?"

"Does he/she genuinely not understand, or is he/she pretending not to understand?"

A lone eagle's cold voice rang out from the side.

Upon hearing this, Butler Liu shook his head.

"Then tell me, what have you seen in the manor during this time?" Lone Eagle asked again.

"I have always worked diligently in this household, and I really don't understand what this means..." Steward Liu said, forcing himself to speak.

A long, cold sneer rang out.

Although the charcoal wasn't touching his skin, Butler Liu could still feel the scalding heat.

“I have no patience,” he said in a long, cold voice.

"I truly don't understand. If General Shen doesn't believe me... then just kill me!" Steward Liu choked out.

Even if he was terrified, he couldn't reveal the truth.

Especially since he knew about Jiaojiao's affair...

Even if he dies, he will keep this matter buried deep inside, never letting anyone know.

If his death could ensure Jiaojiao's smooth marriage into the Duke's mansion and her becoming the Duke's wife.

Then he deserved it!

"It's too easy to let you off like this." Shen Changji fiddled with the charcoal in his hand and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"General Shen, I am all alone and only have one life. If you don't like it, take it. I will have no complaints!"

"But Miss truly loves the General, and I can vouch for that," said Steward Liu, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Quite loyal."

"I will never forget the kindness that Madam has shown me!" With that, Steward Liu kowtowed deeply.

Upon hearing this, Shen Changji chuckled dismissively.

"I'd like to see how long you can keep your mouth shut."

As he spoke, he took the charcoal in his hand and pressed it hard against Butler Liu's arm.

"ah!"

He had thought that Shen Changji would use this method to force him to confess.

He was about to bite his tongue when Shen Changji released him.

But the pain in my body did not lessen at all.

Still shaken, Butler Liu endured the pain in his body and looked at Chen Changji with red eyes.

The fact that they were able to bring him here proves that Shen Changji already suspects Jiaojiao.

Thinking about Jiaojiao's situation, Butler Liu felt a little panicked.

But right now, he couldn't reveal the situation to Liu Jiaojiao...

Shen Changji's thoughts were even more unfathomable than he had imagined. If he hadn't seen this scene, he might have actually believed in Shen Changji's outward appearance of skill.

I really think... Shen Changji likes Liu Jiaojiao.

Shen Changji looked at Steward Liu with a gaze as cold as ice.

He took the handkerchief and wiped his hands.

"Treat Steward Liu well; all guests are welcome."

With that, he turned and left in silence.

Liu Jiaojiao's situation is more complicated than he imagined, and he can't rush things right now.

...

At this time, Steward Liu was still present in the Liu residence.

As Liu Jiaojiao passed by, she happened to make eye contact with "Butler Liu".

She thought about what Butler Liu had told her, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Why would Butler Liu want to help her?

This was something she couldn't quite understand.

Although his mother treated him well when she was alive, it wasn't enough to make him willing to risk his life for her!

"Butler Liu" looked at Liu Jiaojiao and took the initiative to ask a question.

"Miss, is there anything you need?"

Liu Jiaojiao immediately stopped herself from thinking and shook her head, "No, you go ahead and do your work."

With that, she left with her entourage.

However, as she turned the corner, she heard Gu Huayue gently coaxing the child.

During this time, her loving father truly doted on this newborn child.

Thinking about it, a sarcastic smile crept onto Liu Jiaojiao's lips.

Right now, she feels like an outsider here.

Liu Jiaojiao thought about Shen Changji's attitude towards her today and couldn't help but send someone to deliver a letter to her.

The wedding date has already been set, surely he wouldn't still reject her?

After all, they had already consummated their marriage.

As expected, Shen Changji replied to her letter very quickly.

The man did not refuse her request and told her that she could move into his private residence that very day, if she wished.

But he probably doesn't go back to his private residence very often.

When Liu Jiaojiao saw the man's strong handwriting on the letter, she couldn't help but smile.

Whether she returns or not doesn't matter. At the very least, her moving in will naturally tell the outside world that she is already the Duchess of the State, only lacking a grand wedding.

Besides, she didn't want to stay at the Liu residence.

If she could resolve her relationship with Shen Changji sooner, that would be a good thing.

Being in a prime location gives one an advantage; she's already staying at his residence, so her opportunities are probably greater than when she was at the Liu residence.