Chapter 22 Chapter 22 "Why don't you ask Master Shen for help? ...

The ink on the rice paper had not yet dried, and the man could not help but let his fingertips slowly slide across the face of the woman in the painting.

His movements were gentle, and because he wanted to get close enough to touch her cheek, he inevitably touched the ink that had not yet dried, smearing the face of the person in the painting and dirtying her.

Is it impossible? So what if he insists on doing it?

A hint of viciousness flashed across the man's eyes, and he quickly lowered his eyes to hide them, and no trace of emotion could be detected anymore.

He rolled up the piece of rice paper with the girl's image on it and put it in a secret compartment in a low drawer beside him. This place was hidden, and when he opened the drawer, he could see a thick stack of rice paper with the same portrait on it.

As for the people in the painting, although their clothes are of different styles, it is still entirely possible to tell that they belong to the same person.

“…”

Wei Ruzhuo returned home three days later.

He didn't come alone, Zhu Chentan was with him.

Originally, Zhu Yinluan thought that it was only Wei Ruzhuo, after all, there was only one carriage coming. But who knew that after Wei Ruzhuo got off, he ordered people to put down a low stool, and he also personally lifted the curtain.

When she saw her eldest sister's face, Zhu Yinluan couldn't tell what she felt in her heart.

But it was clear that she was not happy.

Why would the eldest sister come to the Wei family with her husband at this critical moment, and even... the two of them rode in the same carriage. Were they not afraid of being seen and spreading some rumors that would bring harm to the Wei family, the Zhu family, and the Luo family?

Although the news of the divorce between the Zhu and Wei families has not spread completely, Luo Xuan welcomed his cousin and their children into the house, and Zhu Chentan returned to the Zhu family. People who saw it couldn't help but whisper. There have been many rumors in the capital, and people have been watching and wanting to know what is going on.

It’s okay for the eldest sister to go back to the Zhu family, but how can she follow Wei Ruzhuo to the Wei family?

She and he were already engaged, so were they really not afraid of what others would say? Or did they not care at all and instead hoped that others would say anything?

Thinking of this, Zhu Yinluan couldn't help but clench her hands in her wide sleeves. Her fingertips dug into her palms, but she didn't feel any pain.

Even if she was unhappy, Zhu Yinluan knew that she could not show it. Not to mention that this was the gate of the Wei family mansion and people would know and laugh at her. Just think about the smile on her mother-in-law's face when she saw her elder sister accept the gift she brought over.

Zhu Yinluan knew clearly that no one cared about her happiness or displeasure, and that it had no weight at all.

Wei Ruzhuo not only reminded her elder sister to be careful on the steps, but also watched her closely, fearing that she would trip and fall.

But when he came in front of his legal wife, he just glanced at her indifferently, then greeted Pang Shi without saying a word to her.

Zhu Yinluan thought about the day when he asked her why she went to Wei's house. Could it be that he was still angry?

Zhu Chentan followed Wei Ruzhuo to pay his respects to Madam Pang, then he took Zhu Yinluan's hand affectionately and pitifully and said,

"Yinluan, I'm so bored staying at home and have nowhere to go. We have a deep sisterly bond, and I want to stay with you for a few days. Can you take me in for a while, considering that I've met the wrong person?"

Before Zhu Yinluan could say anything, Pang Shi had already replied for her, "As for whether to take you in or not, the Wei and Zhu families have always been friends, and this is also your home, you can come whenever you want, why do you need to explain to others?"

"Besides, my home is quiet, so it's good that you can come. Since we are sisters, why do we have to say such polite words?"

Zhu Chentan bit his lip and put on a very aggrieved look, "Madam's words made Chentan feel very kind and happy, but I was afraid that Yinluan would be unhappy. After all, I came here uninvited, and Yinluan is now the mistress of the Wei family."

After Zhu Chentan finished his last sentence, Pang Shi sneered, seemingly disagreeing.

Zhu Yinluan's face showed some embarrassment, but she suppressed it. She didn't say anything. She really didn't know what to say. Her situation was too embarrassing.

"Sister, will you?" Zhu Chentan asked her again, "If you don't want me to come, just tell me and I will go back immediately and not cause you any more trouble."

Pang Shi and Wei Ruzhuo both looked over, and both mother and son looked unhappy, not to mention their eyes.

Seeing this, Zhu Yinluan couldn't help but smile sarcastically in her heart, thinking that her elder sister was putting her on the fire.

How could she dare to say anything in front of her husband and mother-in-law?

"I'm glad that my sister is here." Zhu Yinluan had to force a smile and said this against her will.

"As long as my sister is happy, I am relieved. I have missed you so much these days. I miss the time when we were together in the boudoir. It was so wonderful. It's a pity that we can't go back."

Regret about her time in the boudoir? I'm afraid she didn't mean it. What exactly she regretted, I'm afraid only she knew it in her heart.

Zhu Yinluan lowered her eyelashes and said slowly after a long while, "I too... miss my elder sister very much."

Zhu Chentan looked at her forced smile and felt happy and refreshed in his heart.

The concubine sister in the family has never been as good as her since she was a child. Why can she still live so well after the divorce? Wei Ruzhuo has been promoted these days. When he went to the Zhu family, everyone under his father's family flattered him? They all called him Lord Wei.

If Wei Ruzhuo continues to be promoted in the future, he might become the Shangshu of one of the six ministries. If he is luckier, he will have a better chance of entering the three provinces. This will not only bring status but also honors. He will be able to walk sideways in the capital. Isn't he better than Luo Xuan?

The more Zhu Chentan thought about it, the more she regretted it. Why did she betray Wei Ruzhuo and choose Luo Xuan?

If the Wei family had not fallen, it would be her instead of Zhu Yinluan who would be enjoying a good life now.

Fortunately, Wei Ruzhuo was not aware of the fact that she had taken the initiative to get close to Luo Xuan. He just thought that Luo Xuan had taken a fancy to her and finally had to succumb to the Luo family's proposal.

"Don't stand here and talk, let's go in." Pang Shi called Zhu Chentan in.

Zhu Yinluan was just a little slower and was forced to squeeze to the back. She looked at her mother-in-law and husband, who were standing on the left and right of her eldest sister, talking affectionately as they walked towards the Wei family. The three of them looked more like a family.

And she... is so unnecessary.

It was indeed unnecessary. The self-mockery in her heart grew bigger and bigger. She really didn't want to go back.

After entering the main hall, Pang Shi was so happy to hear about Wei Ruzhuo's promotion.

"The imperial edict for the title was issued two days ago?" Pang Shi continued to ask.

"Yes, Madam." Zhu Chentan spoke for Wei Ruzhuo, "Because Ruzhuo is in the Zhu family, the eunuch went to the Zhu family to announce the decree. The person who came was someone close to the emperor. You don't know how much Ruzhuo has won you face. Father couldn't help but praise him. Not to mention the officials under our Zhu family, they kept congratulating you."

After hearing this, Zhu Yinluan could already imagine how glorious Wei Ruzhuo had been in the past two days.

No wonder my father asked my eldest sister to follow him back to the Wei family, and he didn't even bother to avoid etiquette. It turned out that he had a crush on Wei Ruzhuo and wanted my eldest sister to get closer to him?

Are my father and stepmother's actions an attempt to marry my eldest sister in and kick her out?

Zhu Yinluan couldn’t help but think…her heart was in a mess.

If this is true, where should she go?

No, it's impossible.

She is Wei Ruzhuo's legal wife. Even if her stepmother has this intention, her father has to consider the face of the Zhu family.

Zhu Yinluan didn't say anything, just watched Wei Ruzhuo take out the imperial edict for Pang Shi to review.

This was the emperor's grace. Pang Shi had to clean her hands before she dared to take the imperial edict with both hands and examine it carefully.

She couldn't help but read out every word. She saw with her own eyes that Wei Ruzhuo was promoted to the Ministry of Rites and became the Secretary of the Ministry of Rites. She covered her mouth and cried, saying that the emperor's grace was great, and then she said that the ancestors of the Wei family had appeared in spirit.

Wei Ruzhuo comforted her, and Zhu Chentan also coaxed her, telling her not to cry, saying that this was a good thing, and added, "Father said that he is now valued by the emperor. If someone can mediate, Ruzhuo will most likely be able to take the position of Minister of Rites."

"Really, really?" Pang Shi's eyes widened. If Wei Ruzhuo could become a minister, the Wei family would really be among the noble families. Not to mention that she would be able to hold her head high and sit in the front among the wives of officials in the capital in the future.

Who knows, her husband who was transferred far away might be able to return to Beijing, and the future of the Wei family...!

"Son, you really made me proud. It's worth it that I have been helping you and watching you all these years..."

"Well, it's all thanks to my mother." Wei Ruzhuo also replied in accordance with Pang's wishes.

"It's just..." He changed the subject, "The position of Minister of Rites is not easy to fight for. There are four heads of departments under the Ministry of Rites, and the three of them are highly respected. The position of Minister depends on the recommendation of the majority. I am afraid..."

"What are you afraid of? Don't you still have my father? You are the son-in-law of the Zhu family. My father will definitely help you, Yinluan, don't you think so?"

Zhu Chentan suddenly called on the silent Zhu Yinluan.

Everyone looked over.

Seeing that she was silent and couldn't say anything for a long time, and no one knew what she was thinking about, Pang Shi became anxious.

Wei Ruzhuo also frowned and said nothing.

Zhu Yinluan was annoyed by being stared at and could only nod perfunctorily.

But Pang Shi slapped her in the face, "Master Zhu, are you really willing to help?"

"What are you talking about, Madam?" Zhu Chentan said with a smile, "Although my little sister is only a concubine's daughter, my father still loves her. He will naturally help Ruzhuo out, and besides, there is still my mother if things don't work out."

Yes. Pang looked at Zhu Chentan.

Suddenly I remembered that Mrs. Zhu's mother's family was also of quite good status. With the help of the Zhu and Zhu families, isn't that enough?

Pang Shi was immediately happy, but not for long, as she thought of Zhu Yinluan's background...

Will Mrs. Zhu help?

It would be great if Wei Ruzhuo married Zhu Chentan. Seeing Zhu Yinluan remained silent for a long time, Pang Shi suppressed her displeasure so as not to ruin his mood.

Dinner was served in the flower hall. Pang ordered people to prepare a lot of food to celebrate for Wei Ruzhuo. She also said that she would invite all his younger sisters back the next day to celebrate with him.

Everyone was very happy, except Zhu Yinluan.

She took the medicine, looked pale, and had something on her mind and a poor appetite.

At night, he arranged for Zhu Chentan to live in the courtyard. When he came back, Wei Ruzhuo had already taken a bath and went to the bathroom.

Zhu Yinluan looked at the light in the study, and dragged her tired body to take a shower.

While she was washing and dressing, Mingya couldn't help but chatter in her ear, venting her anger for scolding Zhu Chentan.

"The young lady said those words. On the surface, she was helping you, but behind the scenes, she was still bragging about herself. I think she has bad intentions."

Zhu Yinluan was in a bad mood, "...Elder sister is right, I can't help Wei Ruzhuo with anything."

It's normal for the Wei family to dislike her.

She was not loved by her father and stepmother, and her biological mother died early. Even if her mother had died early, she would not have had a strong family background.

While Mingya was wiping her hair, she thought of something and suddenly leaned close to her ear and suggested,

"Miss, why don't you go ask Master Shen for help?"