Chapter 33 Chapter 33 The stickiness hidden under the knot of love.

A low and gentle voice uttered the words "token of love". Zhu Yinluan stood there in a daze, not daring to respond for a moment.

Her gaze moved from the brocade box to Shen Jingzhan's face.

The other person's expression was the same as usual, with a faint smile on his face.

He probably didn't mean that, Zhu Yinluan thought and was about to take it.

As expected, Shen Jingzhan opened his mouth to explain to her at this time, "Whenever a man and a woman get married, there is always a gift between them. This is my gift."

Sure enough, he didn't mean anything.

But why did he call this an engagement gift a token of love? Although it was not wrong to say so, she still felt it was weird.

Zhu Yinluan suppressed her fear. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She was so startled.

Come to think of it, this isn’t the first time we’ve gotten married, so why is it still like this?

Fortunately, Shen Jingzhan was good-tempered and did not criticize her for always questioning everything, nor did he laugh at her.

The last time I got married, although it was a good marriage, there were many shortcomings in the etiquette.

Her family only told her that she was lucky, that her elder sister married into a wealthy family, and that the marriage with the Wei family fell on her. No one ever mentioned the word "filling the gap". Apart from that, everything else was handled by her father and stepmother.

The betrothal gift sent by the Wei family was naturally taken away by the stepmother.

She was curious at the time, but wanted to ask but didn't dare to. It was only half a year after she got married that she learned from Wei Ruzhuo that it was a jade pendant. As for what the jade pendant looked like, she has never seen it.

This time when they got married, Shen Jingzhan actually gave her the item in advance.

Zhu Yinluan took the brocade box and was curious about what was inside, but she didn't dare to open it.

Shen Jingzhan seemed to have seen through her intentions again and said to her, "Open it and take a look?"

Zhu Yinluan glanced at him and asked again before taking action, "Is it okay?"

"Of course."

"Luan'er doesn't need to be so cautious in front of me."

Her heart moved, but she didn't respond and opened the brocade box.

Inside was an exquisite hairpin with intricate patterns on the head, but she could tell it was Haitang wearing a phoenix.

It is so well made that I am afraid it would be difficult to replicate it in the decorative buildings in the capital. Not to mention the style, just the material used to make the hairpin is pure gold leaf. At first glance, one cannot tell how much it is worth.

He chose a hairpin as a "token of love". Did he mean to choose her as his legal wife or first wife?

Even though it was just a "marriage alliance", Shen Jingzhan was very considerate in every way, and the gifts he gave were not perfunctory at all, which made Zhu Yinluan feel burdened for a moment.

He noticed her mood and asked her what was wrong, if she didn't like it?

"If Luan'er doesn't like it, I can send her off again."

"No...it's not about whether I like it or not, but..."

When she was nervous, she couldn't help biting her lower lip. Her originally pink lips were bitten by her pearly teeth, leaving marks, which made the man's eyes move slightly.

But she was unaware of it and her mind was solely on the hairpin, saying it was too valuable.

"What if I lose it?" She was afraid she couldn't afford the compensation.

Thinking about the accounts her stepmother had settled with her when she came to Yayin Cottage, she was really afraid that her marriage with Shen Jingzhan would be difficult to continue and they would have to divorce again. The people from the Shen family also came to her with the accounts to ask for the price. Not to mention anything else, she had to chip in the price of just this hairpin. Even if she did, it would definitely empty her fortune.

"It's lost, so what? If that's the case, if Luan'er likes this hairpin, I'll make you another one like it."

His tone was very casual, unlike the people she had met before, whose words were full of money and interests, but the real "interests" were between her and Shen Jingzhan, right?

"I've already given my token of love to Luan'er, what about yours?"

The man quietly changed the subject and asked her for something.

Zhu Yinluan finally reacted, "I...I'm not prepared."

She had been in a daze these days. Even after calming down, she still felt confused. She rested for a long time at home yesterday. She was only thinking about visiting the Shi family.

Besides, she had married into a family too high up, so subconsciously she didn't dare to make any comments.

At first, she wanted to ask about the details of the marriage with the Wei family, but her stepmother scolded her and said that she would take care of it. What was she still worried about? ! Now, she naturally didn't dare to speak up. Who knew that Shen Jingzhan came to ask her for an engagement token.

The man looked at her without saying anything. Zhu Yinluan explained to him and then said, "I will prepare it for you, but the token I give you, if compared in value, is definitely not comparable to what you give me."

"It's fine if there is one, I don't care about it."

"Okay." Zhu Yinluan relaxed a little after hearing this.

Yes, as long as there is a token, I can reply when someone from the Shen family asks about it.

Originally, engagement tokens were mostly chosen by a man and a woman and then given as gifts by their families.

Shen Jingzhan was in a high position, what kind of valuable things had he not seen? She couldn't give him something equally valuable, so she did it seriously to show her appreciation.

Zhu Yinluan was thinking about what to give him.

But Shen Jingzhan asked her again at this time, "Don't you have any ideas?"

"Hmm?" she questioned.

"What should I get as a token of love? Don't you have any ideas?"

It was indeed a bit of a loss of ideas. Zhu Yinluan nodded. She thought about it and simply asked him, "Is there anything you want?"

Following his thoughts, she asked, let's see first, anyway, Shen Jingzhan should not make it too difficult for her, asking for something expensive and difficult to make.

Besides, since he asked this, could it be that he wanted to give her some ideas?

Zhu Yinluan's guess was correct. After she asked, Shen Jingzhan indeed revealed his intention.

He just looked at her hair...

Zhu Yinluan followed his line of sight, not quite understanding what he meant. She was confused, "Why are you looking at my hair?"

"I want a love knot," he said bluntly.

"Heart knot?" Zhu Yinluan realized it belatedly.

She knew about this love knot, which can be woven with colorful ropes and threaded with a strand of hair from the man and the woman respectively, to show that the couple will be united in love forever and will love each other forever.

Is that why he was looking at her hair like that?

"Is it okay?" Shen Jingzhan asked with a gentle smile when he saw that she understood.

Zhu Yinluan felt strange, but he had already asked, and it was not a valuable item, so she just felt it was a little too sticky.

Entangling her hair with his seemed like something that only young lovers could do.

"If Luan'er has any concerns, you can tell me directly."

"I want to ask you why you want to tie the knot, because our family backgrounds are not compatible. When I meet my parents some time later, if you ask me about it, I plan to tell them that I like you."

"So you have to do the whole show."

I see.

Since he said it was just a show, Zhu Yinluan naturally had no worries. After all, it was not an easy thing to do.

What does one concentric coin settle?

"Okay." She nodded.

As if by magic, Shen Jingzhan took out a strand of hair that he had cut in advance and a pair of scissors and handed them to her together.

Zhu Yinluan originally wanted to go back and get her hair cut, but he had already prepared everything.

She took it, cut a lock of her hair and put it together with his.

"I'll give it to you after I make the knot of love."

"Well, okay." He smiled faintly, his picturesque eyebrows and eyes were full of handsomeness, and his smile made people feel like a spring breeze, making people unable to help but look at him. Zhu Yinluan quickly looked away.

They soon arrived at Yayin Cottage, and just like yesterday, he led her downstairs.

Jiaohui and Shen Jingzhan's followers were no longer surprised, but Mingya seemed to be hesitant to speak.

After Shen Jingzhan returned, the master and his servant entered the mansion, and she asked Zhu Yinluan what was going on.

"Just as Jiaohui told you today, Master Shen and I have reached a consensus. He married me to keep his family at bay, and I married him to resist threats."

Ming Ya was speechless for a moment, "..."

"Miss……"

What would she say?

It seems that the young lady has no affection for Master Shen, but Master Shen is so caring towards the young lady.

Is this really an alliance and marriage, and not some other intention?

"Mingya, I know you are worried, but I have thought about this matter for a long time. You don't need to panic too much. Besides, you have met Master Shen before. Don't you think he is good?"

"Now that things have come to this, I have nothing to say. I just find it very strange. Why did Master Shen go to see Miss alone?"

Zhu Yinluan patiently told her again.

Ming Ya still couldn't let go of her worry, she always felt that Shen Jingzhan's proposal was too sudden.

How could it be such a coincidence?

Seeing that she was going to say more, Jiao Hui stepped forward in time for fear of shaking Zhu Yinluan's mind, "No matter what, it's already decided that you're going to marry Master Shen."

"If the young lady goes back on her word, she might offend the Shen family and the Shi family. Why don't you take it one step at a time? Young Master Shen doesn't look like a vicious person. After all, if anything happens in the future, we will protect the young lady." Jiaohui asked her to stop talking so as not to make Zhu Yinluan worry.

After hearing this, Mingya had no choice but to nod and suppress her strange thoughts.

Although all this was coincidental, it did make sense. Perhaps she was just too perceptive.

Jiaohui is right, Master Shen doesn’t seem like a bad person.

After Zhu Yinluan washed up, she asked Jiaohui to take out the red rope from home.

She sat in front of the dressing table, under the candlelight, carefully using a red string to weave their hair into a heart-shaped knot.

Mingya and Jiaohui looked at each other and found it incredible.

Especially Mingya, she said, "Miss, is this really what Master Shen asked you for?"

"Yeah." Zhu Yinluan said softly.

"I thought that a young master from a noble family would not like these girls' toys."

Jiaohui said, "Who wouldn't like it?" It just depends on who you are looking at.

She didn't say anything else, and the master and servant didn't know what she meant.

The heart-shaped knot was quickly woven, and Zhu Yinluan made a tassel and put it into a brocade box.

Looking at her long hair braided together with Shen Jingzhan's, the red rope and black hair are particularly soft.

Looking at this heart-shaped knot, she finally felt a sense of reality about her marriage to Shen Jingzhan.

“…”

The marriage between the Zhu and Wei families was also put on the agenda. In order to prevent any changes, Wei Ruzhuo might regret it after Zhu Chentan stayed at home for too long, so Madam Zhu picked the nearest auspicious day.

Now I am very busy, taking care of everything at home.

Late at night, I was still counting the list of fruits, tea and drinks with the women in charge. The tables, chairs and benches I bought were not complete, so I had to ask for an auspicious even number. The previous store didn't have enough, so I was discussing returning the store and choosing a new one.

As she was flipping through the booklet, the maid who was in charge next to her was afraid that she was dazzled, so she reminded her, telling her which shop was in which location, what benefits it had, how much it cost, and whether the owner was willing to negotiate a price.

After looking around, they were all similar, so Madam Zhu chose the best one. After all, her daughter's remarriage this time was related to the reputation of the Zhu family, so of course it had to be better than before. Others would think that the Zhu family was rising, and she would also feel proud and shut up those who wanted to watch the fun.

Just as I closed the booklet, I heard the old woman say that she went to Li's house to return the tables and chairs today and heard someone tell a strange story.

Mrs. Zhu didn't take it seriously at first and just asked casually what it was.

The old woman said, "I heard that the prince of the Marquis's Mansion is going to get married!"

"The prince of the Marquis' Mansion?...The Shen family?" Madam Zhu looked over immediately.

"Yes, isn't it the most popular Prince Shen in our capital, the Secretary in front of the emperor!"

Of course there are other princes in the capital, but the Shen family only has one.

"Is she really getting married? Have you heard which noble family she is from?" Mrs. Zhu was so busy asking that she didn't even bother with the work in her hands.

When exactly did this happen?

These days she was busy preparing for the wedding banquet at home and had no time to answer the invitations from various families, so naturally she didn't hear any news.

The Shen family’s wedding is a big deal!

The Zhu family is not worthy of the Shen family. I am afraid that if Master Shen really wants to get married, the Zhu family cannot go. Although Zhu Mingsheng works in the three provinces, his official position is not prominent. There are too many people in the three provinces. The Shen family has a reputation, so not everyone can post invitations.

What's more, the Shen family and the Zhu family have no relationship.

Wei Ruzhuo is doing well, maybe he can get an invitation?

If there is such an invitation, you can go and have a look, to see how the rich families hold wedding banquets. Even if you grow up, it is good to show your face. At least you can get into the ranks of rich families, and when you go out to attend banquets in the future, others will look up to you.

"I was also confused at the time. After all, there had been no news about Master Shen for many years. I thought it was just a rumor. The waiter in the shop said it was almost right."

"Because the maidservant beside Madam Shen has been ordered to replace the tables, chairs and benches in our house since the end of the year. She has been choosing and choosing. All the good quality ones in the capital have been bought. In addition, she has also ordered a lot of other things. That's why our family is short of tables, chairs and benches."

Mrs. Zhu still didn't believe it. "It's okay to replace the tables and chairs with a big one, but why is it related to marriage?"

"Because the waiter asked the maid why they were in such a hurry to replace the house after the New Year. The maid said that there would be a happy event in the Marquis' Mansion, and specifically mentioned that the eldest son was going to get married."

The eldest son? Isn't the eldest son of the Shen family Shen Jingzhan?

"Whose noble lady is this?" Mrs. Zhu was extremely anxious.

Since we can’t get the invitation from the Shen family, maybe we can start from the girl’s family?

Wei Ruzhuo was promoted, and Pang Shi recovered and often went out to mingle with the ladies. Perhaps she could...

"I haven't heard who it is. The higher-ups hid it very well and there was no news."

Madam Zhu frowned, "...Could it be that the little maid just said something nonsense..."

As soon as she said it, she knew it was impossible.

Since the news was released by someone close to Madam Shen, people in the capital started talking about it, and it was impossible for the Shen family not to know about it.

Since everyone in the Shen family knows about it and they haven't come out to stop it, it must be true.

People from high-ranking families may have other intentions for keeping this secret, after all, there are many rules and taboos.

"You should have more people keep an eye on her and make sure to find out whose family the noble lady belongs to." Wouldn't it be easier to flatter her if we find out?

"Yes." The old woman nodded quickly.

Mrs. Zhu was worried about the amount of money. The wedding was a grand occasion, so it was bound to cost a lot of money.

Another manager came in and replied that the accounts for the farm had not been collected yet and they were afraid that they might not be able to make ends meet.

Mrs. Zhu was angry, "Why don't you go and urge them?"

"The wedding banquet at home is imminent, and nothing can go wrong!"

"Calm down."

In the end it was all Zhu Yinluan's fault. If that little bitch hadn't suddenly turned against her and divorced her, she wouldn't have lost so much money. After all, the business from her shop used to send her a monthly payment, and the amount was not small. Now that she had lost money, she couldn't even take advantage of the Wei family.

Although the Zhu family looks good from the outside, only Mrs. Zhu knows how difficult it is to manage such a large family.

Speaking of Zhu Yinluan, she hadn't asked about her for these days. She hurriedly called someone to answer the question, but couldn't find anyone.

Mrs. Zhu waited for a long time before she got the news, but it was bad news. "What did you say?"

"The government took action and drove away all those ruffians?"

"Yes." The servant lowered his head.

"Since that group of people is useless, why not replace them with another group? The government has already arranged everything, so why did they drive our people away?"

"The ruffians are raising the price." The servant pointed out a number, which made Mrs. Zhu's face turn black.

"People from the government said that His Majesty is investigating very vigorously now. The people from the Censorate have already entered the government offices to investigate. Lord Xing was just stripped of his official hat. They dare not take our case."

Madam Zhu was so angry that her face turned dark and blue. "So the money I paid out before can't be recovered?"

“No one can be found.”

Bang--

Mrs. Zhu threw the things on the table with a wave of her sleeves.

"Madam, calm down." The old woman picked up the things and asked her if Zhu Yinluan had asked someone for help? Should she go check it out?

Everything was going well with the government. One of Zhu Yinluan's shops was closed down and he was about to get the shop. How could this happen at such a critical moment?

Madam Zhu sneered, "What ability does she have? She's just lucky."

As a concubine's daughter raised by his parents since childhood, she knew her family very well. She was timid and had no friends in the past. After she got married, she stayed at the Wei family every day. The only person who was close to her was Pang's youngest daughter Wei Mingyan.

Wei Mingyan gave birth to a child, and this pregnancy injured her body. She is still recovering. How could she know what happened at home?

Even if she wanted to intervene, Pangzi would definitely find ways to stop it.

So it couldn’t be Wei Mingyan.

Since Wei Mingyan didn't even look for him, Zhu Yinluan would be of no help at all.

"Forget it, let's put it aside for now and let her have a few more days of good life. After the palace examination is over and Tan'er and Wei Ruzhuo's wedding is over, I will free up my hands to take care of her."

She was just a useless concubine's daughter. No one cared about her. Even if she died, who would stand up for her?

"Send two people from the family to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't get into any trouble." Even though he knew Zhu Yinluan wouldn't dare to do that, he still had to be on guard.

There is no way to get money from Zhu Yinluan for the time being. It seems that I have to find another way, otherwise I won’t be able to make ends meet.

"Which company did you mention before that charges low interest and lends money..."

Zhu Yinluan had only been at Yayin Cottage for a short time and had few things with her, so she packed up quickly.

More importantly, Chen Xiyun told her that she didn't need to bring any clothes or bedding, as everything was provided for her. However, Zhu Yinluan always felt unworthy of it, but she could not resist the enthusiasm of her stepmother, Chen Xiyun.

She personally brought people to pick up Zhu Yinluan.

Shen Jingzhan was not here today, and she was the only one riding in the carriage with Shen Xiyun. She was still a little nervous and didn't dare to speak carelessly. She just answered whatever Shen Xiyun asked.

Fortunately, the other party was gentle and asked more common questions, such as her taste, what color of material she liked, what style of skirt she liked...

There was no mention of the Wei family, the Zhu family, or anything like that.

He didn't say she was pitiful, he really treated her like his own daughter.

After arriving at Shi's house, he took Zhu Yinluan to see her yard first and asked the maid to put away the luggage.

Although he only lived here for a short period of time, he kept the yard very well maintained.

Not to mention the quiet environment, the layout of the yard is really big.

It was bigger than the yard she lived in at the Zhu family or even the Wei family.

The courtyard of the Wei family is not as spacious as the Tingyu Pavilion where Pang Shi lives. Now her separate courtyard in the Shi family is even bigger than that place. She is worthy of being a noble family.

"I asked someone to tidy up this place some time ago. Take a look and see if you like it. If you think there is anything wrong, just tell mother and I will ask the craftsmen to modify and add to it." Chen Xiyun held her hand.

Zhu Yinluan replied, "It's very good. There is nothing to fix. It's also... because it's too good. I feel unworthy of it."

"Why are you talking about all that?" Shen Xiyun told her not to be so formal.

After showing her around the courtyard, a maid came to tell her that the food was ready.

The two of them went to the front hall to eat first. Today, Chen Xiyun's eldest daughter Shi Congwei was ill, and the second daughter Shi Congyuan went back because of something at her parents' home.

General Shi also came out to have dinner with them, and the atmosphere at the table was quite cheerful.

After breakfast, Chen Xiyun and Shi Congwei took her for a walk in the backyard of Shi's house to help digest the food and also to show her the way.

Chen Xiyun was right. Shi Congwei had a very forthright personality. She was still acting reserved when they first met yesterday. But today, when the three of them were strolling in the backyard, Zhu Yinluan noticed a lot of clues. She was somewhat similar to Wei Mingyan in personality.

The day passed smoothly, Zhu Yinluan's heart gradually relaxed, and she slept soundly at night.

The next day, Shen Xiyun told her that people from the Shen family would be coming the day after tomorrow, so she made a new dress for her and asked her to try it on to see if it fit. If not, she had to alter it so that she could wear it to meet the guests.

Hearing the word "Chen", Zhu Yinluan couldn't help but get nervous. She was wondering, has Shen Jingzhan already told everyone in the Shen family?

The Shen family is coming over to propose marriage.

If that's the case, then he must know her identity, so would she mind the noise?

Seeing her nervousness, Shen Xiyun comforted her, “Since Jing Zhan likes you and is determined to marry you, he will definitely settle the matter with his family.”

"Don't worry, Madam Shen is kind-hearted and not vicious. If anything happens, as your mother, I will naturally help you."

Zhu Yinluan could only smile and accept Chen Xiyun's comfort, "Thank you, mother."

She just prayed in her heart that Shen Jingzhan wouldn't make too much trouble.

The Shen family is indeed not at peace.

Everyone in the main hall was silent.

Mrs. Shen was in a dilemma and didn't know what to say to smooth things over.

Old Madam Shen looked unhappy, and Lord Shen frowned.

Only the person involved was calm and composed, drinking tea from a cup.

"I don't agree with this marriage." Old Mrs. Shen said again.

"Even if you want to marry a girl from a small family, you have to find someone with a clean record. How can a girl who has been married for more than four years and was just divorced enter my Shen family?"

Old Madam Shen sneered. When she first noticed something on Shen Jiaxian's side and asked if Shen Jingzhan was this person, what did he say?

Oh, he asked her what nonsense she was talking about? What could a married woman have to do with him?

Great, now I’m going to marry her right away.

The news that Old Lady Shen received today was that the girl from the Zhu family had been divorced, no, it had not been more than a month since she was abandoned by the Wei family, and he was going to bring her home?

"Impossible." Old Mrs. Shen said again, "There is no room for negotiation on this matter."

"Mother... don't be angry. The imperial physician said that your health is not good. You must take good care of yourself."

Mrs. Shen had good intentions to persuade her, but who knew that Old Lady Shen would take advantage of the situation and pretend to cough violently, almost out of breath.

Shen Jingzhan did not move, just watched her cough, his expression showing no sign of retreat or worry.

Mrs. Shen didn't dare to say anything more. It was hard for her to help out since she was caught between her son and her mother-in-law. She was worried about both her son and her mother-in-law.

When his son announced that he was going to get married, Lord Shen asked him why he wanted to marry this woman.

He said he liked it.

Since this is the person her son likes, how can she stop him?

It's been almost ten or twenty years, how can I hear Shen Jingzhan say what he likes?

This beloved is still a living person! A girl!

I don’t know who that girl from the Zhu family is?

Madam Shen could only look to Lord Shen for help.

“Tinglan, talk to your grandmother nicely.” Lord Shen said with a frown.

“Look at the good son you gave birth to.” Old Mrs. Shen pointed at Shen Jingzhan with one hand and covered her heart with the other, her face showing great pain.

"Grandmother is not feeling well. I have asked someone to call the imperial physician."

"This marriage is a done deal. I have already told His Majesty, and he has allowed me to marry the daughter of the Zhu family."

"What do you like about her?"

When Old Lady Shen heard the word "Your Majesty", she finally calmed down a little and asked what was wrong with Shen Jingzhan?

"My father, mother and grandmother are all here. I will not hide the fact that I fell in love with her at first sight many years ago and have been in love with her ever since."

"But because of the affairs of the court, I missed the chance to marry her. My son regrets it very much. He originally planned to remain single for the rest of his life, but unexpectedly she divorced the Wei family. She is now alone. My son must marry her and spend the rest of his life with her."

"You..." Old Mrs. Shen was choked and didn't know what to say for a moment.

The main thing was that he acted first and reported to the emperor later. Not only did he prepare everything, he even told the emperor about it. If he regretted the engagement, how would he explain to the emperor?

What is more important is what he said next.

He said that he had been thinking about the girl for many years. If she had not divorced the Wei family, he would never marry again?

"Are you threatening your grandmother and your father and mother?" Old Mrs. Shen said with a cold face.

"My grandson has no such intention." Shen Jingzhan was neither humble nor arrogant, his eyes did not look sideways, and his tone sounded calm but could not be questioned.

When others saw and heard him, they knew he was determined.

Old Mrs. Shen was at a loss for words when the servant came to report that the imperial physician had arrived.

Mrs. Shen quickly told someone to come in.

Lord Shen looked at his son, stood up and said, "Come with me to the study."

Shen Jingzhan stood up and bowed to say goodbye to Madam Shen and Old Lady Shen.

In the study, Lord Shen didn’t know what to say, so he just asked him, “Have you thought about it?”

"Yes, my son wants to marry her."

When it comes to the word love between men and women, Lord Shen doesn’t know what to say.

The Shen family is a prominent family in the capital. His son has made some achievements and has established a firm foothold in the court. If he really wants to choose a marriage partner, he cannot choose someone of equal status, lest His Majesty be wary and think that his meritorious officials are forming alliances.

A few days ago, Lord Shen mentioned to Madam Shen that if Shen Jingzhan's statement about getting married in the end of spring was just a delaying tactic, then Madam Shen should pick a decent and honest family with a gentle temperament and welcome her into the Shen family.

Unexpectedly, he was actually going to get married.

There was nothing special about the girl's family background. According to the old lady, she was only pretty.

But is Shen Jingzhan greedy for her beauty? His son is not close to women, how can he be greedy for beauty?

There are so many beautiful women in the capital that if you really want to choose one based on beauty, there are plenty of people to choose from.

Since there is no profit, then I really like it.

If this marriage goes through, and the Zhu family girl's background cannot be concealed, the whole city will be shocked. But... should we follow the old lady's wishes and "break up the couple"? Not allowing him to get married.

Lord Shen wanted to break them up, but found that he couldn't do it.

Shen Jingzhan is powerful and difficult to suppress. If things get really bad, it will only ruin the relationship between father and son.

After considering the outcome, Lord Shen said, "You have a bright future now, and you no longer need the support of the Yue family. Since you like me and have been preparing for it for a long time, then marry me."

"But you must also understand that if something goes wrong in the government in the future, her mother's family will not be able to help you if they are not strong."

Lord Shen knew that Shen Jingzhan had found a maternal clan for her, but it was still the power of the Shen family. This backer was really just a backer for the girl from the Zhu family. What benefit would it bring to the Shen family?

If we don't talk about the benefits, it's nothing more than... strengthening the relationship between relatives.

"Son knows." Shen Jingzhan nodded, "Thank you, father."

"My grandmother still needs my father and mother to help her son persuade her. When we go to Shi's house the next day, don't let her suffer any injustice."

"You're already defending me before I even enter the door?" Lord Shen seemed to be lecturing, but in fact he was teasing.

Shen Jingzhan just smiled and said nothing, which was considered as his consent.

"As for your grandmother, I'll ask your mother to persuade her more."

"Thank you, father." He bowed.

"Yeah." Lord Shen looked at him and nodded.

Mrs. Shen was naturally fine, but she still didn't like it and didn't want Zhu Yinluan to come in.

But Shen Jingzhan was the sole decision maker in this matter, and even Lord Shen couldn't persuade him. It was impossible for Old Lady Shen to enter the palace to meet the emperor, and no one could stop her.

After listening to Lord Shen, Madam Shen didn't know what to say. She had never been able to control this outstanding eldest son.

I could only think about preparing gifts for the Shi family the day after tomorrow.

"Ting Lan likes this girl, you must not neglect the etiquette." Lord Shen and Madam Shen instructed.

"Husband, do you believe that Ting Lan likes her?" Mrs. Shen asked.

"If I didn't like it, I wouldn't have prepared so carefully." Lord Shen said.

"I wonder what the character of the daughter of the Zhu family is like?" Mrs. Shen was worried.

It's not that he dislikes the girl from a humble family, he's just afraid that she can't bear the responsibility of being the prince's wife.

I saw the portrait today and found that he looks quite docile.

But if she had no problems, how could she be divorced by the Wei family? Even her parents didn't want her to go back, so did she have no problems?

Madam Shen only dared to think about it in her heart and didn't dare to point it out directly.

It might not be good to say it out loud.

"We'll see the day after tomorrow. Ting Lan has always had a good eye. If someone he likes, he must be good." Lord Shen thought so.

Mrs. Shen was speechless, and was glad that she didn't say what she was thinking just now.

The day after tomorrow arrived quickly, and during that time, Mrs. Shen neither gave in nor showed up.

Upon learning that Lord Shen and Madam Shen were about to visit the Shi family with generous gifts, the two of them came to pay their respects in the morning and closed the door to refuse any visitors.

Lord Shen and Madam Shen could only look at each other, greeted each other through the door, and left.

Shen Jingzhan did not live in the Marquis' Mansion, so he was waiting at the door.

When Madam Shen went out, she saw her son, who had obviously dressed up, looking even taller and longer-legged, and so handsome that she couldn't help but look at him, and couldn't take her eyes off him...

When my eyes lit up, I also thought, this might be just a little bit of liking?