Chapter 55 Chapter 55 Shen Jingzhan with two faces.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yinluan's expression froze in an instant.

Shen Jingzhan realized that she was like someone had pricked her blood, and she was motionless. He asked worriedly, "Luan'er, what's wrong with you?"

"If you didn't get enough rest yesterday..." As he spoke, the man reached out to support her, but she dodged him again.

This is not the first time.

Shen Jingzhan's hand paused in mid-air.

The atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

Zhu Yinluan had no way to calm down at this moment, so she could only stand up and run away, "I'm fine, don't miss the time to pick up my aunt, I'll go wash up first."

She hurriedly avoided Shen Jingzhan's touch.

Zhu Yinluan felt that she should calm down and think about the matter carefully.

Why did she always catch some details that made her feel that Shen Jingzhan was similar to the fierce man in her dream?

But the Shen Jingzhan she came into contact with was not like this at all.

Zhu Yinluan was upset, so Mingya went to make calming soup for her, and Jiaohui combed her hair.

Zhu Yinluan sat in front of the dressing table unable to move, observing the man not far away through the bronze mirror. Just like before, he did not show any displeasure due to her cold treatment, and was even helping her to look at the calming soup.

Is she too suspicious?

If I have this nightmare again next time, I really need to find a doctor to see me.

After breakfast and drinking some calming soup, Zhu Yinluan felt much more calm.

Everyone was waiting in the main hall, and Chen Kouyu arrived as promised.

This is Shen Jingzhan's biological sister, and she naturally looks similar to him.

Shen Jingzhan is the most handsome man in the capital, and is known as the number one young master. His sister is not much behind, and is a famous beauty in the capital.

The moment Chen Kouyu came in, Zhu Yinluan was amazed.

The girl had a delicate and bright appearance, and looked playful in her red dress. She was indeed unrestrained, and her behavior was totally unlike that of a noble lady who had been raised in the capital and never left the house.

He first greeted the elders in the family one by one and gave them gifts, then came around to Shen Jingzhan, called him brother, and fixed his eyes on Zhu Yinluan's face, "Sister-in-law, how is she? Sister-in-law is much more beautiful than the one in brother's portrait!"

She doesn't look arrogant or difficult, but what does the picture in her words mean?

What portrait is it from? Has Shen Jingzhan ever painted her?

Zhu Yinluan felt strange, she cast a doubtful look at Shen Jingzhan, and did not notice that Lord Shen and Madam Shen in the main seat simultaneously picked up their teacups to drink water to cover up their actions.

Shen Jingzhan smiled at her and didn't explain at this moment. Zhu Yinluan maintained her courtesy and didn't ask any further questions.

She thanked Chen Kouyu for her praise, accepted the gift she sent, and also handed over the brocade box she had prepared.

“Thank you, sister-in-law!” The other person was sweet-mouthed and loved to laugh, and was more active than Shen Jingzhan’s gentleness.

Zhu Yinluan breathed a sigh of relief, at least she was not as difficult to deal with as Wei Qingsi.

When Chen Kouyu returned home, all the relatives from the Shen family came and gathered together for breakfast.

During the dinner, Chen Kouyu mentioned a person, Shen Jiaxian from the second house. She said that when she came back, she took a detour to Fu Yu to avoid the mountain disaster and met him there.

The second wife hurriedly asked what happened to Shen Jiaxian?

Taoist Chen Kouyu has become much darker and thinner, but he is in good spirits and looks more capable and less frivolous.

"Haven't Second Uncle and Second Aunt loved him all along? How could they bear to send him to the border to be a county magistrate? That place is windy, cold, and lacks a lot of things. It can't compare to the capital."

Zhu Yinluan secretly noticed that after Chen Kouyu said this, the second house master looked at Shen Jingzhan. Not only the second house master looked at him, but even the second house lady, Madam Shen, Lord Shen, and Old Lady Shen all looked at him at the same time.

It seemed as if there was some tacit secret, but she was the only one kept in the dark and knew nothing.

The second wife laughed and said, "He is always unruly in the capital, and he is also reckless at home. Let him go out and gain some experience to temper his temper."

"Really? Then when do you plan to let him come back?" Chen Kouyu asked.

When she said this, she looked at Shen Jingzhan who was picking up food for Zhu Yinluan, "Brother, Jiaxian also asked me to ask you, if possible, can you mediate for him?"

Zhu Yinluan noticed that when Chen Kouyu asked Chen Jingzhan, the people who had just looked at Chen Jingzhan looked over again.

Shen Jingzhan asked Shen Kouyu in return, "Do you think you can mediate?"

"I—" Before Chen Kouyu could reply, Madam Shen picked up some food for her, "This is the fish that your mother made for you. You loved it the most in the past. I'm afraid you can't taste it outside. Eat more. You look thinner."

While picking up the food, Mrs. Shen gave Shen Kouyu a look, signaling her to shut up and stop talking about this matter.

Chen Kouyu once again touched her brother, who had become very gentle and polite since her marriage.

He also raised his eyelids and looked over at this moment, and the half-smile in his eyes made people inexplicably scared.

Chen Kouyu remembered his nature and immediately restrained herself, changing the subject with a serious expression, "…Mother, the fish you cooked is really delicious!"

Zhu Yinluan was still observing, while Shen Jingzhan beside her had already put the fish with bones removed into her bowl, "Luan'er, try the fish made by mother."

She came back to her senses, "…Yeah, okay."

After breakfast, several relatives went to the government office. Shen Jingzhan was a court official, so he was no exception.

Before he left, he asked her if she wanted to rest for a while, saying that she didn't sleep well yesterday, and he took her back to the yard.

Both Old Mrs. Shen and Madam Shen heard what he said, and Old Mrs. Shen asked what was wrong?

Everyone looked at her, and Zhu Yinluan quickly shook her head and said it was okay, "I'll talk to my grandmother, mother-in-law, and my aunt, and you can go and do your work, it's okay."

"I'm afraid you're too tired," he said.

Zhu Yinluan tried her best to maintain her intimacy with him in front of others, "My husband, your words are too serious. It's just a casual conversation. It doesn't take much effort."

"If you're not feeling well, don't force yourself." He reached out and stroked her long hair.

The elders and sisters-in-law beside her were all watching, but Zhu Yinluan still couldn't be natural and generous. She was embarrassed and urged Shen Jingzhan, "My husband, please get busy. Don't delay the time."

"Um."

He smiled at her, told the people around her to take good care of her, said goodbye to the elders, and left with his entourage.

After Shen Jingzhan left, Zhu Yinluan breathed a sigh of relief.

Even so, they were often teased by their sisters-in-law, who said that they were very affectionate and a perfect match made in heaven...

"I think there will be good news soon."

This is what the third aunt said to Madam Shen.

Mrs. Shen glanced at Zhu Yinluan's belly and just smiled politely.

Zhu Yinluan couldn't help but feel nervous. Yesterday, she was still thinking about talking to Shen Jingzhan about adopting a child, but she turned around and forgot about it.

When he comes back today, I must tell him everything so that he can make plans early.

"I hope so." After taking a sip of tea, Mrs. Shen took over the words of the third room.

Everyone sat together, most of them were concerned about Chen Kouyu and asked her how she was doing in Liuzhou these days.

Chen Kouyu answered them one by one.

Zhu Yinluan had long known that Chen Kouyu was a generous and cheerful person, but she had not expected that she was also very chivalrous. She listened to the whole process and only then learned that Chen Kouyu went to Liuzhou not for the nominal purpose of sightseeing, but to deliver food and porridge.

Not long ago, the land cow in Liuzhou turned, killing and injuring many people. Chen Kouyu made up her mind to go and take a look. On the surface, she coaxed Mrs. Shen and said that she was going to Xiangnan to taste the famous wine Furongzui, but secretly she went to Liuzhou in the opposite way. She arrived in Liuzhou for a long time before she dared to send a message back.

When Zhu Yinluan heard Chen Kouyu talk about the suffering of the people who had lost their loved ones and were displaced by the turning of the earth, her heart ached.

On the one hand, she admired Chen Kouyu. She was just a young girl, but she cared so much about the people and could put it into action.

Madam Shen rebuked her, "It's so dangerous, and you still coaxed your family to go! If something happens to you, how can I, your mother, accept it?"

"My daughter wanted to go openly, but she knew you wouldn't allow it, so she went secretly..."

Mrs. Shen's face fell, "..."

The aunts nearby hurried to help coax and comfort her.

Zhu Yinluan felt like laughing for some reason after hearing this. To be honest, Chen Kouyu and Shen Jingzhan's personalities were similar to some extents.

He often speaks in a choking way, without any regard for anything.

"Okay, Yu'er, your mother's worries are not without reason. Do you know how worried she is during the time you've been away from home? She's been worried about you all day long. Why don't you comfort your mother and still contradict her?"

Old Madam Shen stepped forward to reprimand Shen Kouyu, and she weakly said that she knew she was wrong and would never dare to do it again. She also apologized to Madam Shen, saying that she shouldn't have contradicted her.

"Neither you nor your brother can rest assured."

Zhu Yinluan was confused when Shen Jingzhan was mentioned unexpectedly.

Shen Jingzhan is so outstanding at such a young age, what else is there to worry about? Is it because he married her?

Apart from this, Zhu Yinluan really couldn't think of anything else that would make Madam Shen scold Shen Jingzhan together and make her feel uneasy.

When she looked over, Madam Shen coughed lightly, changed the subject, stretched out her index finger and poked Shen Kouyu's forehead, "Okay, okay, just be more obedient in the future."

“By the way, when you come back this time, it’s time to put your marriage on the agenda.” Mrs. Shen said.

Chen Kouyu's expression changed instantly. She frowned and said nothing. Her reluctance could be seen at a glance.

"Mother has compiled a list and will send it to your room later. Please take your time to choose."

Chen Kouyu seemed to have something to say, but because all the relatives were present, she remained silent.

How could Mrs. Shen not know what she was thinking? She said to her, "How old are you now? If you don't get married, what will you do in the future?"

Madam Shen's voice was strong, but Shen Kouyu couldn't help but reply, "Does every woman have to get married?"

The third wife laughed out loud, "Yujie, what are you talking about? How can a girl not marry someone? Even if you think that our Shen family is well-off, you can stay at home for a few more years and you won't have to worry about your life if you delay it for a long time. There will be many people who want to marry you, but it will be bad for you in the end. People will gossip about you."

Shen Kouyu wanted to retort, but was glared at by Madam Shen. She bit her lip and said nothing, and the corners of her eyes seemed to be a little red.

Seeing the atmosphere was tense, the second wife jumped out to smooth things over, saying that the girl had just returned, so why bother talking about all this? She then turned the conversation to the interesting things happening in the capital.

“By the way, I heard that a top new star has emerged in the capital, his name is Wei—” Before the second lady finished her words, the third lady suddenly bumped into her and looked in a suggestive direction towards Zhu Yinluan.

The second wife stopped talking, as if she had thought of something, and changed the subject with an awkward smile.

Zhu Yinluan also knew what the second wife was going to say, which was her former husband's family, the Wei family.

Wei Ruzhuo was on the rise and it was no surprise that he became a topic of conversation among the upper-class families.

I heard that he was still being promoted to the position of Shangshu when they divorced, but I don’t know what’s going on with him now?

With his elder sister helping him, it should be safe, right?

The Wei family's affairs had nothing to do with her anymore, so she never paid any attention to them.

But soon Zhu Yinluan thought of one thing. According to the current trend of the Zhu family pestering Shen Jingzhan for support, and Wei Ruzhuo and his elder sister are getting married, will the Wei family also cling to the Shen family?

Wei Ruzhuo might want to save face and would not do such a thing, but it is hard to say about Pang Shi. Pang Shi will not do anything without profit, and she is even worse than Madam Zhu.

Thinking of this, her heart began to become worried.

"Okay, let's stop here today." Old Madam Shen said, "Yu'er has worked hard on this journey, take a good rest at home, don't run out all day."

Looking at Guan Hua, he probably noticed that Chen Kouyu didn't want to get married, so he secretly confined her to her room.

"If you feel bored, come and talk to your sister-in-law. You two are about the same age, but she is much more cautious in her actions and words than you. You should learn from her."

Everyone said that Zhu Yinluan had been trying to please the old lady these days, but the other families didn't believe it at first.

Today, she heard with her own ears Mrs. Shen's praise for her and looked at her twice more.

"Grandma, you are too kind." Zhu Yinluan replied.

Old Mrs. Shen raised her hand to stand up. Zhu Yinluan had been by her side for many days, so she naturally knew that she needed someone to support her, so she hurried forward.

"Okay, let's all go." said Mrs. Shen.

Zhu Yinluan sent her back, and Chen Kouyu followed Madam Shen to the yard.

When they arrived at Yunmei Hall, Zhu Yinluan gave the old lady a massage.

She told Zhu Yinluan about Chen Kouyu and asked Zhu Yinluan to look for her more often and persuade her.

Thinking of Chen Kouyu's resistance to marriage today, Zhu Yinluan hesitated and couldn't help wondering in her heart, how should she persuade her? Wouldn't it be jealous if she frowned?

Old Mrs. Shen didn't open her eyes, but she could feel her emotions.

He said to her, "Yu'er is in awe of her brother. If you go and tell her, she won't get angry with you. I'm telling you today because I want you to ask Tingland to persuade her."

Old Madam Shen had already made all the arrangements. What else could Zhu Yinluan say? She could only nod and say, "Grandson's wife will do her best."

"Yeah." Old Mrs. Shen nodded with satisfaction.

Although Zhu Yinluan's family background is not good, she is relatively gentle and never talks back, which is very rare.

“…”

After coming out of Yunmei Hall, Zhu Yinluan naturally returned to her courtyard.

As she walked along the corridor, she looked at the Shen family's courtyard, thinking about yesterday's dream and what happened today.

I always feel like something is odd, but I can't tell where it is.

It feels like walking in a thick fog.

She had just arrived in the courtyard and had a cup of tea when a maid came outside to tell her that Chen Kouyu was here to visit.

Zhu Yinluan was surprised by her arrival and stood up to greet her personally.

Chen Kouyu looked like she had been crying, her eyes were even redder than when she left the main hall, but there was a smile on her face.

She called Zhu Yinluan "sister-in-law" and said that she liked the jade whip given by Zhu Yinluan very much and it was something she had always wanted.

Zhu Yinluan asked her to sit down and told Mingya to serve tea.

"Can I have Green Mountain Stream? I don't like scented tea," she said.

"Of course." Zhu Yinluan asked Mingya to prepare and asked her what kind of pastries she wanted to eat.

Chen Kouyu was not shy and ordered the cakes right away.

"I am a bit picky, please don't be offended, sister-in-law."

"Don't blame me." Zhu Yinluan smiled.

If someone is pretentious, then it would be really difficult to get along with him.

"I came to see my sister-in-law, firstly to thank her for the gift of the jade whip, and secondly to get away and have some free time."

The tea had not yet arrived. Chen Kouyu supported her head with one hand and turned the teacup with the other.

"I'm very happy that my aunt can come here." She had always intended to build a good relationship with the Shen family.

It’s naturally a good thing that Chen Kouyu doesn’t dislike her.

As it happened, she also wanted to ask what the portrait was that Chen Kouyu mentioned during breakfast?

"The jade whip was actually prepared by my husband."

"My brother gave it to my sister-in-law, so it belongs to my sister-in-law. My sister-in-law gave it to me, so I should thank her."

"By the way, has your sister-in-law seen the things I gave her?"

Zhu Yinluan said she hadn’t had time to see it.

"Bring it here quickly."

Jiaohui brought the brocade box, Chen Kouyu took Zhu Yinluan to the inner room, and asked people to lower the window frames, pearl curtains and jade screens.

The inner room suddenly became dark.

Zhu Yinluan was puzzled. She was not used to Chen Kouyu's easygoing and approachable nature, but the other party was already urging her to open the sandalwood box quickly.

Zhu Yinluan opened it with doubt.

The next moment, the things inside the brocade box revealed their beauty, illuminating the entire inner room. More importantly, they cast many faint shadows on all sides, like the bright starry sky at night. Zhu Yinluan was stunned.

"this……?"

Chen Kouyu smiled and said, "This is a wonderful item I found by chance in Liuzhou. It not only has the effect of illuminating like a night-shining pearl, but also can show the stars like a shadow play. I specially gave it to my sister-in-law as a wedding gift! I wish my sister-in-law and brother a happy marriage, like the stars and the moon always accompany each other."

It is truly a wonderful piece of work. Zhu Yinluan said it is too valuable.

Chen Kouyu said that the jade whip she gave her was more valuable and there was no other one like it in the whole capital.

Zhu Yinluan looked at the beads for a long time before asking someone to put them away.

Tea and snacks were served, and the two sat down to drink tea and talk.

Most of the time, it was Chen Kouyu who was talking. She asked Zhu Yinluan if she had gotten used to the Shen family and if she had encountered any problems.

Zhu Yinluan thanked her for her concern and said, "My parents are generous and kind, and my sisters-in-law are friendly. No one has made things difficult for me."

"That's good, but it's also thanks to my sister-in-law's kindness..." Chen Kouyu praised her several times.

Zhu Yinluan vaguely realized from her flattering tone that Chen Kouyu seemed to have something to ask her.

As she expected, after a few words of small talk, Chen Kouyu spoke up, "Sister-in-law, I have an unreasonable request, I wonder if you can help me?"

Zhu Yinkuan guessed that it might be about getting married.

Chen Kouyu has a cheerful personality, so Zhu Yinluan didn't beat around the bush with her, "If it's about getting married, I may not be able to do it."

"I just sent my grandmother back home, and she asked me to persuade my aunt to settle down and get married."

Chen Kouyu curled her lips, "Mother and grandmother are really of the same mind! How much they want to marry me off!"

She grabbed the pastry and took several bites angrily. Her cheeks were puffed up and she looked very cute.

Zhu Yinluan handed her a handkerchief.

Chen Kouyu answered, "Sister-in-law, I know you are in trouble, but I really don't want to get married. Can you help me talk to my brother? My brother has always been majestic in the family, and even my father can't control him. If my brother speaks up, my mother and grandmother will never force me to get married again."

"If I go and talk to my husband..." Zhu Yinluan hesitated.

It's not that she doesn't want to convey it.

But...

This is the Shen family? If she whispered to Shen Jingzhan and "blocked" Shen Kouyu's "marriage", both Old Lady Shen and Madam Shen would probably be dissatisfied with her.

"Why don't you talk to your husband in person?" She hesitated and refused.

"My brother is not willing to help me." Hearing that Zhu Yinluan didn't give in, Chen Kou became listless. She lay on the table, playing with the cup listlessly.

"Sister-in-law, you don't know how fierce my brother is. I didn't dare to go and tell him. If I really went, he would probably scold me and say that I was not behaving properly all day, even more harshly than my father and mother."

"Is my husband so fierce?" She couldn't imagine Shen Jingzhan scolding someone harshly.

To be precise, I have never seen it, so I have no idea what it is.

Shen Jingzhan has always been gentle, kind, considerate, thoughtful and meticulous.

If we have to say there is something wrong with him, it is that he often surrounds the elders, but he is not that fierce, right?

"Fierce!" Chen Kouyu sat up straight.

"I've never seen him being the boss at home before. Even my father can't control him. Even when my grandmother asks him to do something, he doesn't give her face."

"Really?" Zhu Yinluan was puzzled and asked what exactly happened.

"Because mother gave my brother a room before—" She paused in the middle of the sentence, shrinking her head, "Sister-in-law, will you be angry if I tell you?"

Zhu Yinluan shook her head, "No."

"Then don't tell your brother."

"Yeah." She nodded.

Chen Kouyu lowered her voice and said that in the past few years, Shen Jingzhan had reached the age of saving trouble but was reluctant to take in a maid, and he rejected it several times when he mentioned it.

Mrs. Shen was worried that there was something wrong with him, so she secretly released a beautiful maid into his outer courtyard.

The little maid secretly put something in Shen Jingzhan's tea and tried to climb into bed.

After he found out, he chopped off his hand and threw it into Madam Shen’s yard.

"Cut, cut off the hand?!" Zhu Yinluan thought she had heard it wrong.

“Yeah.” Thinking of that scene, Shen Kouyu’s face turned horrified.

"My brother was very alert. After noticing something unusual, he drew his sword and asked her gloomily, whose hand was this?

"The little maid refused to say anything, so my brother said both of them were chopped off. The little maid then said it was the right hand. As soon as she finished speaking, her right hand was also chopped off and splattered. Many people present were frightened and fainted."

"What..." Zhu Yinluan choked.

"Sister-in-law, you don't believe it?" Chen Kouyu said, "If you don't believe it, you can ask the servants. Although this incident happened a long time ago, everyone in the mansion still remembers it."

"Besides that, sister-in-law can also ask about what happened in the court. My brother was in and out of the Ministry of Justice, and he has a reputation there."

"What's the name?"

"The King of Hell, a cruel official!"

Chen Kouyu said that he was very quick and efficient in judging people, and he could pry open the mouth of even the most cunning death row inmates.

Zhu Yinluan felt so strange, "..."

Is this Shen Jingzhan?

When Chen Kouyu thought of her brother who was as gentle as jade today, she didn't feel any affection, but only felt like seeing a ghost. She couldn't help but sigh from the bottom of her heart,

"No wonder my sister-in-law is suspicious."

"The brother in front of my sister-in-law seems to be different from the brother we know."