Lu Chengye wore a dark blue robe with elephant patterns and a white jade crown, which made him look even more handsome. Unfortunately, he had a cough and was somewhat thin and frail.

Upon seeing her husband, Shen Mingrong's expression softened.

"It's nothing serious, no need to worry."

She got up and straightened her husband's clothes, but the faint sorrow in her eyes could not be hidden.

Lu Chengye knew she had something on her mind, but he wasn't in a hurry. He smiled and put his arm around her shoulder, leading her to sit down on the kang (a heated brick bed) by the window.

"I thought you would go back to Shen's house for lunch and then come back."

Shen Mingrong took the hand warmer from her husband, put it on the cotton brocade cover over her slightly cold hands, and felt the warmth spread from her palms to her whole body.

Since she married into the Lu family, Lu Chengye has treated her extremely well.

Whether it was matters large or small, or matters in bed, they were very considerate of her feelings, which allowed her to gain a foothold as soon as she entered the mansion. The old lady Lu, also known as Lady He, the wife of the Duke of Rongguo, was bedridden, the heir apparent's father had died early, and the adoptive mother was a Buddhist nun who rarely went out. Therefore, as soon as she entered the mansion, she obtained the token to manage the household, and no one in the entire mansion dared to disrespect her.

What she had expected to be a chaotic life turned out to be orderly and developing in a positive direction. Her husband's constant respect filled her with gratitude, and Shen Mingrong regained her confidence, deciding to make the best of it and dedicate herself wholeheartedly to the Lu family.

When she was in the Shen family, she was just a sickly girl from the second wife's side. Her grandmother made the decisions above her, and her father and mother were there beside her. She didn't have to take the lead in anything. But over the years, her mother, Madam Gu, has taught her more than just the affairs of the inner chambers.

From a young age, her mother told her about her maternal grandfather Yonglin's family affairs, hoping that she would not be bound by the walls of the world and only know how to live her life by focusing on her own little things.

As my mother said, "Although a woman can only be a servant behind a man, the affairs of the inner quarters are not as easy or simple as those of the outer quarters. If you can understand the greater principles, you will be able to handle the affairs of the inner quarters more easily."

Therefore, she did not find it difficult to handle the affairs of the Rongguo Mansion, and her husband respected her more, no longer just as he respected his first wife, but even as a confidante.

She had been in the household for almost a year, and every time she offered to help arrange for a concubine, her husband refused. Except when he had to deal with the affairs of the main estate and would stay in the study, he spent almost all his time in the main house.

Thinking of these things, Shen Mingrong's voice became even gentler: "Yuzhang, I always felt a sense of tension, like a storm was brewing, and after entering the palace today, I am even more certain."

Lu Chengye personally poured his wife a cup of hot tea before nodding, "Yes, I feel the same way."

Upon hearing this, Shen Mingrong was overjoyed. It felt wonderful to have met a kindred spirit. She immediately asked, "What do you think?"

Lu Chengye then briefly explained his thoughts to Shen Mingrong, who frowned and asked, "You suspect the Duke of Wen's mansion?"

She also had doubts about the Empress Dowager's relatives, but she felt that the Duke of Wei's family was more likely to be involved.

The Duke of Wen's mansion could only rely on General Song, but the Duke of Wei's mansion had three commanders: the Duke of Wei guarded the main camp in the suburbs of the capital, the Duke of Wei's heir, Wei Chen, also controlled the Jade Unicorn Cavalry, and the Duke of Wei's second son, Yin Lie, guarded the North Pass.

I've heard that Yin Lie will be returning to the capital this year and the garrison commander of Beiguan will be replaced. But aside from that, the intricate network of relationships that the Duke of Wei's mansion has cultivated in the capital over the years is absolutely unmatched by the Duke of Wen's mansion.

"Regardless of who the Empress Dowager will favor most or who she will appoint as the vanguard, she must first have a capable heir. Otherwise, it's all just empty talk. If she were to choose an unrelated person as emperor, she would be infamous for eternity. The Empress Dowager would certainly not do such a foolish thing."

Shen Mingrong listened to her husband's analysis and nodded in agreement.

In the twelfth lunar month, Shen Mingzhuang fell seriously ill. Just as she was recovering somewhat, Manhuan rushed in and said, "Miss, Guard Shi is not here?"

Upon hearing the words "Guardian Shi," Shen Mingzhuang couldn't help but twitch his lips. If Shi Jiang knew that Man Huan really considered him a guard, he would probably be furious.

But he hardly ever goes back to the space anymore. He spends his days in human form, moving around outside. This identity is fine for him.

Life has gradually emerged from the initial chaos. These days, Shi Jiang has been behaving himself in front of her, which makes her feel much better, although she can't help but feel a desire to get closer to him.

But a voice in her heart seemed to be stopping her. The relationship between instinct and reason became conflicting. Every time she saw Shi Jiang, she felt a little awkward. Sometimes she even thought that it would be better if Shi Jiang just stayed as that short, fat guy who loved to sleep. This way of getting along made her feel a little restricted.

"He went outside." She didn't want to stay in Beiyuan any longer. After all, she had decided to sever ties with Jiang Wang, and sometimes it was better not to get entangled in these things.

She planned to buy a large house outside, under Shi Jiang's name. She had also discussed it with Shi Jiang. For convenience, once Jiang Wang's divorce papers were issued, they would publicly claim to be husband and wife, which would make things easier.

Logically, this excuse was indeed good, and reason agreed with it, but she still felt a little uncomfortable. However, she couldn't find a reason to refute it, so she let Shi Jiang do as he pleased.

After all, Shi Jiang was now always by her side, and she had no secrets from him.

Hearing that Shi Jiang had gone out, Man Huan finally raised her little face again and went into the house.

Seeing Man Huan like this, Shen Mingzhuang felt somewhat helpless. He didn't know why this girl was so hostile towards Shi Jiang, even though he hadn't done anything wrong.

Man Huan leaned closer and whispered, "Miss, your period hasn't come yet."

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!