He Fei walked up behind her and said cautiously, "What I'm saying is, even if that Mr. He is Mr. Cheng, it's not appropriate for you to go see him now. You are the wife of a high-ranking official, and Mr. Cheng is a revolutionary. If you go to see him, it would be very dangerous for him... If you want him to live, it's best if..."
Shen Qing understood, and nodded through her tears, "I understand..."
He Fei left the accounting office.
Shen Qing sat alone all day until nightfall before tidying up a bit and going home.
The twins had just finished eating and were toddling around the living room, curiously grabbing at this and that, having a great time.
Seeing her return, he ran over and threw himself into her arms, calling out in a childish voice, "Mother...Mother..."
"Oh, Mother is home. Mother missed you all so much."
Shen Qing kissed the two babies' plump cheeks, and her heart was filled with satisfaction.
These two daughters are her only comfort and solace now.
...
Winter Solstice is fast approaching.
It snowed lightly in Shanghai.
Shen Qing stood under the covered bridge in her home, looking out at the vast expanse of white.
Chunju draped a shawl over her shoulders and whispered, "Master hasn't returned for quite some time. Have you written to him?"
Shen Qing shook her head: "No."
Chunju said worriedly, "Madam, the master is in the prime of his life. The couple has been apart for too long; something bad is bound to happen..."
Shen Qing didn't say anything.
Even if Qi Zhenheng comes back, there's nothing they can do.
She remembered the matter of Qi Zhenheng taking a concubine and turned to look into the room.
Xia Zhu squatted on the living room floor wiping the carpet. The girl had a slim waist and a round bottom, and she was also well-behaved and diligent. If she went with Qi Zhenheng to the base, she should be able to take good care of his life.
But then I thought, the girl came to Shanghai to earn money because she didn't want to get married, and now she's being made Qi Zhenheng's concubine...
Upon reflection, Shen Qing immediately realized that the idea of arranging a concubine for Qi Zhenheng was inappropriate and infringed upon Xia Zhu's rights.
Xia Zhu has the right to choose her desired partner and marriage, and also the right to refuse marriage and choose to live alone.
Having multiple wives and concubines deprives women of their freedom in marriage and love, and benefits male power. If she helps Qi Zhenheng take a concubine today, then she will also become an accomplice of male power.
Shen Qing suddenly came to her senses and turned her gaze away from Xia Zhu.
Just as I was about to turn around and go inside, the garden gate suddenly opened.
Qi Zhenheng and his four bodyguards rode into the garden on horseback.
Shen Qing paused, pulled her shawl tighter, and stood under the covered bridge looking at him.
The horse slowly walked to the gate of the house. He sat on the horse and looked down at Shen Qing.
His winter hat was covered in white snowflakes, his nose was red from the cold, and his hands, which were holding the reins, were rough and swollen.
In this freezing weather, riding back from the camp for several hours straight must have left you shivering.
Shen Qing felt a pang of pity, dismounted, looked up at him, and said, "You haven't been back for quite some time."
Qi Zhenheng looked at her with a heavy expression, said nothing, jumped off his horse, and entered the house.
Shen Qing followed him inside.
He went to play with the children for a while, and Shen Qing stayed with him. When she saw him go upstairs, she followed him up.
She still remembered that when he came back last time, he promised her that he would investigate Cheng Zhiwen's matter.
But fearing he would lose his temper again, she didn't ask this time. Instead, she stayed by his side, hoping he would bring it up on his own.
She took his winter coat from him and hung it on the hanger, then went to the bathroom to run hot water for him.
He went into the bathroom without a word, and when he came out after showering, he had changed into a simple white open-front silk nightgown.
The pajamas were handmade by Shen Qing. They were incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. Every time he fell asleep in them, it felt like he was embracing Shen Qing's soft body.
“I heard that the Lion Bank president and his wife are very supportive of our business, and his wife treats you like a sister,” Qi Zhenheng said.
Shen Qing turned to look at him and nodded: "Yes, Mrs. Zhuang is a long-time client of mine. She's very kind to me. Last month, she even invited me to Mr. Zhuang's birthday party."
Qi Zhenheng nodded: "Tomorrow is my birthday, let's have a birthday party at the house and invite Mr. and Mrs. Zhuang over."
Shen Qing was a little surprised, but didn't show it. She pretended to be casual and said, "I prepared a birthday present for you, but it's at the silk shop. I'll bring it to you tomorrow night."
Qi Zhenheng looked at her for a while, then stepped forward and embraced her: "Thank you, Madam."
Shen Qing stiffened as he held her. After a while, seeing that he didn't seem inclined to bring it up, she asked softly, "Have you investigated He Danqing's matter? Is it Zhiwen?"
Qi Zhenheng smiled sarcastically: "Whether it's Zhiwen or not, you'll know tomorrow."
...
Shen Qing was truly surprised that Qi Zhenheng's statement about knowing the news the next day meant that he would directly invite He Danqing and his wife to the house.
Shen Qing was upstairs playing with the children when Chunju suddenly rushed up, trembling, and said, "Madam... Madam... This is strange... Please come down and take a look!"
Shen Qing quickly handed the child to the wet nurse and followed her downstairs: "What's wrong?"
"There was a man who looked exactly like Young Master Cheng... wearing a white suit, it was a ghost..."
Shen Qing quickly covered her mouth and said sternly, "What nonsense are you talking about?!"
Chunju immediately dared not speak recklessly anymore.
Shen Qing swallowed hard and stood at the corner of the stairs to calm herself down.
Is He Danqing here?
Was it Qi Zhenheng who called him over?
What does Qi Zhenheng want to do?
Her heart was pounding with nervousness. After calming herself down for a while, she lifted her skirt and went downstairs.
On the first floor, the Zhuang couple and the man who looked like Cheng Zhiwen sat in the living room, chatting happily with Qi Zhenheng.
Seeing her go downstairs, Qi Zhenheng immediately waved to her: "Madam, President Zhuang and his wife have been waiting for you for a long time, come over quickly."
She walked slowly towards him and smiled at everyone present, saying, "Welcome to my home, everyone."
Mrs. Zhuang looked around and said, "Mr. Shen, your house is nice. It's quiet in the middle of the city, much better than ours."
Shen Qing smiled modestly: "It's just a humble abode. I hope Mr. and Mrs. Zhuang won't find it too embarrassing."
Before she could finish speaking, Qi Zhenheng grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.
He raised one arm, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her lips affectionately…
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