Chapter 191
The steward readily agreed, then said, "Master, it seems there's been some trouble at Jiangzhenghe in Jiangnan. The letter sent some time ago hasn't returned yet. Could something have happened?"
Shen Zheng frowned and snorted coldly: "Jiang Zhenghe is obsessed with seeking immortality and enlightenment. Apart from me, there can be no one else who can feed him."
Besides, Zheng'er has already accumulated enough military merit and will soon return to the capital to be rewarded. As for Jiang Zhenghe, if he fails, we can find a way to deal with him then.”
The financial resources required for seeking immortality and enlightenment are considerable. Over the years, Shen Zheng has fed Jiang Zhenghe a lot of silver because of the granary. If it weren't for Shen Zheng's military achievements, he would have found a way to get rid of Jiang Zhenghe long ago.
“The master is right,” the butler replied in a low voice.
After thinking for a moment, Shen Zheng asked again, "How is things on Madam Shen's end?"
During this period, the divine physician visited the mansion many times, bringing a lot of good medicinal herbs for Madam Shen.
"The doctor's skills are superb. Soon the lady will be able to get up and walk, and then she can go to the palace to visit the late empress," the steward said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Shen Zheng's expression softened: "Finally, something satisfactory has happened."
----------
The next day.
Shen Qingnian went to school early in the morning. Today was market day, and little Shen Xi also insisted that Xiao Ju and Liu Yurou take her to the market.
The atmosphere in the Shen family had been rather somber these past few days, so Liu Yurou took Xiao Shenxi and Xiao Ju with her and Shen Qingnian and went out together.
"When we go out later, don't buy too many snacks, understand?" Shen Qingnian instructed the little girl.
The little girl wanted to try everything she saw when she went out, and she ate so much that she got indigestion several times.
Little Shen Xi nodded and sweetly assured, "Don't worry, Mommy, I'll only eat one candied hawthorn skewer!"
The three parted ways at the alley entrance, and Shen Qingnian headed towards the school with her books in her hand.
*****
The Shen family courtyard was silent. After about half an hour, a man with cold eyes and a sharp brow entered the courtyard.
Song Xuan arrived at the house where Shen Qingnian lived. He stood at the door, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.
The letter from the capital showed him a different Shen Qingnian; three years ago, she was wearing a mask.
And now, is she happy? Is she content with her stable life? Does she ever think back to her life in the capital, to herself and Yan Qing?
After taking a deep breath, Song Xuan raised his hand and pushed open the door.
The room was simply furnished yet elegant. Two wooden dolls sat on the bed covered with a floral brocade quilt, and many books, along with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, were piled on the table.
The screen is made of camphor wood, with ink bamboo painted on it. The painting technique is skillful and exquisite, adding a touch of elegance to this ordinary screen.
He couldn't help but recall the contents of the letter: In order to win the favor of His Highness the Crown Prince, Shen Qingnian studied under a master painter and practiced day and night without stopping. During this period, he fainted twice. In less than half a month, he had mastered the skills and later presented a painting to the Crown Prince.
Song Xuan walked slowly to the table, which was covered with various travelogues. Along the edge of the table was a thick stack of books, including unofficial histories and collections of literature.
Next to the stack of books was a small wooden carving. Although the carving was inconspicuous, the wood itself was very shiny, indicating that it had been carefully maintained.
Song Xuan's heart skipped a beat. He picked up the wooden carving, which was the same one he had given to Shen Qingnian three years ago.
He thought she left Beijing all alone...
Song Xuan gently stroked the wood carving with his fingertips, a hint of tenderness flickering in his cold, dark eyes. But he quickly put the carving back in its place and turned to leave the Shen family.
----------
When Shen Qingnian returned with Xiao Yanqing at noon, Xiao Shenxi and the other two had already returned home.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
