Chapter 35 Concern Leads to Confusion "Why do you always act so superior...?"
As dusk fell, Juan Tao delivered a letter to Wang Zhen's study.
"My lord, if I may be so bold as to ask, has my wife truly chosen Young Master Shen?"
Wang Zhen just took the Sanye Chengxintang paper out of the envelope. "It was Shen Minghuai who made Aying choose him."
Juan Tao glanced at Wang Zhen, then quickly lowered her head again. "But... this servant feels that Young Master Shen is not truly sincere towards Madam."
“Ah Ying knows this all too well. It’s just that the situation is still unclear, so we need to use deception to deceive everyone.” Wang Zhen smiled and sighed, putting the letter away. After a moment, he added, “If there’s even a trace of genuine feeling, that would be even better.”
Juan Tao immediately affirmed, "My lady is both beautiful and talented; she must have a shred of true affection."
Wang Zhen picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and asked, "Is there anything unusual with the merchants?"
"Everything is as usual. It's just that the merchant's wife and His Highness Prince Wei have been meeting very frequently lately, as if... they're about to get together."
Wang Zhen folded the plain paper and put it into his sleeve. "Then let's add some more fuel to the fire."
As night falls in the capital, the city is bustling with activity. Inside the Huixian Restaurant, music and song fill the air.
“Why did Your Highness come to such a place in person? You could have just told His Highness and had them come. Why did Your Highness have to make this trip?” Rong Mei helped Xie Yun sit down in the private room upstairs.
"Since I failed to secure the Ministry of Personnel's support for the Prince, I must help him more in these matters."
Rong Mei held a brocade fan and slowly waved it. "The Princess has done her best. It's just that the merchant's wife is short-sighted and got on the wrong boat."
"Rongmei, you must not say more."
"This servant knows her mistake."
Two young men dressed in Shu brocade walked by and sat down next door to chat loudly.
"Minister Wang's daughter? Is she the lady who recently had her coming-of-age ceremony?"
"Ah! There's no one else in the entire capital who has Consort Shu as the principal guest of honor at her coming-of-age ceremony."
"Ha! I heard that lady's beauty is unparalleled in the capital, but I also heard that she was burned on the face by incense ash some time ago..."
"So, while seeking treatment in the south, I ran into Shen Minghuai again, and after a few encounters, we hit it off!"
"A handsome man and a beautiful woman, they are quite a good match. It's just a pity that the Duke of Dingguo has just been dismissed... What a pity."
"You and I have both witnessed the merits of the current prime minister, who has served diligently for decades and assisted you in achieving great things. He must have been framed by a villain..."
Xie Yun gave an order, and a quarter of an hour later, Rong Mei returned to the private room. The wealthy merchant and the clerk were talking about each other, but they couldn't avoid one thing.
"I don't know where the news came from, but it says that Young Master Shen and Madam Wang are deeply in love and are inseparable in Yangzhou—good things are just around the corner."
"It seems the peony banquet was just a pretext." Seeing Rong Mei's worried expression, Xie Yun simply picked up his teacup, blew on it gently, and took a sip of Mingyue Gorge tea.
"No rush. The Wang family won't support the fifth son."
"Sister?"
A young woman dressed in dazzling jewelry walked around the screen and headed straight for Xie Yun. "What are you doing here, elder sister? Are you here again to investigate the people's conditions on behalf of the prince?"
"Does Uncle know that Aji has left the manor this time?" Xie Yun asked with a smile as he untied the beaded chain that was wrapped around her.
"Sister, are you going to complain to my father?" Xie Ji asked arrogantly, completely disregarding the guards in the manor. She then asked, "Sister, you mentioned the Wang family earlier, is that the one we visited a few days ago?"
Xie Yun did not answer, but suddenly asked, "What does Aji think of Young Master Shen?"
Xie Ji was momentarily confused. "Young Master Shen, the son of the Duke of Dingguo?...Not as good as Young Master Wang." He caught a glimpse of the change in Xie Yun's eyes and was so frightened that he quickly changed his words.
"Young Master Wang?" Xie Yun began to recall the events of the coming-of-age ceremony. "Has Aji taken a liking to him?"
"Sister! What nonsense are you talking about?" Xie Ji blushed instantly and fanned herself with her hand.
Xie Yun gestured to Rong Mei, and the fan was turned around. Xie Ji grabbed it and started shaking it vigorously.
“I originally intended to create some opportunities for the two of you. But now it seems—” Xie Yun was abruptly interrupted by Xie Ji.
"Good sister! Really?" Xie Ji was as excited as a child seeing candied fruit.
Xie Yun composed herself and said, "Aji, you just asked about the Wang family, so it turns out that Madam Wang and Young Master Shen are getting married."
"What do Young Master Shen and Lady Wang have to do with me... Sister, are you saying that the Wang family has already chosen the Fifth Prince?" Xie Ji then realized what the gossip circulating outside meant.
Xie Yun nodded solemnly.
"But why must Lady Wang's choice of husband be related to the imperial court? Sister may not know, but Young Master Shen is at the top of the list of men to be chosen in the capital! Countless people want to choose him as their son-in-law. It's not surprising that Lady Wang likes someone like that."
Xie Ji downed the tea in one gulp, then slammed the cup down. "Life is but a fleeting moment, why can't I marry the person I love!"
Xie Yun was taken aback. Although her cousin had acted somewhat eccentrically in the past, she had never acted like this before. It seemed that she really liked Wang Zhen.
"You only met Young Master Wang once, right?"
Xie Ji immediately deflated. "Yes. But in the past sixteen years, no one has ever made me...feel this way."
She had girlish feelings before. Now… even seeking peace was something she had to fight for. Since Xie Yun married Prince Yi, everyone had told her to be a good helpmate to the Third Prince, but Xie Ji, whenever he came to talk to her about mundane matters and interesting stories, the radiance of the young girl gradually revitalized her withered roots. In the end, her heart softened.
Go back and wait for my news.
Xie Ji suddenly stood up and rushed towards Xie Yun, "Sister is the best!"
Xie Yun was pressed back by her, "I just hope you can see his true character before making a decision."
"I understand, I understand."
The dazzling hairpin swayed as it left the Huixian Restaurant.
Rong Mei cautiously reminded him, "Does Your Highness really intend to bring the young lady and the young master together? If the Prince finds out, he might be displeased..."
The Xie family had two branches, one a military force and the other a military one. The military general Xie Xuan and the civil official Xie Ding once controlled half of the Great Yue court. Later, the heavens intervened, and the Hongjun (a mythical creature) completed its transformation, severely suppressing the Xie family's power. Although they remained among the prominent families, their influence was far less than before. Therefore, she married into the Prince Yi's household, becoming known as the Princess Yi.
"My marriage to him does not mean that my entire Xie family has signed a contract of servitude with him. I will definitely protect Aji's happiness."
Rong Mei said urgently, "Your Highness, what you're saying—"
“I know you shouldn’t say that. You’ve been with me for almost twenty years, and you’re the only one I trust.” Xie Yun placed her hand on Rong Mei’s wrist and suddenly asked, “Why haven’t I heard a word from you lately?”
"It is said that the prince sent an envoy south."
Rong Mei followed Xie Yun outside. The candles in the hall were dimmed, and the singing and dancing in the Jade Pavilion began.
The chirping of orioles and swallows drifted through the woods, transforming into the morning light that streamed into the room. Wang Yan tiptoed out of bed and was about to leave when Shen Minghuai, who had suddenly stood up, grabbed her arm.
Where to go?
Wang Yan leaned down and teased, "Would Young Master Shen like to join us in the restroom?"
Shen Minghuai sat up sideways, his black hair hanging down his shoulder. "Do I really need to be dressed so neatly?"
Wang Yan pursed her lips. "...Actually, I'm going to change the dressing. You're with me all day, so I have no choice but to go out at this time."
Shen Minghuai dressed quickly and said, "Next time, just tell me directly, and I'll be waiting outside."
After he closed the door, Wang Yan hurriedly sat down on the couch to practice his internal energy. In order to avoid the three of them, he had been getting up an hour earlier each day to meditate in the nearby valley.
The valley was unpredictable in terms of weather, and the morning mist was oppressive. The flowing fire had no effect whatsoever; it could only allow the cold air to circulate within her body without harming her heart meridian.
This small village is nestled in the mountains and forests. Although it enjoys the sunshine, the temperature is much lower than outside due to the dense forest. Wang Yan's shoulder injury gradually healed, but his cold symptoms did not improve.
Perhaps because it was warm inside, his cultivation went very smoothly. Fearing that the people outside were waiting too long, Wang Yan quickly closed his clothes and opened the door.
Shen Minghuai raised his hand and pinched her collar, "How's the recovery going?"
"He's out of danger. Let's set off tomorrow."
Wang Yan's complexion was indeed much better today. Shen Minghuai subconsciously moved closer and raised his hand again, "Let me see."
Wang Yan followed him into the house, then suddenly realized what had happened, covered his neck, and muttered, "I'm really alright now."
Shen Minghuai finally came to his senses and fell silent for a moment, while the birds outside were chirping merrily.
Wang Yan led him to the couch, cupped his hair, and said, "You've always helped me; today it's my turn to help you."
This was actually the first time Wang Yan had ever styled someone's hair. Fortunately, she had seen Li Changling style his hair before, so she followed his style and styled Shen Minghuai's hair into a high ponytail.
"This isn't quite right—"
Wang Yan turned Shen Minghuai around. He was incredibly handsome, like a jade tree standing tall in the wind, his beauty unparalleled in the world. She placed her hands on his shoulders, smiled, and leaned closer, saying, "He's really handsome."
Shen Minghuai put his arm around her waist, loosening his grip slightly, "We'll see how it goes later."
"Young Master Shen, Sister Wenxuan."
Wang Yan broke free from his embrace upon hearing the sound. Shen Minghuai followed her out of the house, casually calling out to Ying Ming.
"These are pancakes my mother just made, please try them." Xiao Tan placed the divided pancakes on the table.
After breakfast, Wang Yan brought up the matter of leaving the next day, and Xiao Tan's disappointment was instantly written on her face.
"Why are you in such a hurry? Has your sister's injury healed?"
During this time, thanks to her thoughtful care, Wang Yan and her group received much kindness in the village. Although their relationship was brief, Wang Yan was still grateful.
"We have urgent business to attend to and need to leave as soon as possible. Don't worry, I'm fine now."
Hua Xin was nowhere to be seen. Wang Yan pulled the people around her together, and they wandered around the area one last time. Shen Minghuai went back into the house to get his cloak, and followed her out of the courtyard, heading towards the valley. Wang Yan glanced at Shen Minghuai, as if she had just randomly chosen a path.
Shen Minghuai suddenly stopped, pulled her back, and tied on her cloak. "It will get cold if we go any further in."
Did he already know all along...? Wang Yan's five fingers gripped his right hand. "Since we're already here, let's go take a look."
The further you go, the clearer the sound of water becomes, constantly reaching your ears through the woods, like the clinking of jade pendants.
"The scenery is beautiful, but it's a bit cold, which won't help your injury."
Wang Yan immediately stopped, and Shen Minghuai stood in front of her. The chirping of insects, the whistling of the wind, and the clear sound of flowing water gathered here, mingling and intertwining.
When did you find out?
"I knew it from the very first time I saw it."
Wang Yan tried to pull her hand back again, but the person in front of her held it tightly.
"Then why did you only tell me today? You've recovered from your injury, you're ready to leave, and you don't have to put on this act for me anymore, so you're taking pity on me and telling me, is that it?"
Shen Minghuai said coldly, "Wang Yan."
Wang Yan bit her lower lip, staring at the hem of his clothes.
Shen Minghuai switched his hand to hold her, took two steps back, and said, "I know you don't trust me yet, but why be so defensive?"
"I don't."
Shen Minghuai felt her pulse. “Your cold symptoms have not improved. Perhaps what Doctor Sun said is true. Since you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t ask. You don’t need to avoid me and go to such a place to heal. From now on, I will get up an hour earlier and go out.”
With her fingertips digging into her palm, Wang Yan looked up, her eyes red, and said, "Why do you always act like you're so high and mighty, thinking of everyone else?"
Shen Minghuai froze on the spot for a moment, "I just—"
"You're just used to observing everyone and seeing through their masks, but only in the end do you generously and magnanimously peel them off. You're not wrong, you just make them feel like a joke."
Wang Yan shook off his hand and walked back, tears welling up in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. Shen Minghuai silently followed behind her, saying nothing the whole way. The two returned to the courtyard one after the other, and Hua Xin and Ying Ming looked at their master with a troubled expression.
In the evening, the four were invited to Aunt Wu's house. Xiao Tan casually asked about Hua Xin, but Ying Ming only said that he had gone out on business, seemingly slightly displeased that Shen Minghuai had not assigned him the task. Wang Yan also found the meal rather unappetizing.
"Aunt Wu, I've been wondering these past few days, are there only women in the village?"
Aunt Wu also put down her chopsticks. "Yes. This village is full of widows."
Wang Yan had secretly suspected this before, and it turned out to be true.
"Most of their husbands died in the mines. At first it was just a few families, but later widows like me with children would also come here seeking a peaceful life."
Xiao Tan looked at her mother with some worry, while Aunt Wu smiled and patted her hand.
Wang Yan then continued, "You're not a local?"
Aunt Wu picked up some pickled vegetables with her chopsticks. "That year, there was a flood. Our home was gone, he was gone, and that's how we ended up here." As she said this, Xiao Tan's expression also turned sorrowful.
Shen Minghuai put down his chopsticks upon hearing this. "Was the flood severe that year?"
Xiao Tan nodded slowly. "Many people died. My mother took me back to my maternal grandmother's house, and that's how I was lucky enough to escape this calamity."
Shen Minghuai sighed softly, "Humans are always powerless in the face of natural disasters."
After the heavy conversation ended, Wang Yan returned to the courtyard alone and gazed at the bright moon for an unknown amount of time before Hua Xin returned.
"Madam Wang, why didn't you go to Aunt Wu's house for dinner?"
Wang Yan glanced at the glutinous rice flour, mung beans, and sugar in his hand, and saw that he had already eaten his fill. "What a wonderful job he got. No wonder Ying Ming is unhappy."
Hua Xin quickly wiped his mouth clean and put the things in the kitchen. "When the young master returns, the wife will know."
The moment Shen Minghuai and Ying Ming finished speaking, they entered the courtyard. Wang Yan didn't even glance at them, straightening up and returning to the house. The three in the courtyard made no attempt to hide anything; master and servant eagerly inquired about what the icy, cold Yuanzi was about to do. As the conversation outside gradually subsided and footsteps approached, Wang Yan quickly lay down.
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