Jiang Shuman was in high spirits after successfully announcing her engagement.
The information revealed in her younger sister's heart also made her vaguely worried. Although Lu Yanhe was not very bright, her aunt was a very good person. She couldn't let Lu Yanhe drag her down to that situation.
He can marry anyone, but he can't marry Shen Zhixian.
Shen Zhixian has to observe mourning, so it's impossible for her to get married within three years. But looking at Lu Yan and his worthless sycophantic behavior, he might actually be willing to wait for her.
Lu Yanhe was indeed willing to wait for Shen Zhixian, and was even thinking of secretly informing Shen Jiming that if Shen Jiming had the identity of the future daughter-in-law of Princess Huaiyang, he would not be able to let Fang Shi bully Shen Zhixian.
But before he could do anything, his mother whipped him.
After he had finally recovered from his injuries, he heard that Shen Zhixian had volunteered to go to a temple to pray for her mother's soul, and then went directly to the estate to observe mourning.
Leaving the Shen family and not having to live at the mercy of others is good, but the conditions on the estate are harsh. How can a pampered young lady like her endure it?
Lu Yanhe was extremely worried, and he secretly slipped out of the mansion to see Shen Zhixian when he found an opportunity.
Shen Zhixian was five months pregnant, her belly was protruding, and she only had two trusted maids serving her, who would never betray her.
Lu Yanhe saw her from afar and hurried forward, saying happily, "Sister Zhixian."
Shen Zhixian subconsciously turned around, then realized what was happening and hurriedly tried to cover her stomach.
But it was too late.
Lu Yanhe had already seen it.
He opened his eyes wide, saying in disbelief, "You..."
Shen Zhixian was initially panicked, but then gradually calmed down. Tears streamed down her face as if she were ashamed to be seen. She turned her face away and went back into the house.
Lu Yanhe was still in shock, and it took him a long time to come to his senses before he went inside.
Shen Zhixian sat on the couch, silently sobbing.
The room wasn't exactly shabby, but it paled in comparison to her boudoirs in the Duke of Anguo's mansion and the Shen family mansion.
Lu Yanhe's feelings were complicated. After a long while, he said, "You...are pregnant?"
That's a completely obvious question.
Shen Zhixian cried even harder.
The maid Qingyun said, "Miss, please don't cry. It's not good for the baby."
She then nudged Lu Yanhe with her eyes.
Lu Yanhe was also a little at a loss; his mind was still blank.
Shen Zhixian was gentle and polite. When he came to see her that day, she carefully observed the proper etiquette and did not let him into the house. She would never do something like having an affair with a man.
He must have been harmed by someone.
His face showed indignation and heartache. "Sister Zhixian, don't worry, I won't tell anyone about this."
Shen Zhixian raised her head.
She was more beautiful than her mother, and more gentle and graceful; her tearful appearance was even more pitiful.
"You all go out first."
After dismissing the two maids, she said softly, "Thank you, cousin."
Lu Yanhe's eyes were full of tenderness. "Tell me, who bullied you? I'll avenge you."
Shen Zhixian shook her head, and tears fell again.
Lu Yanhe wanted to wipe away her tears, but then he remembered the strict separation between men and women, so he could only stand there awkwardly and said urgently, "Don't cry. If you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you."
Shen Zhixian turned her head slightly, her voice mournful, "I lost my chastity before marriage, so it's only natural that my cousin looks down on me."
Lu Yanhe quickly explained, "How could I look down on you? You will always be pure and innocent in my heart, I..."
His face suddenly turned red, and he avoided looking at Shen Zhixian.
Shen Zhixian had long noticed Lu Yanhe's affection for her. You can't hide the look in someone's eyes when they like them. It's just that Jiang Shuman is too carefree and never thought much about it before.
Thinking of Jiang Shuman, she couldn't help but think of Wen Zhixuan.
Jiang Shuman is incredibly fortunate. She's the daughter of the Eldest Princess and the Duke of Anguo, born a princess, with the Emperor as her uncle and the Empress Dowager as her maternal grandmother. She also has a childhood sweetheart fiancé of equal high status. She can even disregard traditional female virtues, treating them as a joke, and do whatever she wants.
But she was born rejected by her mother and ignored by her father. She left home at the age of five and was sent to the capital.
The old lady was good to her, but compared to Jiang Shuman, who was the center of attention, she was far too miserable.
How can the light of a firefly rival the brilliance of the sun and moon?
Even that person...
Fate is truly unfair.
Shen Zhixian held a handkerchief, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
"Looking at me now, how can I be considered pure and innocent? If it weren't for this child, I would have no face to live on long ago."
Lu Yan was completely absorbed in her, his mind devoid of normal logic. Upon hearing this, he hurriedly said, "This is not your fault, you must not have such thoughts."
He gritted his teeth, squatted down, and took Shen Zhixian's hand. Under her startled gaze, he said firmly, "After you finish your mourning period, I will ask my father to propose marriage to the Shen family. If you like this child, we can tell everyone that he is our adopted son. If you don't like him, I will find him a good place to live."
Shen Zhixian was shocked and hurriedly withdrew her hand, saying anxiously and shyly, "Cousin, please don't say such foolish things. You and Cousin Yongle are engaged. Cousin Yongle treats me so well, how could I..."
"There is no engagement."
Lu Yanhe interrupted her, "Two months ago, my aunt came to break off the engagement herself."
Shen Zhixian was shocked once again.
Lu Yanhe looked somewhat shy. "Cousin, I... I love you, but I was bound by our engagement before and dared not offend you. Now that I am free, I can finally follow my heart and marry the woman I love. You... are you willing?"
She finally won against Jiang Shuman, but this man was abandoned by Jiang Shuman, so such a victory was meaningless.
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