Chapter 39
The officials carried Xu Xuan home on a stretcher. After paying the bill, Xu's mother frowned and asked, "What exactly happened?"
No matter how embarrassed Shen Yao was, she still had to explain the matter of listening to storytelling at the teahouse to Xu's mother.
"I swear, this is the first and last time I've ever heard this kind of book, and I will never do it again."
After all, she was the one who caused the trouble, which is why Xu Xuan got a beating on the buttocks, so Shen Yao's attitude in admitting her mistake was very sincere.
After hearing this, Xu's mother glanced at her sideways, her eyes full of disdain. "You actually went to the teahouse to listen to those kinds of obscene books. You're a disgrace to the Xu family."
Xu's mother already disliked Shen Yao, and this time, since Shen Yao had made a mistake first, she finally got her chance to punish her. As a result, Shen Yao was forced to kneel in the ancestral hall all night, and the maid was also punished for not taking the responsibility of admonishing her.
The poor master and servant hadn't even had dinner before being dragged to the ancestral hall to kneel before the ancestors. Xu's mother even had someone keep an eye on them from time to time, fearing that the two would slack off or take advantage of the punishment.
The ancestral hall was cold and damp, without even a brazier of charcoal. Shen Yao's legs were already numb. As soon as the inspectors left, Shen Yao found a soft cushion to sit down and sighed, "What bad luck! How could I run into a devil like him? So impartial and incorruptible. I curse him."
The maid looked distressed and sighed, "Miss, you can't blame him. He actually gave us hints, it's just that we didn't understand."
Shen Yao got even angrier. "Yeah, you said he was giving hints, but why couldn't he have been more obvious? He was being so vague, how could anyone understand him?"
The more I think about it, the angrier I get.
As the two were worrying, another maid sneaked in, carrying a lunchbox.
Shen Yao was delighted and asked, "How did you get in?"
"silver."
Shen Yao's smile immediately vanished.
The maid put down the lunchbox and told the two to finish eating as soon as possible, and to avoid any risks, to leave the ancestral hall first.
Night fell.
*
In Xu Xuan's bedroom, Liu Ru was applying medicine to her husband. Although Deng Yan had asked people to be lenient, his buttocks still suffered quite a bit from the beating.
"Ouch, be gentle."
Xu Xuan was in so much pain that he was covered in sweat. His buttocks were injured, and he could only lie on the bed, struggling to breathe.
Upon hearing this, Liu Ru's touch became much lighter: "Your injury probably won't heal in at least ten days to half a month."
"Yes, I've already asked for leave."
"The Duke's mansion will be celebrating its birthday the day after tomorrow. My aunt and Miss Zhao both want me to come over. You can stay home and rest. I'll go by myself."
The aunt Liu Ru mentioned was Liu, a concubine of the Duke of Xin. She and Xu's mother were sisters, but the two had always been at odds and had a cold relationship. If it weren't for Liu Ru maintaining contact, they would have almost lost touch.
"Where is Mother? Is she going?" Xu Xuan asked.
Liu Ru smiled and said, "When did Mother ever visit the Duke's Mansion?"
"Oh, right, she never goes there."
Xu Xuan found it laughable; he must have been stunned by the beating to ask such a question.
As far back as he could remember, his mother had never interacted with his aunt from the Duke's mansion; the two were like strangers. He had asked his mother about it before, but he was met with a hard slap. His mother coldly said, "There are some things you'd better not ask."
Later, he never mentioned his aunt to his mother again, but Liu Ru did.
She was not only loved by her mother, but also doted on by her aunt. She frequently visited both families and was also a close friend of Miss Zhao.
Sometimes, Xu Xuan even felt that Liu Ru was his mother's daughter, and he was more like an adopted child, unloved by his father and mother.
Just like today, when he returned home injured, his mother only inquired about the cause of the injury and couldn't wait to scold her daughter-in-law, without asking a single question about his injuries.
More indifferent than a stranger, this is his own mother.
"My aunt also said that the Duke's mansion is busy with banquets and is short-handed, so she asked me to go and help out for a few days."
"Why should you go? Does such a large Duke's mansion not have enough people?" Hearing that Liu Ru was leaving for a few days and would stay there, Xu Xuan instantly became angry and said coldly, "I won't allow it. Besides, if you leave, who will take care of me?"
Taking advantage of the Dowager's birthday celebration, Liu Ru used the excuse of helping out to stay overnight at the Duke's mansion. This was at Zhao Lian's request the other day, but unexpectedly, Xu Xuan was injured.
For a moment, Liu Ru was caught in a dilemma.
Gritting her teeth, she said ruthlessly, "Since Shen Yao is here, she is your wife and should take care of you."
Xu Xuan was shocked and looked at her in disbelief. "You know, I have never treated her as my wife. In fact, I haven't even touched her since we got married. How can you say such hurtful things to me now?"
Is he even human?
Xu Xuan was in physical pain, but her heart was in even greater pain.
Liu Ru raised her eyes and snorted coldly, "You said you were married. Now that you've had your wedding ceremony, you're a legally married couple in the eyes of the world. Stop deceiving yourself. Even if you don't admit it, you still believe in your heart that she is your wife."
Liu Ru looked displeased. She put away the medicine bottle and placed it aside. She then lifted the quilt and covered Xu Xuan's back with it. The heavy quilt in winter pressed against the wound, causing excruciating pain.
Why are you so irritable today?
Xu Xuan endured the pain, his gaze dark as he looked at Liu Ru.
"I'm irritable every day."
Liu Ru blew out the candle, lay down next to Xu Xuan, lifted the covers and went to sleep, no longer speaking.
The two remained locked in a stalemate. In the darkness, Xu Xuan sighed almost imperceptibly and said helplessly, "If you want to stay the night, then stay."
He finally gave in!
*
Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and Shen Yao's punishment was over. The capital was bustling with activity that day, as the Dowager Lady of the Duke of Xin's mansion was celebrating her 80th birthday with a six-day banquet.
On the first day, a banquet was held for imperial relatives, nobles, dukes, and others.
The following day, a banquet was held for the cabinet, the heads of the six ministries, and others.
On the third day, a banquet was held for high-ranking officials in the court.
...
According to the Shen family's social standing, the banquet was to be held on the first day.
According to the Xu family's social standing, the banquet was to be held on the third day.
However, thanks to the Duchess's special permission, Shen Yao was able to return to her parents' home and attend the banquet with her parents and brother.
Shen Fan was going to meet Miss Zhao today, so he dressed up in a glamorous way and even asked Shen Yao for advice.
Thinking that Miss Zhao was a traditional young lady, in order to cater to her aesthetic, Shen Yao asked her brother to dress up as a scholar, a modest gentleman, gentle and refined.
As a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Shen Fan usually carried an embroidered spring knife and had a stern face, earning him the nickname "Living Yama" from the common people. Today, dressed in scholar's attire, he truly seemed to have changed his appearance, even his mentality was somewhat different.
Shen Fan straightened his clothes in front of the bronze mirror and asked his sister, "Is it alright to dress like this?"
“Of course.” Shen Yao smiled playfully. “Brother is already very handsome. With this outfit, I guarantee that Miss Zhao will be unable to take her eyes off you.”
"You're so good at talking." Shen Fan smiled broadly.
After the brother and sister finished getting ready, their parents also came out of the room, took the birthday gifts, got into the carriage, and headed to the Duke's mansion.
The capital city is never short of nobles, and all the princesses, princes, dukes, marquises, and princesses and their wives are being entertained together today. The banquet is divided into separate tables for men and women. The men are received by the Duke and Zhao Lian, while the women are greeted by the Duchess and Aunt Liu. As for the young ladies, Zhao Lian's wife and Miss Zhao are in charge.
The Duke's Mansion, a century-old noble residence, lived up to its name. The mansion was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, screens adorned with phoenixes and dragons, and the sounds of music filled the streets and alleys. A constant stream of people came to deliver birthday gifts, completely blocking the street.
First, the Ministry of Rites sent congratulatory gifts by imperial decree, and then the Empress Dowager sent another batch by eunuchs. The gifts included fine silks and satins, gold, jade, emeralds, sandalwood, and vermilion lacquer. The gifts were all displayed in the main hall, on a table covered with bright red silk, where gold, silver, and jewels shone brightly, and vermilion lacquer competed with sandalwood for value.
After entering the Duke's mansion, the Shen family members went to different places. Madam Shen watched a play with her best friend, Master Shen drank with his colleagues, Shen Fan played the game of pitch-pot with his friends, and Shen Yao was left sitting blankly in a chair, drinking tea and eating fruit by herself.
Qian Chenyao was arrogant and had a bad temper. She had very few friends. While other women would gather in groups of three or five, laughing and playing, she was all alone, with no one talking to her.
Sigh, that's a bit tragic.
As Shen Yao was secretly grieving, a maid suddenly approached and asked with a smile, "May I ask if you are Madam Shen?"
"Yes, that's me."
Shen Yao was taken aback, thinking they were going to meet Miss Zhao, so she quickly said, "My brother is in the men's section..."
"No, the person my wife wants to see is you."
The maid interrupted her and whispered a few words in her ear. Only then did Shen Yao realize that it was Zhao Lian's wife, Madam Guo, who wanted to see her because of Liu Ru's matter.
What could possibly happen to Liu Ru?
Curious, Shen Yao thought that since this was the Duke's mansion, it would be safe with so many people around, so she followed the maid through several stone paths toward the inner courtyard. The further they went, the more secluded the area became, and the fewer people there were. Suddenly, Shen Yao became frightened, grabbed the maid's hand, and questioned, "Is it really Madam Guo who wants to see me? Or are you just making this up?"
The maid was startled by Shen Yao's sudden attack and quickly explained, "Madam, please don't worry, it is indeed Madam Guo who wants to see you."
The maid spoke confidently and her eyes did not flinch. Shen Yao felt that she was not lying, so she let go of her hand and followed her.
Because of its remote location, the room was very quiet. When Shen Yao arrived, she saw a noblewoman sitting upright in the hall, fiddling with burning incense.
When Madam Guo saw that the people had arrived, she got up to greet them. After exchanging greetings, the maid went out and closed the door tightly.
Please take a seat, Madam Guo said with a smile: "I have long heard of Madam Shen's beauty, and seeing her today, I can confirm that she is indeed the most beautiful woman in the capital."
The person immediately praised her beauty, flattering her greatly. Shen Yao's heart tightened instantly, and she cautiously replied, "Madam Guo is too kind. There are countless beauties in the capital, and I dare not accept the title of the most beautiful in the city."
After Shen Yao finished speaking, she smiled faintly and looked at Madam Guo.
Guo Niangzi didn't show it on her face, but she was very surprised in her heart. Rumors said that Shen Yao was arrogant and domineering, but she didn't expect the person in front of her to be so humble and polite. She had prepared a whole basket of flattering words for this, but for a moment she had no use for them.
Her face was all smiles, which pleased Madam Guo immensely. She smiled and said, "I'm short on time, so I won't beat around the bush. The main reason I called you here is about Liu Ru."
Shen Yao asked, puzzled, "What's wrong with her?"
"Did you know that Liu Ru was having an affair with my husband?"
Shen Yao: "..."
"No way." Shen Yao was utterly shocked, shaking her head like a rattle-drum. "Impossible, are you sure you're not mistaken?"
Liu Ru loves Xu Xuan, and Xu Xuan loves Liu Ru. The two are deeply in love and their love is so intense that they would die for each other. How could Liu Ru possibly have an affair and betray Xu Xuan?
Shen Yao refused to believe it no matter what.
Seeing this, Madam Guo sighed and looked at her with complicated eyes, "This is not a lie, but something I saw with my own eyes. The two of them were in the room, embracing each other, undressing, on the bed... I just confirmed this."
"You know that the heir apparent is the future Duke, yet he is so foolish as to commit an affair with another man's concubine. If this gets out, what will become of our reputation? What will others think of us? What will they think of your Xu family?"
"..."
Shen Yao's heart pounded like a drum, so shocked that she didn't know how to respond. She just stared blankly at Madam Guo.
This is beyond her comprehension; she needs to slow down.
Madam Guo stared directly at Shen Yao, but the other woman didn't respond. Thinking that Shen Yao still didn't believe her, Madam Guo said, "I know you're having trouble accepting this right now, so how about this? Tonight, do you dare to come with me to catch them in the act?"
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