Chapter 33 The Matchmaker Arrives at My Door, and My Wife Is My Confidante
The servants informed Aunt Shen of the information they had found.
“The head of the family would never have imagined that the woman and Young Master Shen knew each other before.”
“She is a martial arts practitioner that Master Shen brought back from outside, and she is currently living in the Shen residence… That’s why I intervened when Lai You and the others caused trouble today.”
"A martial arts figure?" Upon hearing this, Aunt Shen's face immediately showed disdain.
"My good nephew is becoming more and more outrageous. As a man, he has actually mixed up with such lowly people from the martial arts world."
After learning about Yuan Yan's identity, she looked down on him from the bottom of her heart.
Even so, Aunt Shen had to admit that, based on what she had seen today, that martial arts master was indeed quite skilled. If he continued to stay by Shen Lianzhou's side like this, many of their methods would be rendered useless, undoubtedly making him an obstacle.
The servant saw through her thoughts. “Master, there’s no need to worry. I heard from the people in the Shen family that the martial arts master is only staying at the Shen residence temporarily to recuperate from his injuries. He will leave soon once he has recovered.”
"Is that really the case?"
Aunt Shen was relieved upon hearing this. "In that case, I'll wait a little longer. After that person leaves, I'll definitely teach that little boy Shen Lianzhou a lesson."
"Also, go and tell Lai You and the others that they should know what they should and shouldn't say in court. If they confess to things they shouldn't have said, not only will they lose their money, but they'll also have to watch out for their families."
"Yes, I'll take care of it right away," the servant replied.
...
During the court hearing, Lai You and others did not implicate Aunt Shen as the instigator. They only said that they had a quarrel with the silk shop owner and smashed things in a fit of anger, for which they were punished with thirty strokes of the cane by the government.
When the news reached the Shen residence, Shen Lianzhou was not surprised at all.
With his connections, he had traced the matter back to Aunt Shen shortly after it occurred. Knowing that Aunt Shen had connections with officials in the government, he had already made the necessary arrangements.
The male servant said indignantly, "Master, anyone with eyes can see who did this. If the authorities don't catch the person behind it this time, they will definitely do it again. What should we do?"
"Then let's fight fire with fire. Since my aunts want to take action against the shop, I don't need to hold back anymore."
As Shen Lianzhou spoke, he ordered his men to buy up the cloth at a high price, cutting off the supply of goods to the side shops.
While spreading the news, they also joined forces with other merchants to suppress the collateral branches of the Shen family.
During this period, although Shen Lianzhou was too busy to spare any time, he still made time to visit Yuan Yan at the mansion in the morning and evening.
It just so happens that it's mealtime.
Shen Lianzhou specially ordered his servants to prepare a sumptuous meal and invited Yuan Yan to dine with him.
“Madam Lin, you have just suffered a serious injury and your body is not fully recovered. You need to nourish yourself. I have had some nourishing ingredients prepared according to the doctor’s advice and made into a meal. Please try it and see how it tastes,” Chen Lianzhou said.
"Thank you for your kindness, young master."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Yan didn't stand on ceremony and started eating the dishes on the table.
She is a martial artist, which consumes a lot of energy, so she needs a lot of nutrition every day.
Faced with Shen Lianzhou's hospitable hospitality, Yuan Yan was not picky about food and accepted all the dishes offered. In no time, he had eaten most of the food in front of him.
Shen Lianzhou watched Yuan Yan quietly the whole time. She didn't think that Yuan Yan eating so much was coarse at all; on the contrary, she felt a little satisfied because Yuan Yan was eating so heartily.
"Yulu, please serve me some more silver thread fish soup." Looking at it like this, he couldn't help but feel a little more hungry himself, so he asked the servant to add another bowl of soup.
"Young Master usually eats very little, but I didn't expect him to eat half a bowl more rice when he saw Madam Lin. If I had known this, I should have let Madam Lin dine with Young Master earlier," Yu Lu teased.
"Yu Lu." Shen Lianzhou felt that Yu Lu's joke had gone too far, so he immediately called out to stop him.
However, when she looked up at Yuan Yan, she saw that her expression had not changed at all; she remained as poised and elegant as before.
"I am deeply grateful for the care I have received from your household, and I have no way to repay you. I am truly at ease with this. If you can have some more food, young master, it would be my small contribution," Yuan Yan said with a smile.
For some reason, seeing her reaction, Shen Lianzhou felt a faint sense of disappointment.
"Judging from her accent, Madam Lin doesn't seem to be from any nearby prefectures or counties," he asked tentatively.
Yuan Yan had no intention of hiding this from him.
"That's true. I'm from the capital, and I've come out to make my way in the world. If it weren't for an accident, I wouldn't have met you in Tanzhou." She nodded slightly.
Shen Lianzhou: "Judging from your age, my lady, you must already have a husband at home."
"No, that's not true. My father passed away, and I observed a year of mourning. I am still unmarried."
Hearing this, Shen Lianzhou felt inexplicably relieved.
“Young Master Shen, I’ve recently recovered quite well and am just sitting idly at home. Why don’t I accompany you on your trip? If we encounter any troublemakers again, I’ll be able to handle them,” Yuan Yan suggested.
She thought of the carriage across from the silk shop that day, and realized that Shen Lianzhou's situation might not be as secure as it seemed. Doing business is actually the same as dealing in officialdom; you have to guard against both open and covert attacks.
Out of gratitude, Yuan Yan wanted to stay by Shen Lianzhou's side before leaving and solve this problem for him.
Shen Lianzhou understood her good intentions. He was slightly surprised but also warmed by her kindness. After thinking for a moment, he smiled and agreed.
"Although there are many servants and guards in the manor, none of them are as skilled as you, madam. It is my good fortune that you are willing to help."
...
Afterwards, Yuan Yan accompanied Shen Lianzhou to the Shen family's money shop.
She stood beside the carriage, a sword at her waist, arms crossed. The subtle air of authority she exuded made her stand out among the servants and guards.
"Host, your attire really does resemble that of a martial arts master!" the system said happily.
Yuan Yan: "Is that so?"
The sun was blazing outside, and the guards present were all sweating profusely.
Shen Lianzhou only glanced at the carriage from behind the curtain before suddenly ordering it to stop so the guards could rest.
"Yulu, go and take the water to Madam Lin," he said.
Upon hearing this, Yu Lu immediately got out of the carriage and ran to Yuan Yan's side.
"Madam Lin, the young master sent me to bring you water. The sun is too strong today, so please have a couple of sips to cool down and avoid getting sunburned."
Yuan Yan glanced at the water pouch and accepted it.
"I happen to be thirsty. Please thank you for your kindness, sir."
Through the carriage curtain, Chen Lianzhou spoke carefully.
"Madam Lin, once we enter the bank, you should come in with me to rest for a while."
As she spoke, she had Yu Lu call Yuan Yan to a shady spot and ask her to sit down and rest.
The other servants and guards nearby saw all of this.
When Yuan Yan was not around, people began to whisper among themselves.
"Who is that woman...? They are all guards, why does the young master treat her this way?"
"You don't know?" A guard who knew the situation told her, "This Lady Lin is a martial arts expert that the young master brought back from outside. She is highly skilled in martial arts. Last time the young master encountered trouble outside, it was Lady Lin who saved him... With this reason, she is naturally different from us ordinary guards."
The servants present whispered among themselves. Those who served by the young master's side were all clever people, and after seeing and hearing these past few days, they naturally noticed the difference in how Shen Lianzhou treated Yuan Yan.
Someone said, "Could it be that the young master is interested in Lady Lin? Otherwise, why would he be so concerned?"
"Shh, you're confused. It's not something we servants should discuss about the young master's affairs..." The person beside her quickly stopped her when he saw Yuan Yan return.
The carriage continued forward.
Upon arriving at the money exchange, Shen Lianzhou discussed matters concerning the accounts with the head manager and others.
In his busyness, he forgot everything else. By the time he finally remembered Yuan Yan waiting beside him, more than half an hour had passed.
"I'm so sorry, Madam Lin, I got so caught up in my work that I lost track of time. I'm really sorry to have kept you waiting for so long," Chen Lianzhou said apologetically.
Yuan Yan didn't care: "It was just a short while, what does it matter? I was watching from the side, and I saw that you are good at business, and you manage things in an orderly manner. You are truly a rare talent in commerce."
"So that's what you think, my lady?" Shen Lianzhou was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. "As a man, I'm out here doing business for merchants. Won't you look down on me?"
“I didn’t think so,” Yuan Yan smiled.
"Young Master's decision to take over the family business was out of necessity, yet he has managed to support the entire family business as a man. I see this and can only admire his competence and ability. I would never look down on him."
She was telling the truth.
According to Yuan Yan's discerning eye, she naturally discovered Shen Lianzhou's exceptional talent.
She needed to be able to manage a household while also overseeing businesses such as a tea shop, silk shop, and money exchange. In modern times, she would be a true multi-talented individual.
What a pity.
If it weren't for the inconvenience of Shen Lianzhou being a man, Yuan Yan would have even wanted to recruit such a capable businessman as Shen Lianzhou into his own ranks.
Upon hearing her evaluation, Shen Lianzhou was deeply moved and remained lost in thought for a long time.
Since he took over the Shen family business, everyone, including his father, has only said that men should not show their faces in public, and advised him to find a husband to marry into the family as soon as possible, or to hand over the family business to someone else.
They completely ignored the fact that he was once a weak young man who knew nothing. If his mother hadn't passed away without leaving any female heirs, he wouldn't have been forced to grow up and shoulder the heavy responsibility of the entire household.
Of all the people there, only Madam Lin saw his talent and the hardships he had endured.
Yuan Yan's words made him feel as if someone had reached out and grabbed his heart, causing a momentary soreness and a warm current flowing into the depths of his heart.
“Lady Lin, it’s fortunate that we saw you when we passed by the river that day.”
"Otherwise, I would miss out on a confidant like you."
Shen Lianzhou's gaze toward Yuan Yan softened and became serene.
Back at the Shen Mansion.
After dinner, Shen Lianzhou brought a male servant to see Yuan Yan.
Although Yuan Yan's injuries were no longer serious, she was left with a long scar on her body, resembling a centipede, which appeared on her firm waist and abdomen.
"Madam Lin, this is a new medicine prescribed by the doctor. It can help reduce scars and promote healing."
"My lady, apply this thickly to the affected area every day. It might help it heal faster and prevent scarring." Shen Lianzhou took out a small bottle of ointment that emitted a faint herbal scent and instructed Yuan Yan to continue using it.
Shen Lianzhou's words revealed concern. In front of Yuan Yan, she didn't mention that the medicine was a precious item he had specially ordered to be found. Even this small bottle was worth a hundred taels of silver, something extremely rare.
"Young Master Shen, thank you for your trouble." Yuan Yan accepted the porcelain bottle and thanked him frankly.
Shen Lianzhou, however, did not want to hear her polite words and shook his head, "Madam Lin saved me and accompanied me to protect me. It's just a bottle of medicine now, why are you being so polite, Madam?"
"But my wife, such a deep scar... it must have been very painful when you were injured." He hadn't thought much of it when he first saw Yuan Yan unconscious on the shore, but now he felt a pang of heartache and couldn't help but ask.
"It's alright. People like us in the martial world have to fight with others from time to time, and we're bound to get injured sometimes. Young master, there's no need to worry." Yuan Yan seemed to be talking about matters of the martial world, but in reality, he was also reflecting on his own current situation.
Someone like her, at the center of the struggle for the throne, is constantly surrounded by open and hidden attacks, making it impossible to defend against them all, and getting hurt is inevitable.
Even someone as skilled in martial arts as Lady Lin gets injured frequently?
Upon hearing this, Shen Lianzhou immediately imagined the scenes of Yuan Yan being injured repeatedly, and her heart skipped a beat, feeling somewhat uneasy.
"Although I had heard of constant conflicts in the martial arts world, I never imagined it would be this dangerous."
"What was the reason you first entered the world of martial arts, my lady?" After thinking for a moment, he cautiously probed, "...If there were an opportunity for a stable life, would you be willing to return to the countryside?"
After listening to Yuan Yan's words, Shen Lianzhou felt that her daily life was too dangerous and wanted to help her settle down. However, she couldn't say it directly for fear of hurting a woman's dignity, so she spoke very tactfully.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Yan smiled and said, "Young Master Shen, we women have finally come into this world. We should strive to achieve something, otherwise wouldn't we have lived in vain?"
This was both a polite excuse to refuse Shen Lianzhou's advances and Yuan Yan's true feelings.
The system was pleased: [Well said, host. It was precisely because you had such ambition that we chose you from among billions of humans, giving you the chance to be reborn.]
"Is that so? Isn't it because you value my abilities?" Yuan Yan ruthlessly exposed it in his mind.
The system chuckled: "Hehe, both, both..."
As expected, Madam Lin was unwilling.
Upon hearing this, Shen Lianzhou was somewhat disappointed by Yuan Yan's rejection, but her words only deepened her respect for her.
"Lady Lin has great ambitions and is no ordinary person."
Shen Lianzhou said apologetically, "I was being presumptuous in saying those words just now, and I hope Madam Lin will not take offense."
“I am not an ungrateful person. Since you are thinking of me, why blame me?” Yuan Yan didn’t care at all.
Shen Lianzhou felt a warmth in her heart and didn't mention what she had just said again.
Their conversation led Shen Lianzhou to sit in her room for quite some time without realizing it.
"I had a very pleasant conversation with you today, my lady." Shen Lianzhou's eyes were gentle. "It's getting late, so I'll head back now. I'll come back to talk to you another day."
...
Shen Lianzhou manages so many shops and is very busy every day.
Even though he was so busy, he still maintained the habit of personally inspecting the goods in the warehouse every now and then.
"You can't be lazy when doing business. The most important thing is to check the goods regularly to prevent your subordinates from being lax and negligent."
Shen Lianzhou ordered his men to move the boxes stacked in the middle down and open them for inspection, talking to Yuan Yan as they walked.
"In that case, doing business does have some similarities with being a steward," Yuan Yan said.
Shen Lianzhou has kept Yuan Yan by her side these past few days, and hasn't even asked her to avoid important places like the storeroom.
“That’s right, I used to be the head of the family…” As Shen Lianzhou was speaking, a loud thud suddenly came from the right.
As the servants were moving boxes, they accidentally knocked over a box next to them, causing the boxes piled high to tip over and fall towards the two of them.
"Young Master Shen, be careful!" Yuan Yan reacted quickly, dodging backward and pulling Shen Lianzhou to safety.
With a loud thud as the box crashed down, the two managed to get out of the way.
"Young Master Shen, are you injured?" Yuan Yan helped Shen Lianzhou up after he accidentally fell and asked him.
"It's nothing, it's just that my leg seems to have hurt a little."
With Yuan Yan's help, Shen Lianzhou stood up, feeling a slight pain in her right leg, guessing that she must have injured herself somewhere.
"Young master, I didn't mean it..." The servant was also quite frightened and quickly apologized.
The steward scolded, "What kind of work are you doing? How can you not even move this little thing properly, and you even hurt the young master..."
"Never mind, just be more careful next time."
Shen Lianzhou didn't want to hear them say these things in front of Yuan Yan, so she asked the servants in the storeroom to leave first.
"How are you? Can you still walk?"
Due to the difference between men and women, Yuan Yan could not check on Shen Lianzhou's injuries, but could only help him and ask him questions.
Shen Lianzhou hesitated slightly, "It might be a little difficult."
He couldn't walk on his own, and he was too embarrassed to ask Yuan Yan, who was a woman, to help him, so he came up with another way.
"Madam Lin, could you please go out and call Yulu to help me?" Chen Lianzhou said apologetically.
Yuan Yan, however, did not listen.
Her face showed disapproval. "Young Master's leg is injured, so it's best not to walk. Even with Yu Lu's help, it will still hurt. Let me do it."
Yuan Yan shook his head, wrapped his arm around Chen Lianzhou's waist, and gently lifted the light-footed man into his arms.
"..."
Shen Lianzhou was caught off guard and fell into her arms.
Yuan Yan's shoulders were broad and strong. Chen Lianzhou leaned on her shoulder, and a hint of helplessness suddenly appeared in her usually calm eyes. Her heartbeat quickened for some reason.
He wanted to say that it wasn't necessary, but when he opened his mouth, he couldn't say anything.
"Don't worry, Young Master Shen, I'll avoid the people outside and go through the back door. No one will see me," Yuan Yan said considerately, even thinking of this detail.
Shen Lianzhou said softly, "I didn't care about that..."
"With so many people around, and the young master still being confined to his room, it's better to be careful," Yuan Yan said, avoiding the servants and carrying him to the carriage outside the door.
When Yulu returned, she saw this scene and quickly ran over.
"Oh dear, young master, what's wrong?"
Shen Lianzhou: "I'm fine, I just slipped and fell. Madam Lin helped bring me here."
"Thank you, Madam Lin."
Upon hearing this, Yu Lu also thanked Yuan Yan.
"No need for thanks, young master, please go back and see a doctor," Yuan Yan said with concern.
The doctor arrived quickly and, after examination, said it was a fall injury. He advised applying topical treatment and resting for a while, and the injury would be fine.
"Fortunately, young master is not seriously injured, otherwise it would have been troublesome if he had really broken his leg," Yu Lu said.
After that, Shen Lianzhou sent some more valuable items as gifts to thank Yuan Yan for his help.
Perhaps because Shen Lianzhou made no attempt to conceal his affection, the gossip among the servants soon reached the ears of Shen's father, Jiang.
Therefore, early that morning, Shen Lianzhou was summoned to the courtyard by Madam Jiang.
"Zhou'er, regarding the matter of finding a husband for me that I mentioned last time, the matchmaker has already found someone. I had the servants lead the woman to the courtyard."
"If Zhou'er has time, let's meet later," Jiang said.
“Yes, Young Master Shen,” the matchmaker chimed in, “I’ve been extremely concerned about this marriage in your household. I’ve gone to great lengths to find such a good match for you, Young Master Shen.”
"The other party lives in Wangjia Village. He is good-looking, an honest and upright scholar, and has the title of Xiucai (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations). If his family were not poor and unable to support his studies, he would not have agreed to marry into the family... Women with such conditions are rare. If we miss this opportunity, we will never find another one."
The matchmaker's silver tongue sang so beautifully that anyone listening would think that Shen Lianzhou was marrying above her station.
"Since you're already here, Zhou'er, why don't you go and take a look?"
Jiang also took a liking to the other party's status as a scholar, thinking that if Scholar Wang could pass the imperial examination in the future, it would bring countless benefits to the Shen family, so she advised him from the side.
Author's Note: My little angels, I'll be free tomorrow, but I can't update early the day after tomorrow because of the time constraints. I'll update a few minutes after 11 p.m. that night. Mwah!
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