Chapter 49 Chapter 49 The kiss was deep.
Seeing someone coming out of the Shen family, Mrs. Zhu straightened her back instantly and tilted her head to look.
I didn't expect it to be a stranger with unknown identity, but seeing that he was dressed in expensive clothes and was accompanied by a maid, I didn't dare to speak.
Zhu Chentan was caught being driven away and naturally felt ashamed. He hid behind Madam Zhu, not daring to show his face. He pulled her sleeve and whispered to her to go back and talk later.
But Mrs. Zhu refused to leave.
She tried to start a conversation, but she didn't know what to call the other person.
Coming out of the Shen family, is this a member of the Shen family or a guest of the Shen family?
Unexpectedly, the other party waved away the guards who were chasing her away, spoke first, and even recognized her identity, "Is this the wife of the Zhu family, the biological family of Brother Zhan's daughter-in-law?"
Hearing the kind tone of the visitor, Mrs. Zhu's face lit up with joy, "Yes... I am, but I wonder who you are...?"
"I am the mistress of the second branch of the Shen family."
"So you are the second wife of the Shen family! No wonder you look so noble, it turns out I was shortsighted..." The smile on Mrs. Zhu's face grew bigger, and she spoke to him in a familiar and friendly manner, trying to get close to him.
The second wife looked down on him in her heart, but she didn't show it on her face.
Mrs. Zhu praised him profusely, thinking that the other party was greeting her with a smile and was definitely going to invite her to visit the second branch of the Shen family.
Unexpectedly, after she finished speaking, the second wife would say, "We have met today, but I have something else to do at home, so I will not talk to Madam Zhu anymore. Let's talk another day."
Mrs. Zhu felt embarrassed for a moment, but it was not easy to keep the guest, so she could only smile dryly and watch the second wife leave.
As soon as the people from the second branch of the Shen family left, the guards started to drive them away with fierce looks on their faces.
Madam Zhu and Zhu Chentan could only leave quickly with embarrassed looks on their faces.
As the carriage drove out of the southwest road of Beijing, Zhu Chentan began to complain as he recalled the humiliation he had suffered today.
"I said I didn't want to come, but my mother insisted on bringing me along, making me lose face for no reason. Now, not only have I been turned away, but the gatekeeper has also chased me down the stairs. The people from the second branch of the Shen family have laughed at me. If this gets out, I really don't know what others will say!"
Ever since the divorce, she seemed to have never had a good day.
"I don't know what you are doing in such a hurry? Just waiting for Shen Jingzhan to come to your house, will it be a loss? Can't you wait for such a short time?"
Madam Zhu has been being ridiculed all day. She had just tried to please the second wife but got nothing in return. She didn't know how to explain to Lord Zhu when she returned empty-handed. She was already feeling annoyed, but Zhu Chentan kept chattering at her and was being aggressive.
Unable to hold back his anger, he scolded her, "Are you blaming your mother?"
"Why did I do all these things and go to the Shen family and suffer the cold shoulder and wrath of others?! It's for you and your brother, so that you can marry better and enter a higher family, and so that your brother can get promoted! Do you think I did it for myself?"
"If you had been more determined and not divorced the Luo family, I wouldn't have to be laughed at and ridiculed at my old age, toiling all day long! You find it embarrassing, but I don't?!"
Zhu Yinluan's daughter was born to a young mother, but she married so well. She is the first wife, so how could her daughter not be as good as Zhu Yinluan's mother?
Fortunately, not many people knew that Zhu Yinluan married into a wealthy family, otherwise she would be ridiculed again, especially the daughters-in-law from the Zhu family's side branches and her sisters-in-law.
Zhu Chentan grew up being spoiled and had always been spoiled. This was the first time that he was scolded by Madam Zhu.
Mrs. Zhu even mentioned the Luo family between the lines, saying that it was useless to attack her and she was divorced.
She was stunned at the moment, tears flashing in her eyes, "Mother, do you think your daughter is useless? Do you think your daughter is not as good as Zhu Yinluan and is holding you back?"
Mrs. Zhu felt distressed to see her like this, but she was still furious and ignored her for a moment. She did not try to comfort her and said coldly, "Be more careful, or you will be trampled under the feet of Zhu Yinluan for the rest of your life!"
Zhu Chentan wanted to leave in anger, but he was in a carriage on the main road of the capital and had not yet reached home. If he got off, wouldn't he be laughed at by people on the street?
She held her face and cried in the carriage, she was so angry that her teeth were itching, and she scolded Zhu Yinluan thousands of times in her heart.
“…”
The second wife returned home, and the second master, who had been waiting for news, asked her how she was.
The second wife said truthfully that Mrs. Shen had agreed to help, but she only said that she would try her best but could not guarantee it.
"Now that His Majesty is investigating officials who leaked exam questions, there are many people involved and many vacancies. If our son cannot be promoted back at this level, he will have to stay out there for several years, even more than ten years."
The master of the second house spoke with great earnestness, and when he thought of this troublesome ancestor, he could not help but sigh.
The second wife poured him a cup of tea, stroked his heart and said a few words to comfort him, then turned to talk about the incident of running into Madam Zhu at the door of the Marquis' Mansion.
"who?"
The second wife, "She is the mother of the woman from the Zhu family, the one Jing Zhan married."
"You didn't say anything to her, did you?" The second master asked seriously, sitting up straight.
"No." The second wife mentioned everything in detail, "I happened to run into him when I went out. I couldn't avoid him, so I just said hello. I saw that the Zhu family's stepmother didn't have a good relationship with the woman Jing Zhan married, so I didn't invite her to come to my house."
If it weren't for this, she wouldn't want to bother with it. The Zhu family is of such a low status that even a glance from them is considered a favor. Who would want to make friends with them?
"That's the best." The second master advised.
"Look at how much Jing Zhan treasures that girl. Since she has fallen out with the Zhu family and has accepted the Shi family, you should not be on good terms with the Zhu family, lest that girl bear a grudge and whisper in Jing Zhan's ear, ruining our family's affairs."
When Shen Jiaxian's followers were tortured, they found out that he had investigated the matter of interfering with the Zhu family, which offended Shen Jingzhan.
If he gets involved again, given Shen Jingzhan's ruthless and heartless temperament, he might even find a way to demote his uncle.
After decades of service, who in the officialdom is clean? If you really want to make a big fuss about a small matter, it will be quite a commotion.
"Don't worry, sir. I know what I'm doing."
"Always remember to keep your family members in check and make sure they don't cause any trouble these days."
The second wife nodded, "Okay."
"...
Today was just like yesterday. Zhu Yinluan went to bed before Shen Jingzhan came back. When she woke up the next day, Shen Jingzhan was gone.
Instead, he left his men to reply to her, saying that the court was busy and asked her to take good care of herself at home and eat more meals in the next two days.
Before Zhu Yinluan could reply, the servant said, "The emperor is considerate of the prince and has reserved a palace for him to rest in, so he doesn't have to travel back and forth. But the prince is worried about the young lady and is always worried about her. He said it would be nice to come back and see you."
Although they knew it was all a show, after all, they had just gotten married and the court was busy with urgent matters. If he didn't come back for a few days, people at home and abroad would inevitably gossip.
Besides, he had originally told the Shen family's elders that he had loved her for many years and was going to propose to her. If he didn't put on a good show, wouldn't he be exposed?
But after hearing this, Zhu Yinluan still looked very unnatural.
It's not good for her to be distant from Shen Jingzhan, but being too clingy is also embarrassing.
Although he did not come back, he brought her a lot of cakes, porridge and snacks from the imperial kitchen in the palace. They were so delicious that Zhu Yinluan finished them all without realizing it.
Afraid that mentioning the Zhu family's affairs would affect Zhu Yinluan's appetite, the attendant waited until Zhu Yinluan had finished eating before speaking.
"The prince also said that he already knew about what happened yesterday. He asked his subordinates to convey that you can do whatever you want to deal with the Zhu family. You don't have to worry about anything. He will support you in everything."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yinluan, who was gargling, paused for a moment.
Then he said, "Yeah."
"If Madam has nothing else to do, I will leave now."
Zhu Yinluan said wait a moment, and she asked Mingya to pass the wrapped valuables over, "The weather has been cold lately, please remind your husband to be careful and not to catch a cold."
"Don't worry." The attendant took the valuables and promised to hand them over to Shen Jingzhan.
It must be said that with Shen Jingzhan's words, Zhu Yinluan was indeed relieved a lot.
Yesterday she was still worried about rejecting Mrs. Zhu's visiting invitation. What would she do if something went wrong?
Even if Madam Zhu doesn't make a fuss openly due to the intimidation from the Shen family, she will probably not let it go in private. I just don't know what Madam Zhu will do.
Now that Shen Jingzhan said this, she was no longer afraid.
After breakfast, she went to visit Old Mrs. Shen and continued to massage her xue.
Zhu Yinluan did a good job yesterday, and when Mrs. Shen saw her coming today, she did not refuse.
Zhu Yinluan had lunch and dinner at Old Lady Shen's house throughout the day.
She also went to bed first at night. Just like the previous few days, Shen Jingzhan came back very late and was not seen during the day.
This busy process lasted almost half a month.
When Zhu Yinluan came back from Old Lady Shen's place, she saw the handsome man sitting in the inner room drinking tea, and she actually felt as if he were from another world.
"Husband...husband?" She wasn't sure if it was him.
In fact, before she could make a tentative sound, the man had already heard her footsteps and turned around.
"Luan'er is back." He put down his unfinished tea and came to greet her with a gentle smile.
Zhu Yinluan felt very strange when she heard these words.
She just went to Old Lady Shen's place and had been at home the whole time. He was clearly the one who had just come back from outside, so why was he the first one to say that she was back?
"Has my husband had dinner yet?"
After not seeing Shen Jingzhan for a few days, he suddenly stood in front of her, greeted her, took her hand, and looked down at her face.
Her hand was wrapped in his big palm, and when she touched the warmth of the man's palm, Zhu Yinluan felt nervous.
His palms looked slender and smooth, with joints as smooth as bamboo and jade, but his fingertips were rough and would rub against her when he rubbed her.
Zhu Yinluan's heart, which had been calm and stable for a long time, suddenly began to tremble slightly, and a dense itchy feeling came up.
She thought of some things that happened not long ago, and some things he said to her...something that was hard to say.
"Not yet." Shen Jingzhan led her inside.
When they saw the two of them being intimate, the maids were very tactful and left. Zhu Yinluan didn't even have to specifically ask Jiaohui and Mingya to prepare food.
Suddenly, there were only two people left in the inner room.
Although there were maids in the outer room, they were still separated by pearl curtains, jade screens, and incense burners.
Zhu Yinluan took the opportunity to pour the tea and pulled her hand out from Shen Jingzhan's big palm.
Shen Jingzhan looked at her hand that was returning to her, the little face that had been dodging and not daring to look at him since she entered the door, the corners of his lips slightly raised.
Zhu Yinluan naturally poured tea not only for herself, but also for Shen Jingzhan.
So the two of them drank tea in silence.
Afraid that he would hold her hand again, Zhu Yinluan drank the cup of tea very slowly.
During this time, she had always noticed Shen Jingzhan's gaze lingering on her.
I don’t know what he is looking at?
Zhu Yinluan wanted to ask him, but when she looked into the man's extremely deep eyes, she lost the courage to ask him and simply lowered her head to drink her tea.
The little maid worked quickly and brought the dinner over in no time.
When Zhu Yinluan heard Mingya say that everything was ready, she heaved a sigh of relief. She put down her tea as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders, and said, "Husband, will you come with me to eat?"
Shen Jingzhan also put down the teacup, "Well, okay."
He walked slowly behind her, looking at her snow-white neck revealed after she tied up her black hair.
Zhu Yinluan lowered her eyes and saw the shadows of the two people overlap under the light of the candle.
His broad figure "controlled" her, and once their shadows overlapped, her figure was hidden.
If she just looked at the shadow, it was as if she was held in his arms, without any distinction between them.
Zhu Yinluan felt warm in her heart, "..."
Even after having dinner at Old Lady Shen's, Zhu Yinluan still accompanied him for some of the meal, but she ate very little.
Shen Jingzhan talked to her while eating, and it was clear that his entourage reported to them every day and delivered messages for them.
But he still asked her what she had done at home these days and whether she was bored.
It was too quiet to sit and have a meal, so Zhu Yinluan replied one by one and chatted with him about family matters. She said that she had been with Old Lady Shen these days, helping her copy Buddhist scriptures and massaging her legs and shoulders.
"Are you tired?" Shen Jingzhan asked her.
"Not tired." Zhu Yinluan shook her head.
At this time, Shen Jingzhan put a chicken leg into her bowl.
Zhu Yinluan wanted to say that she couldn't eat anymore, but before she could open her mouth, Shen Jingzhan said, "The braised chicken legs taste good. If Luan'er can't eat it, just try it."
Was he telling her not to force herself to finish the meal?
Zhu Yinluan didn't like wasting food, so she planned to eat the chicken leg that Shen Jingzhan had brought over slowly until he finished his meal.
But he didn't expect that after she took one or two bites and slowed down, he actually told her that if she didn't want to eat it, she didn't have to, and she could give it to him.
He ate the chicken drumstick she had eaten?
Although she didn't eat it all, it was still in her bowl.
There was a maidservant beside them, and it would be embarrassing to be intimate in front of others, so Zhu Yinluan quickly said, "No need, I can finish it by myself."
Afraid that Shen Jingzhan would talk about helping her eat the leftover chicken legs again, she quickly changed the subject, "Grandma mentioned something to me a few days ago."
"What's the matter?" Shen Jingzhan knew what she was going to say, but he still asked.
"Grandmother said that Brother Xian from my uncle and aunt's second house was sent to a border area thousands of miles away to serve as a county magistrate. He hasn't been back for a long time. She asked me to ask my husband if he could tell me how long he would be in office."
Mrs. Shen's words are usually very meaningful.
Zhu Yinluan guessed that Old Lady Shen wanted to transfer this young man from the Shen family back, but it was not easy for her to talk to Shen Jingzhan directly, so she asked her to pass the message to Shen Jingzhan to inquire.
Shen Jingzhan glanced at her, Zhu Yinluan looked back, and she clenched her silver chopsticks.
"The length of this transfer order will depend on how Shen Jiaxian performs in his external assignment."
"The children of the Shen family lack experience, and he is the most unruly among the second branch. I'm afraid it will take some time."
"Luan'er replied to grandma like this." Shen Jingzhan found that she was silent, and slowly touched the skin of the chicken leg with his silver chopsticks, and then took away the uneaten chicken leg in her bowl.
Zhu Yinluan exclaimed, but before she could ask him why he was snatching the food from her bowl.
Shen Jingzhan had already finished the chicken leg, and she could only be speechless, "..."
Doesn’t he mind that she ate half of it?
Why was he still eating so wantonly? She could even tell from his movements and expression that he was enjoying his meal.
So weird.
Logically speaking, Shen Jingzhan is the eldest son of the Shen family, so he shouldn't be short of food, right?
Zhu Yinluan's gaze was filled with confusion. He chuckled and said, "Everything is hard-earned, and we shouldn't waste it. Isn't that right, Luan'er?"
Of course she knew it, but why did he ask her with a smile at this juncture?
What else could Zhu Yinluan say? She could only whisper, "...Yeah, yes."
She stopped eating and put down her silver chopsticks.
Sitting and looking at the empty bowl in front of him, waiting for Shen Jingzhan to eat.
He must be hungry.
He ate slowly but ate more than usual.
Now in the Shen family, Zhu Yinluan has also heard a lot of rumors from the court.
I heard that the leak of the palace examination questions actually came from the Grand Marshal.
The Grand Marshal was a top-ranking official, a man of high moral character and prestige in the true sense of the word. He had already participated in politics when the late emperor was still alive.
No wonder the emperor asked Shen Jingzhan to go.
Taiwei is also Shen Jingzhan’s teacher…
This matter involves the teacher, and it sounds difficult to handle. No wonder Shen Jingzhan is so busy.
Now that Shen Jingzhan has returned, have all the problems been resolved?
She thought about it in her mind but didn't ask.
"Grandma's health has improved a lot, all thanks to Luan'er," he said.
“It’s all I should do.”
She has become more familiar with Old Madam Shen after being with her for these days. Although she has not completely integrated into her eyes and heart, she has been much more tolerant towards her.
I can only slowly get closer to you, Zhu Yinluan thought.
Mrs. Shen had previously asked her to follow the housekeeper to listen to the accounts, but because Guishui suddenly visited, she went to serve Mrs. Shen again. At this time, Mrs. Chen did not mention this matter.
Mingya said that all the gifts received for the wedding have been counted.
Madam Shen is also very busy all day long. Today she has to attend the banquet at the Duke's wife's house, and the day after tomorrow she has to attend the full moon wine celebration of the daughter-in-law of the Inspectorate, and the Xiang Wangfei's daughter's wedding...
In short, I basically can't run into Mrs. Shen these days.
Unless Madam Shen goes to see Old Lady Shen, the two will meet there.
She met the concubine in the mansion more often than Mrs. Shen.
The concubines often invited her to sit in the courtyard, but Zhu Yinluan was afraid of socializing, so she always declined on the pretext that she had to serve Old Madam Shen.
Apart from that, there was no other movement from the Zhu family.
Since that day...
Unexpectedly, just when she thought of this, Shen Jingzhan actually told her that Lord Zhu had come to see him not long ago.
"What does he want you to do?" She was so nervous that she didn't call her husband.
Shen Jingzhan put down his bowl and chopsticks and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.
While washing his hands, he said to her, "Lord Zhu wants me to help Master Zhu get a real official position in the three provinces."
Ask Chen Jingzhan to help Zhu Mingsheng get an official position in the three provinces?
That’s three provinces!
If someone finds out and impeaches me, wouldn't that be courting death?
Zhu Yinluan asked, "Did you agree?"
Although she hadn't told Shen Jingzhan not to agree, the expression on her face was obvious enough.
"Not yet." Shen Jingzhan wiped his hands and led her out.
We went to the small flower pavilion in the back garden to talk and take a walk.
Zhu Yinluan caught a word of return...
After a pause, she said bluntly, "Don't agree to his request."
"He's hurting you!"
Zhu Yinluan didn't know where her cold-hearted father got the nerve to go straight to Shen Jingzhan and ask him to find an official position for Zhu Mingsheng in the three provinces?
Is this a roundabout way to harm her and the Shen family?
"Don't worry, Luan'er. I understand what you mean. I will handle it properly."
What he said sounded quite nice, but Zhu Yinluan didn't understand and she was still worried.
If Lord Shen was here, he would definitely know what Shen Jingzhan meant by this.
What is properly handled?
It was clearly saying that he would take good care of these people.
It was a pity that Zhu Yinluan didn't know. She held back and decided to speak, "The palace exam leak just happened. His Majesty asked you to handle this matter. There must be many people in the court watching you. You have to... be careful."
"It's not that I don't trust you from the Zhu family, but..."
"Yes, I understand."
He stopped and held out his hand to her.
When Zhu Yinluan was caught off guard and subconsciously tried to hide, Shen Jingzhan had already retracted his hand. It turned out that the flowers and leaves of the royal poinciana tree had blown onto her hair, and he helped her take them off.
“…”
"I know that Luan'er is worried about me." The man chuckled.
Zhu Yinluan looked at his handsome face framed by the moonlight and the glass lamp, and her eyes began to move and float again.
The news of Shen Jingzhan's return home actually reached Mrs. Shen's ears?
Zhu Yinluan didn't expect that when she was taking a bath, Jiaohui came in and told her that an old lady was outside.
"Is it someone close to my mother-in-law or grandmother?"
How come the news came so fast?
She only found out about Shen Jingzhan's return home after he came back. The Shen family is large and Mrs. Shen is well-informed.
Of course not. This was just the old mother that Jiaohui found at the request of her superiors. Although she also served Madam Shen, she was not from the inner courtyard.
The people here have seen through the trick, who dares to say more?
"I saw it was true." Jiaohui lied with her eyes open.
Zhu Yinluan trusted her very much and did not suspect anything.
She was silent, but Mingya was very happy.
While applying the perfume to Zhu Yinluan, she whispered, "Miss, you should consummate your marriage with the prince more often. Maybe you will have a child now."
Let’s not even talk about consummating the marriage.
She had been unable to get pregnant for several years in the Wei family, and it seemed that she was unable to get pregnant.
How could it be possible with Shen Jingzhan now?
Besides, she and he haven't consummated their marriage yet.
Consummation of marriage...
She had kissed him deeply before, and she wanted Shen Jingzhan to go further, but she had her period.
Now I thought that since it has been cold for such a short half month, Mrs. Shen would not send anyone.
She also stopped thinking.
But... have you really given up thinking about it?
Thinking of when the man came to greet her just now, his big palm wrapped around her hand, and the rough fingertips rubbed the back of her hand.
At that time, she felt itchy all over, and thinking of this, Zhu Yinluan's fingers curled up subconsciously.
…He had helped her many times with his long fingers.
This bath made my mouth a little dry.
"Mingya... bring me some water."
Mingya didn't know what she was thinking, so she nodded quickly and went to take it.
Zhu Yinluan held the cup and drank, but felt no relief.
Not only was there no relief, she also felt hot.
Thinking of him kissing her.
The feeling of his well-defined abdominal muscles.
He was so strong that she crawled into his arms and was held by him.
The spring scenery she sees when she lowers her eyes will be unpredictable and unable to withstand the strong wind...
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