Chapter 117 I hereby sign a written statement: I, Feng Chi, am delighted with Chen Li and willingly surrender...
*
The people in Prince Chen's mansion are divided into several categories: guards, servants and servants in the front courtyard, and maids and old women in the back courtyard.
The manager of the front yard was surnamed Wang, a middle-aged man with a dignified and respectable appearance. The manager of the back yard was Granny Wu, of medium height with a round face, whose deep dimples were visible even when she wasn't smiling.
Above the two stewards was Yang Zhen, the head steward of the manor.
Yang Zhen and Shen Qinglu were familiar to me, but the others were all strangers.
She held a list of guards and servants in her hand. The list was quite detailed, clearly marking their original names, later names, backgrounds, special skills, and ranks and duties in the mansion. It was different from the list she had seen at the Shen mansion.
The servant register of the Shen family was very simple, consisting only of their current names and which courtyard they worked in.
She held the booklet and called out names one by one. Everyone whose name was called stepped forward to introduce themselves so that they could match the names in the booklet.
When Mu Hanshi returned to the manor, this was the scene he saw.
A stunningly beautiful young woman, with her hair styled in a mature woman's bun, sat gracefully on the steps, listening intently as the servants introduced her. Her focused expression revealed a maturity beyond her years, gradually merging with the memory of someone who, knowing she wouldn't live long, still took life seriously.
His A'Zhu...
He didn't interrupt or say a word, but stood silently to the side, waiting quietly for it all to end.
Shen Qinglu had already seen him and was fairly satisfied with his reaction.
After the servants left, he walked over, and the couple went into the house together.
"Why not take this opportunity to take over the management of the household affairs?" he asked.
Shen Qinglu thought to herself, "Is this person trying to test me again?"
“I’ve seen it. They are all doing their jobs well, and everything is in good order. There’s no need to create trouble out of nothing.”
She had already noticed that the rules and regulations in the mansion were extremely simple yet efficient, and the rules and reward and punishment systems were very different from those of the Shen mansion, looking quite like the management of later generations.
Judging from his painting techniques, his management style, and his secret intention to promote his niece to become the ruler of Daye, the person in front of me has very advanced ideas.
But he doesn't seem like a time traveler.
"If you don't want to get involved, then don't."
Such a response sounds like it suits my taste. Could it really be a test?
Shen Qinglu pondered, her expression remaining completely unchanged.
Her eyes were clear and calm, as if she had no worries at all, but her right hand unconsciously touched her earlobe and pinched it casually.
When Mu Hanshi saw him, his eyes suddenly darkened.
"If you have free time and want to find something to do, you can also manage it appropriately."
"OK."
She readily agreed to this arrangement, which allowed her to have both options and full autonomy. She secretly thought that although she hadn't made a good impression on him at first, he might not be difficult to get along with now.
His advanced thinking alone puts him far ahead of many men of this era.
"Do whatever you want to do in the future. If you need my help in any way, just let me know, and I will do my best to assist you."
"good."
Shen Qinglu agreed, but felt a little strange inside.
These words can definitely be called a promise, and an unconditional one at that. No one would make such a statement unless they had extreme trust or very deep feelings for each other.
They had neither spent a long time together nor gone through thick and thin together, so where did their trust and affection come from?
But she didn't ask. Instead, she pretended to enjoy it, smiled slightly, and turned to pour tea. Just as her hand touched the teapot, a large hand covered it.
She tilted her head slightly, meeting Mu Hanshi's deep gaze.
"You are the one I love. I will help you with anything you want to do."
Seriously?
If the purpose of this marriage is to secure the support of the Shen family, is it really necessary to go to such lengths?
Believe it or not?
She found herself swaying.
The man's presence and aura enveloped her. She knew she couldn't escape, but she also knew there was no need to. With a slight smile, she reached out and pressed her hand against Mu Hanshi's chest, her voice soft and delicate, "Words are no proof."
Mu Hanshi cupped her hand, which was pressed against his chest, his eyes growing even deeper. "Then I'll put it in writing as proof."
She smiled but remained silent, wanting to see if the man would actually write it down.
When Mu Hanshi walked to the table and actually ground the ink and picked up the brush, she was still wondering if this was also a test.
Black characters quickly appeared on the white paper, the strokes flowing like dragons and snakes, displaying their sharpness and brilliance.
She remembered the handwriting of her adoptive father and brother; one was vigorous and bold, the other flowing and unrestrained, both quite different from the style of the other characters.
For some reason, the dream of her wedding night suddenly popped into her mind, and she was momentarily dazed, her thoughts wandering, wondering if the person she longed to marry was her brother.
Once the thought crossed her mind, she realized she was probably a little obsessed.
"Do you think this way of writing is okay?"
Mu Hanshi's deep voice pulled her back to reality. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she quickly looked at what was written on the paper. But what she thought was whether this person was crazy.
The paper read: "I, Feng Chi, am devoted to Chen Li and willingly serve her, obeying her every whim. All my wealth belongs to her, and my life is hers. This document serves as proof."
"Your Highness, this..."
Call me Wujin.
"...Wu Jin, are you really that devoted to me?" Shen Qinglu pretended to be touched, secretly thinking that no matter what this person really meant, she wouldn't turn down such a good thing.
She picked up the paper, her eyes red-rimmed, her delicate body swaying as if she were too excited to stand, knocking over the folded paper on the table.
The folded document fell apart, revealing the handwriting inside, which was exactly the same as the one in her hand.
She quickly picked up the folded book and put it away, then carefully put the note away.
Mu Hanshi lowered his brows, taking in her every move. He understood her meaning and a hint of pride flashed in his eyes, admiring her cunning and intelligence.
Then, he sighed inwardly, lamenting his own greed.
It wasn't enough for him to just have her by his side; he wanted more. He wanted her love, her heart, and her willingness. Gradually, his greed turned into a strong possessiveness.
Without restraint, he pulled the person directly into his arms.
Their eyes met, and Shen Qinglu gleaned his thoughts from his dangerous gaze. She wasn't surprised or taken aback, but she suddenly had an indescribable feeling.
As the red curtains fell, obscuring the spring light that had been created by them, an inopportune, crazy thought popped into her mind: what if she married her brother…
"Who are you thinking about?" Mu Hanshi stopped what he was doing and looked at her with a deep gaze, the veins on his forehead and neck bulging noticeably.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she slowly closed her eyes. "I'm thinking of you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the man's body sank.
Then, she no longer had time to think about anything else.
*
The next day.
It was almost noon when Xia Chan heard her master calling from inside the room.
She quickly lifted the curtain and went inside. In just a few steps, she reached the red tent, her face flushed, and she bowed her head to serve.
Shen Qinglu didn't need to guess; she knew what she was thinking.
Last night, the passion lasted all night long. Unlike the brief encounter on our wedding night, some people were practically frenzied. They were like hungry wolves who could never get enough to eat, and my legs are still trembling now.
A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea, but a man's heart is no less unpredictable.
At least for now, Shen Qinglu felt that the thoughts of the person beside her in bed could not be understood by ordinary people and were extremely difficult to fathom.
As she was sitting in front of the mirror doing her makeup, Renchun came in to report, "Your Highness, Yutang has returned to the capital and is staying at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion."
Yu Liuzhu was able to live in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion because she was adopted as a goddaughter by Consort Dou's sister-in-law, Lady Liu.
She left the capital the day before yesterday, and the place she went to was Shansi Nunnery, where Lady Liu happened to be paying respects to her deceased relatives.
"Your Highness, how is this possible? She is a daughter of the Su family. How could Madam Dou take her as her goddaughter?" Xia Chan asked Shen Qinglu, puzzled.
"Naturally, it's to disgust the Shen family."
During the chaos caused by the Demon King, the Dou family was almost wiped out. Some say that less than half of the people sent by the Divine Martial Guard were able to resist the Demon King.
Meanwhile, the other half of the Divine Martial Guard was transferred out by Shen Kunyao in order to protect his friend Feng Ji and Feng Chi, who lived in Feng Ji's residence.
Such rumors were quickly suppressed, and no one dared to mention them again, because Feng Ji became the new emperor.
"Madam Dou is probably really blaming our Shen family for the deaths of her husband and son. Yu Tang has made a good move. Let's see what they will do next."
Shen Qinglu took a hairpin and stuck it in her hair, giving the beauty in the mirror a mocking smile.
The real show is about to begin!
Sure enough, she received an invitation to Mrs. Dou's birthday banquet the next day.
Although the Dou family had declined for many years, the Phoenix Emperor, mindful of the Dou clan's contributions to the Great Ye Dynasty, maintained their honors and privileges. Coupled with the presence of Consort Dou in the palace, the Dou family's status among aristocratic families remained. Thus, many guests came to celebrate the birthday in the past, all of whom were of high status.
Of course, among all the female guests, she was the one with the highest status.
In truth, whether looking at the capital or the whole country, very few people can surpass her. Leaving aside those in the palace, the only one outside the palace is the Princess Consort of Xin.
Prince Xin was still in seclusion reflecting on his mistakes, so it was not appropriate for Princess Xin to go out and visit guests. She only sent her daughter, Princess Fangfei. Princess Fangfei was originally the most noble lady in the capital, and now she had to address her as Imperial Aunt.
As the mistress of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Lady Liu could only submit to her. She calmly accepted the greeting, glancing indifferently at Yu Liuzhu beside the other woman.
Yu Liuzhu was dressed in red, with exquisite makeup and a begonia flower on her forehead, just like when she was the eldest daughter of the Yu family. However, when she bowed to her, her movements were noticeably stiff.
Their relationship was common knowledge in the capital.
Many people either stole glances or craned their necks, their attention entirely focused on them.
"It's been a few days since I last saw you. I never expected you to catch Madam Dou's eye. Although your mother died under mysterious circumstances and her body is still kept in the Ministry of Justice, if she knew this news, even Wei Han's bones would be so happy that they would want to rise from the dead."
"Your Highness knows better than anyone how she died, so why bother with crocodile tears?" Yu Liuzhu maintained her obsequious posture, but because of hatred and jealousy, she could only clench her palms tightly.
She wouldn't dare get up unless Shen Qinglu told her to.
She tilted her head back and raised her chin, as if only in this way could she not lose to Shen Qinglu, who looked down on her.
Shen Qinglu was not bothered by the deeper meaning in her words, and said with a half-smile, "You are the one who knows best how your mother died. If Yu Qingxue could live again, she probably wouldn't have given birth to you at all."
The words "re-living" made her eyes narrow.
"Your Highness is too kind. My mother raised you for more than ten years, but she failed to take good care of me and felt deeply indebted to me. If she could really live again, she would definitely do her best to clear all obstacles for me."
"Do you think that just because someone is dead, you can say whatever you want?" Shen Qinglu glanced around, taking in everyone's expressions, and casually raised her hand. "Get up."
Liu, who had been silent all along, hurriedly called to the servants behind her, "Ali, quickly go and help your young lady."
Everyone was shocked upon hearing this.
The maid named Ali was none other than Hua'er from before.
Hua'er bowed her head and stepped forward to help Yu Liuzhu up.
Yu Liuzhu thought she had won the round, and a smug look flashed in her eyes. "Your Highness, please don't be offended. This servant's pear is the same as the pear blossom. It was not meant to offend you."
Whether it was intentional or unintentional, a smart person can tell at a glance.
Gu Ruxu approached and slapped Yu Liuzhu across the face. "How dare you be so insolent in front of the Princess! Even ordinary people know to be discreet, but you have received favors from my Shen family for many years, yet you dare to give a servant the name 'Li' (pear). Your heart is despicable!"
"Madam Shen, this is the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion!" Madam Liu glared angrily at Gu Ruxu, her face showing a hint of anger. "Even if my adopted daughter has done something wrong, it's not your place to lecture her. Does your Shen family really think you can control everything in Donglin City? You even dare to act wildly in my Dou family!"
"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king. Your adopted daughter dares to be disrespectful and offend the Princess Consort of Chen. As loyal subjects of the emperor, my Shen family will certainly not shirk our duty. Does Madam Dou think that your adopted daughter is more noble than the Princess Consort of Chen, and that your Dou family can disregard the Princess Consort of Chen?"
Gu Ruxu's words were forceful and clear, leaving Liu speechless.
Yu Liuzhu covered her face, suppressing her intense hatred, and cried out, "It's just a name! Just because the princess's name contains the character 'Li,' does that mean people in the world can't even use homophones? What kind of logic is that?"
As she spoke, she handed a glass to an old woman.
Upon seeing this, Shen Qinglu became wary.
Suddenly, a dog appeared out of nowhere. Hua'er screamed and was so frightened that she let go of Yu Liuzhu. She seemed to be running around in a panic, but she hid behind Shen Qinglu.
Shen Qinglu sneered inwardly and pressed the mechanism of the gold bracelet without any hesitation. Before the big yellow dog could even touch her, it fell to the ground, causing everyone to scream in surprise.
"Why are there dogs here?" someone questioned, still shaken.
“This is my dog. It’s no exaggeration to say I treat it like my own child. It’s the most obedient and well-behaved dog and would never hurt anyone. Your Highness, it was just trying to tease you. What did you do to it?” Madam Liu asked with a pained expression as she squatted down beside the dog.
"It's fine, it just fainted." Shen Qinglu glanced at the flower that Renchun had dragged over. "Yutang was right about something she said earlier. It's just a name, there's really no need to care too much about it. This dog is destined to be with me, so I might as well give it a name, how about calling it Yutang?"
This time, they not only have the same pronunciation, but also the same characters, and the same name and surname.
Everyone looked at each other, but no one dared to comment.
Gu Ruxu laughed out loud, "I think this name is excellent. Madam Dou, why don't you quickly thank the Princess for bestowing the name? In the future, your adopted daughter and the dog child will share the same name, so you won't have to worry about calling them by the wrong names."
Liu's expression was priceless, while Yu Liuzhu's mouth was practically contorted with rage.
Shen Qinglu looked at them and said, "Yutang is a good dog. You must treat it well and not let it die. Do you understand?"
This was both a deliberate sarcastic remark and a warning.
Yu Liuzhu gritted her teeth and said, "I've got it."
After saying that, he took a few steps forward, but was stopped by Renchun.
Shen Qinglu gestured for Renchun to step aside and looked at her.
Her palms were almost crushed from gripping the weight, and she said through gritted teeth, her voice low and filled with obvious resentment, "Chen Li, you won't be smug for long, just you wait!"
Shen Qing's green eyes were as black as lacquer, and her words were as cold as ice: "I'm waiting."
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