Chapter 84 But I don't have a husband.
The person in the carriage was fast asleep and didn't respond to him.
As she slept, her stomach began to churn. Although the carriage was luxurious, it was inevitably bumpy. The little face inside her belly curled up uncomfortably, the wine mixed with the pastry dough, making her feel bloated again and again.
She shifted her body, trying to find a comfortable angle to sleep, so she went from lying down to crawling, her delicate hands touching this and that, pinching this and that.
She inadvertently violated the man who was pretending to be asleep with his eyes closed.
She seemed to find his legs very comfortable and reached out to hug them, but the man was quick and lifted her away. She obediently turned her face to the side and lay on the edge of the couch.
The man was fast asleep when he suddenly raised an eyebrow. Her face was there again, softly rubbing against his leg, becoming increasingly restless. He coldly pulled her away once more.
Ensure that there is a clear distinction between the two individuals.
Two hours later, the sounds of laughter and chatter from the crowd outside the carriage reached the woman's ears in succession.
She had sobered up a bit, and as the carriage entered the area, the lively and bustling sounds grew louder and louder, waking her up.
When she opened her eyes, the man's gaze was complex, dark yet wary, wary yet annoyed, as if she had done something to him while she was asleep.
It's really baffling.
The carriage stopped, and Shen Jizhao got off first, extending his hand to help the drunken woman down.
Although the woman already had a guess, she was still surprised after dismounting.
He actually brought her to Su Yang!
She remembered his promise. Was he going to take her to prison to see her uncle from afar?
She became excited again.
However, Shen Jizhao did not intend to do so. He ignored the hope in her eyes and simply took her around as if they were in a town.
Her eyes fell again, the smell of alcohol rising in her head, and she burped repeatedly, specifically targeting his face and neck, trying to suffocate him with the stench.
Shen Jizhao led her into a jewelry store, the same store that broke its promise during the Flower Festival, saying that the fragrant yellow pastry had to be offered to a nobleman.
She glared resentfully at the nobleman beside her and said defiantly:
"I don't want to go in, I don't want to go here."
Shen Jizhao really put on airs of a nobleman. He spread his arms, put his hands on his lean waist, and asked her seriously:
"Aren't you going to take responsibility for the bubbles you blow?"
Jiang Shuifu looked puzzled and reproachful. What did he mean by that?
The man's gaze moved down to the lower part of his robe, a dark patch that fell precisely at his waist, drawing attention and sparking the imagination.
At this moment, husbands kept bringing their wives to buy clothes and jewelry. Glancing at the man and woman's wrinkled and wet clothes, they couldn't help but chuckle, their eyes darting around teasingly as they said:
The husband covered his wife's eyes, preventing her from looking at other men.
"That young couple is so loving, just like us. What are you wearing tonight...?"
Jiang Shuifu lowered her head again and again, wishing she could crawl into a hole in the ground and hide there in shame.
How embarrassing! She actually threw up all over him! Right there!
No wonder he looked at her like that when she woke up.
As soon as they entered, their extraordinary demeanor attracted the shopkeeper, who personally greeted them.
Shen Jizhao's gaze remained fixed on the woman in front of him, who used the dense array of clothes and robes in the workshop to conceal the marks on her body.
The innkeeper, with his keen eye, knew who the real guests were this time and immediately invited the two of them up to the third floor.
The third floor is where VIPs are entertained; ordinary people cannot go up there.
The shopkeeper then brought out his most prized possessions, introducing them with a beaming smile:
"This is a brand new style from Quansuyang, a silver-threaded, green lotus-patterned skirt, and there's only one of its kind!"
Jiang Shuifu was casual; she just wanted to change out of her current outfit, so she nodded.
Shen Jizhao was not satisfied: "No rush, we should be more serious."
Her head was spinning again. She managed to stay upright against him, walked away and sat down, not hearing what he was saying.
Shen Jizhao helped her choose items one by one.
The shopkeeper continued his introduction, his manner extremely obsequious, as if he wanted to bow his head to the ground for the shopkeeper to trample on:
"This is a pleated tulle skirt, as thin as a cicada's wing, and extremely cool."
He won't listen if he doesn't speak.
Shen Jizhao wandered around and finally saw a dress that made him stop.
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up, darted around almost imperceptibly, and then he immediately became ingratiating:
"You have excellent taste! This is a scarlet auspicious floral skirt, but it's a newly released wedding style from our shop. It's a matching and complementary design for couples, and we've never sold anything like it before! Not just for Su Yang, but probably for the entire Da Bei region, it's a one-of-a-kind! Guaranteed to be a pleasant surprise!"
The shopkeeper chuckled slyly, and Shen Jizhao stared intently at him. Seeing that he had received his gaze, the shopkeeper didn't say anything more and immediately handed him the food.
He touched it and confirmed that it was indeed made of high-quality material; it should be comfortable for her to wear.
Jiang Shuifu quickly changed into it. The Crown Prince was used to good things, so his taste was naturally impeccable.
This outfit looks absolutely stunning on her!
She was radiant and dazzling, a beauty of unparalleled grace. The only shortcoming was that she was a bit too understated and lacked luxury; she deserved to be dressed in the most dazzling gown in the world.
The beautiful woman changed her clothes and tried to escape. Ever since she came in, she had been subjected to many mocking glances, and she felt utterly ashamed.
After Shen Jizhao had changed his clothes, he examined himself in the bronze mirror.
He was wearing the same style of robe with intertwined branches as hers. The intertwined branches were arranged in a sparse and dense manner, with the denser part extending from the lower body to the chest. The rest of the body was a smooth crimson color, which was quite unique.
His outfit suits her very well.
However, a hint of sternness appeared between his brows. He instructed the shopkeeper to fetch something, and then went downstairs to look for her.
He thought she had already run away, but his steps froze instantly.
On the steps of the two-story pavilion sat a girl with her hands supporting her chin, her eyes blinking innocently and lively, a perfect example of a bewildered beauty.
Looks like he's still drunk.
The second floor is where makeup trials take place. Right now, many women are sitting in front of their dressing tables, applying lipstick and face cream, while men stand by and watch, some even drawing eyebrows for their wives.
Shen Jizhao is one of them.
The drunken woman was coaxed and tricked into sitting in front of the dressing table.
Her appearance was striking, requiring only a touch of makeup. A maidservant did her makeup, but he was not entirely satisfied, feeling that something was missing.
The woman's eyes were glistening with tears from the alcohol, and she looked incredibly delicate, as if she would agree to anything he said. He seized the opportunity to ask:
"Would you like me to draw your eyebrows? After I do, we'll go home."
Upon hearing this, the woman pondered for a long time before answering his question earnestly, pouting her lips: "No, I don't want to go home."
Don't go back to the place where she was imprisoned.
Shen Jizhao tried a different way to coax her:
"Everyone is drawing their eyebrows. You can't leave without drawing your eyebrows. Besides, after drawing your eyebrows, your wishes will come true and everything will go smoothly. Don't you want that?"
The woman stopped talking and shook her dazed head as she thought. However, he ruthlessly picked up the tools as if he were holding a pen and began to draw her eyebrows.
He wasn't unprepared; he had been observing the other men as they were applying their eyebrows, noting down the key points. He felt he could do it too, which is why he made the request.
His hands were extremely steady as he meticulously traced her eyebrows, following their natural shape, and he even bent down to draw them again and again.
From childhood to adulthood, he was the fastest learner among the princes, so this kind of thing must be a piece of cake for him.
He withdrew his hand with satisfaction, straightened up, and surveyed the entire situation.
The woman, who had been so drunk that she was shaking her head, instantly sobered up a bit. Looking at the two thick black lines in the bronze mirror, which were still vertical, she realized that the woman was drunk.
She frowned subconsciously, but then two black lines started wriggling, looking like worms, making her even uglier.
She was about to scream when he quickly covered her mouth, but instead she laughed, a tingling sensation spreading through his palm.
"But I don't have a husband!"
When a man draws a woman's eyebrows, it's a promise he'll love and cherish her for life. But she has no husband.
Therefore, it's useless.
Shen Jizhao was deeply shocked; her heart was more transparent than he had imagined.
Her words struck his heart with ease and precision.
After all this time, she still hasn't seen him, and she has no intention of accepting him.
After a long silence, he gave a soft, self-deprecating smile:
"Aren't you more fortunate and content without a husband?"
No matter what, she will have a smooth and successful life.
Shen Jizhao cleared his throat with his fist again. It was normal to fail at drawing eyebrows the first time. Practice makes perfect, so he continued.
The woman started to drift off to sleep again. No matter what the man did, no matter how strange the worm-like shapes on his eyebrows became, she would just frown and let him be. To be precise, she fell asleep.
Finally, he succeeded in drawing the eyebrows, although only the initial shape was visible.
He gazed at it for a long time, a slight smile playing on his lips; he thought it was beautiful.
But the next moment, he ordered the maid to redraw it for her.
"Never mind, she's going to cry."
She loves beauty so much that she would be sad if her painting turned out ugly.
At that moment, a faint, concealed voice came through:
"Young lady, could I have one of your signature dresses, and also a copy of your calligraphy or painting? People should always be eager to learn!"
Shen Jizhao didn't need to turn around to know that these were the couple from the doorway earlier. But, there were also people selling calligraphy and paintings here?
Clearly, the calligraphy and paintings here were not ordinary works. The maid remained composed, showing no shyness or embarrassment whatsoever. Instead, she cheerfully presented them with small trinkets from the shop, saying, "Wishing you happiness every day!"
The couple left, and Shen Jizhao turned to leave as well. A maid casually asked him, "Young master, how about a set? It's guaranteed to bring you joy!"
He gave her a chilling look, as if she were freezing to death.
The maid was utterly innocent; she clearly saw him secretly prick up his ears!
She continued walking, whispering in people's ears as she recommended:
"Everything in our shop is a top-quality medicine. After using it, no man will be unable to perform, and no woman will fail to moan. It will be available every night..."
Foul language!
Shen Jizhao scoffed and didn't even glance at her.
.
Outside the mansion.
Shen Jizhao helped Jiang Shuifu down from the carriage.
Jiang Shuifu couldn't believe the words in front of her: Jiang Mansion.
Whether it was because she was still drunk or because the shock was too great, she was stunned for a full moment.
This really feels like home!
Instead of taking her to the prison to secretly visit her uncle, he took her straight home!
Until the man beside her spoke in a cold voice: "Don't you want to go back to this home?"
She subconsciously turned her head to look at him, and frowned in confusion. What was that on his face?
It turns out that most of her face was covered by a mask!
Shen Jizhao felt extremely uncomfortable and didn't want to be stared at, so he took a step forward on his own.
Before she could think, her sister, Tiger, and Bean rushed out to greet her, throwing themselves into her arms and instantly waking her from her drunkenness.
She smiled her most genuine smile of the day, a smile that shone brightly, and hugged them, nuzzling their necks: "I missed you so much!"
Shen Jizhao was completely ignored by her. From the moment they arrived at the Jiang residence, entered the main hall, and finally stood before all the members of the Jiang family, he walked silently at the back all by himself.
Everyone was surprised to see him wearing a mask, but before he could explain, a small figure pounced on him.
It was Mei Bao; she hugged his leg and comforted him with joy and excitement.
"Brother-in-law, don't be sad! We like you too! Hehe, my little sister has lost weight now, her tummy isn't so round anymore~"
Shen Jizhao had never felt this kind of recognition from children before. Didn't they used to fear him like a tiger and avoid him at all costs?
He was somewhat at a loss.
Besides, what about my brother-in-law?
Married for three years, and this was the first time he'd ever heard those two words! Now, hearing them again, he felt a strange sense of absurdity!
So, the leg that was being held suddenly tensed up, hard as a rock, devoid of any emotion.
These two words are not for calling him!
It's not called Shen Jizhao!
It has absolutely nothing to do with Shen Jizhao!
He knew he had taken someone else's place!
They don't like him!
Shen Jizhao's face gradually turned white, then green, then white again, changing repeatedly. He had always been noble, and the words "brother-in-law" were a humiliation to him.
His eyes sharpened, and his high nose wrinkled. The mask that completely concealed his true face became increasingly prominent, constantly reminding him that he was someone who could not be seen by others.
This is even more humiliating.
Half of his face was hidden under the mask, and his emotions were also completely concealed. However, Jiang Shuifu, being who she was, could easily see through his abnormality at this moment.
Jiang Shuifu knew that he wore a mask to avoid being recognized by the Jiang family, and that he was now her husband, He Beiqing.
Knowing he was about to get angry again, she quickly tried to bring Meibao back.
My little sister's big eyes darted back and forth between them, wondering if they were playing a game. Why was her brother-in-law wearing a mask? And a pig mask at that, with its snout twitching—so cute!
Seeing the woman's displeasure, Shen Jizhao stretched out a hand and called for Meibao to come over.
When Mei Bao saw her brother-in-law trying to get close to her, her eyes crinkled with laughter. She eagerly broke free from Jiang Shui Fu and ran towards him.
Before Jiang Shuifu could stop her, Meibao ran to the dangerous man's side. The man slowly approached her, then reached out his other large hand, which was hidden behind his back, and enveloped her.
Mei Bao was utterly shocked as she stared at the enormous hand that kept growing larger in front of her!
Until his vision was filled with large, plump, bright red candied hawthorns, Shen Jizhao smiled:
"If you like candied hawthorns, you can have them. What else do you want? We have it all!"
Children's eyes are so pure and innocent. The first thing this little one said to him was to touch his tummy and say he was hungry. His intention was obvious. As his "brother-in-law," shouldn't he satisfy them?
Mei Bao was so happy! She could eat candied hawthorns again. She shared them with Tiger and the others, and then they all praised them in unison:
“Every time my brother-in-law comes over, we get along so well!”
Isn't it sweet to be able to eat candied hawthorn?
Shen Jizhao felt their enthusiasm, but every time they uttered those two words, it was as if they were constantly reminding and mocking him that he was a shameless scoundrel who had usurped someone else's place! He was just a substitute!
He unconsciously lowered his eyelids.
Meibao's little mouth was all red from eating, and her eyes were even brighter. Her brother-in-law's pig mask looked so cute. They were playing a game, and she wanted to play too!
So, taking advantage of Shen Jizhao's inattention, she grabbed the edge of his mask with her chubby little hand, about to lift it off:
"My little sister wants a little piggy too!"
Meibao is a child, who would be wary of a child?
Shen Jizhao was completely taken aback by her actions, but Jiang Shuifu, who was standing to the side, saw it even earlier than him. Her eyes widened instantly, and she gasped.
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Author's Note: Two chapters tomorrow.
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