Chapter 21: Shielding Family

Chapter 21: Shielding Family

Although Wei Xun gave A Yuan permission to leave, she had to wait until her hand injuries were fully healed.

Gifts poured in from the outer courtyard, but A Yuan wasn’t interested in them anymore.

Her hand took over half a month to heal, and fortunately, the bones were not damaged, or even the best ointment couldn’t have saved them.

During her recovery, the Shen family became a laughingstock.

On the day of Madam Shen’s birthday banquet, the mistress Shen Daoren had been keeping on the side brought her child to the Shen residence.

Speaking of Shen Daoren, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, he was known for his integrity in the capital. He and his wife had grown up together, and although they only had one daughter, Shen Qiuyu, after marriage, he had never taken a concubine, not even one.

Everyone in the capital envied Madam Shen’s luck.

However, it turned out that such a man had long been keeping a mistress outside, and the mistress’s son was only slightly younger than Shen Qiuyu.

Shen Daoren’s reputation as a devoted husband was ruined.

At the Shen residence.

Madam Shen, humiliated in public, fell ill immediately.

Shen Qiuyu smashed a set of teacups, her usual gentleness vanished, “Why did it have to be today!”

She had just quietly agreed to marry Wei Xun and was at the peak of her success, especially since the Wei family had sent congratulatory gifts today, but it coincided with the mistress’s son making a scene.

Shen Qiuyu’s face was dark, and the maidservants knelt trembling on the floor, not daring to answer.

After such a commotion, the marriage between the young lady and the Wei Crown Prince was now at risk.

Outside the Shen residence, Shen Yaozu rubbed his aching backside, grimacing as he spat, “Ugh! This old man keeps calling me his son, but when it comes to hitting me, he doesn’t hold back at all, almost killing me!”

His personal servant quickly supported him, looking around nervously, “My lord, aren’t you worried the master might hear? Even if you want to complain, wait until we get home!”

“Afraid of him?” Shen Yaozu lifted his chin high, “I’m his only son. Who’ll take care of him when he’s old!”

Shen Daoren, a top scholar in the exams, was learned and talented, yet he gave his illegitimate son the crude name Yaozu, clearly hoping he would inherit the family business.

The servant pointed at the Shen residence’s gate, “Don’t forget, you haven’t even stepped inside yet.”

Although his master had gained recognition today by causing this scene, he had also angered the master.

The Shen family indeed only had this one male heir, but the master was still young and could easily have another son.

Shen Yaozu’s arrogance deflated, and he hung his somewhat foolish head, “Then what do you suggest I do?”

The servant patiently advised, “My lord, stop messing around and stay home to study. The master only has you as his son. If he sees you improving, he’ll be happy.”

Mentioning studying made Shen Yaozu annoyed, but he knew the servant was right. He waved his hand in resignation, “Fine, I won’t go out. If those people come asking for money again, just send them away.”

It turned out that he had caused the scene at the Shen residence because he had lost heavily at the gambling den a few days ago and was pressured to have his hand cut off.

Although Shen Yaozu was no good at studying, he dreamed of becoming the top scholar and couldn’t bear the thought of losing a hand, which was why he had caused the scene at the Shen residence.

The Marquis of Anning’s residence.

......

Changyuan placed a bulging money pouch on Wei Xun's desk. "Master, Wang the Second from the gambling den dared not accept it and insisted on returning it. Those who run gambling dens are accustomed to cheating, and Shen Yaozu would never realize that his loss was premeditated."

Wei Xun lowered his head and tapped the table, humming in acknowledgment. "Keep tabs on the Shen family and look for a chance to stir the pot."

Changyuan responded, though he couldn’t help but feel a chill for Shen Qiuyu.

He knew only too well how ruthless his master could be. Why did the Shen lady have to provoke Mistress Xie, of all people? Now she’s in for it.

"How is the Jade Clear Courtyard faring?"

"Mistress Xie's burned hand has almost healed, and she plans to go out to offer incense the day after tomorrow."

Since the scalding incident, Wei Xun had stationed people at the Jade Clear Courtyard to ensure no one would dare mistreat A Yuan and the others again.

"Understood. Make sure the carriage and attendants are ready that day. Ensure they don’t face any discomfort outside."

"Yes."

As Changyuan accepted the order, Wei Xun paused his fingers tapping the desk and pushed the money pouch toward him.

"Use this silver for the incense offering. No need to let her know."

A Yuan had endured so much suffering, yet Wei Xun couldn’t openly avenge her. He felt a pang of guilt.

But his status prevented him from favoring a concubine over his wife. He could only focus on choosing a generous main wife.

......

By late March, the capital was fully basking in warmth.

A blue-canopied carriage slowly departed from the rear gate of the Marquis of Anning's residence, its raised curtain revealing the delicate and enchanting face of a woman.

A Yuan stared hungrily at the scenery outside, her almond-shaped eyes regaining their sparkle.

She realized, with a start, that it had been three years since she last stepped out.

"Mistress, the wind is strong. Please lower the curtain."

A Yuan had just recovered from her injuries, and Chun Tao fretted over her, worried she might catch a chill.

A Yuan held onto the curtain, reluctant to let go. "Just a crack, it's fine."

Since entering the Marquis of Anning's residence, she had been confined to the small world of Yuyuan Courtyard, almost forgetting what the outside looked like. Now that she could go out, she naturally wanted to soak it all in.

"Then once we're out of the city, Mistress, you must lower it."

Chun Tao finally relented, draping a fur-lined cloak over her.

The soft, pristine white rabbit fur made her delicate face appear even more charming.

The streets bustled with people, and the warmth of spring had brought the capital to life.

A Yuan was dazzled, and she had never felt such joy in her heart.

A passing horse brought a gust of wind, blowing the curtain wider, fully exposing A Yuan's face to the outside.

The rider turned his head casually, but upon seeing her face, he suddenly pulled on the reins.

"A Yuan, is that you?"

The man wore a lake-blue robe, a jade crown on his head, his features clear and refined. His hand gripping the reins showed distinct knuckles, and his face lit up with the joy of finding something long lost.

When she saw him, A Yuan quickly dropped the curtain. The carriage was dimly lit. She clasped her hands together, her heart racing.

She never expected to encounter Zhou Yan here.

The lanky youth from her memories had grown into a gentle and refined man. Recalling their last meeting, Zhou Yan had held her hand, his expression filled with nervousness.

"A Yuan, wait for me, don’t leave, okay? I will surely pass the civil service exams and redeem you. Wait for me!"

Of course, A Yuan didn’t wait for him. She had already been forced into this profession, unable to control her own life or death.

Zhou Yan, a poor scholar who made a living by composing lyrics and music for courtesans, the idea of redeeming her was just a fantasy.

After that goodbye, A Yuan had resigned herself to never seeing him again. But when Zhou Yan suddenly appeared, she realized her heart wasn’t calm.

"Mistress?"

Chun Tao looked at her with a questioning gaze, with the Marquis’s servants all around.

A Yuan took a deep breath, her voice calm and cold through the curtain.

"You’ve got the wrong person, sir. I’m not the A Yuan you’re looking for."