Chapter 41: Acquiring a Shop

Chapter 41: Acquiring a Shop

When Wei Xun returned, A Yuan had just finished making his shoes.

Seeing the finely stitched boots in the hands of the concubine, the chill around Wei Xun softened.

"Leave these sewing tasks to the servants. If you need anything, have them bring it to you."

Although Wei Xun was pleased that A Yuan made things for him, he still felt sorry for her.

"I’m often idle, doing these things helps pass the time..."

A Yuan's hand was held by him, the rough calluses on the man's fingertips rubbing against her palm, a blend of pain and numbness.

She lowered her head, her attitude submissive but her tone carried a hint of refusal. Embroidery was her only hobby, and she didn't want to give it up.

The fingertips rubbing her palm paused, and Wei Xun stared at the top of her head, pondering for a long time before speaking, "If you feel bored, I’ll give you a shop to run."

A Yuan suddenly looked up, just in time to meet the man's calm, dark eyes.

She could see that Wei Xun was serious, but shops were private properties that only the master owned. How could a concubine like her be worthy?

A Yuan suppressed the longing in her heart and shook her head, "I’m illiterate, how could I manage a shop? Please don’t tease me."

Wei Xun hooked her fingertips, feeling even more convinced of his decision, "If you don’t know how to read, I’ll teach you."

Having offended Prince Jing, Emperor Chengyuan was indeed angry with him. Wei Xun was on leave at home, feeling idle.

Moreover, he was about to marry Shen Qiuyu, and Wei Xun felt he owed A Yuan and wanted to treat her better.

Despite her repeated refusals, A Yuan couldn’t change the man's decision and had to agree.

......

In the study, Wei Xun had someone replace the table with a larger one, allowing A Yuan to sit beside him.

A Yuan had learned a few characters as a child. Her father, Xie, never believed that women without talent were virtuous, thinking that daughters should read more to understand things better.

But he died young, and when her parents passed away, A Yuan had just finished memorizing half of the "Three Character Classic."

Later, when she found herself in Chunyan Tower, the madams only taught her how to serve men. Over time, the characters she had learned slowly faded from memory.

Wei Xun brought out his childhood copybooks for A Yuan to practice. Although A Yuan was skilled with a needle, when she held a brush, her hand felt foreign, and she couldn’t write well.

She bit her lip, secretly struggling with herself, and the sight of the concubine diligently practicing her writing was all seen by the man.

Wei Xun's lips curled slightly as he stood up and stood behind her.

A Yuan was suddenly encircled, her back against the man's broad chest, and her hand was held by him.

She was momentarily stunned, and the man's fingers landed on her head, accompanied by his deep voice, "Focus."

A Yuan's face flushed, and she quickly concentrated on her hand.

Wei Xun held her hand, teaching her the correct way to hold the brush, "Don’t grip the brush shaft, use your fingertips to hold it..."

The man was the best teacher when patient, and A Yuan listened obediently, following his instructions to write the character "Yuan."

This was the first time she recognized her own name. Her father had named her "Yuan," hoping she would be like an iris, possessing vigorous vitality and able to survive even in adversity.

Looking at the character on the paper, her nose tingled with emotion.

Unable to read her expression, he held her hand and wrote the character "Xun" beside it.

Their social standings made equality impossible, and the best Wei Xun could offer was to bolster her confidence.

"Study diligently. I’ve already instructed Changyuan to set up a shop for you. You can sell whatever you want—just let him know."

With no family to support her, A Yuan had no choice but to rely on him. The shop was his way of making amends to her.

Under Wei Xun’s tutelage, A Yuan made rapid progress. Within a month, she had memorized the "Three Character Classic."

Though the outer study was Wei Xun’s office, A Yuan was allowed to stay there daily, and rumors of her favor spread throughout the mansion.

Madam Wei was furious, but Wei Jin managed to soothe her.

"Mother, we must hasten A Yu’s marriage into the family. With her in charge of the household, order will be restored."

"Mm," Madam Wei didn’t argue. She summoned a maid to fetch the almanac and turned to a nearby auspicious date. "Then let's move the wedding date to the tenth day of the twelfth month."

It was already September, so by the twelfth month, it would only be two or three months away.

......

Once her engagement to Wei Xun was finalized, Shen Qiuyu’s gloom vanished entirely.

The scandal of the illegitimate child had driven her close friends away. Someone as proud as Shen Qiuyu couldn’t bear it.

Accustomed to feeling superior, she loathed being mocked. Now, as the future wife of the heir, she reclaimed her place in the capital’s noblewomen circles.

"I’d often heard that Mrs. Shen took after her mother, but I hadn’t believed it. Now, seeing your generosity, I know the rumors were spot on!"

As soon as Shen Qiuyu appeared at the banquet, someone teased her.

When Shen Rui’s affair with his mistress came to light, Madam Shen caused a scene. Perhaps the years of secrecy had worn him down, so Shen Rui decided to stop hiding it. When Madam Shen protested, he simply stayed with his mistress and refused to come home.

Madam Shen, spoiled for decades, was remarkably naive. When Shen Rui got angry, she couldn’t help but apologize and seek peace, even suggesting they treat Su Yaozu as their own son.

The incident spread like wildfire through the capital, becoming a laughingstock among noblewomen. Every matron used it as a cautionary tale, warning their daughters to keep their husbands in check and not be outmaneuvered by a concubine.

Despite being mother and daughter, Shen Qiuyu ignored the warning and eagerly repeated the same mistakes.

Wei Xun’s concubine was stunningly beautiful, far surpassing Shen Qiuyu. Even if she married in, she wouldn’t gain her husband’s favor.

The relentless ridicule and mockery surrounded her. Shen Qiuyu’s hands clenched tightly in her sleeves, but she maintained a gentle and magnanimous expression.

"A woman should manage the household and share her husband's burdens. If she only indulges in wife and concubine disputes, it would be petty."

"You!"

Her words were so high-minded that no one dared contradict her. After all, no one wanted to admit they couldn’t tolerate a concubine. Once the reputation of jealousy was established, it would naturally affect their marriage prospects.

"Hypocritical!"

In the corner, a girl with a sweet face rolled her eyes. She was Lin Qingshuang, the daughter of Minister Lin, who had almost been engaged to Wei Xun.

Miss Lin had just come of age and was spoiled by her parents and brothers, making her innocent and straightforward. She always spoke her mind.

She looked down on Shen Qiuyu and sneered at her high-sounding words.

She didn’t believe that any woman in the world could tolerate concubines. She certainly couldn’t.

What she wanted was a lifelong partnership, with only her in his heart and eyes.

Although Wei Xun was good, she didn’t like him. She was more than happy to break off the engagement with him.

The banquet was dreadfully dull. Lin Qingshuang, bored by the small talk, stifled a yawn, poked her maid’s arm, and whispered, "Let’s leave soon. Fourth brother said the bookstore has new novels, even about General Xie. Let’s go take a look..."