Chapter 15 Sharing a Room.

Chapter 15 Sharing the Bedchamber.

She clenched the bedding tightly, her already restless mind gathering in an instant.

As Wei Ruzuo drew closer, he caught the faint fragrance emanating from her—unidentifiable but calming, unlike the overpowering scents often used by maids.

The recently acquired concubine, Fang Zhongyue, also wore a light fragrance, but compared to Zhu Yinluan’s, it was still disagreeable.

How long had it been since he last shared intimacy with Zhu Yinluan? When was the last time?

It seemed like ages ago. Wei Ruzuo searched his memory, but the memory eluded him.

Just as his hand was about to encircle her waist, he noticed her shrinking further away.

She had already been sleeping near the wall, but now she pressed herself even tighter against it.

It seemed unintentional, yet too deliberate.

He said nothing, merely moved closer again.

This time, Wei Ruzuo heard a firm refusal, as Zhu Yinluan said, "Husband, I’m tired today."

"What’s wrong?" He knit his brows.

Zhu Yinluan could tell his tone wasn’t one of concern but impatience at her refusal, displeased with her coldness.

Wei Ruzuo was indeed impatient. Today, due to his promotion, everyone had flattered him—except Zhu Yinluan, who had rejected him when he made advances. So he demanded further.

"Could it be because I didn’t drink the hangover remedy you made earlier?"

"No, it’s not that," the woman nestled inside murmured.

"Then what is it?" Wei Ruzuo demanded.

Zhu Yinluan had no choice but to lie. "I’m having my monthly courses today."

Wei Ruzuo paused. He had forgotten about that.

He had assumed it was about the hangover remedy—that Zhu Yinluan was resentful and petty. But it turned out she was simply unwell.

Though he knew he was in the wrong, he couldn’t bear to appear weak before her. Wei Ruzuo withdrew. "Why didn’t you say so earlier?"

As the man moved away, the smothering presence dissipated.

But Zhu Yinluan’s grip on the bedding didn’t loosen.

She wasn’t actually indisposed—she just didn’t want to share a bed with Wei Ruzuo.

She didn’t know when it had started, but she had grown to dread, even fear, his touch.

Now that he had taken in a concubine, she would simply wait until Fang Zhongyue bore a child. She would cross that bridge when she came to it.

Clutching the bedding, Zhu Yinluan slept restlessly that night.

Wei Ruzuo, initially frustrated, suppressed his agitation and eventually fell asleep as well.

"..."

Mrs. Zhu was elated about Wei Ruzuo’s promotion. Early in the morning, she had the kitchen prepare a feast, most of which he favored.

Not only that, but even Zhu Chentan had risen early.

When Zhu Yinluan arrived, Mrs. Zhu and Zhu Chentan pretended not to notice her, fawning over Wei Ruzuo in conversation.

Zhu Yinluan heard her elder sister say, "This sauce with roasted duck was always your favorite. Try it and see how it tastes now."

Her sister used communal chopsticks to place the food directly into Wei Ruzuo’s bowl. Zhu Yinluan watched, then cast down her eyes.

The scene felt like a return to before her marriage—when Wei Ruzuo was a guest at her family's table, and her sister urged him to eat more while he listened patiently.

Back then, she had sat silently, just as she did now.

Her family acted as though she were invisible.

Now, though she was Wei Ruzuo’s principal wife, neither her parents nor her second brother treated her with any regard. No one even found her sister’s behavior the slightest bit inappropriate.

Zhu Yinluan understood clearly—it was because her position as Lady Wei held no influence.

And that weight, that authority, Wei Ruzuo had never given her.

Dejected, Zhu Yinluan picked at her breakfast and prepared to return to the Wei residence.

But her mother insisted Wei Ruzuo stay a few more days, then said to her, "Since you mentioned your mother-in-law is unwell, you should return first to see to her needs."

"There’s still much to handle here at home. Let Ruzuo stay and help make decisions."

In the past, such words would have cut Zhu Yinluan to the quick. But now, she only felt relief. As for whether it was proper or followed etiquette, she no longer cared.

Softly, she replied, "Yes, Mother. I understand."

"Please mind your health, Father, Mother, Elder Sister, and Brother. Husband, I leave the domestic affairs to you. I’ll tend to Mother-in-law."

"Mm, go ahead. Your sister prepared some restoratives this morning—take them back for your mother-in-law. Give your sister’s regards to her."

"Yes." Zhu Yinluan acquiesced.

Mrs. Zhu waved her off. After a curtsy, Zhu Yinluan departed.

Wei Ruzuo watched her quiet, retreating figure and felt a strange constriction in his chest.

But then Lord Zhu arrived, pulling him into discussions about bureaucratic appointments and offering to introduce him to important officials. Wei Ruzuo quickly forgot his earlier unease.

On the way back, Ming Ya couldn’t help but speak up, while Zhu Yinluan listened in silence.

"Miss, why don’t you say anything?" Ming Ya worried she was keeping it all pent up.

"I don’t know what to say," Zhu Yinluan murmured.

"These past days, you’ve been unwell, unhappy, eating little—you’ve wasted away."

"Didn’t I eat quite a bit yesterday?" She mustered a smile, reassuring Ming Ya.

"Your smile pains me more. Seeing you pretend like this breaks my heart." Ming Ya wiped away tears, heartbroken to see her lady's distress.

"Enough, don’t cry." Zhu Yinluan soothed her. "Everyone bears their crosses. At least I have food, shelter, and stability—better than many."

At least it was better than before her marriage, when she had to pinch pennies for every paltry allowance.

She was much better off financially now.

"My heart aches for you, mistress."

"I'm fine." Zhu Yinluan repeated the same words.

"The Eldest Miss acts without restraint, and neither the Lord, Lady, nor the Second Young Master care for you."

"Perhaps..." She just wasn't the likable type. But what else could she do?

Zhu Yinluan didn’t know, so she remained silent.

Ming Ya then brought up the Luo family matter. "Who would have thought that when Lord Luo proposed to the eldest young lady, it was because of that woman."

"Whether it's true or not, it's already settled." Zhu Yinluan told her to drop the subject to avoid being overheard, and Ming Ya obediently fell silent.

"Young Mistress, we’re almost at Wanxiang Zhai. You didn’t eat much for breakfast—should this servant buy you some sesame sugar cakes?"

"I’ll go with you." She picked up her veil hat.

The carriage stopped not far away.

Zhu Yinluan followed Ming Ya.

The morning rush had passed, and the streets were now bustling with market activity. The bustling market sounds around them lightened Zhu Yinluan’s mood a little.

"Madam, our shop stopped making sesame sugar cakes a while ago," the shop assistant said regretfully.

Zhu Yinluan paused, though disappointed, she wasn't upset. "Then I’ll take something else."

"We’ve recently introduced some new pastries, but the fresh batches have already been sold. You’ll have to wait a bit longer."

"How long?" Zhu Yinluan asked.

"About half an hour."

But after waiting for about fifteen minutes, Zhu Yinluan noticed the gathering clouds and worried about rain. Not wanting to delay too long and endure Madam Pang’s scolding if they returned late, she declined the other pastries—none of which she fancied—and left with Ming Ya.

Yet shortly after stepping out of the shop, they were stopped by the shop assistant.

He held out a package of pastries. "This batch was sent from our branch store. The previous customer bought it but didn’t want it after all—it’s still sealed and untouched. There are sesame sugar cakes inside. If the young lady doesn’t mind, we’d like to offer this to you."

Zhu Yinluan froze, then quickly told Ming Ya to fetch some silver. But the assistant refused payment, handing over the package before leaving.

Back in the carriage, they opened it and indeed found sesame sugar cakes inside.

Ming Ya cheered, "Young Mistress, though today seemed unlucky at first, we still had a pleasant surprise!"

Picking up a piece, Zhu Yinluan savored the sweet, soft melt of the pastry on her tongue, her mood lifting further.

Unbeknownst to her, the shop assistant had hurried back inside, heading to the back courtyard, where he bowed deeply. "The items have been delivered as you instructed."

The man handed him a silver piece, and the assistant beamed. "Thank you, sir!"

The attendant then left to report to the man in the carriage, who turned the pages of a book and responded with a quiet "Hmm" in acknowledgment.

Perhaps because it had been so long since she last ate them, Zhu Yinluan felt these pastries tasted especially good—almost comparable to the palace confections she’d once sampled by chance.

She even offered some to Ming Ya, who exclaimed, "These taste so much better! Truly excellent! Perhaps they have a new baker?"

Zhu Yinluan didn’t suspect anything. That must be it.

If the taste wasn’t outstanding, why would they sell out so quickly?

"If Young Mistress likes them, this servant will buy more for you tomorrow."

"We can decide tomorrow. Even good things become tiresome if overdone." She smiled faintly.

When the carriage stopped before the Wei residence, Zhu Yinluan’s smile vanished the moment she stepped out.

She looked up at the family’s newly hung plaque, larger and more imposing than before—mirroring Wei Ruzuo's rising status. "..."

Thanks to the imperial physician’s medicine, Madam Pang had improved greatly.

Fang Zhongyue helped her walk about the rear hall. When she saw Zhu Yinluan, Madam Pang inquired about the Zhu and Luo families.

"Your sister has suffered greatly." Accepting the gifts from the Zhu family, Madam Pang sighed, cursing Luo Xuan a few times for his poor judgment—throwing away jade to pick up a pebble.

Zhu Yinluan listened quietly.

She had always known her mother-in-law favored the eldest sister, but even after such a scandal, Madam Pang—who usually placed great importance on heirs—still stood by her, even hinting she didn’t want that woman and her child entering the Luo family.

While touched by this show of loyalty, Zhu Yinluan wasn’t particularly surprised.

"Has Young Master Zhuo mentioned when he’ll return?" Madam Pang asked, eyeing Zhu Yinluan.

"My husband didn't mention." Worried Madam Pang would scold her for neglecting her wifely duties, Zhu Yinluan mentioned Wei Ruzuo’s coming promotion.

Madam Pang was overjoyed. "This is truly our ancestors blessing us! What glorious news! Have wine and dishes prepared at once—we must celebrate properly!"

Fang Zhongyue joined in congratulating, praising Wei Ruzuo as a dragon among men and flattering Madam Pang for raising such an outstanding son.

Madam Pang beamed with pride, barely able to contain her joy.

But a moment later, her gaze fell on the silent Zhu Yinluan, and she snorted, her eyes narrowed in disapproval.