Chapter 28 “I Want to Propose to Miss Zhu.”…

Chapter 28

"I wish to propose marriage to Miss Zhu..."

What on earth is happening today? What cursed wind blew this demon here?

And of all times, right in the midst of this mess!

Magistrate Xing’s legs shook uncontrollably as he caught sight of the icy expression on the man's face.

He groveled before Shen Jingzhan, bending low to ask why he hadn’t sent word beforehand so he could have personally welcomed him. Wouldn’t this negligence be disrespectful?

Shen Jingzhan regarded him with a faint, mocking smile. "Magistrate Xing is so busy adjudicating countless grievances in the capital—how could I presume to trouble you?"

The words sent cold sweat pouring down Magistrate Xing’s back. The beads of perspiration he had just wiped away now trickled down his forehead anew.

"Y-You flatter me too much... How could this lowly official possibly deserve such words?" Shen Jingzhan had always been aloof. Magistrate Xing had only ever glimpsed this favored son of the imperial court from afar during morning assemblies.

A figure beyond reach.

The local Yamen in the capital mainly dealt with petty civilian disputes, not even worthy of the Grand Court’s notice, let alone the Secretariat.

Who’d dare cross a man who, at such a young age, already wielded the authority of a high-ranking official?

So what brought this demon here today?

Magistrate Xing’s mind raced, but with no clue as to Shen Jingzhan’s purpose, he dared not act rashly.

Then he watched as Shen Jingzhan lifted the woman, frozen in shock, from the punishment bench.

She was utterly dazed, unable to utter a single word.

She remained limp in his arms.

The woman was far too delicate and petite, while the man was broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted. Both were uncommonly handsome, and as he helped her up, Magistrate Xing couldn’t help but find their contrast oddly harmonious.

But—how could that be?

How could a divorced, disgraced woman possibly match such a figure standing at the pinnacle of power?

Magistrate Xing immediately dismissed the thought. He must be as shocked as she was to even entertain such an idea.

Zhu Yinluan was indeed stunned. Even as Shen Jingzhan approached and, in full view of everyone, half-carried her down, she didn’t think to resist.

The rods hadn’t touched her—she was unhurt—so why had her legs failed her?

For a long moment, Zhu Yinluan said nothing. Words failed her completely. More accurately, she hadn't yet snapped back to reality, still wondering if this was a pain-induced delusion.

Had the pain of the beating been so unbearable that she had passed out? Was this all just a hallucination?

As for why Shen Jingzhan appeared—perhaps it was because she had encountered him so often that her mind conjured him now.

Beyond that, she couldn’t think of any other explanation.

But when the man’s clean, masculine scent enveloped her, and his large hand settled at her waist, the warmth of his palm seared through her daze.

Once she steadied herself, Ming Ya and Jiao Hui rushed forward. Their cries of "Miss!" instantly reminded Zhu Yinluan of where she was.

She hastily put distance between herself and Shen Jingzhan, retreating far away before curtsying. "My Lord, blessings upon you..."

Her eyes remained downcast, not daring to look at him, and thus she missed the dark intensity in his gaze.

Nor did she notice how, after sweeping a glance to confirm she was unharmed, his cold eyes shifted to Jiao Hui beside her—who wore a guilty expression of failure.

Neither Zhu Yinluan nor Ming Ya caught any of this.

Ming Ya was too busy checking Zhu Yinluan for injuries. Only after confirming her safety did she, at Zhu Yinluan’s reminder, join Jiao Hui in bowing to Shen Jingzhan.

"Hm." He acknowledged them with a grunt.

Then he asked Zhu Yinluan if she was all right.

Though she had regained her senses, her pulse still raced wildly, her thick lashes trembling visibly. "...I’m fine."

In the brief silence that followed, Magistrate Xing barked for servants to bring out a sandalwood chair and clear the area—especially the punishment bench and the broken rod, remnants of which Shen Jingzhan had crushed and tossed aside earlier. To eliminate every trace, Magistrate Xing even ordered every last splinter wiped away.

"My Lord, please take a seat." He fussily wiped the immaculate chair, inviting Shen Jingzhan to sit.

Though Shen Jingzhan held a high-ranking court position, most still used his hereditary title, "My Lord." Only during court sessions was he referred to as Chancellor.

Shen Jingzhan remained silent, his gaze fixed on Magistrate Xing.

The magistrate withered under his gaze, his plastered smile twitching with tension, before Shen Jingzhan finally spoke. "I’ve come today on a Censorate inspection to observe how the Yamen adjudicates cases."

His tone was deceptively casual, yet Magistrate Xing’s knees nearly buckled in terror.

Without waiting for further questioning, he babbled an excuse. "...This petitioner struck the drum to lodge a complaint. This unworthy official had only just accepted her case and was following standard procedure..."

He had hoped to sidestep mentioning the flogging, but Shen Jingzhan’s icy stare brooked no evasion.

Magistrate Xing hastily mentioned that, by law, striking the drum warranted thirty strokes—hoping to skate past without drawing Shen Jingzhan’s ire.

But Shen Jingzhan had come precisely for this. There was no way he would let the matter slide, especially when it had touched a nerve.

He chuckled, the sound eerily beautiful—a laugh so chilling it made his silence seem warm.

Magistrate Xing mopped his dripping brow, his back bent, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Standard procedure?" Shen Jingzhan repeated.

Magistrate Xing’s voice shook. "...Yes." Had Shen Jingzhan been briefed on this case?

But he never visited the Yamen, and this common woman couldn’t possibly have any connection to him. Surely he wasn’t aware of the feud between the Wei and Zhu families?

Most importantly, Zhu Yinluan herself hadn’t spoken.

Clearly, she was too awestruck by his stature.

If she stayed silent, all would be well. Shen Jingzhan didn’t seem inclined to question her either.

But then, to the magistrate’s dismay, Jiao Hui spoke up, cutting to the core. "When my lady first came to submit her petition, the guards refused to accept it and drove us away, even saying it was by higher authority. My mistress was forced to resort to the drum."

"Oh?" Shen Jingzhan turned to Magistrate Xing. "Is this your standard procedure? Whose orders were these?"

Magistrate Xing turned purple, veins throbbing in his throat. "Don’t listen to this brazen servant’s slander! There was no such order! This lowly official has always been diligent—never once oppressed the common folk! My Lord, I implore you to judge righteously!"

"Magistrate Xing refuses to surrender until his doom is upon him," Shen Jingzhan remarked with another humorless chuckle.

As his voice trailed off, someone dragged in a bloodied, mangled shape—something resembling a human.

Zhu Yinluan caught the heavy scent of blood and instinctively recoiled in horror, fighting nausea. When she mustered the courage to turn back to see what it was, the man beside her had already stepped in front, blocking her view with his tall, broad frame.

Shen Jingzhan shielded her, and the gruesome sight was hidden from her.

"......"

It was indeed a person. Ming Ya, after seeing it, whispered in her ear that Shen Jingzhan's attendant had thrown the man to the ground and turned his face upward—revealing the very yamen officer who had taken their bribe at the gate before driving them away.

In so short a time, he had been beaten to this state.

Though Zhu Yinluan couldn’t see the bloodied figure on the ground, she could glimpse Magistrate Xing from the side. His face had gone ashen. "This..." He couldn’t utter another word.

The mangled man on the ground gasped weakly, "It... it was the magistrate who said... not to... not to take the Wei family’s case... I was just... following orders..."

A full-grown man now sobbed in pain, choked out, "Spare me... My lord..."

The message had been delivered.

The man was quickly dragged away, and the floor was cleaned.

"Does Magistrate Xing have anything else to say?" The man’s tone was more like, *What other excuses will you offer?*

The magistrate knew full well that cases required evidence and witnesses. Just because Shen Jingzhan hadn’t presented any didn’t mean he lacked it.

Shen Jingzhan always acted with complete assurance. If he didn’t strike decisively, it wasn’t because he lacked the means—it was because he relished watching his prey struggle in desperation, savoring the thrill of the hunt.

Magistrate Xing, thoroughly cowed, gave up resisting and prostrated himself in surrender. "This humble official admits his wrongdoing! I beg My lord to punish me! I’ll never handle matters this way again—"

His kowtows were so forceful that Zhu Yinluan flinched at the sound, her forehead aching in sympathy.

She couldn’t help but frown.

Unexpectedly, the man who had just been interrogating turned toward her.

His voice softened abruptly, not a trace of its earlier sharpness remaining. Even the coldness in his expression melted away, as if the merciless Shen Jingzhan from moments ago had been nothing but her imagination.

"Are you alright, Miss Zhu?" He had changed how he addressed her.

When she didn’t respond the first time, he asked again.

Ming Ya and Jiao Hui shook her arms gently, and Zhu Yinluan finally managed, "I’m... fine..."

"Thank you for your concern, My lord."

"The case between the Wei and Zhu families—I’ve taken it. Leave your complaint here, and follow my men to wait in the side hall for a while. Is that acceptable?"

Zhu Yinluan was about to comply when a thought struck her. "I... don’t need to stay for questioning?"

He smiled gently. "This case is already mostly investigated. It involves Censorate oversight and corrections—matters of the court."

Jiao Hui and Shen Jingzhan understood perfectly: he simply didn’t want her to see his merciless side. Only Zhu Yinluan and Ming Ya remained in the dark. Completely awed, she raised no further questions and followed his men out of the courtroom.

As she turned the corner, Zhu Yinluan couldn’t resist glancing back.

The tall, imposing man stood beneath the plaque reading 'Impartiality and Integrity', like a deity bathed in light, his silhouette softened by the glow around him.

Their gazes met silently. He watched her intently, his eyes devoid of their earlier harshness—yet she still felt an inexplicable tinge of fear. After a fleeting glance, she lowered her eyes and quickened her steps, disappearing from view.

The moment the fragile young woman vanished, the warmth on the man’s face vanished, replaced by icy sternness.

Turning back, he looked down at the kneeling official with undisguised impatience and disdain.

Zhu Yinluan sat in the side hall, drinking tea, before it occurred to her to ask Shen Jingzhan’s attendant, "Why did My lord come here?"

The attendant replied respectfully, "He heard that someone had struck the petition drum at the Yamen. My lord was handling court affairs nearby and came to investigate—only to find you facing corporal punishment."

So it had been coincidence.

That made sense. Why else would Shen Jingzhan be here?

Yet, for some reason, when she recalled the way he had looked at her, she couldn’t dismiss the thought that he had come *for her*.

She was surely imagining things.

How long had it been since she last saw Shen Jingzhan? The Yamen was in a relatively remote part of the capital. He wasn’t at the Censorate, the Secretariat, or the Shen residence—what reason would he have to come here?

Still, his arrival had given her a profound sense of relief.

Otherwise... those thirty blows might not have been completed before she collapsed.

Now, as her courage faded, regret crept in. Even if she reclaimed the shop and defended her honor, would being left half-crippled truly be worth it?

Keeping her health was already a blessing. If she truly couldn’t recover the shop, she could find other work—she was capable of many things.

Yet she knew the Wei and Zhu families might never relent. If they were determined to ruin her, what could she do—without power or protection as she was?

The thought lay heavy on her heart. She didn’t know if it was cruel fate or simple misfortune. She had always believed that while one couldn’t choose their birth, they could fight for their destiny. But after years of struggle, everything remained just as bleak.

Noticing her distress, Jiao Hui offered some sweets. "Miss, have a bite. These sweets go well with tea—they’re quite fragrant."

Zhu Yinluan shook her head, saying she had no appetite.

After setting the pastries down, Jiao Hui shared a look with Shen Jingzhan’s attendant.

The attendant stepped forward. "Miss Zhu, you shouldn't worry about this case. If My lord says it will be resolved, it will be."

Zhu Yinluan offered a small, grateful smile. Though his words were reassuring, Shen Jingzhan was busy with court affairs. He could protect her now, but not forever.

She couldn’t fully relax, her mind still tormented by worries for the future.

Would she have to leave the capital?

She'd never considered leaving. She didn’t even know how to survive outside the city.

At this moment, Zhu Yinluan was plunged into deep confusion.

She didn’t know where to go.

She didn’t understand what was wrong with her.

Perhaps she really had been frightened by the threat of punishment. Even though Shen Jingzhan’s interference had spared her this time, she couldn’t escape the fear that one day, it would inevitably fall upon her.

It’s a dog-eat-dog world where only the strong thrive.

Without clout, you’re stuck.

Shen Jingzhan arrived about an hour later. Zhu Yinluan was still spacing out when she heard his retinue greeting him. She snapped to her feet.

Shen Jingzhan’s retinue filed out, and Jiao Hui also led the reluctant Ming Ya out.

In an instant, only the two of them remained.

Zhu Yinluan felt somewhat awkward and nervous.

She peeked at him a few times, tongue-tied. After some hesitation, she thanked him again.

He smiled and said, "From the time I met Miss Zhu until now, I’ve lost count of how many times you’ve thanked me."

He was ribbing her, and Zhu Yinluan instantly relaxed.

She smiled in response, adding that he had helped her many times—almost every time they met, he had bailed her out.

"Last time, I told Miss Zhu not to sweat it, yet you’ve kept it in mind all this while," he said as he sat down beside her.

Zhu Yinluan couldn’t help but straighten her posture, placing her fair hands on her folded knees and lowering her delicate face slightly, giving the impression of a demure schoolgirl.

Noticing this, a glint of humor flickered in Shen Jingzhan’s eyes.

"As for the shop, Miss Zhu need not worry. Since you hold the title deed, the authorities will naturally recognize it. Just swap out the staff. If you need assistance, I can have my subordinates help you find suitable stewards."

He had directly resolved the matter of the shop for her.

Zhu Yinluan couldn’t help but say, "This…" Is it really alright?

What she meant to say was that, but at the last moment, it turned into, "I can’t take favors for free. How can I accept your kindness, my lord? You’ve already helped me so much."

The latter part was the truth.

He had truly helped her too many times—too many to count.

"And I have nothing to repay you with…"

As she spoke, she wondered—if Shen Jingzhan truly needed something, what could she possibly offer him?

She had no power or influence. The things she knew how to do held no value to him—embroidery, needlework, housewife stuff—skills women were expected to learn. His household already had stewards for such matters.

Besides, these were domestic affairs, things his principal wife would oversee in the future. His principal wife would undoubtedly be the finest young lady in the capital.

Zhu Yinluan’s thoughts were all jumbled up.

Shen Jingzhan let out a low laugh, telling her not to be nervous.

"Miss Zhu seems quite afraid of me." He had said something similar long ago.

When was it? At… that medicine shop, wasn’t it?

Back then, she was still the young madam of the Wei family. Considering him an outsider, she had kept her distance. He had said he wasn’t a beast and that she need not withdraw so much.

Now, though she was no longer the Wei family’s young madam, she still couldn’t drag Shen Jingzhan’s name through the mud.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yinluan suddenly asked whether his intervention earlier—saving her—might get him in hot water if others had seen it.

"Miss Zhu is worried about me?" He asked this after a pause, studying her.

Zhu Yinluan, "…"

Under Shen Jingzhan’s gaze, the tension she had just eased came roaring back, stronger than before.

She even began to panic. If pressed, she wouldn’t know why—only that when she met his eyes again, her eyes darted like a spooked rabbit’s.

The man’s gaze was deep, bottomless—gentle yet carrying a dangerous edge. She began to avert her eyes, her chin lowering gradually.

After a long silence, she finally said, "Mm…"

A tiny, flustered "Mm-hmm."

Shy and timid.

The man let out a low laugh, like he’d won something.

His deep voice sent a jolt through Zhu Yinluan’s body.

Had she heard Shen Jingzhan laugh like this somewhere before? It rang a bell.

Not from the few times they had met recently, but… from much, much earlier.

But before that, before any of this, she couldn’t have possibly encountered Shen Jingzhan.

Her hands, resting on her knees, unconsciously fidgeted.

When she realized how jittery she looked, she quickly composed herself—but Shen Jingzhan had already noticed.

For a moment, the air went still between them.

He said, "Rest assured, Miss Zhu, there will be no trouble. Before I came, my people had already made sure the coast was clear. Those who saw at the Yamen will keep their mouths shut."

After all, Xing Wei had been axed and was being probed—who among the subordinates would dare speak out of turn?

"Then… I owe you another one, my lord."

She truly didn’t know what else to say.

Would it be impolite to dip out now? Yet she was wound too tight to sit still—she didn’t know what to do or say.

Shen Jingzhan seemed to read her like a book. He stood and asked if she had other matters. If not, he would walk her home, inquiring where she lived now.

His thoughts and words shifted too quickly. Zhu Yinluan bolted upright and said, "I have nothing else."

"At Yayin Xiaozhu," she said, giving the name of the place.

"Yayin Xiaozhu?" he repeated. "On *Fanghua Lane*, Zhongnan Avenue?"

Zhu Yinluan nodded. "Yes."

"I’ll take you back."

"There’s really no need," she refused with a wave of her hand, her hairpin tinkling.

Hair loose now, her expression was bright-eyed—she looked like a girl next door.

If no one mentioned it, who would know she had been married for four years?

"Why?" Shen Jingzhan raised an eyebrow slightly, pretending not to know.

Zhu Yinluan couldn't bring herself to look at him. "I can go back by myself. Heir Shen is swamped with responsibilities—there’s no need to trouble you."

"I understand."

"Miss Zhu wishes to maintain propriety."

Zhu Yinluan, "..." He clearly knew everything—why did he have to say it out loud?

He hadn’t seemed like this before.

Was it to ease her nervousness, or was he teasing her?

She couldn’t discern Shen Jingzhan’s intentions at all—he was completely unpredictable.

Not daring to say more, Zhu Yinluan just shot him a look.

Once he stood up, he loomed over her.

She had to tilt her head slightly just to look at him.

"Since Miss Zhu has no other matters, you may return first. I’ll have someone see you home discreetly."

Just like last time.

She had initially wanted to refuse, but she feared he might say something, thinking she would take it the wrong way.

Zhu Yinluan just nodded. "Thank you for your concern, Heir Shen."

Though she had said it many times already, she couldn’t help repeating it—if Shen Jingzhan ever needed her help, he need only ask, and she would do everything in her power.

Before, he had always dismissed it, his nods never suggesting he truly needed her assistance. But today, he actually asked her back, "Really?"

Zhu Yinluan was taken aback—did Shen Jingzhan genuinely have something he needed her help with?

Before she could even think of what it might be, she nodded immediately. "Yes."

Then she added, "Truly."

Shen Jingzhan gave a soft laugh and sighed. "I fear Miss Zhu may think I’m asking too much of you when the time comes."

His tone carried an unusual vulnerability and frustration. Despite having encountered him many times, this was the first Zhu Yinluan had seen him like this—like he was stuck, unable to proceed.

Could someone as young and powerful as Shen Jingzhan, standing at the height of power, truly be troubled by something?

But that wasn’t the main point. The main point was... judging by his tone, it seemed the matter troubling him was something she might actually be able to help with?

What could it possibly be?

If even he couldn’t resolve it, how could she?

Curious, Zhu Yinluan asked outright.

Yet Shen Jingzhan hesitated, his expression suggesting he was debating whether to say it, whether he should.

"Heir Shen, if you have something to say, please speak frankly."

"If I speak plainly, will Miss Zhu be angry?"

"Ah?" Zhu Yinluan was caught off guard. "...I don’t think so."

Originally, she had only been mildly curious, but his hesitation only made her even more curious.

"What exactly is the matter?"

Her curiosity had dispelled her nervousness, and she even dared to meet his gaze now.

Her eyes were wide and luminous, like those of a lovely kitten.

Shen Jingzhan looked at her intently for a moment before sitting back down, his knuckles tapping lightly against the edge of the table.

He was lost in thought. After a long pause, Zhu Yinluan waited for him to speak.

But instead of getting straight to the point, he asked her again—would she truly not be upset?

Zhu Yinluan was a little frustrated and wanted to say no.

But after years of hardship and caution, she still thought it over carefully, hesitating before finally saying, "...No."

Surely a gentleman like Shen Jingzhan wouldn’t truly impose on her, right?

Besides, she was alone in this world—what could he possibly want from her?

The moment her words fell, the man finally spoke. "If I may be so bold, but after your recent separation, Miss Zhu—do you still have any intention of remarrying?"

Zhu Yinluan froze, not expecting Shen Jingzhan to ask her this.

Though confused, she shook her head honestly. "...No."

"Why?"

Her brow furrowed slightly, and before answering, she asked, "Does this have anything to do with what Heir Shen wishes to say next?"

"Yes."

His long, jade-like fingers continued tapping the table’s edge, the sound and motion measured.

Zhu Yinluan thought for a moment but wasn’t sure what to say.

Why did she no longer have any thoughts or intentions of remarrying?

Because her four years in the Wei household had been grueling and unrewarding, nothing but mockery and hardship. She had endured enough of those days of suffocating shame.

She no longer wanted to be judged for where she came from, nor did she wish to pander to the moods of a husband.

Now that she had been cast out, her own family refused to take her back—her father had cut her off. Even if she remarried, her family’s abandonment would make it difficult for her to be accepted into a new household.

Even if she could get past it, even if the man she loved could get past that, would his elders accept her? Could they get past it?

Bottom line, she refused to put up with more judgment.

"I don’t know how to put it into words." These thoughts were clear in her mind, but how could she articulate them to Shen Jingzhan?

He was so sharp, who navigated court politics so effortlessly—perhaps he would understand the complicated dynamics of household politics as well.

"If you'd rather not say, Miss Zhu, then there's no need," the man reassured her.

His words eased Zhu Yinluan’s tension a little.

Shen Jingzhan was so understanding—surely his "request" wouldn’t truly be something unreasonable, right?

She couldn’t imagine what could possibly trouble Shen Jingzhan.

She wracked her brain but still couldn’t guess what he could possibly need her help with.

Luckily, he didn’t keep her waiting long before cutting to the chase.

"Then I’ll just come out and say it?"

Zhu Yinluan nodded. "Alright." Why was he dancing around the subject? What exactly was this about?

"I’d like to propose—to ask for your hand in marriage, Miss Zhu."