Chapter 46 Consummated “Rongrong, tell Yubai what you truly think…”

Chapter 46: Asleep

"Rongrong, tell Yu Bai what you truly think…"

Hui Yin and Gu Yu had planned to dress her up elaborately, but Yue Rongrong stopped them. It was just dinner, and too much effort would seem like she was trying to curry favor, which would make her anxious.

She simply asked them to style her hair.

To her surprise, Hui Yin was quick to understand. "You’re right. There’s no need for the young lady to be so formal with the Marquis. It would only create distance. Being natural like this shows the closeness between you two."

Yue Rongrong: "..."

Gu Yu added, "Exactly. Those young ladies always doll themselves up to attract the Marquis’s attention. But our young lady is different. She doesn’t need to try—the Marquis’s eyes are always on her."

Yue Rongrong: "..." Suddenly remembering something, she asked, "Do young ladies often visit your Marquis’s residence?"

Hui Yin quickly corrected her, "It’s *our* residence." She thought for a moment and smiled. "Only the cousin and Miss Meng have visited. But when they came before, they only stayed briefly because the Marquis was very busy and had little time for them. Later, only the cousin stayed for a while before her wedding."

"Miss Meng?" Yue Rongrong looked at Hui Yin through the mirror. "I heard she’s the Marquis’s childhood sweetheart?"

Hui Yin and Gu Yu’s faces fell. This was a difficult question. To say "no" would be a lie; to say "yes" might make the young lady angry or jealous, leading to a quarrel with the Marquis, and they couldn’t bear the blame for stirring up trouble.

Yue Rongrong, noticing their discomfort, mused, "It seems their relationship is more than just childhood friends."

"No, no!" the two quickly denied, then, realizing their mistake, exchanged glances and hastily added, "Yes, yes!"

Yue Rongrong gave them a silent look and then, in the mirror, saw Shen Jichen. He had entered the room unnoticed and was watching her quietly from behind the screen.

Her face flushed instantly. Unsure how much he had heard, she quickly stood up and preempted him: "Why did you enter someone’s room without knocking or making a sound?"

Hui Yin and Gu Yu only noticed him then and quickly retreated to the side.

Shen Jichen said calmly, "What, a guilty conscience?"

Yue Rongrong was speechless and glared at him.

Shen Jichen said, "Come out for dinner." As he turned to leave, a fleeting smile touched his eyes.

Yue Rongrong glared resentfully at his retreating back and muttered under her breath, "Couldn’t he have sent Wen Song to call me?"

Hui Yin and Gu Yu exchanged a secret smile. It seemed the young lady was indeed unique.

Wen Song was supervising the servants setting the table. "Be careful with everything. Don’t chip those crab-glazed porcelain pieces. The young lady dislikes even the slightest flaw."

Yue Rongrong was following Shen Jichen up the steps to the pavilion when she suddenly stepped on her hem and stumbled. Fortunately, Shen Jichen caught her in time.

Hui Yin and Gu Yu, who were behind them, discreetly withdrew their hands.

"Too flustered to walk straight?" Shen Jichen’s tone held a hint of disdain, yet he held her hand firmly.

Yue Rongrong retorted indignantly, "When have I ever been so picky? Disliking even the slightest flaw?"

Shen Jichen replied matter-of-factly, "Many times."

Wen Song, seeing them arrive, hurried forward with a welcoming smile. Yue Rongrong smiled back, then her smile vanished. He was momentarily confused, then realized she must have overheard his earlier words. He felt wronged! He had only been trying to establish her authority so the servants wouldn’t disrespect her due to her unclear status.

He quickly stepped forward and attentively served Yue Rongrong a bowl of soup. Yue Rongrong wasn’t truly angry and gave him a genuine smile as she accepted it.

Wen Song breathed a sigh of relief and then served Shen Jichen a bowl. The servants and kitchen staff outside the pavilion clearly observed the sequence. The Marquis had actually allowed Miss Rongrong to be served first!

They were quite shaken. Initially, they had heard a young lady was coming to the residence, but her status—concubine or wife—was unspecified. The higher-ups had been vague, merely saying she was a master. Yet, she wasn’t given a private courtyard but resided in the Marquis’s main residence, further blurring her status.

For a while, everyone in the Marquis’s residence was unsure how to treat Miss Rongrong. But this meal clarified everything—she was a person of great importance. As for her future status, no one could guess, but they all began to treat her with greater respect.

Yue Rongrong’s gaze shifted from the beautiful tableware and delicacies to a branch of apricot blossoms in a white jade vase on the table. The branch was full and lush, very much like the one she had picked. But after her fall, she had forgotten to retrieve it. Uncertain, she glanced at Wen Song, who gestured for her to look at Shen Jichen. She turned her head and saw Shen Jichen placing a piece of lotus fish on her plate.

He gave her a reserved look and said calmly, "Since it was picked, might as well not waste it."

What did he mean by "might as well not waste it"? Yue Rongrong said "oh" and looked up at Hui Yin. "Then take this flower to my room. Might as well not waste it." She turned to Shen Jichen. "Is that alright, Marquis?"

Watching Yue Rongrong’s face change through several vivid expressions, it was as if he was seeing her former self again—clever and playful. He readily agreed, "Hmm."

He had thought that after the incident at the training ground, he would hate Yue Rongrong intensely. He had thought that bringing her into the residence was merely to retaliate and make her suffer. But when Wen Song asked him how to settle her and decorate her room, all his plans for revenge crumbled.

Yue Rongrong lowered her head to drink her soup when she heard Shen Jichen’s voice.

"Don’t worry, Miss Meng and I don’t have much personal interaction. As for being childhood friends—at most," he paused, "we grew up together, along with Zi Xian and the others."

Yue Rongrong choked on her soup and began coughing. Shen Jichen walked behind her to pat her back and took the tea Wen Song handed over. Once Yue Rongrong had recovered, he added, "You don’t need to mind it."

Hearing suppressed laughter around her, Yue Rongrong’s face turned bright red, and she immediately explained, "I don’t mind."

The amusement in Shen Jichen’s eyes instantly cooled.

The atmosphere afterward became somewhat strange. Hui Yin looked at Wen Song, who mouthed silently, "You’ll get used to it."

Sensing his silence, Yue Rongrong didn’t say much more. She truly didn’t mind, and even if she did, it would be useless. In fact, she could guess that Miss Meng was likely his socially suitable match. Her own entry into the residence was merely a temporary measure; she hadn’t planned to stay long. She had thought that once he married, she would leave the Marquis’s residence. By then, if he tried to threaten her with Qu Lieshan’s life again, it wouldn’t be justifiable.

After the meal, Shen Jichen returned to his study. Before leaving, he watched Yue Rongrong bid him farewell calmly, though his expression was somewhat displeased.

Wen Song attended him and, noticing the Marquis occasionally spacing out or frowning, understood. Checking the time, he softly suggested, "Marquis, perhaps you should rest early."

Shen Jichen glanced at him sideways but ignored him, continuing to flip through the ledger in his hands.

Wen Song found an excuse to leave and made his way to Yue Rongrong’s room. He saw Hui Yin and Gu Yu just coming out and beckoned them over at the doorway. The two hurried over.

"What is it?"

"Where’s the young lady?"

Hui Yin said matter-of-factly, "The young lady was tired today. She’s already bathed and gone to sleep."

"Sleep! Gone to sleep?!" Wen Song nearly exclaimed in shock, hurriedly covering his mouth. He looked at them reproachfully. "Why didn’t you stop her?"

Gu Yu muttered, "If the young lady wants to sleep, how could we stop her? Were we supposed to forbid her?"

Hui Yin widened her eyes and whispered, "Is the Marquis coming later?"

In truth, from the moment Yue Rongrong entered the residence, it was clear what might happen. But Hui Yin had seen that the Marquis had gone to work tonight and hadn’t asked the young lady to accompany him, so she assumed he might not come tonight and hadn’t thought much of it.

The question stumped Wen Song. The Marquis hadn’t said anything. He frowned and shook his head, hesitating before finally giving up and returning to the study. On the way, someone approached and whispered a few words in his ear. His expression changed, and he sternly dismissed the person.

Entering the room, Shen Jichen didn’t look up. Wen Song walked over and reported, "Marquis, the gatekeeper reported that Mr. Xue has been here."

Shen Jichen’s hand, holding the brush, paused slightly, but he still didn’t look up. "Hmm." He set down the brush, picked up his teacup, and took a sip. Casually, he asked, "And her?"

Wen Song’s steps faltered. After much internal deliberation, when Shen Jichen looked over, he took a deep breath and said, "The young lady has already gone to sleep."

Shen Jichen’s expression shifted, his eyes growing dark and heavy. He set down the teacup with a heavy thud, his face turning livid.

The next day, when Yue Rongrong woke up, it was already broad daylight. She comfortably hugged the soft, smooth quilt and rolled over, then suddenly sat up, remembering she was now in the Marquis’s estate. She recalled that Wen Song had said she needed to help Shen Jichen change clothes every morning, so she hurried out of bed to get dressed.

Although she had developed the habit of waking up early during her two years at Brocade Tower, it was only because someone always woke her. On her own, she simply couldn’t manage.

Hui Yin heard the movement and came in. Seeing Yue Rongrong trying to dress herself, she hurried over and said, “Miss, you’re awake. Let me help you.” Noticing Yue Rongrong’s distracted expression, she asked, “What’s on your mind?”

“Where is the Marquis? Is he up?”

Hui Yin was taken aback, then chuckled softly. “Don’t fret, Miss. The Marquis left for court long ago. He’s likely back by now.”

Yue Rongrong’s tense heart instantly relaxed. Just as she was about to sit back on the bed, she heard a slightly mocking voice.

“Thanks for remembering this lord.”

Yue Rongrong looked toward the voice and saw Shen Jichen standing in the inner chamber. His gaze drifted downward, and she followed his eyes, suddenly realizing that while changing, she had removed her nightgown and was only in her undergarments. She let out a shriek, scrambled onto the bed, pulled the covers over herself, and hid.

Shen Jichen waved his hand, and Hui Yin hurried out.

Burrowed under the covers, Yue Rongrong couldn’t hear any movement outside. Anxious and flustered, she waited for a while before cautiously peeking out—only to meet Shen Jichen’s strikingly handsome face. His burning gaze held hers, making her heart race. She tried to hide again, but Shen Jichen grabbed the quilt and gently pulled it away. The next moment, the back of her head was held firmly, and he kissed her abruptly, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

Perhaps this was what they called "hoisted by her own petard"—tangled in the quilt, she couldn’t move at all. Shen Jichen simply lifted her, quilt and all, onto his lap. His lips never left hers, and at some point, his hand slipped under the covers, trailing down from her neck, gently moving lower until he freed her hands. The quilt slid off her shoulders, revealing her pale, soft shoulders.

He paused, holding her shoulders and sitting her upright on his lap so their eyes were level. His gaze was dark and intense, as if he were struggling to restrain himself. “It’s been three years. You might be rusty with some things. You’d better get used to it again soon.”

Rusty? Get used to it? Yue Rongrong understood instantly, her face flushing as red as a blood-red apple. Though she had mentally prepared herself since entering the estate, and despite their past intimacy, she still couldn’t control her blushing and racing heart.

Shen Jichen seemed pleased. He picked up her clothes and helped her dress, piece by piece, using the task to calm his own desires. He’d often dressed her in the past, and it seemed he hadn’t gotten rusty.

Only after she was fully dressed did Yue Rongrong realize—wasn’t she supposed to be helping him change? Why was it the other way around?

“Get up and have breakfast. Afterward, I need to go to the Ministry of Penalties.”

He took Yue Rongrong’s hand and stood up. She followed suit. “Doesn’t the Ministry of Penalties provide breakfast?”

Shen Jichen paused, then replied, “Mn.”

“The Ministry of Penalties is so cheap…”

Wen Song, waiting at the door, overheard Yue Rongrong’s casual remark and could only roll his eyes heavenward.

During breakfast, Yue Rongrong mentioned wanting to apologize to Mr. Jimo. She still felt guilty about what had happened—she had let him down.

Seeing her lower her head while holding an apricot blossom pastry, Shen Jichen said, “Don’t worry. Mr. Jimo doesn’t blame you.”

“Really?” Yue Rongrong immediately looked up, her eyes shining.

“Mn. Later, go to the storeroom and pick out a few gifts to send to Mr. Jimo.”

Yue Rongrong initially wanted to refuse, but fearing he might get angry and complicate things, she smiled and said, “Okay.” A hint of a smile touched Shen Jichen’s eyes. Yue Rongrong lowered her head and continued eating the apricot blossom pastry. Zhong Yu was right: “Since you’re here, settle in.” She hadn’t planned to stay forever, so there was no need to take things too seriously.

Just then, a servant announced that Lord Han had arrived.

It was Han Zixian. Yue Rongrong didn’t try to hide—sooner or later, they would all find out. When Han Zixian saw Yue Rongrong, he stopped dead in shock.

“What are you doing here? Do you know…” He glanced at Shen Jichen and abruptly stopped. He composedly sat down, and seeing how composed Yue Rongrong seemed, he understood.

These two had ended up together after all.

Shen Jichen asked, “Why are you here?”

Han Zixian replied, “I have some official matters to discuss with you.”

Yue Rongrong took the cue and said, “Then I’ll go choose the gifts now.”

Shen Jichen didn’t ask her to stay. “Have Hui Yin have a carriage prepared later.”

Yue Rongrong smiled at Han Zixian and turned to leave, but Han Zixian called out, “Rongrong, if you have time, go visit Yi Yi. She has missed you terribly.”

Since they were already together, there was no need to avoid the topic.

Yue Rongrong gave no direct answer but smiled before leaving.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Shen Jichen asked coldly.

Han Zixian withdrew his gaze and raised an eyebrow. “Why the different tone? Can’t you be a bit more polite with me?”

Shen Jichen shot him a sidelong glance. Han Zixian sighed and spread his hands. “Yu Bai has been searching frantically for Rongrong. He’s been out of his mind with worry these past few days. And here you are, hiding her in your residence.” He had come because of Xue Yubai—he couldn’t stand it anymore and wanted to inquire. But seeing Yue Rongrong here, he knew better than to bring up Xue Yubai in front of Shen Jichen.

“I haven’t been hiding her,” Shen Jichen said calmly.

Han Zixian was stunned. “What do you mean? You’re not… But before…”

Shen Jichen glanced at him. “I don’t want to talk about the past anymore. You all should stop bringing it up too.”

Han Zixian fell silent. After a moment, he sighed and patted Shen Jichen’s shoulder. “Alright, as long as you’ve thought it through. What about Yu Bai? What are you going to do?”

Shen Jichen picked up a towel to wipe his hands, his voice cool. “I’ll make him lose all hope.”

Han Zixian’s concern deepened. “Don’t be too harsh. We’ve all grown up together as brothers.”

Yue Rongrong spent a long time selecting gifts in the storeroom. She felt that the gold, silver, and jade items were too extravagant. Bringing such things wouldn’t feel like an apology—more like a provocation. Finally, she settled on an inkstone. It was of excellent quality, rare and precious, and perfectly suited Mr. Jimo’s status. Pleased, she asked Hui Yin to find a huanghuali wood box for it.

She glanced back at Hui Yin and Gu Yu, feeling that bringing maids would attract too much notice. Back in Hangzhou, though Shen Jichen had assigned two maids to serve her, she never brought them when she went out. She tried to leave them behind, but Hui Yin insisted otherwise.

“You must take one of us—me or Gu Yu.”

Yue Rongrong knew they were worried about her, so she gave in and brought Hui Yin along. She wondered about Hui Yin’s motives—it reminded her of when she and Shen Jichen had completely fallen out, and he had kept her confined, fearing she would escape. He would send maids to follow her every day. But now, she had no intention of running away, particularly with Qu Lieshan still in prison. So she let Hui Yin accompany her.

＊＊

“Do you still see me as your teacher?” Mr. Jimo sat sideways, sniffed coldly.

Kneeling below, Yue Rongrong looked up abruptly at his words, her eyes brimming with tears. “You…”

Mr. Jimo glared at her. “What? Did Piao Yao berate you a few times that day, and now you’re so angry you don’t even want to acknowledge me as your teacher?”

Piao Yao berated her? Yue Rongrong was confused. Mr. Jimo finally sat up straight and sighed, his tone softening. “Piao Yao was wrong that day. He has formally apologized to me. All the guests know it was his fault. He promised to choose another auspicious day, arrange everything himself, and let you perform the formal apprenticeship rites again.”

Yue Rongrong lowered her head, her snow-white teeth biting her lip until marks appeared. So he had taken the blame for everything that day, saving face for both her and her teacher. But… She kowtowed again. “Rongrong fears she must fail to honor your generosity…”

Mr. Jimo’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean?”

Looking back, the apprenticeship had been an impulsive decision fueled by excitement. Upon reflection, it was inappropriate—first, because of her former humble status, and second… After some thought, she decided to be honest. “I don’t plan to stay in the capital for long.”

Mr. Jimo frowned deeply and remained silent for a long time. Finally, he motioned for her to rise and pointed to a cushion beside him for her to sit. “Does Piao Yao know about this?”

Yue Rongrong didn’t answer. He sighed. “I won’t meddle in your affairs, but these formal apprenticeship rites must happen. All the literati in the capital know I’m taking on a final disciple, a rare talented female painter. If you don’t go through with it, where would that leave my reputation? Besides, I can’t let Piao Yao off that easily.”

"Mister..."

"Ah, it's 'Teacher'!" Mr. Jimo insisted firmly.

Yue Rongrong looked at his determined expression, recalling the events of that day, and felt a pang of guilt. Finally, she called out, "Teacher."

Mr. Jimo responded cheerfully and laughed heartily.

"Rongrong!" Urgent calls came from outside.

Mr. Jimo sighed again and said, "Go on. Yu Bai has been looking for you."

Yue Rongrong's heart grew heavy as she stepped outside. She saw Xue Yubai running toward her, both worried and relieved. Hui Yin swiftly stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Yue Rongrong, and curtsied. "Mr. Xue."

Xue Yubai halted, his face pale as he looked at Hui Yin, then turned his disappointed gaze to Yue Rongrong. "So, you really are at Piao Yao's residence."

Hui Yin smiled. "Yes, this morning, the Marquis and the young lady even had breakfast together."

Yue Rongrong, seeing Xue Yubai's anguished look, called out, "Hui Yin." Only then did Hui Yin comply and retreat.

At that moment, Yue Rongrong walked toward him, and he hurried toward her as well. Both stopped simultaneously, standing a few steps apart.

"Teacher said you were looking for me. I suppose you were worried about me leaving without a word that day. Don’t worry, I’m fine," she said with a calm smile.

But Xue Yubai was stunned. "Is it Piao Yao? So it is Piao Yao after all? The people at Jinxiu Tower said you entered the Marquis’s residence. I went there last night, but they didn’t let me in..." None of that mattered anymore. He gazed at Yue Rongrong obsessively. "Didn’t you once say there was no chance anymore between you and Piao Yao, that you had no more ties?"

Yue Rongrong took a deep breath, trying to suppress the stifling feeling. "Some things aren’t as we wish them to be."

Xue Yubai frowned deeply. "Did Piao Yao force you? I’ll go talk to him and have it out with him!" Suddenly, he grabbed Yue Rongrong’s hand and tried to pull her away.

As he turned, he saw Shen Jichen standing not far away, his gaze icy cold, watching them calmly. Shen Jichen approached them at a leisurely pace and asked, "What did you wish to discuss with me?"

Yue Rongrong panicked and tried to pull her hand back, but Xue Yubai only gripped it tighter. He looked defiantly at Shen Jichen. "Piao Yao, Rongrong once said she had no feelings left for you and wanted to part ways. If you are a gentleman, please let her go."

A sharp pain shot through Shen Jichen’s heart. He lowered his head and laughed, then looked up with icy sarcasm. "A gentleman? Is it gentlemanly behavior for Young Master Xue to hold someone’s hand without her consent?"

Xue Yubai froze. Yue Rongrong immediately withdrew her hand and hurried toward Shen Jichen. "I..." She feared Shen Jichen’s anger and wanted to explain but didn’t know how. It was true she had once thought about parting ways with him.

Shen Jichen saw the hesitation in her eyes, his face turning cold and his voice grew deep and stern. "Rongrong, tell Yu Bai what you truly think!"

Yue Rongrong paused for a moment, her gaze dark and intense, almost pleading with him. She didn’t want to be cruel to Xue Yubai, but when Shen Jichen’s cold eyes met hers, she finally lowered her head, gently took Shen Jichen’s hand, took a deep breath, and looked at Xue Yubai.

"In the end, I couldn’t forget Piao Yao. I still love him. I am his person."

Both men’s expressions changed drastically. Xue Yubai looked at her in disbelief, his eyes gradually reddening. Shen Jichen watched her, his heart raced fiercely. He gripped her hand in return but saw a flicker of helplessness in her eyes, which felt like swallowing blades—heart-wrenching pain. He pulled Yue Rongrong away and turned to leave.

In the carriage, his face was cold with anger. He didn’t say a word but didn’t let go of her hand either. When they returned to the Marquis’s residence, he carried her down from the carriage and dragged her inside. As they entered the main courtyard, everyone knelt. He pulled her straight to his room, kicked the door shut with a bang, pressed her against the door, and kissed her with furious rage.

He tore off her belt, pulled off her outer robe. When she resisted, he breathed heavily. "Don’t you still love me? Aren’t you mine?"

Yue Rongrong’s heart trembled. She knew he was punishing her. A sour feeling rose in her chest, her eyes warming and reddening. With trembling hands, she clung to his chest. Shen Jichen’s eyes darkened, and he kissed her lips, her neck, her collarbone again. Listening to her gasps, he lifted her and carried her into the inner chamber.

Unable to distinguish between love and hate, they almost melted into each other’s bones, as if to continue until death.

Wave after wave, layer upon layer, overwhelming Yue Rongrong. When she was nearly exhausted and on the verge of fainting, she felt Shen Jichen bite her ear from behind, his voice hoarse and low. "Remember what you said. Whether you meant it or not, you are mine."

Yue Rongrong could only whimper. At the final moment, she temporarily lost consciousness. Shen Jichen’s pleasure was quickly replaced by pain. He could only keep her this way.

What he hated was not how far Yue Rongrong would go for Qu Lieshan, but that Qu Lieshan had saved her when she was most helpless. He hated even more that Qu Lieshan had thus occupied her heart—a place he could never shake.

Yet he was grateful Qu Lieshan had saved her, and it was precisely this that tormented him unbearably.

Just then, the Grand Empress Dowager’s invitation for the young ladies of various mansions to attend a banquet was issued.