Chapter 10

Chapter 10

“What was it for?” the man asked, his face impassive, his tone insistent.

Jiang Heng pondered in silence.

A hundred taels was no small sum; its expenditure ought to leave a trail. If she were to offer a casual excuse, given his meticulous and vigilant nature, he would surely investigate, uncover her lie, and likely erupt in anger as he had before. Should he then, in his pique, insist on uncovering the truth and trace it back to Yan Rong...

Jiang Heng drew a quiet breath. She couldn’t lie to him, yet she couldn’t tell him the truth either. How was she to handle him?

Though her heart was in turmoil, her expression remained serene and composed. Unconsciously, she lowered the hand that had been supporting her cheek, straightened her posture, and resumed copying the Buddhist scriptures.

To the man, this demeanor was a deliberate refusal to answer his question.

Ever since he had entered the room that night, she had been silently protesting—not rising to greet him, not initiating a single word, even stubbornly staying awake despite her exhaustion. All of it was her way of showing displeasure.

She was upset that he had scrutinized her accounts and investigated her dowry.

After the thorough check, it was clear she was blameless; her sister-in-law had indeed slandered her without proof. Her anger and silent defiance were entirely justified.

Considering this, the man’s usually stern features softened slightly. Glancing at Jiang Heng by the scripture desk, he spoke up, “Time to rest.”

With that, he proceeded into the inner chamber.

Jiang Heng was stunned, surprised that he had given up so easily this time, abandoning his demand for an answer.

“Come here.”

While she was still contemplating his reaction, she heard him speak again, just as he usually did.

Jiang Heng pursed her lips, considering using the scripture copying as an excuse. The words were forming in her throat, but before she could utter them, the man added, “Bring me my bedclothes.”

His bedclothes were in the inner chamber, not hidden. He should have been able to find them himself, but since he had asked, Jiang Heng could not refuse. She put down her brush and went to attend to him.

Just as she had helped him remove his outer robe and turned to fetch his sleeping garment, he grasped her wrist. Before she could react, he lifted her by the waist and carried her to the bed. The moment they lay down, he pressed against her.

As always, he gave her no time to adjust. With rough, forceful strength, he breached her defenses, entered her domain, and began his conquest.

Jiang Heng frowned, biting her lip as she let out a soft moan. Instinctively, she turned her face away, but the man gripped her chin and turned it back, compelling her to look at him.

His rhythm was swift and intense, quickly dispelling the initial discomfort. A flushed pink spread across Jiang Heng’s fair complexion, like peach blossoms unfurling after a spring rain.

His gaze remained fixed on her face, deep and intense, like a whirlpool threatening to engulf her.

“Ling Lu,” he murmured, his calloused fingers gently but greedily stroking her chin, careful not to hurt her.

Jiang Heng bit her lip and remained silent, closing her eyes as she endured his increasingly fervent passion.

By the time the man was satisfied, Jiang Heng was drenched in sweat, strands of hair clinging to her snow-white neck. The flush on her face, brought on by his ardor, had yet to fade. Her body felt as limp as water, and though she longed to wash up, she utterly lacked the strength.

The man, however, seemed as light-footed as ever, rising from the bed and leaving without a word.

After he left, Jiang Heng called for Rui Zhu and Chun Jin to help her wash up. Once cleaned, just as she was about to sleep, the man returned. He lay down beside her, paused for a moment, then drew her into his arms, pressing her against his chest.

He carried the faint, fresh scent of scented soap—he had bathed.

“What did you really use the silver for?” he asked, his tone unusually gentle, a first for him.

Jiang Heng had thought he would not press further, but it seemed his earlier retreat had been a tactical delay. Exhausted and drained, she lacked the energy to think of an excuse and replied casually, “I spent it.”

She waited, but to her surprise, he did not ask where she had spent it.

Too tired to ponder further, Jiang Heng sank toward sleep. Just as she was fading, she heard him speak again, his voice soft and low, “From now on, your monthly allowance will be twenty taels. You need not withdraw money from the Incense Shop anymore.”

Jiang Heng opened her eyes and tried to sit up, but he pushed her back down against his chest. His rough fingers stroked her neck, gradually moving downward.

“In our early years, the family was poor, and my elder sister-in-law grew accustomed to frugality. The allowance was meager, but it was not meant to target you. Do not hold it against her,” he continued.

Three taels a month was indeed not a small sum for an ordinary family. Moreover, expenses like clothing and gifts were covered by the household funds—the allowance was merely for pocket money. Jiang Heng was not materialistic; though she never had much left by month’s end, it was enough for her. She had never resented Xiao Luo Shi for it. Gu Yu’s attempt to explain likely stemmed from his assumption that three taels was insufficient for her needs, prompting her to withdraw money from the Incense Shop.

Jiang Heng did not explain. Instead, she murmured her acknowledgment, and after a moment, added gently, “Thank you, husband.”

The man’s hand stilled on her body. Glancing at her still-damp hair, he ceased his movements and said, “Rest.”

As soon as his hand left her neck, the young woman turned away from his chest, shifting closer to the inner side of the bed. She hugged the quilt and nestled into it, falling silent.

Gu Yu thought to himself, perhaps her anger had finally subsided.

Three taels was indeed too little. She must have accumulated various small debts over time and used the money from the Incense Shop to settle them. Her refusal to tell him was likely out of fear that he would scold her for extravagance.

...

In the middle of the night, Jiang Heng was deep in sleep when she was abruptly awakened by the sound of hurried clinking. Opening her eyes, she saw the man already dressed and fastening his girdle.

“Husband, what’s wrong?” Jiang Heng sat up and asked.

But he had no time to explain. Still adjusting his girdle, he strode out of the room without a word.

After he left, Rui Zhu came in and reported, “My lady, I heard from the messenger that Seventh Miss has fallen ill in prison.”

Gu Yu did not return until the following evening. When he came back, his face was grim, clearly in a foul mood.

Jiang Heng assumed it was due to her sister’s illness.

“What illness does my sister have? Is it serious?”

Jiang Heng asked casually, but to her surprise, Gu Yu frowned and stared at her for a long moment before sternly warning, “Tell the Jiang family not to inquire about this matter. Act as if you know nothing about her illness.”

Jiang Heng was taken aback, wondering what kind of illness could make him so... angry and cautious. As she pondered, he added sharply, “Did you hear what I said?”

Jiang Heng nodded instinctively and moved away from him.

She could sense that Gu Yu was angrier than ever before. His emotions were not just concern but also fury. She couldn’t understand what illness her sister had contracted that would evoke such a complex reaction. All she knew was that he was not to be provoked at this moment.

“Master, Miss Xia requests your presence.”

Though the coldness had not left Gu Yu’s face, he did not refuse the maid’s message. Instead, he rose and went to Xia Ji’s quarters.