Chapter 21

Chapter 21

By the Moon Gate, a figure in vermilion stood with enchanting grace and radiant beauty, shedding the drab and aging attire of the past. Her shoulders appeared delicately sculpted, her waist as if cinched with a silk ribbon. Standing there with unhurried grace, her face resembled fine jade, her aura as gentle as an orchid. Blending seamlessly with the ancient, picturesque scenery behind her, she seemed to outshine all others, her charm innate and effortless, with no trace of her former rustic vulgarity remaining.

For a moment, the spacious inner gate fell into silence.

Perhaps the contrast was too striking, as everyone stood frozen, unable to recover for a long while.

It was Fang Siyan who regained her composure first. She narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing the distant figure from head to toe before fixing her gaze on that familiar yet unfamiliar face, staring intently with tightly pressed lips.

Was this still her mousy, slow-witted sister-in-law, who always dressed more conservatively than even her aunt? Fang Siyan could hardly believe her eyes.

As the two primary daughters-in-law of the main branch, she and Shen were often compared in all matters. She had never thought much of her incompetent sister-in-law before, but now, an inexplicable tension gripped her heart. She hurriedly glanced at her aunt beside her.

She saw her aunt Fang Shi stiff-faced, staring fixedly ahead. Her gaze held a trace of muddled confusion, a flicker of humiliated anger, and that instinctual rivalry between women.

All these emotions merged into a lethargic, smoldering resentment.

She had exerted tremendous effort, spending the entire night preparing to achieve today’s dazzling outfit, only to be upstaged by her own daughter-in-law before she could even make her grand entrance. Her sophisticated appeal was utterly crushed by the youthful radiance of a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old.

Shen’s presence instantly made her appear garish and vulgar, screaming to the world that she had aged.

At the same time, just when she was most excited, it was as if a basin of cold water had been poured over her head, extinguishing all her hopes in an instant.

Fang Shi’s face darkened, her anger and resentment plain for all to see.

There was also a hint of inexplicable jealousy mixed in.

Even Madam Dou and Madam Luo from the second branch, standing a little further away, couldn't hide their surprise. Especially Madam Luo, who came from a noble family and was the niece of the current Noble Consort, making her the highest-ranking among the four daughters-in-law of the Lu family.

She carried herself with superiority. Before Madam Xiao Fang Shi entered the household, she had always looked down upon the two lowly sisters-in-law from the main branch. To her surprise, after not seeing her for some time, the sister-in-law who had married in from the countryside had transformed from a country bumpkin into a golden phoenix.

Shen Anning took in everyone's reactions, and after a moment, as if unaware, she simply approached with a graceful smile and stepped forward, curtsying to Madam Xiao Fang Shi and Fang Shi, saying, "Mother, is everyone here now?"

As soon as Shen Anning spoke these words, Fang Shi glared at her with disgust and sneered coldly, "I don't deserve to be called 'Mother' by you!"

Fang Shi's words were sharp and sarcastic.

But Shen Anning's expression didn't change, as if she hadn't heard a thing. Even in front of the crowd, she responded with a faint smile.

Fang Shi felt a surge of anger rising from the soles of her feet, but held back by the crowd, she couldn't vent her frustration. In a fit of rage, she turned and stormed away.

Meanwhile, Madam Xiao Fang Shi gradually snapped out of it.

The two of them automatically ignored the moody Fang Shi.

Madam Xiao Fang Shi instinctively touched the prayer beads on her wrist and looked at her daughter-in-law, whose demeanor had changed so dramatically, with nothing but astonishment in her eyes. As a noble lady from a prestigious family, she had seen many unparalleled beauties in her time. The man she had married was once renowned in the capital for his handsome looks, and ordinary beauty no longer stirred any emotion in her.

Unexpectedly, after her daughter-in-law had been married into the marquis' household for over half a year and had been under her watchful eye all that time, she had made her misjudge for the first time.

After a moment of stunned silence, Madam Xiao Fang Shi quickly collected herself. With admiration and praise, she took Shen Anning's hand and looked her over repeatedly, saying, "You should have dressed like this long ago. The way you used to dress was far too old-fashioned, making me fail to realize that our Ning girl is actually so elegant and clever."

Madam Xiao Fang Shi was generous with her praise for Shen Anning.

Such a daughter-in-law truly lives up to the standards of the Marquis's household.

Shen Anning slightly lowered her gaze, as if feeling a little shy, then raised her head with a smile and said, "You're too kind, madam."

"Today is the Empress's birthday, so I went with more festive clothes for such an auspicious occasion."

Lady Xiao replied with a smile, "As it should be."

As the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law spoke, everyone's eyes followed Shen Anning.

No one paid any attention to Lu Anran, who stood a few steps back from Shen Anning.

In the past, this young lady had been the center of attention in the entire Marquis's household—the one whom Yu Shi, who had married into the family, and the younger Lady Fang, who had not yet married in, both sought to please. Even Luo Shi regarded her more highly than others. But now, she was lost in the crowd, unnoticed, just one among many.

Lu Anran clenched her handkerchief tightly. After a long while, her gaze suddenly shifted past the crowd, turning sharply toward the corner gate. There, that dignified figure, straight as a pine, was also looking distantly in that direction.

Lu Anran’s long nails dug deep into her palm. Soon, a spot of blood appeared, but she pressed her tongue hard against her teeth, as if feeling no pain at all.

Just then, Lady Xiao spotted the figure by the corner gate. After a moment, she smiled and waved, saying, "Son, what are you doing standing there like a statue? Come over here."

She beckoned toward her eldest son by the corner gate.

At that moment, Lu Jingxing finally snapped out of his daze and murmured in disbelief, "Brother, is that... is that sister-in-law? Am I seeing things?"

His gaze remained fixed on the elegant figure in the distance, his expression one of incredulity and intense scrutiny.

No sooner had he spoken than an icy glare shot his way.

One should respect an elder sister-in-law as one would a mother—how could he, as a younger brother-in-law, dare to disrespect her so casually?

Lu Suian’s face was stern, his eyes imposing.

Lu Jingxing feared neither his father nor his mother, but he was actually afraid of this quiet older brother. With just one sharp glance from him, Lu Jingxing belatedly realized he had overstepped.

Just as he broke into a cold sweat, Lady Xiao’s call from afar came to his rescue.

Lu Suian paused for a moment, then toned down his glare. He glanced into the distance and finally stepped forward slowly.

By the time he reached them, his expression had returned to normal.

Lu Jingxing quietly let out a sigh of relief.

As Lu Suian strode over and arrived before them, this was the first time the couple had seen each other in over a month.

"My lord," Shen Anning said, following proper manners and fulfilling her duties as a wife. She smiled slightly and bowed to him, her expression so natural as if last night’s events had never happened.

After glancing at him, she quickly lowered her eyes.

Lu Suian pursed his lips, quietly studying the woman before him. He stared at her rosy, even faintly pink cheeks, and for a long time, he did not speak.

This illness... cleared up awfully fast.

Just as Shen Anning thought he wouldn’t respond, Lu Suian finally let out a quiet "Hmm."

Lady Xiao looked at Shen Anning, then at her eldest son, thinking it was newlywed shyness after a long separation. She couldn’t help but teasingly point at Shen Anning and say to her son, "Look, how lovely Ning Er looks dressed like this. We never appreciated her properly before."

"Isn't that so?" Lu Suian heard this and once again fixed his gaze intently on Shen Anning's lowered face. This time, he simply stood with his hands behind his back, saying nothing.

Shen Anning’s behavior seemed no different from before, except that her eyes did not linger on him for even a moment.

Staring at this inexplicable, subtly distanced version of Shen Anning, Lu Suian frowned slightly.

As he observed his wife, whose appearance and aura had undergone such a dramatic transformation, a thoughtful look appeared in his eyes.

Just then—

"The Marquis and Second Master have arrived."

Servants surrounded Marquis Lu Jingrong and Second Master Lu Jinghuai as they strode over. Finally, the crowd’s attention was entirely captured by the two heads of the household.

Marquis Lu Jingrong, though in his forties, carried himself with scholarly elegance - refined and handsome, and exuding the gentle grace of a literati despite his age.

In contrast, Second Master Lu Jinghuai was broad-shouldered and powerfully built, with a fierce, heroic air, his face framed by a full beard. One glance told you he was a military man, radiating a commanding, indomitable presence.

Second Master Lu currently held a second-rank military position, commanding eighty thousand infantry in the Southern Camp. He was one of the first generals to swiftly defect and support the Emperor of Wei when Noble Consort Huo fell from power, and now enjoyed the emperor's high favor.

The second branch of the family, whether in terms of actual power or support from in-laws, greatly surpassed the main branch.

When Lu Suian saw Second Master Lu Jinghuai arrive, he finally shifted his heavy gaze from Shen Anning to Lu Jinghuai, addressing him, "Second Uncle."

Lu Jinghuai gave Lu Suian a heavy slap on the shoulder, then gripped his arm firmly, laughing loudly, "Not bad—seems you haven’t let yourself go."

His strength was such that a regular man might have had his shoulder blades shattered by that blow, but Lu Suian, though dressed as a scholar, remained firm and unshaken, inexplicably solid and steady.

As uncle and nephew spoke, over on the other side, Fang Shi, who had previously quarreled fiercely with the Marquis, scowled and immediately got into the carriage upon his arrival, showing him no respect.

Though irritated, Lu Jingrong was quite accustomed to such behavior and pretended not to notice.

Meanwhile, seeing that time was short, Lady Xiao hurriedly urged everyone to board the carriages and set off for the palace.

Before getting into the carriage, Lu Jingrong looked more closely in the direction of his daughter-in-law, Shen Anning, somewhat astonished. He glanced at Lady Xiao for confirmation, asking with his eyes, "Is that our daughter-in-law, Shen Anning?"

When Shen Anning had bowed to him earlier, he didn't recognize her immediately, almost thinking he’d mistaken her identity.

Lady Xiao gave him a meaningful look, and Lu Jingrong immediately averted his gaze, assuming his composed demeanor of a Marquis as he boarded the carriage with her.

As Lady Xiao was halfway into the carriage, she suddenly remembered something and paused abruptly. Turning, she saw her adopted daughter, Lu Anran, still standing quietly by the moon gate, gazing at them longingly like an abandoned puppy.

Lady Xiao had been so struck by Shen Anning's appearance that she had, for once, overlooked her adopted daughter and forgotten her entirely. Now, seeing Lu Anran standing alone, isolated and helpless, looking lost and pitiful, she felt like slapping herself. She quickly stepped down, drew Lu Anran into her arms, and said with heartfelt pain, "My child..."

Lu Anran’s eyes reddened, but she put on an understanding look and said, "Mother, Ran’er is fine. Just being able to accompany Father and Mother to the palace is already more than enough for Ran’er."

Then, smiling while holding back sniffles, she feigned urgency, "Oh, it’s getting late—we mustn’t delay the palace visit. Mother, let’s hurry and get in the carriage."

Only then did Lady Xiao personally assist her into the carriage.

On the other side, Xiao Fang Shi pinched Fourth Young Master Lu Jingxing hard on the waist and snapped, "Still looking? Still looking?"

Lu Jingxing said righteously, "I was looking at Father."

Xiao Fang Shi fumed, glaring at him fiercely and mouthing, "We’ll settle this when we get back."

The Lu family was large, and for this palace visit, four carriages were prepared.

Lu Jingrong, Lady Xiao, and Lu Anran shared one carriage; Fang Shi, Xiao Fang Shi, and her husband occupied another; the second branch had one; and Shen Anning rode with Lu Suian in the last.

Inside the carriage, both tacitly avoided bringing up the events of the previous night.

For Lu Suian, trivial household matters were beneath his concern. Besides, he was not one to dwell on arguments with women—yesterday's matter was finished. Even if there was discord, it was now behind them.

As for Shen Anning, it was as if the previous night’s incident had never happened at all.

The carriage was silent, with neither speaking for a long time.

Though Lu Suian genuinely preferred quiet, the stillness now felt strangely eerie, almost as if an awkward tension was spreading through the compartment.

Yet, his usually meticulous wife seemed completely unaware today.

In the past, Shen Anning would serve tea and water, attend to every detail meticulously. As long as he was present, unless he chose not to speak, there was never an awkward silence.

But today, as soon as they boarded, a maid promptly opened a box, laying out an array of snacks, fruits, and pastries until the small table was piled high.

Then, Shen Anning produced a storybook from somewhere, reclined against a soft cushion, and began reading with focused concentration.

Apart from the faint rustle of turning pages, not a single extra sound could be heard in the carriage.

Lu Suian pursed his lips, his gaze slowly drifting from the various treats on the small table to the striking figure in bright vermillion beside him, then to her vividly beautiful face.

In the past, Shen Anning wore no makeup and shunned adornments.

In the past, she dressed plainly, avoiding bright colors.

In the past, she was dignified and reserved, never allowing herself such... unrefined postures in his presence.

His eyes lingered on her crimson lips, staring fixedly, until suddenly, Shen Anning moved the storybook aside, curved her lips into a formal, proper smile, and asked her husband beside her, "Would you like some tea, Young Master?"

Without waiting for his response, she considerately offered him the tea first.

After interrupting his gaze, she lowered her eyes and resumed reading her book.

Lu Suian glanced at the perfunctorily served tea before him, his lips tightening slightly. After a moment, he finally pinched the bridge of his nose, broke the awkward silence, and spoke calmly, "I am aware of the grievances you’ve endured these past six months."

Lu Suian’s deep voice came out abruptly.

At these words, Shen Anning’s hand, turning the pages, paused slightly as if she had been suddenly stunned. She froze completely, too stunned to react.

If she remembered correctly, she had heard these very words in her past life—on the day she fell ill and learned she had been diagnosed with consumption. Her husband, Lu Suian, had stood by her sickbed, silent for a long time just like today, before finally saying, "You’ve suffered all these years."

In that moment, the bitterness she had swallowed for five years, mixed with the shock of her sudden illness, overwhelmed her, and she broke down in choked sobs.

Back then, she had foolishly felt comforted by her husband’s sympathy, thinking it would be worth dying for.

But not long after, news reached her that Meng Shi had been made a concubine, plunging her from despair into utter devastation.

Now, after what seemed like an eternity, Shen Anning finally lifted her eyes and looked directly at the man beside her for the first time.

Lu Suian noticed her gaze and at the same time turned his head to look back.

Their eyes met across the room, locking directly onto each other.

Seeing the same face, the same expression, and even the same words as in her previous life, Shen Anning parted her crimson lips slightly, as if she had a thousand things to say, yet in the end, she only let out a light, cold scoff: "So what?"

In her tone, there was a trace of self-mockery and faint sarcasm that even she herself hadn't noticed.

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Mwah mwah!

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