Chapter 29

Chapter 29

The room was ablaze with light, filled with an unbroken stream of laughter and chatter. Even the old matrons guarding the courtyard and the lower-ranking maidservants had gathered outside the windows, listening with keen interest.

Thus, no one noticed Lu Suian's arrival.

It was Chun Qi, sharp-eyed, who first spotted the tall, imposing figure standing silently by the door, unsure how long he had been there. After a momentary pause, Chun Qi immediately lowered her head, curtsied respectfully, and said, "Young Master."

She then quickly glanced towards Shen Anning, who was reclining on the recumbent couch, and repeatedly signaled to the cluster of maids nearby.

Instantly, all the exuberant maids fell silent as if struck dumb, not daring to utter another sound.

Shen Anning turned her gaze and, upon seeing the tall figure in the distance, slowly lowered her hands from where they had been cupping her cheeks. Her brilliantly radiant smile also faded slightly.

The room fell into a dead silence, so quiet that the sound of a pin dropping could be heard clearly.

At that moment, both inside and outside the room were packed with people. It was the first time in over half a year that Chuanze Residence had been so lively—or perhaps the first time Lu Suian had seen it so bustling, almost like a marketplace.

It was a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere earlier in Qinyuan.

It also made him feel like an uninvited and rather unwelcome intruder.

Yet Lu Suian's calm gaze slowly shifted away from the maids, then lifted slightly as he scanned the entire room: the screen, the folding chairs, the cabinets, including the canopy bed with an anteroom. Everywhere he looked was unfamiliar. Having been away for over a month, he found the entire room completely transformed.

There was no trace of familiarity left; it was so foreign that he even wondered if he had stepped into the wrong place.

He had lived in Chuanze Residence for nearly twenty years. He valued cleanliness, simplicity, and quiet. The furnishings had always been minimal, and even after his marriage, little had changed. Yet now, the room was colorful, fragrant, and warm, resembling a young woman's boudoir, with no trace of its former appearance.

Lu Suian's eyes swept across the room before his calm gaze settled directly on the graceful form reclining on the recumbent couch.

His wife's earlier pose, chin propped in her hands, smiling, had been captured in his sight—a rare glimpse of playful charm, far removed from the cautious, diligent, and reserved image he remembered.

Lu Suian narrowed his eyes and stared fixedly.

He also clearly observed the moment she withdrew her smile upon seeing him.

Just then, Shen Anning offered a faint smile and greeted him proactively: "Young Master."

Earlier that day, in the carriage, they had already spoken frankly. Shen Anning saw no reason to continue their stalemate. Life had to go on, but—

Though she greeted him, she remained sitting indifferently on the recumbent couch without moving, unlike before when she would immediately rush over to attend to him attentively.

Even with the drastic changes in the room, though she had noticed his scrutiny and examination, she made no effort to explain since he did not ask.

Chun Qi, showing great perceptiveness, signaled to the maids in the room. They quickly subdued their lively atmosphere and filed out one by one, leaving only Bai Tao and Hong Li inside to attend to their duties.

The two stood guard over the jade ruyi bestowed by Empress Zhang, uncertain whether to put it away or display it for the Young Master to see.

At that moment, Shen Anning stepped down from the recumbent couch and once again addressed Lu Suian proactively: "This was bestowed by Empress Zhang today."

As she spoke, she casually removed the earrings from her ears and walked toward the dressing table.

Seeing this, Bai Tao immediately displayed the jade ruyi, saying with shared pride, "Young Master, please take a look."

There wasn't really much to display. After all, during Shen Anning's wedding, the palace had bestowed many exquisite items as part of her dowry—each piece more luxurious and refined than today's gift from Empress Zhang.

Bai Tao had touched each of them back then, though at the time, she had never seen many of those items and had no idea what they were used for. Her lady had locked all those treasures away in the storeroom.

Today's gift, however, was less about the object itself and more about the imperial favor and preference bestowed by the Emperor and Empress, which was worth more than gold and silver. It signified that their lady now had powerful backing and recognition—none other than the current Emperor and Empress themselves. With this honor, who would dare mistreat them in the future?

Thinking this, Bai Tao straightened her back. Moreover, thanks to Shen Anning's internal reforms during this period, she had benefited greatly and was increasingly embodying the bearing of a head maid.

Lu Suian, for his part, compliantly took a seat at the Eight Immortals table. His eyes swept over the two jade ruyi before he indifferently looked away, as if uninterested. Moments later, his gaze followed Shen Anning as she moved toward the dressing table.

At that moment, Shen Anning was having her makeup removed and her hair let down by her maid, Hong Li.

She had been dressed in full regalia today, drawing attention wherever she went. Now, her elaborately styled hair cascaded down like a waterfall, reaching all the way to her hips and concealing her slender figure, yet somehow making her even more alluring.

Shen Anning closed her eyes, allowing Hong Li to attend to her, with no intention of initiating conversation.

Yet she could faintly sense a gaze persistently following her, sharp yet calm, fixed on her from behind.

This gaze carried a hint of scrutiny and observation, unmistakable and impossible to ignore, causing Shen Anning to frown slightly.

The room grew even quieter, so silent that the faint rustling sounds from Hong Li's movements could be heard.

Lu Suian was naturally a man of few words, so the entire room sank into an eerie stillness.

Even Bai Tao sensed an awkward and strange atmosphere.

Since her lady's recovery from her illness, Bai Tao had faintly detected a peculiar tension between her lady and the Young Master. At the time, Bai Tao hadn't thought much of it, assuming it was only natural for her lady to resent the Young Master over the Luo family matter. Later, when the Young Master went south, her lady gradually began to assert herself, and their lives had improved with each passing day over the past month.

But this joy came to an abrupt halt yesterday with the Young Master's return—

Last night, when the Young Master returned, her lady unusually did not leave a light burning for him, and now there was this strange atmosphere.

Could it be that her lady was angered at the Young Master again because of today's events at the palace banquet involving the eldest young lady and the aunt-niece pair in Jinyuan?

If her lady held grievances or anger over today's events, it would be understandable.

However, a woman's intuition told Bai Tao that it wasn't that simple.

Although Bai Tao had previously resented the Young Master for mistreating her lady, she had traveled a long way to escort her lady to the capital and into the Lu family, hoping for harmony between her lady and the Young Master. Though the Young Master was somewhat lacking in romantic sensibility and showed little consideration for her lady, he didn't have the vices other men carried. Moreover, he had called off the engagement with the Luo family and directly rejected that fox spirit Yuan Yang, which gradually eased Bai Tao's anger.

Now, her lady had been married for over half a year. In Bai Tao's view, the most urgent matter for her lady was to quickly reconcile with the Young Master, so she could soon receive good news—preferably conceiving a son. As long as her lady gave birth to the Lu family's first grandson and took over the household management rights from the madam, she would firmly establish her footing within the entire marquis household.

By then, no matter what fox spirits the one in Jinyuan tried to send over, they would be nothing more than playthings. What was there to fear?

Thinking this, Bai Tao racked her brains, trying to break the silence in the room and ease the awkwardness. "Well, Young Master, everyone gathered earlier because her lady was letting us servants have a look at this."

Bai Tao knew the Young Master preferred quiet and worried the earlier commotion might have displeased him, so she hurriedly explained.

Soon after, she quickly brought tea to serve him.

But Lu Suian waved his hand faintly, signaling for her to step back.

Just then, Shen Anning finished removing her makeup, turned around, and stood up. She glanced toward the Eight Immortals table, meeting Lu Suian's intent gaze.

This glance made Shen Anning slightly suspicious.

Why had Lu Suian been looking at her so strangely all evening?

Hesitating for a moment, she was about to head directly to the bathhouse to wash up when Lu Suian's slender fingers suddenly tapped lightly on the table. He spoke calmly, "Come, sit."

Shen Anning was startled. In her past life, it had always been her who eagerly and attentively sought him out. No matter where he was or what he was doing, as long as they were in the same space, her gaze always followed him like a shadow. If Lu Suian needed anything, a single look from him was enough to make her immediately drop everything she was doing, urgent or not, and rush to him immediately.

This was one of the rare occasions, she recalled, when he had initiated contact with her.

Having known Lu Suian’s habits and mannerisms intimately in her past life, Shen Anning understood clearly that he had something to say at this moment.

Unsure of his intentions, Shen Anning hesitated briefly before gracefully approaching and slowly sitting down across from him.

At that moment, Bai Tao, showing good judgment as always, quickly pulled Hong Li along and withdrew to the doorway, leaving only the two of them alone in the room once again.

The night was extremely quiet, with candlelight flickering gently, casting a warm yellow light that made the entire atmosphere feel dreamy and peaceful.

Under the candlelight, Lu Suian seemed less imposing and strict compared to his daytime demeanor. The usual cold detachment and otherworldly elegance were softened slightly, his features appearing a bit softer in the warm, dim light.

The man before her had raven-black hair and sharp brows, radiating refinement. His narrow, phoenix-shaped eyes held a sharp intensity, like an eagle soaring through the night—proud and free. Stripped of his usual cold demeanor, a closer look revealed his handsome, noble features: thin lips, a straight nose, and a sharply defined facial structure, flawless in every aspect. Especially those narrow eyes, upon closer inspection, even carried a touch of charm and elegance, embodying the ideal of a noble scion from an esteemed family.

In her memory, the couple had never sat face-to-face like this to talk.

A slight feeling of awkwardness and pressure hung in the air.

In the past, Shen Anning wouldn't have waited for him to speak; she would have already started asking thoughtfully, "Husband, do you have something to say?"

However, today Lu Suian stayed quiet, having said nothing since entering the room—or perhaps since returning to the mansion or even the palace earlier.

Was it because she had reported his beloved to the elder earlier that day, making him resent her?

If she hadn’t spoken up today, even if he had received that perfume ball, he would probably have hidden it until he died, wouldn’t he?

Shen Anning mocked inwardly and likewise remained silent.

Tension filled the air.

Just then, Lu Suian finally spoke. His eyes locked intently on her face as he calmly explained the decisions he had made regarding Fang Shi, Xiao Fang Shi, and his beloved, stating plainly, "This matter will be handled as such."

His words were brief and to the point.

He spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, as if discussing something entirely unrelated to him.

Yet, throughout his speech, his sharp, hawk-like gaze remained fixed on her face. After watching her quietly for a moment, he added, "If you are dissatisfied with this decision, you may voice any objections."

Lu Suian studied her expression as he spoke, not wanting to miss the slightest change in her demeanor.

It also seemed as though he was making it clear he meant what he said.

Since he had promised her earlier in the carriage that day, he would keep his word.

However, it was she who, from the moment he entered the room, had not once inquired about the aftermath of the night’s events. She had started the conflict but stepped back lightly once the flames raged, seemingly unconcerned about the outcome or perhaps having already forgotten about it.

Lu Suian, naturally perceptive, noticed Shen Anning’s continued aloofness and indifference toward him that evening.

He had thought that everything was clear between them earlier that day, but it seemed—

Was it forgetfulness, or was it simply that she didn’t care? Or perhaps she held no expectations for him or anyone else in the entire Hou Mansion?

Or... was there some other reason?

Lu Suian’s sharp gaze remained fixed on her, as if trying to find any hints from her expression.

Upon hearing the decision, Shen Anning was clearly surprised.

That day, she had earned great honor for the Lu family. The Marquis, Lu Jingrong, had defended her, reprimanding Fang Shi and her niece, and even punishing the maids who had accompanied them closely. Shen Anning was not surprised by these outcomes.

Marquis Lu Jingrong had always valued face, but what he valued even more was the interests of the entire Hou Mansion, specifically those of the main branch.

In her past life, after the big scandal she caused, Lu Jingrong had returned to the mansion and vomited blood from anger. From then on, he had openly disliked her, even instructing Lady Xiao, "Don’t let her come near me again. I can’t stand the sight of her."

He couldn’t stand the sight of her anymore.

Thus, she had expected the punishment for Fang Shi and her niece.

However, when it came to Lu Anran—Lu Suian’s beloved—

Three months of confinement?

Being married off far away?

Shen Anning was truly shocked!

It was hard to say whether this punishment was severe or not. Compared to what she had endured in her past life, it was almost no punishment at all. If she hadn’t been the eldest daughter-in-law of the Lu family back then, she would likely have been sent to a remote estate to live out her days in obscurity.

But would Lu Suian really be willing to send his beloved away to be married off far away?

How could that be?

Was this Lu Jingrong’s decision, or was it Lu Suian’s?

So, did this mean that in her past life, Lu Suian and Lu Anran had not been as deeply in love and mutually devoted as she had initially imagined? Had their affair and the resulting pregnancy only developed later, during her marriage to Lu Suian?

Which was it?

Shen Anning was momentarily puzzled.

Or was it that the three-month confinement and the prospect of a distant marriage were merely empty words—a temporary measure to placate her? Once the confinement was lifted, if no suitable marriage had been arranged, could she, Shen Anning, really force Lu Anran to marry far away?

Hah. Unless the punishment was concretely enforced and carried out, Shen Anning would not take this decision seriously.

After all, in her past life, she had witnessed firsthand Lu Anran’s skill in evading marriage. For someone who had refused to marry for seven years while pining for her brother, Shen Anning did not believe she could be easily sent away within three months!

So, was this merely Lu Suian’s temporary measure to protect his beloved?

Or did he genuinely intend to follow through?

Shen Anning lifted her eyes and quietly studied the man across from her. In the eyes of this man with whom she had shared a bed for seven years, she could detect no clues.

However, Shen Anning didn’t really care.

Having been reborn, these people were nothing but fleeting clouds in her eyes.

From now on, she would no longer endure grievances. She would speak her mind and point out what she saw. If anyone caused her displeasure, she would ensure they felt uneasy in return. As for how matters were handled afterward, that was the Lu family’s affair. She would not interfere excessively. If the Lu family could tolerate the chaos and filth within their household, she would simply watch as they decayed and rotted.

She had no expectations to begin with.

With these thoughts, Shen Anning said calmly, "The decision rests with the heir and the Marquis. I have no objections. However, I have one question—"

As she spoke, Shen Anning suddenly idly lifted her eyelids to look at her husband across from her and asked, a little curious, "Why must the eldest young lady... be married off to a distant place?"

Shen Anning asked idly.

It was the first time in over a month that her alluring peach-blossom eyes landed directly upon Lu Suian’s handsome face.

She saw Lu Suian staring intently at her, his eyes squinting slightly as he said, "Didn’t you also marry into a distant place?"

Lu Suian spoke calmly.

As he said this, his expression remained unreadable—devoid of emotion, any hint of feeling, or the slightest crack in his composure.

Yet his gaze remained fixed on her.

His words, along with the persistent intensity of his stare throughout the evening, gave Shen Anning pause.

For a moment, she couldn’t quite grasp the deeper meaning behind his words or the intent in his gaze.

After a brief silence, she raised her eyes coolly and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that, my lord?"

In the hazy night, Shen Anning’s hair cascaded over her shoulders, her figure wrapped in a light undergarment that concealed little of her graceful, delicate form.

Under the soft glow of the candlelight, her skin appeared as fair as snow, her dark hair and pale complexion accentuating the beauty of her face, the delicate contours of her features, and the luscious redness of her lips...

Lu Suian watched quietly but did not answer her question. Instead, he stood up abruptly from the stool beside the square table, looking down at her from his height as he said suddenly, "Let’s retire for the night."

Without giving Shen Anning a moment to collect herself, Lu Suian had already removed the wide leather belt from his waist and was making his way slowly toward the bathing chamber.

Shen Anning was momentarily stunned.

It took her a moment to process the implication of his words.

She was no longer an innocent maiden confined to the inner chambers. Not only had she consummated her marriage with Lu Suian in this lifetime, but even in her previous life, though their encounters had been few, they had been married for seven years. Shen Anning was long past the stage of being inexperienced in intimate matters. During the past month of sorting through her emotions, she had already anticipated this inevitability.

As long as she remained in the marquis’ household and was still his wife, she had no right to refuse him indefinitely.

Refusing once or twice might be acceptable, but doing so repeatedly would only come across as pretentious.

Still, she had been busy all day, and the night was deep. She was exhausted.

In her previous life, this night had been chaotic, leaving no room for such thoughts.

She had assumed tonight would be the same.

Moreover, in her past life, when it came to matters of the bedchamber, she had often yielded to him, acting according to his moods. Rarely had it been like tonight... so laden with unmistakable meaning.

Shen Anning took a deep breath.

Before long, she entered the bathing chamber, washing up after Lu Suian.

By the time they were done, it was very late.

They climbed into the canopy bed one after the other.

The bed curtains fell, and the world grew quiet.

Inside the curtains, silence reigned, and the darkness heightened their senses.

Lying side by side with the man beside her again, Shen Anning couldn’t help but recall the night before Lu Suian had departed for the south.

That night, she had been unprepared, but she had counted on Lu Suian’s nature—knowing he would not force a woman—giving her an excuse and a possibility of escape.

Tonight, however, there was no way out. Shen Anning felt an unusual flicker of nervousness and emotional complexity.

To Lu Suian, they had only been apart for a month. But to her, it felt like a chasm spanning life and death, separating her past and present lives. The man beside her was, in her eyes, a completely different person now.

Shen Anning lay there motionless.

Lu Suian stared at the canopy above, in no hurry to act. His vision was sharp, piercing through the darkness to discern the patterns on the curtains and hear the faint sound of her breathing beside him.

He was recalling the last time they had been intimate.

Back then, his wife had been shy and trembling, nervous even before they began.

But now, aside from the slight rise and fall of her chest, there was no movement. She lay still and detached, as calm as undisturbed water.

After a moment of silence, Lu Suian finally reached out with his long arm.

Yet the moment he touched her, she shuddered violently. Instinctively, she raised her arms to shield her chest.

Shen Anning’s breathing grew rapid.

From her mind to her body, a clear sense of rejection surged through her, making her stiffen with resistance.

The man before her was no longer the husband she had once loved and secretly admired.

He was the stranger who had been unfaithful, fathering children with another woman.

He was no longer her husband but someone else’s Ziyou-gege.

"Sister-in-law, you’ve monopolized my Ziyou-gege for seven whole years. It’s time to return him to me."

"Go die."

"May the entire Chief Grand Secretary’s family reunite in the underworld."

Vicious curses echoed in her mind, making her body rigid, like a plank of wood lying stiffly on the bed, utterly unresponsive.

Just as he leaned over her, Shen Anning abruptly raised her hands to block him. At the same time, a large, rough hand suddenly and without warning clamped around her neck, gripping it firmly.

It all happened too fast, leaving no time to react.

In the darkness, someone held her slender neck in a tight grasp. A pair of dark, sharp hawk-like eyes hovered expressionlessly above her in the night, fixed intently on her face as a cold, deliberate voice demanded, "Who are you?"