Chapter 50

Chapter 50

After an exhausting night and a full day of travel, Shen Anning was utterly spent, both physically and mentally. Upon returning to her residence, all she desired was to finish dinner swiftly, bathe, and retire for the night.

Unexpectedly, no sooner had she stepped into her room than a voice from beyond the courtyard called out, "The Heir."

Immediately, Bai Tao and Hong Li rushed in, their faces alight with excitement as they reported, "Madam, the Heir has returned."

Both maids looked delighted and surprised.

Even Shen Anning froze momentarily.

Why had Lu Suian returned now?

In her previous life, for the sake of convenience in his official duties, he had always been accustomed to staying at the Dali Temple. Unless something unforeseen occurred, he would only return once or twice a month, and even then, he would spend most of his time in the study. His visits to the main quarters were exceedingly rare.

In her previous life, this was something Shen Anning had yearned for but could not attain. Now, however, it was clearly what she dreaded.

According to past custom, he had only gone to the government office yesterday and typically wouldn't return for at least ten days to half a month.

Why had he come back today?

Suddenly, she recalled his words from yesterday: "Tonight, I will move back, and from now on, I will stay in the main quarters." At first, Shen Anning had thought he meant that on the days he returned to the residence, he would stay in the main quarters. Though she was reluctant, considering how infrequently Lu Suian returned, she had grudgingly accepted it.

But now she grasped another layer of meaning: Could it be that he meant he would return to the residence every day from now on and stay here every night?

As this thought crossed her mind, Shen Anning felt an indescribable mix of emotions.

If this had happened in her previous life, she would have been overjoyed. But now, her feelings for him had long faded. She only wished to maintain a marriage in name only and get by temporarily. The thought of having to face his cold, expressionless countenance every day made her wonder how she would cope.

Just as she was frowning in thought, a tall, slender figure appeared at the door—

"The Heir."

Bai Tao and Hong Li immediately bowed respectfully, exchanging glances and silently communicating with their eyes.

Shen Anning finally turned around and saw Lu Suian, dressed in his official robes, slowly enter. He was tall and imposing, and as he stepped through the doorway, he habitually tilted his head slightly. If he were any taller, his head would have brushed the doorframe. His commanding stature, accentuated by his official robes, made him appear extremely intimidating. The moment he stepped inside, the candlelight cast his long shadow across the room, darkening half of it and creating an oppressive atmosphere.

With his entrance, even the main quarters seemed to shrink in size.

When Lu Suian saw Shen Anning standing in the middle of the room, he paused and fixed his calm gaze directly on her face.

They exchanged glances across half the room.

They had been in a state of tense silence the day before, and then, inexplicably, had shared intimacy through half the night. Both situations were somewhat embarrassing to recall.

Thus, this exchange of glances made both of them feel slightly uncomfortable.

Shen Anning stood still, still somewhat stunned by his sudden appearance.

Lu Suian, however, looked at her intently, surveying her from head to toe, and was the first to speak: "Did you go out today, Madam?"

His gaze lingered on her elaborate makeup and formal robes. Not only had her temperament changed, but even her habits and preferences seemed different.

He remembered that the former Shen Anning preferred dark colors and rarely wore makeup, often appearing with a natural face. Yet, she was always meticulous, neat, and clean. Now, while at home, she was relaxed and informal, neglecting her appearance. But once she left the residence, she would wear makeup and present herself as exceptionally vibrant.

Lu Suian's eyes darkened slightly, though he maintained a gentle expression on his face.

"Madam?"

Lu Suian's voice was deep, carrying a gravelly resonance.

For some reason, when those two words left his lips, Shen Anning felt her skin prickle, and an inexplicable shiver ran down her spine.

She vaguely remembered that in her previous life, Lu Suian had rarely addressed her this way. She had been too considerate, even too eager, never giving him a chance to call her "Madam" before she eagerly approached him.

Not only had he never used the term "Madam," but he had never even called her by her given name. In fact, it was uncertain whether he even knew it.

Now, Shen Anning slowly crossed her arms, trying to act as if nothing was amiss, and replied indifferently, "Yes, I went back to the old residence today."

She hesitated, wondering whether to tell him everything about Shen Mu.

But Lu Suian simply responded with a faint "Hmm," and said, "Your adoptive parents are new here. It’s only natural for you to spend more time with them. On my next day of rest, I will accompany you to visit them."

As he spoke, he slowly walked further into the room. A moment later, he casually handed something in Bai Tao’s direction.

Only then did Shen Anning and Bai Tao notice that he was carrying something. When he handed it, they saw it was a package wrapped in yellow oil paper. At the same time, a faint, savory aroma wafted through the air.

Bai Tao was momentarily stunned but quickly stepped forward to take it, asking, "Heir, what is this?"

Lu Suian shifted his gaze to Shen Anning and said calmly, "Crispy chicken from outside the Dali Temple."

Then, looking directly at her, he added, "For Madam to try."

His gaze held the tranquility of early autumn, fixed on her. His expression was not as distant or cold as before, and there was a clear attempt to extend an olive branch.

This behavior, along with his earlier concern for her adoptive parents, left Shen Anning momentarily stunned.

Everything happening before her felt unfamiliar, completely unlike Lu Suian’s usual demeanor.

Crispy chicken?

Lu Suian had no particular culinary interests. Having served him for seven years, Shen Anning knew he never indulged in street food. Although he was not picky, he was somewhat discerning and avoided things he disliked. In her previous life, whenever Shen Anning passed by the Dali Temple and was tempted by the fragrant aroma of the crispy chicken, she had never dared to try it, fearing Lu Suian would disapprove.

And now, he had specifically bought it for her?

In her previous life, Shen Anning’s adoptive parents lived far away in Jiangnan. Even her father-in-law, Lu Jingrong, and Lady Xiao, had asked if they should be invited to the capital to be cared for. But Lu Suian had never shown any interest. Now, however, he had brought it up twice and even offered to accompany her to visit them.

Shen Anning suddenly felt she no longer understood the man before her.

Just yesterday, he had been frosty and distant. How had he changed so much overnight?

At that moment, Bai Tao exclaimed with delight, "Heir, is this the crispy chicken from the shop at the entrance of the alley outside the Dali Temple? It smells amazing! Last time Madam brought you food, she mentioned how fragrant it was. I never thought you’d buy some for her today."

Bai Tao effusively praised him, working hard to act as a bridge to improve relations between the couple.

Promptly, she unwrapped the oil paper and brought it to Shen Anning, saying cheerfully and eagerly, "Madam, smell it—it’s so fragrant!"

Shen Anning glanced at the crispy chicken in the oil paper. It was indeed crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, exuding a rich, savory aroma.

Just then, Chang Li’s voice came from outside the door, loud and clear: "Today, there was only one serving of crispy chicken left at the shop outside the Dali Temple. The Heir went to great lengths to secure it from Lord Lou and Lord Sima. He almost got into a fight with them just to let Madam have a taste—"

Chang Li was speaking to Chun Qi.

But he deliberately raised his voice, his exaggerated tone ensuring all in the courtyard heard.

Lu Suian’s mouth quirked slightly, but seeing the peaceful atmosphere inside and outside the room, he found it acceptable. His gaze lingered on his wife for a moment before he calmly instructed, "Have the meal served."

After speaking, he entered the inner chamber to change clothes.

During the meal, he even did something unprecedented by serving her a piece of crispy fried chicken for the first time.

That day, perhaps because Lu Suian was not as stern and rigid as usual, the atmosphere in Riverbend Manor felt less tense and oppressive. Even Bai Tao and Hong Li, who were serving nearby, felt much more relaxed.

After the meal, the maids quietly cleared the dishes. At the dining table, Lu Suian and Shen Anning sat at opposite ends; their eyes met.

The candlelight flickered gently.

It seemed to transport them back to the previous night.

Last night, the candlelight had flickered wildly, swaying and dancing throughout the entire night.

It was the most intimate moment the couple had shared.

Last night, he had witnessed his wife's most candid and uninhibited beauty. Now, with her robes tightly wrapped around her and her attire elegantly dressed, she presented a different kind of beauty.

Her skin was as fair as snow, her brows and eyes resembled distant mountains, and her lips were a vibrant red. Of course, there was also her graceful and slender figure, hinted at rather than hidden by her robes.

Why had he never noticed his wife's beauty before?

Lu Suian studied her carefully with his gaze.

It seemed he had no intention of immediately leaving for the study as he usually did.

Shen Anning, however, had no interest in lingering under such candlelight to exchange glances with him. She was still somewhat fatigued from the previous day. Though his gaze was calm, it carried a hidden depth. Just as Shen Anning was about to rise and suggest he leave, Lu Suian suddenly ordered tea to be served and dismissed all the servants in the room.

After everyone had withdrawn, Lu Suian straightened his posture, gazed at Shen Anning for a moment, and suddenly spoke: "Madam, let's talk."

Lu Suian spoke calmly and resolutely.

Though his tone was diplomatic, it carried an unmistakable authority.

Shen Anning was momentarily startled. Meeting his subtly sharp gaze, she thought of his recent peculiar behavior, yesterday's cold war, and her own repeated evasions and excuses. In his eyes, her actions likely seemed ungrateful and provocative.

Shen Anning knew all too well how perceptive he was. She had managed to dismiss him a few times, perhaps making him think she was merely being capricious. But if she continued to evade, she feared that the question, "Who are you?" would resurface once again.

Lu Suian had always been decisive and authoritarian and would not tolerate her repeated defiance and willfulness for long.

Very well, since they would not be able to part ways easily anytime soon, it was better to clarify things clearly.

With this in mind, Shen Anning also composed herself formally.

Lu Suian locked eyes with her intently and said, "That day, you asked me what it means to be a married couple. Afterward, I consulted some classical texts. In the *Book of Songs* and the *Book of Rites*, it is said that the relationship between husband and wife should be one of mutual respect. For the wife, she should practice 'wifely obedience,' heeding and following her husband's opinions. For the husband, 'the wise kings of the Three Dynasties in their governance always respected their wives.' There are also teachings about respecting, honoring, and protecting one's wife."

At this point, Lu Suian looked at Shen Anning calmly and rationally, continuing, "In the past, I was wholly devoted to official duties and may have neglected you, letting you feel overlooked in the household. Perhaps there were areas where I fell short and failed to fulfill my responsibilities of respecting, honoring, and protecting my wife. Since there were faults, I will correct them in the future. So-called husband and wife—neither can be lacking. As a married couple, we should manage, bear, and advance together from now on. If I ever act inappropriately in the future, Madam, you may point it out at any time. If you are right, I will listen and correct myself. Of course, if Madam ever acts inappropriately, I will also frankly point it out. Since we are already husband and wife and have become a family, I hope that we can be honest with each other and continue with mutual respect."

Lu Suian spoke his mind plainly, articulating his thoughts word by word.

This was his first act of introspection and compromise after enduring his wife's repeated evasions, rejections, and alienation, as well as experiencing bouts of anger and frustration, yesterday's cold war, and clearly sensing that their marital relationship had developed a rift so large it nearly became irreparable.

It was also his olive branch and statement of intent.

Though she was not indispensable to him, his former wife had indeed been flawless, and his current wife... also made him... crave more.

He hoped they could respect each other and build a life together respectfully.

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Author's Note: Everyone, I made some slight revisions to Chapter 49, adding 800 words! It's fine if you don't reread it, but it'll flow more smoothly if you do!

Thank you all so much for your support. I will continue to work hard!