Chapter 32

Chapter 32

The Glazed Revolving Lantern and Moonlight Cloud Brocade were indeed far too eye-catching.

Sure enough, the moment Shen Qinglan stepped through the mansion gates, everyone in the house knew he had brought back fancy goods from the temple fair.

Everyone wanted to come and take a look—after all, neither the dazzling glazed lantern nor the cloud brocade as luminous as moonlight were things money can't buy, no matter how wealthy you were.

But unfortunately, because of the messy breakup over that earlier engagement, no one dared step into Lanwei Courtyard.

In the end, only Lady Shen and Shen Huaizhi and his wife came.

Shen Huaizhi, because he wasn't diligent in his studies and was still a playboy, had married a woman from a modest family. Her name was Li Huilan, the daughter of a low-ranking official under her father-in-law's command.

However, although Li Huilan was ordinary in appearance and from a humble background, she was sweet-natured, clever with words, and tactful in social interactions.

Even though Shen Qinglan, as her brother-in-law, now seemed to have a bleak future and little value in forming close ties, she always followed her husband's wishes and publicly treated Shen Qinglan with warmth and support, never slighting him.

Thus, two years into their marriage, Shen Huaizhi had gradually grown from distant respect to genuine affection for this wife.

He and Shen Qinglan were deeply devoted as brothers, so he naturally skipped the formalities.

As soon as he saw the shimmering Moonlight Cloud Brocade his younger brother had brought back, Shen Huaizhi brazenly sidled up:

"Lan Ge'er, that bosom buddy of yours really is something! I heard this Moonlight Cloud Brocade was one of the prizes from this year's lantern riddle stage. For that An Ge'er to win it and give it to you—that's some serious friendship!"

"Qinglan, Lan Ge'er, my good little brother, you know I've always treated you well, right? This bolt of brocade can make at least three outfits. How about hooking me up with some? I'll have a cloud brocade dress made for your sister-in-law to show off. What do you say?"

"Don't worry, I'll pay you! I won't rip you off!"

Shen Huaizhi waved his hand grandly, with a grand flourish.

Though he wasn't good at his studies and loved eating and drinking and having fun, he wasn't completely useless. Like his younger brother, he had inherited their mother's gift for business, and he was never really strapped for cash.

Li Huilan, feeling awkward, gently pinched her husband's arm and chided him playfully:

"You've got some nerve! That's a gift from An Ge'er, representing the friendship between them. How can you just ask for it?"

"Even if it were to be given away, it should first go to Mother. In a few days, isn't Mother going to attend Lady Zhang's small banquet? That Lady Zhang always shows off in front of Mother. If Mother wore a dress made of Moonlight Cloud Brocade, she'd be green with envy..."

"Mother, you are still so charming. You ought to dress up beautifully."

One had to say, Li Huilan was indeed smooth in handling people.

She could always find an opportunity to flatter her mother-in-law, and in just a few words, she had Lady Shen grinning from ear to ear.

"At my age, what charm is there left? This cloud brocade is rare; it should go to Lan Ge'er to make several outfits, so he can attend gatherings and look for a match."

For the sake of her son's marriage prospects, she had truly worn herself out with worry.

Shen Qinglan's thoughts were all on Han Zhang now, and he had no desire to go to banquets. Hearing this, he blurted out guiltily:

"Mother! Beauty fades and love sours. I don't want to doll myself up just to find a match. If someone only comes for my looks, when I grow old, who knows how much I'd have to put up with..."

"As the saying goes, 'Good things come to those who wait.' All the setbacks today might just be paving the way for a good marriage later. Fate brings people together no matter how far apart they are. Don't rush, Mother. My marriage has its own destiny."

"Second Sister-in-law is right. Mother is still young and should wear bright colors. This bolt of brocade is enough for three outfits. I'll have one, you'll have one, and Second Sister-in-law will have one..."

Though parting with gifts from his sweetheart pained him deeply, if he didn't do this, his thing with Brother Han would surely be exposed.

After all, it was just a bolt of cloth. No matter how precious, it couldn't compare to his mother. If he showed reluctance, it would clearly be suspicious.

Fortunately, he still had that glazed revolving lantern!

At night, he could place it by his bed, and looking at the lantern would feel like seeing Brother Han. Just the thought of it made him grin...

Both his sons and daughter-in-law were so filial.

Lady Shen beamed with joy and said repeatedly: "Alright, alright. Then Mother will dress up too."

Once the chuckles died down.

Lady Shen asked with concern: "Lan Ge'er, you and An Ge'er went to the temple fair today—what fun did you have? What new things happened that you had to sneak off on your own without telling Mother?"

Though the temple fair was lively, it could also be dangerous. Her son going out alone today had been worrying her the whole time.

She hadn't wanted to let him go, but Lan Ge'er was stubborn, and she couldn't stop him. Now that he was safely back home, being a mom, she had to prod a bit more.

Shen Qinglan dared not tell the truth, nor could he fabricate a story, because his mother was too shrewd.

In the end, he could only mix truth and lies, truthfully recounting most of the day's itinerary, but replacing Han Zhang's name with An Ge'er.

"...That's basically it. Nothing special—just watching street performances and strolling around as usual. Not going with you all was just to have some fun on my own."

Shen Qinglan laughed nervously, trying to cover up.

This kind of half-truth could indeed hoodwink them.

After listening, Lady Shen didn't catch on yet, but just gave him earnest advice:

"You're nearly a grown man about to marry and start a family, yet you still have no discipline. I'll let it slide this time, but from now on, no more running off freely. Stay properly in the mansion and learn the rules from the matron."

"Yes, Mother."

Shen Qinglan didn't dare argue and nodded obediently.

But as for actually listening—that was impossible. He still had to sneak out and find his Brother Han!

—

They chatted a bit longer about everyday stuff.

They finally parted ways.

Shen Huaizhi went to the study to count the account books.

Li Huilan and Lady Shen, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, took the Moonlight Cloud Brocade that Shen Qinglan had given them and went off to flaunt it.

Let them gossip behind their backs! This'll show them!

Their Lan Ge'er was blessed with good fortune! Even if his marriage wasn't going smoothly now, he still had riches and honor, and even a son of the Left Censor-in-Chief's mansion as a close friend—who would dare look down on him!

In the main courtyard.

Lady Shen gave a warning reminder to her husband.

"My lord, as they say, 'Every cloud has a silver lining.' Although our Lan Ge'er's marriage has encountered repeated twists and turns, who knows, maybe it's a blessing in disguise?"

"Look, even now An Ge'er, the son of the Left Censor-in-Chief, still treats our Lan Ge'er like a close buddy. That shows our child has good fortune ahead."

The days ahead are long, Husband. If you continue to be so partial and look down on Lan Geer, be careful that in the future, when he finds a good match, your Shen family won't get a single benefit...

She no longer expected her husband to care much about Lan Geer, but Lord Shen was still his biological father. She couldn't let him truly abandon the child, as it would ultimately be detrimental to Lan Geer.

In this world, paternal authority is paramount; not a single word of admonition should be spared.

Lord Shen, having risen from a poor scholar to the position of a fifth-rank capital official, was no fool. He was well aware of his wife's little schemes.

In handling the marriage matter, he had indeed been somewhat partial, but he hadn't truly given up on Shen Qinglan, this son.

Hearing his wife's veiled words, Lord Shen couldn't hold back and even slipped into dialect.

"You shrew, how dare you blame me! In the matter of marriage, I did wrong Lan Geer a bit, but didn't I make it up to him afterward? Have I ever skimped on his daily food, clothing, or expenses?"

"If anyone is partial, it's you! Your heart and eyes are only on the second son and Lan Geer, those two good-for-nothings, while you ignore the eldest and Quan Geer. Completely muddle-headed!"

"Besides, given Lan Geer's temper, how would I dare to slight him? If he cracked a whip, he'd probably break these old bones of mine..."

Lord Shen truly didn't think he was partial, because he treated all children equally, only caring about who could bring him benefits.

His wife was the truly biased one, to be honest.

Unfortunately, Lady Shen refused to listen. She snorted coldly and nodded, "Yes, I am partial, I admit it! It's because the second son and Lan Geer are devoted to me. The eldest and Quan Geer always side with you!"

"I raised them with great effort, but when I'm wronged, all they say is to endure it. They even tell me to be magnanimous to those little sluts in the back courtyard, as if I'm an evil mistress, stepping on their own mother to gain a reputation of brotherly love and gentlemanly conduct—they've learned your faithless behavior perfectly!"

"Besides, I haven't mistreated them. Their food, clothing, and expenses are all top-notch. I just don't fuss over every little detail like I used to. How is that wronging them, that you have to accuse me?"

"You heartless man, how did you promise me back then, and how have you treated me since marriage? Now you dare to list my faults? I'll fight you! See if I don't scratch your face. Sobbing."

As Lady Shen spoke, she was stirred by past grievances and, emotional, began to scratch and claw at Lord Shen.

Lord Shen covered his face, grieved: ...

If he had known this day would come, with so many noble ladies available back then, why did he have to choose such a shrew!

The old couple in the main courtyard were in a terrible fight.

Over in the eastern courtyard.

Eldest sister-in-law Lyu Shurou was also quarreling with Shen Huairen.

Lyu Shurou said indignantly, "Husband, look at your second brother. His behavior is out of line. We are both sisters-in-law. Why did he only give the Moonlight Cloud Brocade to Li Huilan and not to me?"

"How am I inferior to that nobody Li Huilan? He's clearly slapping me in the face. It serves him right that his marriage got stolen—a good-for-nothing with only a pretty face..."

Lyu Shurou was the legitimate daughter of a fourth-rank official who married down. Among the Shen daughters-in-law, she had the highest status and had always been proud and arrogant.

With two sisters-in-law, Shen Qinglan left her out when giving gifts, causing her to lose face. Naturally, she was furious.

Shen Huairen was also displeased.

But he considered himself a gentleman and couldn't bring himself to whine openly like his wife did. So he could only say sullenly.

"Alright, you know Lan Geer's temper. I helped Quan Geer with his marriage. It would be strange if he showed me any respect. Why bother arguing with him? It's beneath your dignity."

"His marriage prospects are unfortunate, he's stubborn, and his actions are so petty. He'll never amount to anything."

"Instead of complaining here, you should think more about how to get close to Quan Geer and the others. Quan Geer and those children are generous and sensible; they are the ones we should rely on..."

"Those are his real supporters. Lan Geer is done for and not worth worrying about."

Lyu Shurou understood the reasoning, but she was still unhappy. "In any case, Lan Geer's behavior is just too infuriating."

Lanwei Courtyard.

Qiao Dong, Qiao Xi, and the others were also worried. "Young master, you gave the Moonlight Cloud Brocade only to the second young mistress but not to the first young mistress. Isn't that... a bit inappropriate?"

"What's inappropriate?"

Shen Qinglan waved his hand nonchalantly. "Anyway, eldest sister-in-law looks down on me. Sending it would be a waste. Now I only care about what makes me happy."

"Given the way eldest brother and sister-in-law behave, if something really goes wrong, even if I knocked my head bloody, they probably wouldn't lift a finger."

"Since that's the case, why force myself just for a little face?"