Chapter 15: Where Did You Get a Husband From?
Madam Shen, facing the maids and attendants who kept their heads lowered, hiding their expressions, praised Dou Hongyan extravagantly: “How could you say such things? There’s no daughter-in-law better than Hongyan in the entire capital. During these years you were away, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for me. She deserves a share of the virtue archway’s honor…”
At the same time, she caught sight of Liu Xiner and suddenly remembered something.
Hurriedly, she added, “And you! Over these years, you’ve ignored Hongyan’s hard work and brought home a woman unfit to be seen—an unmarried woman, pregnant before marriage, involved without proper match-making. Our Hou family will not recognize her!”
Unconditionally rejecting her!
Feeling a cold sweat break out, she thought this ought to satisfy Dou Hongyan.
After her words, Liu Xiner’s eyes reddened from being pointed at. Her willow-like brows furrowed in sorrow, a pitiful look pleading for help as she glanced toward Shen Yishu.
Shen Yishu’s heart melted instantly.
He quickly steadied Liu Xiner and looked toward Madam Shen, hesitating to speak, ultimately daring not to say a word…
Seeing his dull, unresponsive manner, Liu Xiner bit her lip and whispered, “Husband, I wish to speak privately with mother. Could you please have the others leave first?”
The maids and attendants all left. Liu Xiner bit her lip and gently grasped Madam Shen’s hand, speaking softly, “Mother, if you have any grievances, please speak freely. It’s only us here.”
Silence filled the room, broken only by Liu Xiner’s considerate voice flowing like a mountain stream. Shen Yishu’s eyes urged him on earnestly... Madam Shen’s nose tingled with emotion.
She almost blurted out.
At that moment, a light knock came at the door—three steady taps—and a calm female voice outside startled Madam Shen almost to trembling.
A maid outside said, puzzled, “Madam, there is a letter for you.”
Madam Shen was even more horrified and hurriedly covered it up: “Oh, oh, just leave it there. It’s probably from some other ladies in the capital.”
Her gaze toward Liu Xiner grew wary. She pushed Liu Xiner aside and declared vehemently, “Hongyan is our legitimate daughter-in-law. How dare you, a lowly servant, call me mother? Get out!”
“Mother, Madam, I only wanted to honor you,” Liu Xiner sobbed.
“You’re no woman to honor me!”
“Mother! How can you say that!”
Shen Yishu watched Liu Xiner flee in tears and grew anxious. He paced helplessly before finally leaving in frustration with a sharp, “Xiner has only ever been devoted to you. How can you be so ungrateful?”
He chased after Liu Xiner.
Every detail of the incident was relayed without omission to Dou Hongyan.
She listened with delight, then instructed Hui Xue, “Watch Madam Shen carefully. Don’t let her show any flaws. I still intend to remain the lady of the Hou residence.”
She absolutely could not allow anyone to see her marriage faltering or to think of taking her away… she had no interest in dealing with a more troublesome crowd.
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“Madam…” Liuyun noticed Dou Hongyan’s ease and happiness, puffed out her cheeks, and advised, “Why endure grievances here? That man and Miss Gu were only putting on a show. Wouldn’t it be much more comfortable to go to him?”
“You’re too naive, Liuyun. That may not be so,” Dou Hongyan replied.
She was uncertain if moving forward would bring better days, but for now, Dou Hongyan was content. She had no desire to meddle in those matters.
Dou Hongyan waved her hand, “You may leave. Dress warmly for the night watch.”
Late at night, she fell asleep under the red canopy, flickering shadows cast by the dim candlelight.
The window silently opened, casting a sinister, chilling silhouette against the wall.
A tall, strong man with broad shoulders and a narrow waist strolled leisurely through the refined boudoir.
When he reached Dou Hongyan’s canopy, he casually flicked it aside, letting a cold wind sweep in.
In a soft, dreamlike murmur, Dou Hongyan whispered, “Don’t disturb me…”
“Do you find me annoying?” the man asked.
He bent over her, looming before her, his large, icy hands rising to caress her neck, wandering with lingering intent.
When their eyes met—her wide with terror—he chuckled darkly and hissed, “Tell me, where did your husband come from?”