Chapter 34: Parting on Good Terms

Page 1/3

Shen Yishu was effectively confined, and with the old Madam Shen’s decree, no one dared to let him out at a time like this. Every day, besides the books he had read before, many family rules and instructions were also placed before him. It was clear they were deeply dissatisfied with Shen Yishu’s current attitude.

“I have never done anything wrong. Why am I being given family rules to read?” Shen Yishu snapped in anger, grabbing the rules and throwing them all onto the floor. Seeing the fluttering scrolls scatter like snowflakes, he finally felt a bit relieved. Irritated, he glared at the person who pushed the door open again.

When he recognized the figure, he was momentarily stunned, then forced a faint smile. “Xin’er, you’ve come.”

That stiff smile, paired with the lingering bitterness in his eyes, made the scene strangely eerie. It was hard to imagine that this was the same elegant man who not long ago had professed eternal love to her.

A deep unease stirred in Liu Xin’er’s heart, but after a moment, she softened and resumed her gentle demeanor. She spoke calmly, “Husband, are you upset about something? The old Madam wants you to read these for your own good. She intends to nurture you.”

After finishing these books, Dou Hongyan hoped to arrange a minor official post for Shen Yishu. Why waste such an opportunity? Liu Xin’er was very much looking forward to seeing Shen Yishu dressed in official robes—it would be her victory.

She gently calmed Shen Yishu, picked up the family rules from the floor, and reset the ink and brush. With a warm smile, she ground the ink and handed him the brush. “Husband, please. These are all tests from the old Madam.”

Page 2/3

“You’re the most considerate and understanding. Only you can do this well,” Shen Yishu said, feeling a warmth flow through him.

Liu Xin’er lowered her head, appearing gentle and serene, but inside she was far from calm. Taking advantage of this rare moment of quiet, she pondered the old Madam’s unusual behavior.

Something was wrong…

Since the child was not the husband’s, the old Madam had no reason to hide it from him. She wouldn’t turn her back and protect an outsider like Dou Hongyan.

The only conclusion was the same as before: the old Madam was under threat, and that threat was immense, forcing her compliance.

A name flashed through Liu Xin’er’s mind.

Was His Highness the Crown Prince really only here out of curiosity? And why, upon appearing, did he immediately slander both Shen Yishu and herself?

“Husband,” Liu Xin’er ventured carefully through the sound of grinding ink, “Is the Crown Prince young? Is he married? I imagine the Crown Princess must be a divine and ethereal lady.”

“Don’t mention him!” Shen Yishu, emboldened by the absence of others, spoke boldly. “He dared to lay hands on me—how crude! Truly, a mere fool who only knows how to fight on the battlefield!”

Page 3/3

The sudden sharpness in his voice startled Liu Xin’er so much she shuddered.

Seeing his beloved wife frightened, Shen Yishu quickly softened his tone to soothe her. “I’m not talking about you. The Crown Prince… his situation is complicated.”

He recalled and explained, “The Crown Prince has never had a formal wedding, but strictly speaking, there is a Crown Princess in his household.”

“Never formally married, yet has a Crown Princess?” Liu Xin’er furrowed her delicate brows. “I don’t understand.”

Shen Yishu said, “The Crown Prince’s household has raised a childhood bride named Gu Zhaozhao, the daughter of the former Grand Tutor. Though they never officially married, in name she is indeed the Crown Princess.”

In the capital, everyone tacitly accepted this fact. When they met Gu Zhaozhao, most addressed her as the Crown Princess.

“Gu family…” Liu Xin’er mused for a moment.

Suddenly recalling something, she covered her mouth in surprise. “The daughter of the former Grand Tutor—I have heard of her. She’s a remarkably talented woman.”

The former Grand Tutor was once renowned throughout the land, with vast connections.

Even she had heard the name of Grand Tutor Gu back then.

With this in mind…

Liu Xin’er lowered her head and smiled disdainfully.