Chapter 17

Ning Zhen and Yao Wenluo’s encounter was bound to end in conflict tonight. 

Every time Ning Zhen ran into Yao Wenluo, it never ended well. 

In front of Sheng Changyu, Yao Wenluo called him “Ah Yu,” making Ning Zhen realize that Yao Wenluo’s good reputation in Suzhou’s high society might stem from leveraging her connection with the future Governor’s wife. 

Who would dare offend a young lady who might become the Governor’s wife? 

Even though Ning Zhen had already reached this position, it was still precarious. 

The status of “Governor’s wife” didn’t give Ning Zhen much leverage, especially with the Governor himself present. 

“Play the part of the meek one,” Ning Zhen decided in her mind. She would tolerate and defer to Yao Wenluo for now and deal with her once her own position was more secure. 

Ning Zhen didn’t want to create a rift with Sheng Changyu over this and risk leaving a bad impression that could endanger herself and her family. 

“Get out of the car,” Sheng Changyu suddenly said. 

Ning Zhen:  

Was he asking her to get out so Yao Wenluo could get in? 

Even though she was prepared, Ning Zhen felt a wave of embarrassment. Sheng Changyu could have gotten out himself to ride with Yao Wenluo or have his adjutant bring another car. 

Reluctantly, Ning Zhen complied, quickly getting out to avoid further trouble. 

As she stood by, she heard the car door open on the other side, and Sheng Changyu got out as well. 

He walked around to Ning Zhen’s side and, without waiting for her reaction, put his arm around her shoulder. 

Ning Zhen:  

Sheng Changyu then led her a few steps forward and told the adjutant, “Cheng Yang, take Miss Yao to see the lanterns.” 

To Yao Wenluo, he added, “Get in my car, don’t be polite. Cheng Yang will clear the area so no one will bother you.” 

Yao Wenluo’s expression changed suddenly. 

She stepped forward, bypassing the car light, and stood in front of Ning Zhen and Sheng Changyu, “Ah Yu, you promised to accompany me to see the lanterns.” 

“I never promised that. I only agreed to fulfill one request,” Sheng Changyu said. “You wanted to see the lanterns, and I agreed.” 

“I want you to accompany me!” 

“That’s two different requests,” Sheng Changyu replied. 

Yao Wenluo was stunned. 

Ning Zhen was also surprised, thinking that Sheng Changyu was being deceptive. Next time the Governor made a promise, Ning Zhen would make sure to clarify the details to avoid such misunderstandings. 

Yao Wenluo, used to being pampered, immediately tried to pull at Sheng Changyu’s sleeve, “Ah Yu! You can’t do this to me. I don’t want to go alone!” 

“I’ll arrange for someone to accompany you. Ten or eight people isn’t enough; a hundred would be fine,” Sheng Changyu said. 

He continued to hold Ning Zhen’s shoulder. 

The Mid-Autumn night was not cold, and Ning Zhen wore a silk velvet cheongsam, holding her shawl. Her clothing wasn’t very thick, and Sheng Changyu’s shirt was even thinner. 

His body was always warm, and Ning Zhen felt his warmth through her clothes as he embraced her. 

She felt a tingle and didn’t dare move. 

Sheng Changyu was clearly using her as a shield to deter Yao Wenluo. 

He probably wasn’t very interested in Yao Wenluo but didn’t want to damage his relationship with General Yao by confronting her directly. 

He was using Ning Zhen as a human shield. 

Ning Zhen didn’t mind. 

Her value meant she had opportunities; and if she could avoid being bullied by Yao Wenluo while showing a bit of her own sharp edge, she was even more willing. 

“Governor, it’s getting late. Let’s not delay any further,” Ning Zhen said, lifting her face slightly to look at Sheng Changyu. 

Sheng Changyu looked down. 

In the moonlight, their faces appeared soft and blurred. 

The proximity allowed them to feel each other’s breath, and Sheng Changyu didn’t immediately withdraw his gaze, continuing to look at her intently. 

Ning Zhen didn’t look away either, meeting his gaze. 

— To Yao Wenluo, this scene seemed incredibly heartfelt and sincere. 

Yao Wenluo was furious. 

As Ning Zhen thought this, she couldn’t help but smile slightly, her eyes curving as she softly called out, “Governor?” 

Sheng Changyu responded, “Yes, let’s go.” 

Yao Wenluo was infuriated. 

“Ah Yu, you can’t treat me like this.” Yao Wenluo pointed angrily at Ning Zhen, “Ning Zhen, you’re deliberately causing trouble. Ah Yu won’t be deceived by you.” 

Sheng Changyu immediately put on a stern expression, “Don’t speak about my wife like that.” 

When Sheng Changyu’s face darkened, Yao Wenluo became fearful, losing her previous arrogance and adopting a more subdued tone, “Ah Yu, you don’t understand this woman’s true nature.” 

“I understand her very well,” Sheng Changyu said, “I know my wife from top to bottom.” 

Yao Wenluo was on the verge of tears. 

The adjutant brought out another car, and Sheng Changyu and Ning Zhen left. 

Ning Zhen sighed in relief, feeling much better. 

She had been worried about losing face in front of Yao Wenluo, which would have been quite embarrassing. 

Fortunately, it was Yao Wenluo who ended up making a fool of herself. 

Ning Zhen sat quietly in the car. 

Sheng Changyu sat on the other side, showing no emotion and remaining silent. 

The car quickly arrived at the Ning residence. 

“Governor, I’ll go in now,” Ning Zhen said. “You don’t need to pick me up in five days. I’ll come back early in the morning. Don’t worry, I won’t upset Mother-in-law. I’ll be a good daughter-in-law at the old residence.” 

Sheng Changyu responded with a noncommittal sound, his tone flat and without fluctuation. 

Ning Zhen got out of the car. 

As soon as she closed the car door, Sheng Changyu urged the driver to leave immediately, showing no desire to linger at the Ning family’s gate. 

In reality, Ning Zhen and Sheng Changyu had been married for over four months. 

He not only refused to share a room with her but also avoided visiting her family. 

He had never met her parents. 

Given the special circumstances, the Ning family didn’t expect much, and Ning Zhen had given up on expecting anything. 

She cheerfully knocked on the door. 

Her sudden return startled her family at first; once she explained the situation, everyone was delighted and quickly prepared a place for her. 

Her elder sister-in-law got up to instruct the servants to clean Ning Zhen’s old courtyard and replace the bedding with fresh linens. 

Her second sister-in-law said she had something special saved for her. 

Surrounded by the lively atmosphere, Ning Zhen felt warm and comforted. 

Her family was different from the Sheng family; they had a strong bond. 

“…Yao Wenluo also got a setback?” 

Second sister-in-law Jin Nuan stayed with Ning Zhen in the courtyard. They sat down for some snacks and coffee, planning to chat through the night. 

Ning Zhen told her about the events that had just transpired. 

Jin Nuan was thrilled, “The Governor is really impressive! Ning Zhen, does the Governor like you?” 

Ning Zhen said, “You can talk about this at home, but don’t spread it around.” 

“Why wouldn’t he like you? I’ve seen Su Qing’er, and she’s not as pretty as you,” Jin Nuan said. 

Ning Zhen replied, “Be quiet and don’t cause trouble for me. My current situation is precarious, and saying such things only makes the Sheng family more wary of me.” 

Jin Nuan sighed. 

She now understood the reason for Ning Zhen’s marriage and felt deeply sympathetic. 

“He will like you eventually,” Jin Nuan encouraged. 

Ning Zhen replied, “Let’s hope so.” 

“Do you also hope he likes you?” Jin Nuan asked curiously. “I thought you didn’t have such thoughts and just wanted to be the Governor’s wife.” 

Ning Zhen said, “Aren’t you naive? If he doesn’t like me, what’s the point of being the Governor’s wife? It would be just an empty title.” 

Jin Nuan asked, “Would you like him?” 

“Our relationship doesn’t involve such emotional exchanges. He’s my superior, and his affection affects my life; I’m his subordinate, and my loyalty is my greatest affection for him,” Ning Zhen said. 

“What about a woman’s affection for a man?” Jin Nuan asked. 

Ning Zhen was silent. 

Jin Nuan, with her innocent demeanor, seemed suited to marry Ning Zhen’s simple-minded second brother. 

Ning Zhen and Sheng Changyu’s marriage was a bridge constructed temporarily during a power struggle. The two people involved were destined to be more than ordinary individuals. 

Ning Zhen had never seen Sheng Changyu as an ordinary man. 

And perhaps, in Sheng Changyu’s eyes, Ning Zhen was not an ordinary woman either.