Chapter 85

The weather was unpleasant on the day of the Little New Year. It was gloomy in the morning, and by the afternoon, the sky was overcast with heavy clouds. By four o’clock, it already felt like dusk.  

A cold wind blew along the long sycamore-lined path at the entrance of the Governor’s residence. A few cold crows fluttered from the branches, disappearing into the desolate horizon. 

When Ning Zhen arrived at the gates of the Governor’s residence, it was the Governor’s chief adjutant, Cheng Yang, who greeted her. 

“Please, Madam. The Governor is still in a meeting; you may wait in the small reception room,” Cheng Yang said. 

Ning Zhen followed him inside. They passed through a corridor that led by the small two-story building where the meeting was being held. As they walked under the west windows, they heard bursts of laughter. 

The laughter was hearty. 

“‘Officers crying at a grave’—it’s become a national joke, a New Year’s topic for everyone to laugh over.” 

“The Governor’s strategy was ruthless, forcing internal conflict among the Hong faction.” 

Then Ning Zhen heard Sheng Changyu’s voice: “Who the hell is Hong Zhen? Those old northern thieves are disgusting, daring to stir up trouble right under my nose.  

“Talking about forming a cabinet and appointing Hong Zhen as Vice Premier was nothing more than a bargaining chip to irritate me.” 

“This time, cutting off their supplies has turned Hong Zhen into a national laughingstock. The Governor has vented his anger and dealt with a filthy issue.” 

“I never would have thought of the ‘officers crying at a grave’ strategy. Governor, that was brutal,” said Cheng Baisheng, his voice filled with amusement. 

The meeting room was full of laughter. 

Hearing this, Ning Zhen couldn’t help but feel happy herself. Sheng Changyu had pulled off a major achievement before the New Year without shedding blood, and his mood seemed to be quite good. 

When he was in a good mood and didn’t cause trouble, life would be easier for both the Sheng family and the Ning family. 

Ning Zhen’s steps became lighter. 

She sat down in the small reception room, going over what she planned to say. 

Chief adjutant Cheng Yang served her tea. 

Just as Ning Zhen finished her first cup, Sheng Changyu entered the room. 

He was wearing a long black overcoat, and a warmth seemed to radiate from him, so strong it could be felt even from a distance. 

Ning Zhen stood up. “Governor.” 

“Sit,” he said, his expression relaxed, a hint of pleasure in his demeanor. 

Ning Zhen sat down and pushed several sheets of her drawings forward. “Governor, I’ve completed the designs for the renovation of the inner quarters. Please have a look.” 

Sheng Changyu replied, “Leave them there. I’ll look at them after the New Year. I’ve just returned from outside and can’t focus on that right now.” 

He was straightforward. 

One good thing about dealing with military men was that they wore their likes and dislikes openly, making them easy to read. Compared to politicians who spoke with honeyed words while hiding daggers, Ning Zhen found Sheng Changyu much easier to handle. 

“Governor, besides the drawings, there’s a small matter I wanted to mention in advance,” Ning Zhen said. 

Sheng Changyu pulled out a cigarette. 

The room was dim, with only a small lamp turned on. Sheng Changyu sat slightly in the shadows. He placed the cigarette in his mouth and took out a match. The small orange flame flared, casting a warm glow on his fingers. 

A thin mist of smoke rose as Sheng Changyu lifted his eyes to look at her. “Did you do something wrong?” 

“No!” 

“Then why are you so tense?” he said calmly. “Take your time. Even if someone else tries to make a complaint, you’ve already claimed the initiative.” 

Ning Zhen:  

The sky outside grew darker, and lights under the eaves flickered on. The small lamp inside continued to emit its soft orange glow, making the room feel small and intimate, as if it was just the two of them in this cozy space. 

Ning Zhen truthfully recounted what had happened at the Shi family’s banquet. She didn’t hold back and told Sheng Changyu about slapping FanFan and injuring her neck. 

“FanFan is simple-minded and inexperienced. She deserved to be disciplined. It wasn’t your fault,” Sheng Changyu said. 

“Governor, I’ve recently taken charge of the front gate and want to establish some rules. The old house has me and the third concubine living there, but the second concubine often stirs up trouble, putting us in difficult positions. I’d like to restrict her access. Without my permission, she shouldn’t be able to enter at will. Although, these days, the lines between wife and concubine are blurred…” 

“Who said that?” Sheng Changyu interrupted her in a casual tone. “I never said there was no distinction between a wife and a concubine.” 

Ning Zhen asked, “What about the matter with the front gate?” 

“You manage the household, so it’s naturally your decision. You don’t need to ask me specifically,” Sheng Changyu replied. 

If he had said this while angry, it would have meant something entirely different. But at this moment, his words were straightforward, with no emotional undertones—neither praise nor criticism. 

Ning Zhen said, “Rest assured, if she comes to the old residence again, I’ll make sure the gatekeeper announces her arrival. We’re not trying to stop her, just taking precautions.” 

Sheng Changyu responded, “Alright.” 

In a good mood, he was unexpectedly easy to talk to. He didn’t pick on any small details. 

Ning Zhen’s habit of paying attention to political affairs had greatly benefited her. If she had arrived a little later, once Sheng Changyu’s good mood had passed, things might not have gone so smoothly. 

“Governor, it’s getting late. I’ll head back now,” Ning Zhen said. 

Sheng Changyu asked, “Not staying for dinner?” 

“I’ll eat at home. There’s still a lot to do,” Ning Zhen replied. 

Sheng Changyu nodded, “Drive carefully.” 

Ning Zhen agreed and made her way out. On her way, she ran into Cheng Baisheng. 

“Where are you headed?” Cheng Baisheng asked. 

“I’ve finished my business and am heading back,” Ning Zhen answered. 

Cheng Baisheng was surprised. “It’s almost six, and it’s already dark. Why not stay for dinner?” 

“No need, I don’t want to trouble anyone,” Ning Zhen said. 

Cheng Baisheng was baffled. 

As he escorted Ning Zhen to the gate, he returned to find the crystal chandelier in the small reception room lit, and Sheng Changyu sitting on the sofa, reviewing the drawings. 

Cheng Baisheng asked, “Did you scold Ning Zhen again?” 

“Why would I scold her for no reason?” 

“Then why did she leave without eating?” Cheng Baisheng asked. “I already told the kitchen to prepare dinner.” 

“The food from the kitchen is average at best. Whether she eats or not, it doesn’t matter,” Sheng Changyu replied. 

Cheng Baisheng was speechless. 

“I have some business to attend to later at the other residence. Tell them to serve dinner. Whatever is ready will do, no need to be particular,” Sheng Changyu instructed. 

Cheng Baisheng relayed the message to the adjutant. 

Since Sheng Changyu had evening plans, Cheng Baisheng figured he could go home. He casually ate a little and left as soon as possible, not wanting to linger any longer than necessary. 

After dinner, Sheng Changyu called ahead to the other residence, instructing them to prepare his study on the second floor. 

FanFan was both excited and nervous. 

She quickly went upstairs to put on makeup and change her clothes. 

As soon as Sheng Changyu arrived, he could smell her perfume from afar—so strong it 

was almost overpowering. 

“Open the long windows. The room is full of this overpowering scent, it’s suffocating,” he said. 

FanFan’s expression stiffened slightly. 

“Come upstairs with me,” Sheng Changyu added, then turned to the adjutant. “Dismiss all the servants.” 

Whenever Sheng Changyu visited, the servants were sent to the back quarters and were not allowed to serve at the front. They all understood this routine well. When the Governor spent time with a concubine, the servants knew to keep their distance. 

Sheng Changyu ascended the stairs quickly, and FanFan had to hurry to keep up with him. 

The study had been tidied up, and as soon as Sheng Changyu entered, he opened the windows wide, letting the cold winter wind rush into the room. 

FanFan, wearing a thin cheongsam and only a cashmere shawl for warmth, shivered in the cold. 

She tried to steady herself and decided to take the initiative. “Governor, look at my neck. The wound still hasn’t fully healed. Ning Zhen is the one who did this.” 

Sheng Changyu sat back slightly in the chair behind the desk and lit a cigarette. “What did you call her?” 

FanFan remained silent. 

“My wife. And you call her by name? Who do you think you are?” Sheng Changyu asked again. 

FanFan circled around the desk and knelt by the armrest of Sheng Changyu’s chair.