Chapter 12: Plucking Feathers

Suihan knew that Jinzhi didn’t like the Second Young Master, but he hadn’t expected her to return so quickly. The Junzhu was clearly willing to listen, yet she remained silent, closing her mouth in frustration.

Shen Shurong glanced at Jinzhi, but her loyalty remained with Xie Yunzheng.

Yinzhi followed behind, “Our Junzhu ‘s attire and accessories are all of the finest quality. The Second Young Master’s concern is already quite commendable.”

Suihan smiled, “Sister Yinzhi is right.”

Jinzhi rolled her eyes and didn’t respond, clearly disagreeing.

Shen Shurong allowed the girls to argue. She had just been married, and she couldn’t let others think that she had completely forgiven Xie Yunzheng. Only in front of Suihan did she feel that she didn’t need to be overly cautious.

The past three days had been so busy that she hadn’t even had time to look at the gifts he had sent. She didn’t know if he felt disappointed, but tomorrow, she would finally be able to see him.

Tomorrow was the palace banquet for the Empress’s birthday, and only officials of the second rank and above, along with their families, were invited.

Early in the morning, Chang Ling dressed Xie Yunzhao in a way that was different from his usual style—he wore a sapphire blue waist-tied long robe, with intricate embroidery on the placket. Every stitch exuded refinement.

The waistband, studded with gems, added to the luxury, while his white jade crown, adorned with red and blue sapphires, caught the eye.

After checking himself in the mirror, he still wasn’t entirely satisfied and asked Qingzhu and Qingying for their opinions.

Both of them, without saying much, were extremely confident in their master’s appearance and figure, after all, this was one of the few things he could boast about—his face, which even the Heir could not compare to.

Xie Yunzheng watched him leave the mansion in a rush, a sour feeling rising in his chest. So early, was he going to pick her up?

Then he sneered dismissively. Dressed like that, thinking he could win her over with his looks? Truly foolish. The Junzhu  was not someone so shallow!

“Second Young Master Xie?” The gatekeeper at the Grand Princess’s estate mistook him for a vegetable seller, opening the door casually, only to see her future son-in-law. “You’re here so early?”

Xie Yunzhao scratched his head, “I’ve come to pick up the Junzhu …” The palace banquet was in the afternoon, so it did seem a bit early.

“Please come in and wait. I’ll report to her.”

Xie Yunzhao felt an unexpected wave of gratitude for such a minor figure, and he entered, waiting in the front courtyard.

Suihan rushed back to Qiu Tong Courtyard and saw Jinzhi coming out. She walked slowly, taking small steps, and nodded and smiled at her.

Jinzhi frowned. What was the hurry? Acting so unsettled—how could she serve the Junzhu  like this?

“Junzhu ,” Suihan said with a tone full of urgency.

Shen Shurong looked over, confused. What was going on? Why was she blinking?

Could it be… “He’s here?”

Suihan nodded, biting her lip and smiling. Her Master-in-law was truly proactive, coming so early for the afternoon palace banquet.

Shen Shurong smiled as well. He must not have had breakfast.

“Tell Grandfather and Grandmother I’m having my breakfast in my own courtyard.”

“Yes, Madam… should I invite the Second Young Master over?”

“Go ahead.” Shen Shurong hadn’t shared breakfast with him yet, not even during her time at the Xie family. Only on the rare occasions when it was the tenth day of the month would they share dinner.

He often didn’t return home, but on the tenth day, he always came back. She had once thought it was a matter of adhering to family rules, but only after he saved her did she understand—it was to see her.

It was only on those days, when Big Brother and Sister-in-law would meet, that it seemed entirely appropriate.

In the front courtyard, Xie Yunzhao looked at the pastries in front of him, hesitating to take one, but then he held back.

He had come so early, and it wouldn’t do for him to be discovered with an empty stomach. He didn’t mind looking a bit foolish, but he couldn’t go too far—who could blame him when he couldn’t help it? It felt as if thousands of ants were crawling in his chest.

His mind was filled with thoughts of her—how was her illness, did she like the gifts he sent, had she used any of them?

Why hadn’t he heard from her in three days? Even if she found it bothersome, a simple “no need to send anything” would at least give him some closure.

When Suihan came to invite him, he acted as if he didn’t understand. Was the Junzhu  asking him to join her for breakfast?

Qingying and Qingzhu were more excited than he was. Seeing the Second Young Master standing still, they nudged him to rise, as Suihan was leading the way.

Jinzhi came back and was stopped by Yuyu at the door. “Second Young Master Xie is coming. The Junzhu  wants you to avoid him.”

Jinzhi was incredulous. Lost in thought, she returned to her maid’s room. Why was the Junzhu  allowing him to enter again?

However, it seemed she had done something wrong. She had made her dislike for Xie Yunzhao very clear, and among the maids who had accompanied her, she was certain she wouldn’t be one of them.

A sudden sense of panic gripped Jinzhi. She realized her mistake. No matter whether the Junzhu  married the Heir or not, her ultimate goal had always been the Heir. She still wanted to enter the Duke of Lu’s Mansion. Why should she treat Xie Yunzhao this way?

Suihan knocked on the door and received a response before leading Xie Yunzhao inside.

A young man with remarkable features, even without dressing up, he was captivating. Shen Shurong almost found herself staring, her hand holding a round fan to cover her slightly open mouth. “So early, and you haven’t had breakfast yet? Please, sit.”

Xie Yunzhao couldn’t say he had already eaten, nor could he claim that he wasn’t hungry, or else there would be no reason for him to be here. He obediently sat down, even if it meant losing face in front of his own family.

They would be together in the future, without any barriers between them.

“How is your health now?” Shen Shurong asked.

“Much better, thanks to the medicine you gave me.”

Xie Yunzhao’s eyes brightened. “I’m glad it helped. I was afraid I couldn’t be of any assistance to you.”

The two of them ate slowly, Xie Yunzhao feeling as if he were floating on a cloud, lost in the dreamlike sensation. She would be his wife, not… his sister-in-law.

This would be their future, quietly enjoying each other’s company.

After they finished their meal, Shen Shurong, reluctant to see him go, had the servants leave and continued the conversation about recent events.

Xie Yunzhao didn’t want to talk about it, yet didn’t want to hide it either. With his head lowered, he softly said, “These past few days, I’ve been… studying at home.”

Studying?

Shen Shurong couldn’t help but smile. When had he ever actively studied?

He held back, unsure of her thoughts. Perhaps she still believed that she liked Xie Yunzheng, and so, he was trying to emulate his path of being obedient and diligent.

“You haven’t left the mansion for three days?”

“I’ve been out twice, to the herbal shop and the jewelry store,” Xie Yunzhao replied.

Shen Shurong felt a pang of emotion in her heart. How far would he go for her?

In their previous life, he had stormed the palace to save her, even willing to rebel. Now, in this life, he sat silently for three days just for her.

“Is there something you’d like to do?” she asked gently. “If not, I’ll have Grandmother arrange a government position for you. You could help me manage the financial storeroom. What do you think?”

She knew he wasn’t as idle as he appeared; otherwise, he wouldn’t have stormed the palace to save her twice.

Moreover, this would allow her to see him every day.

Xie Yunzhao didn’t know how to respond. He was simply following Shen Shurong to the Grand Princess’s estate, his mind preoccupied with the thought of “being with her.”

Was the Junzhu  implying that starting tomorrow, they would spend every day together?

If it were just him, he feared he might jump up in excitement. He was worried that the entire capital would no longer be able to contain him.

 The Grand Princess looked at the young couple, choosing to overlook Xie Yunzhao’s behavior—for all their antics, the two of them were indeed well-matched.

He had just been granted a ninth-rank administrative post, overseeing the treasury—a rather low-ranking position in title, but as the Grand Princess’ grandson-in-law, no one dared show him disrespect.

Shen Shurong took him to the rear garden to feed the fish, with the maids following at a distance, careful not to disturb them.

By the pond, Xie Yunzhao gently pulled her back. He didn’t want her falling in again.

Back when they were children, they both studied at the Grand Princess’ Estate and often played in this very spot. “Brother Yunzhao, has it been a long time since you were last here?” she asked.

Xie Yunzhao felt his head spin—Brother Yunzhao?

How many years had it been since he’d last heard her call him that?

He had practiced for so long, rehearsing it over and over in his heart, preparing to call her that one word while looking at her face… Sister-in-law.

 At this moment, his nose stung, and his eyes turned red. “Rongrong, what do you have against me?”

Shen Shurong looked back—ah, he was aggrieved again.

“Brother Yunzhao, when we were little, you grilled the fish I was raising. I cried for two whole days,” she said in a tone of feigned reproach.

Xie Yunzhao turned away, his voice choked with emotion and tinged with amusement. “But Rongrong plucked all the feathers off Marshal and got her revenge.”

Shen Shurong looked at his back. He’d grown so tall now. She reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle shake. His warmth was always higher than hers.

The tips of Xie Yunzhao’s ears turned crimson. Her hand—soft and smooth—made him feel an irresistible urge to bring it to his lips.

“Brother Yunzhao, don’t be angry. I’ll never pluck your feathers again,” she said sweetly.

Xie Yunzhao abruptly turned and covered her mouth. Did this girl even know what she was saying?