Chapter 37

Ning Zhen hadn’t known about her cousin and Meng Xinliang’s past. She felt a little melancholic. 

“Anuo has been married for several years now. It’s a done deal that can’t be changed, no matter how scared Uncle is,” her sister-in-law added. 

Ning Zhen remained silent, recalling the restrained trembling in Meng Xinliang’s voice when he asked her about Anuo. The memory made her heart tighten. She hoped she hadn’t said anything wrong. 

“Sister-in-law, I don’t know much about Meng Xinliang. Is he married?” Ning Zhen asked. 

Her sister-in-law replied, “No. Xiang Zuoshi of the Hongmen was supposed to marry his daughter to him. They were engaged. Just two weeks after the engagement, Meng Xinliang earned merit in the assassination of Chen Longtou and, at the same time, eliminated Xiang Zuoshi.” 

“Xiang Zuoshi was the one who tried to kill him before?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then how could he dare to arrange a marriage between his daughter and Meng Xinliang?” Ning Zhen was shocked. 

“Men can be arrogant. ‘This little guy—smart, good-looking, and my daughter likes him. Isn’t he still just a dog under my control, to be toyed with at will?’” her sister-in-law explained. 

Ning Zhen was speechless. 

“But he didn’t expect that some dogs grow fangs and can kill,” her sister-in-law continued. 

Jin Nuan chimed in, “No wonder Uncle is scared. Xiang Zuoshi is dead. What happened to his daughter?” 

“The engagement was canceled, and she returned to her hometown with her mother and siblings. Your brother said Meng Xinliang gave them five thousand silver dollars—everything he had at the time,” her sister-in-law said. 

Jin Nuan remarked, “He seems like a decent person.” 

“If he weren’t of good character, your brother wouldn’t have become close friends with him,” her sister-in-law laughed. 

Jin Nuan said, “Their story is quite dramatic and interesting. It’s a shame that Cousin Anuo is married and won’t have the chance to reunite with him in this life.” 

She added, “I thought Ning Zhen’s future marriage would be just as exciting. But in the end, she became the wife of the Governor.” 

“Why bring me up? Didn’t you marry a big softie yourself?” Ning Zhen teased. 

Jin Nuan was speechless. You’re really his sister, talking like that about your own brother. 

Her sister-in-law and Jin Nuan were also curious about Ning Zhen’s romantic history abroad, so they asked her about it. 

Ning Zhen rarely spoke about Wen Liangyu to others, but feeling relaxed today, and with Jin Nuan having brought some delicious plum wine, Ning Zhen had a few more drinks than usual and became more talkative. 

“He had such a good temper. One time we were out and got trapped in a snowstorm. Everyone was panicking, and I was anxious. 

“But he stayed calm, organizing things bit by bit. Later, we found a nearby castle to stay in, and he went to negotiate with them. 

“It was the castle of a noble who hated foreigners, yet somehow, he convinced them to let us stay the night,” Ning Zhen said. 

“He sounds very capable,” her sister-in-law commented. 

Ning Zhen replied, “The more chaotic the situation, the calmer he was. That’s what I admired most about him.” 

“Then why did you break up?” Jin Nuan asked. 

“He died,” Ning Zhen said. 

Jin Nuan and her sister-in-law were stunned. 

“It was a fire. Three classmates died, including him,” Ning Zhen explained. 

Her sister-in-law and Jin Nuan hugged Ning Zhen from both sides. 

Ning Zhen hadn’t planned on crying, but with their sudden embrace, her eyes stung. 

She cried and then laughed again as they comforted her. 

That night, they talked about many things. Her sister-in-law’s marriage had been arranged blindly, but over time, she and her husband had grown to love each other. Jin Nuan and her brother had known each other since childhood and became a pair of bickering lovers. 

Ning Zhen envied that they had found good partners. 

She also envied Meng Xinliang. Even after years had passed, his lover in a foreign land still held on to their love. 

But Ning Zhen’s love had died, consumed by a fire. 

Later, Ning Zhen fell into a deep sleep. 

The next morning, after waking up, they prepared to descend the mountain and head home. 

Once again, Ning Zhen was driving. 

On the way, her sister-in-law casually asked, “How’s the Governor been lately?” 

“Not great, I imagine. His third concubine just lost a baby, and it was caused by the second concubine kicking her. If you were him, would you be happy?” Ning Zhen replied. 

Her sister-in-law was stunned: “When did this happen?” 

“A few days ago.” 

Both her sister-in-law and Jin Nuan were shocked by the news. However, in the Sheng family, these matters were considered minor. Just recently, Ning Zhen had even pulled a gun on FanFan. 

“Why did you ask about him?” Ning Zhen slightly turned her head. 

Her sister-in-law responded, “It’s nothing.” 

“You can tell me. I’ll keep it in mind, and if I can help, I’ll find a way,” Ning Zhen offered. 

Her sister-in-law sighed, “Your elder brother mentioned that our father and the three brothers might face conflicts in the military regarding their futures. He wants to plan ahead: sending the second brother to the Garrison Department and the third to the Military Supply Office.” 

Jin Nuan was overjoyed: “Really? So YiShen will be working in the city from now on?” 

Her sister-in-law replied, “It depends on whether the Governor is willing. Moving to the Garrison Department essentially means giving up future prospects. But the second brother has no grand ambitions, so he’d likely be happy staying in the city every day.  

As for the third brother, there aren’t many opportunities for promotion on the front lines, but the Military Supply Office is a cushy position. It suits him better. The children of other senior generals have all been placed well, except for our family, which the Governor has always distrusted. That’s why the boys are still stuck on the front lines.” 

Ning Zhen furrowed her brows deeply.  

Her father and brothers clearly had military merit and qualifications, but because Sheng Changyu didn’t like them, they had always been sidelined. Yao Wenluo’s brothers held much higher positions than Ning Zhen’s. 

“These arrangements don’t seem unreasonable,” Ning Zhen said. “Yao Wenluo’s eldest brother is in the Railway Bureau, and her third brother works in Customs.” 

Those were truly lucrative positions. 

“We can’t compare to the Yao family,” her sister-in-law remarked. 

Jin Nuan immediately countered, “But now we’re the family of the Governor’s wife!” 

Ning Zhen sighed internally. I’m not really that important as the Governor’s wife. 

Forget comparing to the Yao family; she didn’t even rank above the Governor’s two concubines. And because she had been scolded recently, she didn’t dare face the Governor. Without being able to meet her superior, how could she gain any merit? 

“Sister-in-law, you can tell my brother that I understand. I’ll observe the situation and fight for my brothers when the opportunity arises,” Ning Zhen said. 

“Don’t force yourself. Take care of yourself first, and if anything’s difficult at the Sheng household, tell me,” her sister-in-law replied. 

Ning Zhen nodded in agreement. 

After a brief Motherent of happiness, Ning Zhen returned to the Sheng family’s old residence. She changed out of her riding clothes and into a cheongsam, assuming the role of the Governor’s wife once again. 

She was mentally calculating when she might have an opportunity to meet the Governor. Should she call Cheng Baisheng? 

But yesterday, when Cheng Baisheng had called out to her on the street, she pretended not to hear. I shouldn’t be so opportunistic. 

As Ning Zhen was pondering, the old lady called for her. This time, the old lady wanted her to accompany her to a social engagement. 

It was the sixtieth birthday of the matriarch of the General Manager of the Railway Bureau, Mrs. Ge. The Governor’s residence needed to show respect to the Ge family. 

“I’m going to the banquet, and you will accompany me,” the old lady said. 

This was the first time she was taking Ning Zhen out for socializing and also Ning Zhen’s first public appearance as the Governor’s wife at an event. 

“Mother, I won’t embarrass you,” Ning Zhen assured her. 

“You’re the daughter of the Ning family and have studied abroad; many people already think highly of you. Just make sure not to make any mistakes,” the old lady advised. 

Ning Zhen agreed. 

On the day of the birthday banquet, Ning Zhen woke up early to get ready. She wore a pale apricot cheongsam embroidered with cloud patterns, exuding an elegant and dignified aura. Over it, she wore a bright red wool cloak for warmth, adding a festive touch. 

Because she was wearing red, Ning Zhen accessorized with gold earrings and a gold hairpin.  

The old lady saw her and complimented, “You look dignified without being gaudy.” 

Ning Zhen thanked her. 

Supporting the old lady, Ning Zhen escorted her to the Ge family’s residence. As they arrived and were about to enter, Mrs. Ge came out to personally greet them. Just as they were about to step inside, they saw an adjutant clearing the way for a black car approaching. 

The old lady paused, and Ning Zhen also stopped in her tracks. 

Sheng Changyu emerged from the car.