Chapter 66

Taoran Studio

When Shen Wei woke up, it was already the next morning.

She placed her hand on her forehead and gently massaged it. In fact, she hadn’t slept well the previous night. At first, she couldn’t sleep properly because of Liang Lingyue’s words, and later, she felt like something was pressing down on her, no matter how much she struggled. It was as though she was being haunted by something, like being trapped in a nightmare.

Could it be that she had experienced sleep paralysis?

Shen Wei thought about it for a while but couldn’t come to a conclusion. She decided to call out. After a short while, Shui Bi entered with a group of maidservants. Shen Wei had someone help her get dressed, then took the handkerchief that Shui Bi handed her. Noticing the dark circles under Shui Bi’s eyes, she asked, “Did you not sleep well last night?”

Shui Bi, upon hearing this, was momentarily taken aback. When she saw that Shen Wei was looking at her, she quickly responded, “It’s nothing. I just used more water last night, had to get up a few times. Don’t worry, madam.”

Shen Wei, seeing her response, didn’t say anything more. She handed the handkerchief back to Shui Bi, and as Qiuhuan helped her toward the mirror to comb her hair, she still mentioned, “Make sure you prepare the pastries for my sister-in-law, and don’t forget to prepare things for Chun Ting earlier, too…”

Shui Bi acknowledged all her instructions, but as she watched the young woman being assisted by Qiuhuan toward the mirror, there was a faint look of struggle in her eyes. Despite everything, these two mistresses seemed as though nothing had happened at all. It was like the emperor wasn’t in a hurry, but the eunuchs were.

But even though she thought this way…

Shui Bi couldn’t help but still feel uneasy.

As she thought about how Shen Wei had reacted when she first heard about the situation the night before, she also recalled how her master had behaved then. Could it be that he had no feelings for Madam? Otherwise, how could he be so indifferent to such matters? But if he really didn’t have feelings, then what about that night and the jade pendant he had given her?

She thought of this, and the frown that had been furrowed earlier deepened even further.

The maid beside her noticed her unease and lowered her voice to ask, “Sui Bi, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Hearing this, Sui Bi immediately concealed her expression and shook her head, placing the handkerchief back into the basin. She then led the others to walk out. Meanwhile, Shen Wei, who had been sitting before the bronze mirror, heard the sounds and glanced in their direction. However, all she could see was Sui Bi’s back.

In her heart, Shen Wei had an inkling of what might be troubling Sui Bi. It was likely related to what Liang Lingyue had said yesterday. As for whether or not she should meet Liang Lingyue, she was still undecided.

She wasn’t a naive girl; she could guess what Liang Lingyue might want to talk about, but she couldn’t determine her own feelings. Liang Lingyue was indeed a fine person—witty and humorous, and she felt comfortable when interacting with him.

Besides, he resembled that person so much.

Over the years, many excellent men had appeared around her, and though some had made her heart stir, she had never felt completely at ease with them.

Shen Wei gazed out the window at the sky. It was a beautiful day, with clear skies and no clouds, but her heart felt confused.

She rarely felt this way, and even Qiuhuan, who was standing behind her, noticed Shen Wei’s unease. While combing her hair, Qiuhuan asked, “Madam, do you have something on your mind?”

Shen Wei snapped back to reality at the sound of the question. She didn’t reply but turned her gaze away from the window. After a moment, she softly answered, “It’s nothing.”

Seeing this, Qiuhuan didn’t press further.

—-

After Shen Wei had greeted Old Madam Xie, the arrangements at the screen were also ready. She was helped into the carriage by Sui Bi, and once settled, Li Da started the carriage.

It was still early, and there were few vehicles on the road, so the journey was smooth.

About half an hour later, the carriage arrived at the Shen family’s entrance.

The Shen family had already received word the day before, and someone was waiting outside. When they saw Shen Wei being helped down by Sui Bi, the leader, Pan Qiao, smiled and approached. She first greeted Shen Wei, then said softly, “Madam knew you were coming and had food prepared early. It’s waiting for you inside.”

Hearing this, Shen Wei smiled but said with a hint of helplessness, “How come Sister-in-law is now like Brother…?” After saying this, she added, “There are some things left in the carriage. Please have someone fetch them.”

Pan Qiao lightly sighed in response, then sent someone to retrieve the items while assisting Shen Wei inside. As they passed by the maid, she smiled and said to Shen Wei, “A few days ago, I saw Mo Qi. Thanks to you, she’s now truly living the life of a wealthy lady.”

“Her husband is stable and capable, and their home is clean. They live quite comfortably.”

Shen Wei smiled again upon hearing this. She knew that Mo Qi was doing well. Recently, Mo Qi had brought many delicious items to visit her. Compared to when they were at the estate, Mo Qi now looked much healthier and more radiant.

She had come to this era, and Mo Qi was the first person she saw. Now that Mo Qi was doing well, Shen Wei was happy for her.

As they walked toward the inner courtyard, Pan Qiao occasionally shared some amusing stories, and Shen Wei smiled in response. However, when they passed through the moon gate, the previously clear blue sky suddenly darkened. Shen Wei paused as she looked up at the sky.

Pan Qiao, noticing her sudden stop, also halted. After observing the sky, she said, “Don’t worry, this is typical for August. One moment it’s bright and sunny, the next, dark clouds roll in. Luckily, we’re not far, so we won’t get caught in the rain.”

Shen Wei, though resuming her walk, still appeared somewhat distracted. She recalled Liang Lingyue’s words from yesterday: “Tomorrow I will wait for you in the plum grove at Xishan Temple, no matter how late you are, I will wait for you…”

If it rains, will he still wait?

Sui Bi had been quietly observing Shen Wei and, seeing her current expression, her heart sank. It seemed Madam was thinking about Master Liang…

Pan Qiao, unaware of what the master and servant were thinking, continued leading Shen Wei into the inner courtyard. But fearing the rain, she quickened her pace. Just as they reached the corridor, the rain began to pour. August rain was swift and heavy, the rain drops fell like pearls, and the ground was wet in no time.

“Good thing we walked quickly, or we would have been drenched…” Pan Qiao commented. Seeing that Shen Wei was still looking outside, she added, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…” Shen Wei replied while pulling her gaze away and smiling again as she entered the room. As she stepped inside, she heard a voice from within, “Has Sui Sui arrived?”

With that, a young woman came out—it was Chu Fuyun.

Chu Fuyun was nearly five months pregnant now. Her frame was small, and only her abdomen had noticeably grown. Upon seeing Shen Wei, a smile appeared on her face, and she walked toward her. “I was worried you’d encounter this rain, but now that I see you’re fine, I’m relieved.”

Shen Wei, seeing her approach, suppressed other thoughts.

Regardless of anything else, Chu Fuyun was now the most important thing. Thinking this, Shen Wei reached out to support her and asked, “Why did you come out? You’re not feeling well, and you didn’t have one of the maids attend to you?”

She had never been pregnant, so seeing Chu Fuyun in such a state naturally made her worried. She was afraid that the person might accidentally bump or fall.

Chu Fuyun naturally sensed Shen Wei’s concern. Hearing her words, she smiled playfully and said, “You really are just like your brother…” After saying this, she noticed Shen Wei looking at her and continued, “Your brother doesn’t let me touch this or pick that up. I only get a little comfort when he is not home, but now here comes you.”

Her words were filled with helplessness, but her face wore a smile.

Now, her husband doted on her, her son was obedient, her sister-in-law had a good temperament, and there was a little one in her belly… Chu Fuyun felt content with life and had no further wishes. Thus, her smile could not be concealed.

Once Shen Wei helped her sit on the soft couch, the maid brought her another pillow. Chu Fuyun adjusted her posture to make herself more comfortable, and then said to the others, “Don’t worry, when I was pregnant with Spring Court, I had no experience, so I was busy running around. But now, with experience, things are much easier.”

After saying this, she looked down at her slightly bulging belly and added, “Moreover, this little one inside is very well-behaved, unlike Spring Court back then, which caused so much trouble. It’s much easier for me now.”

Seeing that she was really fine, Shen Wei did not say much more. She took the pastries from Shui Bi’s hands and said, “These are the osmanthus cakes from Ruyi Zhai. I know you like them, so I bought extra. But you mustn’t eat too many.”

As soon as she finished speaking—

Chu Fuyun smiled playfully and said, “You little girl, now you’re even watching over me?” Although she scolded Shen Wei, her face still held a smile. When the osmanthus cakes were placed on the table, she personally poured a cup of tea for Shen Wei, saying, “This is the flower tea I dried myself earlier. I can’t drink it now, but if you like, you can take some with you when you leave.”

Just as she finished speaking, the sound of lightning and thunder erupted outside, and it seemed quite terrifying.

The window had been closed earlier when the rain started, and Shen Wei couldn’t see what it looked like outside. However, listening to the sound of raindrops hitting the window, she could still guess a little. Holding the flower tea that Chu Fuyun had given her, her gaze drifted towards the window covered in white gauze, her expression hard to read.

Chu Fuyun, noticing that Shen Wei had not spoken for a long time, looked over at her. She saw that Shen Wei was staring at the window, lost in thought, and was momentarily stunned. She had the maids put all the pastries and sweets that were originally prepared for Shen Wei onto the table, then gently asked, “What’s wrong? You seem distracted today. Is there something on your mind?”

Shen Wei snapped back to attention when she heard the question. With a smile on her face, she took a sip of the flower tea and shook her head. “It’s nothing. It’s just that this rain is coming down hard. It seems so eerie.”

Although she said, “It’s nothing,” the sound of thunder outside made her hand grip the teacup a little tighter.

Such heavy rain, that person should have returned by now, right?

However, thinking of Liang Lingyue’s temperament, she was not so sure. Although she had only met him a few times, she still had a general sense of his nature.

Since Liang Lingyue had said he would wait for her, he probably wouldn’t just leave.

As this thought crossed her mind, her brows furrowed slightly.

Chu Fuyun, being as intelligent as she was, could not fail to notice. Although she didn’t know what exactly was bothering Shen Wei, she knew for sure that something was off. She set down her teacup, smiled lightly at Shen Wei, and then gently took her hand. “If there’s something you need to do, go ahead.”

After saying this, she looked at Shen Wei as she met her gaze and added, “Don’t worry about me. If you have time later, come visit me again.”

Hearing the soft tone in Chu Fuyun’s words, Shen Wei opened her lips but ultimately didn’t say anything more. She placed her teacup on the table, held Chu Fuyun’s hand, and said, “I’ll come to visit you again next time.”

After saying this, she turned and walked outside, with Shui Bi quickly following her.

—-

Once they left the inner courtyard, Shen Wei walked straight towards the shadow wall.

The rain was still pouring heavily outside, and although Shui Bi held an umbrella, it could not stop the wind from blowing the rain onto them. While walking alongside Shen Wei, Shui Bi couldn’t help but say, “Madam, do you really have to go?”

As soon as she finished speaking—

Shen Wei paused in her steps. Her skirt was soaked with rain, and her hair had become slightly damp.

She stared at the downpour for a moment before replying, “No matter the reason, I have to go and take a look…” Even if there were words to be said, they should be said face to face.

Moreover…

She also wanted to see what her heart truly wanted.

After saying this, Shen Wei continued walking forward, no longer pausing.

Seeing this, Shui Bi bit her lip but didn’t dare say anything else. She just followed Shen Wei’s steps.

—-

Outside the palace.

In the carriage, Zhao Xú looked at Lu Qi Huai, who had a dark expression after meeting with his subordinates, and gently asked, “Did something happen?”

Lu Qi Huai, hearing this, did not try to avoid it. “Indeed, something has happened…” He spoke as his gaze remained fixed on the scenery outside the carriage window. Seeing that the rain had intensified, his voice grew heavier. “But it’s a personal matter.”

Zhao Xú looked at him in response.

He adjusted his sleeve and poured another cup of tea for Lu Qi Huai, then asked, “Is it important?”

Is it important?

The fragrance of tea filled the carriage, and Lu Qi Huai paused before answering. When he took the tea from Zhao Xu, he said, “It is important…” After finishing his words, he set the teacup down on the table and then told Zhao Xu, “I wish to request a leave of absence from His Highness.”

Although Zhao Xu was curious about what could have made this man so anxious, he had never been one to pry into others’ thoughts. So, upon hearing the words, he merely smiled and said, “Go ahead…” After all, there was nothing particularly urgent today.

Once he spoke—

Lu Qi Huai didn’t say anything more. The carriage had already been instructed to stop earlier. As soon as he stepped down from the carriage, someone was there to hold an umbrella for him… Zhao Xu looked out through the half-opened carriage curtain and saw the usually composed young man walking hurriedly, unable to stop himself from smiling.

It seemed that it really was something important.

He lowered the curtain and called out to those outside, “Let’s go.”