Chapter 13

Just after Madam Liu left Lanxue Courtyard, Madam Guan from the First Madam’s side came to invite Shen Qingtan to have lunch at JINGDE Hall.

Shen Qingtan sent Madam Guan away, tidied herself again, and went alone—without any maids—to Jingde Hall.

At the entrance, a maid opened the door when she saw Shen Qingtan.
“Second Madam, Madam is waiting for you in the side hall.”

Shen Qingtan nodded and stepped inside. From the side hall, she heard the First Madam speaking:
“Yi’er, when your grandfather called you to the study, did he tell you anything?”

Zhao Yi, sitting with his back to the door, replied briefly, “The army in the northern border is short on grain. Grandfather asked me and Third Brother to gather food supplies.”

The First Madam said anxiously, “The Northern Qi is taking advantage of the disasters our Great Zhou suffered. They’re using delaying tactics to exhaust our supplies and wear us down. Yi’er, your uncle and cousin are fighting there—this food shortage must not be delayed.”

“Mother, Third Brother will send the grain within ten days,” Zhao Yi said, coughing softly into a handkerchief. “I’ll also think of ways to help. Uncle and Cousin will be fine.”

The First Madam, worried, saw his face grow paler from coughing. She said with concern, “You’ve been off your medicine these two days and coughing more—resume your medicine tomorrow?”

Zhao Yi coughed again, then suddenly turned toward the doorway.

Shen Qingtan, standing there, unexpectedly met his gaze.

In the bright spring light, his face was pale, his eyes dark and deep, looking at her quietly.

Under his gaze, her heart tightened, feeling as if she had stumbled onto some secret.

Perhaps he had stopped his medicine for two days because of their wedding, thinking it unlucky.

Her expression softened. She smiled and walked toward him.

Hearing footsteps, the First Madam looked over and saw Shen Qingtan’s slender figure.

She smiled warmly. “Tan’er, you’re here.”

Shen Qingtan bowed. “Good health to Father, blessings to Mother. I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

“They only just arrived,” the First Madam said, then told a maid, “Serve the food.” She took a marriage contract from a tray and handed it to Shen Qingtan. “This is your marriage contract with Yi’er. Read it and, if all’s well, press your fingerprint.”

Shen Qingtan looked it over—it listed both names, birth dates, family origins, three generations of ancestors, property, and official ranks.

The witnesses and matchmakers had already signed.

Zhao Yi placed the ink pad near her hand.

She pressed her finger in ink and left her print on the contract.

Zhao Yi handed her a wet handkerchief.

“Thank you,” she said, wiping her hands.

The First Madam watched them quietly. Zhao Yi was truly attentive to her.

Most people didn’t know his nature—they thought him gentle and refined, but in truth, he was distant and hard to get close to. She had never seen him treat someone like this before.

It made her realize again: Zhao Yi truly liked Shen Qingtan—it wasn’t just an excuse for her to treat the girl well.

The First Madam glanced at the family master, who was sipping tea. She coughed lightly.

The master jumped, set down his cup, took hers, skimmed the foam with the lid, and handed it to her.

She accepted it.

Relieved, the master secretly glared at Zhao Yi: Serve your wife back in your own room! Don’t show off in front of your mother! Your father has his pride too!

When the dishes were served, Zhao Yi used public chopsticks to place a piece of fish belly—bones removed—into Shen Qingtan’s small plate.

First Madam: “Ahem!”

Master: “…” Ungrateful son!

Shen Qingtan’s eyelashes trembled as she stared at the white fish meat.

When they had breakfast together before, he hadn’t served her food.

Looking at him now, he was eating quietly from two vegetarian dishes, using a different set of chopsticks for himself.

She realized the gesture was for his mother’s benefit.

She knew clearly—Zhao Yi treated her well because she was his wife. Whoever became his wife would receive the same treatment.

After lunch, the First Madam discussed the gifts for Shen Qingtan’s return visit to her parents.

Zhao Yi went to his study and opened a map of Great Zhou.

Soon, his servant Jiang Mu brought in a bowl of black medicine. “Second Master, it’s warm—please drink.”

“Take it away,” Zhao Yi said without looking up. “I’ll drink after the return visit.”

Jiang Mu hesitated. “Second Madam ordered me to prepare it.”

Zhao Yi paused and looked at the bowl.

Jiang Mu continued, “She said on such a happy day, this will wash away all bad luck.” He also brought out a small clay jar half-filled with milk sugar. “She said this is all she has left—please take care of your health.”

Zhao Yi: “…”

—

On the day of the return visit, Shen Qingtan got up early to dress and had breakfast with Zhao Yi.

“Second Master, I want to go to Baixiang Zhai to get some pastries. Can we leave earlier?”

Zhao Yi asked, “Now?”

“Is that okay?”

“Yes.”

He told Jiang Chao to ready the carriage.

They left through the side gate. At the main gate, a three-horse carriage decorated with gemstones gleamed in the sunlight.

Shen Qingtan looked at Zhao Yi in surprise—she hadn’t expected such a refined man to have such lavish taste.

“It’s from Mother,” Zhao Yi said calmly.

“Oh, Mother has good taste,” she smiled. “Gaudy can be elegant too.”

Zhao Yi: “…”

She got in first, still without bringing her maids Chun Jiao and Qiu Chan.

He followed and sat opposite her.

The carriage rolled toward Baixiang Zhai. Nearing it, Shen Qingtan lifted the curtain and saw Zhao Jue on horseback at the door.