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“Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law, there you are! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Shen Zhu exclaimed as she approached. Beside her was the white-clad gentleman from earlier, and from her flushed cheeks, it was evident that she had been enjoying herself before this encounter.
Observing Shen Zhu spending so much time away from her family and wandering around with this gentleman while looking so rosy-cheeked, Su Zhi couldn’t help but speculate on her apparent fondness for him. She wondered about the nature of their relationship—whether they had known each other previously or had serendipitously met at the Lantern Festival.
Shen Zi’an, noticing Shen Zhu’s arrival, wore a somewhat stern expression as he addressed her, “With the crowd causing chaos earlier, have you not found Fifth Brother and the others yet? Do you know this gentleman?”
Realizing that Shen Zi’an hadn’t entrusted Shen Zhu to the gentleman and wasn’t acquainted with him either, Su Zhi marveled at Shen Zhu’s confidence. Despite being a young lady, she seemed unperturbed about spending time with a man in such a setting, showcasing an impressive boldness. Su Zhi couldn’t help but wonder if Shen Zhu had set her sights on finding a wealthy suitor and had indeed found one to her liking.
Shen Zhu’s smile faded as she explained, “I’ve been searching for you all this time but couldn’t find you. I was getting anxious, but thankfully this gentleman has been keeping me company. He even helped me deal with some troublemakers earlier; he’s truly a good person. Although I don’t know him, as soon as I mentioned where I live, he recognized me and knew who I was. It turns out he knows Fifth Brother.”
“Little cousin, what are you doing here?”
The white-clad gentleman had intended to introduce himself but noticed Liang Fu standing nearby. Liang Fu, who had been positioned toward the inside earlier and hadn’t seen the gentleman, now greeted him with a smile upon noticing him.
“Cousin, I’m here to enjoy the lantern festival. I also encountered the gentleman who rescued my mother and me that day, the same Mr. Shen here,” Liang Fu pointed towards Shen Zi’an, addressing the white-clad gentleman.
The gentleman quickly turned to Shen Zi’an, bowing respectfully and said, “So, it was you who saved my aunt and cousin that day. Thank you, Qian Guang appreciates your help.”
Su Zhi chuckled inwardly, realizing that the gentleman was Qian Guang from the wealthy Qian family. She couldn’t help but playfully wonder if there was a “Qian Jin” or maybe even a “Qian Duoduo.” However, her amusement faded as she considered the connections forming between Shen Zi’an, Shen Zhu, and Qian Guang. The reputation of her husband as a savior seemed to be solidifying, especially now that Liang Fu, a member of the Qian family, was also involved.
Shen Zi’an courteously replied, “It was nothing. You also helped my little sister. Let’s consider it even and not mention it further.”
Qian Guang smiled and remarked, “Brother Shen, you’re truly straightforward. It’s quite a coincidence that today not only have I met Ziju’s sister but also his brother, who happens to be the benefactor of my cousin. Such a small world.”
Liang Fu chimed in, “Indeed, it’s quite a coincidence.”
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi remained silent, both pondering the unexpected series of events. Su Zhi had hoped to keep Shen Zi’an away from Liang Fu, but fate seemed to have other plans. As she observed Qian Guang, Liang Fu, and the blushing Shen Zhu before her, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Shen Zhu’s encounter with Qian Guang might not bode well. The meeting with Liang Fu also seemed to lead them into an unforeseen situation. She hoped these thoughts were merely figments of her imagination, influenced by her extensive reading of novels.
With Shen Zhu present, Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi couldn’t simply leave. They decided to stay together and help Shen Zhu find her family before departing. As they strolled along, admiring the lanterns and searching for Shen Ziju, they were fortunate to locate him in a short time, within fifteen minutes.
Upon spotting Shen Zhu with Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi, Shen Ziju visibly relaxed, relieved to see her safe with them.
Shen Ziju greeted Qian Guang warmly, expressing his gratitude upon learning that Qian Guang had assisted Shen Zhu. This time, their parents were not present; Shen Ziju had taken Shen Zhu out to enjoy the lantern festival, and losing his sister would have been a difficult situation to explain.
“Ziju, since we’ve crossed paths, please come to my home for a drink. Fouth brother Shen, you and Fourth Sister Sister, join us as well. My mother has been talking about your lifesaving deeds, and she would be overjoyed to see you,” Qian Guang warmly invited them, exuding a generous and welcoming demeanor that made him quite likable.
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi politely declined the invitation, citing the need to return with a cartload of people as their reason for not being able to stay. Despite their reluctance, Qian Guang, Liang Fu, Shen Ziju, and Shen Zhu continued to extend their invitations. Eventually, Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi managed to graciously decline the repeated offers.
“Brother Shen, Sister Zhao, since you have prior commitments today, we will definitely visit to express our gratitude on another day,” Liang Fu said sincerely, her eyes shifting from Shen Zi’an to Su Zhi. Even Su Zhi began to question her initial suspicions, considering that perhaps Liang Fu was genuinely just seeking to repay a debt of gratitude.
“Husband, I never expected you to save someone so keen on repaying kindness. I was even thinking, if you were still single, would she have married you,” Su Zhi remarked as they watched Liang Fu and the others disappear. She held Shen Zi’an’s hand, observing his reaction. Seeing his unchanged expression, she smiled contentedly. She appreciated how he remained composed in the presence of other women, knowing that his tenderness was reserved for her alone. This unique treatment made her feel cherished, bringing her joy.
Shen Zi’an looked at her and replied, “Even if I were single, I wouldn’t have been interested in her.”
Shen Zi’an spoke the truth. Initially, he married Su Zhi due to a marriage arrangement left by his mother, fulfilling his sense of responsibility even if there were no romantic feelings involved. However, over time, he fell in love with his wife, Su Zhi, because she made him truly feel at home. He had a distinct sensation that even if it weren’t Su Zhi, no matter how exceptional the woman was, he wouldn’t have that same sense of warmth and belonging, that feeling of home. Therefore, even if a wealthy young lady were to propose to him, he wouldn’t consider it.
Su Zhi nodded, realizing she had been overly suspicious. Liang Fu, being a wealthy young lady, might have various reasons for visiting the Qian family. Even if she sought refuge there, her background and appearance indicated she wouldn’t marry a farmer, especially a married one like Shen Zi’an. Su Zhi understood she had been overly protective of Shen Zi’an, feeling as though others might try to snatch him away. However, considering the circumstances and the era they lived in, the possibility of anything happening between Liang Fu and Shen Zi’an was entirely implausible.
This realization lifted Su Zhi’s spirits.
“Darling, I’m hungry,” Su Zhi said to Shen Zi’an, adopting a slightly playful tone, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.
Shen Zi’an loved when Su Zhi addressed him as “darling.” Upon hearing that she was hungry, he immediately took her to a place to eat.
“I think there’s a place up ahead that makes fantastic soup dumplings. Let’s go there,” Shen Zi’an suggested, leading Su Zhi by the hand. As they walked, passing through a small alley, Su Zhi suddenly noticed a man carrying a child in a peculiar manner. The child seemed to be dressed in fine clothing, and she heard muffled sounds as if someone was being stifled.
“Zi’an, there was a strange man in that alley just now, holding a child. His attire seemed shabby, but the child was dressed in silk,” Su Zhi quickly informed Shen Zi’an. Her immediate concern was that they might have encountered a kidnapper, likely influenced by her frequent readings of “Dream of the Red Chamber,” where Yinglian was abducted, a tale that resonated deeply with her.
Su Zhi didn’t hesitate to share her suspicions with Shen Zi’an, as she abhorred the idea of child abduction and human trafficking. She was keenly aware of the life-altering consequences such actions could have on individuals.
Upon hearing Su Zhi’s concerns, Shen Zi’an immediately halted, contemplating whether to investigate the alley. However, he hesitated, torn between wanting to proceed and considering Su Zhi’s safety. Having experienced how easily Su Zhi could be separated from him earlier, he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her alone, especially in a potentially dangerous situation. How could he leave her side and put her at risk?
Observing Shen Zi’an’s dilemma, Su Zhi promptly grabbed his hand and led the way towards the alley, reassuring him, “I’ll be fine. Let’s check if that child might be in danger!”
Before entering the alley, Su Zhi placed two lanterns aside and picked up two sticks lying nearby—one for Shen Zi’an and one for herself. Handing a stick to Shen Zi’an, she cautioned him to be careful, expressing her concern for his safety. She was conflicted, wanting to help the child but also worried about involving Shen Zi’an in potential danger. Despite her conflicting emotions, her priority was to assist the child. With her Spiritual Spring Water and Lotus in hand, she felt confident that they could handle the situation, especially considering Shen Zi’an’s strength and combat skills.
Shen Zi’an nodded and proceeded ahead with a light, cat-like tread, while Su Zhi followed closely behind, her steps even lighter. Together, they entered the alley.
The alley wasn’t long, leading into a bend after a short distance. Relying on his hunting instincts, Shen Zi’an intuitively guided them in a particular direction, with Su Zhi following closely.
After a brief walk, they reached a small door that seemed to be a back entrance.
Shen Zi’an gestured for Su Zhi to halt, then set down his stick, took a couple of steps back, and with a swift motion, leaped up, landing his hands on the wall’s edge. Shen Zi’an then positioned himself atop the wall, enabling him to peer into the courtyard ahead, surveying the scene within.