Chapter 20: Delicate and Soft

The Duke of Lu looked at his second son, his brows wrinkling and then relaxing, only to wrinkle again. How did he get involved in this? “Your brother doesn’t like girls from the capital.”

“Even so, we can’t let Miss Wei’s genuine feelings go to waste. Why not let the Young Master marry both—a main wife and a concubine?”

“What nonsense!” The Duke of Lu knew he hadn’t come for a good reason. “Get out.”

“I won’t leave. I’m part of the Duke’s Mansion, and I have to contribute. Besides, now that I can participate in treasury matters, are you sure you want me to leave?”

Deputy Commander Pei tugged at the Duke’s sleeve. “The Second Young Master is being sensible now; the Duke should be pleased.” Don’t discourage the boy’s enthusiasm, especially since they needed to hear about the treasury matters from him.

The Duke of Lu compromised. “Staying is fine, but don’t get involved in your brother’s matters.”

“You often say we should work together as brothers. Are you going to stop me from even making suggestions?” Xie Yunzhao rolled his eyes. “If you won’t listen, just give me my token and some manpower.”

Why did he need the token and manpower right after returning home? What was he planning to do?

He had received his token long ago, and it had caused trouble then; he wouldn’t hesitate to reveal his identity.

“What do you need people for?”

“I’m working for the treasury. If I continue using the Commandery Princess’s name, I’ll just die laughing!”

The Duke of Lu rubbed his forehead. This rebellious son was here to collect debts. “I can give you the token, but it must not be misused.”

“I understand, Father. I’ve come of age and will be getting married soon. I know what I’m doing.”

The Duke of Lu had someone fetch his token and handed it to him. When Xie Yunzhao received it, there was a bit of resistance. “Don’t worry, Father. I have an official position now, so I won’t casually use our family’s identity in the future.”

The Duke of Lu suddenly realized the logic in this. “You are now the husband of the Grand Princess’s granddaughter, the Commandery Princess’s fiancé, and also a director of the treasury. You should avoid using this token unless absolutely necessary.”

“Got it, Father. I’ll be careful.”

The Duke of Lu stood there dazed for a moment. His son had become responsible; was he really turning over a new leaf?

Xie Yunzheng’s eyes flashed with severity. Only now did he want to improve himself? It was too late; he wouldn’t give him the chance!

“Consider my suggestion, Young Master. The connections from your marriage can be quite beneficial.” Xie Yunzhao, who had just reached the door, turned back and shouted.

The Duke of Lu was so angry he almost rushed out, but his subordinates held him back. Was “connections” really the term to use?

Xie Yunzheng clenched his fists. Did he still dare to mock him?

If it weren’t for losing Yongjia, he wouldn’t need anyone!

Xie Yunzhao went to the Censorate and sought out the Censor responsible for the Linhuai area, Liu Sihong.

Over forty, Liu was startled to hear that Xie Yunzhao was looking for him. What did this troublemaker want?

Upon learning that Xie Yunzhao was there to inquire about the flood situation, he was surprised but received him with due respect.

Xie Yunzhao was unusually serious this time, and Liu Sihong didn’t hold back, sharing everything he knew. He thought to himself that this kid was quite competent when he got down to business.

In a dark corner of a tavern, two men sat—one seated, the other standing—both looking rather grim.

“Didn’t see him again today?”

“Yeah.”

“He’s been studying for three days and has a new job. What do you think?”

“It’s all… the unusual behavior brought by marriage; otherwise, it wouldn’t have happened.”

“Are you blaming me?”

“No, no. I’ll find a way. I’ll definitely take him out to play and won’t let him get involved with work.”

The seated man thought for a moment and nodded slightly. “Go ahead.”

The next morning, Xie Yunzhao went to the Grand Princess’s residence to wait for the maidservant to inform him when the Commandery Princess woke up.

Shen Shurong looked the same as yesterday, dismissing the servants as she let him in. “What do you want for breakfast?”

“I retrieved the token yesterday and spoke with Censor Liu to understand the situation in Linhuai. I’ll tell you all about it shortly.”

Shen Shurong felt touched as soon as she woke up. What should she do? She wanted to hug him.

Suddenly, the window curtains were blown up by the wind, and Shen Shurong lunged forward. “What was that? So scary!”

Xie Yunzhao reached out to catch her, and Shen Shurong leaned against him.

“Don’t be afraid; it’s just the wind.”

“Brother Yunzhao, ever since I fell into the water, I feel like my courage has shrunk.” Shen Shurong’s head rested against the man’s chest, her hands gently pressing against him.

“With me here, you have nothing to fear.” Xie Yunzhao tightened his embrace, softly comforting her.

Shen Shurong leaned there for a while, as if she suddenly realized, and pushed away from his chest. “I’m sorry, Brother Yunzhao. We’re not married yet; I shouldn’t act like this. It’s all my fault.”

Xie Yunzhao felt an itch in his heart. This brief moment of softness couldn’t calm his racing pulse. He pulled her back into his arms, holding her tightly, savoring her delicate softness. “It’s not your fault. You’re scared; you need to be held a little longer to feel better.”

Shen Shurong’s arms quietly wrapped around his waist, feeling utterly perfect.

Xie Yunzhao breathed in her fragrant rose-scented hair, wishing he could never let go.

They were pressed together, and with each rise and fall of Shen Shurong’s breathing, Xie Yunzhao felt his nerves being struck again and again.

Though soft, the pressure was overwhelming.

He could clearly feel a change in his body, his nostrils tinged with a hint of moisture as tears threatened to spill.

Just when he felt he hadn’t embraced her enough, he had to let go. He was worried that his unsteady appearance might frighten her.

“I’ll step out for a moment, then I’ll come back to keep you company.” Xie Yunzhao hurriedly made his exit.

Shen Shurong lowered her gaze. The wedding date felt so far away!

The mansion was filled with servants, and as Xie Yunzhao escaped through the gate, no one paid him any mind.

His handkerchief had turned into a blood-stained cloth, and before he could put it away, he saw Lu Ziqian coming over. “I knew you’d be here. Why haven’t you looked for me in a few days?”

“I haven’t had time to play with you.”

“I know you want to accompany the Commandery Princess. You could bring her along to play!”

Xie Yunzhao pondered for a moment. “You wait for me here; I’ll ask her about her plans and then let you know.”

“Okay.” Lu Ziqian mounted his horse, bouncing back home.

Shen Shurong called for the maids to come in and help her get ready. Yinzhi and Suihan noticed that she seemed perfectly fine, utterly confused.

The grandson-in-law had left with his face covered, and the Commandery Princess didn’t seem angry.

Hua Mama stepped in. “Commandery Princess, everything has been arranged at the estate.”

Shen Shurong looked into the mirror, revealing a triumphant smile. Xie Yunzheng, oh Xie Yunzheng, your biggest bargaining chip is about to be taken!

Hua Mama handed her a letter, and the more Shen Shurong read, the darker her expression became. She had guessed correctly.

In her past life, after her grandmother handed over the treasury, the new emperor’s suppression led to the gradual decline of the Grand Princess Mansion and the Commandery Prince’s Mansion. The Liang family had also become increasingly unfriendly toward her brother.

After being rescued by Xie Yunzhao, she had inquired about her family’s affairs several times but had never heard the name Liang mentioned. It seemed something significant was happening.

“Commandery Princess, she still has dealings with someone named Duan.”

“What? Now?”

“On the fifteenth of every month, which is tomorrow.”

“Invite my brother over to the Commandery Prince’s Mansion and say I’m feeling unwell.”

The Grand Princess, who had received news earlier, had already summoned the Commandery Princess Consort. The two of them sat together to discuss how to inform Shen Qi about these matters.

What they didn’t expect was that Shen Shurong had already called Shen Qi over.

“Little Sister, what’s wrong?”

She had accompanied Xie Yunzhao for breakfast and let him go to the account room to wait for her.

Seeing her brother’s pure eyes filled with concern, Shen Shurong felt she was being too harsh.