Chapter 32: Guilt

Xie Yunzhao noticed that Shen Shurong was ignoring Xie Yunzheng while showing him so much concern, and a smug smile crept onto his lips.

Xie Yunzheng scoffed inwardly, foolish boy, he couldn’t even see that the Junzhu was jealous of him.

After waiting for a moment without receiving a response, his gaze dimmed, and he turned to leave.

Physician Hu finally finished applying the medicine, picked up his medicine box, and quickly bowed to the two ladies before rushing out to get more medicine.

The Commandery Princess Consort intended to leave with her daughter. “Yongjia, your grandmother is still waiting in the main hall. Let’s go; we shouldn’t disturb Yunzhao’s recovery.”

Xie Yunzhao watched Shen Shurong longingly. Were they leaving so soon?

Shen Shurong shook her head; she didn’t want to part from Brother Yunzhao so quickly. “Mother, I’m hungry.”

The Commandery Princess Consort: …

The Duchess hurried to arrange for a meal, feeling as if her head were about to explode.

Once everyone had exited, Shen Shurong instructed her maid to guard the door and began to whisper to Xie Yunzhao.

“Brother Yunzhao, who do you think arranged today’s incident?”

Xie Yunzhao hesitated to respond, only saying that it was Lu Ziqian who organized the polo match.

Shen Shurong thought of Lu Ziqian. He and Brother Yunzhao got along very well, but since arriving from the palace, she hadn’t heard him mention Lu Ziqian. Instead, she had heard him talk about Gu Kaizhi, the young son of the Minister of Rites, several times.

“Brother Yunzhao, do you think it could be Lu Ziqian?”

Xie Yunzhao shook his head, unable to draw a conclusion. “I’m not sure. I’ll keep an eye on him in the future.”

“I remember you used to play with Gu Kaizhi often. Why haven’t you seen him lately?”

“Oh, him…” Xie Yunzhao pouted, “He’s silly and doesn’t like to bring him along.”

Shen Shurong was taken aback. How could she explain it to him?

He spoke of Gu Kaizhi with such familiarity previously.

Thinking quickly, she said, “I feel like Lu Ziqian is a bit of a jinx for me.”

Xie Yunzhao was surprised. “What do you mean?”

“The last time I fell into the water was right after he showed up, and we both fell in.”

“This time, we both got hurt, but he didn’t jinx you. You two have played together a lot; he only seems to jinx me. You got hurt because of me.”

Xie Yunzhao thought about it; it was indeed strange. Better to believe it than not. He wouldn’t allow anything to harm Shen Shurong. “I won’t play with him anymore.”

Shen Shurong smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Brother Yunzhao. If you’re bored, you can find Gu Kaizhi. He’s simple-minded and honest. That way, I can feel at ease when you’re outside.”

Xie Yunzhao felt his heart soar. He lay there silently smiling, reveling in the fact that Shen Shurong was not only concerned for him but also worried about him.

After laughing for a while, he finally lifted his head. “Once I’m better, I’ll look for him to play.”

“Good.”

The Grand Princess’s family left the Duke of Lu’s Mansion after having lunch.

Once they boarded the carriage, the Commandery Princess Consort pinched Shen Shurong’s ear. “You little brat, how shameless can you be?”

“Why don’t you just go and marry him today?”

“Hey, that hurts, Mother! Grandmother!” Shen Shurong pushed her hand away, but the thought was tempting.

“Alright.” The Grand Princess intervened. “You haven’t gone far yet; it wouldn’t be good if someone overheard.”

Only then did the Commandery Princess Consort release her grip. “Mother, you don’t know; while applying medicine to Xie Yunzhao’s back, she was staring at him!”

“First complaining that Physician Hu was too rough, then saying she’d go keep him company every day.”

“Mother, Physician Hu wouldn’t speak carelessly.”

“You…”

The Grand Princess shot the Commandery Princess Consort a look. “How old are you? Can’t you handle a little girl?”

The Commandery Princess Consort was taken aback. What did her mother mean?

Shen Shurong was also stunned. Was Grandmother saying she should handle herself?

“Your daughter has sprained her ankle; she needs at least seven days of rest.”

The Commandery Princess Consort finally understood. “Daughter-in-law understands; I will take good care of my daughter.”

Shen Shurong clung to the edge of the carriage, wanting to jump out. She didn’t want to be locked up at home!

“How is that woman doing?”

“I told her the child died, but she didn’t believe it; she thinks the early birth is being taken care of by me and won’t let her see.”

“Ha, not taking her life is already quite merciful.”

“How is Qi’er doing lately?”

“My husband sent someone to check on her. She’s been studying diligently and doesn’t seem troubled.”

“That’s good.”

Shen Shurong chimed in, “Brother Yunzhao is strong; our family doesn’t have weaklings.”

The Commandery Princess Consort shot her a glare. You’re not weak, but you’re bold.

At this moment, Xie Yunzhao was still lost in his beautiful fantasy, thinking that Rongrong would come to see him every day. With that thought, his wounds didn’t hurt at all.

Qingzhu entered the room. Lu Ziqian was waiting outside, and Xie Yunzhao remembered what Shen Shurong had said. He waved his hand dismissively. “Tell him not to come looking for me anymore.”

Qingzhu was confused and suddenly thought of the earlier incident. “Sir, do you suspect he’s involved?”

Xie Yunzhao couldn’t say he suspected Lu Ziqian was a jinx for Shen Shurong, fearing he’d be misunderstood. “Of course, it was all arranged by him, but I won’t pursue it further. No need for us to interact anymore.”

Qingzhu’s expression hardened; it truly was the case. Anger filled her face as she walked out.

Lu Ziqian was about to enter when he was stopped. “Young Master Lu, please go back. You don’t need to come here anymore.”

Lu Ziqian was stunned for a moment. Did Xie Yunzhao suspect him?

No, this tone wasn’t just suspicion; was there evidence?

That couldn’t be.

“Qingzhu, what does that mean?”

“Literally speaking, the Young Master said he won’t associate with you anymore.”

In the past, Lu Ziqian would have made a scene at the door, but after questioning himself today, he left the Duke of Lu’s Mansion trembling, not even daring to ask.

To Qingzhu, it was a sign of guilt. She turned back to report to Xie Yunzhao.

Xie Yunzhao was only cautious because of Shen Shurong’s words. If that was the case, things felt off. “Have someone investigate him discreetly. Check his connections and everything, no detail is too small.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

That night, the rain outside fell softly like weeping, as if lamenting.

Xie Yunzhao felt worried. If it continued to rain tomorrow, would Rongrong still come?

It might be best if she didn’t come; getting drenched in the rain would make her catch a cold.

Shen Shurong was kept an eye on by the Commandery Princess Consort and didn’t go out on the first day.

By evening, Qingzhu and Qingying looked at their master, who seemed lost, and tried to comfort him. “It rained all day; it must have affected the Junzhu’s ability to come.”

“That’s right; the Junzhu’s ankle is still injured, and the roads are slippery. It’s better for her to rest at home.”

They said what Xie Yunzhao was thinking, but he still felt disappointed.

They had seen each other every day recently; suddenly not being able to see her felt empty and painful.

Under the eaves of Zhaohui Courtyard, the raindrops dripped continuously like pearl beads strung together.

Xie Yunzheng’s lips curled into a smile. In order to repay the life-saving grace, this was just face-saving talk.

She was the most delicate; how could she come daily to care for Xie Yunzhao?

Three days passed without Shen Shurong appearing. The first day it rained heavily, the second day the roads were slippery, and by the third day, Xie Yunzhao had no more excuses. The sun shone brightly.

He sat by the door, staring at the courtyard entrance, longing for her.

He… missed her so much!

If he could wear clothes, he would have rushed to find her by now.

Qingzhu and Qingying racked their brains, coming up with various reasons for Shen Shurong’s absence, feeling as if they had exhausted their entire lives’ worth of ideas.

“Why don’t you go comfort the Young Master?”

“You go!”

No one moved.

Xie Yunzheng’s mood had been good over these three days, and even his trusted aides felt the change. During meetings, the Heir’s expression was better than usual.