Chapter 25
Due to her widowhood and poor health, Shen Shi had been living in seclusion, rarely leaving her quarters. However, as the eldest daughter-in-law of the main branch of the household, she was still informed of major events within the estate. Reflecting on the past month since the Dowager Lady Yan’s birthday celebration, she felt a growing sense of unease. First the young master and lady of the household, and now even her mother-in-law and the Dowager Lady had encountered misfortunes.
Just as her anxiety peaked, Shen Shi suddenly heard her name called. Startled like a frightened rabbit, she trembled before lifting her head in a daze to look at the Duke of Anguo, who had addressed her. "F-father?"
Seeing her timid and uneasy demeanor, the Duke sighed inwardly but softened his tone as he spoke. "I heard from the Dowager Lady that your illness has long since recovered. You no longer need daily medication, just some care to avoid exhaustion. Is that correct?"
Shen Shi nodded. "Yes, Father. This daughter-in-law’s health has indeed improved greatly, and I no longer require medicine."
Though they rarely met, the Dowager Lady had always cared for her granddaughter-in-law, often sending people to check on her and deliver gifts. Thus, Shen Shi was not surprised that the Duke knew of her condition.
"That’s good." The Duke’s expression eased with relief before he continued. "Given the current state of the household—your mother-in-law need not be mentioned—the Dowager Lady is ill, and the household cannot be left without management. As the eldest daughter-in-law, this responsibility falls to you. But rest assured, the Dowager Lady and I will arrange assistants to prevent you from overexerting yourself. Additionally, now that you’ve recovered, you should take Xin’er back to raise yourself. He is your child and ought to be with his mother."
"Really?!" When the Duke first mentioned entrusting her with household management, Shen Shi felt no joy, only trepidation at the weight of responsibility. But upon hearing that Xin’er would be returned to her, she couldn’t contain her excitement. She shot to her feet, tears welling in her eyes.
Seeing this, the Duke felt even more remorse. As a father-in-law, he had limited interaction with Shen Shi. Previously, when Xie Shi claimed Shen Shi was too ill to care for Xin’er and thus kept the child in her own quarters, he hadn’t questioned it. Only now did he realize Shen Shi had long recovered, yet mother and child had been separated until this moment.
"This daughter-in-law has behaved improperly. Please forgive me, Father." Fearful that her outburst might make the Duke reconsider, Shen Shi hastily added, "I will manage the household affairs diligently and care for Xin’er well. Please rest assured."
"...Good, very good." The Duke trusted Shen Shi, and with the assistance of those he and the Dowager Lady would assign, he believed matters would proceed smoothly.
Having endured successive blows from Xie Shi, the Duke was barely holding himself together. After saying what needed to be said and making arrangements, he had nothing left to discuss and could no longer conceal his exhaustion.
Though weak, the Dowager Lady was still capable of speech. Heartbroken for the son she had raised, she said, "Go rest now. Don’t dwell on it or anger yourself further. Those two aren’t worth it."
"This son understands." The Dowager Lady’s words brought tears to the forty-year-old Duke’s eyes. He bowed deeply to hide his emotions from Yan Jingshu and Shen Shi.
After the Duke left, the Dowager Lady had An Momo help her sit up against the headboard before addressing Shen Shi. "An Momo once assisted me in managing household affairs and is well-versed in such matters. From now on, she will help you."
"Yes, Grandmother." Shen Shi stepped forward to accept the instruction, then turned to An Momo with a smile. "I’ll trouble you, An Momo. If there’s anything I don’t understand, I hope you’ll guide me."
An Momo waved her hands. "You flatter me, Young Madam."
The Dowager Lady then turned to Yan Jingshu. "Shu’er, you should also learn household management from your elder sister-in-law. It will be useful in the future."
Yan Jingshu had spent his childhood studying and knew little about managing a household—a skill essential after marriage. Though time was short, Jiang Chenghan’s household was simple, and some basic knowledge would suffice.
"I understand, Grandmother." Yan Jingshu agreed at once.
In his past life, he couldn’t even read account books, let alone manage finances, leaving him unable to assist Jiang Chenghan. This time, even without his grandmother’s reminder, he intended to learn.
The Dowager Lady nodded before addressing Shen Shi again. "With the household in upheaval, most matters can wait. But one thing must be handled promptly, inventory your mother-in-law Xie Shi’s dowry. When her family comes, we must avoid any accusations of profiting from their daughter’s belongings."
Though it was improper for a daughter-in-law to handle her mother-in-law’s dowry, with the Dowager Lady’s directive, Shen Shi took careful note.
Yan Jingshu, however, thought of his maternal grandparents. Though bound by blood, Xie Shi’s dislike for him meant he was rarely taken to visit them as a child. Later, rumors spread that his eight characters clashed with the Xie family, further estranging him.
[八字 (bāzì): lit. eight characters; fig. birth horoscope used in fortune-telling]
Apart from an uncle who had left home to travel, he had no affection for his maternal relatives, nor they for him. With the Dowager Lady delegating his mother’s dowry to Shen Shi, it was clear she wanted to spare him entanglement and potential accusations from his mother’s family. Yan Jingshu naturally refrained from comment.
The sudden change in household leadership caused chaos and anxiety among the servants. Fortunately, with the support of the Duke and the Dowager Lady, along with the assistance of Steward Yan and An Momo, Yan Jingshu and Shen Shi quickly stabilized the situation, restoring order.
In his past life, Yan Jingshu’s refusal to marry had led Xie Shi to confine him to his courtyard, forbidding him from leaving or meeting anyone until he was forcibly sent north for his wedding, depriving him of farewells to his teacher and friends.
Now that Xie Shi could no longer control him, he wouldn’t let history repeat itself. On the day of Mushan Academy’s ten-day rest, he left to visit his mentor first.
Yan Jingshu’s mentor, Wang Shijie, was a dual-list jinshi and a renowned scholar of profound virtue. Aware of Yan Jingshu’s imperial marriage decree, he had anticipated the visit. Though heartbroken for his student, he knew the emperor’s will was unchangeable and that Yan Jingshu bore the greatest sorrow. Avoiding empty platitudes, he offered only comfort, easing Yan Jingshu’s heart.
[两榜进士 (liǎng bǎng jìnshì): lit. dual-list jinshi; fig. someone who passed both provincial and palace imperial exams]
After leaving his mentor’s home, Yan Jingshu headed to Louwailou, a famed restaurant in the capital. He had arranged to meet three close friends there the previous day for a farewell gathering.
Reserved and introverted, Yan Jingshu had few true friends. Yet when he entered the reserved private room, he was startled to find a fourth person present. Frowning, his displeasure was unmistakable.
Meanwhile, not far from Louwailou, Jiang Chenghan was carefully selecting furniture at a woodcraft shop.
After finalizing the wedding date and betrothal gifts days prior, he had begun preparations, starting with renting a house.
Prioritizing quality over cost for the wedding, he soon found a well-maintained three-courtyard residence, elegantly furnished and conveniently located near both the General’s and Duke of Anguo’s estates. Though expensive, it was worth the price.
However, for the bridal chamber, especially the bed, he preferred new furniture. Hence his visit to the shop today.
Finishing his selections around noon, Jiang Chenghan decided to eat at a nearby bustling restaurant rather than return to the General’s estate. Seated in a quiet corner, he ordered three dishes and began his meal.
Midway, the sound of shattering porcelain drew his attention to a private room where the door swung open—revealing Yan Jingshu.
Despite having met only twice (once while Yan Jingshu was unconscious), Jiang Chenghan recognized him instantly. But Yan Jingshu’s furrowed brow and visible disgust gave him pause.
As he hesitated, a red-eyed, sneering man abruptly yanked Yan Jingshu back inside, slamming the door.
Jiang Chenghan shot to his feet. Three swift steps brought him to the door, he flung the door open—and his expression darkened at the sight before him.
The door crashed shut behind him as he stormed toward the table. The blue-robed man had Yan Jingshu pinned down, ignoring his frantic resistance. Jiang Chenghan grabbed the assailant by his collar, yanking him upright before driving a devastating punch straight into his face. The force sent the man hurtling backward, his body slamming against the wall before sliding to the floor, unconscious.
Still burning with fury, Jiang Chenghan moved in for another strike, fist clenched - but Yan Jingshu desperately grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Are you protecting him?" Jiang Chenghan’s voice was low, simmering.
Yan Jingshu shook his head vehemently, clinging to Jiang Chenghan’s arm as if to restrain him. "I wouldn’t care if he died here! But he can’t die by your hand. He’s the heir of Duke Zhenguo, son of a first-rank official and the Emperor’s niece, the Grand Princess. If you kill him, even my father and General Kou couldn’t save you!"
Jiang Chenghan’s strength was legendary. He could kill a tiger with his bare hands. A drunken fool like Mu Tingyuan wouldn’t last three strikes
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