After the delicate and soft-spoken wife gave up, the aloof and powerful minister embraced her and sh

Knowing she couldn't hide it from him, Wen Jiayue nodded.

"My fourth brother said he wanted to go to Jinzhou for a trip."

Since Shen Fuyou didn't want to tell him the truth, she would help him keep it a secret.

Shen Fuhan asked, "Did you see him off?"

His voice was flat, and although it was a question, his tone was firm.

Wen Jiayue said frankly, "I'm a little worried. As the eldest sister-in-law, it's only right and proper for me to see her off."

Shen Fuhan didn't say anything more, put the book aside, and picked up his daughter.

"Let's go have our meal."

Halfway through the meal, Shen Fuhan asked again, "Has Fourth Brother said when he'll be back?"

Wen Jiayue swallowed the food in her mouth before speaking: "He said he would definitely come back before New Year's Eve, and he also said he would spend the New Year at the Marquis's residence."

Shen Fuhan pondered for a moment and asked, "At the last flower-viewing banquet, which girl did you think was the best?"

Wen Jiayue was stunned. How did the conversation suddenly turn to a flower appreciation banquet?

Has he changed his mind and wants to take a concubine again?

She pursed her lips and said, "I think the girl who takes the initiative to talk to you is the best."

Shen Fuhan recalled, "It seems that he and my fourth brother are not a good match."

Wen Jiayue was taken aback. Did he want to give Shen Fuyou a reading?

She quickly said, "Fourth brother said he's still young and not in a hurry to get married. Lord Marquis, please don't make things worse."

“I’m anxious,” Shen Fuhan said calmly. “He should probably tone down his temper.”

Wen Jiayue asked, "Why would he change his temperament after marriage? Does that mean he's impulsive now, but will become more stable after marriage?"

Shen Fuhan paused for a moment: "That's not what I meant."

Wen Jiayue was puzzled. What else could it be besides this?

She didn't dwell on it, saying, "I've already warned you. If your fourth brother blames you like he blames your grandmother, I won't help you."

Shen Fuhan raised an eyebrow and asked, "You're helping him?"

Wen Jiayue: "...?"

“I’ll stand by what’s right, not by my own relatives,” Wen Jiayue said. “You’re just like Grandmother, randomly matchmaking people up. I won’t allow it.”

If Shen Fuyou is pushed to the brink and runs to the border again, she won't be able to pull him back.

Shen Fuhan said calmly, "He didn't make any random selections. It's time for him to consider his marriage."

Wen Jiayue sighed, and seeing that he was determined, she did not try to persuade him further.

Perhaps Shen Fuyou was destined to face such a life-or-death ordeal, one that he could not escape no matter how hard he tried.

She simply said, "My fourth brother told me today that he likes gentle and quiet girls."

Shen Fuhan paused, looking at Wen Jiayue.

She was sipping fish soup, a lock of long hair falling beside her ear, her profile gentle and serene.

Before she could look up in confusion, Shen Fuhan looked away.

"I see."

After dinner, Shen Fuhan went to his study as usual.

Wen Jiayue was a little tired, and after washing up, she quickly fell asleep.

She didn't know how long she had slept, but she felt somewhat out of control, as if she were being held in someone's arms.

She frowned slightly, a little uneasy, until she smelled the familiar scent of ink and books, and finally felt relieved, snuggling into his arms.

Shen Fuhan hugged her tightly and gently kissed her forehead.

A good night's sleep.

When Wen Jiayue woke up, the other side of the bed was empty.

She paused for a moment, vaguely remembering that Shen Fuhan had slept here last night.

She seemed to be snuggling closer to him.

Wen Jiayue remained silent for a moment. Why did she make such a move?

She patted her head. Maybe it was just a dream?

She summoned Ruyi and hurriedly asked, "The Marquis didn't come back last night, did he?"

Ruyi smiled and said, "The Marquis returned shortly after you fell asleep."

Wen Jiayue sighed softly. Her subconscious reaction couldn't be faked; she still relied on him.

No matter how much she tries to deceive herself, it's no use.

Seeing that her expression was not right, Ruyi asked worriedly, "Madam, what's wrong?"

"It's alright, help me up."

After washing up, the servant reported that the old lady asked her and her young lady to go to Ninghui Hall.

Wen Jiayue was somewhat annoyed. What was it about this time?

And Zhaozhao must be taken along.

Since it concerned her daughter, Wen Jiayue did not go over immediately, but sent someone to inquire about it.

After breakfast, the servant came to report.

"Madam, the old lady says she wants to see Miss."

Wen Jiayue was stunned. It was that simple?

She didn't believe it at all and went there alone.

Wang Chengyao was also in Ninghui Hall, eating snacks from a plate.

Seeing his aunt come over, he quickly said, "Aunt, have some snacks!"

Wen Jiayue glanced at the leftovers on the plate and said with a troubled expression, "You can eat them yourself."

The old lady coughed twice and asked with displeasure, "Why are you so late?"

Wen Jiayue is really capable; no one has ever dared to make her wait this long.

Wen Jiayue said, "You told me to bring Zhaozhao over, but Zhaozhao is asleep, so I thought I'd wait until she wakes up before coming."

The old lady asked, "Where is your daughter?"

Wen Jiayue explained, "She hasn't woken up, and when she does, she cries. After thinking it over, I came here alone because I was afraid she would disturb my grandmother's peace."

"What's the big deal?" the old lady said dismissively. "It's more lively with more children."

Wen Jiayue didn't reply, she just smiled.

The old lady looked her up and down and said, "There are so few children in the mansion, you should be more careful and try to get pregnant with a second one soon."

Wen Jiayue didn't want to waste her breath and nodded in agreement.

The belly is hers; she can choose whether or not to have the baby. No matter what the old lady says, it's useless.

Seeing that she was obedient, the old lady said with satisfaction, "It would be best if she gave birth to a son, so that our Shen family could have more descendants as soon as possible."

Wen Jiayue let it go in one ear and out the other, and still nodded.

Wang Chengyao was so engrossed in listening that he almost lost his appetite and started picking at his ears.

He walked up to Wen Jiayue and said anxiously, "Aunt, I need to pee."

The old lady stopped chanting and said disdainfully, "Go find a maid."

Wang Chengyao pouted and said, "I want my aunt, or I'll pee here!"

Upon seeing Wang Chengyao rescue her, Wen Jiayue immediately said, "Grandmother, let me take him there."

Before the old lady could react, the two children had vanished without a trace.

As Wen Jiayue walked out of Ninghui Hall, she smiled and said, "Thank you, Yao'er. Your aunt is going back now. You should go back to Changle Courtyard too."

Wang Chengyao pouted: "My mother won't let me go back."

Wen Jiayue was taken aback: "What's wrong?"

Wang Chengyao said with a wronged expression, "My mother thought I was too noisy, so she kicked me out and told me to come back at noon."

Wen Jiayue was helpless. When Shen Funian got angry, he could even kick his own son out of the house.

"In that case, you should come back with me first," she instructed. "Don't make your mother angry again."

Upon hearing this, Wang Chengyao smiled and said, "Don't worry, Aunt. After that doctor treats Mother, her temper will be fine."

Wen Jiayue stopped in her tracks and asked, "What doctor brother?"