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Shen Shuyao had often asked herself why she had once felt drawn to Xie Jun. After much reflection, she realized it was likely because her initial engagement negotiations had gone poorly, and she had overheard someone slandering her. Unable to hold back her tears, she had been caught in a moment of sadness by Xie Jun. Instead of turning away coldly, he had smiled kindly and offered her a handkerchief with comforting words.

At that moment, Shen Shuyao thought that perhaps some men were not so shallow after all.

Moreover, Xie Jun’s personality was entirely different from Xie Yi’s. Xie Yi was cold and aloof, silent and distant, difficult to approach. In contrast, Xie Jun was always smiling warmly, gentle and courteous, his words like a spring breeze. Talking with him was a delight.

At the Qionghua Banquet, Xie Jun stood beside Xie Yi, a stark contrast between cold and warm. Shen Shuyao, emboldened at the time, dared to stare directly at him in front of everyone. Perhaps it was because she came from a martial family and had inherited her parents’ carefree nature, that she did not fully understand a woman’s restraint.

This misunderstanding led to complications with her mother later on.

A year after marrying into the Xie household, Shen Shuyao had seen little of Xie Jun in the first half-year, and even less in the latter half, as he often went out on excursions. The faint affection she had once felt slowly buried itself deep within her heart, nearly fading away.

Now that Xie Jun had returned home, she was pleased, but not as excited as she had been before. It was a subtle, complex feeling.

If anyone in the household was truly delighted by Xie Jun’s return, it was Madam Lin. Today, with the exception of Xie Yi, who was still at the government office, everyone else was present—even the two concubines Madam Lin disliked were quietly seated in the hall.

Shen Shuyao arrived last, not out of arrogance but because the orchid garden was quite far and she walked slowly. Wrapped in a sea-green dress that accentuated her curves, her delicate features were radiant and her skin porcelain-like, bathed in a soft glow that enhanced her striking beauty.

She entered calmly, glanced up, and caught the eyes of Ruyi standing beside Madam Lin. Their eyes met briefly, and Shen Shuyao saw the deep resentment in Ruyi’s gaze. Oh, she hadn’t given up yet.

Smiling gently, Shen Shuyao lowered her eyes but did not mind. She understood Xie Yi’s nature; since he had rejected Ruyi now, he would not take her later either. A man so proud would never leave himself open to mockery.

He simply did not like Ruyi.

Bowing slightly, Shen Shuyao then took a seat. The room was lively with several women chatting. Madam Lin paid no attention to her, focusing entirely on the door, eagerly awaiting Xie Jun’s arrival. After a moment, a servant reported that he had reached the entrance.

Madam Lin happily stood and began to walk out. Just as she stepped over the threshold, Xie Jun’s handsome figure appeared at the doorway.

Mother and son exchanged greetings in a touching scene. Shen Shuyao followed behind, weaving through the crowd to get a better look. From afar, she observed him clearly: compared to six months ago, Xie Jun was tanner and sturdier, but his smile remained warm.

The lively atmosphere continued for a while until Madam Lin finally calmed down and pulled Xie Jun inside, peppering him with questions. Xie Jun was eager to please, recounting many amusing stories, making Madam Lin beam with delight.

Shen Shuyao sat for half an hour, listening to their chatter with growing impatience, though she kept her expression neutral, not wanting to spoil the mood and upset Madam Lin.

After some time, Xie Jun’s clear voice broke through: “I brought some specialties from Miaojiang for the two concubines and sister-in-law to try.”

His gaze met hers. Shen Shuyao nodded with a smile, showing no surprise. Then Xie Jun turned back to Madam Lin, continuing, “I went to Miaojiang and learned to make oil tea. I’ll prepare some for mother later.”

Shen Shuyao raised her eyes in surprise. To learn to brew tea on a trip—how impressive. Before she could ponder further, Xie Jun said to her, “Sister-in-law, you should try some too.”

Though she had few hobbies, her greatest passion was food, albeit kept hidden from others. Now that Xie Jun had brought it up himself, she naturally nodded in agreement.

In the May heat, the group sat in the hall with warm breezes flowing through. After a while, the heat became uncomfortable. Shen Shuyao shifted slightly, feeling moisture dampen her back through the thin summer fabric. Her slender spine trembled subtly with the movement, her delicate shoulder blades especially enchanting.

She sighed softly, reached behind to adjust her clothing, thinking it was about time to go back. Sitting upright again, she smiled sweetly at Madam Lin.

After listening for so long, Shen Shuyao discerned Madam Lin’s intention: to seize the occasion of Xie Jun’s birthday banquet to find him a suitable match. Xie Jun was twenty, the perfect age for engagement now and marriage next year. Madam Lin’s plan was clear.

She then looked toward Shen Shuyao and said with a smile, “We’ll have sister-in-law help with the matchmaking—you won’t go wrong.”

Called out by name, Shen Shuyao quickly lifted her eyes. Madam Lin smiled, and Xie Jun nodded in agreement, casually adding, “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

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Suddenly, Shen Shuyao felt awkward but forced herself to agree.

—

True to his word, that afternoon Xie Jun sent over some oil tea he had brewed himself. She stared at it for a while before cautiously tasting it. It looked unusual, and indeed, it tasted somewhat bitter.

Shen Shuyao frowned after finishing a bowl and left the rest untouched, reserving it for Xie Yi. Near evening, when Xie Yi returned, the oil tea had cooled. He glanced at it on the table and asked, “What is this?”

She explained, “Second young master sent it. He said it’s oil tea from Miaojiang, specially learned to honor mother, and brought some for us too.”

Dressed in formal court robes, Xie Yi appeared composed and imposing, his expression unreadable. Shen Shuyao stopped before him, looked up at his tall frame. Being petite, she barely reached his collarbone. Every time she looked at him, it was from below. When would she ever look down on him?

She thought perhaps only in bed.

“That bowl is for you,” she said.

Before returning to the orchid garden, Xie Yi had met Xie Jun, heard about the oil tea, but this Wan—Shen Shuyao—did not quite match his expectations.

“I have no appetite.”

He refused to drink it, and Shen Shuyao understood.

If it was poured out, it would be wasteful. Fine, she would drink it herself.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she turned to the bowl on the table. Xie Yi followed her gaze and immediately understood her intent. He warned, “Don’t drink it—be careful not to upset your stomach.”

“How could that be?”

She replied loudly, blinking her long lashes, “I mean, it won’t.”

The man’s slender fingers unfastened his robe buttons with ease. His jaw lifted slightly, smooth and graceful. “Second young master has never done manual labor. Be cautious about the food he makes.”

“You’re biased,” she retorted, blowing down her eyelids with displeasure. Pouting, she muttered, “I don’t think second young master is careless. He’s gentle and attentive.”

Xie Yi paused, furrowing his brows, lowering his gaze to her. Whether it was her imagination or not, he seemed to hear a note of defense in her words. It was normal to defend Xie Jun, but… an inexplicable feeling stirred in his heart.

Perhaps he was just tired today and misheard.

Xie Yi didn’t dwell on it. His knotted fingers moved elegantly and seductively. After removing his outer robe, he went to the inner room, not continuing the previous topic. As usual, the implication was that she should go.

So Shen Shuyao drank his portion of the oil tea in one go, partly out of stubbornness, unwilling to believe Xie Yi’s words.

That night, thick clouds blocked the stars and moonlight. A lamp burned inside the room, casting shadows over the bed. Shen Shuyao frowned, moaning softly as she tossed and turned, waking from pain. Her movements were a bit loud; Xie Yi, with keen hearing, was awakened.

“Shen Shuyao, what’s wrong?”

She bit her lip and said nothing, sweat dampening her thin clothes, outlining her curves. Not wanting to speak, she was forced to by Xie Yi’s questions: she had stomach pain.

He asked again. When she still said nothing, he pulled her into his arms. Seeing her clutch her stomach, he immediately understood.

The man sighed with slight helplessness and was about to get up to call a doctor when Shen Shuyao grabbed his arm.

Soft and weak, she said, “Don’t go. I’ll rest and be fine.”

She felt embarrassed. Xie Yi had warned her not to eat it, but she did anyway, suspecting he was biased against Xie Jun. In the end, she was the one suffering. Would he laugh at her?

She looked at him, but the dim light made his expression unreadable, only his strong profile visible.

“If you’re sick, you should call a doctor.”

She refused, shaking his arm and, for the first time, acting coquettishly. “Husband, help me massage it.”

Her voice was soft, fragile like never before. Xie Yi immediately tensed but, helpless, reached out to rub her. Besides, with her delicate, charming appearance now, he quite enjoyed it.

Her black hair draped over his arm, the tips brushing his hard chest. Soft and tender, it was remarkable Xie Yi could restrain himself.

His rough palm stroked her tender skin, sending tingles and itching sensations. Shen Shuyao felt the numbness even surpassed the pain, her mouth dry. She forced her eyes shut.

It only made things worse; with eyes closed, her senses sharpened. She heard his deep breathing and felt the veins bulging on his arm, full of strength.

Feeling the pain ease, she whispered softly, “Xie Yi.”

He responded with a low hum, deep and seductive, but said nothing sweet.

“When you’re sick, be quiet.”

Shen Shuyao almost bit her tongue. She had endured him for a year, pretending all this time—enough was enough.

“I’m not in pain anymore. I’m going to sleep.”

With two soft thumps, her small body rolled twice and curled inward to sleep.

Xie Yi didn’t react immediately; when she left his arms, he smiled slightly, pleased.

—

The next morning, Shen Shuyao noticed something was wrong as soon as she woke. Her pants felt sticky and uncomfortable. Looking down, her brows knitted tightly—her period had come.

“Ling Chun.”

Ling Chun hurried over, saw the red stain, and immediately understood, rushing to fetch sanitary supplies.

Shen Shuyao scratched her head, wondering if the pain last night was from her period or the oil tea Xie Jun had sent.

But it didn’t matter. Now the pain was gone, and she felt much better. She had truly thought she might die last night.