Nine thousand and nine.

The gauzy curtains swayed lightly twice as a gentle breeze flowed in, deepening the laziness that settled over her, making her unwilling to move a finger. After a whole day of exhaustion, having walked back and forth alongside him, her feet ached with soreness, and she guessed that tomorrow she would barely be able to walk. She would need several days of rest to fully recover.

Suddenly, Xie Yi mentioned Xie Jun. Shen Shuyao didn’t think much of it and didn’t notice anything unusual about him. Her clear eyes remained closed, though her lashes fluttered twice. At first, she responded with a puzzled "Hmm," then assumed he was concerned about Xie Jun’s marriage, perhaps worried she might speak ill of him in front of Chen Shuyi, so he was trying to probe her words.

Her black hair hung uncomfortably in front of her, so she tossed it back, and it happened to fall across the man’s face, releasing a fragrant scent. Shen Shuyao’s voice was soft, tinged with a bit of annoyance as she replied, “Second brother should be alright, at least his health is good. He won’t have sore feet.”

What was meant as a test only made Xie Yi angrier. He glanced at what she said—was she mocking his poor health, or laughing at his petty nature, unwilling even to extinguish the lamp? His chest heaved violently with rage, teeth clenched tightly; if he could, he wished to bite her. He wanted to ask what exactly she was thinking, why she had smiled so happily at Second Brother at noon.

But he couldn’t. Perhaps he was just being suspicious. She was his wife, Xie Jun his own brother—what could possibly be wrong? Thinking this, much of the frustration he had held back all afternoon began to dissipate. Seeing Shen Shuyao’s indifferent attitude, clearly not thinking anything else, without a trace of guilt, he concluded he was overthinking.

Xie Yi rubbed his forehead and sighed. His old habit of investigating cases was bringing trouble into his home. If this continued, he and Shen Shuyao were bound to quarrel. Enough—he didn’t want to think about it anymore; the more he did, the more vexed he became.

He turned to look at the person beside him. Her breathing was even; she had fallen asleep. He rose, extinguished the lamp, and returned to bed. Then he recalled her words about having good health—why did she praise others but not him?

He wrapped an arm around her waist and whispered, “Am I not healthy?”

The weary woman’s mind was foggy with fatigue; she barely heard his words but felt the weight of a hand on her waist, an unwelcome restraint, prompting her to shift uncomfortably.

“What’s so good about that?”

Shen Shuyao was too tired and just wanted to sleep. She didn’t even know what she had said, let alone notice his expression.

The bed fell into sudden silence. The anger he had just suppressed flared up again. Xie Yi felt his patience had reached its limit. If she provoked him again, who knew what he might do.

His irritation lingered through the night until dawn, his face sullied with a sour expression. Shen Shuyao was utterly confused, not understanding who had upset him so much.

She knew it wasn’t her—she wouldn’t provoke Xie Yi. She was always gentle with him, always spoke kindly. Even small disagreements were quickly resolved. So it definitely wasn’t her fault.

Then what was it?

Holding his court robe, she glanced at Xie Yi several times, every time about to speak but then swallowing her concern when she saw his stern, cold face.

Xie Yi did not reach out but said coldly, “I’ll do it myself.”

Shen Shuyao was stunned for a moment, blinking her innocent eyes as she handed him the robe. What was going on? He didn’t want her help anymore?

Only then did she realize she must have truly upset him, or why else would he wear such a sour expression?

As Xie Yi left, Shen Shuyao asked Suì Huá, “Did I offend him? Why is he angry?”

Suì Huá shook her head; she did not know. The Xie household had been so busy the day before, there was no time to notice anything else. As for why the master was angry, only he knew.

After the man’s figure disappeared, Shen Shuyao leaned against the door, pondering for a while before suddenly thinking, “It’s probably that brat Shen Wenwu who provoked him.”

Yesterday had been too busy to visit Shen Wenwu, and she didn’t know how Xie Yi had spoken to him, or if he had mentioned when the money would be repaid. If no deadline was set, how could they get it back?

It wasn’t that she cared much about the hundred taels, but she wanted Shen Wenwu to know a person must keep their word—just because the money was lent by his sister didn’t mean he could ignore it.

She decided to wait a few days. If Shen Wenwu didn’t repay the money, she would visit her parents and check on them.

—

For several consecutive days, Xie Yi left early and returned late, barely speaking to her. Occasionally, when he came home late at night and found her still awake, she remained silent. Shen Shuyao tried various topics to break the silence, but Xie Yi only responded with “Hmm” or “Okay.” Aside from these two words, almost nothing else came from his mouth.

Shen Shuyao had had enough. Using her mother’s poor health as an excuse, she returned to her family home. Though Lin Shi was displeased, she reluctantly agreed to let her go, to avoid gossip about her lack of understanding.

General Shen was away on a campaign; only Lady Shen, Wang Shi, remained at home. Shen Wenwu had gone horseback riding with friends in the countryside and had forgotten to return.

Wang Shi had not been informed of her return in advance and was unprepared. At that moment, she was in her room reviewing accounts. When the maid announced her arrival, she hurried out, so delighted she forgot to put down her pen.

This was the advantage of the Shen household: no concubines or secondary wives. Wang Shi alone ruled the household, free from intrigues and scheming. The servants got along harmoniously.

Shen Shuyao preferred her natal home—free and comfortable. No matter what mistakes she made, Wang Shi and her father always sided with her. So upon return, she shed her pretenses and was herself again.

“Mother, mother.”

She lifted her skirt as she walked, calling out for a long time without response, then said, “Lady Shen, what are you busy with?”

Her daughter rarely came home, yet no sign of her. How busy could she be?

Just then Wang Shi emerged from her room, eyes bright with joy.

“Yaoyao, Yaoyao.”

Wang Shi was usually carefree but gentle with her daughter.

—

“Mother.”

The mother and daughter hadn’t seen each other for a while. Now that Shen Shuyao had returned, Wang Shi was overjoyed, hugging her for a moment before examining her and repeatedly noting how thin she had become, asking if Lin Shi had been harsh with her.

Shen Shuyao shook her head, explaining, “My appetite is poor in the summer; I eat less.”

She wasn’t lying. The weather was increasingly hot and oppressive; a little food was enough to make her full. Naturally, she had lost weight.

Wang Shi eyed her skeptically, worried she might have suffered at the Xie household. But seeing her radiant despite the weight loss, she guessed Shen Shuyao had been well cared for.

Wang Shi relaxed a bit. “Have dinner here before you go back. Your father will be home soon.”

It was still before noon, so lunch was suitable, but dinner might be too late and unsafe to travel. Wang Shi felt a little disappointed but realized it made sense. Returning too late might give Lin Shi an excuse to scold her.

Lunch was just the two of them, with dishes specially prepared by the kitchen—Shen Shuyao’s favorites.

She ate little, mostly accompanying Wang Shi and chatting.

“What has Wenwu been busy with lately?” she asked.

Wang Shi placed a piece of fish in her bowl. “Who knows? Your father sent him to the military camp for training, hoping he’d earn merits and become a general. He refuses and only thinks about pleasure. Maybe you can persuade him; he listens to you.”

Shen Shuyao looked at her, hesitating. “He might have when we were children, but not anymore.”

“Why not?” Wang Shi didn’t believe her. “He told me just the other day that he’s grown up. Because you care for him, you spent money to forge a fine sword as a gift. So if you tell him to go, he’ll definitely listen.”

Shen Shuyao was speechless. So Shen Wenwu had already prepared his excuse before his parents. Should she expose the truth—that the hundred taels were his debt and the sword wasn’t a gift from her, but something he requested?

She knew if she did, Shen Wenwu would surely get a beating.

In the end, Shen Shuyao didn’t say it outright but asked Wang Shi to convey delicately, “When he returns, tell him to return what he took from Xie Yi soon.”

“What thing?”

Wang Shi stared at her curiously without blinking. Shen Shuyao said only that Shen Wenwu knew and ended the topic.

After sipping half a bowl of soup, warmth spread from head to toe. The summer heat flushed her entire body. Her eyes were watery and bright, almost as if they could speak—very beautiful.

Wang Shi smiled affectionately, staring at her daughter. As she looked, her gaze drifted downward to her abdomen. Almost a year since marriage, yet no sign of a child.

“Have you been to the doctor for a pulse check? How is your health?”

Her eyes clear, Shen Shuyao understood immediately. Her red lips moved as she replied, “My health is fine, but some things must come naturally. They cannot be forced.”

“Nonsense. Why hasn’t it happened? It will, and it must.”

Wang Shi spoke with conviction, then added, “I’ll find a folk remedy for you to try sometime.”

For noble families, heirs were crucial. If the main wife bore no children, the lord would inevitably take concubines. Shen General had not taken a concubine partly because Wang Shi was jealous, and also because they already had Shen Wenwu, securing the family line.

Shen Shuyao was irritated and advised Wang Shi not to worry. Folk remedies were nonsense. If they worked, wouldn’t all those noble ladies longing for children have conceived long ago?

Wang Shi wouldn’t listen and kept urging her to try. Afterward, she asked in great detail about Shen Shuyao’s relationship with Xie Yi, which annoyed her. Xie Yi had been miserable lately, as if someone owed him something. She didn’t want to mention it.

Shen Shuyao thought it was not peaceful to stay home and decided to return to the mansion soon.

—

With the master away, the Orchid Garden grew even quieter.

Xie Yi returned early, his body warm, cheeks slightly flushed, a fine sweat on his forehead, and a damp patch on his back pressed against his straight posture, drawing attention.

Upon entering, his eyes seemed to search for something, openly scanning the room. Not finding the person he wanted, his face darkened. He asked those outside, “Where is she?”

Zhiwei, who remained in the Orchid Garden and hadn’t followed him back to the Shen residence, was momentarily stunned before realizing whom he meant.

“The young madam has returned to the Shen residence. She’ll be back this afternoon.”

Hearing this, Xie Yi’s expression worsened. “Did she say anything?”

Zhiwei rolled her eyes, thinking hard, then shook her head.

Xie Yi waved irritably, his face completely darkening. His thin lips pressed into a straight line, jaw tight—a sign of growing anger. His deep eyes seemed about to spark flames, but without the person present, he could only suppress his rage silently.

Fine. Last night he suggested returning to the Shen residence together. Instead, she went back alone without a word, playing him.

But on reflection, that didn’t seem right. They were husband and wife; no need to play games. Maybe she had fallen asleep when he suggested it? But hadn’t she replied “Hmm”?

Now he thought she really had been asleep.

Feeling foolish and more miserable, he couldn’t shake the mood. Only when he saw her return did the gloom lift a little, and his face stop scowling.

Shen Shuyao was surprised to see him back so early. Their atmosphere had been tense, their communication minimal. She was tired of pretending and had grown cold in attitude.

Seeing him return, she said flatly, “You’re back.”

Her tone was truly indifferent. Xie Yi sensed it immediately, furrowing his brow with renewed irritation.

Yet he masked his emotions well, showing neither joy nor anger.

He acknowledged her and then asked, “How are your parents?”

“Hmm, they’re fine.”

Her answer was curt. After he asked, she stopped talking, poured tea for him, murmured it was hot, said she wanted to bathe and change, then complained of hunger, ate two pieces of cake, and rested on the couch without glancing at him once—as though he were invisible.

He was being ignored.

Xie Yi, filled with frustration and nowhere to vent it, stared at her slender figure for a long time before shrugging off his sleeve and rising. He left a curt, “I’m going to the study.”

The person on the couch opened one eye lazily, replied briefly, then closed it again.

This went on for a while until Lin Shi suddenly summoned her. That afternoon, the sun blazed fiercely, cicadas screamed loudly, irritating the nerves.

Shen Shuyao hadn’t thought much before going, but once at Youlian Garden, she sensed something was wrong—Xie Jun was there too. He stood aside with his head lowered, back slightly hunched, looking miserable, as if he had done something wrong.

Shen Shuyao’s heart sank. She guessed it was bad news, probably involving Chen Shuyi.

Sure enough, before she could even greet, Lin Shi’s cold face confronted her, “Tell me, do you know about Xie Jun and the Chen girl?”

It was Chen Shuyi.

Shen Shuyao glanced at Xie Jun, who kept his head bowed without looking up. Her heart tightened painfully, a suffocating sense of injustice.

After a few breaths, she forced herself to answer hoarsely, “Mother, are you referring to how Miss Chen and Second Brother met? I know. They met at the birthday banquet and chatted a little.”

“Is that all?” Lin Shi didn’t believe her. Her face stern, she continued, “I heard you introduced them, and they want to get closer.”

Xie Jun had liked Chen Shuyi on his own and had asked Shen Shuyao for help. How had it become her idea in Lin Shi’s eyes?

Shen Shuyao immediately understood. Xie Jun was shifting blame to her, afraid of being scolded by Lin Shi and unwilling to involve Xie Yi, leaving her to bear the brunt.

She glanced aside just as Xie Jun looked up. Their eyes met. His were full of guilt and shame, and when she stared, he quickly looked down again.

He did the deed but dared not take responsibility. She misjudged him—he was so cowardly and lacking in accountability.

She withdrew her gaze, lifted her head, and said, “Mother, you misunderstand. I would never go against your wishes. I know you favor the daughter of the Minister of Revenue. How could I defy you?”

“Isn’t that just deliberately opposing me?”

She answered calmly, revealing no guilt, which confused Lin Shi. But since Xie Jun had claimed she orchestrated it, Lin Shi believed her son.

“Then how do you explain their relationship?”

She tossed the question back to her.

With a bright smile, she turned to Xie Jun: “Second Young Master is right here. Why not ask him yourself?”

Xie Jun suddenly looked up, his eyes panicked.

Shen Shuyao laughed lightly and continued, “It’s just normal interactions between youngsters, talking a bit more. Having more friends is better than more enemies. I hear Miss Chen’s brother was promoted. Befriending her isn’t a bad thing.”

It was merely family interests. Lin Shi looked down on military men but wouldn’t offend them outright. Who knew if they’d be useful later?

“Mother, don’t you think so?”

Lin Shi’s sharp eyes lifted, gazing deeply at her.

“Next time, inform me beforehand.”

Oh, so this was another complaint about her acting on her own.

Shen Shuyao’s heart was displeased but she smiled on the surface. “Alright.”

Lin Shi’s anger subsided considerably and she feigned hospitality, telling her to sit and have tea so her legs wouldn’t get tired.

Before she could drink a sip, a maid hurried in to announce that Xie Yi had arrived.

Shen Shuyao turned just in time to see him stride in. His timing was perfect—she had just been going through the motions, and now he was here.