It Was A Fake Marriage, But Jiu Qian Sui Took It Seriously - Chapter 16

Shen Qing Li felt conflicted. She had never heard of any particular preferences or habits of Lord Jiu, and the preferences of those in power were things that, even to inquire about, could be considered taboo.

It had rained lightly the night before, and as Shen Qing Li walked toward her mother’s room, her embroidered shoes became muddy.

Today, her mother, Jiang Yingwan’s, health had improved significantly. She could not only walk a few steps but also had regained much of her appetite.

After having breakfast with her mother, Jiang Yingwan casually remarked, “Why haven’t I seen your Aunt Lu from the Marquis’s residence these past couple of days? ”

Normally, Madam Lu would come to the side courtyard regularly, sometimes sending over food and items or even just stopping by for a chat. Given that her mother had been ill, even if Grandmother Lu did not come, Aunt Lu and Jiang Zhi Li should have at least come to visit.

Tianxing and Chun Hua both paused, exchanging a glance, unsure of how to respond.

Shen Qing Li smiled and interrupted, “Who said Aunt Lu hasn’t come? I just had Tianxing stop her from entering. Mother, Doctor Yang, said you need to get some rest, and Aunt Lu would talk nonstop as soon as she arrived. I was worried it might tire you out.”

Jiang Yingwan didn’t suspect anything after hearing that, laughing softly as she lightly tapped Shen Qing Li’s forehead. “Who taught you such impolite things? Fortunately, your Aunt Lu is broad-minded, or it would have affected our reputation. In the future, never treat elders with such intentions. Go to the storeroom later and pick something out to send to your Aunt Lu.”

“You’re getting married soon. Don’t let small matters cause any rifts.”

Shen Qing Li smiled and agreed.

Eight days later, Jiang Yingwan’s health had greatly improved, and her spirits were even better than before. She could now embroider for a while, something she hadn’t done in years.

Dcotor Yang had said that Madam Shen’s health was nearly fully recovered, and after taking another half month of medicinal herbs for further recuperation, she would be fine. She only needed to avoid catching a cold when the seasons changed.

Shen Qing Li was overjoyed. At that moment, her gratitude toward Jun Mo Ran reached its peak.

Shen Qing Li went to the Yang family’s medical clinic with Doctor Yang’s son to collect the medicine. She met the elder Doctor Yang, who personally told her that once her mother finished the medicine, her illness would be completely cured.

Though she trusted his son, hearing Elder Yang say this directly made her even more relieved.

Passing by the small garden, Shen Qing Li took a deep breath. The fragrance of the flowers today was particularly strong.

A cold snort suddenly came from the corridor nearby.

Shen Qing Li followed the sound and was surprised to see Jiang Zhi Li, whom she had not seen in over ten days.

He looked much thinner, and there was a shadow over his face. She had heard that he had been under house arrest for a month by the Marquis, and seeing him here was a bit of a shock.

Jiang Zhi Li sneered, “You can still smile? ”

Shen Qing Li responded coldly, “Anyone who has done something wrong can still smile. Why shouldn’t I? ”

Jiang Zhi Li, with his high and mighty demeanor, scorned, “You, a penniless, fatherless girl, called off the engagement. Don’t tell me you still think anyone would want you. ”

He had always been gentle and polite in front of her, and this was the first time she had seen him like this.

She felt disgusted, frowning as she replied, “What does it have to do with you? ”

He didn’t answer, his smile sending a chill down her spine.

She turned and left. Under the scorching sun, she felt a sudden chill run down her back. Offending the entire Marquis’s family—she couldn’t stay here any longer.

As she entered the side courtyard, she saw her mother smiling at her.

Shen Qing Li touched her face and smiled, “Why are you looking at me like that, Mother? ”

Jiang Yingwan’s smile carried a hint of something unspoken. “I saw you talking with Zhi Li in the small garden just now. It makes me happy. Next time, let him come in. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.”

She glanced up at Tianxing, who shook her head slightly. She responded with a vague acknowledgment.

Jiang Yingwan didn’t say more, understanding that her daughter was shy, and she feared that saying too much would only embarrass her.

They chatted casually for a few moments, after which Jiang Yingwan urged Shen Qing Li to go rest. After all, in just a few days, she would be getting married and needed to look her best on the big day.

Shen Qing Li walked out of the side courtyard alone. Recently, Chun Hua had been staying close to her mother, so she felt a bit more at ease.

Before she knew it, she had wandered out of the side courtyard and into the bamboo forest behind the Marquis’s residence. She hadn’t come here for her morning practice in many days, and now, a layer of fallen bamboo leaves covered the plum blossom platform.

She stood in the forest, her gaze unconsciously drifting to the hammock…

She blinked hard and looked again.

…There really was someone lying there?

Her heart instantly skipped a beat.

Could it be him?

Just as she hesitated, the person sitting up caught her eye. Dressed in a pale blue embroidered robe, his tall and elegant figure stood out like a painting. His eyes were soft and unthreatening, casting a light glance in her direction, as if a fallen immortal had appeared in that very spot.

If it wasn’t Jun Mo Ran, who else could it be?

Shen Qing Li’s eyes brightened, and a smile plastered at the corner of her lips. She walked forward, crouching down in greeting, “Lord Jiu.”

Jun Mo Ran didn’t move or speak, simply standing there, silently observing her.

The moment stretched in the stillness when suddenly, Yun Sheng’s cheerful voice broke the silence. “Master, there are a few fruit trees over here, and the fruit is really sweet. Oh? Lady Shen? ”

Shen Qing Li smiled awkwardly. He seemed to be in a bad mood today.

“Lady Shen, would you like some fruit? It’s really sweet.”

She nodded. “These fruit trees were planted in my free time. If Guard Yun likes them, feel free to eat as much as you like. I must go check on my mother, so I’ll take my leave now.”

She turned to leave in haste, unsure of how to face him in this distant and unapproachable mood.

Just as she reached the edge of the bamboo forest, she suddenly remembered that she had sprayed insecticide on those fruit trees. Eating too many might lead to an upset stomach, though eating a small amount wouldn’t be harmful. With that thought, she turned back to remind Yun Sheng to wash the fruit thoroughly before eating.

Yun Sheng was sitting on a stone nearby, eating the freshly picked fruit from his arms. “Lady Shen, this fruit tree you planted is really impressive. The juice is plentiful and sweet—no different from the imperial palace’s prized fruit.”

Jun Mo Ran glanced at him indifferently. Yun Sheng felt his hair stand on end. Had he unknowingly offended the master recently?

“Can you finish all this? ” Jun Mo Ran asked coldly.

Yun Sheng, holding a mouthful of fruit, hesitated. “I’ll take some back to share with my brothers.”

Jun Mo Ran said nothing, merely watching him with a frosty gaze.

Yun Sheng struggled to chew, feeling increasingly uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny.

“Master… Would you like to try some? The fruit is really sweet.”

Upon hearing this, Jun Mo Ran’s piercing gaze finally shifted. He responded with a soft, nonchalant “Mm.”

Yun Sheng suddenly realized: his master, who didn’t like sweet things, was tempted by the fruit. But he didn’t want to overthink it. Since the master wanted it, it was simple enough to give him some, especially since there was plenty more on the tree.

“Master, I think you care quite a lot about Lady Shen,” Yun Sheng said casually, handing him a piece of fruit. “Now that Lady Shen has broken off her engagement, and with the Empress urgently pushing for your marriage, why don’t you just tell the Empress you want to marry Lady Shen? That way, the West Jin princess would stop pestering you.”

Jun Mo Ran took the fruit without eating it, staring at it for a moment. His voice was cold as he responded, “If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll have you report to the shadow guard camp.”

Hearing “shadow guard camp,” Yun Sheng’s whole body tensed. He dropped the fruit and immediately knelt, saying, “Yes, I understand my mistake. Please punish me, Master.”

Jun Mo Ran’s tone softened slightly as he spoke seriously: “I’m helping Lady Shen out of respect for the late General Shen. There is nothing more between us. Do not speak of this again.”

Hearing these words, Shen Qing Li, who had quietly turned back at the edge of the bamboo forest, felt her mind go blank and a slight pain in her heart. She covered her mouth and quietly left the area.