To Marry the Elder Brother of One's Late Husband - Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Shu’er, Be Good!

Lu Changji’s figure was frozen at the doorway, elegant and upright like a grove of green bamboo; no matter how the cool breeze blew, he possessed his own unyielding character.

Jiang Shu wasn’t sure if he had seen her, and even less sure if he had recognized her.

She held her breath, her hands folded together and rubbing against each other unconsciously. Her eyes were fixed on Lu Changji, quietly waiting for him to step further in, to come closer to her, and then closer still.

The cool wind caressed Jiang Shu’s skin, sparking a tiny tremor of shivering. She felt a bit cold and instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. She had absolute confidence in her body; if it were any other man, she could guarantee that the moment they saw her, they would fall prostrate at her feet.

Unfortunately, the newcomer was Lu Changji—deep as an abyss. Facing him, her heart remained suspended in mid-air; she didn’t have a shred of confidence.

The night was hazy. She couldn’t see his expression clearly, but she could see his movements perfectly. He silently turned around, intending to head back out the door.

Jiang Shu knew she should chase after him, but in such a short time, she couldn’t think of a reason to follow. She was anxious beyond measure, and a thin layer of sweat broke out on her forehead.

In her hesitation, a tickle came from her ankle. Looking down, she saw a pitch-black cat licking her ankle. The cat seemed to sense her gaze and looked up sharply, its two emerald eyes bulging wide, flashing with a chilling light.

Jiang Shu shuddered. Perhaps the movement startled the cat, for it let out a “meow,” raised its front paw, and swiftly scratched her ankle.

Jiang Shu had been terrified of cats since childhood. Being scratched only amplified her fear. She let out a low cry and bolted.

Initially panicked, she caught sight of Lu Changji’s silhouette and formed a plan. She ran straight toward him, her chest heaving up and down like surging waves.

“Help! Help!” Jiang Shu cried out twice, slamming directly into Lu Changji’s embrace. She huddled against him, wrapping her arms around his waist and sobbing, “A cat… there’s a cat! Please, save me!”

Lu Changji instinctively reached out to pull her into his arms, but remembering their respective statuses, he quickly checked the motion. Instead, he placed his hands on her shoulders.

Though a gentleman should not look at what is improper, when Jiang Shu was running just now, that “white wave” had inevitably flashed into his vision. Her “peaks” were magnificent, yet her shoulders were incredibly slender—thin, smooth, and tender, feeling almost boneless in his palms.

His fingers unconsciously brushed against her soft skin for a moment. Lu Changji held her shoulders and shifted their positions.

Animals have an instinct to avoid danger. The cat had been aggressive toward Jiang Shu, but seeing Lu Changji, it cowered. With a “meow,” it scrambled toward the wall and fled along the baseboard.

With the “warm fragrance and soft jade” in his arms, a ghostly sweet scent drifted into Lu Changji’s nose, muddling his thoughts.

Lu Changji kept his chin up, not daring to look down at all. Unable to see her expression, his sense of touch became exceptionally sensitive. He clearly felt the warm moisture soaking through his outer robe, clinging to his own skin.

She had been scared to tears.

By right, he should have stroked her back and comforted her with gentle words, but since she was wearing nothing… where could he possibly place his hands?

He put his hands back behind his back and asked in a low voice, “Why are you so afraid of cats? Did the beast harm you?”

She was still clinging to his waist; even if he wanted to separate, he was powerless. Jiang Shu’s arms tightened further, her body pressing against his without a single gap.

She hadn’t lied about her fear. She began to recount her childhood experiences in a soft, rambling voice: “Mother was wary of my aunt’s beauty and once sent us to live in a rural manor for several years.”

“Life at the manor was bitter, and the house was dilapidated. When sleeping at night, I could often hear rats scurrying across the roof.”

“My aunt was a light sleeper and was always disturbed by them. Later, she asked someone to find a cat to keep at the manor to catch the rats.”

“That cat was indeed capable. Within five or six days, it had wiped out most of the rats. My aunt was overjoyed and could even eat an extra half-bowl of rice.”

“One night, while my aunt was doing embroidery in the side room, I went to the bedroom to sleep. As soon as I entered, I saw two shadows flash before my eyes.”

“The cat was incredibly agile and soon pinned a rat under its claws. It leaned down, bit off one of the rat’s hind legs, and then released its grip to let the rat flee.”

“The rat scurried in a panic, its stump rubbing against the floor, leaving a trail of crooked red marks. Just as the rat reached the door, the cat pounced again, pinned it, and bit off another leg.”

Jiang Shu paused, her eyelashes fluttering incessantly, her voice trembling. “The cat toyed with that rat over and over until the rat was bitten beyond recognition, covered in blood, and had no strength left to escape.”

“I will never forget the look in that cat’s eyes—vicious and triumphant, as if steeped in poison. Its muzzle was stained with blood, yet its posture was lazy and elegant.”

“Since then, I cannot bear the sight of cats. The moment I see one, my whole body turns cold.”

Jiang Shu’s voice grew lower and lower until she began to sob. Her eyes brimmed with tears, and the corners of her eyes flushed a deep rose—a color that acted like a hook, snagging directly into a man’s heart. “Brother-in-law, I’m scared. I’m so scared.”

Her tender body shook like a sieve, trembling against Lu Changji. Though separated by a layer of clothing, he could still clearly feel her every curve.

They were already as close as could be, yet he found himself wanting to be even closer, wanting to rub her into his own body, wanting…

A certain sleeping place grew burning hot, stretching his flat robes into a distinct crease.

Lu Changji’s fair ears turned a light red. He took a half-step back, separating his lower body from her, but his hands behind his back couldn’t help but move to her waist, holding her firmly.

He said hoarsely, “Do not be afraid. The cat has fled; it won’t hurt you again.”

Jiang Shu nodded obediently. Her slender waist twisted twice in his palms, as slippery as a fish, and her voice was soft enough to drip water. “Brother-in-law, I’m so cold.”

The night was deep. Even in summer, a chill had set in. Lu Changji took off his outer robe and draped it over her. He looked down and asked, “Shall I carry you to the side of the pond?”

His warm breath fanned against her neck, itchy and piercing deep into her core. Before her was his solid chest; at her waist were his long, powerful hands; above her was his burning breath…

Jiang Shu was experienced. Lu Changyi was weak; her desires hadn’t even begun to rise before he gave up. Now, with Lu Changji still fully clothed, she felt a profound sense of emptiness.

She nodded heavily and whispered, “Brother-in-law, carry me.”

One of the hands at her waist let go, moving instead to hook under the bend of her knees. He was strong; with one lift, he picked her up effortlessly.

Through his thin clothes, she could feel his scalding body temperature. Everything was perfectly aligned—why did he still maintain the air of a restrained gentleman?

She was completely naked, and his temperature was soaring. They were pressed tight; if they couldn’t blend together now, she feared she would never have another chance.

Jiang Shu took a deep breath. Pretending to tidy her hair, her forearm brushed past Lu Changji’s collar. His inner garment wasn’t as formal as his outer robe; with a slight push of her arm, she nudged his collar open.

Her elbow slid slowly across his chest. She clearly felt his temperature turn boiling. Her confidence surged, and a faint smile touched her lips.

Lu Changji reached the edge of the pond and leaned down to place her on the cushion. Jiang Shu’s hand had been clutching the outer robe he gave her, but as he leaned down, she deliberately let go. The thin robe slid from her body like flowing light, revealing skin whiter than mutton-fat jade.

When he first entered, Lu Changji had consciously controlled himself, looking elsewhere. Now, leaning down, there was no escape; his gaze fell directly upon her.

Amidst the “snow” of her skin rose high “peaks,” adorned with two clusters of blooming “red plum blossoms.” The fragrance was intoxicating, and even Lu Changji found himself holding his breath.

“Brother-in-law!” Jiang Shu called out at the right moment. “My ankle was scratched by that beast. Please, take a look for me.”

She extended her white, dazzling leg, resting her ankle against his thigh.

She gazed at him expectantly, hoping he would grab her ankle and pull it into his lap. Instead, he once again turned his back to her.

Lu Changji faced away and said gently, “The weather is cool. Put your clothes on quickly.”

Put on clothes? With one short sentence, he had dragged her from heaven back to hell. If she put her clothes on, how could she “borrow his seed”?

Jiang Shu was determined to have her way with him, but he stood with his back turned, refusing to look. What could she do? Her ankle was still touching his thigh; she desperately wanted to slide her foot up under his robes.

But she didn’t dare. One wrong move would lead to ruin. If she aroused his suspicion, her life would be over. She didn’t dare risk it.

Her heart grew cold inch by inch. Her surging blood slowed. She felt utter despair.

Reluctantly, Jiang Shu fished up her clothes and slowly put them on. Once dressed, she still refused to give up. She extended her ankle toward him again and whispered, “Brother-in-law, it hurts so much here!”

Lu Changji lowered his gaze and saw several scratch marks on her white skin. Tiny beads of blood seeped out, looking like red spider lilies blooming on her ankle.

If a man were scratched by a cat, it would be nothing. But these marks on Jiang Shu could not be viewed the same way.

Looking at the scratches, he wanted to wipe them, blow on them, and apply medicine himself. But now that his reason had returned, he could no longer indulge himself.

He forced himself to look away, stood up, and walked a few steps forward. “I will have a doctor visit Xinchun Pavilion to check your injury later. It is late; Sister-in-law should return soon.”

He paused for a moment, then added, “Though Biyun Terrace is quiet, it is not unvisited. Do not bathe here again, lest you be offended by someone.”

With that, Lu Changji said no more and strode out of the courtyard.

His back was crisp and decisive, showing no sign of lingering. Jiang Shu felt a sense of loss but remained determined. She strode after him and grabbed his sleeve.

Lu Changji didn’t speak, but his gaze turned cold as he looked down at her hand.

Jiang Shu knew he was warning her. In an instant, he had reverted to being the Minister Lu who strictly observed etiquette.

Her heart sank to the bottom; hope was completely extinguished. She timidly let go of his sleeve and brought out her prepared excuse: “I have a question I wish to ask, if Brother-in-law has the time?”

Jiang Shu was used to having a backup plan. Tonight, if she succeeded, she would have enjoyed her union with him. If she failed, she had to plan for Jiang Rong.

There are many true gentlemen in the world, and many who simply seek fame. While the noblewomen at the banquet were well-informed, they hadn’t spent time with Vice Minister Lin. To truly know a person’s character, besides spending time with them, one must ask those who know them well.

Lu Changji was the Minister of Justice—Minister Lin’s direct superior. He would surely know the man’s character.

She cleared her throat, put some distance between them, and said seriously: “There are many officials in the Ministry of Justice. I wonder if you have noticed a Vice Minister named Lin?”

Lu Changji nodded.

Normally, when asking a favor, one should be clear about their purpose. But since nothing was settled yet, Jiang Shu didn’t want to involve Jiang Rong for no reason, so she asked directly: “What is Minister Lin’s character and temperament like?”

Lu Changji replied, “Minister Lin is of noble character and very upright. His family has been scholars and farmers for five generations; they are a well-to-do household.”

He didn’t just answer her question; he even mentioned the man’s family background, clearly having guessed her intentions.

This was the nature of a mature, steady man—wise yet considerate. Though he didn’t say much, he solved problems as gently as a spring rain. It was hard not to be moved.

Unfortunately…

Jiang Shu watched his back, her words catching in her throat. She opened her mouth but ultimately could say nothing more, standing there in a daze, consumed by sorrow.

…

Jiang Shu didn’t sleep all night. The next day, after paying her respects to Lady Zhao, she returned to her room for a nap. Just as she closed her eyes, there was a knock at the door.

Fang Yu entered and said warmly, “The weather is fine today. The Heir wishes to stroll in the garden. Are you free to accompany him?”

Jiang Shu yawned and forced herself to stand, accompanying Lu Changyi to the garden.

Lu Changyi was weak, so Jiang Shu deliberately slowed her pace. They strolled along the bluestone path, but after only a short distance, his face turned ashen.

Knowing he was stubborn and didn’t want to show weakness, she said, “Heir, I am a bit tired. Let us rest in the pavilion.”

Lu Changyi naturally had no objection. As they stepped into the pavilion, Jiang Shu saw a pitch-black cat lying by a stone stool, sleeping.

The cat’s size and coat were identical to the one she had seen the night before. Terrified, she instinctively stepped back, watching it warily.

The cat slowly opened its eyes. It looked relaxed, but the moment it saw something, its black fur stood on end. With a look of panic, it bolted out of the pavilion.

Both cat and human were equally flustered. Jiang Shu dazed for a moment, then turned to Lu Changyi and asked softly, “Did I scare the cat?”

She was now certain it was the same cat from Biyun Terrace.

Lu Changyi shook his head, his expression unchanged, but he no longer wanted to rest in the pavilion. Jiang Shu had to accompany him back to Xinchun Pavilion.

Jiang Shu noticed nothing, but Chang Shun’s face turned deathly pale, and his legs felt unsteady.

He recognized that cat. The person it was afraid of wasn’t Jiang Shu, but its former master, Lu Changyi.

When Lu Changyi was a teenager, he loved cats and always wanted to hold them. Cats are wild by nature; how could it stand being constrained at all times? Thus, even though Lu Changyi provided the cat with delicacies every day, the cat refused to be close to him and would flee whenever it saw him.

Over time, Lu Changyi grew discouraged and handed the cat over to Chang Shun. Chang Shun thought he just wanted to find a new owner, but instead, Lu Changyi ordered him to put the cat in a sack and beat it to death.

At that time, Chang Shun was only a fifteen-year-old boy. Looking at the cute cat, he couldn’t bring himself to do it and secretly released it into the wild.

Five years had passed. Chang Shun never imagined the cat would return to the estate and appear before Lu Changyi.

He knew Lu Changyi had recognized the cat. Lu Changyi looked frail, but he was inherently violent and cold. Now that he knew Chang Shun had disobeyed him, he would not be lenient.

Chang Shun returned to his quarters, pacing anxiously, waiting for his punishment.

The estate guards arrived quickly. Without a word, they tied Chang Shun to a long bench, stuffed a cloth into his mouth, raised a long blade, and cleanly severed his right hand.

The veins on Chang Shun’s forehead looked ready to burst, and a muffled roar came from his throat.

As the pain overwhelmed him and he nearly fainted, a guard’s voice sounded in his ear: “Once disloyal, never used again. The Heir said that since you do not wish to follow his orders, you shall no longer appear before him. Pack your things and leave the estate!”

Leave the estate… The guard’s voice echoed in his ears. The remaining light in his eyes died out, turning to ash.

Chang Shun had been sold to the estate at eleven and had served Lu Changyi for seven years. He thought he was different, but in Lu Changyi’s heart, he was no different from a cat or a dog.

Blood dripped onto the ground. Carrying his belongings, Chang Shun walked out of the Marquis’s estate step by step. His figure was lonely, like the setting sun.

…

The next day, Lu Changyi had a new servant. Jiang Shu was curious; Chang Shun was like his right hand. Why the sudden change?

She asked, “Heir, why isn’t Chang Shun on duty today?”

Lu Changyi said calmly, “His mother fell ill. I allowed him to return to the countryside to care for her.”

He was composed and even smiled at her. Jiang Shu thought nothing of it and went to the side room for a nap once he fell asleep.

…

That day, Jiang Ran went to Yueying Pavilion to buy rouge and ran into Zhu Ningxue.

Most people are like this—the more insecure they are, the more they love to compete, as if winning a verbal argument makes them superior.

Jiang Ran looked at Zhu Ningxue with cold mockery. “I heard you accompanied the Eldest Lady of the Ling family to the Zhao estate for a feast. You’re so pretty, you must have caught the eye of the grand matrons and found a good marriage.”

The social circles of officials were strictly tiered. For someone of Zhu Ningxue’s status to dine at the Zhao estate was a massive leap. She had bragged about it, but now it became the tool Jiang Ran used to mock her.

Zhu Ningxue was no pushover. She immediately shot back, “My status is low; I don’t have the ability to find a great husband. Unlike you, who has an elder sister married into a high house to plan for you.”

At the mention of marriage plans, Jiang Ran’s eyes lit up.

Zhu Ningxue continued, “Your sister loves you so much that to spare you the pain of childbirth, she’s looking for a widower with children for you.”

“You must have heard of Vice Minister Lin of the Ministry of Justice. Though he’s cursed two wives to death, he has a bright future. If you marry him, you’ll surely receive a title. Even the ladies in the palace would have to look up to you.”

Jiang Ran didn’t doubt her and felt a raging fire in her heart. Jiang Shu was now the Heir’s wife, living in glory, yet she wanted to marry her to a wife-cursing widower? She clearly wanted to grind her into the mud and let everyone laugh at her.

This was too much!

Jiang Ran stopped talking to Zhu Ningxue and bolted home.

When she told Yang Shi, her mother also flew into a rage. “Jiang Shu has forgotten that I still hold her aunt and sister in the palm of my hand! She dares to insult my daughter? I’ll make her taste my wrath.”

She turned to Nanny Wu: “Go to the estate. Say we’ve brewed plum wine and ask the Eldest Daughter to come back for a taste.”

It wasn’t a “taste”—Yang Shi was clearly “the weasel paying a New Year’s visit to the chicken,” up to no good. Jiang Shu didn’t want to see her at all, but thinking of her aunt and Jiang Rong, she had to go.

…

When she returned to the Jiang residence, the flower hall was prepared with a lavish feast. Yang Shi was unusually warm. She led Jiang Shu to the table and called for Concubine Lin and Jiang Ran to accompany them.

Yang Shi smiled and poured wine. “A family stands or falls together. Since you married well, you must look after your home. Have you found a match for Ran-er?”

As Jiang Shu’s status rose, Yang Shi’s attitude had shifted from direct hostility to a “politeness before the storm” approach. She watched Jiang Shu closely, waiting for her to mention Minister Lin. If she dared, Yang Shi would make her pay.

Lying is like rolling a snowball; to keep it going, it must get bigger.

Jiang Shu lowered her head to think of an excuse. After only a moment of silence, Yang Shi ordered Concubine Lin and Jiang Ran to stand by the table and serve the food.

The intention was clear: she was showing Jiang Shu that Lin-shi and Jiang Ran were under her thumb. Even if Jiang Shu was the Heir’s wife, she was still constrained by her legal mother.

At this point, she had to keep lying.

Jiang Shu’s fingers clenched tight, but her expression remained calm. She even managed a smile. “A few days ago, I went to Little Spring Mountain with my mother-in-law. She mentioned she has a nephew from a concubine, the fifth son. He is handsome, hardworking, and passed the provincial exams at a young age.”

“Fifth Master is a rare talent, but he has an unfortunate mother. Years ago, his mother poisoned Master Zhao’s favorite concubine to win favor. Master Zhao was furious and handed her over to the authorities.”

“Because of his mother’s criminal record, respectable families aren’t willing to marry their daughters to him. I mentioned Ran-er to my mother-in-law, and she seemed very interested in a match, but I wasn’t sure if Mother would be willing to let Ran-er suffer a bit of grievance.”

What? The person Jiang Shu wanted to match her with wasn’t Minister Lin, but this Fifth Master Zhao from a high-ranking family?

Yang Shi sighed inwardly. Jiang Ran was getting more impulsive by the day, not even gathering the facts before begging for punishment. Luckily, Yang Shi had asked more questions; if she had punished Jiang Shu directly, the match would be ruined.

Fifth Master Zhao only had a bad reputation; his background and talent were top-notch. Yang Shi was a practical woman; she didn’t care about the criminal mother as long as the status was there.

She was completely satisfied but kept up a dignified front. “Ran-er is a girl with her own ideas. I can’t decide for her. Whether this match happens depends on her meeting the young man.”

A lie needs to be seventy percent truth and thirty percent false to be believed. There really was a Fifth Master Zhao who was burdened by his mother’s past, but even so, he would never look at a girl like Jiang Ran from a low-ranking official’s family with a ruined reputation.

An outsider could see the logic, but a mother would always overvalue her own child.

Jiang Shu spat inwardly but followed Yang Shi’s lead. “Ran-er is a legitimate daughter; her status is precious. We shouldn’t rush. My mother-in-law is going to Qingyang Temple tomorrow and will return in half a month. We are a respectable family; we should be dignified. Let us wait until she returns to discuss the meeting.”

Yang Shi originally just wanted to put on an air of importance for Jiang Ran, but Jiang Shu followed her lead and pushed the date back half a month. She didn’t think much of it, assuming Jiang Shu was afraid of her.

Jiang Ran had already wasted many days; another half month didn’t matter. Yang Shi nodded.

Fearing Yang Shi would spread the news and tip off the Zhao family, Jiang Shu added: “Mother knows my mother-in-law’s temperament. She was raised in a great clan; everything must be done by the book. Until the match is settled, we shouldn’t boast. Do not let anyone know.”

Jiang Ran’s reputation was already foul; if anyone jealous knew she was aiming for the Zhao family, they would sabotage it. Yang Shi, considering herself clever, wouldn’t say a word.

“The Zhao family is a high house, but we aren’t exactly beggars. We won’t go pushing our daughter out the door. Set your heart at ease.”

Thus, the matter was settled. Though Jiang Shu had passed another hurdle, she couldn’t relax. A lie would be exposed eventually; she had to settle Jiang Rong’s marriage before that happened.

…

As soon as Jiang Shu left, Yang Shi went to the side room and scolded Jiang Ran. “You child, you listen to every wind that blows. You have no judgment!”

“I’ve confirmed with Jiang Shu. The man she wants to match you with is Fifth Master Zhao. He is far better than Minister Lin.”

Yang Shi only had one daughter and spoiled her endlessly. Jiang Ran was indignant. “If she didn’t want to match me with Minister Lin, why did she ask about him at the banquet?”

Yang Shi rolled her eyes. “You aren’t her only sister. Her own little sister is still unsettled. If she wasn’t asking for you, she was asking for Jiang Rong. With Jiang Rong’s background, Minister Lin is a match. Though I don’t know if she’ll have the luck to be the mistress of the Lin house or if she’ll be cursed to death before she enters the door.”

Jiang Ran felt enlightened. She curled her lips. “Didn’t Mother want to marry Jiang Rong off as a concubine? Isn’t Jiang Shu wasting her effort?”

Yang Shi sighed. If Jiang Ran weren’t her own flesh and blood, she wouldn’t waste another word. “I use Jiang Rong’s marriage to control Jiang Shu. If I really marry her off as a concubine now, Jiang Shu will turn against us. If we burn the bridge, how will you marry into a high house?”

Jiang Ran wanted to use Jiang Shu to marry her, but she didn’t want Jiang Shu to be happy. Jiang Shu had ruined her reputation; she wanted an eye for an eye.

She smiled, took a heavy gold ornament from her jewelry box, and headed to the Zhu house.

…

Jiang Shu returned to the estate exhausted. Before she could sit down, Fang Yu, usually steady, approached her hurriedly. “Madam, the Heir has woken up and seems to be in a very bad mood. Please go to the bedroom.”

“Bad mood” was an understatement; he was in a terrible state. When Jiang Shu entered, two shattered teacups lay on the floor, the tea staining the carpet.

Lu Changyi’s brow was furrowed, his lips pressed thin, and his face deathly pale. He looked terrified. “What is wrong, Heir? Did you have a nightmare?”

She walked to the bed and stroked his back to soothe him. She was gentle and attentive, but it was the affection of a sister for a brother, full of tolerance and pampering, devoid of marital desire.

She was right; he had a nightmare. He dreamed Jiang Shu despised his impotence and secretly had an affair, giving him a “green hat” (making him a cuckold). In the dream, he was mocked mercilessly by Lu Changfeng.

The three Lu brothers had different mothers and weren’t close. Lu Changji was the eldest and brilliant, so Lu Changyi didn’t clash with him. But Lu Changfeng was close in age, and their mothers were rivals. They had competed since childhood. Being mocked by Lu Changfeng was worse than death for him.

Even though it was a dream, it felt real. He hugged Jiang Shu and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Will you despise me?”

Because Lady Zhao kept pushing for a pregnancy, Jiang Shu had felt some resentment toward him, but looking at his sickly body, she softened. It wasn’t his fault.

She shook her head. “You didn’t despise my humble background; how could I despise you? We are husband and wife, meant to stay together for life. As long as our hearts are one, what do physical pleasures matter?”

She was sincere, but he wasn’t satisfied. The dream reappeared. Suddenly, he felt a strange urge to compete with his brothers. He sat up and looked at her. “Between me and Third Brother, who is superior?”

“Naturally, you.” Jiang Shu had only seen Lu Changfeng a few times. He was young but had a red face and clouded eyes—the look of a man indulged in wine and women. Lu Changyi was frail, but his lifestyle was clean and noble.

The answer delighted him. His confidence surged. “And compared to Eldest Brother?”

Lu Changyi was just a willful, weak nobleman. Lu Changji was like a pine tree standing in the snow—lofty and solid. One look at him inspired awe. A firefly cannot compete with the moon. But Lu Changyi was her husband.

She smiled and looked into his eyes. “In my heart, no one can compare to you.”

He finally relaxed and fell back into a deep sleep.

…

The next day, Jiang Shu received an invitation from Madam Wen, asking her to tea at Guangyu Pavilion. Madam Wen was Minister Lin’s aunt.

Jiang Shu had just intended to match them, and now an invitation arrived. It felt too convenient. She grew wary. She inspected the invitation; it had the authentic gold-stamped seal of the Wen estate—complex and hard to forge.

Since the invitation was real, she relaxed. She decided that regardless of why Madam Wen wanted tea, she would throw out an “olive branch” regarding Jiang Rong.

If she couldn’t find a good match, she would bring Jiang Rong to the estate to live. Even living under someone’s thumb was better than being a concubine to the forty-year-old, lecherous Administrator He.

She prepared a gift—an inkstone. The Lin family were scholars; an inkstone was a safe, appropriate choice.

Before leaving, Lu Changyi saw her dressed to go out and frowned. He rubbed her hand against his cheek. “Are you going out again?”

Jiang Shu rarely went out, spending most of her time with him. She explained patiently, “I’m just having tea with Madam Wen. I’ll be back soon. You know, noblewomen need to socialize.”

Lu Changyi knew, but he didn’t marry her so she could manage social circles. He held her hand and wouldn’t let go, acting like a spoiled child.

Seeing she was running late, she used her “trump card.” “If you let me go, I’ll play ‘cricket fighting’ with you in the side room tonight.”

He had asked her many times, but she had always refused because she found the fighting bloody. Now, he was overjoyed and let her go.

Zhu-er couldn’t help but grumble: “Madam, the Heir is so clingy. It’s like he wants to tie you to his side every second!”

Jiang Shu sighed. Indeed, though he was kind, he constrained her. It felt like an invisible rope was tightening around her, making it hard to breathe, yet she couldn’t escape it.

…

They reached Guangyu Pavilion. It was a sophisticated, quiet place, but it was in a somewhat remote location. The second floor was silent.

Zhu-er grew suspicious. “Tea is a refined matter, but a business place shouldn’t be this quiet.”

Jiang Shu felt it too. Unease surged. She stopped and turned to leave. Just as they reached the ground floor, a carriage with the Wen estate seal arrived. No criminal would dare use a carriage of such a high official in broad daylight.

A plump, well-dressed maid got out with a tea set. She was clearly a high-ranking nanny of a great house. She asked, “Is this the Heir’s wife of the Xinyang estate?”

Jiang Shu nodded. The woman smiled. “My mistress arrived twenty minutes ago. She found the teaware here unsatisfactory and feared offending you, so she sent me back for this sweet white porcelain set. It was a gift from the Empress. Come upstairs and have a taste.”

Jiang Shu relaxed and followed her up. The nanny led her to a private room and opened the door. Inside was a large screen. Beneath the screen, she saw the edges of two or three robes.

The fabric was brownish-maroon, dull and coarse—the kind of material a peasant would wear, not a noblewoman like Lin-shi.

Jiang Shu realized it was a trap and turned to flee. But the nanny was fast and incredibly strong. She yanked the jade pin from Jiang Shu’s hair and shoved her into the room. Zhu-er tried to resist but was also pushed in.

They stumbled to the floor. Before they could get up, they heard a click—the door was locked from the outside.

Two men stepped out from behind the screen. They were robust, staring at Jiang Shu with the eyes of hungry wolves.

…

In the adjacent room, the “well-dressed” nanny bowed to Jiang Ran. “I’ve locked her in. Everything went smoothly.”

She handed the jade pin to Jiang Ran. Jiang Ran was triumphant, handed a heavy purse to the woman, and dismissed her.

Once alone, Jiang Ran turned to Zhu Ningxue. “I owe you for this. If you ever need me, just ask.”

Zhu Ningxue was narrow-minded and hated seeing anyone surpass her. She wanted to pull Jiang Shu down from the clouds and grind her into the mud.

“It’s lucky Nanny Zhu’s son is ill and needs money,” Zhu Ningxue smiled. “Otherwise, my aunt’s connections wouldn’t have been enough to get the invitation or the carriage.”

Jiang Ran had spent all her savings on this. She called for Li Si, a man with a forgettable face. She handed him the pin. “Take this to the estate. Say the Heir’s wife has encountered a difficult situation and needs the Heir’s help.”

Everyone knew Lu Changyi adored Jiang Shu. He would come. Jiang Ran savored the thought of him seeing Jiang Shu being violated.

Li Si returned quickly. Lu Changyi had a high fever and was unconscious; he hadn’t even seen him.

“Useless trash!” Jiang Ran cursed. Then, Lu Changji’s image came to mind. She smiled. “If Lu Changyi isn’t available, go find Lu Changji.”

Being shamed before a brother-in-law was worse than being shamed before a husband. Jiang Shu might even kill herself out of shame.

…

Li Si entered Canaan Courtyard and presented the pin to Lu Changji. “The Heir’s wife is in trouble at Guangyu Pavilion. She’s being held and sent this token for your help.”

Lu Changji inspected the pin. He remembered her wearing it just a few days ago.

His expression turned icy. He stood up, gathered ten attendants, and raced toward Guangyu Pavilion.

The second floor was silent. As he reached the top, he heard a woman’s scream—it was Jiang Shu.

Lu Changji’s face was like frost. He strode forward and kicked the carved wooden door open.