“Well, it’s a blessing in disguise that I can stay home for a few extra days,” Shen Run mused.

The couple couldn’t get enough of each other, moving from the stool to the bed. They naturally disregarded the taboo of daytime intimacy, indulging in everything Shen Run enjoyed. With his injured hand, he indeed couldn’t remain idle nor exert himself too much, so Qingyuan naturally took on the labor. The young bride hadn’t learned many techniques yet, following entirely his guidance and creative ideas. She was amazed that such variations existed, and when she looked down at him from above, he was both satisfied and pleased. The subsequent activities were certainly the most enjoyable.

Of course, the young lady’s strength and endurance were never quite sufficient. After a few movements, she would collapse wearily onto his chest. By then, the Commander had forgotten about his arm injury, moving nimbly and skillfully. Even with one hand, he handled his little one with practiced ease.

She was tossed about until breathless, softly saying, “Be careful of your wound…”

He worked diligently, sweat gathering at his temples and brows, his entire body appearing fair and delicate in the dim light through the window.

Qingyuan slowly closed her eyes, thinking that if they had a son in the future, it would be enough if he were just like him… Before she could finish the thought, another wave of pleasure crashed over her. His breath was hot against her ear as he gently nibbled her earlobe, “With such a wife, what more could a husband want!”

This sentiment was utterly genuine, without a trace of pretense. It wasn’t just about their marital harmony, but more about Qingyuan’s efforts for the family. Whether it was establishing the Orphan Garden to build his reputation or hosting banquets to network with colleagues – which of these was something someone her age should be doing? And then there was Fangchun. When he saw Fangchun come along to receive Shen Che earlier, he knew how much effort Qingyuan had invested in her. Honest people are the hardest to reshape in this world. Such people usually stick stubbornly to their ways – to turn her around, Qingyuan must have talked herself hoarse!

It was hard on her, being so young herself yet having to help that fool who’d been married for three years without knowing how to maintain a marriage relationship, to sort out her thoughts. However, her hands-on guidance proved effective – at least Fangchun wasn’t as foolish as before. Even if still somewhat confused, there was room for improvement.

Qingyuan, resting in the crook of his arm, was eager to tell him about recent events. “My father sent the Hu woman back to her maiden home the day before yesterday. Have you heard about this?”

How could any news escape the Dianqian Si? News of Xie Shu divorcing his wife was such a major event that it reached the capital in the blink of an eye. His voice carried a note of approval, “Congratulations, my wife, on your revenge.”

She gave a soft “mm” in response. “Big Sister helped a lot this time. If it weren’t for her causing trouble, I would have had to work much harder.”

Shen Run leisurely stroked her hair, closing his eyes as he said, “Everyone has their motives. She helped you, but she was also helping herself. The ones who benefited most from this in the Xie family are her and her mother… Now that Lady Hu has returned to her maiden home, do you plan to let her be?”

Qingyuan pondered for a moment. “Her fate now is no different from my mother’s back then. If I were to move against her further, it would dirty my hands. Either way, the Hu family won’t treat her well. Letting her live and suffer for the rest of her life isn’t bad either.”

Shen Run said in a melodious voice, “The Hu family has two sons – one serves as Du Yu in the Dragon God Guard, the other as Training Officer in the Lulong Army…”

Qingyuan raised her head in surprise, “Both under your control?”

He slowly smiled, “Indeed, that’s the advantage of being one rank higher.”

He didn’t elaborate, but Qingyuan already understood his meaning. As long as he kept the pressure on, their lives wouldn’t be easy, and who would they blame first? Naturally, it would be Lady Hu, who had brought trouble upon her maiden family.

The couple exchanged knowing smiles, rather like partners in crime. The best thing in the world is having such a like-minded companion who not only shares in your joys but also schemes with you in mischief.

Qingyuan was still kindhearted by nature. “The other members of the Hu family haven’t wronged us, it wouldn’t be right to implicate them too much.”

He caressed her delicate shoulder, saying leisurely, “Don’t worry. A few verbal warnings will suffice, it won’t hurt their foundation.” As he spoke, he lowered his head to nuzzle her, “Traveling dozens of li, then coming home to your inspection – I’m exhausted. Keep me company for a nap, wife, we can talk more later.”

So they slept in each other’s embrace. Sleeping in his arms was so comfortable that when they woke up, the sky had already darkened.

The banquet was the next day, but fortunately, everything had been prepared beforehand, and the household servants were diligent, so the couple didn’t need to trouble themselves.

When it was almost time, they dressed formally to await the guests. Qingyuan had specifically chosen the front of Liuchun Garden for entertaining guests. It had two large flower halls, east and west, connected by a corridor in the middle – not too close or far, perfect for separately hosting male and female guests.

After the tragedy that befell the older generation of the Commander’s mansion, this household had fallen into decline. Even after the Shen brothers were restored to their positions, without a proper mistress to manage affairs, they had never hosted grand banquets for court colleagues in all these years. Now with the new wife’s arrival, the house finally felt like a home, and Shen Run himself carried more of an air of humanity about him. At last, it gave those officials who had long wished to get close an opportunity to show goodwill.

As guests arrived, one beautifully decorated carriage after another stopped at the gate. Qingyuan and Shen Run personally welcomed them – the exceptionally good-looking couple standing before the bright red door frame appeared truly like a perfect match.

Qingyuan had an excellent memory. Thirty-six households were invited to the gathering of Youzhou’s officials and nobles, and she had memorized every lady’s appearance in just one day—this was the Marquise of Jingcheng, who was the wife of the Assistant Minister of Works… She didn’t need any prompting and made no mistakes.

After she welcomed people in, Fangchun received them inside the threshold. Fangchun guided people to the courtyard entrance, where the household manager led them into the flower hall. The two sisters-in-law worked as a team, not neglecting any honored guest. Even without elders presiding, they could handle everything properly.

When the Yao family’s mother and daughter arrived, they exchanged pleasantries with Qingyuan at the entrance, but after entering, they began to observe Fangchun. Though it had only been a few days, that usually listless girl seemed like a different person—her manner was graceful, her smile appropriate, and her every movement quite unlike before. She seemed to have learned some of her young sister-in-law’s capabilities.

Xuebai approached awkwardly to make conversation, “Sister used to hate such social occasions the most, but today is quite strange, favoring us by entertaining guests.”

Fangchun smiled carelessly, glancing toward the entrance as she said, “Yunya entered the family three years after me, I should have been the one guiding her, but now I need her guidance in everything. Since we’re hosting guests today, I must help her – how could she handle everything alone!”

Madam Wang heard this and smiled with a sigh: “Our young madam here is just too simple-minded. Others would stand on their dignity as the elder sister-in-law, but you’re happily acting as her assistant inside the gate. Though you live in the same mansion, the inner courtyards are still divided east and west – why should she take center stage when making appearances?” As she spoke, she shook her head, “The ways of dealing with people run deep, you have much to learn in the future.”

Fangchun had been quite happy initially, but her mood soured considerably after their words. Standing there suddenly felt awkward. When more guests arrived, she forced a smile to respond, but it was entirely unlike her earlier genuine joy, the smile was now quite strained.

Just then, someone at the threshold looked back inside, two clear gazes penetrating straight to the soul. Madam Wang and Xuebai could no longer linger, smiling diplomatically as they went together to the flower hall.

Shen Run had been attentive to Qingyuan’s every movement, and seeing her look back, he softly asked, “What’s wrong? Are the Yaos causing trouble again?”

Qingyuan sighed, “Look at Fangchun, she’s visibly unhappy now. Those two must have repeated something unpleasant.”

Shen Run was also helpless, “Are her ears made of powder? Unable to distinguish good from bad – what a waste for Chengbin.”

This was why someone with such a soft temperament needed a wake-up call to rouse them. Fortunately, everything would be clear today; otherwise, she would agree with Shen Run’s direct approach – simply find an excuse to transfer Master Yao away from Youzhou, and everything would be resolved.

“Yunya…” someone called from the steps.

Qingyuan turned around – the elderly couple from the Chen family had arrived. She and Shen Run hurried down to receive them.

Even when Shen Run saw the elderly couple, he still gave a deep bow with clasped hands, “Grandfather, Grandmother, I returned home only yesterday afternoon and intended to pay my respects, but then overslept.”

Qingyuan blushed slightly, covering for him. “Yes, braving the wind and snow, and with the yamen being so busy these days, he fell asleep as soon as he got home—we couldn’t wake him up even if we tried.”

Such matters needed no explanation—the more one explained, the more likely one was to give oneself away. The Old Master and Old Madam were experienced people who smiled indulgently. The Old Master said, “Shouya, I recently acquired a fine painting. When you have time, I’ll show it to you.”

Shen Run immediately agreed: “Grandfather’s taste must be excellent. However much silver it costs, I’ll pay for it—consider it my filial respect to Grandfather.”

This lively personality often pleased the Old Master, who constantly praised his granddaughter’s husband, both in public and private.

However, there was still much to attend to outside, and they couldn’t stay to look after them. Shen Run called for Hetang to escort the Old Master to the banquet hall, instructing him to attend to the old gentleman’s every need.

Qingyuan secretly signaled to her grandmother, gesturing for her to look at Fangchun. Fangchun was truly someone without guile – the slightest displeasure showed on her face. Seeing her listless manner, it was clear she was unhappy again.

Old Madam Chen said there was no hurry and walked through the mansion gate, smilingly calling “Second Madam.”

Fangchun deeply respected Old Madam Chen – after all, when she lost her child that day, in her daze it was the Old Madam’s face she saw. Having no grandmother herself, whenever she saw her, she felt an inexplicable closeness.

“Grandmother, you’re here?” She greeted her, addressing her the same way as Qingyuan did, smiling and saying, “I’ve told you before, just call me Fangchun. Why call me Second Madam? It only creates distance between us.”

The Old Madam nodded, praising, “This is wonderful, the whole family working together in harmony – how perfect it looks to outsiders. Life is what you make of it, you know best how good or bad it is. In all of Youzhou, how many people envy your sisters-in-law? The men are building their careers outside, and the family is united in progress, with setbacks inside. Those who know say you’re sisters-in-law, those who don’t think you’re blood sisters.”

Hearing this, Fangchun felt somewhat sheepish. She was someone without much conviction—when others said something was good, she thought it was good; when they said it wasn’t, she immediately felt it was terrible. Her aunt’s words earlier had made her feel oppressed, but now, with Old Madam Chen’s reconciliatory words, she began to wonder if she had misunderstood Qingyuan—after all, they had been getting along so well these days, truly like real sisters.

As it wasn’t appropriate to talk much in public, she smiled and said, “It’s quite cold outside, Grandmother, please go in.” As she spoke, she guided her toward the flower hall, “Most guests have arrived, we’ll join you shortly, and today I must share a drink with you.”

The Old Madam agreed and followed the maid into the banquet area. Originally, this was a gathering for ladies with imperial titles, and she, having no rank, wasn’t qualified to attend. However, since the imperial edict had assigned the title of Lady of Guangyang County to their family, as soon as she appeared, these noble ladies welcomed her warmly. Some even sighed, “Heaven never shortchanges good people – what’s lacking in one area will naturally be made up in another.”

The Old Madam understood what they meant, and seeing the Yao mother and daughter present, deliberately said, “I may not have borne children in this life, but my granddaughter and grandson-in-law are not inferior to anyone in the slightest. With them, I want for nothing in life. I only hope both couples, including the Second Master and his wife, remain harmonious, the household peaceful – what more could I ask for in this life?”

Everyone eagerly agreed, showing absolute respect to the host family.

Finally, all the guests had arrived. Qingyuan and Fangchun entered together, warmly inviting everyone to be seated, mentioning there would be card games and small performances in the afternoon, and after the meal, everyone could entertain themselves as they wished. Youzhou banquets traditionally lasted until late at night – an entire day of eating, drinking, playing, and chatting together, time passing quickly.

Today’s weather was nice, clear after the rain and snow. Sunlight filtered through the sparse curtains into the flower hall, the braziers exuding a warm fragrance, giving an illusion of spring. Having arranged everything properly, Qingyuan withdrew from the flower hall. Socializing with many people was exhausting, and after prolonged entertaining, her head was spinning. Having had a drink at noon, her face was also slightly flushed – she needed to go outside to cool off.

So she walked along the corridor toward the other end. Halfway there, she heard someone calling “Fourth Sister.” Turning her head, she saw Li Congxin standing opposite, wearing a cream-colored satin robe with a dark fox fur collar, his clear features gazing at her intently, still looking the same as before.

Qingyuan stood still and smiled, “Third Young Master honors us today – please enjoy yourself thoroughly.”

She still addressed him this way, though she had briefly called him “Brother Chunzhi” in the past – now it felt as distant as a vague dream.

Li Congxin nodded, “I originally couldn’t get away, but the Commander was so sincere…”

In any case, if people couldn’t attend, they shouldn’t accept the gift money for nothing. Qingyuan was completely at ease, but he was somewhat constrained, his face showing a youth’s melancholy. He was a romantic, having seen many girls since he was sixteen, feeling something for more or less all of them, but until now, only she had given him such intense shock and regret. Even today, seeing her could still make him lose focus – if not for that one misstep back then, he should have been the one standing beside her today.

Having become another’s wife made her even more memorable. He had thought he had let go, but he had never forgotten.

Standing several zhang apart, he didn’t walk over, but after some thought asked, “Are you happy now?” Just looking at her, her marriage seemed smooth sailing, but without confirming it himself, he somehow couldn’t rest easy.

Qingyuan smiled and said, “I’m very well, thank you, Third Young Master. And you? Still at the Ministry of Personnel?”

Li Congxin nodded. For someone who entered officialdom through hereditary privilege like him, regardless of which department they were assigned to, they needed to accumulate experience for a year or two before transferring. He had no desire to discuss official matters with her. Seeing her made him naturally become sentimental, and he murmured, “As long as you’re doing well, I’m at ease. Back then, it was all my fault…”

There was little point in bringing this up now. Qingyuan didn’t want him to continue and quickly cut him off, “I heard Third Young Master is also engaged, the young lady’s family background is quite good.”

He started slightly and said, “She’s the eldest daughter of the Duke of Chengguo. My mother very much approves of this match.”

“That’s wonderful then, you’re both from noble families, a suitable match.” Seeing he still appeared somewhat lingering with past feelings, which she rather looked down upon, but unable to offend him, she said half-consolingly, “Third Young Master must cherish this marriage. Forming a marriage alliance isn’t easy, and a good lady deserves to be treated well by her loved one.”

Having said this, she didn’t linger, politely nodding in farewell and heading toward the corridor.

Baoqin looked back and saw him still standing there dejectedly, sighing, “This young marquis was born romantic – the future duchess will need to be formidable to keep the household in order.”

But that was someone else’s story now, no longer concerning her. She stood at the side door looking toward the opposite flower hall, the noisy laughter of men carrying over. The two flower halls were only about ten zhang apart – if one paid attention, the activities opposite could still be glimpsed.

She smiled, turning to head to the back kitchen to check on the evening’s feast preparations. In the kitchen, the steam baskets were stacked high, waves of heat and smoke filling the air. The managing matron came to report, smiling, “Madam, please don’t worry, everything is prepared properly, nothing will go wrong.”

Qingyuan gave an “mm” of acknowledgment and slowly returned to the west flower hall, accompanying the noble ladies in a round of mahjong. When she emerged again, the sky had gradually darkened.

The silk lanterns swayed gently under the eaves, casting soft, romantic light everywhere. Xuebai sat by the window, chatting idly with several unmarried young ladies, appearing distracted even during the meal.

Fangchun, sitting next to her, didn’t understand and kept asking, “Does the food not suit sister’s taste?”

Xuebai gave a soft “oh,” saying, “I eat little at night, afraid of indigestion.”

At this point, Qingyuan came over and said quietly to Fangchun, “The servants haven’t arranged the return gifts for the guests properly. Sister, come with me to take a look – if anything’s missing, we’ll need to send someone to purchase it immediately.”

Fangchun didn’t suspect anything and stood up, saying “All alright.” Qingyuan then smiled at Xuebai, “Young lady, please sit for a while. When we’re done with these matters, we can all sit down and chat properly.” With that, she led Fangchun out.