Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: Your Husband Will Surely Bless You with a Son in One Night

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Shen Yurou recalled what Xie Zhian had said before leaving that morning. Yet she was still somewhat surprised that he had actually come. But it was for the best; matters that must be spoken should always be addressed face to face.

Grabbing the garment hanging nearby, Shen Yurou rose from the bath tub. The petals clinging to her body fell away with the water, revealing her fair and graceful form. Even Qiuyue, a young girl, blushed upon seeing this scene. She stole a glance at the exposed skin, smooth and translucent like jade, and her curiosity deepened: why would someone as beautiful as Shen Yurou be despised by her husband’s family?

By the time Shen Yurou had tidied herself and appeared in the outer room, night had already deepened. She did this deliberately. All these years, she had been waiting for him; now that they were about to part, she wanted Xie Zhian to taste the bitterness and torment of waiting for someone.

In truth, Xie Zhian had long grown impatient waiting. But when Shen Yurou appeared clad in a moon-white gown, his irritation was forcibly suppressed. Under the soft candlelight, fresh from the bath, her hair still damp, her cheeks flushed with a lingering rosy glow, she looked like a lotus emerging from water—delicate and pitiful.

Xie Zhian stepped closer, a faint fragrance drifting to him. His heart stirred restlessly, yearning to draw nearer. Yet Shen Yurou averted her gaze and sat stiffly on the stool opposite him. Xie Zhian cleared his throat uneasily and moved closer again.

“Yurou, your husband has come to take you home. Don’t be stubborn, alright?”

Shen Yurou did not even lift her eyelids, quietly smoothing the already neat cuffs of her sleeves. Qiuyue stepped forward to pour a bowl of hot tea for her, then stood silently by her side, showing no intention of offering any to Xie Zhian.

Xie Zhian did not expect to be coldly received by Shen Yurou, nor for a mere maid to disregard him so completely. Anger surged within him. He waved his hand sharply and said harshly, “I have matters to discuss with the lady. You, step aside and leave quickly.”

Qiuyue hesitated, glancing at Shen Yurou. Shen Yurou thought about the topic she was about to discuss with Xie Zhian—it was indeed inappropriate for others to be present. She gave Qiuyue a reassuring look, and Qiuyue reluctantly obeyed and left the room.

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Xie Zhian felt somewhat relieved. Pointing to Bihuan and Biyao standing by the door, he said, “You two, leave as well.”

Bihuan and Biyao remained motionless as if they hadn’t heard. Shen Yurou knew well that they were afraid Xie Zhian would harm her. But her heart was already shattered beyond repair—what blade could wound her further?

She sipped her tea calmly and instructed, “You may leave too. I will call if I need you.”

Biyao and Bihuan exchanged a glance and reluctantly opened the door. They did not stray far, instead standing guard on either side of the doorway.

Once the door closed, Xie Zhian spread his arms wide, his face urgent as he lunged toward Shen Yurou. She spun nimbly aside, dodging him.

“Weren’t you going to talk? What are you doing?”

Xie Zhian missed his mark, awkwardly holding his hands midair with nowhere to place them. He scratched his head and turned back to Shen Yurou.

“Don’t be angry, Yurou. Mother asked you to close the shop for your own good. Now that you’re the lady of the Zhonglang General, just manage the household affairs well. Why go out and suffer?”

He thought he had humbled himself enough. After all, his mind was filled with thoughts of coaxing Yurou to bed, to enjoy their marital pleasures. Naturally, he was willing to yield.

But Shen Yurou was unmoved. Instead, she asked sharply, “So you think the biggest problem between us is the shop?”

Xie Zhian was stunned by the question. Aside from the shop, was there something else?

“Oh, is it because your husband didn’t send you a letter about his promotion?”

So he knew she was upset but simply didn’t care.

Shen Yurou saw his face contort before her eyes. She turned away, staring at the pendant hanging on the tablecloth, exhaling slowly. Yet to Xie Zhian, this only looked like a woman’s petulant sulk.

He grabbed her shoulders, turned her body gently, and shook her slightly.

“I was wrong about this. I apologize, Yurou, alright?”

Drawing closer, the faint fragrance grew richer, stirring his blood restlessly. Closing his eyes, he followed the scent and edged nearer.

Shen Yurou was startled, pushing him away and scolding, “What are you doing?”

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Xie Zhian smiled slyly, pressing closer.

“All that needed to be said is said. Now, of course, it’s time for the proper business of a married couple.”

Shen Yurou shook her head and stepped back repeatedly.

“Is that all? Do you really think that’s the only problem between us?”

Xie Zhian’s voice lowered.

“I understand, I understand. My Yurou is feeling jealous. Well, your husband is here. Tonight, I’ll take good care of you. Tomorrow is my day off; we’ll work through the night until you conceive, so you won’t have to worry anymore, alright?”

Seeing his high spirits and lack of the dignified composure he once had, disappointment in her bright eyes piled up like layers of winter snow.

“Do you still remember the promise you made to me when we married?”

“Promise?”

Xie Zhian pursed his lips, thinking hard, but his mind was blank.

“Perhaps the lady should remind me?”

Years-old memories resurfaced—a handsome young man in red kneeling solemnly, swearing:

“This life belongs only to you; I shall never betray you.”

How ironic. The vow still echoed in her ears, but the one who said it had utterly forgotten.

Snowflakes piled up, eventually causing an avalanche. She lowered her lashes, refusing to look at him.

“Xie Zhian, let’s end it here. I’ll submit the divorce papers to the court tomorrow.”

Hearing this, Xie Zhian panicked.

“Divorce papers? You want to divorce me? Ha! What a joke, the biggest joke of all! Shen Yurou, do you know what you’re saying?”

Shen Yurou lifted her head and met his gaze, speaking each word deliberately.

“You heard correctly. I am divorcing you. My husband must be a man faithful from start to finish, not a greedy octopus reaching everywhere.”

It took Xie Zhian a moment to realize she was mocking him for taking seven concubines.

Furious and humiliated, he pointed at her nose.

“You—you’re so jealous, how can you—”

Shen Yurou had no patience for his nonsense. She called for Bihuan and Biyao.

Hearing the voices, the two at the door immediately entered, each taking hold of Xie Zhian on either side and escorting him out.