Chapter 5

Shen Shuangning had almost no memory of what happened after the aphrodisiac took effect, only vaguely recalling that a man had stayed by her side.

Later, everyone said it was that Young Lord Xie who saved her.

As for Xie Lin, Shen Shuangning knew little about him.

All she knew was that he was the heir of the Xie family of Yongning Marquisate in the North City.

In her previous life, before she married into the Prince of Yan's manor, this young lord had already left the capital, and she never saw him again.

She never expected that someone with whom she had no interaction in her previous life would become her lifesaver in this one.

After learning this, Shen Shuangning carefully asked Ah Heng; even Ah Heng didn't know she had been drugged with an aphrodisiac, indicating that the young lord had first cured her before sending her back to the Duke's mansion.

He had considered her reputation, which was thoughtful.

But, being a married woman, the thought of her disgraceful state being seen by a strange man made Shen Shuangning flush, feeling as if she had committed the adultery of a red apricot over the wall.

No, she couldn't think that way; she was no longer the consort of Xiao Jingyuan's heir.

But a maiden awaiting marriage should not behave like this at all!!

The more Shen Shuangning thought about it, the more embarrassed and ashamed she felt, wishing she could find a block of tofu to kill herself, but with her parents watching, she had to force herself to stay calm.

"I've already chosen." she said.

Madam Shen looked at her daughter's faint blush on her cheeks, somewhat meaningfully: "The Xie family of North City is favored by the emperor; that Xie Lin is the emperor's close nephew, early appointed as heir of the marquisate, handsome and outstanding, a match for you in status—I think he's not bad."

"Mother, what are you saying!"

Shen Shuangning immediately blushed and hurried forward without stopping.

Madam Shen and Shen Lang fell behind, watching their daughter flee in embarrassment, exchanging a smile.

Shen Lang didn't think much of it, but Madam Shen gave it serious thought.

In the past, she would not have considered the Xie family, for it was said that Xie Lin was arrogant and hard to get along with; but now that Xie Lin had saved Ningning, she changed her opinion.

Although Xie Lin still had three months before his coming-of-age ceremony, if Ningning likes him, waiting a bit is fine.

"Our Ningning is becoming ever more lovely and graceful." The old lady held Shen Shuangning's hand affectionately, speaking with kindness.

Among the younger generation of the Duke's mansion, the old lady dotes most on Shen Shuangning.

However, when she saw Madam Shen, her expression wasn't pleasant; but since Shen Lang was also present, the old lady only gave a single reprimand.

"You failed to watch over Ningning; it's your fault. If Ningning comes to any harm, I will never forgive you."

Shen Shuangning quickly said, "Grandmother, don't blame Mother; it was I who insisted on sneaking out to play."

Because of her willfulness, many have already been punished.

Facing the old lady's blame, Madam Shen had long grown accustomed, for as the mistress, any mishap in the Duke's mansion—no matter whose fault—carried her share of responsibility.

Moreover, this incident concerned her daughter, so she accepted responsibility as well.

Shen Lang protected his wife, saying, "Mother, if you wish to punish someone, punish me instead."

Little did he know that the more he defended Lady Liu, the more the old lady grew dissatisfied.

Shen Shuangning saw through it, quickly changed the subject, and with a few words coaxed the old lady into being happy.

As if recalling something, the old lady took her hand, blinked, and softly asked, "Ningning, have you seen the heir of the Prince of Yan's mansion?"

Shen Shuangning's eyes flickered: "What Yan mansion heir? I haven't seen him."

At this point, she and Xiao Jingyuan had not yet met.

"Lying," the old lady snorted, "If you haven't seen him, why do you call his name in your dreams?"

Shen Shuangning's face changed slightly: "Is, is that so?"

"Can Grandmother still deceive you?"

The heir of the Prince of Yan's mansion had returned to the capital several days ago, though few knew of it. When Shen Shuangning lay ill and dazed, the old lady visited her and indeed heard her murmur "Xiao Jingyuan" from her lips.

The Prince of Yan is the only prince of a different surname in Da Liang; this heir of his mansion is most favored by the emperor, also a martial champion, destined to become a general who pacifies the borders.

If he weren't exceptionally outstanding, the old lady wouldn't be rushing to bring her granddaughter to his door.

Unfortunately, the Princess of Yan already has other plans and looks down on Shen Shuangning.

But if Shen Shuangning also takes a liking to that young heir, urging the younger generation to strive a little, with her granddaughter's beauty, she need not fear failing to win him over.

The Princess of Yan has only one son, the heir; if he also takes a liking to Ningning, the lord and lady can only accept it.

If the Rong Duke's mansion could become allied by marriage with the Prince of Yan's mansion, the Shen family's standing in the capital could rise another level.

The old lady's calculations are sound, but she doesn't know that in this life Shen Shuangning will marry no one but will never marry Xiao Jingyuan.

"Grandmother, I have no intention toward the heir."

She spoke most earnestly, worried the old lady wouldn't relent, and added: "The Miss of the Song family and the heir are about to become engaged; given her status, marrying in would certainly make her the principal wife—do you really want your granddaughter to be a concubine?"

"Of course not!" the old lady blurted out, then suddenly realized, saying clearly, "It turns out the Song family got there first—no wonder the princess looks down on our duke's mansion."

The Song Grand Secretary is a close minister of the emperor; to say he holds power over the court is no exaggeration. Compared to him, the Rong Duke's mansion naturally falls short.

"Besides, the heir and the Song maiden are childhood sweethearts, deeply affectionate; my granddaughter wouldn't want to be the villain who ruins others' love." Shen Shuangning pinched the old lady's shoulder, "Grandmother, don't worry about your granddaughter's marriage—there are plenty of outstanding noble youths in the capital."

Upon hearing this, the old lady let go of her fixation on the Prince of Yan's mansion, though she still felt a bit of regret.

Madam Shen then said, "A fortunate daughter should not enter an unfortunate household; the Prince of Yan's mansion is good, but that heir may not necessarily be a good match for Ningning."

Madam Shen has a keen eye for sons-in-law; she had glimpsed that heir from afar—his appearance is attractive, but at first glance he seems cold-hearted and unfeeling; being his wife would surely be unpleasant.

Moreover, the heir will likely follow in the Prince of Yan's footsteps, heading to guard the northern frontier; once a couple spends little time together and much apart, their feelings are bound to suffer.

Madam Shen is someone who has been through it.

She wishes her daughter's marriage to be happy; the husband need not be exceptionally outstanding, as long as he dotes on Ningning.

Afterward, Shen Shuangning went with her mother to the Xie family in North City.

In terms of rank, the Yongning Marquisate falls short of the Duke's mansion by one level, but in terms of influence, the already declining Duke's mansion must look up to the Xie clan.

The gate tower is lofty, the side posts thick and solid; just looking at the gate tower, it is frighteningly high.

Before the gate stand two stone lions, fierce and menacing, baring sharp fangs; upon first arriving here, Shen Shuangning was startled by these stone lions.

Entering the Xie Manor, with its deep courtyards, Shen Shuangning truly felt what carved beams and painted pillars, resplendent in gold and azure, were like. She had thought the Residence of the Duke of Rong was already luxurious enough, never expecting that before the Xie Manor she would truly be a mere novice before a master.

The Xie family was indeed illustrious.

Xie Lin was still unaware that the Shen family had arrived; he was in his own room fiddling with wood.

Soon, a delicate bird made of wood was crafted by him; a slight turn of its mechanism made its wings flutter, lifelike.

Xie Lin was immersed in it, involuntarily showing a smile.

Until a servant's voice came from outside the door, disturbing his refined mood.

"Heir Apparent, the Duchess of the State and Fourth Miss Shen have come specially to express their thanks; the mistress asks you to go see them."

"What do they want?" Xie Lin frowned, then recalled the incident a few days ago when he helped Xiao Jingyuan "lift the siege."

He remained impatient, too lazy to even make an excuse.

"Not seeing, not seeing."

The servant knew his temper and did not persuade him, thus withdrew.

In the main hall of the Xie Manor where guests were received, the Marchioness of Yongning was exchanging pleasantries with Madame Shen, while Shen Shuangning sat properly in her chair, occasionally glancing toward the door.

In fact she had seen Xie Lin before, but that was when she was very young.

Back then, Xie Lin and Shen Xiuci were studying together at the Imperial Academy, making them schoolmates, though their relationship was poor; from her elder brother she learned that Xie Lin was a disagreeable person, said to have even bullied her in childhood.

Later, Xie Lin abandoned scholarly pursuits for the military, leaving the capital before graduating from the Imperial Academy; Shen Shuangning had not seen or heard of him for several years.

Only today did she learn that Xie Lin had also returned to the capital not long ago and now serves in the Bureau of Military Affairs.

When Shen Xiuci learned that it was Xie Lin who had rescued her, his expression became unusually complicated; he could not bring himself to thank him, which is why only she and her mother came today.

Shen Shuangning was somewhat curious about what Xie Lin looked like now.

However, seeing that the Marchioness of Yongning was beautiful, she supposed Xie Lin's appearance was not bad either.

Soon, a young man in indigo-blue silk robes, handsome of feature, stepped forward, his manner warm and refined, courteous and proper.

Just as Shen Shuangning thought he was Xie Lin, she was told he was Xie Lin's half-brother sharing the same father, Xie Yan.

Before coming, Shen Shuangning had specifically inquired about the Xie family's situation.

The Marquis of Yongning had two wives; the eldest son, Xie Yan, was born of the first wife, later he married Princess Changyu as his consort, and Xie Lin is the son of Princess Changyu.

Xie Yan is five years older than Xie Lin; recently he became engaged to the Yang family's young lady, with the wedding approaching.

Xie Yan merely came over to say hello, sat briefly, then left.

Not long after, the servant sent to fetch Xie Lin returned.

"...... Madam, the Second Young Master says he has other matters and no time to come."

Shen Shuangning lowered her lashes somewhat disappointedly.

Xie Lin is clearly in the manor, yet unwilling to show himself, likely fearing she will pester him.

But she did not intend to impose on the Xie Manor; she came only to give thanks. If Xie Lin truly dislikes her, she will simply not appear again.

"This wicked son, I'll go call him." The Marchioness of Yongning slammed the table and rose.

Shen Shuangning rose and said, "Madam, let me go. I wish to personally deliver this token of thanks into his hands."

The Marchioness of Yongning hesitated, knowing her son bore prejudice against the Shen family, and that this Xie Lin was not one to cherish beauty; she feared that if the Fourth Miss went over, she would return in tears.

But the Marquis of Yongning was not present, and she also did not feel comfortable leaving the Duchess of the State waiting here.

After thinking, the Marchioness of Yongning had Xie Lin's nursemaid accompany Shen Shuangning over.

At the same time, Xiao Jingyuan was also heading toward Xie Lin's residence.

Shen Shuangning arrived at the gate first.

The nursemaid knocked on the door: "Second Young Master, open the door."

"Just a moment." Xie Lin recognized the nursemaid's voice, then set down his work and responded.

Yet his brows still bore a hint of impatience, as he supposed it was again someone urging him to see the Shen family.

"Never ending." Xie Lin muttered under his breath.

He casually flicked wood shavings from his clothes, unaware anyone else was outside, and went straight to open the door.

He opened it only halfway, a hand lazily resting on the doorframe, his face full of resignation.

"Nurse, I told you not to bother me unless necessary; I won't see..."

He lowered his gaze, and his sight collided with a pair of bright almond eyes.

The young woman had clear eyes and fine teeth, her complexion surpassing snow, as she lifted her face to look at him.

Xie Lin stared, forgetting to blink.

A string in his mind seemed to snap.

What kind of age-reversing elixir did the nursemaid take to become even more beautiful?

The nursemaid quickly coughed lightly: "Heir Apparent, this is Fourth Miss Shen."

Xie Lin snapped back to awareness, only then seeing the nursemaid's jade-plate-sized face; it turned out the nursemaid was here.

Wait, what Fourth Miss?

Xie Lin's gaze fell once more onto the girl's exceedingly beautiful face.

"Are you Shen Xiuci's sister?"