Lu Shiji’s figure was hidden in the shadows. The faint candlelight barely lit the lower half of his jaw, leaving his expression unreadable.
Then came his calm, eerie voice: “Do not see her.”
Xiping jumped, so startled he didn’t dare utter another word and scurried out immediately. “Yes, sir.”
Outside, Xiping’s face was still pale as he explained to Song Qinghe, “The Heir has been busy today. He has no time to see you, Miss Song.”
Song Qinghe frowned slightly at the tightly closed study door.
So that little stunt by Shen Lichu had really put Brother Shiji in a bad mood.
But such a minor thing… was it really enough to upset him this much?
She asked, “Won’t he even see me?”
“Today’s inconvenient. Please, Miss Song, you should leave.”
Song Qinghe didn’t press the matter. She handed over the food box. “Please help deliver this to the Heir. Don’t let him overwork himself or harm his health.”
Xiping hesitated but took it. “Yes, Miss.”
Deliver food at a time like this? He must be crazy.
The atmosphere inside the study was so dark and oppressive it felt like the eighteenth layer of hell.
Better just to take it and leave—if there’s no chance to actually hand it to him, so be it.
Finally, Song Qinghe left.
Inside the study, Lu Shiji’s hand tightened on the armrest, veins standing out faintly. His usually clear, calm eyes were hidden in darkness, boiling with suppressed anger.
His chest still throbbed with that pain, like a wound that would never heal.
And in his mind, the image of Shen Lichu’s defiant eyes lingered, each word cutting deep:
—“If there is a next life, I’d rather die than marry you.”
A dark smile tugged at his lips, his eyes glinting with a hint of madness.
In his previous life, he had been ruthless, calculating, commanding armies and exacting revenge, holding power above all.
He had walked through mountains of corpses and fires, and the last traces of warmth in his bones had long been worn away.
Yet the one bit of mercy he had once reserved for Shen Lichu had turned into a blade piercing his own heart.
He should have killed her!
But now, her innocent, carefree face appeared before him. She had deliberately thrown herself into his arms, her soft body pressing against him, gripping tightly, her bright eyes pretending to seduce.
No resistance. No evasion. She only wanted to be near him.
His hand on the armrest loosened slightly; some of the fury in his eyes dissipated.
The infuriating truth: the Shen Lichu of his past life, the Shen Lichu of this life, both were utterly captivated by him.
Lichu burrowed back into the covers, then peeked her head out. “Do you think Cousin took the bait today?”
Chunxing leaned on the bed and thought carefully. “I think he did!”
Lichu blinked. “Really?”
“Of course! The Heir still cares about you, Miss. Just be careful next time.”
“But he seemed a little upset when he left,” Lichu tilted her head, puzzled.
Chunxing coaxed her, “Miss, you’re so pretty, the Heir will surely like you. Now, go to bed.”
Lichu took out a small bronze mirror to check her reflection, then curved her lips into a happy smile. “That’s true!”
She snuggled back into the covers, then remembered something. “Where’s my talisman?”
“Here!” Chunxing pulled a talisman from the scented pouch and tucked it under Lichu’s soft pillow.
“Don’t worry, Miss. This talisman was specially blessed by Madam Shen at the temple. Keep it under your pillow—it will drive away evil spirits. You won’t have those scary dreams anymore.”
After all, Madam Shen worried about her daughter traveling far, so she made sure to get the talisman for her protection.
Lichu reached under her pillow, felt the talisman, and a wave of safety washed over her.
She closed her eyes with ease.
No more fear of dreaming about that villain.
The next morning, Lichu woke unusually early and followed her aunt to pay respects to the Grand Matriarch.
It seemed the talisman really worked. She had slept through the night without any dreams—no frightening man appeared—and she had slept soundly.
Even getting up early, she felt refreshed and energetic.
The Grand Matriarch was kind and didn’t expect the younger members of the household to make daily morning and evening visits. A visit every ten days was enough.
In the past, paying respects with her aunt was optional for Lichu. But the Grand Matriarch’s greeting couldn’t be ignored. She got up properly, showing respect.
“When you go before the Grand Matriarch, mind your words and behavior,” Shen Shi reminded her. “She is kind and generous, but she does not tolerate unruly young ones.”
Lichu nodded. “I understand, Aunt.”
Shen Shi smiled and led her inside.
In the Shou’an Hall, the Grand Matriarch was seated on a soft couch. Song Qinghe sat nearby, helping pour tea and chatting with her.
Shen Shi bowed. “Your daughter-in-law pays respects to you, Mother.”
Lichu followed, bowing politely. “Lichu pays respects to the Grand Matriarch.”
The Grand Matriarch nodded faintly. “Sit down.”
Lichu sat obediently beside Shen Shi. She wasn’t unaware—though at home she could be a bit unruly in front of her aunt, that was because she knew they spoiled her.
But with Madam Lu, she sensed she wasn’t quite favored. Not her aunt either.
Not all mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships could be as close as grandparents and parents.
That’s why her parents had wanted her married into the Lu household: to strengthen family ties and ensure she wouldn’t face harsh treatment elsewhere.
“Grandmother, your grandson pays his respects!”
Lu Sìlang barreled in like a little cannonball. At twelve, he was clad in a bamboo-green brocade robe, hair tied high in a ponytail, small but full of energy.
The Grand Matriarch’s smile brightened. “Sìlang, come here to Grandmother!”
Lu Yunzhou happily rushed forward and sat beside her.
“You little monkey, causing trouble again recently?” she chided.
“No, Grandmother! My teachers have been praising me, saying my handwriting is getting much better!”
The Grand Matriarch patted his shoulder, smiling. “Well, that’s some improvement!”
“Exactly! But my mother complains I’m learning too slowly,” Lu Yunzhou seized the chance to whine.
The Grand Matriarch glanced at Shen Shi. “It’s good he’s making progress. Don’t push too hard. Our family is large; not every descendant needs to be extraordinary.”
Shen Shi laughed. “Yes, Mother.” She shot a quick glare at Lu Sìlang.
Soon, the three younger daughters of the household came to pay respects as well, and the hall became lively.
The Grand Matriarch asked, “Is Shiji still busy with the court cases today?”
Song Qinghe smiled. “Yes, Brother Shiji has been busy with official business these days. He returned home briefly last night, but this morning he went back to the palace. He left word to visit the Grand Matriarch another day.”
The Grand Matriarch sighed. “He means well, but he’s so busy with court affairs and rarely at home. I hope he doesn’t wear himself out.”
Shen Shi smiled. “Once Shiji is married, it’ll be easier. A husband always needs a wife who understands and cares for him.” She patted Lichu’s hand.
Song Qinghe’s smile faltered slightly as she glanced at the Grand Matriarch.
The Grand Matriarch, however, didn’t look at Lichu. She said plainly, “Shiji’s marriage is important; it cannot be rushed. The choice must be careful.”
Shen Shi’s expression darkened slightly—Madam Lu had openly embarrassed her!
Lichu noticed the shift in atmosphere and quieted her breathing.
Shen Shi then smiled again. “Yes, the Heir’s bride must be chosen carefully.” She glanced at Song Qinghe. “Qinghe is sixteen now. A young lady shouldn’t delay marrying. I’ve already looked for suitable matches for you and found a few good candidates.”
Song Qinghe’s face changed. “I’m not in a hurry to marry. I still wish to spend more time honoring Madam and Grand Matriarch.”
Shen Shi’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I know you are dutiful, but a young lady cannot stay unmarried forever. If the age passes, it’s harder to find a good match. I treat you as my own daughter, so don’t worry—I’ll select a suitable husband for you.”