Chapter 103
Chapter 103
The room fell silent the moment Shen Si entered.
Gu Wanyun stared at him in a daze, almost losing herself in the sight of him. It was only when Madam Zhang discreetly pinched her and tugged her to her feet to greet Marquis Shen that she startled awake and came back to her senses.
Yet the sight of his noble, patrician face left her mind completely blank.
She had known that Marquis Shen must be an exceptional-looking man, but she had never imagined he would be this handsome – so handsome that merely looking at him made her feel inferior.
Every movement she had practiced countless times fell apart when she walked up to Shen Si. Her ears burning red, Gu Wanyun lowered her head and gave him a curtsy, greeting him in a tiny voice.
Shen Si glanced at Gu Wanyun. Then his lowered gaze shifted slightly, landing on Ji Hanyi, who had risen as well and was standing off to one side with her head bowed and her hands folded before her.
She stood with her back to the light, making it difficult to see her clearly. All he could make out was how unusually frail she seemed.
He withdrew his gaze and merely nodded.
Old Madam Shen had been watching the entire exchange, hoping to discern her son’s attitude toward Third Young Lady Gu, but unfortunately, his expression gave nothing away.
Still, the fact that he had come at all brought a smile to her face.
She had deliberately sounded him out earlier. He had already left for the government office, yet he had returned at this hour – something he had never done before. If not for Third Young Lady Gu, then why else would he be here?
Old Madam Shen waved a hand and said with a smile, “There’s no need for such formality. Everyone, sit.”
Only then did Madam Zhang hurriedly take her seat again. Ji Hanyi also quietly returned to her place at the very back.
Old Madam Shen looked at Shen Si. “How are you free at this hour?”
Shen Si sat to one side and accepted the tea brought by a maid. Without offering any explanation, he merely acknowledged her with a cool murmur.
Old Madam Shen had never expected to pry much out of this taciturn son of hers. Ignoring him, she turned to Gu Wanyun beside her and said, “He’s always been like this. Don’t feel constrained, and certainly don’t be afraid of him.”
Gu Wanyun quickly nodded and whispered, “I’m not afraid.”
Old Madam Shen smiled. “Truly?”
Gu Wanyun darted a quick glance at Shen Si, then shyly shook her head. “I’m not.”
Old Madam Shen silently observed her behavior. Every bit of Gu Wanyun’s shyness and unease was plain on her face.
It was still somewhat disappointing. In the end, she was a daughter of a modest household who had not seen much of the world. Her bearing lacked composure and poise.
Still, she seemed obedient enough. So be it. As long as she did not cause trouble and her son liked her, that would suffice.
Madam Zhang, meanwhile, was so delighted that she could not stop smiling. She had never expected Marquis Shen to appear at this hour. Did that not mean he was interested in her daughter too and had come especially to see her?
She could already picture the wealth and prestige her family would enjoy in the future. Those who had once looked down on her would not even have the chance to curry favor with her then.
Shen Si sat opposite Ji Hanyi, watching her almost constantly from the corner of his eye. She had not spoken once, nor had she moved much at all. Lowering his eyes, Shen Si tightened his long fingers around his teacup.
He could think of only one thing: now that her marriage into the Xie Family had ended in divorce, she was free.
She could choose again – this time, a man who was right for her.
Ever since Shen Si had entered, he had not spoken a single word. Old Madam Shen did all the asking while Gu Wanyun answered, and the older maids standing nearby occasionally chimed in with a few flattering remarks.
Madam Zhang was especially attentive, ceaselessly singing Gu Wanyun’s praises. Her intentions were all but written across her face.
Naturally, Old Madam Shen could see Madam Zhang’s eagerness. She had seen that look countless times before. Who did not want a marriage with her son? Even a duchess would show some eagerness, let alone a household like the Gu Family.
She had thought that taking a bride from a less prominent family might be for the best. The Shen Family was already powerful enough; it would hardly be wise to forge another marriage alliance with a great house. The young lady before her was reserved and proper, and her son liked her. That was enough. She paid no further mind to Madam Zhang’s ingratiating expression.
She glanced at Shen Si again. He was sitting there without saying a word, leaving her to give matters a push. Thus, she suggested, “Sitting around and talking is terribly dull. Why don’t we go sit awhile in the plum grove? You can pick a few flowering branches while you’re there and let me see Girl Wan’s flower arrangement.”
Old Madam Shen’s sudden use of such an affectionate nickname left Madam Zhang flattered beyond measure. She hurriedly agreed, “That sounds wonderful.”
Then she turned to Gu Wanyun and said, “You mustn’t disappoint Old Madam Shen later.”
Gu Wanyun was terribly nervous. Old Madam Shen’s affectionate “Girl Wan” had made her feel as though she already had one foot through the doors of the Shen Residence.
She secretly stole another glance toward Marquis Shen. Just the sight of his silhouette was enough to set her heart racing. What had she ever done to deserve such good fortune – to be able to stand beside a man like him every day?
Biting her lip, she softly murmured her agreement.
With the matter settled, several elderly maidservants came forward to support Old Madam Shen. Gu Wanyun was quick to take the hint and stepped over to help as well.
Old Madam Shen smiled and took Gu Wanyun’s hand, allowing the girl to support her as they walked at the front.
When they passed Ji Hanyi, Old Madam Shen seemed to remember her at last. She stopped before her and took in Ji Hanyi’s plain attire. The girl had grown up under her watch, after all, so she said, “Girl Yi, you came as well.”
Ji Hanyi quickly lowered her eyes and curtsied. “Hanyi has also come to pay her respects to Old Madam Shen.”
Old Madam Shen nodded, then asked, “Is your mother doing any better?”
Ji Hanyi answered earnestly, “Mother is much better now.”
Old Madam Shen gave a soft sigh and looked at Ji Hanyi once more. Seeing her rosy lips, pearly teeth, and luminous, snow-white skin, she paused before adding, “Come along with us. You can talk with me later too.”
Old Madam Shen truly did want to exchange a few words with Ji Hanyi and ask how she had been faring in the Xie Family. If she was doing well, that would at least offer some comfort.
After all, Ji Hanyi had once nearly become her daughter-in-law. Old Madam Shen could not help feeling some tenderness toward her.
Ji Hanyi promptly agreed.
Seeing that Old Madam Shen did indeed show some concern for Ji Hanyi, Madam Zhang felt all the more pleased that she had planned everything so thoroughly.
After saying only those few words to Ji Hanyi, Old Madam Shen led Gu Wanyun away at the front. Ji Hanyi followed at the very back, her head bowed and her gaze fixed on the ground, somewhat lost in thought.
She knew from Old Madam Shen’s behavior just now that she was extremely fond of Gu Wanyun. She also understood why Old Madam Shen had suggested going to see the plum blossoms. Most likely, she wanted to give Shen Si and Gu Wanyun a chance to spend some time alone.
As for the handkerchief of Shen Si’s that she had brought with her, it seemed she would have no chance to return it to him.
Then again, he likely would not care about a mere handkerchief. Although she had already washed it clean, even if she offered it back, he probably would not want it.
Yet keeping his handkerchief with her hardly seemed proper either.
Her fingers curled tighter and tighter inside her sleeve as she struggled to decide whether she should return it.
So absorbed was she in her thoughts that she suddenly sensed a dark shadow beside her. Belatedly, she glanced to the side and saw a figure clad in black.
She froze. Raising her head, she found Shen Si walking beside her.