Chapter 3, the depth of the painting is just right at the right time

Shen Qiyu happily pointed to a shop across the street and said, "My mother loves to eat the 'Furong Pastry' from 'Gushi Fang'. Why don't we go down and buy some?"

Han Chen smiled gently, a smile that should have been ethereal and elegant, yet it inexplicably carried a hint of sinister charm, even malice, which further captivated Shen Qi.

Shen Qi closed her eyes, her lips trembling slightly, feeling waves of humid warmth approaching her. When those lips finally pressed against Shen Qi's, she heard a sharp intake of breath from beside her, and immediately realized that Shen Qian was still in the carriage. She quickly pushed Han Chen away, saying, "Your Highness, Qian'er is still here."

"You all bully me!" Shen Qi stamped her foot and turned behind the screen, and Han Chen immediately followed her in, while Qian Er wisely stepped back.

"Your Highness, what do you like?" At the moment this question was asked, Shen Qi and Han Chen happened to step into the Gu Shi Fang, and at the same time, a loud crash echoed from within the Gu Shi Fang, as if something had fallen to the ground.

The atmosphere in the carriage, which had previously been warm and cheerful, suddenly became somewhat awkward. In her embarrassment, Shen Qi pulled back the curtain and suddenly exclaimed: "Stop the car"

Do you know? The food at this story workshop is quite delicious. They have a peculiar type of tea made from tea powder and milk, and I particularly enjoy the mint-flavored tea. Although Shen Qi's face was flushed with embarrassment, she still held Han Chen's hand in front of the crowd.

Han Chen leaned in close to Shen Qi's ear and whispered something, causing Shen Qi to shyly pretend to hit him, "Your Highness, how can you..."

Han Chen merely smiled from the side, then, in a manner reminiscent of a lecher, he lightly lifted Shen Qi's chin, "Look at these lips, so moist, just like fresh petals in spring, I particularly like them." Han Chen's voice grew lower, and when his lips nearly touched Shen Qi's, the word "like" could only be clearly heard by Shen Qi.

Isn't it better to drive her away if the money is not there?" Han Chen murmured reluctantly at Shen Qi's lips

Han Chen assisted Shen Qi into the carriage and took his seat. This oil-coated carriage appeared unremarkable from the outside, only slightly wider than an ordinary carriage, but upon entering, its exquisite interior rivaled that of a grand lady's chamber, equipped with all the necessary items; this was Shen Qi's dowry

Shen Qi finally caught his breath and began to push him away, but unexpectedly, it resulted in an even more intense response. He was tossed about to the point of exhaustion, and it was only at dawn that he ceased, falling into a drowsy sleep

Shen Qi felt that the greatest joy in life was nothing more than this; if two people could flirt and tease each other every day, what more could one wish for in life? "Your eyebrows are drawn quite well; do you often draw eyebrows for other women?" Shen Qi pouted.

Han Chen seemed to be unaware, merely locking his gaze on her without shifting, as his fingers deftly removed her outer garment

Qian'er looked at Shen Qi with a meaningful glance, her round eyes filled with teasing, "The prince is really too unfeeling, just look at how he has treated you..."

Han Chan approached with a serious expression, "No."

"It’s all right to be bullied, isn’t it? I won’t retaliate or argue back, just let you bully me, okay?" Han Chen softly coaxed Shen Qi

The next morning, Shen Qi began to get up and groom herself early, eager to return to her parental home. Generally, if a woman were married to a husband akin to Wu Dalang, she might not be very enthusiastic about visiting her family, and might even feel a bit embarrassed. In contrast, a woman like Shen Qi, who married Han Chen, would be impatient to bring her husband home to show off to her friends, wishing that the whole world could share in her joy.

Unfortunately, Han Chen's actions not only did not cease, but seemed to intensify. Shen Qi, witnessing his malicious rubbing, did not feel pain, yet the sense of humiliation was unbearable, causing her to feel increasingly wronged. She felt that Han Chen should not treat her this way; he should accommodate her, pamper her, and how could he bully her like this when she had clearly said no. Tears streamed down Shen Qi's face like a waterfall, while Han Chen showed no inclination to relent.

Today, I will not ride a horse, but will sit in the carriage with the princess instead said Han Chen to Bian Zhuo

Shen Qimu had just finished bathing and was putting on her clothes, her face still flushed from the warmth of the bath, when she saw Han Chen step into the room. "What brings you here?" Shen Qi asked with a hint of surprise, and upon seeing him, she recalled last night, causing her to blush and lower her head uncontrollably.

After having breakfast, Shen Qi happily took Han Chen's hand and walked towards the courtyard, completely unafraid of others mocking her for being too clingy. A servant was already waiting at the porch with an oil-painted carriage, and Han Chen's personal attendant, Bian Zhuo, was also holding a shiny black horse. The horse was as dark as the night, with not a single speck of color, except for a white plum blossom spot on its forehead, resembling the vermilion mole on a beauty's brow, adding to its charm. Shen Qi took a glance and immediately recognized that this must be Han Chen's steed, which he cherished greatly, as it was attended to by a dedicated caretaker who was very diligent.

Shen Qi's face flushed, and she quickly retracted her exposed arm. She did not know when Han Chen had left, but it was better this way as it spared her the embarrassment of seeing him.

Shen Qi irritably swatted his hand away, "Your Highness, is this a compliment? Do you take Qi for a horse?"

Qian'er indeed fell silent all of a sudden, her face reddening to a degree comparable to that of an apple. "Master," Qian'er stomped her foot, elongating the final syllable, indicating that she was not unwilling after all

Thinking of this, taking the opportunity, Shen Qi immediately said: "Your Highness, Qian'er is making fun of me. Qian'er is no longer a child, having followed me since she was young, she is not as good as Your Highness..."

In a daze, Shen Qi felt something added between her legs. She was already exhausted from struggling too much and could only twist symbolically, having become like fish meat ready to be slaughtered. When Shen Qi felt Han Chen's fingers beginning to probe in a way that caused her pain, she was startled and immediately straightened her back, gripping Han Chen's wrist, "I beg you..." The voice was low and soft, pleading and pitiful, completely devoid of the usual high-handed authority. She had always been the one others sought after; she had never been so humble before.

Shen Qi was also annoyed, struggling to get out of bed, but was embraced by Han Chen from behind, rolling over and falling onto him, and then was immediately pinned down by him. His fingers were even more nimble, parting her legs like willows swaying in the wind.

"Your Highness." Shen Qi's voice carried a plea, soft and delicate, truly stirring one's heart.

Shen Qi focused her gaze, and in the main hall of the Story Food Workshop, there stood a woman in a blue dress and white veil with her back to them, beside her feet lay a silver jar

"Nonsense, this is our residence, and I never want to hear such words again." In fact, there was an underlying meaning in Shen Qi's words, which was that one must never imply that the Wang residence is inferior to the Shen residence; during times of strict control, such remarks could cost one their life. Moreover, men are inherently concerned about their reputation, and Shen Qi could not allow Han Chen to feel the slightest discomfort. Even if she intended to renovate the garden, she could only proceed slowly and cautiously, step by step.

It seems that Gu is indeed a fortunate person, having once again witnessed the beauty of a woman emerging from the bath. Han Chen smiled faintly.

"Sister Mei." Shen Qi exclaimed in surprise

Shen Qi struggled even more violently, tears streaming down her face, yet Han Chen showed no mercy, his hands becoming increasingly inappropriate. Shen Qi felt so ashamed that she wished she could die on the spot, but she saw Han Chen greedily sucking on her tears as if they were his elixir. Shen Qi was bullied by Han Chen's hands, feeling an increasing heat throughout her body, her mouth letting out moans that were dense and moist, as if one could squeeze water from those sounds. Shen Qi felt more and more ashamed, yet the more she suppressed those moans, the more fragmented they became, the dense moisture carrying a hint of hoarseness that was even more heart-stirring. Shen Qi was bullied by Han Chen's hands, feeling an increasing heat throughout her body, her mouth letting out moans that were dense and moist, as if one could squeeze water from those sounds. Shen Qi felt more and more ashamed, yet the more she suppressed those moans, the more fragmented they became, the dense moisture carrying a hint of hoarseness that was even more heart-stirring.

Shen Qi cast a glance at Qian Er, who was trying hard to hold back tears, her back twitching slightly. "Qian Er..."

The two of them were intimately close for a long time, and it was only after that Han Chen finally got up to leave. Shen Qi, weak and delicate, leaned against the edge of the bed, a smile lingering at the corners of her mouth, deeply regretting not having met Han Chen earlier, for it is only in this way that life has flavor now.

Isn't the prince unaccustomed to riding in a carriage?" Shen Qi looked at Han Chen

Han Chen pressed closer with a smile at the corner of his mouth, capturing Shen Qi's lips, forcefully prying open her lips and teeth, ravaging her lips and tongue, swallowing all her sudden cries of pain into his mouth. Shen Qi, in tears, beat on Han Chen, but he refused to let her go, only pausing his actions slightly.

"Of course there are beautiful sights; such beauty is something one would never tire of even after a lifetime." Han Chan simply cupped Shen Qi's face and leaned in to take a closer look. Shen Qi, feeling shy, quickly turned her head away; the number of times she had felt shy in her life combined was not as many as in these past three days.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. If I draw your eyebrows, you immediately start shouting that I am bullying you. Would I still dare to draw eyebrows for other women?" Han Chen's smile never left his face.

In the next two days, Han Chan made every effort to spend time with Shen Qi, and their intimacy envious many. "Tomorrow is the day for the return visit, right?" Han Chan, embracing Shen Qi, leaned against the window sill, gazing at the bright moon.

Han Chen finally sat up straight. Shen Qi looked towards Qian'er, who had already taken the lead, but her ears were flushed. Shen Qi suddenly recalled that she had mentioned wanting Han Chen to take Qian'er as a concubine. This arrangement would be good for both Qian'er and Shen Qi. Rather than living in constant anxiety about whether her husband was having an affair with her personal maid, it would be better to simply accept it. In this way, her husband would praise her for being accommodating, and her maid would be grateful to her for a lifetime, wholeheartedly serving her. Wouldn't that be beneficial for both parties?

"It is of no consequence. Naturally, I am not accustomed to riding in a carriage without the company of a beloved consort on ordinary days." A teasing smile flickered in Han Chen's eyes, making Shen Qi feel as though she was being jested at again, her face flushed, yet her heart was filled with delight.

Bian Zhuo displayed a hint of surprise on her face, and Shen Qi silently took note of it. Once she began to care for Han Chen, she naturally became attentive to those close to him.

"What made you think of drawing seven eyebrows, my husband?" Shen Qi could not have imagined that Han Chen would be so tender.

"Has the master spoken well of the son-in-law so soon?" Qian'er helped the delicate and weak Shen Qi towards the bathtub

My father enjoys the braised pork at Chijin Tower, and my elder brother likes the Huadiao wine at Baiyun Tower... Shen Qi introduced each one, hoping that Han Chen would remember them all. She wished for Han Chen to win the favor of every member of the Shen family.

Shen Qi lay in bed, refusing to get up no matter what, until Han Chen embraced her, prompting her to rise with a mix of reluctance and compliance

"I thank the prince for his great kindness, and I thank my master for his great kindness." Shen Qian stiffened his body and prostrated himself on the ground

If someone had told Shen Qi in the past that her future husband would manage her affairs in various ways, she would have definitely laughed three times in disbelief. However, it seems that no matter what Han Chen does now, it only makes her feel even sweeter.

This Lanling Wang Mansion cannot be compared to our residence

Shen Qi was momentarily taken aback. Han Chen, of course, could not fail to understand her meaning. His words could only indicate that he was indifferent to wealth. Shen Qi was unsure whether to feel happy or worried. Yet, deep within her heart, waves of sweet thoughts surged. For a woman to encounter a husband who is not driven by lust for women is indeed a tremendous fortune. Although Shen Qi had never harbored the delusion of monopolizing Han Chen, hearing his refusal brought her a certain joy, though she felt somewhat guilty towards Qian Er.

"Miss Mei did not get burned, did she? I will bring you another pot." The owner of the restaurant looked worried.

Shen Qi felt a tightness in her heart, unsure whether his words held deeper meaning or were merely spoken without intention. After the incident that day, her elder brother explained that he had asked someone to take Han Chen to change clothes, and he had not anticipated that Shen Qi would also be present at that moment. It was all a misunderstanding, but it remained uncertain whether Han Chen believed it.

"The mouth of money is indeed more obedient. My beloved consort has truly become more radiant; just look at this fur, how bright it is." Han Chen gently brushed aside Shen Qi's hair.

I have heard that in the Southern Midnight Wu Song it sings, 'When the fragrant grass first grows, it is known to be carefree grass. The twin brows are yet to be drawn, how can one embrace the gentleman?' The beloved's twin brows are unpainted, how can one embrace the beauty alone?

"Yes." Qian'er replied cautiously

The air is filled with the enchanting aroma of mint tea

Hmm. Han Chan responded with a sound.

"I am afraid." Shen Qi tightly grasped Han Chen's hand. Although there were designated individuals who came to teach her about the things to be done on this night before her marriage, she still felt fear

Before Shen Qi could finish her words, Han Chen pinched her nose to interrupt her, "You little rascal, you have only just taken care of your own matters for a few days, and now you are worrying about your money. I know that you have a good relationship and are reluctant to part ways. I will not let your money suffer either. Why not choose a husband for your money among my close attendants? I will take the lead in hiring him as the main wife, and he can stay by your side on ordinary days."

You..." Shen Qijiao was extremely shy, unable to walk away or hide, while Qian'er laughed out loud beside her

"What is there to see?" Shen Qi pouted.

Hmm. Shen Qi nestled in his arms, responding in a cat-like manner, and nuzzled her head into Han Chen's embrace, finding the most comfortable angle to lie down.

Shen Qi let out a chuckle, realizing from Han Chen's posture while drawing his eyebrows that he was lying. However, at this moment, she would rather he lied; at least he was willing to deceive her, which was better than him telling the truth.

Do not hide, do not hide. Let me take a good look and see if you have gained weight over the past three days. If you have lost weight, won't I be scolded to death by my mother-in-law when I arrive at the Shen residence?" Han Chen turned his head to glance at Shen Qian, who was serving beside him, and asked, "Qian'er, do you think your master has gained weight or lost weight?"

Shen Qi shot a glance at Qian Er, "Talkative, he is not heartless..." Shen Qi recalled the feeling of his warm kiss imprinted on her skin last night, and her face began to flush again. The number of times she has blushed in her life does not even compare to the recent occurrences.

This is quite novel

Han Chen took Shen Qi's hand and led her to sit in front of the dressing table. He reached out to pick up the eyebrow pencil from the makeup box, and in an instant, Shen Qi recalled the story of Zhang Chang painting his eyebrows from ancient times, her cheeks instantly flushed with a rosy hue.

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Shen Qi's mother also persuaded Shen Qi's father to take her personal maid as a concubine. This concubine helped Shen Qi's mother a great deal and also assisted Madam Shen in winning the master's affection, did she not? Moreover, Shen Qi is a person of great confidence, completely unconcerned that Qian'er could take away even a fraction of her favor. It is only during her monthly discomfort that she can get close to Han Chen, which is certainly better than letting Han Chen go out to hunt for wild game.

Han Chen would naturally not refuse, personally carrying Shen Qi down from the carriage and then covering her face with a veil, "I do not like others staring at my beloved."

Han Chen still did not speak, and even maliciously tore at her undergarment, exposing her small clothing. Shen Qi knew he was deliberately causing trouble, but she could not muster any strength in her entire body. Han Chen's hand gripped Shen Qi's chest, causing her to tremble instantly; this place had never been climbed by anyone before. Shen Qi felt both shame and urgency, saying, "Don't." Tears fell from her cheeks like pearls. She was used to being imposing and had never been bullied like this before.

With the prince's affection, the master is naturally more pampered than before at the Shen residence. Shen Qian would never dare to comment on whether Shen Qi is fat or thin, as this master has always been particularly concerned about her appearance

"With a sharp tongue and a keen wit, one day when he takes you in, let us see if you will still laugh at me?" Shen Qi gently pinched Qian'er, as she and Qian'er had grown up together since childhood. Although they were master and servant, their bond was even closer than that of sisters. It was not impossible for her to follow Han Chen; it was merely a way to keep another person by his side, preventing those dubious women from entering the residence.

Han Chan merely listened, but smiled without speaking

Shen Qi and Han Chen sat on the couch in front, and she felt that Han Chen was staring at her with great curiosity, not blinking at all. "What’s wrong? Is there something wrong with my face?"

"This bathtub is truly uncomfortable," Shen Qi frowned. When she was at the Shen residence, she had a separate courtyard, which also contained a bathing pool similar to that of Chenghuai Garden. Although it could not draw from a hot spring in the city, there were always servants boiling water for her, so it was practically like having a year-round hot spring. She did not expect the Lanling Wang residence to be so simple; her and Han Chen's bedroom was actually smaller than the room where she used to practice the piano, and the furnishings were much more modest.