Chapter 4, The fragrance of the plum blossom comes from the bitter cold

The two guards said nothing, merely standing at the door like two imposing mountains, clearly indicating their refusal to allow entry

Qian'er immediately raised her eyebrows and pointed at the two guards, scolding, "What do you two think you are? How dare you block my master? Just wait until the prince comes out; you will see what happens to you."

It was just that Shen Qi did not notice, as her attention was completely captivated by Mei Ruohan. Mei Ruohan's back stiffened slightly as she slowly turned her head. She wore a veil, revealing only a pair of eyes. Those eyes seemed to contain a deep green lake, with waves surging within them, as if they might overflow with the slightest movement. Yet, her gaze precariously held back the waters, revealing the storm within her heart while evoking sympathy for her self-restraint. Those eyes seemed to contain a deep green lake, with waves surging within them, as if they might overflow with the slightest movement. Yet, her gaze precariously held back the waters, revealing the storm within her heart while evoking sympathy for her self-restraint.

The Xiuzhu Pavilion is located at the southeast corner of the Lanling Wangfu, hidden behind the pine and bamboo, and backed by the Hongchi. It is a two-story small building that Han Chen cherished for its elegance and tranquility, thus converting it into a study. In front of the building, two guards resembling gate pillars immediately bowed and saluted upon seeing Shen Qi, saying, "This subordinate pays respects to the princess."

"Look at you being so stingy. Isn't it just to buy your favorite mint tea that I chased after you so late?" Han Chen pinched Shen Qi's nose

Shen Qi quietly leaned in, tracing a circle with her lips around Han Chen's lips. Although this was not the kind of frivolous behavior expected from a young lady of her standing, Shen Qi simply enjoyed being close to Han Chen, even if it was just to watch him.

As Shen Qi took a step towards the hall, the two guards immediately moved forward to block her path, saying, "Your Highness, please hold on. The Prince has instructed that no unauthorized persons are allowed to enter."

"Come on, stop saying the grapes are sour just because you can't have any," Shen Qi chided with a smile. "Wait until I choose a husband for you in the future, then we'll see if you still laugh at me," Shen Qi said, tapping Shen Qian's forehead.

Shen Qi cast a glance at Han Chen, her mouth almost ready to utter something as petty and sour as "Your Mei girl also likes to drink mint tea," but she forcefully held back. Considering that she was now the victor, why bother to nitpick with Mei Ruohan, which would only serve to remind Han Chen of Mei Ruohan's existence. Thus, Shen Qi quickly swallowed her words.

Shen Qi bit her lip behind Han Chan, feeling a deep sense of unhappiness. She was unhappy that Han Chan still remembered Mei Ruohan, and she was also displeased with Mei Ruohan's pair of eyes. Such a gaze filled Shen Qi with a hint of panic. She was not afraid of Mei Ruohan challenging her; it was just that Mei Ruohan had always been proud and aloof. Now, with this pitiful appearance, it only made one feel more sympathy. Even Shen Qi had just felt a twinge of guilt, let alone Han Chan. Such a gaze filled Shen Qi with a hint of panic. She was not afraid of Mei Ruohan challenging her; it was just that Mei Ruohan had always been proud and aloof. Now, with this pitiful appearance, it only made one feel more sympathy. Even Shen Qi had just felt a twinge of guilt, let alone Han Chan.

However, judging from Han Chen's performance today, Shen Qi could not determine whether Han Chen was particularly immune to the temptations of women or if there was some other reason... They clearly had already... Yet he was able to stop, controlling himself with ease, and did not show any signs of regret. Shen Qi could only think positively, concluding that Han Chen must be a man who does not love women, which would indeed be a great blessing for his wife

Han Chen smiled as Shen Qi held his hand, "No wonder people say that soft jade is warm and fragrant; it truly is both soft and fragrant." Han Chen's hand mischievously squeezed inside Shen Qi's robe.

Han Chen's usual smile melted away like snow, "Why do you have to make things difficult for her?" There was a great deal of reproach in that tone

Han Chen's words instantly made Shen Qi's heart bloom like flowers, indicating that he truly cared for her. Generally, when someone is concerned about your health, it means they genuinely value you. Moreover, Han Chen even ordered a pot of mint tea for Mei Ruohan, which shows that he does not care about her well-being. With this thought, Shen Qi felt better in her heart, and a smile immediately appeared on her face.

"Your Highness." Shen Qi expressed a hint of surprise

The Xiuzhu Building is the location of Han Chen's study, where he spends most of his time at home. Since Shen Qi came to the house, she had never been there. Today, taking advantage of this situation, she found the perfect excuse to go. Shen Qi is the kind of person who wishes to stick to Han Chen at all times. She thought to herself that she must act cute and charming with Han Chen, especially since someone in this household dared to contradict her wishes.

The two guards remained completely still, showing no regard for the money at all, and naturally, they did not regard Shen Qi either

However, since Han Chan was behaving this way, Shen Qi decided not to say anything to him. He just glared fiercely at Han Chan, who kept his eyes closed, pretending not to see. Shen Qi, feeling helpless, could only stare blankly, and as he did so, he became entranced once again

"Don't make a fuss." Han Chan waved his hand, still not opening his eyes

Qian'er is also quite clever, immediately going to the kitchen to urge the preparation of ginseng soup

"No way." Upon hearing this, Shen Qi was also infuriated. Moreover, she thought that buying a piece of clothing should not be a problem, yet the steward of the residence actually dared to refuse her. This was a direct affront to her dignity, and how could she, as the mistress, establish her authority in the future? Shen Qi was accustomed to wielding power and influence in the Shen family, and no one dared to contradict her wishes. Having been married to Han Chen for only a few days, she believed that this royal residence should be just like the Shen residence, accommodating her as the mistress in every aspect.

Shen Qi immediately quieted down, looking at Han Chen with dissatisfaction. He had been away all day, and upon returning, he did not allow her to speak, which made Shen Qi feel wronged. Moreover, there was something she had not yet prepared to discuss, specifically the matter of the Plum Blossom Society in February. Previously, Shen Qi had been preoccupied with her marriage, and the society had noticed her lack of interest, leading to the postponement of the Plum Blossom Society that should have been held in the first month. Now, in February, due to the cold weather this year, she was considering re-establishing the Plum Blossom Society. Because the society's name contains the character for plum, and Mei Ruohan had a fondness for plums, she was always invited to be the president. In previous years, this was acceptable, but this year, due to the past relationship between Han Chen and Mei Ruohan, Shen Qi was unwilling. However, it had become a customary practice, making it difficult to refute.

Han Chen sighed, leaned closer to Shen Qi's face, and caught the tears at the corner of her eye with the tip of his tongue

Shen Qi evaded his hand and slid her lips to Han Chen's Adam's apple, playfully sticking out her tongue to lick it. She felt the Adam's apple move slightly, and Han Chen suddenly opened his eyes, pinning Shen Qi beneath him. "Who is it that keeps shouting about being bullied by me yet comes to provoke me?"

Shen Qian swayed slightly, feeling as if Shen Qi had become a different person; she had never asked such a question lacking in confidence. "Of course, it is the master who is good-looking"

Han Chan had already turned around at this moment, "Aren't you going to buy the lotus seed pastry?"

Qian'er continued to scold loudly, and Shen Qi did not stop her. The people in the inner room must have heard such a commotion and should be coming out soon

Shen Qi was giggling beneath him. As the two were deeply engrossed in their intimacy, Shen Qi's clothing had already slipped off one shoulder, when they heard a respectful voice from outside the door saying, "Your Highness, the Princess requests your presence for dinner"

"Is the master going to find that accountant?" Qian, having been by Shen Qi's side for a long time, naturally could not tolerate any grievances and was eager for the master to seek justice. As Shen Qian spoke, she held out a water-red satin fox fur cloak and draped it over Shen Qi.

The next morning, Han Chen went out again. Shen Qi was unhappy because of yesterday's events, so she sulkily stayed at home feeding the fish. Shen Qian came to inform her that the clothes for the Plum Blossom Society, which were to be worn the day after tomorrow, had already been made by Fanxiu Zhuang. She threw all the fish food into the pond and stood up with a smile, finally having something pleasing to look forward to

Qian'er is not someone who brings peace of mind. Seeing the master in a fit of anger, he added fuel to the fire by saying: "He said the master's monthly allowance is one hundred guan, and those items for clothing and adornment have already been specially arranged. Even if there are occasional large expenses, according to the customs of the prince's residence, they do not exceed five hundred guan. He also said that if the master buys a piece of clothing, it would cost one thousand guan, which is simply too..."

"Why do I have dark circles under my eyes? Is it because I didn't get enough sleep at night?" Shen Qi's second sister, Shen Bingyi, shrugged her shoulders at Shen Qi.

After the seventh young lady got married, she became even more tender and delicate, and Prince Lanling was afraid that he could not love her enough. This was said by Shen Qi's elder sister, Shen Ruxue

Han Chen turned around and smiled at her, "Only after having a meal can one have the strength, right?"

"I won't drink." Shen Qi was still feeling embarrassed and indignant

Shen Qi pouted, "Forget it." She knew Shen Qian would definitely say that. "Uh, about what the prince said that day, don't take it to heart." Shen Qi felt secretly guilty, as she was actually elated deep down.

It is also good; mint is cool and drinking it in the middle of winter is not good for your stomach

"Warm a pot and send it to the Mei residence." Han Chen's gaze was fixed on the shopkeeper, who, under the pressure of his imposing presence, quickly lowered his head in acknowledgment.

It seems you are not thirsty, so I will brew it for you first. Han Chen set down the teapot

Tears rolled out from her bright eyes like beads that had come loose from a string, rolling faster and faster. Her large eyes, with trembling eyelashes, seemed to accuse Han Chen of bullying her

The prince is in the inner chamber discussing matters and has instructed that no one is to disturb him. The square-faced guard on the left said, showing no intention of entering to report, his expression respectful, yet he appeared to be asking people to leave.

Master, what are you looking at?

Shen Qi was both embarrassed and startled, surprised that Han Chen immediately recognized that what made her the angriest was his failure to chase after her. Indeed, Mei Ruohan was merely a minor episode in Shen Qi's eyes; after all, the die had been cast, and she was the Princess of Lanling, which was the reality. What angered Shen Qi was that Han Chen, who should have rushed to comfort and appease her when she was upset, did not follow her as she had expected. This only served to further provoke Shen Qi's temper. What angered Shen Qi was that Han Chen, who should have rushed to comfort and appease her when she was upset, did not follow her as she had expected. This only served to further provoke Shen Qi's temper.

Shen Qi cast a sidelong glance at Qian Er. Did she really need to lower her status to argue with a mere accountant? Shen Qi assumed that the accountant, coming from a poor family, had never seen much of the world. "Go have the kitchen bring the simmering ginseng soup; we are going to the Xiuzhu Building"

"Qian'er, do you think my eyes are more beautiful, or are Mei Ruohan's more beautiful?" Shen Qi had been practicing in front of the mirror for an entire morning, sometimes with her delicate brows slightly furrowed, sometimes with a joyful smile, or even adopting a misty, ethereal expression. Yet, no matter how she tried, she could not replicate the heart-wrenching, sorrowful gaze of Mei Ruohan, leaving Shen Qi with a hint of frustration

Shen Qi blinked her eyes, and Qian immediately spoke up: "How can the princess be considered an ordinary person?"

It is merely human greed that leads to the downfall of great ambitions. Shen Qian looked at his master, who was preening in front of the mirror and displaying a dissatisfied expression, and truly could not comprehend.

"My dear consort, would you like some steaming hot mint tea?" Han Chen presented a pot of milk tea in a silver canister before Shen Qi.

"Second sister, what are you saying?" Shen Qi quickly turned her head away

"Just cry, you have bullied me." Shen Qi laughed while wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes

Shen Qi ignored him, but unexpectedly, Han Chen stopped his actions, adjusted her clothing, and turned to get off the bed

Get up. Shen Qi raised her hand. The regulations in Lanling Prefecture are quite strict, and the rules are particularly stringent. This was something Shen Qi had not anticipated before entering, but she is quite satisfied with it. For instance, the two guards at the door stand straight and tall, regardless of whether anyone is watching, and they do not move even an inch, not even when bitten by mosquitoes.

"Do not cry anymore. If you continue to cry, your esteemed mother will surely think that I am bullying you and will take charge to have you divorce me," Han Chen said, holding Shen Qi's hand with a smile.

"Will you drink this mint tea?" Han Chen immediately changed the subject

Shen Qi could only stamp her feet in embarrassment, yet there was a hint of astonishment and coolness in her heart. Shen Qi recalled the words of her second sister on the day of her return to her family.

If I insist on going in? Miss Shen Qi's temper also flared up; not only was she refused by the accountant today, but now she is also being blocked by two guards

You do not understand men; once they think about that matter, they cannot care whether it is day or night, nor can they be bothered with something like eating. Shen Bing kept talking in a fragmented manner, which was a conversation Shen Qi had never heard before.

"Qian'er, you go to the accounts office to withdraw some money and retrieve the clothes." Shen Qi was somewhat excited

It is peppermint tea

Qian'er went out in response, and after a short while, she returned with a wronged expression on her face

Shen Qi was uncertain about whether to invite Han Chan to go with her. Although the flower society had originated as a gathering among women, over the years it had evolved into a monthly event for the noble families of Lanling City, with no restrictions on gender. Each gathering was lively and highly sought after. She was worried that bringing Han Chan along might create complications with Mei Ruohan, but not inviting him seemed to imply that Shen Qi was afraid of Mei Ruohan. Shen Qi found herself in a dilemma.

"Don't move, just stay quiet for a while." Han Chen pulled Shen Qi down onto the couch, resting his head against the backrest and closing his eyes for a short nap

What happened? Shen Qi was puzzled; who else in this residence could be wronged for money?

Shen Qi was still angry, merely biting her lip and remaining silent, clearly indicating to Han Chan that she was unhappy

Han Chen had unknowingly released Shen Qi's hand.

Han Chen initially listened quietly, occasionally responding with a "mm". As time went on, he furrowed his brows and said, "I just want to be alone for a while."

"Your Highness." Shen Qi pouted in a spoiled manner, and Qian'er wisely withdrew.

"Yes, I bully you every night," Han Chen whispered in Shen Qi's ear

Shen Qileng let out a cold snort and turned her body to face the other side

Then please convey this on my behalf. Shen Qi was not yet angry, and his tone was gentle

The accountant said the amount is too large and refused to disburse it. Qian'er said, feeling frustrated, "This is so embarrassing, Master. What about the situation at Fanxiu Zhuang? Should we first draw from your private funds?"

"You ... ..." Shen Qi, feeling embarrassed, stamped her foot, yet found herself at a loss against him

Shen Qi could not help but admit that at this moment, Mei Ruohan's eyes looked as beautiful as the stars, and her entire being appeared so fragile as if she were about to be overwhelmed by the lake's waters. Mei Ruohan turned around, glaring at Shen Qi with a hint of resentment, not uttering a single word. However, in the fleeting moment when she passed by Han Chen, the lingering glance she cast revealed her unspoken feelings.

Shen Qi felt extremely wronged; she was not trying to make things difficult for Mei Ruohan. If she had known that Mei Ruohan was present, she would have rather died than come in. She wished that Han Chen would never see Mei Ruohan again in this lifetime. The more Shen Qi thought about it, the angrier she became. She turned around and walked out, and when she did not see Han Chen calling her, her anger intensified. She supported herself with the hand of a servant and got into the carriage, instructing the coachman to drive away immediately.

The more Qian'er spoke, the quieter Shen Qi became. "You need not concern yourself with this matter; I have my own reasons. Prepare for me, as I am about to go out"

Qian'er does not dare. The servant also does not dare to hope for the prince. Look at you, master, being made to cry and laugh several times a day by the prince; this kind of torment is unbearable for Qian'er's heart.

When the coachman saw that Han Chen had not come out, he dared not leave and only kept delaying. By the time Han Chen stepped out, Shen Qi saw from the window that he showed no signs of anxiety at all, which made her even more indignant. She bit her lip, having firmly decided not to pay him any attention.

Shen Qi only felt that he forcefully turned her shoulder to face him, so strongly that she could not resist and could only be compelled to look at him. Since childhood, Shen Qi had been accustomed to being pampered and coaxed; who would dare to forcibly turn her to face them when she was angry? The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt.

Shen Qi is not the kind of person who can sit idle; even when there is nothing to do, he must stir up some excitement. Han Chen is currently very busy, leaving the house in the morning and not returning until evening. Shen Qi eagerly looks forward to sharing everything that happened throughout the day with him, so his mouth is never idle. He spills out everything like pouring beans: who visited their home today, what offerings were made at the village, and what strange and unusual events occurred in Lanling City.

As soon as Shen Qi and Qian Er spoke these words, Han Chen entered from outside. The attendants in the corridor helped him remove his wind hat and shook off the snow from his shoes. "Is it very cold outside?" Shen Qi hurriedly welcomed Han Chen inside, placing his hands together in her palms to warm them. "It's all the fault of this old weather; it's already February, yet it is still snowing heavily like goose feathers."

What tea did Miss Mei order earlier?" Han Chen suddenly asked the shopkeeper

Shen Qi was both angry and embarrassed, blinking her eyes, completely forgetting that she was still crying

"There is no need to feel shy; this is a natural occurrence after marriage. If you don't believe me, you can ask your elder sister." Shen Bingyi said with a teasing smile, "When I first got married, your brother-in-law was also someone who lacked restraint. Sometimes, he would even have lunch and dinner together."

As for the matter of Shen Qiguining, it is naturally a source of joy for the entire family. The mother-in-law has always been increasingly satisfied with her son-in-law, and Shen Qiguining's father, Shen Guangyao, has always favored this son-in-law who rides the dragon. Although the King of Lanling is not favored by the current emperor, in Shen Guangyao's eyes, it is merely a case of a dragon swimming in shallow waters and encountering misfortune. He believes he has never misjudged anyone in his life, which is why he urged Shen Qi to return to Lanling earlier. As for Shen Qi's brothers, apart from the third brother who has a fondness for men, the others also hold a deep appreciation for Han Chen, and all of this brings Shen Qi a sense of fulfillment. Although the King of Lanling is not favored by the current emperor, in Shen Guangyao's eyes, it is merely a case of a dragon swimming in shallow waters and encountering misfortune. He believes he has never misjudged anyone in his life, which is why he urged Shen Qi to return to Lanling earlier. As for Shen Qi's brothers, apart from the third brother who has a fondness for men, the others also hold a deep appreciation for Han Chen, and all of this brings Shen Qi a sense of fulfillment.

"You all during the day..." After all, Shen Qi has only been married for a short time, and the girl's shyness has not completely faded away