Chapter Seven, the fox fur coat does not warm the thin brocade quilt

Shen Qi had already heard it in the room and was immediately infuriated. What examination of homework, it was likely that it was about reviewing homework with the Luo family. Shen Qi bit her lower lip and said, "Go to the side courtyard of the Luo family."

Isn't it almost the fifteenth? Every fifteenth, we must return home for a family reunion. This is the rule of the Shen family; even if a daughter is married, she must return to her maternal home on the fifteenth. Shen Qi muttered to herself, not needing Qian'er to respond. If she were to return alone on that day, her father would surely find out about the conflict between her and Han Chen, and there would be no good outcome for her from Han Chen. Shen Qi bit her lip, unable to believe that she had fallen to the point of needing her father to make Han Chen care about her a little.

By the time evening came and it was time to leave, Shen Qi had not thought about where she should go. She certainly could not continue to stay at Qionglin Garden, as it was desolate and not suitable for Shen Qi.

Shen Qi thought for a moment, feeling that Han Chen was particularly serious about the word "money". The entire Wang residence was very frugal, and he even specifically arranged a marriage alliance with the Zhao family of Ye City, which suggested that money was extremely important to him

Shen Qi did not want to think about the reasons behind Han Chen's money-making schemes, but she roughly guessed that in order to please Han Chen, she would likely have to make some efforts regarding money.

Shen Qi put down her chopsticks. Although she did not know what had happened, a woman's intuition told her that it was certainly not something pleasant

As soon as the meal was barely touched, Shen Qi heard Bian Zhuo at the door saying, "Your Highness, they have arrived." After speaking, he cast a sympathetic glance at Shen Qi

However, the subsequent matters will be taken care of by others. Han Chen turned over and covered Shen Qi, saying, "Originally, I felt sorry for you for riding the horse for half a day and getting tired."

Han Chen is indeed inside

Upon seeing the arrival of these two individuals, Han Chen immediately changed his attitude, which made Shen Qi feel unhappy. She felt that Han Chen cared more about their feelings than her own. Clearly, the two of them were doing well, yet suddenly two more people appeared. It was evident that they would not have come from the capital to Lanling without Han Chen's intention. The more Shen Qi thought about it, the angrier she became, and she stood up and turned to leave.

What if the prince never comes?

"Who said that one needs two people to have an appetite for a meal? Do you need four or five people to accompany you before you feel like eating?" Han Chen chuckled, picked up Shen Qi's bowl and chopsticks, and fed her a bite, "Hurry up and eat, or if you lose weight later, my parents-in-law will blame me again"

Shen Qi furrowed his brows, realizing that such a person would be difficult to deal with, likely due to the extraordinary bond formed from being by Han Chen's side since childhood. "What about the Zhao family?"

The servants around them did not dare to laugh, only Shen Qi blushed every time she took a bite of food, yet she was reluctant to give up this enjoyment, feeling both proud and shy. "I want to eat that," Shen Qi said, her gaze sweeping over a plate of crispy bamboo shoots on the table, and Han Chen picked them up and fed them to her.

"Father." Shen Qi felt truly wronged this time. She had always thought that Han Chen was relying on the Shen family, but now it seemed that the Shen family also placed great importance on Han Chen. No wonder her father had been urging her to return to Lanling. Later, even after knowing that she had schemed against Han Chen, he turned a blind eye and helped her clean up the mess.

Is he chasing after me? This is what Shen Qi cares about

Shen Qingqiu's eyes revealed disappointment, yet a doting smile remained on his face, "Hmm"

The child stood upright, not displaying the typical demeanor of a child who has not seen their father for a long time and is seeking affection. "Recently, my mother has been teaching me the Analects."

Shen Qi unexpectedly saw Bian Zhuo at the gatehouse

Shen Qi sat on the couch in a huff, "Go find out the background of these two people." As the saying goes, knowing both oneself and the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. Shen Qi was not particularly wary of them; it was just that the sight of Mr. Luo with the child was always displeasing to her.

"I have no appetite." Shen Qi pouted, waiting for Han Chen to tell her about what had just happened

Is this the Zhao family of Ye City? Shen Qi asked aloud

Understood. Qian'er gave a few copper coins to that young servant

In the evening, Shen Qi lay in Han Chen's arms, and she did not know why she lacked the courage to question Han Chen about what had happened at the Mei residence today. Shen Qi believed that Han Chen still needed to rely on the Shen family's influence in Lanling to establish himself here, which made her feel secure most of the time. However, today, when she looked into Han Chen's eyes, she realized that perhaps Han Chen did not regard the Shen family with as much concern as she had thought.

But which family does not have a concubine? Qian'er is speaking the truth.

Shen Qi remained silent

"I am not afraid," Shen Qi pouted, displaying an expression that suggested she would not eat unless she was fed.

Shen Qi scrutinized the two women, and none of them appeared to be commonplace, which heightened Shen Qi's sense of crisis, compelling her to consider taking the initiative first

In the evening, Shen Qijiu waited for a long time but did not hear Han Chen return to the room. Instead, she heard a young servant outside the door say: "The prince asks the princess to rest first, as the prince said he wants to assess the young master's studies."

Shen Qi glared at Qian Er fiercely. Indeed, what if he never comes? Would she have to return home in disgrace? Shen Qi ultimately overestimated her own position in Han Chen's heart, or perhaps overestimated the Shen family's standing in Han Chen's eyes

The family of Concubine Zhao is engaged in commerce. Qian'er is somewhat unfilial; among the scholar, farmer, artisan, and merchant classes, merchants have always been the least respected.

"Qian'er, is your master me or the prince? Wherever I go today, you must instruct everyone below to keep their mouths shut and not tell him." Shen Qi could not stay in this room any longer; just the thought of Han Chen being intimate with another woman in another room made her restless, and she felt like rushing in to shout and scream.

You should sleep a little longer Han Chan fastened his clothing buttons

Shen Qi closed her eyes, her eyelashes fluttering up and down due to tension, yet her arms were firmly clinging to Han Chen's back. Even when Han Chen bit her collarbone, causing her to tremble, her hands did not loosen their grip.

The next day, when Han Chan got up, he gently tucked the blanket for her. However, Shen Qi, now separated from Han Chan's warm body heat, immediately woke up, "Are you getting up?"

As for Zhao, she wore a crimson satin dress with a subtle pattern of golden bamboo leaves. Her tall and slender figure exuded an air of elegance and pride, and although her beauty may not surpass my own, she could still be considered a rare beauty. It is no wonder that Han Chen found her appealing

She looked coldly at the two women before her, both of whom were not very old, but slightly older than herself. The woman named Luo was dressed in a long blue brocade gown adorned with butterflies, a style favored by the noblewomen of Xihua Capital, and wore a golden hairpin, suggesting she was likely a concubine. The child tightly held Luo's hand, presumably her offspring, and likely the eldest son of Han Chen. Luo had a dignified and proper appearance, and even under Shen Qi's gaze, she remained composed and did not shy away, giving the impression that she was not someone to be underestimated.

Shen Qi opened her mouth but ultimately did not speak, and after a long while, she said: "Am I not allowed to come back alone, Father?" Shen Qi leaned affectionately against her mother's embrace.

After the maid had set the bowls and chopsticks, Shen Qi stared blankly at Han Chen, signaling him to continue feeding her. Shen Qi was aware that her behavior was somewhat petty, but she simply could not tolerate it; she had to make them understand that she was the main character here

"If you go, you will become that delicate one." Shen Qingqiu lightly scratched Shen Qi's nose, and as they spoke, they had already arrived at the door

Then a soft, childlike voice said: "Son greets the king, and mother pays her respects." It was a little boy, approximately three years old.

Shen Qi felt a surge of joy in her heart, but she maintained a cold expression on her face. At least she had found a way out, although she was extremely dissatisfied. However, if she did not return, wouldn't that benefit those two and alienate Han Chen

Shen Qi sat up, shook her head, and said, "No, I want to accompany you for a meal. Eating alone is so boring." Shen Qi called Qian Er in to serve and mustered her spirits to have breakfast with Han Chen

Master, are you going to stay here? If someone finds out that you are living here alone, who knows how badly it will spread in the city?

Master, what are you doing? Even if the prince is resting in that room, it is only proper.

So late? How long will you be gone? Should we inform the prince?

Qian'er is quite nimble; by mid-afternoon, she had already gathered the information. "That Concubine Naluo was originally a maid from the Wang residence. Later, the prince took her as his concubine, and she manages all the affairs within the Wang residence in the capital."

"Where do I have it? Father, if you don't point out his faults, why are you blaming your daughter?" Shen Qi found her father's attitude somewhat strange

"If you haven't eaten, let's sit down and eat together." Han Chen said naturally

"Qier, have you been throwing a tantrum?" Shen Guangyao said with a stern expression

Han Chen smiled wryly and said, "You really are a troublesome one." Han Chen fed Shen Qi another bite of rice

In Shen Qi's eyes, it was evident that Han Chen must have often dined with them in the past; he had not only accompanied her alone. Shen Qi immediately felt a sense of grievance in her heart

However, on ordinary days, Han Chen's demeanor towards her is always filled with tenderness and affection. Are those feelings all just an act? Yet, Shen Qi does not understand the difference between men and women. A man can still display a romantic demeanor even towards a woman he does not like. Sometimes, when faced with someone he truly likes, he may instead become flustered or cold as ice.

Shen Qi did not expect that she would stay in Qionglin Garden for more than ten days, as Han Chen had not provided her with a way out, ignoring her completely, as if her existence was of no consequence. Shen Qi was stepping on the flowers in the courtyard, thinking to herself that they were probably enjoying their brief separation more than a newlywed couple, and Han Chen likely could not even remember what she, Shen Qi, looked like.

Indeed, my lord, since you already know, why send Qian'er to investigate anything further

You should temper that little temper of yours. Am I not aware of you? A woman should value her virtues, and since you have married, you ought to manage the household well. " Shen Guangyao shot a glance at Madam Shen, who was about to speak, and added, "It is all your fault for spoiling her. If the prince does not come next time you return, then you might as well not come back at all." Shen Guangyao said sternly to Shen Qi.

Shen Qi cast a glance at Shen Qingqiu, thinking to herself, can you really make him send back the concubines he has married? She still had to consider how to gracefully step down from this situation

This matter arose too suddenly, and Shen Qi had no preparation at all, leaving him to sit awkwardly.

The servant greets the princess. The prince has sent the servant to escort the princess back to the residence. Bian Zhuo bows respectfully.

"What should be, what should be, I am his princess..." As Shen Qi spoke, tears began to fall. She understood that this kind of grievance could only be endured in silence, and she could not cry out in injustice; otherwise, it would be considered the sin of "jealousy" as stated in the Seven Outlaws.

"Qiqi, have you been scolded by your father?" The speaker was Shen Qingqiu.

Shen Qixin was surprised, and then heard Han Chan say: "Um, let them settle down first, and then come to pay respects to the princess."

The young servant quickly brought over a footstool to assist Shen Qi onto the carriage, but Bian Zhuo reached out to block Qian Er, who was also trying to get on the carriage, signaling for her to take the carriage that Shen Qi had arrived in.

Hmm. Han Chan nodded.

"How did you come here alone? Where is the prince?" Shen Guangyao looked at his most beloved daughter

In fact, Shen Qi began to speculate after hearing Qian'er mention that Consort Zhao came from a merchant background. Just now, observing Han Chen's interactions with those two and his conversations with his children, it was evident that there is a strict family tradition. Moreover, Han Chen has not taken a legitimate wife for many years, and with only two concubines, it is clear that he is very cautious regarding marriage and taking concubines. The Zhao family, with a merchant's daughter becoming a concubine, likely has significant connections. The surname Zhao is most notably associated with the Zhao family of Donghua Yecheng, which is the largest merchant in Donghua.

As Shen Qi thought of this, she could no longer contain her impatience. She slightly sat up, her face flushed, and with her eyes closed, she licked Han Chen's lips with the tip of her tongue. Then, imitating his usual actions, she gently took Han Chen's earlobe into her mouth and gave it a slight tug. Shen Qi watched as Han Chen's Adam's apple moved up and down, and with a mischievous smile, she licked at that Adam's apple again, her fingertips lightly tracing circles around Han Chen's navel, but as for the subsequent actions, she was at a loss.

Shen Qi looked coldly at the scene before her. Given Han Chen's status and position, having concubines was a matter of course. However, Shen Qi had always been unwilling to think along those lines. Yet, when the other party appeared before her and became an eyesore, she could not help but think about it.

By the fifteenth day, there was still no news from Han Chen. Shen Qi had no choice but to stomp her feet and go to the Shen residence herself, thinking that she must scold Han Chen properly in front of her father and mother

"Fifth Brother." Shen Qi felt utterly drained, as if the entire world had turned upside down, with everything working against her.

Not long after Bian Zhuo withdrew, he led a group of people, at the forefront of which were two women in brocade garments

I, of the Luo family (Zhao family), extend my greetings to the prince and princess. The two women bowed in respect.

"Are you afraid they will blame you not because you care about me, right?" Shen Qi shook Han Chen's sleeve

"Fifth Brother, I will visit your estate next time." Shen Qi apologetically glanced at Shen Qingqiu

"How about we stay at Fifth Brother's villa for a while? It has been a long time since we siblings gathered together?" Shen Qingqiu is always so understanding.

Qian Er saw that Shen Qi was in a fit of anger, so he did not dare to say much and went to handle it himself

If you have no appetite, let Qian'er find you some hawthorn to stimulate your appetite

No

"How did Han Chen bully you? Tell Fifth Brother, and he will stand up for you."

Shen Qi turned over to look at Han Chen, who was sleeping with his eyes closed, her gaze tracing his handsome features. Suddenly, she thought that perhaps having a child with him would better capture Han Chen's heart. As for Mei Ruohan, she would naturally fade away in time.

Shen Qi immediately understood, lifted the curtain, and walked in with a stern expression.

"Have you had breakfast?" Han Chan inquired.

Her departure has inadvertently benefited those two, but what she truly despises is Han Chen's cold-heartedness and unfaithfulness

"My lord, you are always busy, aren't you?" Madam Shen affectionately adjusted the hairpin on Shen Qi's head

"Alright, are you not afraid that I will discover your hidden beauty?" Shen Qi laughed heartily, her fifth brother was just so good; he never invited anyone to stay at his villa, not even their father.

Aren't you afraid that Zichong will laugh at you?" Han Chen did not continue his previous actions

"Hmph, instruct the servant to prepare the horses, we are going to Qionglin Garden." Qionglin Garden is the villa of the Shen family, and Shen Qi loves to go there to unwind whenever he is feeling unhappy

"Why aren't you eating?" Han Chen glanced at Shen Qi.

After being reprimanded by his father, Shen Qi angrily walked to the garden

Qian'er followed closely behind Shen Qi, calling out, "Master."

Roche raised his eyes to look at Han Chen, as if probing for his true intentions

"Come here, Zi Chong," Han Chen waved at the child. "Your studies have been falling behind. What books have you read recently?"