Chapter 13: The Refined Sister-in-Law × The Beautiful, Frail Belle

After the poetry gathering, Xin Yi resumed her daily routine of rising early to play the zither and read, maintaining her image as a talented woman. However, this time she was more cunning, deliberately choosing a spot along Shen Rujie's usual path to read, hoping to catch his attention whenever she held a book.

A few days ago, she had even pretended to stumble and fall into his arms several times. At first, it seemed effective, but once his fondness reached 75%, it stubbornly refused to climb any higher. It seemed that breaking through the 80% barrier required some substantial progress.

Leaning on her chin, she pondered some sensitive matters that the system might easily flag as inappropriate. Then she thought... perhaps it was time to bring those up.

With that thought, Xin Yi’s gaze drifted toward the distant willow trees by the lake embankment, her eyes and mood brightening in unison. One could not deny that the air in ancient times was truly refreshing—the sky a vivid blue, the water as clear as a painting. No wonder people of old loved wandering mountains and rivers, and idly composing poetry wherever they went.

Unbeknownst to her, this leisurely, dreamy posture had caught the eye of another. Hidden from view, it stirred subtle ripples in his heart.

At the bend of the willow-lined path, a servant dressed as a footman halted alongside Shen Gui. Following his gaze, the servant looked at the woman holding a book with delicate hands.

She wore a smoky blue brocade gown with gold threads, her light shawl draping gracefully over her arm. Her eyes held a smile, as if recalling something delightful. Her rosy lips curved gently upward, and her usually gentle and refined face bore a hint of lively mischief. She seemed in a good mood, at least today.

The servant couldn’t quite discern his master’s thoughts but cautiously asked, “My lord, shall we go speak with Madam?”

Several days had passed since the poetry gathering, yet the lord still harbored displeasure over that matter. Since returning home, Madam had not come to soften his heart. Even when he visited Miss Awu, he showed little interest, always excusing himself with urgent affairs, speaking only briefly before returning to the estate.

Take today, for example—within just one morning, the servant caught his lord daydreaming several times, his gaze drifting vaguely toward Madam’s courtyard.

Tentatively, the servant suggested that since his lord seemed weary from handling affairs, he might take a walk. The ginkgo trees near Madam’s courtyard were in fine bloom—a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

He spoke casually, mainly because his lord’s distant air and gloomy expression had become somewhat unsettling.

Unexpectedly, the lord rose from his chair and agreed, “Then let’s go see. I do recall the ginkgo trees there are flourishing.”

Before they could reach Madam’s courtyard, they spotted her resting in a pavilion along the way.

The lord came to a halt, his eyes fixed intently on the leisurely figure seated there.

The servant, receiving no answer, repeated cautiously, “My lord, shall we approach and speak with Madam?”

Shen Gui stood tall, hands clasped behind his back, his dark eyes narrowing, jaw clenched, showing no hint of pleasure. “Do you think Madam looks happy today?”

The servant shivered, unable to gauge his master’s intent. He could only look back at the pavilion and the faint smile on the lady’s delicate face, then honestly reply, “She does seem quite happy—unlike her usual self.”

It was unclear which word struck a nerve, but the lord let out a cold, ambiguous laugh. “It seems I know very little about my own wife.”

With that, he swept his sleeve and turned, signaling his intention to return home.

The servant hurried after him, puzzled. “My lord, my lord… won’t we see the ginkgo trees after all?”

“Those few scraggly trees? There’s nothing worth seeing to begin with.”

*

Xin Yi waited all day but Shen Rujie never appeared, leaving her filled with disappointment. After lunch, at the system’s persistent urging, she finally had a maid bring her zither to the courtyard. She planned to half-heartedly strum a few notes.

Unexpectedly, an uninvited guest arrived.

She didn’t recognize him immediately until Aying whispered in her ear, “Madam, this is the lord’s personal servant.”

Xin Yi responded with a simple “Oh,” still puzzled—since the poetry gathering, they had little interaction.

Having decided to divorce, she no longer intended to feign devotion or win him over. Yet now he sent a close servant to her...

Could it be that Shen Gui was dying?

System: “Host seems to dislike Shen Gui quite a bit. Since entering this world, you’ve scolded him several times.”

Xin Yi replied matter-of-factly, “Who wouldn’t hate a rotten cucumber? Especially one who betrayed the original owner and caused her tragic demise.”

The system fell silent, seeming to concede her point.

In the lull, the servant smiled warmly and bowed slightly. “Congratulations, Madam!”

Xin Yi frowned, her slender fingers still resting on the strings. “Congratulations? On what?”

The servant’s grin widened, practically beaming. “My lord sent me to tell Madam he intends to stay in your courtyard tonight, so you should prepare.”

“…”

Xin Yi’s face darkened, her body visibly stiffening. “Say that again. Where does he intend to stay?”

The servant thought she was ecstatic and was unsure how to respond. So he smiled and replied loudly, “In Madam’s courtyard!”

Xin Yi: “……………”

Stay there, my foot.

*

As evening fell, all was as usual at the Shen estate.

Shen Rujie returned as always, his expression cold and pale. Though his features were exquisitely handsome, the dark robe and cold sword gave him a sharp, menacing aura.

He went straight to his courtyard and drained the cold tea on his desk.

Yet strange emotions churned inside him, refusing to settle. His thoughts turned again and again to Xin Yi.

He recalled her walking bravely through the rain, clutching an orchid-embroidered handkerchief to his bleeding hand; the faint fragrance she brought even amid the grimy, foul-smelling stables; the misty pearl flowers at her temple; her gentle, beautiful face.

He remembered her feeding him hazelnut pastries by the waterside pavilion, leaning in earnestly, then fussing to wipe the wine stains from his face with the napkin.

Xin Yi.

His sister-in-law.

The more he thought, the more unsettled he became, his mind filled with her face, her tone, her breath when she was near.

And the faint dimples that blossomed at the corners of her lips when she smiled.

No light was lit in the room. The young man’s eyes were dark and deep, but the expression on his handsome face was far from pleasant.

It was as if he had finally recognized the vile, filthy thoughts hidden beneath his innocent appearance.

Shen Rujie stood stiffly for a long while before opening the door and stepping out.

Unfortunately, before reaching Xin Yi’s courtyard, he was stopped by Aying, who carried an empty bowl and some medicinal soup.

She looked at him in surprise. “Second young master, do you wish to speak with Madam? I’m afraid it’s not convenient today.”

His steps faltered, brow furrowing. With an anxiety even he hadn’t noticed, he asked, “What’s wrong with sister-in-law? Is she ill again?”

Her health was fragile, and she often fell ill.

Aying hesitated, then smiled. “No, it’s just that my lord intends to spend the night in Madam’s room. They should be having a private conversation by now.”

The young maid, inexperienced in such matters, blushed as she explained, “My lord worried Madam wouldn’t withstand the strain. This afternoon, he sent Nurse Sun over to instruct her, and just now brewed some warm tonic soup for Madam…”

She stopped, realizing it was best not to say more.

Her cheeks flushed, eyes sparkling with amusement as she added, “It’s late; second young master should return to rest as well.”

Moonlight bathed the courtyard, shadows swaying.

A partridge perched on a branch sensed danger and fluttered away.

All the servants and maids had already retreated.

Only the night breeze stirred, fluttering open a slight crack between two vermilion window shutters. Bathed in bright moonlight, the scene inside was visible.

Shen Rujie reached out, lightly touching the window frame. His eyes darkened as he fixed his gaze on the slender figure sitting at the desk.

She wore a plain moon-white robe, her long black hair cascading down to a slim waist. Her profile was enchanting and graceful.

Hidden in the shadows, the young man watched her delicate face, his emotions roiling as he recalled the words spoken earlier at the teahouse with the Seventh Prince.

Words that shattered his self-deception.

Xiao Congjing had been inexplicably irritable lately and had invited him to drink at the teahouse today.

After listening to Xiao’s complaints, he asked flatly, “Isn’t it a good thing His Majesty wishes to arrange a marriage between Your Highness and Miss Ayuan? Since it’s a mutual affection, why are you so troubled?”

“Or perhaps, Your Highness has found a new love?”

Having been by the Seventh Prince’s side for so long, he understood Xiao Congjing’s special feelings for Ayuan. His rakish, flirtatious manner was a façade; the courtesan houses and passing women were merely games.

Only Ayuan could soften his cold heart.

Xiao Congjing was indulgent of Ayuan’s temper, accepting her antics with a smile, as long as she did not go too far.

But after hearing his question, Xiao’s smile grew bitter.

“Of course I love her, but in this life, I won’t have only one woman.”

“I will have many women in the future. On nights when Ayuan fears thunder, I will lie with others in their chambers, fulfilling the duties of a husband, even if I do not love them.”

Xiao Congjing narrowed his eyes, his tone chilling. “But Ayuan will be jealous. She will be heartbroken to see me with other girls.”

The clear moonlight and rustling branches filled the courtyard.

Shen Rujie hid behind the window, his face pale and ashen as he stared at Xin Yi.

A stone seemed lodged in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

So this was jealousy.

Unable to tolerate another man by her side, unable to endure her gentle smile reserved for another. These unspeakable feelings he harbored for Xin Yi—this was love.

He even resisted the thought of Shen Gui holding her.

Just the thought made his throat fill with the taste of blood.

He wanted to chop off his hand.

How could something so filthy touch his sister-in-law?

*

The door creaked open, steady footsteps approaching.

The tall, graceful man came to Xin Yi’s side and seemed to silently appraise her for a moment before chuckling softly and placing his hand on her shoulder.

The young man behind the window saw this, his eyes turning dark red with an intense, oppressive malice and rage that he could no longer suppress.

In the end, it twisted into a faint smile: Since his elder brother, as lord of the estate, was bound to make enemies at court, losing two arms to assassins was perhaps only fitting.

The night wind grew stronger, snuffing out one of the red candles in the room.

The others flickered precariously, as if they would soon expire.

These candles had been deliberately lit by Aying to celebrate what was supposed to be the lord and lady’s wedding night—a festive atmosphere.

Xin Yi had scoffed at the time, knowing the room would never see a consummation. Lighting white or red candles made no difference, but she couldn’t be bothered to argue with the young maid, so she let her have her way.

Since Shen Gui placed his hand on her shoulder, she had been overwhelmed with goosebumps and nausea.

Now, with the night wind blowing, she shivered uncontrollably and somehow felt as if a venomous snake’s gaze was fixed upon her.

From spine to scalp, she tingled.

Before she could think further, the hand on her shoulder began to move restlessly, fingers creeping toward her neckline.

The man’s breathing grew heavier.

Xin Yi quickly grasped his wrist, lifting a pitiful, innocent face. “Sorry, my lord, I’m afraid not tonight…”

Nor tomorrow.

Nor the day after.

Not even the day after that.

Shen Gui froze at her refusal. When he recovered, his handsome face darkened. “What do you mean? You don’t want to share a room with me?”

Xin Yi: Exactly.

Super unwilling—are you satisfied now?

Still, she feigned modesty, blushing as she whispered, “I’m on my period.”

“…”

“And this time, it’s quite heavy.”

“…”

Shen Gui turned and left.

Xin Yi watched him go with a guilty look, then happily blew out the red candle to sleep. She had said all along that lighting those candles was pointless.

*

The long night stretched on.

In a remote, somewhat dilapidated courtyard of the Shen estate, things were far from calm.

The young man lay on a couch, eyes tightly shut in sleep, sweat beading suspiciously at his temple.

His neck was slightly flushed.

Shen Rujie had a dream he could scarcely speak of.

In it, he replaced his elder brother, pushed open a door, and embraced the woman sitting by the couch.

“Why are you wearing a wedding dress?” he asked hoarsely, clinging to her.

The woman lowered her beautiful eyes shyly, cheeks flushed. “Because I’m waiting for my husband to undo it.”

“Husband, shall we light red candles for the whole night?”

Her tangled clothes piled about them, her hair entwined, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. Even her cries were soft and gentle, calling alternately for her husband and for Shen Gui.

His desire and jealousy mingled, blurring reality and dream. Clutching her warm, soft waist tightly, he showed no mercy. “You’re not Shen Gui, not Shen Gui…”

“Not Shen Gui, sister-in-law.”

The dark night burned away, the wind ceased, and dawn slowly brightened.

The maids had already swept the courtyard. Aying swept fallen petals from the corner.

Xin Yi finally rubbed her eyes and sat up on the bed.

Just then, the system chimed in her ear, “Congratulations, host. The fondness level of Shen Rujie has reached 80%, having increased by five points.”

“…!”

She paused, confused. “Why? I didn’t do anything.”

The system stammered, seemingly embarrassed. “He… had a dream about you last night.”

Xin Yi was genuinely stunned.

After a moment of silence, she asked seriously, “If dreaming raises it, would it rise even more if I took off the ‘dream’ part?”