Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 30.1

Chapter 30.1

Just three days after the wedding, Li Zhi was off to court. 

With him gone, Shen Qingqing felt at ease, but she was still swamped with tasks. 

Although Li Zhi was the head of the family, the second wife of the Shen family had managed things before Shen Qingqing came. Now that Shen Qingqing was married to the head of the house, she had stepped into the role of the Mistress of the Li Family. 

Li Zhi’s Grandmother, Mrs. Zhu had asked the second wife to hand over the responsibilities to Shen Qingqing. So, first thing in the morning, Shen Qingqing started discussing things with the second wife.

She was supposed to give Li Zhi a legitimate son, and that child would be hers as well. Since she wouldn’t have a loving husband in this life, she needed to raise the child right. Keeping the household in order was key to ensuring the child’s happiness.

With that thought in mind, Shen Qingqing turned her attention to the account books in the afternoon.

At this point, Shen Qingqing really grasped just how wealthy the Li family was. She realised that compared with the Li family’s business income in Jiangnan, Li Zhi’s salary as a marquis and commander of the imperial army was nothing at all. Luckily, the details of the family business weren’t managed by the back house. They only had access to a general ledger, or she would have been completely overwhelmed just trying to keep up with it all.

Later in the evening, Li Zhi’s servant Arong came by with a message. He said Li Zhi was tied up with military matters and wouldn’t be home until night, so Shen Qingqing shouldn’t wait for him.

When she heard this, Shen Qingqing felt a wave of happiness wash over her, making her forget all about the tiring account books.

After dinner, she decided to hit the hay early. Having spent the last few nights with Li Zhi she felt exhausted. So sleeping alone today was a situation for her to smile happily. She rolled around on the big bed that could fit several people, hugging the quilt.

By the time Li Zhi got home, it was already late at night. 

The commander of the imperial army held the title of military attaché, a role that came with a lot of prestige and power, but it also meant he was always swamped with work. Shen Qingqing’s grandfather was usually late getting home, and Li Zhi was in the same boat.

Late at night, the carriage pulled up to the Li Mansion. Before the servant could help him, Li Zhi threw open the curtain, hopped out, and marched inside. 

Oddly enough, before he got married, he didn’t mind being out late. The hustle of the markets or the political scene was way more exciting than heading back to his house. But now, after tying the knot, he found himself thinking about his wife throughout the day, wondering what she was up to.

When dusk came, Li Zhi missed her even more. He missed her slender waist, missed her suppressed hum…

Li Zhi went straight to the backyard.

“The Marquis is back.” Yu Chan, who was keeping watch at night, heard the noise and hurriedly ran out to greet him.

Li Zhi hummed and continued walking inside.

Yu Chan noticed the Marquis was still in his official robes and quietly asked, “Is my load planning to take a bath?”

Without looking back, Li Zhi replied, “It’s too late for that, no need to fuss.”

Yu Chan couldn’t help but smile. ‘The Marquis really is thoughtful towards his servant.’

As Li Zhi stepped into the inner room, he found it dark, but his eyes adjusted quickly to the night. He moved around the screen and peered through the sheer fabric, spotting his young wife lying on her back, with the quilt slipped down to her waist. He remembered how she used to bundle up tightly just a few nights ago, and a smile crept onto his face.

She seemed to be sleeping peacefully while he was away.

After shedding his official robe, Li Zhi carefully slipped into the gauze tent.

Have a nice day!