Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 32.1

Chapter 32.1
In the afternoon, the sun wasn’t as intense. So Jiang Yiyue showed up to learn painting from Shen Qingqing, just like she said she would.
Shen Qingqing had talked to Jiang Yiyue about different paintbrushes the day before. Today, she had set out over a dozen types of paints, all of which were way too pricey for regular folks.
“Brother Zhongchang is really generous to his sister-in-law,” Jiang Yiyue joked. “These paints could probably support a whole family for a lifetime!”
Shen Qingqing paused for a moment, realizing Jiang Yiyue had misunderstood the situation. She smiled at Yuchan.
Yu Chan then chimed in to clarify for her master. “The Marquis does care for his wife, but these are actually her dowry.”
Feeling embarrassed, Jiang Yiyue quickly apologized to Shen Qingqing.
Shen Qingqing brushed it off and started teaching Jiang Yiyue the names of the different paints. As she was explaining, she noticed that Jiang Yiyue seemed a bit distracted, even though she was still paying attention.
Shen Qingqing instinctively touched her face, wondering if she had gotten paint on it.
That little gesture snapped Jiang Yiyue back to reality. She burst out laughing and then said earnestly, “Sister-in-law, you’re so beautiful! It’s no wonder Brother Zhongchang fell for you. You might not know this, but over the years, the imperial concubine and the old lady have tried to replace him with many beauties, but he hasn’t liked any of them, whether they were plump or slim.”
Shen Qingqing cast her gaze down, acting all shy, but inside, she felt a bit off. People said Li Zhi was a notorious womanizer, but she didn’t buy it, especially after how he treated her. However, after moving into the Marquis Mansion, she was surprised to find that Li Zhi didn’t even have a maid by his side. Given his status and wealth, that was pretty unexpected.
Shen Qingqing wasn’t too bothered about whether Li Zhi had concubines, but if he could manage with just a couple, it would definitely ease her worries as the main wife. Neither her father nor her uncles had concubines, but she often heard her sisters talk about the drama that unfolded between wives and concubines.
“Let’s not talk about him. Sister, do you remember the difference between those two colours we discussed earlier?” Shen Qingqing asked with a serious tone.
Jiang Yiyue smiled sweetly, looking like the perfect student.
From that point on, Jiang Yiyue didn’t bring up Li Zhi again.
Out of the blue, Li Zhi returned home much earlier than expected. Before he could let the maids know, he slipped in through the curtain, catching the two girls off guard.
At that moment, Jiang Yiyue was adjusting her sleeve, revealing a glimpse of her fair wrist. When she spotted Li Zhi, she quickly dropped her sleeve.
Li Zhi didn’t catch her little gesture. His sharp eyes landed on Shen Qingqing first, and he teased, “Looks like Madam is really enjoying her role as a teacher.”
Shen Qingqing casually picked up the paint that Jiang Yiyue had just used and examined it. She replied, “Thanks to Sister Yiyue’s respect, I will naturally do my best.”
Li Zhi grinned and strolled over to the two girls, asking what they were up to.
Jiang Yiyue replied, “Brother Zhongchang, you should chat with your sister-in-law. I’ll head out now.”
Li Zhi nodded in agreement.
Not wanting to be left alone with Li Zhi, Shen Qingqing quickly came up with a plan. She smiled and said, “I heard Mr. Li can paint too. How about sister Yiyue and I get a taste of that?”
Jiang Yiyue looked surprised.
Li Zhi humbly replied, “My skills are nowhere near Zhongjing’s level. Your sister-in-law can just take a quick look; I wouldn’t want to ruin Yiyue’s taste.”
Shen Qingqing secretly rolled her eyes, thinking if Li Zhi’s painting was really that impressive, she definitely didn’t want to be disappointed.
Jiang Yiyue noticed the clear difference in how Li Zhi spoke to them. To Shen Qingqing, he was warm, but to her, he felt distant.
Family matters were meant to stay private. Li Zhi treated Shen Qingqing, who had just married, like family, while he kept Jiang Yiyue at arm’s length despite how long they knew.
Feeling a bit down, Jiang Yiyue decided to take her leave.
Shen Qingqing wanted to walk her out, but Li Zhi grabbed her hand and said with a smile, “Yiyue is family, so no need for formalities.”
Shen Qingqing shot him a glare and tried to pull away, but Li Zhi held on.
As Jiang Yiyue glanced back before leaving, she caught sight of the couple being all flirty and sweet.
She quickly turned her gaze away.
Have a nice day!