Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 35.1

Chapter 35.1

Li Zhi, as the commander of the imperial army, accompanied Emperor Qingde and the other royal family members to Rehe Palace to escape the summer heat.

Li Zhi once again asked Shen Qingqing if she wanted to join him three nights before their departure. 

Having travelled with her father since she was little, Shen Qingqing knew the tough journey ahead. So, when Li Zhi brought it up again, she quickly refused. “If I say I’m not going, then I’m not going. The Marquis has asked me several times, and my answer is the same. So why keep asking? Such a waste of breath.”

“The sky on the grasslands is as blue as a gem, and the stars at night shine so brightly as if they are within reach. Don’t you want to see that?” Li Zhi murmured softly as he wrapped his arms around his little wife’s waist.

Shen Qingqing replied with a pout. “The sky in the capital is also blue, and the stars shine brightly. There’s really no need to go all the way to the grasslands for that.”

After a brief pause, Li Zhi leaned in closer and whispered, “I hold a high position, and all the tribes out there will definitely try to win me over. If you don’t come, they will definitely give me a beauty when they see me alone.”

Shen Qingqing realised he was trying to tease her and smiled sweetly. “If they give you a beauty, then I won’t have to worry about the Marquis,” she just said.

“But until my legitimate son is born, I don’t want to waste my time on other women.” Li Zhi playfully brushed his hand against her waist and added, “I won’t be back for at least three months. You’ll be fine on your own in the boudoir, right? Don’t worry about feeling lonely.” His voice gradually turned deeper and more alluring. 

Just as Shen Qingqing was about to say she wouldn’t be scared, Li Zhi suddenly flipped her over and pinned her down.

She subconsciously closed her eyes.

“Come on, we’ve been sharing a bed for two months. If you don’t leave, I won’t be able to sleep properly.” Li Zhi didn’t push her to do the hard work; instead, he softly kissed her forehead while she kept her eyes closed.

Shen Qingqing felt a slight flutter in her heart. It was not because of his tender gestures, but because of what he said.

She vividly recalled what her grandmother said about how her grandfather couldn’t sleep without her grandmother. 

Now, Li Zhi was saying the same thing to her.

Yet, Shen Qingqing couldn’t believe that a husband who had only been married for two months could feel such affection, especially when that husband was Li Zhi.

“No matter what you say, I’m not going anywhere,” she pushed his face away and muttered.

She was firm, so Li Zhi thought for a moment and decided to stop trying to convince her.

****

The next evening, Li Zhi returned home early.

At that time, Jiang Yiyue was still busy painting with Shen Qingqing. When she spotted Li Zhi, she kindly remarked, “Brother Zhongchang is leaving Beijing the day after tomorrow. Sister-in-law, please spend more time with him. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Shen Qingqing nodded and walked her out of the room. 

Once they were in the inner room, she told Li Zhi, “I’ve packed your things. Do you want to double-check?”

Li Zhi shook his head, looked her over, and said, “Go change; we’re heading to Wanghu Tower tonight.”

‘Wanghu Tower? The most famous restaurant in the capital?’Shen Qingqing raised an eyebrow and asked, “Why are we going out to eat?”

Li Zhi grinned with a hint of mystery and replied, “You’ll find out when we get there.”

Shen Qingqing was hesitant about going out with him at this time, but knowing that Li Zhi would be leaving soon made her feel a bit better about it. She figured out that it was good to fulfil his wish this time, especially since she would get some peace for a while after today.

She decided to change her outfit first. After getting ready, she headed to the front yard to find Li Zhi. As she turned the corner, she spotted him already waiting for her. 

The sunset cast a warm glow, and he looked dashing in his sky-blue robe. When he heard her footsteps, he turned around with a smile that lit up his face. His long eyebrows and phoenix eyes gave him an almost otherworldly charm.

His gaze became soft and affectionate as he looked at Shen Qingqing.

Seeing his handsome figure under the golden light of the setting sun, her stubborn heart skipped a beat. She realised that her thoughts about him had somewhat changed, and it wasn’t just his sweet talk that swayed her. His looks played a huge part too. If he were some unattractive guy, she wouldn’t even consider marrying him even if she died. 

‘People say men are driven by desire, but why do women seem to overlook a guy’s looks?’Shen Qingqing asked as she got closer, “Did you visit Grandma?” 

Li Zhi chuckled, saying, “No need.” He wasn’t a kid who needed to ask his elders for permission to go out.

As it was getting late, the couple decided to head out.

Have a nice day!