Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Shen Su’s wedding was scheduled for the 9th of June. 

Out of the blue, it started raining on the sixth day and didn’t stop until the eighth. 

Shen Qingqing was lounging on a couch in the corridor. There were two large lotus pots in the yard, and at that moment, the wet nurse was holding Niuniu, admiring the lotus flowers and the red carp swimming in the pots. A little maid stood nearby, holding an umbrella. Two-year-old Niuniu was becoming quite chatty, often praising the beauty of the lotus or asking the wet nurse where the carp had gone. She seemed carefree. 

Shen Qingqing, however, was restless.

‘Would the rain stop by tomorrow? Bad weather on my brother’s wedding day would be a bad omen. Plus, the rain would destroy the wedding and banquet preparations.’

As she thought about her brother, her mind drifted to Li Zhi. 

Her mother mentioned that Li Zhi had issued a decree before the Dragon Boat Festival. Shen Qingqing felt a stir of emotion at Li Zhi, but she recalled her own harsh words she said to him, like “Li Zhi, you can force me to sleep with you, but I won’t let you take advantage of me,” and “Let’s cut ties and not interfere with each other.” 

If she suddenly changed her words and welcomed Li Zhi after hearing about the decree, she would end up laughing at herself, not to mention how Li Zhi would perceive it.

Shen Qingqing found herself waiting, hoping that Li Zhi would come to her on his own. However, a month went by, and only their daughter came to see her. This left Shen Qingqing puzzled about what Li Zhi was thinking. 

One evening, the rain finally stopped, and she felt a sense of relief. 

The next morning, the sun shined brightly and the environment filled with fresh air. So Shen Qingqing thought of taking her daughter for a walk in the Imperial Garden. 

As she stepped out of the Central Palace, she unexpectedly bumped into Li Zhi. 

He was dressed in a simple purple outfit without any dragon embroidery, instead of the dragon robe. And he was accompanied by A Rong, instead of Eunuch Wan.

Li Zhi’s official robe when he was the commander of the imperial guards was purple. Seeing him like this now, Shen Qingqing seemed to have returned to a year ago.

At that time, Li Zhi used to shower her with affection, always eager to give her whatever she desired. He would often surprise her with new things she had never encountered before. But ever since he became emperor, he had been so busy, spending over 20 days a month in Qianyuan Palace. Even when he visited the Central Palace, he seemed preoccupied. Shen Qingqing understood the challenges of being an emperor, but she would have preferred the life of a carefree marquis. She wanted to be a wife who could see her husband every morning and night, rather than being a lonely queen in the vast Central Palace.

Li Zhi might prefer being the emperor, relishing the power to control everything around him. He enjoyed it so much that he didn’t mind going a month without seeing her. Even worse, his decision to enter the beauty pageant wasn’t solely for her; it was driven by his overwhelming love for the dragon throne, a passion that surpasses even his desire for intimacy. 

“Father!” Niuniu released her mother’s hand and dashed toward Li Zhi with a blooming smile on her face. 

Li Zhi beamed. The sunlight highlighted his handsome features, giving him an air of nobility and elegance, yet there was something off about him. 

Shen Qingqing averted her gaze and knelt, saying, “Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you.” 

“There’s no need for that,” Li Zhi replied casually, glancing at her. 

Shen Qingqing straightened up. 

Li Zhi turned his attention back to his daughter, lifting her up and playfully pinching her chubby cheek. “Your uncle is getting married today. Do you want to see the bride?” 

Shen Qingqing was taken aback, and her eyes wide with disbelief. 

Li Zhi focused entirely on his daughter, eagerly awaiting her response. 

Niuniu, excited, nodded enthusiastically. 

“Great! Let’s head out now,” Li Zhi said with a smile. 

With that, he cradled Niuniu in his arms and started walking. 

Shen Qingqing remained where she was. 

After a few steps, Niuniu suddenly remembered her mother and leaned over to her father, exclaiming, “Mom, come too!” 

Shen Qingqing instinctively glanced at the man holding her daughter. 

Li Zhi paused briefly, then without looking back, stated, “If the Empress wishes to join us, she’s welcome to come along.” 

His tone was cold and indifferent, carrying an air of superiority.

Shen Qingqing felt a wave of discomfort wash over her after hearing this, not much different from when she first learned that Li Zhi was planning a beauty contest. Back then, she was upset because she thought he had changed his mind about her, but now, his would spark a flicker of hope within her. It seemed she was getting overly sentimental again.

With a bittersweet smile in her heart, Shen Qingqing quietly replied, “I appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty, but I am just a concubine…”

Before she could finish, Yu Chan suddenly cut in, speaking softly, “Your Highness, the Emperor has taken the princess to the wedding banquet. If you don’t attend, Madam might start to worry. Plus, the ministers and ladies at the banquet…”

Those words hit Shen Qingqing like a wake-up call. 

She had been so wrapped up in her feelings that she nearly overlooked something crucial.

Realising the situation, Shen Qingqing quickly adjusted her response, saying, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. However, I need to change my clothes. Please give me a moment, Your Majesty.”

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi turned to look at her.

Today, Shen Qingqing was dressed in a simple lotus-red jacket paired with a light green skirt and a white jade hairpin. She looked fresh and lovely, but it didn’t quite convey the dignity of an empress.

“Let’s go. It’s your brother’s wedding banquet. We’re just relatives, so there’s no need for you to stand out,” Li Zhi said matter-of-factly.

Shen Qingqing was left speechless. ‘What is happening? Why does he act this way today?’

Noticing that Li Zhi had walked quite a distance with their daughter in his arms, and the little girl was still waving at her excitedly, Shen Qingqing quickly turned to Yu Chan to check on her makeup and hair. 

Yu Chan smiled and reassured her, “Your Majesty looks stunning, just go ahead and don’t stress about it!” 

Shen Qingqing then led Yu Chan and hurried along. 

A carriage was waiting at the palace gate. Li Zhi placed his daughter inside first, then turned to glance back at Shen Qingqing. 

She lowered her gaze and moved forward. 

Li Zhi extended his hand toward her. 

Thinking that they needed to display the affection of the emperor and empress at the palace gate, Shen Qingqing took his hand. 

As soon as she touched his hand, a familiar sensation came, yet it felt odd since they hadn’t touched it in so long. It was a strange mix of comfort and a fluttering feeling, reminiscent of a young girl’s first encounter with a man. 

Feeling a bit flustered, Shen Qingqing quickly pulled her hand away as she climbed into the carriage. 

Li Zhi watched her retreat into the carriage, and his expression dimmed slightly. 

The carriage then set off.

On their way, Li Zhi cradled his daughter in his arms, telling stories about the sights on the street. Niuniu was thrilled to see outside of the palace for the first time, completely forgetting about her quiet mother beside her. 

Meanwhile, Shen Qingqing, feeling overlooked by both her husband and daughter, quietly planned how to act and what to say when they reached her mother’s house. She was particularly focused on how to join Li Zhi in playing out the romantic drama of the emperor and empress.

Soon they arrived at the gate of the Shen Family.  

After Li Zhi became emperor, he didn’t give the Shen family any rewards, so they continued living in their own home. The frugal elder, Shen Qushenge, and his eldest son had returned to his hometown to enjoy retirement. Even though Shen Tingwen and his second brother had wealth, they respected the simple lifestyle established by their father and maintained it.

Thus, when Shen Su got married today, the Shen family’s celebration was low-key, inviting only close friends and relatives. The emperor and his family arrived at a perfect time—not too early, not too late. The groom was still out welcoming the bride, while Mrs. Chen entertained guests inside, and Shen Tingwen greeted visitors outside. 

After sending a former classmate in, Shen Tingwen turned around just in time to see Li Zhi, dressed in a striking purple robe, hop out of the carriage. The sight of the tall and handsome emperor caught him off guard, leaving Shen Tingwen staring for a moment until Li Zhi approached with his granddaughter and led his daughter over, snapping him back to reality!

Shen Tingwen walked towards Li Zhi excitedly. “Your Majesty, you…”

Li Zhi smiled and waved his hand at his father-in-law, saying gently, “Today, there are only father-in-law and son-in-law, not monarch and subject. Father-in-law, there is no need to be polite.”

But Shen Tingwen still saluted.

“Grandpa!” Under the guidance of her father, Niuniu called sweetly.

The little princess was Shen Tingwen’s first legitimate grandchild, and seeing Niuniu’s sweet face, he recalled his daughter’s childhood. After exchanging greetings, Shen Tingwen quickly ushered the emperor and his family inside. As the emperor entered the courtyard, all the guests knelt down in unison.

Li Zhi then asked everyone to excuse themselves.

After meeting Mrs. Chen, Li Zhi turned to Shen Tingwen and said, “Father-in-law, my presence here might make the guests feel uncomfortable and unable to relax. How about Qingqing and Niuniu wait for the newlyweds? I’ll head to Qingqing’s yard to rest for a bit, and we can return to the palace after the afternoon banquet.”

Mrs. Chen looked uneasy and replied, “That seems too impolite. How can we leave our son-in-law in a separate courtyard during a wedding?”

Li Zhi chuckled and reassured her, “It’s fine. I actually came out of the palace today to ensure that Qingqing and her mother have a good time. I’ve been so caught up with government duties this year that I haven’t been able to focus on them.”

As he said this, he gazed at Shen Qingqing with warmth. 

Even though she knew he was putting on an act, Shen Qingqing felt her heart race. Li Zhi had a striking appearance and an elegant demeanour; when he was serious, it was hard not to be drawn to him. 

Quickly regaining her composure, Shen Qingqing smiled at her mother and said, “Mother, the emperor is right. Let him rest in my place.”

Mrs. Chen paused for a moment and then suggested, “It would be dull for the emperor to be by himself, so the Empress should accompany him. I’ll look after the princess. Once the newlyweds return, I’ll send someone to invite the Empress to join the ceremony.”  

Shen Qingqing: ‘… Mother is clearly worried that her son-in-law, the emperor, might feel neglected!’  

As Shen Qingqing was searching for a reason to stay in the main courtyard, Shen Tingwen chimed in. “Exactly, if the Empress stays here, the ladies won’t feel comfortable speaking freely.”  

Shen Qingqing: “…”

With both her parents on the same page, Shen Qingqing found it hard to argue against it.  

So, Mrs. Chen cheerfully took Niuniu and eagerly escorted her son-in-law and the daughter to the courtyard where Shen Qingqing stayed before her wedding.  

The main courtyard was set up for entertaining guests, and all the household staff had been moved there, making Shen Qingqing’s courtyard feel even more tranquil and serene.  

Yu Chan served tea to the emperor and empress before discreetly stepping out to the yard.  

In the main hall, Shen Qingqing sat with her hands folded on her knees. She noticed Li Zhi sipping tea leisurely, seemingly enjoying this moment of relaxation. After a moment of thought, Shen Qingqing gently said, “If the Emperor feels tired, he can rest in the inner room.”  

Li Zhi glanced at her while holding the tea bowl. “And what about you?”  

Shen Qingqing’s expression turned a bit wistful. “When I have some free time, I like to visit my grandmother’s garden.”

When her grandparents departed from Beijing, she couldn’t leave the palace to bid them farewell. 

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi set down his tea bowl and said, “I’m free too, so I’ll join you for a walk.” 

Shen Qingqing was taken aback and turned to him, only to find that Li Zhi had already gotten up from the table and was heading outside, leaving her with just the sight of his tall, slender figure. 

Her eyelashes fluttered. 

Since Li Zhi had unexpectedly shown up that morning and suggested participating in the wedding, Shen Qingqing hadn’t given it much thought. But now, seeing that he didn’t want to stay behind to enjoy the peace and instead wanted to accompany her, her mind began to doubt. ‘Did he truly intend to make amends by returning to my family this time?’

As she pondered this, Shen Qingqing felt a slight sting in her eyes. 

Watching Li Zhi stand outside the door as if he were waiting for her, she bitterly thought that if he continued to act so cold and distant, she would let him spend his life on the throne alone!

End of chapter 60

Have a nice day!