Jiang Shan Wei Pin

The autumn of the first year of Jingxuan was destined to be an eventful one.

The storm over the selection of the Empress roiled the entire imperial court. Even the long-scheduled mounted archery ceremony was postponed by the Emperor until the following spring. Gu Qin and Qiao Bo, who were implicated in the matter, were impeached one after another, yet the Emperor delayed issuing a decree to pass judgment. With the position of Right Chancellor of the Secretariat vacant for a long time, no one in the Hall of State Affairs could overstep their authority to submit a memorial. Even Gu Qin, to avoid suspicion, had been claiming illness and staying home for many days.

As the wedding day of Shen Zhili and Di Nian approached, the Emperor bestowed upon the Shen Residence a multitude of treasures from the Inner Court's treasury. He also gifted Shen Zhili and Di Nian a mansion west of the Imperial City as a sign of special favor. Later, he appointed Shen Zhishu as Left Aide to the Heir Apparent and Transport Commissioner of Chaoan North Circuit, and transferred Shen Zhili to the post of Vice Director of the Bureau of Receptions in the Ministry of Rites.

Three days later, a decree was suddenly issued from the Inner Court: the Emperor abolished the Outer Court's right to deliberate on the selection of the Empress. From then on, court officials were not permitted to involve themselves in the affairs of the imperial harem, and the system of imperial consorts would be decided solely by the Emperor.

In an instant, the court, which had been in a clamorous uproar, became as still as a deep pool of water, where a cast stone would sink without a sound.

Just as Shen Zhishu had predicted, the Emperor chose this moment to issue the Imperial Decree. Although no one in the court openly voiced their support, not a single high-ranking Important Official submitted a memorial in opposition.

But before the court officials could ponder the matter in detail, a memorial from Shen Zhishu, expressing his agreement with the Emperor's wishes, was presented directly. This immediately made a group of Important Officials, skilled in divining the imperial will, understand. The Emperor was warning the old guard that he was no longer the young crown prince who had listened to state affairs from a stool placed in the Inner Capital Hall, and they should stop thinking they could use their seniority to sway his decisions.

If the dismissal of Xu Ting was not enough, then the unresolved case of Gu Qin would be added to it.

Who would dare to oppose this Imperial Decree at such a juncture?

Shen Zhishu's memorial conveniently paved the way for those officials who wished to align with the Emperor's will but were hesitant to be the first to submit a statement. Following him, Left Chancellor Zhou Bi also submitted a memorial, seconding Shen Zhishu's proposal. In the Hall of State Affairs, with the exception of Deputy Chief Administrator Ye Shi, the other Chief Administrators all submitted memorials to show their support.

As for Vice Censor-in-Chief Liao Congkuan, it went without saying. He led the Censorate in a complete reversal of opinion, claiming that the recent court turmoil had originated from the Secretariat, and that the Emperor's decision to strip the Outer Court of its power to advise on the selection of the Empress was the correct course of action.

From the eighth month of the twenty-fifth year of Qiande to the tenth month of the first year of Jingxuan, a mere one year and two months had passed since the Emperor's ascension. Yet, from reforming the Jinshi examinations to the personnel evaluations for the military and transport commissions on the frontier circuits, from relying on new, talented officials to reorganizing the frontier Imperial Army, from dismissing the old chancellor Xu Ting to changing the system for selecting the Empress... without any overt display, he had completely transformed the atmosphere of the court.

Though not as terrifying as Prince Ping's ruthlessness and cold severity back then, the Emperor's decisiveness—unleashing his thunderous methods without any visible display of imperial wrath—sent a greater chill down the officials' spines.

Only at this moment did the court officials truly understand: how could this young Son of Heaven, with the blood of the two greatest rulers in the realm flowing through his veins, be merely a successor monarch content with maintaining the status quo? Those old officials who sought to bind the Emperor's hands with old rules and precedents had undoubtedly chosen the wrong path.

Fortunately, to realize this now was not too late.

On the seventh day of the eleventh month of the first year of Jingxuan, Shen Zhili and Di Nian's wedding proceeded as scheduled. The minor ripples and waves in the court were immediately suppressed by this grand and joyous occasion. Even the common people of the capital reveled in it, all saying that the future influence of the Shen and Di families at court would be unmatched.

That night, the Emperor personally visited the Di Residence, offering congratulations on behalf of the Imperial Family at the wedding banquet, which further made people feel that the union of Shen and Di was a match made in heaven.

·

After the elaborate daytime ceremonies were concluded, the brightly decorated new Di Residence seemed even more magnificent amidst the sounds of the banquet's music. The musicians plucking the strings and playing the flutes were all from the Imperial Music Academy in the Forbidden Palace, further highlighting the Emperor's immense favor and grace upon the new couple.

In the main hall, women in purple and yellow headbands stood by holding wine, and rows of gleaming black-lacquered qilin tables stretched out. Seated were all the high-ranking civil and military officials of the court. Delicacies covered the tables, the aroma of wine wafted through the air, and the red glow of celebratory candles cast a warm, enchanting haze over the room.

As a court official herself, Shen Zhili was naturally different from the sheltered young ladies of other families. Most of the guests tonight were her father's former students and subordinates, or her elder brother's and her own old friends and colleagues. Thus, there was no need for her to shy away from them. From the start of the banquet, she had changed into a different dress and entered the hall to greet the guests, showing not a single trace of a new bride's bashfulness.

Di Nian, even more so, was soon carousing with his colleagues from the Privy Council and the Imperial Army. The clanging of cups and goblets was incessant, a picture of fine, heroic manliness.

Although it was crowded and busy, the scene of civil and military officials, old guards and new talents, all gathered together to share a grand feast was a rare one. Therefore, no one who came to the wedding banquet tonight wanted to miss this uncommon opportunity, and socializing was inevitable.

Among the crowd filling the hall, only Meng Tinghui was disinclined to mingle. She had risen early and slipped out to the covered flower-lined corridor outside the hall to breathe in the cold air.

She could not be happy like the others. Even pretending to be happy was exceedingly difficult for her.

If not for Di Nian's repeated thanks and his insistence that she attend the banquet at his residence tonight, she probably would have found an excuse to avoid Shen Zhili and Di Nian's wedding altogether.

She never expected to run into Shen Zhishu drinking sullenly by himself outside the hall.

Seeing her come out as well, Shen Zhishu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. There was no smile on his face as he clutched his wine cup and said in a low voice, "Lord Meng."

She naturally found it strange, not understanding why he would look like this on such a joyous day. But her own heart was not at ease either, and she had no intention of prying into others' affairs. Seeing that he had occupied this spot, she thought to turn back and return to the hall.

But he suddenly spoke from behind her, "Seeing me back in the capital, doesn't Lord Meng want to ask about the young lady of the Yan family?"

Meng Tinghui stopped in her tracks at once. She turned back, sized him up for a moment, then frowned and said, "Lord Shen must be drunk."

Shen Zhishu leaned against a corridor pillar, his body slightly bent. His silhouette possessed an unrestrained, roguish charm. With a smooth arch of his brow and a lift of his lips, he actually chuckled. "A pity she often thought of you in Chaoan, yet she was unwilling to return to the capital with me to see the official prestige Lord Meng now commands."

Even if Meng Tinghui were a complete fool, she could now tell why he was unhappy. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

She knew very little about the affair between Shen Zhishu and Yan Fuzhi. And since Shen Zhishu had been appointed Transport Commissioner of Chaoan North Circuit, she had even less standing to meddle in their affairs.

And from Shen Zhishu's tone, it sounded as if Yan Fuzhi was wholeheartedly unwilling to form a bond of love with him.

As she hesitated, unsure whether to go back, she heard the clamor inside the hall suddenly die down, replaced by the sound of people paying their respects.

Shen Zhishu seemed to sober up instantly. He raised a hand to rub his temple, craned his neck to look inside, and then smiled again. "The Emperor is here." His gaze swept over Meng Tinghui's face, his eyebrows rising even higher. "What, did no one tell Lord Meng that His Majesty was coming tonight?"

Meng Tinghui watched him walk back inside, wine cup in hand, but she herself remained standing by the pillar, unwilling to move.

Just standing there, she could control her body, but not her eyes.

With just a glance, the layers of figures between them melted into nothingness. All the splendor in the world converged upon that single person. When the light faded, all that remained was his pair of soul-stirring eyes, profound and piercing.

She missed him too much.

Although she could see him from afar during court sessions on ordinary days, how could that compare to the heart-trembling proximity of a mere dozen paces?

It had been too long since she had seen him this close. She suddenly felt a sense of being at a loss. So she simply stood her ground, gluing her gaze to him, looking her fill to her heart's content.

Fortunately, there were so many people in the hall to shield her, and the slender pillars of the flower corridor beside her were entwined with long vines, from which a cascade of delicate branches and leaves hung down, concealing half her face.

Tonight was Shen Zhili and Di Nian's wedding; even the Son of Heaven could not upstage them. Therefore, he merely came to offer congratulations on behalf of the Imperial Family, briefly accepted the salutations of the officials, had his attendants bestow gifts, and then departed with a small retinue.

It all took less than the time to drink half a cup of tea. He didn't even glance in her direction, perhaps not even knowing she was there.

This was for the best.

As long as Gu Qin's matter remained unresolved, she could not face him as if nothing had happened.

And his recent decree changing the system for selecting the Empress had truly made her feel somewhat panicked and guilty.

She lowered her lashes, lost in thought, feeling more and more that she did not belong here tonight. Her body involuntarily shifted further behind the pillar.

One shift, and she moved right into a pair of arms.

His slightly husky voice sounded from behind her ear, "Meng Tinghui."

She was naturally too startled to remain composed. Turning to look, she saw his ravine-like eyes at arm's length, seeming to reflect the clear moonlight under the vines. His expression was seven parts solemn, three parts soft.

"Your Maj—"

Before she could get the word out, his arm moved down to wrap around her waist. With a firm pull, he led her toward the back gate of the Di Residence.

The pace grew faster, the path darker.

Flowers, plants, and loose stones tripped at her feet. The light from the twelve glass-and-gold-filigree lanterns outside the hall doors gradually dissipated like mist into the air, leaving only the faint touch of moonlight on her shoulders.

She let him hold her, following him forward without a word.

It wasn't that she hadn't thought of struggling or protesting, but she knew his temperament well. Resistance would be futile. And since he had found her with such precision, it was obvious he had come looking for her tonight.

This was not the first or second time he had done something so unconventional. Imperial dignity and decorum meant little to him. That he hadn't gone directly to the Meng Residence to find her was already giving her considerable face.

Once out the back gate of the Di Residence, the magnificent carriage that required six imperial horses to pull gave her a start.

Although she knew he did not act according to convention, he had always traveled with a small and simple retinue when leaving the palace. She had never seen him travel in such a conspicuous manner.

The late autumn night wind was chilling. She sucked in a breath of cold air, and her head felt a little dizzy.

Two Junior Palace Attendants had already swiftly moved a mounting stool in front of her. They stood with their arms lowered and bowed, waiting for her without a word.

Wonderful. Who knew what these personal attendants from the Forbidden Palace thought of her now? They treated her not like an official of the Outer Court, but like a woman of the palace. What was this supposed to mean?

Her gaze couldn't help but turn cold. She stood ramrod straight and said, "The carriage from my residence is still waiting at the front gate of the Di Residence."

He gave a slight signal with his eyes, and someone immediately turned and trotted off.

The Di Residence's wedding was a grand and bustling affair, causing the narrow street outside the main gate to be jammed with carriages, nose to tail. Even if they found the Meng Residence's carriage and had it drive here, it probably wouldn't be able to move until the banquet was over.

She sighed in resignation. She could only raise her head to meet his gaze and lower her voice as much as possible, "What does Your Majesty intend? Are we returning to the palace, or going to my residence?"

He had sought her out and led her all the way out of the Di Residence. He couldn't possibly let the servants who heard the commotion see the two of them just standing here.

Tonight, she was in his hands. One way or another, she had to comply.

He lifted his chin slightly, and the carriage curtain was drawn open. He slanted a look at her, the sternness on his face softening a fraction, and boarded the carriage first.

She had no choice but to follow him up.

Inside, thick carpets were spread out loosely, and a low table was set. A six-petaled lotus lamp squatted quietly on the edge of the carriage floor, its light hazy and warm. One could smell the unique palace incense in the lamp oil.

He lifted his robes and sat down. Breaking from his usual habit, he did not call her to his side, but simply said to her, "Sit for a while, then I'll let you go."

Her thoughts were muddled by the dim, warm atmosphere. She sat down opposite him and gave a slight nod.

Only then did she understand. He was being considerate of her. He hadn't summoned her for an audience in the Inner Palace, nor had he personally visited the Meng Residence to find her. He had only come to talk to her tonight because he knew what she was trying to avoid.

To have this carriage prepared and brought to the Di Residence, he had probably planned to abduct her onto it all along.

It was very dark in the carriage. The shadows made the angles of his face appear even more distinct, causing her heart to jump with alarm. She didn't know what he had come to find her to talk about.

He, however, seemed not to notice the expression on her face. He simply raised a hand and pushed a plate of fruit pastries toward her, saying casually, "You were just drinking earlier. You must not have eaten much, have you?"

She immediately lowered her eyes, murmured an assent, and reached out to pick up a plum blossom cake. Not paying attention to what she had taken, she put it to her lips and took a bite. The sourness instantly made her eyebrows scrunch together. Feeling she had lost her composure, she glanced up at him.

A smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth, softening the sharp lines of his brows and eyes. He looked at her for a long moment before picking up several memorials from the low table. He didn't open them, but simply said, "As you requested, Gu Qin's position as Chancellor will be secured. I will have the Hanlin Academy draft the edict tomorrow."

Her heart gave a lurch. So it is about this matter, she thought.

Hearing that he was willing to suppress the tide of criticism from the Censorate and protect Gu Qin's position, she felt a sense of relief, as if she had suddenly recovered a bit of her conscience.

"As for Qiao Bo," he continued, "even though his previous impeachment of Gu Qin was quite erroneous, he cannot be imprisoned for it. If that were to happen, no one in the Censorate would dare to accuse an Important Official in the future, and its function as a mouthpiece would be lost."

She said softly, "Your Majesty is benevolent and wise."

In truth, she had known all along that he would never imprison a Remonstrance Official. Her own memorial requesting the Emperor to strictly investigate the Supervising Censor Qiao Bo for his erroneous impeachment had merely been a move to distance herself from an overly close relationship with the Remonstrance Bureau and the Censorate, so that those old officials who saw her as a thorn in their side would have no open grounds to attack her.

He would not fail to understand these minor calculations of hers as an official, yet at this moment, he was patiently explaining his decisions on these matters to her, which made her feel even more at a loss.

She was the one who had persuaded Shen Zhili and Di Nian to marry; he must know. But should she confess? Confess that this whole chaotic affair was also her doing?

He suddenly reached out, his thumb gently brushing away the pastry crumbs from the corner of her lips. He said calmly, "If it were me, I would have been even more ruthless than you."

Her breath caught in her throat. She looked up and stared at him.

His gaze was clear yet deep, his expression perfectly composed, as if that sentence had just been a casual remark. Yet it had struck the tightest fold in her heart.

A wry smile appeared on her face. She suddenly became flustered and awkward.

It was easy to change the subject, but extremely difficult to feign an expression. And to put on a false front in front of him was absolutely impossible for her.

Since he had spoken so bluntly, she no longer kept it bottled up. But his words, which seemed meant to console her, couldn't help but bring a tide of moisture to her eyes.

He didn't speak again, just watched her in silence.

He wasn't deliberately trying to comfort her, just stating a fact.

The position of Right Chancellor in the Hall of State Affairs was still vacant, yet Gu Qin, as a leading Important Official of the Secretariat, had led the submission of the memorial. Regardless of whether it was about the selection of the Empress or not, he could never have granted Gu Qin's wish at such a juncture. Otherwise, the court officials would think that the Hall of State Affairs should be controlled by a single chancellor, and any future appointee to Right Chancellor would surely be subservient to his power.

If he had rejected the Secretariat's proposal, the Shen family would have been disgraced. Not only would the Grand Tutor's reputation as a veteran of three reigns be destroyed, but even Shen Zhishu, far away on the frontier, would have his prestige damaged.

Therefore, no matter what, the Secretariat's proposal could not be approved, yet the Shen family's reputation had to be protected. If she hadn't secretly intervened to stir up this court storm, he too would have unscrupulously used Di Nian to resolve the conflict.

In the face of the bigger picture, personal affections could not be the first priority. Besides, Shen Zhili's feelings for Gu Qin would likely never be reciprocated in her lifetime. Why not marry the deeply devoted Di Nian now?

If not for Di Nian's deep affection, she probably wouldn't have been able to come up with such a scheme. And if it weren't for a man as staunch and unyielding as Di Nian, she probably wouldn't have been willing to marry Shen Zhili off to anyone else.

She might not know all of his considerations, and he didn't need her to understand everything. But he saw her with crystal clarity. He knew she did all this for him; it was just that her thoughts and plans were always lacking in some respect.

In her heart, the court was not the bigger picture. He was the bigger picture.

And this was the root of her deep guilt.

"Your Majesty," she choked out, her voice trembling. The moment she lowered her lashes, teardrops followed, rolling down her cheeks.

For all these days and nights, who knew how deep the conflict in her heart was? Who knew that her dreams, waking and sleeping, were filled with regret?

But he held her face in his hands and told her that if it were him, he would have been even more ruthless than her.

Regardless of whether he meant it or not, his words filled her with tearful gratitude.

In this world, he was the only person she cared about. To have his understanding and empathy was to truly lift this heavy burden from her heart.

The banquet in the hall was drawing to a close, and guests had begun to leave one after another. Di Nian was still in the hall, drinking and celebrating with his comrades. Shen Zhili took the opportunity to slip away and return to their bridal chamber.

This banquet was different from an ordinary family's wedding feast, and Shen Zhili had shown no coyness in coming out to greet the guests. Therefore, even though Di Nian had very deftly put a stop to the custom of teasing the newlyweds in their chamber, no one was being unruly.

Outside the main hall, a handmaid from her dowry was waiting at the door. Seeing Shen Zhili emerge alone from a side door, she immediately went up to her. "Young Lady."

Hearing the maid still use her old title from the Shen Residence, Shen Zhili's slender brows lifted slightly, but she didn't correct her. She only asked, "Why don't I see Lord Meng?"

The handmaid lowered her head as she walked, saying in a small voice, "Someone just reported that they saw the Emperor leave with Lord Meng through the back gate. The imperial carriage is still outside the residence and hasn't left." Holding a red gauze lantern to light the path at Shen Zhili's feet, she said cautiously, "The people at the residence don't know what to do and don't dare go near the back gate. Does Young Lady have any instructions?"

Shen Zhili frowned at once.

Although she didn't know everything about the matter between the Emperor and Meng Tinghui, she understood more than others. Meng Tinghui had not gone to the Forbidden Palace for dozens of days in a row, presumably to deliberately avoid the Emperor. And the Emperor's personal visit to the Di Residence tonight was clearly a special trip to abduct someone.

The storm over the Emperor's decree abolishing the Outer Court's right to deliberate on the selection of the Empress had not yet subsided; even at the banquet tonight, people were whispering about it. On the surface, the matter was because of her, but she knew that if the Emperor did not have someone in his heart, he would never have allowed the Chancellors of the Secretariat to lose face so completely.

Now the Emperor had abducted Meng Tinghui but hadn't left, and the imperial carriage was stalled outside the Di Residence. Although she wanted to pretend she didn't know, she had no choice but to provide a cover for the Emperor and Meng Tinghui.

With this in mind, Shen Zhili sighed inwardly and gave her instructions, "Lord Meng went to thank His Majesty on my behalf for tonight's rewards. Have a servant boy go and tell the imperial attendants over there that the banquet has just ended, and the court officials' carriages haven't left yet. Please ask the imperial carriage to wait until this period passes before returning to the palace." She walked a few more steps, then frowned slightly and added, "Don't forget to also tell the Meng Residence's servant boy waiting outside. Have them drive out with the others, and then go wait at the back gate later."

The handmaid acknowledged the orders, then added, "The gifts from the guests these past few days have all been recorded as Young Lady instructed. All the lords who received an Invitation Card came tonight, except for Chancellor Gu, who cited illness and did not attend. The Gu Residence only sent someone with a gift after nightfall."

The bridal chamber was just ahead, the red decorations everywhere startlingly vivid.

Shen Zhili lowered her lashes slightly and stopped at the top of the steps. She waited until someone pushed the door open before asking, "What gift did the Gu Residence send?"

The handmaid first brightened all the lamps and candles inside before answering, "They said it's a painting of peach blossoms, personally painted by Chancellor Gu. This servant did not look closely. Does Young Lady want me to bring the painting now?"

Shen Zhili shook her head slightly, indicating there was no need. Then she walked straight to the dressing table and began to remove the floral coronet and horn combs from her hair.

Di Nian had not yet returned to the room, but she was already removing her own makeup. The handmaid behind her opened her mouth to speak, but upon seeing the paleness of her mistress's cheeks in the mirror, she swallowed her words.

The ivory horn combs were cool and smooth. She clutched them tightly in her palm.

The nuptial cup ceremony before nightfall was for others to see. She was not like the daughters of ordinary families. After her veil was lifted, she changed her dress and went to the main hall to greet guests and await the Emperor.

Now, in a room of festive red, in the deep and tender night, she faced the mirror alone, letting another man's image wander through her mind.

What need was there to look at that painting?

Though it was called peach blossoms, how could she not know which peach blossom painting it was?

Hate that spring is late, hate that spring is late, hate that spring is late...

She had thought that the affairs of spring were known only to spring itself, but who knew that he had known all along.

But this springtime affection was indeed sent in vain. When had he ever returned even a sliver of her feelings?

His absence tonight was not to avoid suspicion, nor was it due to illness. It was simply because from beginning to end, he had never felt a shred of affection for her. He would never love her in this lifetime.

Spring knew, the peach blossoms knew, the painting knew, and she knew as well.

But she had seen through it all too late, and had been stubborn for too long, believing with all her heart and mind that persistence would be rewarded, not realizing that it was merely self-deception.

She understood him.

As a veteran minister who had served three reigns and remained loyal to the Imperial Family all his life, how could he stand by and watch the Emperor delay appointing an empress for the sake of a favored courtier, only to be criticized by future historians? He wished for the Emperor to establish an empress, but aside from her, who among the candidates could earn the unanimous approval of the court officials?

He was too forthright—so forthright that he assumed her minor affections and sentiments had nothing to do with him. Little did he expect it would lead to such an outcome.

He was also too stubborn—so stubborn that he wanted to devote all his energy to upholding the prestige of the Imperial Family, never considering that the current Emperor was no mediocre ruler. How could the Emperor not have thought of what he had in mind?

And tonight, by using a painting to sever ties, he employed a clever tactic. Just as in the past, he still harbored a protective intent toward her, sparing her any embarrassment while completely cutting off her lingering feelings.

Her eyes felt somewhat sore, yet she had no desire to shed tears.

Having understood everything clearly, what was there to regret?

The red candles on the table dripped with hot wax. She reached out and gently flicked away a few drops before turning to her maid and saying, "Go to the front and ask when Colonel Di can return to the chamber. If he's still being urged to drink, tell them I'm unwell and ask those Imperial Army officers to let him off for tonight. I'll make it up to them another day."

The maid pursed her lips into a smile and whispered softly, "The young mistress is so thoughtful in caring for others." With that, she turned and left the room.

Shen Zhili sat quietly before the dressing table and waited.

In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the maid knocked and entered again, her expression slightly awkward. She reported, "When I arrived, I happened to meet Colonel Di, who was dismissing the guests. He said he knew you were tired today and would stay in the western chamber tonight so as not to disturb you."

Though the words were spoken hesitantly and euphemistically, Shen Zhili understood their meaning perfectly.

She closed her eyes gently, pondered for a moment, then stood up, straightened her clothes, and combed her hair. Instructing the maid to wait in the room, she walked out alone.

After taking light steps for about ten zhang, she passed through a hanging gate and pushed aside loosely scattered withered vines. At once, she spotted the figure beneath the blue-tiled eaves to the west.

She stopped, leaning against the base of the wall, and watched him silently.

Moonlight spread across the ground, stretching his shadow into a slender form.

Di Nian sat obliquely on the steps in front of the chamber, a long sword at his feet glinting coldly, accentuating his desolate and solitary demeanor. He hung his head, toying with some small object in his hand, the carefree and exuberant demeanor he had displayed at the banquet entirely gone.

After an indeterminate amount of time, he finally bent his legs and stood up. As he picked up his sword, he lifted his head and happened to meet Shen Zhili's gaze from afar. He froze in surprise.

Seeing her slowly approach him, Di Nian seemed to realize she had come looking for him. Hanging the sword at his waist, he frowned slightly and asked, "It's so late—why aren't you asleep? Is something the matter?"

Shen Zhili stopped in front of him and said softly, "On our first night as husband and wife, are you going to make me keep the bridal chamber alone?"

"I didn't mean to—!" Di Nian retorted sharply but then choked back his words, his frown deepening. "...I know you still think of him, and I have no intention of forcing you. You needn't worry about me. Go to bed early."

Shen Zhili lowered her gaze slightly and noticed the small piece of peach wood he had been toying with for so long. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "What is this?"

Di Nian clenched it tightly, hiding it behind his back, his expression somewhat unnatural. "It's nothing."

Shen Zhili lifted her eyes to glance at him. "Since we are already married, if we sleep in separate rooms, what would the court officials say if word got out?"Di Nian understood her meaning and immediately said coldly, "Who would still dare to claim that what's between us is false? Rest assured, as long as I am here, no one can bully you!"

Shen Zhili's eyes suddenly grew moist, yet she curved her lips slightly and said, "I am not afraid of others bullying me, but I am unwilling to tarnish your reputation because of me. You have just taken on a heavy responsibility—reorganizing the three routes of the Imperial Army in the northern border requires decisive action to succeed. How can you afford to give others a handle against you at such a time? Though the words of the censors are not to be feared, how can we let down those in the Privy Council and the Imperial Army who vouched for our relationship? Your authority in the army must not be diminished in the slightest. And since I have married you, I cannot be ignorant of these matters."

Di Nian listened carefully, but his expression stiffened. "Even so, I do not wish for you to feel wronged."

Shen Zhili remained silent for a long moment, then suddenly reached out to hook her fingers into his palm, whispering softly, "But I do not feel wronged."