Ch 295: He fell into her arms.

In Shen Fuhan’s memory, Shen Fufei had always been a gentle person.

Although frail, his family worried about his health, but he maintained a positive attitude, possessing a detached and carefree outlook on worldly affairs.

He always said that having lived in this bustling human world was enough for him; whenever Heaven chose to reclaim his life, that’s when he would leave.

His only regret was leaving behind his poetry and books; he said he hadn’t read enough. The world’s great books were as vast as the ocean, yet he hadn’t even read a tenth of them, which he considered a great shame.

Therefore, even while confined to his bed, he always kept several books by his bedside. Whenever he was awake, he was either reading or drinking medicine.

When Shen Fuhan thought of Shen Fufei, he would always picture a small stove brewing tea, its gentle bubbling sounds accompanied by wisps of rising smoke.

The smoke obscured Shen Fufei’s brows and eyes. Dressed in white, he leaned against a soft pillow, reading a book. Calmly, he raised his eyes to look outside, then smiled gently, saying, “Eldest Brother has arrived.”

Wen Jiayue seemed to see Shen Fufei, whom she had never met, through his description.

She softly said, “Second Brother possesses the bearing of a true gentleman.”

Shen Fuhan nodded and said, “He was indeed the most meticulous follower of rules, but he wasn’t rigid. It’s just a pity…he died young.”

An Imperial Physician had examined him, saying he might not live to adulthood.

Shen Fuhan didn’t tell him this news, fearing it would crush his hope.

But Shen Fufei had guessed, and even comforted him in return.

“Eldest Brother, life and death are predetermined. I’ve already accepted it. You are four years older than me; surely you can understand?”

Shen Fuhan didn’t want to understand; he only wanted to find a Miraculous Doctor to save his brother.

But before he could find one, his brother was murdered at the age of sixteen.

Shen Fuhan had imagined many ways his younger brother might die: a peaceful death in his sleep, dying from coughing up blood, succumbing to unbearable pain…

He never imagined that he would be murdered.

He should have died surrounded by his family, but instead, he ended up exposed in the wilderness.

Shen Fuhan couldn’t accept it.

So, after gaining power, he began investigating, meticulously searching for clues in the smallest details, until he finally discovered that Li Zhilan might be involved.

But years had passed; witnesses were nowhere to be found, and physical evidence had long since vanished. The evidence he possessed was insufficient to put her to death.

But it didn’t matter. One day, he would find an opportunity to bring Li Zhilan to justice, and Shen Fufei’s wrongful death would be avenged.

Wen Jiayue softly lowered her eyes. The opportunity he sought might come sooner than expected.

Now that she held an Imperial Mandate, even if she had broken the law, the Government had no authority to punish her. She could only be arrested after the Emperor revoked her Mandate.

No matter how powerful Li Zhilan was, she couldn’t overstep the Emperor. If she truly wanted to act, she wouldn’t be far from facing imperial punishment.

As the saying goes, pulling out a radish brings up the mud. As long as Li Zhilan can be apprehended, her mouth can be pried open, and won’t other matters come to light?

Wen Jiayue was prepared, waiting only for Shen Fuhan’s departure from the Capital in November.

As for whether or not to inform him in advance…

Wen Jiayue hesitated. If she told him, she would have to reveal that she was reborn to add credibility.

But the matter of rebirth was too bizarre. What if Shen Fuhan thought she was mad?

Yet she also worried that she would be powerless alone.

After all, she was just a woman of the inner chambers; her wealth and influence were no match for an Eldest Princess.

What if Li Zhilan killed her in a different way this time? How could she escape?

As she hesitated, someone knocked on the door.

“Marquis! Madam!”

Wen Jiayue jumped, instinctively trembling.

Shen Fuhan held her shoulder, comforting her, softly saying, “It’s the Guard.”

Then, he asked in a deep voice, “What is it?”

“Marquis, Old Madam has awakened. Please come to Ninghui Hall with Madam!”

Wen Jiayue sighed inwardly. Old Madam had been unconscious for two days; it was time for her to wake up.

Shen Fuhan responded, pulling Wen Jiayue to sit up.

He used a little too much strength, and Wen Jiayue, unprepared, fell directly into his arms.

“A Yue,” Shen Fuhan held her waist, asking seriously, “What’s wrong with you?”

Wen Jiayue glared at him. He knew what was going on!

This little incident, however, swept away her previous gloom. Old Madam was nothing, just a distant elder; a visit wouldn’t hurt.

Besides, Shen Fuhan was there.

After thinking it over, Wen Jiayue pulled away from him, but Shen Fuhan didn’t let go, pressing on her waist.

Wen Jiayue went limp and fell back into his embrace.

“Marquis, stop it,” Wen Jiayue frowned, “We have to go see Grandmother.”

“I know you don’t want to go,” Shen Fuhan gently patted her back, “but we must go this time. Except in special circumstances, I promise you won’t have to see Grandmother again.”

Wen Jiayue listened, stunned. Why was he suddenly saying these things?

Shen Fuhan asked, “Do you believe me?”

Wen Jiayue nodded slightly, then hesitated for a moment and asked, “Marquis, aren’t you angry that I don’t show respect to my elders?”

“Grandmother has too much prejudice against you. Since it can’t be changed, let’s just avoid each other.”

Shen Fuhan said frankly, “You know, Grandmother is my own grandmother, and she suffers from Heart Palpitations; I can’t go too far.”

Even an upright official finds it difficult to judge family matters, and Shen Fuhan was no exception. This was the best solution he could think of.

Wen Jiayue understood that he was also in a difficult position, and this was a win-win situation. She was already very satisfied.

“I understand,” Wen Jiayue said, “as long as Grandmother doesn’t make things difficult for me.”

Shen Fuhan slowly said, “With me here, no one will make things difficult for you.”

Including Li Zhilan.

So what if she was an Eldest Princess?

Dressed and ready, the two of them went to Ninghui Hall.

Night had fallen, the wind was strong, and the lanterns swayed, casting a flickering light on their path.

Wen Jiayue suddenly felt cold. She had thought it would be warm tonight and hadn’t worn a cape, now she regretted it.

However, they were already halfway there, so she endured the chill.

Shen Fuhan looked at her and decisively took off his outer garment and put it on her.

Wen Jiayue was startled: “Marquis?”

“If you’re cold, just say so,” Shen Fuhan said, “I’ll help you.”

She asked, “Aren’t you cold?”

Shen Fuhan shook his head: “As long as you’re not cold.”

Wen Jiayue wrapped herself in his clothes. The scent of ink and books surrounded her, soothing her heart.

Arriving at Ninghui Hall, they happened to run into Shen Funian and a sleepy-eyed Shen Chengyao.

Seeing their brother and sister-in-law, especially their sister-in-law wearing their brother’s clothes, Shen Funian immediately abandoned her son and approached them with a smile.

“Sister-in-law, is my brother’s clothing warm?”

Wen Jiayue pretended not to understand her implication and nodded, “It’s quite warm. Would you like to wear it?”

“I’m fine,” Shen Funian waved her hand, “You wear it, wear it for a while longer.”

Wen Jiayue didn’t want to say more and went inside first.

Shen Funian secretly gave Shen Fuhan a thumbs-up, whispering, “Brother, you’re truly a promising young man!”

Shen Fuhan frowned at her. Who taught him that?

It was simply something he should have done.