HMHSE - 18

At daybreak, Zirui carried a bowl of hot soup and hurried toward the main hall of the official residence.

After entering, she slowed her steps, careful not to disturb the young mistress inside.

Shen Rong was sitting by the bed, a thick sable fur draped over her lap.

The pale morning light streamed through the window, illuminating her face, finally bringing back some color, though traces of weariness still lingered.

Since returning from the Great Prison of Youzhou the previous night, she hadn’t slept well at all and had risen early instead.

Zirui approached with the soup, silently praying for her mistress’s safety. She had already heard from Donglai last night about the perilous events in the prison. They had been waiting outside and hadn’t heard a sound.

Thankfully, their young mistress was unharmed. Otherwise, she would have blamed herself endlessly, unable to face the master who had returned to the capital or the Duke’s residence. After all, Shen Rong was the cherished treasure of the Changsun family.

“Young Mistress, please have some soup. You haven’t eaten anything since returning from the prison last night,” Zirui said softly.

Shen Rong took the bowl and sipped lightly. Zirui had specially prepared a calming broth, sweet and warm on the tongue. But after returning from the prison, Shen Rong still felt dry, preferring plain water. After two sips, she stopped drinking.

As she turned her head, she noticed Zirui quietly tidying up the Hu-style garment beside her—the one Shan Zong had stripped off and tossed to her last night. Faint patches of dried, brownish blood were still visible on it.

She thought for a moment and asked: “When did he leave last night?”

Last night, after ordering her to leave, he had led a group of soldiers from the military compound to escort her and Zhao Jinlian back to the city. She hadn’t seen him again after reaching the entrance of the official residence.

At that time, the entire household had been thrown into chaos upon seeing the blood-soaked soldiers from the military compound. Especially Commander Shan, clad only in his undergarments with one arm bare, resembling a figure of wrath. The servants had hastily ushered her back to her room, leaving her no time to attend to anything else.

Zirui saw her looking at the garment and knew whom she was asking about. She glanced outside hesitantly, unsure whether to speak: “Actually…”

In fact, Shan Zong was still in the official residence.

In the guest room, Guangyuan was attending to him as he changed clothes.

When they returned to the city last night, the gates had already closed. To ensure Shen Rong and Zhao Jinlian’s carriage could return safely, he personally led the troops back into the city.

Zhao Jinlian, despite his shaken state, insisted on escorting Shen Rong to the official residence first.

Upon arriving, Guangyuan, seeing Shan Zong’s disheveled appearance, was startled and insisted he stay overnight, promising to take care of him before he returned to the military compound.

Zhao Jinlian also urged him to rest, reasoning that the prison riot had been quelled and he deserved a break.

Seeing the trembling servants around him, too frightened to even look at him, Shan Zong realized his appearance was indeed inappropriate. He agreed to stay the night and rested in the guest room.

Guangyuan helped him change into clean undergarments and was about to assist him with the Hu-style garment when Shan Zong reached out and took it himself.

He was accustomed to dressing without assistance.

Guangyuan watched him skillfully tuck in the collar and tie the belt, recalling the days when he was surrounded by attendants.

He remembered how Shan Zong used to be a pampered nobleman, where even a single golden thread on his sleeve was enough to sustain an ordinary family for half a year. How different things were now.

“Master, these past three years you’ve endured hardships you never imagined.”

Shan Zong glanced at him: “Stop your nonsense—it sounds like something a woman would say.”

“I just think it’s a pity,” Guangyuan murmured, glancing out the window and leaning closer to whisper: “Master, now that the noblewoman has come to Youzhou, perhaps this is fate’s arrangement. What do you think about her…?”

“What about her?” Shan Zong raised an eyebrow, his hands adjusting his sleeves.

Guangyuan immediately fell silent, fearing a wrong word might drive him away for good.

Outside, someone reported that Hu Shiyi had arrived and requested to see the commander.

Shan Zong said, “Let him in.”

Guangyuan had no choice but to step out first.

Hu Shiyi had stayed behind at the prison last night and, upon returning to the military compound this morning, learned that Shan Zong was at the official residence. He rushed over immediately.

Entering the guest room, he eyed the unfamiliar surroundings and hesitated to ask why Shan Zong was here. Finally, under Shan Zong’s gaze, he pulled out the prison records tucked under his arm: “Boss, I’m here to report on the aftermath.”

Shan Zong extended his hand to take the records and stood there flipping through them.

Five jailers had died; their affairs had been properly settled, their families compensated, and the injured were being treated.

He closed the book and nodded.

Accustomed to life and death, there was little to say at such times.

Hu Shiyi studied his expression, his eyes darting nervously as he scratched his chin: “Boss, I just wanted to ask—was what that Khitan dog said before he died true? You know, about you and that golden beauty once being a couple?”

Shan Zong looked at him, knowing he had probably kept this question bottled up all night. With nothing left to conceal, he replied: “Yes, just as you heard.”

Hu Shiyi scratched his chin again, this time in astonishment. He mulled over the situation, eventually piecing it together.

No wonder, from the start, whenever the golden beauty demanded an apology, he complied without hesitation.

If she was his ex-wife, it made sense—he must still harbor some consideration for his former pillow companion.

Seeing Hu Shiyi lost in thought, Shan Zong slapped the back of his neck, startling him.

“Consider what you’ve heard. Tell those soldiers from yesterday to keep their mouths shut. Less talk outside.”

Hu Shiyi rubbed his neck, his eyes widening: “Can’t we talk about it?”

Shan Zong’s gaze swept over him, his brows furrowing: “Have you already spoken?”

Hu Shiyi stuttered. It wasn’t intentional—he had returned early in the morning and kicked Zhang Wei awake in the barracks, asking if he’d heard anything.

Zhang Wei was baffled, but their commotion woke up Lei Da next door.

Unfortunately, Lei Da had a loud mouth and blurted it out, spreading the news further…

He forced a laugh: “I’ll go guard the prison now.”

Shan Zong said: “Go guard the underground dungeon gate—no one will bother you there.”

Guarding the dungeon? That was worse than a military punishment! But Hu Shiyi dared not argue, bowing to accept the order and leaving with the prison records.

Outside, he spotted Guangyuan and, remembering the earlier incident, couldn’t resist scolding him: “You brat! Why didn’t you tell me last time? If you had, I wouldn’t have made such a mess!”

Guangyuan, having overheard the conversation inside, watched him walk away dejectedly and muttered: “Even if I told you earlier, you’d just get punished sooner.”

Still, judging by the current situation, Master Shan seemed lenient with him—at least he hadn’t punished him.

Before he could finish his thoughts, Shan Zong stepped out of the room.

As soon as he stood still, his gaze moved past Guangyuan.

Guangyuan glanced behind him and stepped aside to make way.

Shen Rong walked over, her flowing skirt trailing behind her, and looked at Shan Zong: “First time seeing you stay here overnight.”

Shan Zong chuckled: “Isn’t this my official residence?”

Shen Rong realized her slip and quickly masked it: “Mm.”

Seeing Shan Zong pick up his saber, ready to leave, Guangyuan tried to detain him: “Master, please have breakfast before you go.” He glanced at Shen Rong: “The noblewoman likely hasn’t eaten either. Shall I arrange for food?”

Shen Rong shrugged: “I don’t mind. This isn’t my official residence anyway.”

Shan Zong instinctively glanced at her—she was quick to mimic and adapt.

“Then prepare it,” he said and headed to the front hall.

Guangyuan immediately rushed to arrange the meal.

With attendants from the Changsun family present, even an early morning meal was exquisite and abundant.

Two small tables were set in the hall, adorned with delicate pastries enjoyed only by the elite families of the capital.

A white porcelain plate held snow-like cream topped with exotic fruit sauce, dotted with vibrant red, resembling plum blossoms in the snow. Wisps of steam rose like mist.

By the time Shen Rong entered and took her seat, Shan Zong was already seated behind one of the tables, dressed in clean black Hu-style attire that accentuated his sharp features.

She sat behind the adjacent table and asked: “You suddenly arrived yesterday—did you foresee their scheme?”

“More or less,” Shan Zong replied, looking at her. “If I were them, I’d choose to act when you were there.”

Shen Rong murmured: “What could I do? I had to go regardless.”

He heard her: “Any particular reason you had to go?”

“Of course—to start mining as soon as possible.”

Her response was matter-of-fact, but Shan Zong scrutinized her several times: “Do you understand mining?”

Meeting his gaze, Shen Rong suddenly smiled: “Are you investigating me?”

Shan Zong reflected—there was indeed a hint of inquiry in his words. Smirking, he said: “Forget it.”

Shen Rong sobered, thinking to herself that if he let it go, so would she. She picked up her chopsticks.

Shan Zong barely touched his food; the sweet dishes weren’t to his taste.

Glancing sideways, Shen Rong ate with refined elegance.

Their previous meals at the governor’s residence had been across from each other, but today they sat close together—a proximity even absent during their marriage. It felt unusually intimate.

He quickly set down his chopsticks and picked up his saber.

Shen Rong finished wiping her lips with a handkerchief and, seeing him rise, knew he was leaving: “Are you returning to the military compound or continuing your patrol?”

Shan Zong paused: “After last night, what’s the point of patrolling?” If he had arrived even a moment later, the consequences could have been dire. “I’m going to visit Zhao Jinlian at the governor’s residence.”

Hearing this, Shen Rong said: “Then I’ll accompany you.”

Zhao Jinlian, the governor of an entire province, had suffered greatly believing Shen Rong was taken hostage. She owed it to him to check on him.

Shan Zong didn’t object; his thoughts aligned with hers.

Had he not entrusted Zhao Jinlian with Shen Rong’s safety, he wouldn’t have been there during that chaos.

Guangyuan, standing guard outside, saw them emerge one after the other and walk toward the gate. He even peeked out.

…

Inside the governor’s residence, the shock was still settling.

Zhao Jinlian had been deeply shaken when he thought Shen Rong was taken hostage, but after resting overnight, he had recovered and could greet guests alongside his wife, Lady He.

Entering the hall, they found Shan Zong and Shen Rong standing opposite each other—an unexpected sight. After a moment of surprise, Zhao Jinlian remembered to speak.

“The young lady is safe, which is a relief. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to face her brother.”

Lady He nodded in agreement.

He sighed: “Unfortunately, there are no prisoners left to choose from.”

Shen Rong felt some concern at this but understood it was unavoidable.

Shan Zong suddenly asked: “Did you select anyone at the time?”

Shen Rong replied: “None remain now.”

They had all perished under his blade.

“We’ll need to find another way. What do you think, Chong Jun?” Zhao Jinlian looked at Shan Zong, his eyes conveying the question.

Shan Zong didn’t respond until Zhao Jinlian was about to press further, then finally nodded: “I understand.”

Zhao Jinlian smiled at Shen Rong: “Young lady, rest assured. Chong Jun will find a solution for you.”

Shen Rong looked at him: “Really?”

He replied indifferently: “We’ll see if it works.”

Regardless, Zhao Jinlian felt relieved. Entrusting the matter to him was the safest option—who could overturn his authority?

Lady He also smiled, occasionally glancing at Shen Rong with a smile.

Shen Rong suddenly noticed how unusually quiet Lady He was today, quite unlike her usual self, merely standing by her husband’s side.

As they left the governor’s residence, Shen Rong quietly asked the man beside her: “Do they all know?”

Shan Zong nearly laughed instantly: “You noticed?”

No wonder Lady He acted that way. Shen Rong simply hummed in acknowledgment.

Shan Zong asked: “Is that all?”

“What else should I do?”

He hinted: “Other women would deliberately avoid suspicion.”

Shen Rong was unconcerned. She wasn’t like other women.

“You seem experienced, knowing exactly how others behave.”

Shan Zong stroked his jaw and smirked: “And how do you know I lack experience?”

Shen Rong froze, but he had already walked ahead.