HMHSE - 35

Shan Zhao was Shan Zong’s younger brother, born of the same mother—a blood relative.

Three years ago, when Shen Rong still lived with the Shan family, he was just a half-grown boy. Now, even kneeling, it was evident that he had grown considerably taller, maturing into a youthful figure.

At that time, Shan Zong was often leading troops outside, and Shan Zhao, being younger, stayed home most days. Consequently, during Shen Rong’s six months living in the Shan household, she grew more familiar with this younger brother than with Shan Zong.

One was the youngest of the Changsun family, and the other the youngest of the Shan family—it was a natural connection.

Later, when she left after their divorce, Shan Zhao happened to be undergoing military training, and they hadn’t seen each other for three years.

It was no wonder Shan Zhao’s eyes reddened at the sight of his older brother and former sister-in-law reunited.

He stood up, dragging the fallen soldier outside and sending him away. Once only the three of them remained, he sniffed, then turned to Shen Rong: “It’s all my fault for not being at home back then—I couldn’t stop you from leaving. It’s only right that you don’t recognize me as your sister-in-law now.”

Shen Rong frowned again, thinking how far off-topic this had gone. She whispered: “Stop talking nonsense. What does it have to do with you?”

As she spoke, she glanced at Shan Zong beside her.

Shan Zong also looked at her, his face carrying that same half-smiling, half-teasing expression, but it vanished quickly. He reached out and tugged at Shan Zhao’s collar: “Enough. You’re such a big person now, yet you’re still acting like this—haven’t improved one bit.” Then, glancing at Shen Rong, he said: “Let’s go.”

Just as Shen Rong was about to follow him out, her sleeve was suddenly pulled.

Shan Zhao held onto her sleeve with one hand and grabbed Shan Zong’s arm with the other: “Big Brother, can’t you stay here with me for a while?”

His eyes were on the verge of tearing up again.

Shen Rong wasn’t surprised by his behavior. She remembered how much he admired his older brother. Whether or not there was news, he would always be the first to run and tell her—

“Sister-in-law, Big Brother will pass through Luoyang in three to five days. Maybe he’ll come back to see you then.”

“Sister-in-law, Big Brother has moved again.”

“This time, I don’t know where Big Brother has been transferred to. Don’t worry, Sister-in-law. I’ll let you know as soon as I get any news…”

Thinking about it, she even felt a bit sorry for him and stopped walking momentarily.

Shan Zong glanced at the arm Shan Zhao was holding, then at Shen Rong, sighing with a smile: “Alright, we need to rest somewhere anyway. Tell us the place.”

Shan Zhao immediately brightened up, releasing her and rushing out to lead the way: “Not far, Big Brother, come quickly.”

Half an hour later, the soldiers entered the residence of the city guards, stopping to rest in the spacious walled courtyard.

The Changsun family’s guards and attendants, led by Zi Rui and Dong Lai, followed along as well.

By now, Shan Zhao’s emotions had calmed. Upon arriving, he personally escorted Shen Rong to the rear quarters.

There was a two-story pavilion used for storing military books, usually unoccupied, which was perfect for housing a noblewoman like her.

He walked ahead along the corridor, speaking as he went: “I’ve been stationed in this Hedong region for half a year. Seeing Big Brother return with Sister-in-law today makes me realize coming here was worth it.”

Shen Rong followed slowly, glancing at his profile.

Though born of the same mother, Shan Zhao didn’t resemble Shan Zong.

Shan Zong had sharp brows and piercing eyes, his face angular and naturally exuding an air of authority. Every move he made was bold and unrestrained.

In contrast, his younger brother had a softer appearance, looking gentle and good-natured, which indeed reflected his agreeable personality.

Feeling softened, Shen Rong’s tone softened slightly: “You keep calling me the wrong thing. I’m no longer your sister-in-law.”

Shan Zhao naturally remembered their divorce, but seeing her return with his brother, could it mean things might change?

Perhaps she harbored resentment toward the Shan family, making him feel even guiltier. Stopping at the entrance of the pavilion, he opened the door for her: “But in my heart, you’ll always be my sister-in-law. If not that, what else should I call you?”

Shen Rong was unsure how to respond to his words. As she stepped inside, lifting her skirt, she said: “Call me whatever you want, just don’t call me sister-in-law anymore.”

Shan Zhao watched her enter the building, then returned to the corridor, seeing his brother standing there. His steps quickened.

“Big Brother,” he greeted, preparing to bow again.

Shan Zong extended the scabbard of his sword, stopping him, patting his shoulder twice and smirking: “Not bad—you’ve grown stronger these three years, but your habit of crying so easily hasn’t changed. How are you supposed to be a man of the Shan family?”

Shan Zhao suppressed his surging emotions: “I can’t compare to Big Brother. No one in the Shan family can match you.”

Since childhood, Shan Zong had been the model every member of the Shan family looked up to.

As the eldest son of the Shan family, he had been extraordinary from a young age. Apart from his unruly nature, he had almost no flaws.

All the Shan sons were required to join the military. Hoping he would become more disciplined, the family had him study literature until the age of fifteen before entering the army.

Even so, within three short years, he had trained a formidable force, becoming a legendary military leader feared by many.

True to his name, he was the pillar of the Shan family, the focal point of admiration.

What Shan Zhao remembered most vividly was practicing military strategies with him in the snow when he was little.

During those times, Shan Zong was the most relaxed, often staying at home, wrapped in a thick fur-lined cloak. With a branch in hand as if wielding a weapon, he would lazily stand in the family’s training ground, instructing him.

Back then, Shan Zhao was more interested in playing than studying—he figured he’d never catch up to his older brother anyway.

The Shan family already had one prodigy; they didn’t need another.

But he never expected that after their divorce, his brother would leave the Shan family entirely.

“What are you thinking about?” Shan Zong tapped him lightly with the scabbard.

Shan Zhao snapped out of his thoughts. To prove he was a man, he forced a smile: “I’m just happy to see Big Brother return. I thought I’d never see you again in my life.”

When his brother divorced his sister-in-law, it caused quite a stir in the family. Shan Zhao wanted to find him, but being stationed in the military, he never managed to do so.

He remained the unreachable benchmark of the Shan family, though also an example of rebellion. Nowadays, mentioning him in the family was taboo—it was too painful for the elders.

Shan Zong chuckled: “I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry about my affairs. Do what you need to do. Don’t make it seem like a final farewell.”

With that, he tapped his shoulder again with the scabbard, just as he used to do with a branch during their lessons, then turned and walked away.

Shan Zhao watched his retreating figure, feeling that he was still the same older brother—but even now, he hadn’t acknowledged him.

Now, having shed his noble robes for rugged Hu-style attire, he seemed even more untamed and harder to rein in.

…

When the lamps were lit in the pavilion, Shen Rong had already spent several hours upstairs, reading scrolls and even having her meal in the room.

She didn’t want to face Shan Zhao’s teary eyes again. He’d surely call her “sister-in-law” repeatedly.

If she hardened her heart, recalling their past interactions, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.

Zi Rui brought in hot water and set up a folding screen.

It was rare to find such a comfortable place to stay. Today, they prepared a hot bath for her.

As Shen Rong stepped behind the screen, Zi Rui tested the water temperature in the tub, then knelt and said: “The temperature is just right, Young Mistress. Please wait a moment while I fetch the bathing powder.”

With that, she left the room.

Shen Rong listened to the sounds outside. Surprisingly, there was no commotion between the two brothers who hadn’t seen each other for three years.

Then she recalled Shan Zong’s demeanor earlier—it wasn’t strange. From their meeting until now, it was clearly Shan Zhao who was overly enthusiastic.

Lost in thought, she loosened her waistband and removed her outer robe, draping it over a nearby rack. Just as she did so, she heard the door open and someone enter.

Thinking it was Zi Rui, she naturally instructed: “Come help me undress.”

Receiving no response, she turned her head, half her body peeking out from behind the screen. She saw a man standing sideways at the door.

Shan Zong had one hand on the door, seemingly about to leave, but he had already been spotted.

He withdrew his hand, glanced at her, and smirked: “Sorry, I can’t assist with this. It seems Shan Zhao got it wrong.”

Apparently, Shan Zhao had told him to settle here. Upon entering, he saw the steam rising behind the screen and a woman undressing—it was unmistakably Changsun Shenrong’s quarters.

Shen Rong glanced at herself, realizing she had just called him over to help undress. Her ears grew warm, and her gaze flickered: “Did you see anything?”

Shan Zong’s smirk deepened slightly as he replied honestly: “Through the screen, I didn’t see clearly.”

Seeing his smile, her ears grew even warmer. Biting her lip, she stepped directly out from behind the screen.

“Well? Do you want to see more clearly?”

Shan Zong’s gaze gradually focused as he watched her walk from behind the screen to stand before him.

She wore only a thin inner robe, white and translucent, revealing glimpses of the embroidered silk undergarment beneath. A light sash loosely tied around her waist, half-undone.

And yet, she stood against the lamplight, her figure curvaceous and alluring, vividly outlined in his eyes.

Shen Rong tilted her head, exposing her pale neck: “Look.”

As soon as she spoke, she saw Shan Zong’s eyes narrow slightly, his gaze darkening, concealing the lamplight, yet gleaming faintly. That faint gleam framed her lifted face.

His lips still curved upward, slightly parted: “Seems you’ve already forgotten what I said.”

Her eyes shifted: “What did you say?”

Suddenly, her shoulders felt heavier. His hands reached out, one on each side, grasping the slightly loose neckline of her robe and pulling it closed, covering her exposed skin.

“I said, if you keep behaving like this, you’ll regret it sooner or later.”

Shen Rong, tightly held by his hands gripping her neckline, had to raise her head to meet his pitch-black eyes. She felt a slight sting from where his hand had brushed her shoulder moments ago.

“The one who might regret it could be you,” she struggled slightly, trying to push his hands away: “Let go.”

Amused by her stubbornness, Shan Zong not only didn’t release her but freed one hand to restrain hers as well. Taking a step forward, he forced her to retreat.

Shen Rong was pushed back two steps by his imposing figure until she reached the wall. Then he released her.

A sound came from the side as he pushed the window open.

The door creaked open shortly after, and Zi Rui entered, holding a small pouch of bathing powder: “Young Mistress, please take your bath.”

When she turned her head, the window was wide open—no trace of the man remained.

Seeing the open window, Zi Rui came over to close it, muttering softly: “When did this open? I clearly closed it earlier.”

Shen Rong straightened the wrinkles in her robe pulled by the man and touched her shoulder, only now realizing her neck was burning hot.

As she walked behind the screen, one hand pressed against it, she murmured softly: “Never mind. It was just a stray cat that wandered in.”

Across the courtyard from the pavilion was Shan Zhao’s residence.

He had just entered when the door was kicked open, and a tall figure dressed in black strode in.

Shan Zhao looked astonished: “Big Brother, weren’t you settled elsewhere?”

Shan Zong walked over, grabbing him by the collar and tossing his sword casually onto the bed: “Who told you to arrange the same room for us?”

Shan Zhao finally understood what had happened but was even more surprised: “Since you and Sister-in-law have reconciled, why would you need separate rooms?”

“Who said we’ve reconciled?”

“You’ve returned together. Isn’t that reconciliation?”

Shan Zong wanted to kick him but restrained himself upon seeing his ignorance. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he shrugged: “Didn’t your soldiers inform you about the Ministry of Works document I presented?”

Shan Zhao blinked, still processing: “So… is it just official business?”

Shan Zong rubbed his palms together, still feeling the lingering smoothness of a woman’s shoulder beneath his fingers. Casually, he said: “What else could it be? Naturally, it’s just official business.”

Shan Zhao stared at him. Half-hidden in the dim lamplight, his expression was unreadable, and his tone gave nothing away.

Shan Zong crossed one leg, glancing at him again: “So even if you go and tell the Shan family I’ve returned, it won’t make any difference.”

Shan Zhao fell silent.

In fact, a fast horse heading to Luoyang had just departed.

…

The next day, when Shen Rong descended the stairs, she noticed the place had become livelier.

Zi Rui glanced outside: “Young Mistress, it seems many people have arrived.”

No sooner had she spoken than a guard approached, inviting her to the front courtyard.

Shen Rong, accompanied by Zi Rui, walked to the front courtyard. Shan Zhao happened to emerge from the hall, spotting her and stepping forward: “Sister-in-law, yesterday was rushed, and we didn’t properly welcome you. Today, everything is arranged. Please, come inside and sit.”

Just as Shen Rong was about to speak, he seemed to realize his mistake, lowering his head: “I understand. I won’t call you that in front of outsiders.”

She thought inwardly: what difference did it make between outsiders? They were strangers now anyway.

But seeing his demeanor, perhaps Shan Zong had already spoken to him about something.

Leaving Zi Rui outside, she entered silently.

Inside the hall, seats were arranged, and Shan Zong sat at the head of the table.

Shen Rong walked gracefully, taking her seat behind the table beside him.

Shan Zong had been watching her. The weather had been pleasant these two days, and she had been wearing loose blouse-skirt combinations, always exposing a stretch of her pale neck. At a glance, he recalled the scene from yesterday, remembering how she had asked him to let go, and realized he might have used too much force back then.

Shen Rong glanced at him, noticing his gaze fixed on her. She slightly parted her lips, mouthing something silently.

Shan Zong rested one hand on the table, whispering: “Cursing me?”

Her lips had clearly formed the words: “Rascal.”

Shen Rong softly said: “Wrong accusation? If I had screamed back then, do you think you’d come out unscathed?”

“It’d still be you,” Shan Zong laughed. “Do you think I’d let you scream?”

Instantly, Shen Rong raised an eyebrow, her eyes darting toward him again.

Shan Zhao suddenly entered, interrupting the two.

“Big Brother, nearly all the Shan family’s officers in this city have arrived. They heard you entered the city and rushed to pay respects.”

Shen Rong now understood why so many people had gathered outside—it was the subordinates of the Shan family.

Her presence here made no sense. She wasn’t part of the Shan family—was she supposed to accept their respect?

Outside, a soldier reported the arrival of a few more people, sounding urgent.

Shan Zhao excused himself to arrange things, saying as he exited: “Big Brother, please wait here. I’ll call them in.”

As soon as he left, Shen Rong stood up and walked out.

Stepping outside, she felt someone following her. Turning her head, she discovered Shan Zong was behind her.

He pointed outward: “There are horses outside. Why don’t you ride ahead and wait for me in the city?”

Shen Rong didn’t understand: “Why?”

He chuckled softly: “Do you really want to stay here?”

She understood, her eyes twinkling, finding the idea surprisingly appealing. Nodding, she said: “Alright.”

After giving Zi Rui some instructions, she lifted her skirt and walked leisurely outside.

Indeed, many people had arrived, gathering in the side halls of the adjacent courtyard, chatting with Shan Zhao. The noise was overwhelming.

Passing by there, they reached the outer courtyard where the military horses were still tethered.

Dong Lai followed, and at her signal, fetched a horse for her.

Shen Rong adjusted her trailing skirt, mounted with ease, and galloped straight out of the gate.

The gatekeepers didn’t dare stop her, rushing instead to inform Shan Zhao.

Shen Rong spurred her horse, racing down the main street.

Glancing back, she saw curious onlookers gazing at her.

But soon, they scattered out of the way.

A fierce horse flashed toward her like lightning, its rider clad in black, swift as a gust of wind.

“Go!” Shan Zong passed by without stopping, slapping the rump of her horse with his scabbard. Instantly, her horse bolted after his.

From behind, Shan Zhao’s voice echoed as he chased on horseback: “Big Brother…”

But where were those two figures now?