Chapter 3 “My silk handkerchief, have someone take it to be cleaned…”

Xiao Rong had not lived in the main Xiao residence since their marriage.

Si Jin speculated that this was likely arranged for the sake of their marital charade. Otherwise, even in their current situation, she often found herself flustered. If they were under the watchful eyes of the entire Xiao household, their fake marriage would be exposed before long.

The carriage stopped in front of the mansion. A servant opened the door from outside, letting in a wave of summer humidity—stuffy and damp.

Si Jin bent forward to step out of the carriage, and an umbrella was already held over her head.

Xiao Rong’s other hand moved smoothly upward, wrapping around her waist and lifting her from the carriage to stand before him.

Si Jin’s breath caught, and she instantly stiffened.

“Are you today again…”

He was overacting.

Before Si Jin could finish her whisper, Xiao Rong had already withdrawn his hand.

Their bodies were no longer in contact, but Xiao Rong remained standing close beside her. Through their thin summer garments, she could still feel his body heat.

Xiao Rong held the umbrella, his expression calm and unreadable as he quietly watched her.

Si Jin couldn’t bring herself to continue her earlier remark, only muttering under her breath, “Don’t always be so hands-on…”

Xiao Rong seemed not to hear, his face still devoid of expression.

When she first married Xiao Rong, Si Jin had worried she wouldn’t be able to convincingly play the role of Madam Xiao.

She had disliked Xiao Rong for many years since childhood. Though her dislike wasn’t exactly bitter resentment, she certainly held no fondness for him whatsoever.

Moreover, after she came of age, their interactions had dwindled. Last year, they had hardly seen each other at all, and now they were practically strangers.

Fortunately, Xiao Rong made the task much easier.

Moving out of the main Xiao residence was one aspect.

In public, he was gentle and reserved, his behavior always proper. She only needed to match his respectful demeanor, occasionally offering a warm smile, and to outsiders, they appeared to be a harmonious couple.

But at some point, the job had grown more complicated.

When receiving gifts from Xiao Rong, she had to brighten her eyes and laugh coquettishly, saying, “Thank you, husband. I love it so much.”

When Xiao Rong frequently visited Qiu Shui Courtyard, she had to say against her conscience, “Husband, it’s been so long since you’ve stayed with me. Won’t you remain today?”

When Xiao Rong traveled afar, she had to rise before dawn and see him off at the mansion gate with reluctant farewells.

The first time he pulled her close was on a spring morning earlier this year, before one of his journeys.

He had embraced her lightly—restrained and matter-of-fact.

He released her after just a moment, yet it left her tingling for a long time.

Xiao Rong had explained, “In a marital relationship, things progress gradually. Newlyweds often start with mutual respect, but if nothing changes over time, it’s as good as telling outsiders we have no private interactions or development.”

Si Jin had to admit it sounded reasonable and found no grounds to refute him.

But this sticky, gradual shift—growing more intimate, more affectionate in their act—when would she ever be completely free of him?

Now he didn’t even ask, always reaching out to touch her directly.

Holding her hand, wrapping an arm around her waist—in time, would he even…

Xiao Rong’s voice abruptly cut off Si Jin’s wandering thoughts. “I have some official matters to attend to and need to go to the study first.”

Si Jin pressed her lips together. She really didn’t want to say what she normally would in front of others at a time like this.

But the servants stood by with bowed heads, waiting, and Xiao Rong’s gaze remained fixed on her face.

Si Jin’s brow twitched slightly, and it took her a long moment before she spoke: “How come there’s still official business? How long will it take?”

Hopefully until evening, until she’s already fallen asleep.

Or better yet, until dawn tomorrow, so that by the time she wakes and opens her eyes, Xiao Rong has already left the estate for work again.

She couldn’t help but lift her gaze, forgetting to conceal the anticipation in her eyes.

Xiao Rong’s gaze darkened slightly, lingering for a moment in her clear, bright eyes.

“I’d like to stay with you too. When the rain lets up, you can come to the study and keep me company. By then, I should be finished with my work.”

Si Jin: “…”

To be honest, over the past year, the fact that she and Xiao Rong had managed to perform this marriage so seamlessly was largely thanks to Xiao Rong.

She had no idea how he managed to say such sentimental things with that cold, ascetic face of his.

As for her, aside from pre-rehearsed moments, she often came across as rather stiff.

Like right now, she could only respond dryly: “…Alright.”

Fortunately, her response at this moment could be interpreted as a young woman’s reluctant pout.

Xiao Rong raised his hand and gently stroked her cheek, then handed his umbrella to a maid nearby. Taking another umbrella for himself, he turned and headed toward the study.

Leaving Si Jin belatedly covering her cheek.

Hadn’t she told him not to be so handsy!

As soon as Si Jin returned to the main room, she noticed the rain in the courtyard was beginning to ease.

Her pupils contracted, and she instinctively felt the maid beside her glance up at her.

They couldn’t possibly think she was actually this eager to go find Xiao Rong in the study right away, could they?

She wasn’t going!

“Close the door,” Si Jin instructed calmly, walking directly toward the beauty couch.

Today’s returning home visit had left her somewhat fatigued.

With the gentle patter of rain outside, it was the perfect time for a short nap.

A servant waiting in the room approached: “Madam, I’ve searched the entire room but still can’t find the silk handkerchief you had yesterday.”

Si Jin froze, her body abruptly straightening just as she was about to lie down.

Her reaction was so sharp that it startled the maid, who immediately knelt: “This servant deserves death, please forgive me, Madam.”

“Get up, I’m not blaming you.”

That silk handkerchief from yesterday was probably lost for good, and Si Jin couldn’t recall where it might have been dropped at all.

What suddenly occurred to her now was that today’s silk handkerchief had been taken by Xiao Rong and left in the carriage.

Just now, it seemed neither she nor Xiao Rong had taken the handkerchief with them.

They hadn’t taken it, right?

At least she hadn’t taken it, and she hadn’t seen Xiao Rong carrying anything either.

Si Jin frowned slightly, immediately feeling annoyed with herself.

She’d only resolved to improve this morning—how could she have forgotten again so quickly?

Si Jin immediately stood up and ordered: “Prepare an umbrella. I’m going to the stables.”

Chun Xing looked surprised: “Madam, it’s still raining outside. Did you leave something behind? This servant can fetch it for you.”

“No, I need to go myself.”

She needed to teach herself a lesson.

Chun Xing held the umbrella for Si Jin as they made their way to the stables together.

The carriage they had ridden earlier was parked by the outermost fence, waiting for servants to clean it once the rain stopped.

Si Jin bent down and boarded the carriage, glancing sideways—but she didn’t see her silk handkerchief anywhere.

She pulled open the drawer; it was empty. Searching elsewhere, she found no trace of the handkerchief in the entire carriage.

Had it already been collected by a servant?

Puzzled, Si Jin stepped down from the carriage just as a stable hand happened to pass by in the rain.

She called him under the eaves: “Has this carriage already been tidied up?”

“Madam, the carriage hasn’t been tidied yet. We were waiting for the rain to stop before cleaning and organizing everything inside.”

So no servant had entered yet.

It seemed Xiao Rong must have taken it.

When had he taken it, and where had he put it? She hadn’t noticed at all earlier.

Si Jin returned empty-handed, filled with confusion.

Chun Xing asked quietly, “Madam, did you lose something valuable?”

“No…” Si Jin belatedly felt somewhat embarrassed, “It’s just that silk handkerchief from this morning. I forgot it in the carriage earlier.”

It was just an ordinary silk handkerchief, making her seem like she was making a fuss over nothing.

But she was merely annoyed at her own forgetfulness. If this continued, no amount of handkerchiefs would be enough for her to lose.

Although she hadn’t found the handkerchief, Si Jin could only conclude: “My husband must have taken it. He said he’d have someone wash it. I was worrying over nothing.”

Hearing this, Chun Xing glanced up at the sky.

Before she could speak, Si Jin noticed it too.

The rain had stopped.

Si Jin gave an awkward smile and asked softly, “Should I go see if he’s finished with his work?”

Chun Xing bowed, “This servant believes Madam should indeed go check.”

“…”

Xiao Rong’s study was located in the quiet eastern wing of the estate.

Si Jin walked slowly along the corridor. Servants passing by would stop and bow to her, smiles playing on their lips, clearly aware that the madam was going to see the master.

Though she knew it was all an act, Si Jin couldn’t help but feel her cheeks warm.

It was all Xiao Rong’s fault for creating such an intimate atmosphere, making everyone but herself believe she was deeply in love with him.

And what about Xiao Rong’s feelings toward her? Si Jin snorted softly. He certainly played the part of the doting husband perfectly, using this facade to conceal his true nature even more effectively.

When would others see through Xiao Rong’s hypocrisy as clearly as she did?

Lost in thought, Si Jin soon arrived at the eastern study.

The main room’s window faced the corridor and was wide open, apparently to air out the stuffiness after the rain.

The man lounging at the desk appeared relaxed yet aloof, casually toying with a piece of jade that cast a faint glow on his pale fingertips.

Dressed in black and gold brocade robes with cranes embroidered along the sides, he exuded an aura of cold elegance and nobility.

Si Jin was momentarily surprised he had found time to change clothes, then remembered his outer robe had been damp from the rain when they returned.

Xiao Rong knew how to dress well – his attire never failed to complement his handsome features, always showcasing his refined elegance.

Though perhaps “dressing well” wasn’t quite accurate, as his good looks meant everything suited him.

Unlike most noble young men, he needed no flashy adornments.

Recalling their youth, even in plain white robes, the young Xiao Rong had been equally pleasing to behold.

Now, each outfit served to enhance his appearance, captivating anyone who glimpsed him from afar.

After the rain, sunlight broke through the clouds, casting brilliant rays onto the windowsill.

The light fell on one side of Xiao Rong’s face, softening the usual aloofness in his features.

The brightness brought Si Jin back to her senses. As she took a few steps forward, she noticed Xiao Rong wasn’t alone in the study.

She averted her gaze, feeling relieved, and deliberately put on a disappointed expression. “He’s still busy. I shouldn’t disturb him.”

Having spoken, as if worried she might once again be captivated by that face, she hastily turned around and hurried back along the corridor at a pace faster than when she had arrived.

Xiao Rong: “…”

“Xiao… Lord Xiao?”

After a long pause, a crisp sound of jade hitting the desk echoed through the room.

The man who had remained silent finally spoke, his voice cold and devoid of any previous gentleness.

“Be brief. Don’t waste my time with nonsense.”

Back in her room, Si Jin finally found some relaxed rest.

She reclined limply on the beauty couch, intending to read for a while, but soon closed her eyes and fell asleep.

When she woke again, the room was dimly lit, shadows dancing in the faint light.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she suddenly noticed a figure passing by in the distance.

The sound of Si Jin rising caught Xiao Rong’s attention, and he turned to look at her.

Their eyes met, and Si Jin immediately felt awkward, averting her gaze first.

She wondered when Xiao Rong had finished his work and come here. Surely he hadn’t been lingering nearby while she slept.

With a sidelong glance, Si Jin noticed Xiao Rong standing in the corner between the screen and the beauty couch. There was nothing there, leaving her puzzled about his purpose.

But Xiao Rong seemed to be merely passing through. Not long after Si Jin looked away, he resumed walking and moved away from that spot.

A faint sound came from the room, as if Xiao Rong was lighting a lamp on the other side of the screen.

Si Jin glanced out the window and saw that dusk was approaching.

She asked, “Shall we have dinner?”

“Are you hungry?” Xiao Rong replied quickly, his voice coming from behind the screen though his expression remained unseen.

“Not really, I’m not very hungry.”

She had eaten quite a lot during lunch with her parents at the Si residence, her mother constantly filling her bowl with food, so she genuinely didn’t feel hungry yet.

“Then we’ll wait a bit longer.”

Si Jin sat up on the beauty couch and suddenly remembered something. “Did you have someone clean my silk handkerchief?”

The shadow cast on the screen suddenly paused, and the sounds of him adjusting the lamp ceased abruptly.

After a moment, Xiao Rong replied calmly, “Not yet. I forgot when we got off the carriage earlier. I’ll send someone to fetch it shortly.”

Si Jin frowned.

A “sizzle” came from behind the screen as the lamp was lit, instantly brightening the room.

Si Jin squinted slightly, her eyes adjusting to the light.

She walked around the screen and looked up to see Xiao Rong putting away the fire starter in his hand.

The candlelight illuminated one side of Xiao Rong’s face while the other remained hidden in shadow, making his expression inscrutable.

The room fell silent.

Si Jin watched Xiao Rong quietly, unsure where the strange feeling slowly spreading within her was coming from.

After a long while, she said softly, “But I already checked the carriage and couldn’t find my silk handkerchief. Do you know who might have taken it?”