Chapter 56: Strange—This Person is Peculiar

To attend the banquet at the Yan Prince Manor, Su Zhenyue had prepared a carriage in advance.

The carriage was spacious and comfortable, its interior lined with soft cushions. On a small table were seasonal fruits and some pastries.

Sai Xue was too small, and Su Zhenyue couldn’t bear to have him pull the carriage, so she chose two other strong, magnificent horses.

On the afternoon of the ninth day of the tenth month, they set out from Anle County.

As with their usual outings, they were accompanied by personal guards. Shen Ji did not ride a horse but instead shared the carriage with Su Zhenyue.

Fortunately, the carriage was spacious enough that the two of them did not feel crowded.

The official roads within You Prefecture were rather smooth, perhaps because they were frequently used for transporting grain and supplies, making travel convenient.

The carriage and horses made good time along the way.

Su Zhenyue had originally brought two storybooks to pass the time on the road. Unexpectedly, with the carriage moving so swiftly and the light inside being poor, it wasn’t suitable for reading. She simply put them aside and started talking with Shen Ji instead.

Sometimes she would ask about the cases he was handling, and other times she would share amusing anecdotes she had recently heard. When she grew tired of talking, she would eat some fruit or sample the pastries. Later, feeling drowsy, she simply leaned against Shen Ji and took a short nap.

Although the carriage ride was inevitably a bit bumpy, their spirits were high from the outing, and both were in a good mood.

Before they knew it, they were drawing closer and closer to their destination.

The next morning, the group finally arrived near the Yan Prince Manor.

However, they did not go directly to the manor but first found an inn to rest and freshen up. It was not until nearly the hour of Si-zheng that they set out for the banquet.

Prince Yan had always been a man of low-profile, and the Royal Grand Concubine was not celebrating a major milestone birthday this year. Therefore, the banquet was not a grand affair; only close acquaintances were invited to offer their congratulations.

The Royal Grand Concubine had never met Shen Ji and Su Zhenyue before, having only heard about their connection to her grandson. Thus, even before meeting them, she already held a favorable impression.

Now, seeing that the two were not only outstanding in appearance but also carried themselves with natural grace, the Royal Grand Concubine liked them even more. When she saw that Su Zhenyue’s congratulatory gift was a Guanyin Statue she had embroidered herself, the Royal Grand Concubine, who had begun to embrace Buddhism in recent years, was exceedingly pleased.

The Guanyin Statue was not particularly valuable. Of course, given the Royal Grand Concubine’s status, nothing, no matter how valuable, could truly move her. In comparison, the sentiment woven into each and every stitch was far more touching.

“What a deft child. No wonder the Princess Consort often praises you to me,” the Royal Grand Concubine said with a kind smile. She took Su Zhenyue’s hand and continued to speak, asking in detail about her age, hometown, and hobbies.

Su Zhenyue answered each question.

The Royal Grand Concubine’s affection for her grew as she listened.

Glancing at Shen Ji standing to the side, the Royal Grand Concubine chuckled, “I’m just having a little chat with your wife. Is it worth being so nervous? You go on and attend to your own matters.”

Most of the people present were female relatives, so it was not appropriate for Shen Ji to linger. He responded with a “Yes” and excused himself. He didn’t go far, only standing outside the hall to speak with Shi Jun.

The Royal Grand Concubine was advanced in age and didn’t often wear jewelry. After a moment’s thought, she slipped a string of purple sandalwood prayer beads from her wrist and pressed it into Su Zhenyue’s hand. “This has been blessed. It will protect you and keep you safe. Good child, Anle County isn’t far from here. Come visit more often when you’re free. I spend my days praying to Buddha, and the Princess Consort has no one to talk to. She’ll be happy when you come.”

Su Zhenyue lowered her gaze and softly agreed.

Yan Wangfei chimed in playfully, “I would love to invite her to stay for a few days, but they are newlyweds, as inseparable as honey and oil. I’m afraid they can’t bear to be apart for even a moment.”

The others present also chuckled lightly.

Su Zhenyue’s face flushed slightly.

The Royal Grand Concubine’s eyes crinkled with a smile, but she spoke in a perfectly serious tone, “What are you laughing at? A husband and wife being deeply in love is as it should be.”

Everyone chimed in with agreement.

Just as they were talking, a servant suddenly came to report, “Reporting to the Royal Grand Concubine and the Princess Consort. The young master of Lord Yuan, the Sichuan Xingdu Zhihuishi, has arrived to offer birthday congratulations.”

A jolt of shock went through Su Zhenyue’s heart.

The young master of Lord Yuan from Sichuan? Could it be Yuan Ye?

The Royal Grand Concubine also frowned slightly, quite surprised. “Who?”

“Mother-in-law, this is the son of Princess Ruining, the maternal grandson of Old Chengwang,” Yan Wangfei quickly explained.

The Royal Grand Concubine knew of this family. She thought for a moment and asked, “They’re so far away, why was an invitation sent to their family? Didn’t we say we weren’t having a big celebration?”

“No invitation was sent. He probably just happened to find out.”

Although he hadn’t been specifically invited, the man had come all this way to offer birthday wishes and was already at the gate. They couldn’t possibly turn him away.

Thus, Yan Wangfei quickly said, “Quickly, invite him in.”

“Yes.”

Su Zhenyue closed her eyes for a moment, telling herself again: Don’t be afraid. You have nothing to do with each other.

In the dream, they had been bound together by an arranged marriage, but in reality, she was already married. They would have no entanglement whatsoever in this life.

With that thought, she felt much more at ease. Taking advantage of the fact that the Royal Grand Concubine was preoccupied with the new guest, she inconspicuously slipped to the back of the crowd.

She had intended to slip out directly.

Unexpectedly, at that very moment, the sound of disorderly footsteps approached from a distance.

Immediately after, a group of people walked into the main hall.

Su Zhenyue had no choice but to stay for the time being, remaining with the female guests. Fortunately, there were many people, and as she had come to a banquet, her attire was ordinary and she didn’t stand out in the crowd.

The person in the lead was a young man of about twenty, dressed in lavish clothes. He was extremely thin, and his complexion was an unnatural shade of pale.

Su Zhenyue recognized him at a glance. It was Yuan Ye.

It was the Yuan Ye who had tormented her for so long in her dream, who had caused Nanxing’s death, and whom she had finally retaliated against only after expending immense effort and nearly sacrificing her own life.

Despite having thoroughly prepared herself mentally, her heart couldn’t help but tremble at this moment.

But she quickly averted her gaze.

What is there to be afraid of? It was only something from a dream, completely unrelated to reality.

Yuan Ye took a few steps forward and bowed to the Royal Grand Concubine. “This junior wishes Grand-Aunt-in-law a long and healthy life, your spring radiance blooming eternally.”

The Royal Grand Concubine was slightly taken aback and quickly said, “Child, rise quickly. We haven’t seen each other in so many years, I almost don’t recognize you. What is your name? How old are you this year?”

“Replying to Grand-Aunt-in-law, this junior is Yuan Ye. I just had my coming-of-age ceremony two months ago.”

“Are you married?” the Royal Grand Concubine asked again.

Yuan Ye’s gaze faltered for a moment. “Not yet.” Composing himself, he added, “I fell ill some time ago, but thanks to the divine doctor recommended by my uncle, I have now made a full recovery. I came to You Prefecture this time specifically to thank my uncle. Hearing that it was Grand-Aunt-in-law’s birthday, I had a small gift prepared. I hope Grand-Aunt-in-law will not disdain it.”

As he spoke, he raised a hand.

An attendant behind him whisked away the red silk covering a box, revealing a golden Buddha statue over a foot tall inside.

Yuan Ye smiled. “This Buddha statue is made of pure gold. It’s a little small, a mere token of my respect.”

Looks of astonishment appeared on the faces of everyone present.

Su Zhenyue could even hear faint gasps.

Setting aside its craftsmanship, a piece of gold that large was invaluable.

The Royal Grand Concubine smiled. “It is wonderful enough that you could come. This gift is too valuable, I cannot accept it.”

Yuan Ye, however, said, “If not for the divine doctor my uncle recommended, I’m afraid I would have long since perished. Does Grand-Aunt-in-law believe my life is not even worth this paltry Buddha statue?”

With these words, the Royal Grand Concubine found it difficult to refuse. She could only say patiently, “I understand your sentiment, but this Buddha statue is truly…”

“Since Grand-Aunt-in-law will not accept it, then it has no use in this world.” Yuan Ye smiled and ordered the attendant behind him, “Take it out and smash it.”

He waved his hand, and an attendant immediately stepped forward, making a move to take it away to be smashed.

Seeing his perverse behavior, ready to smash a Buddha statue at a word, the Royal Grand Concubine was not only surprised but also felt a flicker of displeasure. But today was her birthday, and the guest had come from afar with good intentions. She didn’t want to make a scene, so she spoke up to stop him. “Fine, fine. How can a Buddha statue be so easily destroyed? If you insist, then I will accept it.”

Yuan Ye smiled slightly. “Many thanks to Grand-Aunt-in-law for gracing me with this honor.”

The Royal Grand Concubine beckoned for someone to carefully put the gift away, then whispered a few instructions in her daughter-in-law’s ear.

Yan Wangfei nodded, planning to open the treasury later and select a treasure of equivalent value to give in return.

Taking advantage of the commotion, Su Zhenyue quietly slipped out of the hall.

Once outside, the air felt much fresher.

She was about to stop a maid to ask where Shen Ji had gone when she turned her head and saw him talking with Divine Doctor Xu under a nearby corridor.

Su Zhenyue’s spirits lifted, and she walked over quickly.

Even before she got close, Shen Ji noticed her. His gaze fell upon her, a faint smile on his lips. “Why did you come out?”

He had thought the Royal Grand Concubine and Yan Wangfei would keep her for a while longer.

“It was a little stuffy inside, so I came out for some fresh air,” Su Zhenyue said, not revealing the real reason and simply finding a casual excuse.

Divine Doctor Xu, however, chuckled. “Is there any need to ask? Of course she came out to find you. And you’re a Number One Scholar, yet you can’t even see that.”

Su Zhenyue’s cheeks grew warm. She smiled and said, “Divine Doctor, you’re teasing me.”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. That was not my intention at all.” Divine Doctor Xu waved his hand. “Alright, you two chat. I happen to have some business with the Prince.”

He gave a slight nod and walked away quickly.

Divine Doctor Xu was quite surprised by Yuan Ye’s arrival today. When Yuan Ye had fallen ill, he had followed Prince Yan’s order and gone to the Shu Region. But You Prefecture and the Shu Region were very far apart, and by the time he reached the Yuan residence in Shu, Yuan Ye was already out of danger.

It could be said that his contribution in this matter was truly limited.

Now that Yuan Ye had come all this way from the Shu Region under the guise of expressing his gratitude, Divine Doctor Xu felt it necessary to explain the details to Prince Yan once more.

Seeing Shen Ji, much of the unease that had arisen in Su Zhenyue’s heart because of Yuan Ye dissipated.

She took a few steps closer and asked in a low voice, “Cousin, when are we going back?”

“Hm? You just arrived and you already want to leave?” Shen Ji raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. He thought for a moment, then answered seriously, “We’ll have to wait until the birthday banquet is over, which will probably be about one and a half shichen. What’s wrong? Are you tired?”

He could tell that her spirits were low now, not as high as when they had first arrived.

Su Zhenyue shook her head. “I’m not tired. I’m just a little homesick. I wonder how Nanxing and the others are doing at home.”

When had it been that she had started thinking of the County Yamen Back Residence as their home?

“Shall we go back now, then?”

“That would be too rude.” Su Zhenyue pondered. They had come to the Yan Prince Manor today to celebrate a birthday; how could they leave before the banquet had even officially begun? Besides, Yuan Ye didn’t know her. Why should she let him affect her relationship with the Yan Prince Manor?

So, she smiled again and added softly, “I am homesick, but when I’m by your side, it seems I don’t miss it so much.”

Shen Ji heard the affection in her words and smiled faintly, reaching up to straighten a hairpin that had gone slightly askew.

Su Zhenyue complied obediently, even rubbing her cheek against his palm like a little cat.

How wonderful, she thought. She was married to Shen Ji and no longer had to be involved with that person.

At that very moment, however, Shen Ji suddenly had a strong feeling of being watched.

It was very uncomfortable.

Shen Ji looked up and scanned his surroundings, only to see a pale-faced young man staring intently in their direction.

Although they had never interacted, the man had caused quite a stir when he entered the manor earlier.

Shen Ji knew who he was: Yuan Ye from the Shu Region.

Their eyes met. Yuan Ye curled his lips into a strange smile, then nonchalantly shifted his gaze away.

For some reason, Shen Ji felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

Soon, the birthday banquet was about to begin.

For today’s banquet, men and women were seated separately.

Su Zhenyue’s seat was not far from the Royal Grand Concubine, a clear indication of the high regard the Prince’s manor held for her.

Shen Ji, meanwhile, was seated at the same table as Shi Jun, Divine Doctor Xu, and others.

Prince Yan showed his distant maternal nephew, who had come to offer birthday congratulations today, ample respect by arranging a seat of honor for him.

Yuan Ye, however, knew his etiquette. He repeatedly declined and only took the seat to Prince Yan’s right.

He had come from afar and knew no one. Prince Yan briefly introduced the other guests at the table to him.

He was, after all, from a prominent family. Despite his privately violent temperament, he managed to handle the social interactions with propriety. It was only when it was Shen Ji’s turn that Yuan Ye asked curiously, “Is this the new Number One Scholar of the year?”

“That’s right, it’s him,” Prince Yan nodded.

Yuan Ye asked again, “During his preparation for the exams in the capital, did Number One Scholar Shen stay at the Jing An Marquis Estate?”

Shen Ji’s eyelids lifted slightly. “Yes.”

Yuan Ye asked again, his interest piqued, “I hear your esteemed wife is also from the Jing An Marquis Estate?”

“Mm.” Shen Ji realized that this Young Master Yuan was paying particular attention to his affairs, and seemed to harbor a hint of hostility. But the strange thing was, they had never interacted before.

Yuan Ye smiled and continued to ask, “Then you two must be deeply in love?”

Before Shen Ji could answer, Shi Jun, at the same table, cut in, “Of course! Is there even a need to ask? Putting everything else aside, the fact that his wife followed him a thousand li when Brother Shen was demoted to You Prefecture is enough to show the depth of their affection.”

Yuan Ye’s expression was blank as he nodded. “I see.”

Then, he raised his cup to Shen Ji. “Congratulations.”

Prince Yan hadn’t had much contact with him but had vaguely heard about his temperament. He quickly changed the subject, making small talk about his parents and his health.

“Thank you for your concern, Uncle. Everything is well,” Yuan Ye replied, his attitude reasonably respectful.

Prince Yan exchanged a few more pleasantries with him. “It’s a rare trip to You Prefecture, why not stay a few more days? You can experience the local customs and culture of You Prefecture.”

Yuan Ye nodded, not refusing. “I had the same thought. In that case, I shall impose on you, Uncle.”

He had come to You Prefecture precisely to find an answer. Even if Prince Yan hadn’t asked, he would have stayed.

…

As soon as the birthday banquet ended, Shen Ji announced their departure.

Prince Yan knew he had a long journey and did not press him to stay.

It was Shi Jun who grumbled a few words, “You barely come here, and you won’t even stay a little longer. All that time wasted on the road.”

Shen Ji just smiled faintly without a word, pretending not to have heard his complaint.

At the same time, Su Zhenyue also bid farewell to the Royal Grand Concubine and Yan Wangfei.

After the couple met up, they boarded the carriage to head home.

Su Zhenyue was a little tired, but once she was actually sitting in the carriage, she felt more awake.

Seeing Yuan Ye today had inevitably brought back many old memories from her dream, making her feel fearful and disgusted, as well as faintly uneasy.

She didn’t know how much interaction the Yuan family and Prince Yan had in that dream. In the dream, Yuan Ye was long dead by the time Prince Yan rebelled. If he was close to the Yan Prince Manor, did that mean she might see him again in the future?

“What’s wrong?” Shen Ji noticed her distraction.

Su Zhenyue shook her head. “It’s nothing, it’s nothing.”

After a moment’s thought, she added in a small voice, “Cousin, I’m a little tired.”

Shen Ji wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into his embrace and letting her lean against his chest. “Then get some rest.”

“Mm.” Su Zhenyue found a comfortable position in his arms.

Being so close, she could faintly hear the beat of Shen Ji’s heart.

Thump, thump. Steady and strong.

Her own heart gradually calmed down.