Pin Shanhe

Although they have already expressed their true feelings, they have taken their fake relationship to real.

However, due to her pregnancy, they did not consummate their marriage.

In the Xuanwang Mansion, he mostly stayed in the study.

Even when he occasionally stayed in the room, he slept on the soft couch outside.

At first, the man expressed his dissatisfaction, but no matter what, he couldn't possibly do anything to her at a time like this, right?

A hug at most isn't too much to ask, right?

But he underestimated his self-control. With such a beautiful woman in his arms, how could he not be tempted?

He was the one who tried every means to stay, and in the end, he was the one who left in a sorry state.

He truly understood the feeling of having the woman he loved right in front of him, yet being unable to touch her.

Having lived through two lifetimes, Shen Fu has yet to truly experience the joys and sorrows of love between men and women.

That one time, however, it was done while she was not fully conscious.

At the man's prompting, she couldn't help but recall the events of that night.

The young girl was taking a bath, and a layer of bright red petals floated on the water, highlighting her snow-white skin.

Unaware that there were eyes watching everything.

Come to think of it, she hasn't settled this score with him yet!

While feeling embarrassed, Shen Fu couldn't help but glare at him.

"The mighty War God of the Great Yong Dynasty, sneaking into a woman's boudoir at night—is this not the behavior of a gentleman?"

"I have never intended to act like a gentleman before you!"

I first met her on our wedding night.

In order to escape Jun Qiyuan's entanglement, she took the initiative to undress and offer herself to him.

In the darkness, her beautiful and graceful figure was fully revealed.

Around that time, he had developed a desire for her that he himself was unaware of, and as they spent more time together, he gradually became unable to extricate himself from it.

Therefore, when he learned that she had been drugged with a bewitching incense, he felt not only anger but also a sly, despicable smugness.

Finally, I can take this opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do but never dared to do.

Shen Fu felt quite uncomfortable under his intense gaze.

The ambiguous atmosphere began to heat up.

Just then, a voice sounded from outside the door: "Your Highness, Your Highness, the banquet is ready. Your master invites you to dine here."

You've come at just the right time!

Shen Fu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly ran towards the door.

But they didn't notice the man's increasingly dark gaze. He could run away, but he couldn't hide!

Even if it's not possible now, he will make up for all the "debts" he owes from those days one day.

Banquet hall.

When Shen Fu arrived, she discovered that besides her father and brothers, there were two unfamiliar faces.

And they were two women!

The woman, who was around forty years old, greeted her warmly as soon as she saw her.

"This must be Fu'er! I held you when you were born, and now you've grown up so much."

Shen Fu frowned. She didn't like interacting with strangers, so she took a step back to avoid their hands.

"Who are you?"

The woman was somewhat embarrassed, but managed a weak smile. "I'm your mother's sister, you should call me aunt!"

Xiao Xuanjin's gaze suddenly darkened.

According to his investigation, the Duchess of the State went into premature labor when she returned to her parents' home to visit relatives.

Therefore, Shen Fu was not born in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, but in her maternal grandfather's Bai family.

He had tried to subtly probe Shen Ting'an, but the latter did not reveal any flaws.

Either he was overly cautious, or... he was completely unaware of what happened back then.

Perhaps this woman might provide some clues.

At this moment, Shen Fu also looked at the woman in front of her with a scrutinizing gaze.

My mother does have a younger sister who married a local wealthy businessman eighteen years ago.

She had never seen this person before.

Why did they suddenly come to the Duke's mansion?

Was it just a coincidence that you were passing by, or was there another reason?

Shen Xiucheng whispered a few words in her ear, and Shen Fu quickly understood the reason for the matter.

It turns out that Bai's husband favored his concubine over his wife, even elevating the concubine to the position of wife and kicking her out of the house.

With nowhere else to go, she and her daughter had no choice but to seek refuge at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, hoping that they would take them in for a few days out of consideration for their kinship.

Shen Fu thought that if someone really encountered difficulties, it would be right to help.

But what's with Fifth Brother's indescribable expression?

Shen Xiucheng gave her a helpless look, saying, "You'll see soon enough."

After introducing himself, Bai pulled over the woman next to him.

"This is Ruoyan, your cousin! Ruoyan, this is your cousin Fu'er!"

Xu Ruoyan obediently stepped forward and called out, "Cousin."

Shen Fu nodded and took off the jade bracelet from her wrist as a gift.

Perhaps sensing the bracelet's value, a burning light appeared in the other person's eyes.

"How could I possibly accept this?"

Despite saying that, he immediately accepted it, afraid that if he hesitated even for a second, the other party would change their mind.

During the meal, Shen Fu finally understood Shen Xiucheng's meaning.

"Brother-in-law, have some... I made this myself."

"And this steamed mutton cake is fragrant, tender, and smooth, leaving a lingering aroma on your lips and teeth. You should try it."

"Brother-in-law looks noticeably thinner these days, please take good care of yourself."

Bai Shi sat down next to Shen Ting'an, constantly putting food into his bowl, her eagerness in her eyes impossible to hide.

The bowls in front of Shen Ting'an were piled up like a mountain, but he didn't touch them at all, not even picking up his chopsticks.

Seeing this, Bai bit her lip: "Brother-in-law, you don't dislike me, do you?"

"No, I haven't been feeling well these past two days and haven't had much of an appetite."

No matter what, the other party was his wife's younger sister. For the sake of his deceased wife, Shen Ting'an had to save face for her.

Moreover, since the other party is expressing gratitude, it would be impolite to refuse outright if we were relatives.

Upon hearing this, Bai's eyes lit up, feeling that she had found another opportunity.

"I know a massage technique that can relax the mind and body, increase appetite, and help with sleep. Why don't we go back to our room later and..."

"Snapped!"

The sound of chopsticks hitting the table made quite a noise and interrupted Bai's "attentiveness".

She was startled and turned to meet a face that seemed to be smiling but not smiling.

"What a coincidence! I've also been having a poor appetite and sleep lately. Perhaps Auntie could help me recover?"

Knowing that she was pregnant, how could Bai dare to show off his mediocre skills?

If she were to accidentally miscarry, even ten lives wouldn't be enough to compensate for it.

"My massage technique is only suitable for ordinary people, because the effects are too strong and I'm afraid you can't handle it."

Shen Fu chuckled and said, "Since you're so capable, why didn't you use your skills on Uncle? Otherwise, you wouldn't have become a discarded woman and been kicked out!"

Bai could not help but hear the sarcasm in the other person's words, and she clenched her fingers in anger.

In the two days since she arrived at the Duke's mansion, thanks to the late Madam's kindness, everyone has treated her with utmost respect.

Only this little bitch dares to be so rude to her.

Although she was angry, she didn't lash out because she remembered the purpose of her visit. Instead, she looked aggrieved.

"Fu'er, have you misunderstood something? My daughter and I are destitute and have been taken in by my brother-in-law. We can only do our best to repay him."

Xu Ruoyan immediately defended her mother, saying, "My mother has been crying all the time these days. How could you bring up her painful memories?"