TSWRLM -Chapter 134 My Wife Knows Some Martial Arts, I’m at Ease

“Master Shen has finally agreed to dine with us after so many days in office. That’s quite rare,”

In the evening, just after the work shift ended.

Shen Qingyuan walked out behind a group of senior officials. Hearing the playful remark from the Censor-in-Chief, he smiled slightly: “I have no choice. My wife is strict—she doesn’t like me drinking or socializing outside. Today, it’s only after much persuasion that she finally allowed me.”

The Censorate was responsible for supervising officials, overseeing judicial matters, and offering advice to the court. Those who worked there were mostly upright, incorruptible, and distant from social interactions. They weren’t used to casual mingling, so Shen Qingyuan’s words brought knowing smiles.

Not fond of socializing? That’s perfect.

Inside the Censorate, it was best to be detached from worldly matters and unbothered by relatives. That way, any memorials or impeachments submitted could remain impartial.

And of course, a real man should pamper his wife.

The atmosphere was lively when suddenly Wei Lingze appeared, storming toward Shen Qingyuan: “Where is my wife? Shen Qingyuan, if you have complaints, come to me directly! What kind of skill is it to abduct my wife?”

The sky was dim, and Wei Lingze’s face was grim. His words, vaguely spoken, could easily make people think Shen Qingyuan had taken Xiao Qinghe.

Everyone in the Censorate went serious, but Shen Qingyuan remained calm, glaring at Wei Lingze: “I’ve been on duty at the Censorate all day. Any of you can vouch for me. I have no idea what happened at your residence. Besides, Madam Wei calls me ‘Uncle,’ so her visiting me is perfectly proper. There’s no abduction here.”

“You may not, but Cao Chun Xi, while I was away, took my wife out every day. Today she even lied, claiming to host a banquet at Zui Xian Lou, kept my wife’s personal maid to cover it up, and had the residence staff give false testimony that they returned home. Where did she actually take my wife? If Cao Chun Xi had no ulterior motive, why the layered deception?”

Teeth gritted, Wei Lingze spat out Chun Xi’s full name.

Shen Qingyuan’s eyes darkened. In a lightning-fast move, he struck at Wei Lingze. Although Wei Lingze defended quickly, after a few exchanges, Shen Qingyuan landed a palm on his shoulder, forcing him several steps back.

Shen Qingyuan withdrew, coldly remarking: “Nephew-in-law, you should address her as ‘Aunt Chun Xi.’ Her full name is not for you to use directly.”

Publicly scolded, Wei Lingze’s face fell. He wanted to act again, but Shen Qingyuan continued: “My wife and He’er have no grievances. In fact, she likes this niece very much. There’s no reason to harm her. After returning home, perhaps they went elsewhere for fun—this is normal. You couldn’t find them for an hour or two and already panic? Have you done something wrong to He’er?”

Shen Qingyuan’s reasoning was fair. But Wei Lingze, feeling guilty, couldn’t help wondering if Shen Qingyuan already knew about Xiao Qinghe’s miscarriage.

This matter was not only a rift between him and Xiao Qinghe but, if the Xiao family knew, could damage the relations between the Wei and Xiao families.

Wei Lingze’s face darkened, but his anger subsided somewhat. Coldly, he said: “My wife has never stayed out so late. I was only worried about her.”

“Nephew-in-law, you worry too much. Your aunt knows some martial arts, is brave, careful, and wise. He’er is perfectly safe with her. If you’re still concerned, you can report it to the Jingzhao Prefecture, let the authorities help find them.”

Shen Qingyuan praised Chun Xi naturally, with no concern—only pride.

Wei Lingze knew Chun Xi wouldn’t harm Xiao Qinghe. He was simply annoyed that her clever ruse had fooled him, making him feel led by the nose. That’s why he came to pick a quarrel with Shen Qingyuan.

Both the Wei and Xiao families were prestigious clans. If Xiao Qinghe disappeared for even a short while and he reported it, others would assume marital discord, leading to malicious rumors about her—dishonoring both families.

Wei Lingze ignored this and maliciously said to Shen Qingyuan: “So, you mean Madam Shen, relying on some martial arts, often wanders out late, and you’re used to it, so you’re not worried?”

His words were laced with malice, implying Chun Xi wandered around irresponsibly every night.

But before he finished, something hit his mouth hard.

His upper lip instantly swelled. Wei Lingze groaned in pain, alert, scanning for hidden attackers. The officials tensed as well. They were used to retaliation in court affairs.

“Don’t worry, everyone,” Shen Qingyuan said calmly. With a flourish, he pulled a handful of peanuts from his sleeve and offered them around: “These are my wife’s homemade salt-and-pepper peanuts, which she told me to carry for a snack. Just now, Young Master Wei was too foul-mouthed. To protect everyone here, I had to make him quiet this way.”

“……”

Wei Lingze’s face turned black as coal. The Censorate officials, meanwhile, eagerly took the peanuts.

Chun Xi had roasted them perfectly—crispy and fragrant. Chewing a few, the flavor spread delightfully.

Several officials’ eyes lit up. Shen Qingyuan’s wife was an excellent cook and thoughtful of her husband, providing food for his long Censorate duties.

Master Shen was so considerate—why hadn’t he shared this sooner?

They finished the few peanuts quickly, wanting more.

Wei Lingze was frustrated. He couldn’t fight, couldn’t argue, and even outranked Shen Qingyuan in seniority. Why did he come to make himself suffer?

Wei Lingze intended to provoke Shen Qingyuan in front of the officials and shame him, but now he saw them impressed and pleased with Shen Qingyuan. He could only fume silently.

These same rigid officials, normally inflexible and harsh at court, were so indulgent toward Shen Qingyuan—didn’t they know peanuts existed?

As Wei Lingze fumed, a messenger hurriedly came to whisper: “Young Master, bad news—Madam Shen took the Young Madam to participate in the Top Selection at Wuyou Pavilion tonight!”

Wei Lingze’s eyes widened: “What did you say?”

That filthy place… How could He’er possibly agree to go?