TSWRLM -Chapter 326 Husband, I Think I Had a Childhood Engagement

“Madam, why are you out? Has something happened in the residence?”

As soon as Chun Xi (Chao Chun Xi) passed through the hanging flower gate, Shen Qingyuan (Shen Qingyuan) returned.

Seeing her, he quickened his pace. When he reached her, he naturally took the lantern from her and held her hand.

Tomorrow would be the start of winter, and the night wind carried a winter chill. Although Chun Xi had finished her confinement period, her body had not fully recovered, and her hands felt a little cold.

Shen Qingyuan frowned slightly. “Madam has just come out of confinement. You need to take care of your body. No matter what happens, it can wait until I return. There’s no need to go out in the night wind.”

His tone was serious, yet every word conveyed deep concern.

Chun Xi wiggled her fingers slightly and gently scratched the palm of his hand. Softly, she said, “Nothing happened at home. I just realized that lately, I’ve been putting all my energy into Ning’er and An’an, somewhat neglecting you, Husband. So I specifically came out to welcome you.”

Before Ning’er was born, An’an had already awakened Chun Xi’s maternal instincts, but she hadn’t thought she would devote all her attention to the children. After Ning’er’s birth, her mindset had completely changed.

Even though the residence had wet nurses, and Nanny Li and Nanny Zhang helped look after the children, there were many things she couldn’t bear to entrust to others. When Shen Qingyuan returned, all she talked about was the children.

She was exhausted from taking care of the children during the day and would get extremely sleepy at night, barely exchanging a few words with Shen Qingyuan before dozing off.

Thinking carefully, over this past month or so, it seemed that the only thing remaining between her and Shen Qingyuan was the children.

Hearing Chun Xi’s words, Shen Qingyuan’s heart softened. He moved his thumb, lightly stroking the back of her hand, and said warmly, “I’m on duty every day, so I have very little time with the children. It’s only natural for you to spend more effort with them, Madam. But your body hasn’t fully recovered yet—always measure your strength, and don’t tire yourself.”

The night wind was chilly, but Shen Qingyuan’s palm was warm. His tall body blocked most of the wind for her.

Chun Xi curved her eyes and stepped closer, pressing against him. She deliberately asked, “Husband, have you heard any bad rumors lately?”

“Not at all. The Censorate has been busy recently; I haven’t had time to listen to rumors,” Shen Qingyuan replied, then tilted his head toward her, “But has anyone in the residence been gossiping in front of you?”

His tone remained gentle, yet his eyes unconsciously radiated authority. He had already ordered that no one in the residence spread rumors, and anyone who dared gossip in front of Chun Xi would not be spared.

“No one gossiped; I overheard it myself by accident. But today the Wei family came forward to clarify, and all those rumors have vanished. Husband, do you know who was secretly helping me? Could it be… that he likes me?”

Chun Xi looked up at Shen Qingyuan, her eyes crescent-shaped with mischief.

Shen Qingyuan relaxed, the aura of authority fading, replaced by tenderness in his gaze. “If someone can anticipate your worries and relieve them in advance, he must like you very much.”

“I’ve already had my child, and yet someone still admires me. Husband, aren’t you worried I’ll be abducted?”

Chun Xi was proud, almost laughing aloud.

“I’m not worried.”

Shen Qingyuan remained serious. Before she could say anything else, he wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned down to kiss her.

Since Chun Xi became pregnant, Shen Qingyuan had maintained abstinence.

Though they still had physical contact, they had not gone further. Initially, Shen Qingyuan intended to stop at light affection, but as the kiss deepened, he found it hard to restrain himself.

After the kiss, Chun Xi’s face flushed, her body softened, and she had to clutch Shen Qingyuan’s collar just to stand.

His breathing was deep as well, his Adam’s apple rolling, until he finally calmed down. Then he continued, “Someone admiring Madam only proves my eye for you is good. If you were abducted, it would be my fault for not being good enough. I should reflect on myself, not blame you.”

Chun Xi no longer joked. She wrapped her arms around his neck and said firmly, “In my heart, Husband, you are the best in the world. No one can surpass you. In this life, the next life, and every life after, I will only love you!”

Her cheeks were rosy, her lips glistening red, and her words sounded enchanting. Shen Qingyuan’s carefully suppressed desire surged again.

He tightened his hold on her waist and said in a husky voice, “Madam’s body hasn’t fully recovered yet. Behave yourself. Don’t tempt me now. Even the most upright man can’t resist this for long.”

“Oh,” Chun Xi nodded, then said, “Husband, you mean that once I recover, I can tempt you as much as I want, right?”

Her expression was earnest, even tinged with anticipation.

Shen Qingyuan’s eyes darkened. “Yes. Once you’re fully recovered, Madam can do whatever she wishes to me.”

At that time, Madam wouldn’t even be able to stop herself.

The next day, the start of winter, the palace held a grand banquet to celebrate the Duke of Zhen Guo’s military achievements.

The Duke had reached the peak of his rank. The Emperor promoted his two sons.

Xiao Yechen had decapitated Xuanyuan Lang, earning first merit. He was granted the title of General Qinglin, awarded a thousand taels of gold, a hundred acres of good land, and had the Ministry of Works construct a General’s residence for him.

Shen Qingyuan, having stopped the water and preserved most of the autumn harvest, was also granted a thousand taels of gold. Since he had been promoted to Censor-in-Chief for less than a year, the Emperor did not promote him further but posthumously granted his mother, Madam Xiao, the title of Gao Ming Madam.

Other deputy generals and officials from the Ministry of Works received rewards according to merit.

Once all the rewards were distributed, the protocol officer called out for Princess Hengyang, Chun Xi, and Xiao Qinghe.

They had together studied ways to help those addicted to Xiangyin endure their cravings and generously submitted the methods to the Imperial Medical Department—a great achievement.

Princess Hengyang was further honored as Grand Princess Yu’an, awarded a phoenix carriage frame, and officials below the fifth rank were required to salute her.

Xiao Qinghe was titled Lady of Qingyun County, with a fief of three hundred households, and Chun Xi received a third-rank Madam’s title.

When the imperial edict was announced, the hall erupted in congratulations. Those who had looked down on Chun Xi could not help but cast envious glances.

Indeed, Cao Chun Xi had an extraordinary fate. Born of humble origins, once a maid, she married a perfect husband, bore a son, and even gained a daughter. With no domineering in-laws and enjoying the Princess’ favor, who could live better than her?

Chun Xi straightened her back and accepted everyone’s gaze calmly. She understood better than anyone that today’s honor and praise were not gifts from heaven but the result of her own hard work.

Before marriage, she had promised to dedicate herself fully to being Madam Shen. Now, she could finally stand shoulder to shoulder with her husband.

Lost in thought, Shen Qingyuan handed her a cup. “Madam, congratulations.”

Chun Xi accepted the cup, lightly clinking it against his. The clear sound resonated as she bent her eyes, “Husband, same joy to you.”

Overjoyed, she drank two more cups. By the time they returned home, Shen Qingyuan had to carry her from the carriage.

She murmured softly to him when suddenly a melancholic and incredulous voice came from nearby: “A-Xi, you really got married?”

Following the voice, a handsome young man stood a short distance away, gazing at them with sorrow.

Chun Xi’s eyelid twitched. Then she heard Shen Qingyuan ask, “Madam, who is this young man?”

“…Husband, I think I forgot to mention—my father had arranged a childhood engagement for me.”