TSWRLM -Chapter 327 Lord Shen Forcibly Claims a Wife

Late at night, in the front hall of the Shen residence.

Shen Qingyuan and Chun Xi sat side by side at the main seat, and Chun Xi was completely sober from the wine.

After Su Yang finished a sip of hot tea, she finally spoke: “How is Aunt’s health? Why did you suddenly return to the capital?”

Su Yang had been the young master of the escort agency where Chun Xi’s father once worked. Chun Xi’s father and Su Yang’s father were sworn brothers, extremely close. Chun Xi had often been brought to the agency as a child, so she and Su Yang had grown up like childhood friends.

Su Yang’s father had always liked Chun Xi’s fearless nature and had mentioned it to Chun Xi’s father many times. Eventually, the two families arranged a childhood engagement. After Chun Xi’s father passed unexpectedly, it was Su Yang’s father who helped handle the aftermath and even gave a considerable sum as compensation.

At that time, however, Madam Wang (Chun Xi’s mother) couldn’t bear the grief of losing her husband and treated Su Yang’s father very coldly, forbidding him from entering the Cao household. Not long after, Su Yang’s father also fell ill and passed away. With no one to run the escort agency, Su Yang’s mother had no choice but to dissolve it and return to her own family, taking Su Yang with her.

Back then, Chun Xi had already been sold to the Wei household. She only learned about all this when she returned home for the New Year holiday.

She had long regretted never being able to say goodbye to Su Yang, but she had been very young at the time, with no romantic feelings. Over the years, she had completely forgotten the childhood engagement.

She hadn’t expected Su Yang to seek her out now.

Su Yang put down his teacup, sighed, and spoke sadly: “After my father passed, my mother never remarried. Over time, longing became a sickness. She doesn’t have much time left, but she has always remembered the promise made between my father and your uncle. Her greatest wish before passing is to see us married.”

“…You and your mother have been away from the capital for so many years. Our families lost contact long ago. I also married last year, and now my child has already reached full term. That promise should be void by now.”

As soon as Chun Xi finished speaking, Su Yang shook his head: “How can it be void? Over these years, my mother and I have kept this in mind. Life was hard when we first returned to our maternal home. I didn’t write to you because I didn’t want to burden you. I studied diligently for you and finally passed the imperial exams this spring. I even bought back the old family home, ready to welcome you with full honor. If you break the promise, why didn’t you tell me?”

By the end, Su Yang’s tone carried a reproach, as if Chun Xi were a heartless traitor who had wronged him.

Chun Xi was stunned by his self-righteousness.

He had earned the degree for himself, bought the house for them to live in, and back then, when they disappeared without a trace, she didn’t even know if they were alive. Yet he pinned such a great debt of gratitude on her.

Why didn’t he say he had survived all these years just for her?

Chun Xi was speechless. Shen Qingyuan spoke up in time: “Chun Xi is already my wife. This matter is settled. Moreover, the past no longer matters. If Su Gongzi wants to resolve this, he can speak plainly.”

They were to attend a banquet at the palace today. Shen Qingyuan wore a dark blue silk robe embroidered with silver bamboo leaves. Though not as imposing as official robes, it still exuded authority.

Su Yang did not dare speak to Shen Qingyuan in the same familiar tone he used with Chun Xi. He cleared his throat: “Lord Shen is right. The matter is as it is. I cannot break up a couple, but to honor the promise, I have not married until now. You must be responsible for my marriage.”

After speaking, Su Yang added casually: “My mother is gravely ill and wants to see Chun Xi, but she can’t withstand shock. I request that Madam Shen wear a youthful appearance when visiting.”

Su Yang’s request seemed natural. Chun Xi frowned and was about to refuse, but Su Yang continued: “Lord Shen is enjoying the emperor’s favor. Surely you wouldn’t want news of forcibly taking a wife to spread?”

As he said this, Su Yang’s expression held a trace of smugness, almost threatening.

Chun Xi immediately understood—Su Yang’s visit was not impulsive, but carefully planned.

He bared his fangs, but Chun Xi remained calm. Shen Qingyuan, unmoved, nodded: “Fine. We will do as Su Gongzi requests.”

Hearing Shen Qingyuan’s words, Su Yang’s face lit up, and he swaggered out confidently.

Back home, Su Yang’s mother rushed forward: “So? Did they agree? Did they trouble you?”

“I am now a scholar with the imperial degree; they dare not touch me. As I expected, Shen Qingyuan, worried about his reputation, agreed at once. In a few days, Cao Chun Xi will bring gifts to visit me.”

“Good! That’s wonderful! Then gather all your friends. Once they know Cao Chun Xi is your fiancée, Shen Qingyuan will have no choice but to promote you before the emperor. Chun Xi must also arrange a better match to compensate you.”

Su Yang’s mother, excited, almost broke her voice.

Though her health was not great, she was not as gravely ill as Su Yang described. Upon hearing the news, her eyes sparkled, and she seemed rejuvenated.

Su Yang himself lifted his chin, already envisioning a future where he stepped over Shen Qingyuan to rise.

To prepare for the spring imperial exam, he and his mother had returned to the capital early last year.

At that time, Chun Xi had just retrieved her freedom papers from the Wei household. Hearing she had served as a maid, fetching and cleaning for others, Su Yang despised her and stayed hidden.

Later, Chun Xi married Shen Qingyuan and lived increasingly prosperous days. Su Yang grew resentful. He scolded Chun Xi as ungrateful and improper, while carefully calculating how much benefit he could extract from her.

Over the past year, Su Yang spent all his time, except studying, investigating Chun Xi and Shen Qingyuan.

Shen Qingyuan appeared cold and detached, but he fiercely protected Chun Xi. Now they had a child and strong affection. Even if Shen Qingyuan didn’t care about his reputation, he wouldn’t let Chun Xi be criticized.

Thus, this visit was perfectly timed.

With the first battle won, Su Yang was already considering which noble lady of Hanjing could match him.

Relying on Shen Qingyuan was not a long-term solution; marrying into a wealthy family was best.

Though Chun Xi was friendly with Princess Hengyang, royal ladies were temperamental and delicate—marrying her might be like worshiping a deity. Marrying a Xiao family daughter was better.

The eldest Miss Xiao had just divorced. With the Xiao women’s reputations affected, Chun Xi could help arrange a marriage, making it feasible.

Thinking this, Su Yang couldn’t help humming.

Early the next morning, Uncle Hu informed Chun Xi of all the Su family’s details.

Su Yang and his mother had returned to the capital early last year, buying back the old family home and living lavishly.

After passing the imperial exam, Su Yang was proud and hosted endless feasts. Each time, he disparaged his maternal family, portraying himself as a devoted son who endured hardships. He also claimed he had a deeply loved fiancée, Chun Xi, for whom he had studied tirelessly despite no contact.

After hearing this, Chun Xi pondered for a moment and told Uncle Hu: “Please have someone investigate Su Yang’s maternal family home to see where their wealth comes from.”

“Yes.”

After Uncle Hu left, Chun Xi wanted to discuss a strategy with Shen Qingyuan. She looked up and saw him staring at her teasingly.

Chun Xi gave him a sharp look: “Lord, are you laughing at me?”

Shen Qingyuan shook his head: “No. I just think Madam looks very cute when punishing scoundrels.”