TSWRLM -Chapter 95 Not Master, But Husband

When word spread that there was a disturbance in the city and Shen’s carriage had been blocked, Liang Weimin immediately rushed to the government office.

During last year’s flood, the office had also been inundated. Even after more than half a year, the prison remained damp and cold.

Many rioting citizens had been held here before, but when they heard that the court was sending an imperial commissioner, those people were dealt with.

Liang Weimin hurried along, sweating profusely. A cold wind carrying the stench of mildew made him shiver involuntarily.

Soon, he saw Shen Qingyuan inside the interrogation room.

The interrogation room had walls on all four sides, with no windows. One wall was lined with all kinds of torture instruments. Over time, each had been stained with blood, now mottled and terrifying.

Shen Qingyuan had already interrogated some of the captives. Those tied to the torture rack had been whipped with salted leather until their flesh was torn; the air was thick with blood and urine.

Yet Shen Qingyuan sat calmly at the questioning table, his clothes spotless, without a trace of blood.

A single oil lamp cast a dim, yellow glow, throwing shadows across his face. His expression was calm and unflinching, completely ignoring the bloodshed around him. The aura he exuded had turned cold and merciless, a stark contrast to the usual man.

Liang Weimin’s eyelids twitched.

This Shen Qingyuan was very different from the one he had encountered in recent days.

“I am late. The unrest was caused by my mismanagement. Madam Shen, was she unharmed?”

Liang Weimin quickly scanned the room, then stepped forward to apologize.

Shen Qingyuan’s voice was calm: “Just a little shock, nothing serious.”

Though his tone seemed normal, Liang Weimin felt an icy chill, as if the cold from the prison walls was seeping into his bones.

Liang Weimin hurriedly said: “The incident happened under my jurisdiction. I will provide Master Shen with a satisfactory explanation!”

“I have already inquired. The person who incited the citizens and hired someone to abduct my wife is this man. Unfortunately, I cannot pry his mouth open.”

Shen Qingyuan spoke of “unfortunately,” but his expression revealed he was in complete control.

He wasn’t failing to extract information—he was deliberately saving this man for last, planning to interrogate Liang Weimin alongside him.

Though he officially came to Xuzhou to inspect the post-disaster situation on the emperor’s behalf, everyone knew he was investigating the relief funds. At this critical moment, his wife had been targeted—Liang Weimin was naturally the prime suspect.

Sweat poured from Liang Weimin’s brow. He could not be certain if this was the work of his subordinates, but with Shen Qingyuan watching, he had to use every means at his disposal to get the truth.

After another round of harsh interrogation, the man finally spoke: “The Wei family from the capital ordered me to do this. But they didn’t tell me to harm Madam Shen, only to create the illusion that she was attacked by rioting citizens and place her somewhere safely.”

The Wei family?

Liang Weimin’s temples throbbed. He wanted to ask about their motives, but the man genuinely didn’t know.

Shen Qingyuan had anticipated this.

He stood and said heavily: “It’s late. I’ll return to the inn first. The rest is up to Lord Liang  to handle.”

After Shen Qingyuan left, Liang Weimin stayed in the prison for some time before returning to the Liang residence. It was already past midnight, yet Madam Liang was still awake.

“Why are you back so late, sir? I have something important to tell you.”

Madam Liang came forward to help him remove his coat. Though his mind was in turmoil, Liang Weimin asked calmly: “What is it, madam?”

She quickly recounted Chun Xi’s words from earlier, then anxiously added: “This Madam Shen is of lowly birth and only ever thinks of food. Whatever I ask, she answers truthfully. If the Wei family really plans to use her to pave the way for Wei Lingze, do we still have any chance of survival?”

Liang Weimin, who had been curious about the Wei family’s involvement, suddenly understood.

The Wei family likely intended to stage Madam Shen’s fake death, framing Liang Weimin. Shen Qingyuan, committed to investigating the case, would appear to offend people publicly, while Wei Lingze would gain both in the eyes of the emperor and behind the scenes.

The Wei family’s plotting was impressive.

Liang Weimin’s expression hardened. He immediately said to Madam Liang: “Hurry, grind the ink—I must write to my teacher!”

“But hasn’t your teacher told you not to write to the capital for now? Won’t Shen Qingyuan notice?”

“This is urgent. There’s no time to worry. As long as I’m careful, he won’t notice.”

Madam Liang wanted to protest further, but seeing Liang Weimin’s serious expression, she fell silent.

——

Shen Qingyuan returned to the inn, showered, and finally entered the room.

Although he had not been splattered with blood, his long time in the prison inevitably left a faint odor.

Chun Xi, lounging with her legs crossed on the bed, jumped up at his return: “You’re back! Have you eaten yet? I had the kitchen save some food for you. Do you want some?”

As she spoke, she walked toward him, but he grabbed her arm.

“I’ve eaten. I’m not hungry.”

Shen Qingyuan’s voice was deep, slightly hoarse, and his eyes darkened.

Yet freshly showered, with the faint scent of water and soap, he was unexpectedly relaxing to be near.

Fearing he was still angry, Chun Xi explained everything she had said to Madam Liang earlier, hoping to make amends: “Madam Liang was clearly trying to find out if you had backing. I immediately steered the conversation to Wei Lingze. I already suspected him. If the Liangs contacted his backers, they would surely provoke him. While we’re working hard on this case, we can’t let him meddle freely, right?”

Chun Xi raised her eyebrows, proud of her cleverness.

Seeing her lively, spirited expression, Shen Qingyuan’s heart thumped uncontrollably.

Once he confirmed that Wei Lingze still coveted her and wanted to hide her, his desire to completely claim her surged to its peak.

He had previously thought the age gap required patience, letting her slowly grow to like him willingly.

Now, he no longer wanted to wait.

He wanted to consummate their marriage. He wanted her entirely for himself, with no one allowed to take her away.

Thinking this, Shen Qingyuan wrapped his arms around Chun Xi’s waist, pressing close: “My wife is clever, and she has been a great help to me.”

His praise was sincere, with no trace of the earlier anger.

Chun Xi exhaled in relief, then widened her eyes in shock.

The weather was hot, he wore light clothing, and they were pressed tightly together. She could clearly feel his change.

“Master…”

Nervous, Chun Xi barely spoke before Shen Qingyuan lowered his head to rest his forehead against hers. His hoarse voice was seductive: “There’s no one else here. I am not your master—I am your husband.”