Shi Fengju looked at Sang Wan, who was pale and trembling lightly yet enduring it with all her might, and recalling Gu Fangzi’s words just now, his heart ached abruptly, feeling an impulse to embrace her and comfort her tenderly. However, the hurt and coldness at the bottom of her eyes were clearly visible to him, and that made him stop in his tracks.
He knew she was aware that what Gu Fangzi had said was true, even though he wanted to tell her it was all in the past, not like that now! Because he had already found the one truly worth his affection, worth his protection, and that person was her!
He knew even more so that she wouldn’t believe it, because he himself found it hard to believe.
"Young master..." Mrs. Li looked at Sang Wan’s complexion and couldn’t bear it, in the silent room, she finally couldn’t hold back from speaking up.
"Wet nurse, I know!" Shi Fengju gently interrupted her and nodded softly, signaling her to be assured: "Wet nurse, you may leave first! I have something to discuss with Miss Wan."
"...Alright then, I’ll leave first," Mrs. Li nodded, but not without a worried glance back at Sang Wan.
The maids, heads bowed and hands folded, quietly left the room. Only Liu Ya recalled what Sang Wan had shared about her and Shi Fengju being a fake couple, bit her lip, held back her resentment, and was pulled away by Mrs. Li.
As Shi Fengju was unsure how to begin, Sang Wan’s gentle voice had already spoken from the side, "Actually, everyone already knows about this matter; there’s nothing to hide! However, if anyone intentionally tries to cause trouble in the future, young master, do not forget to speak up for Miss Wan. I do not wish to suffer unwarranted grievances."
Shi Fengju couldn’t help but look up in surprise; the woman in front of him was as serene and gentle as ever, her previous paleness and injury seemed like his own illusion. Yet, Shi Fengju felt an even deeper, unspeakable heartache.
"That won’t happen," Shi Fengju said tenderly: "Miss Wan, you are the leading lady of this house. It is your place to reprimand others. Should anyone disrespect you, just deal with them according to the rules. I’ve got your back!"
"You saying so puts my mind at ease!" Sang Wan "mmh’d" softly and nodded slightly.
Shi Fengju felt overjoyed, "Miss Wan, you’re not angry anymore?"
Sang Wan looked perplexed and chuckled, "What do I have to be angry about! You’re thinking too much!" I certainly don’t want your mother coming to discipline me, Sang Wan thought.
"That’s good, that’s good!" Shi Fengju became cheerful and added, "Rest assured, we’ll pretend the incident earlier never happened! Leave it to me to handle."
"Alright!" Sang Wan smiled.
Shi Fengju suddenly felt somewhat at a loss for words; the uneasiness he had felt before had become groundless. He should be happy that she wasn’t upset, but seeing her utterly unconcerned expression, he felt dispirited.
"I’ll leave now, you..." Shi Fengju looked at her, struggling for words.
"You go get busy!" Sang Wan smiled, "Come back early for dinner, I’ll wait for you to join." If her prediction was correct, Gu Fangzi would surely seek out Shi Fengju later and try to keep him in the peony garden. She couldn’t let that happen, especially after Gu Fangzi had spoken those words, such things must not happen!
"Alright, I will be back soon!" Shi Fengju’s heart lifted and he couldn’t hide his smile.
"Mrs. Li, about the incident just now, you know how to handle it, don’t you?" Outside on the corridor, Shi Fengju stopped in his steps.
Even if Shi Fengju hadn’t said these words, Mrs. Li would have taken care of the matter for Sang Wan, but since Shi Fengju asked, he was showing support for Sang Wan. Mrs. Li, of course, couldn’t be happier and firmly said, "Young master, rest assured, I understand! If anyone dares to leak a single word of Miss Fangzi’s comment, once I find out, I will bind them and sell them without mercy! And those who know but do not report will be punished severely without leniency!"
Everyone felt a chill and bowed even lower.
"Good! I’ll leave it to you then!" Shi Fengju’s eyes swept coldly and he nodded with a smile to Mrs. Li.
"Yes, young master!" Mrs. Li stood straight and answered loudly.
Shi Fengju left with steady strides, unconsciously clenching his palm. Fangzi, oh Fangzi, I truly don’t know if you understand me too well or not at all! To actually think to use my mother to pressure me! If I, Shi Fengju, can’t even coax my own mother, there’d be no point in conducting business outside!
Recalling the interrogation he had just faced with his mother, although he had explained it away lightly, merely saying he visited the peony garden yesterday but seeing his cousin rest, he left without disturbing her, and the maids and matrons of the peony garden had all seen him. Naturally, his mother would not doubt him, moreover what he said was indeed the truth.