The reason Sang Wan thinks this way comes entirely from the heartbreaking experiences of her past life. She once believed that her husband was her heaven, unchangeable forever. However, that heaven never sheltered her from the wind or rain; it only brought her endless pain! Such a heaven, she would rather not have! If in this life she still couldn’t get along well with him, divorce, though not the best choice, would still be a choice she must make! Because at least then, there might still be a way to survive.
Shi Fengju sighed after a moment of silence and said, "You can tell me this, but never in front of mother and elder sister, understand? Mother won’t agree, and elder sister wouldn’t want that either."
Shi Fengju thought to himself, this foolish woman, really dares to say anything! If mother and elder sister heard this, that would be terrible! From ancient times, it has always been encouraged to mediate, not to divorce, and yet, as a younger sister-in-law, she dares to make such unruly remarks, if mother blames her, even I can’t protect her.
Sang Wan actually regretted being nosy. Hearing Shi Fengju didn’t mean to blame her, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly smiled, "I only dare to say this in front of you! I’m certainly not tired of living to let mother and elder sister know! I was just speaking out of sympathy for elder sister, just pretend I never said it!"
Shi Fengju, hearing these words, saw how much she trusted him and felt greatly relieved. He quickly smiled and said, "I know you meant well, I won’t blame you! Actually, what you said makes sense, it’s just," Shi Fengju shook his head, "it’s still too difficult! With elder sister’s temperament, making her divorce and become a forsaken woman, she would hardly agree!"
"It was thoughtless of me!" Sang Wan readily admitted her mistake.
"Blunt advice grates on the ear; I understand your intentions, don’t take it to heart, okay?" Shi Fengju smiled and gently soothed her. Sang Wan smiled tenderly, leaning into his embrace.
Soon after the Minor New Year passed, the festive atmosphere strengthened, and the Shi Mansion was busier than ever. All the sweeping chores were completed, big round red lanterns with golden tassels were hung up on both sides of every corridor. At twilight, the appointed individuals lit the lanterns, bathing the mansion in a brilliant red light, adding to the festive mood. The vividly blooming flowers and plants cultivated in the greenhouse had been distributed throughout every courtyard.
Camellias, wintersweet, laurel, rhododendrons and auspicious plants, irises, roses, rhododendrons, and begonias were potted in large ceramic vases in the courtyards and under the corridors, creating clusters of brilliant and vibrant displays. Inside the houses were various precious potted plants such as orchids, clivia, peonies, and peonies, enhancing the rich and opulent décor, enriched with a lively and fresh essence.
Ningyuan was likewise decorated festively, with Shi Fengju bringing in lots of bright and delicate roses and roses from outside, crammed along corridors and several vases filled within the house blazed like fire in full bloom.
Sang Wan was startled at first glance and Shi Fengju eagerly smiled and asked, "What do you think? Do you like them? You mentioned the other day that roses and roses look good in vases, so I had them brought here for you!"
Only then did Sang Wan recall the casual remark she made near the plum forest, feeling a multitude of emotions, she smiled and said, "You really... hear the wind and see the rain! With such a grand setup, it’s embarrassing for others to know!"
Shi Fengju laughed unconcernedly and replied, "What’s wrong with doting on my own wife? I bought these from the gardener outside, not from our own greenhouse, what’s there to fear! Do you like them?"
A sweetness filled Sang Wan’s heart, and she gently nodded, murmuring, "Hmm."
Upon hearing her response, Shi Fengju felt it was worth it, leading her to the warm pavilion to admire the exquisite roses arranged in a large decorated vase, chuckling, "I also bought lots of dried roses, try them in your bath, and see if they smell good!"
Sang Wan’s face flushed, and she rebuked him, "I don’t need them!" She knew he was up to no good.
Shi Fengju laughed heartily without teasing her further, yet his eyes twinkled with interest.
That evening, when Sang Wan went to bathe, she entered the bathroom and was immediately greeted by a rich rose fragrance mingled with steaming vapors. Moving closer, she saw the bathtub surface covered with petals and turned green in the face asking Liu Ya, "Where did these come from? I don’t recall giving such instructions."
Liu Ya giggled, "The young master arranged this, saying that madam has been exhausted these days, and adding petals to your bath could soothe fatigue and revitalise your body, madam, the water temperature is just right, you should soak a while longer!"
Sang Wan opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t, as Liu Ya had already giggled and exited, closing the door behind her. Left without alternatives, she undressed and stepped into the tub. The rich fragrance of the flowers mixed with the wafting steam was refreshing, the petals lightly resting on her shoulders, arms, and chest, dots of vivid colors on her white skin; Sang Wan gently exhaled and leaned back, closing her eyes.
After her bath, wrapped in a bathrobe, she returned to her room, and Shi Fengju was reclining by the bedhead, beaming at her twinkling eyes. Sang Wan’s face reddened and she hesitated in her steps.
This man, really becoming more and more—
"Miss Wan, come over! It’s time for rest!" Shi Fengju playfully reached out his hand.
Sang Wan glared at him and walked over, but before she could sit, he extended his long arm to embrace her, causing her to inevitably fall into his lap.
Sang Wan softly gasped, still not fully registering the situation when she found herself wrapped in his arms, his head buried against her neck sniffing, "Let’s see if it smells good..."
Sang Wan couldn’t resist him, feeling her face turning red and hot, and weakly complained while nestled in his arms, "You, I knew you were not up to any good!"