Chapter Fifteen: Riding the Momentum

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Liang Shanru suddenly felt a chill run through her heart. Xu Yunxuan was a rare man to lose his composure. This was not a good thing for her, and Old Madam Hu would never allow it—she might even suspect that Liang was secretly enticing him. She shook her head repeatedly, stepping back a few paces to keep her distance from Xu Yunxuan before speaking. “Old Madam said nothing, so don’t overthink it. After all this, I’ve realized that relying on oneself is the most lasting way. As for inviting Uncle Zhou to Yangzhou, he and my father share a brotherly bond; it’s more convenient for him to handle certain matters.” While hastily distancing herself from Xu Yunxuan, she smiled and replied, “I’ve also written to Auntie. The Liang family can’t do anything to me, so you needn’t worry.”

Though his intentions were kind, even when refusing his help, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Xu Yunxuan knew he had been overly eager and lost his composure just now, but since the words were out, he thought it might be better to be straightforward. Yet Liang Shanru refused to entertain that, and with her attitude, he understood everything clearly. Ultimately, she did not want to acknowledge this marriage. While Old Madam’s influence played a part, what mattered most was what she truly felt inside. A wave of bitterness surged in Xu Yunxuan’s heart. He took a deep breath to calm himself and looked at Liang Shanru with an open and sincere gaze. “I’m relieved to see you so confident.”

He continued, softening his tone, “Third Mistress has been well lately but always worries about you. If anything troubles you, even if she can’t help, she can at least listen to you. If…” He hesitated, thinking of his grandmother, then changed the subject: “If you don’t want to come home, just send someone to say so. You can speak elsewhere.” Liang Shanru thought how meticulous he was—a truly good man, one who would surely be considerate as a husband someday. Unfortunately, she was not so fortunate. Smiling, she agreed, “Jingyi and I won’t be formal guests.” Xu Yunxuan’s heart sank threefold. With him, she remained always polite yet distant.

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The young clerk had already prepared the pawn ticket and issued a silver note. Liang Shanru took it and bowed to Xu Yunxuan. “I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.” Xu Yunxuan wanted to say more but stopped, watching her leave without another word. Once outside the pawnshop, Nongyun glanced back several times and called out to the young lady, clearly wanting to advise her. Liang Shanru raised a hand to stop her. “There’s no time for anything but serious matters. I know what you want to say, but don’t ever mention it again. You mean well, but if others hear it, it will only cause trouble.” Nongyun lowered her eyes, feeling regret. Lord Xu was a man of noble character, truly a worthy match; the General and Madam had chosen well.

Liang Shanru patted her shoulder, climbed into the carriage, and instructed the driver to return to the separate courtyard. She then told Nongyun, “He’s a good man. Who knows if a better one awaits me someday?” Nongyun forced a smile, “As long as you’re at peace with yourself, Miss.” She had no regrets. Could she blame Old Madam Hu for judging people? It was only natural that Liang Shanru refused to acknowledge this marriage. Her father had once been a celebrated general; now, nearly disgraced, Old Madam Hu had at least not shunned her. Holding the silver note, Liang Shanru told Nongyun, “Uncle Hu replied that Auntie will arrive in a few days. I’ll first speak with Uncle Zhou, then deliver the silver to the clan uncles. Afterward, we’ll go to the trading firm to hire some capable servants to organize the General’s residence. Outsiders can’t be trusted, so you must oversee things there. I won’t need your service at my place. After all, I can’t have Auntie living with me in Uncle Zhou’s separate courtyard.”

Nongyun protested, “But Miss’s daily needs…” “I have hands and feet; I can manage. It’ll only take a day or two to settle things. You won’t be staying long at the General’s residence.” Liang Shanru cut her off, “Do as I say—I don’t trust anyone else.” The loyal girl’s face lit up with relief at the reassurance, and she obeyed without further words.

Liang Shanru’s ability to raise two thousand taels within an hour completely surprised Zhou Shenyi. When she returned to the separate courtyard and showed him the silver note, his expression darkened instead of brightening. His eyes were filled with accusations. Not wanting to hide anything, Liang Shanru showed him the pawn ticket as well. “Don’t be quick to anger. You told me to find a way myself. Since I solved it, if you don’t praise my ability, why the scolding tone?” Zhou Shenyi certainly wanted to scold!

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He had been unaware of the hardships she endured. Had he known how the Zhou family mistreated her, even without Third Prince’s orders, he would have long stood up for her at the Marquis of Changle’s residence. Liang Ji’s lineage was so scant; no matter what, he must protect it. Moreover, in the eyes of the Liang family, he bore the name of protector. “I’m not scolding you, but your actions show no consideration for me. If word gets out, the Liang family will laugh us to death!” Zhou Shenyi snorted coldly. “I carry the title of protector, yet you take things to pawn for silver. What kind of matter is this?” He didn’t know what she pawned, but the fact she could redeem two thousand taels meant it was likely something left by her parents. The more he thought, the angrier he grew. “What did you pawn of your parents’ belongings? And the Zhou family didn’t confiscate it?” Liang Shanru smiled but refused to tell him.

Zhou Shenyi laughed bitterly. “I don’t need you to say; I can guess. You’re quite something. So many things were seized by the Zhou family, and you probably have only a few left. Yet you’re willing to pawn them.” His tone was sarcastic. Liang Shanru coquettishly pinched her fingertips. “My parents left these to me for exactly this reason—to have something to rely on in hard times. Father always said gold and silver are external possessions. Now that I’m pawning them, it’s their greatest use. Besides, it’s a pawn loan. In a few days, I’ll get the money back from the Marquis and redeem everything.”

Zhou Shenyi was so angry he was speechless. This matter wouldn’t be resolved so easily. Liang Shanru knew that no amount of explanation would quickly calm him. So she quickly added, “You’re not protector in name only. Right now, I need to deliver silver to the clan uncles, then go to the trading firm to buy some maids and servants to prepare the General’s residence. Since we are tidying up the General’s residence, I’ll be moving house and will need to borrow your influence.”

Zhou Shenyi glared at her. “With your cunning, you use that line to stop me from scolding you.” He knew everything clearly but was most susceptible to this approach. Though he scolded her, his tone softened. “If you ask me, forget all those things at the Marquis’s residence. When you move to the General’s house, just get a few things. Since you’re going to Shengjing with your aunt, why borrow my influence?”

Liang Shanru said firmly, “I don’t want any other things for free, but those personal items I used can’t stay in the Liang family. What if the Zhou family wants to spite me and gives them to someone else or throws them to street beggars? What would I do then? Besides, since I invited you, I want to make those two suffer a little!”