After the incident between Imperial Censor Wang and Pei Shen, the atmosphere at the banquet fell into a strange lull. As many guests gradually left their seats, Wen Yu took Pei Shen to the backyard of the Wen Mansion.
"This swing was made by my elder brother for me. I loved playing here when I was a child." She led Pei Shen to the garden and pointed at the swing enthusiastically. "There used to be a grapevine beside the swing. But there were always bugs for a while. I was scared, so Father had it cut down."
As Wen Yu spoke, a look of nostalgia appeared on her face.
Pei Shen didn't reply. He just watched silently.
She was the beloved pearl of the Wen family. Even after she got married and left the mansion, traces of her past were everywhere.
Every little detail testified to the affection between her and the Wen family.
"Sister-in-law, if one day something happens to the Wen Mansion, what will you do?" Pei Shen couldn't help but probe.
Wen Yu didn't seem to notice the tension in his tone. She frowned, thought seriously for a while, and then said solemnly, "Father and elder brother are both law-abiding people. How could something happen to the Wen Mansion?
"If that day really comes, it must be because of the schemes of villains. By then, even if I have to sacrifice my life, I will surely avenge the injustice."
She looked at the swing that had seen better days. Her tone was half in jest, but also full of determination.
After she finished speaking, Pei Shen's eyes flickered.
"Why do you suddenly ask this? Are you worried about the Third Prince?" Wen Yu turned to look at him, her face full of concern. Then she sighed. "You didn't have to stand up for me just now. Even if you hadn't spoken up, Father wouldn't have agreed to such a rude request."
Pei Shen's expression became even more complicated, but he could only continue along this line of conversation. "I was just too worried."
"But after this, the Third Prince may treat you..." Wen Yu sighed and her expression changed slightly. "I originally wanted to introduce you to Father and elder brother today. But after what Imperial Censor Wang said, it's not convenient now. I don't want the Third Prince to think that you're relying on the Wen family and hold more grudges against you."
Wen Yu always seemed to be thinking about Pei Shen.
But at this moment, Pei Shen was lost in his own thoughts. He casually replied and stared intently at Wen Yu.
[Is this what they call staring at one's wife?]
[Chef Huang, make some green beans for Puppy Pei. He looks like he doesn't want to live anymore.]
[Don't be afraid, Puppy Pei. Do what you think is right. If you think something is wrong, do it quietly.]
[The person above is understanding. Puppy Pei is good at undressing people. You all have a bright future.]
"If, sister-in-law, I mean if, one day I do something to hurt you, will you forgive me?" Pei Shen still asked persistently, with worry in his eyes that he thought was well-hidden.
Wen Yu frowned upon hearing this. She stepped forward and placed her hand on Pei Shen's forehead. "Are you sick? Why are you always saying such strange things today? If you're not feeling well, let's go back to the Pei Mansion. We can always come to the Wen Mansion later. Your health is the most important thing."
Before Pei Shen could reply, she had already sent someone to prepare the carriage.
When the carriage stopped in front of the Pei Mansion, Pei Shen still didn't move. He grabbed Wen Yu's wrist and repeated, "If I hurt you, will you forgive me?"
He was extremely stubborn, as if he wouldn't stop until he got an answer.
Wen Yu naturally knew what he meant, but she pretended not to understand and smiled easily. "Do you mean the matter of the Third Prince? It's not your fault. How could I blame you?
"As for what was said at the banquet today, if the Third Prince is angry, I'll go and apologize on your behalf. I can't let you be implicated by the Third Prince because of me."
As she said this, she sighed softly. Her eyes were a bit sad. "I just feel sorry for you. You're so talented and loyal to the Third Prince. Why doesn't he trust you enough?"
"Elder brother used to be on the Second Prince's side. It's normal for the Third Prince to be wary of me." Pei Shen forced a bitter smile, with a hint of unwillingness in his eyes.
Wen Yu felt even more sorry for him. "You and Pei Qing are different people. How can the Third Prince take his anger out on you because of Pei Qing's affairs? The Third Prince's actions are really unreasonable."
She always pretended not to understand politics in front of Pei Shen, so her words were full of emotions.
But because of this, her instigation was naturally credible.
After all, her words and actions were not deliberately instigating, but just for Pei Shen's good.
"I've made sister-in-law worry."
Pei Shen finally showed a sincere smile.
It seemed that a little bit of Wen Yu's care could confirm his position in her heart.
After returning from the Wen Mansion, Pei Shen seemed preoccupied.
Even at night, he was unusually quiet and didn't make a single move.
Wen Yu knew that he was deliberately avoiding the topic, but she pretended not to understand. She was still immersed in the memories of the past and told Pei Shen all the interesting things from her childhood regardless.
This was supposed to be a sweet interaction between lovers, but for Pei Shen, it was just torture.
Her father, Wen Xun, and elder brother, Wen Yan, had been so good to her that the interesting things she talked about always revolved around them.
Now that Xie Qinghui was pregnant, Wen Yu suddenly fell silent while chatting.
"A Shen, now that I'm in this situation, I won't be able to have children for you. Will you be disappointed?" Wen Yu turned around and stared directly into Pei Shen's eyes. "I saw elder brother was extremely happy because sister-in-law was pregnant. What about you? Do you want a child?"
Pei Shen was stunned by the question and involuntarily imagined what Wen Yu would be like as a mother.
She was an extremely gentle person. If she had a child, she would surely be very patient and tolerant.
She would take the child to the door every day to welcome him back from court.
But for now, at least, he didn't have the chance to see such a beautiful scene.
"Does sister-in-law like children very much?" Pei Shen asked in return.
Hearing this, Wen Yu's expression became a bit shy, but she nodded without hesitation. "Sister-in-law let me touch her belly today. It's so amazing. I think if I could have a child with A Shen, it would surely be a smart and lovely child."
"It's a pity..."
As Wen Yu spoke, the light in her eyes suddenly dimmed. Then she comforted herself. "But I believe that once A Shen has a firm foothold in the court, he will surely find a way to marry me properly. By then, I can also have a child with A Shen."
"If it's a daughter, I'll teach her how to dress up and do needlework, and cultivate her into a real noble lady."
"If it's a son, then let A Shen teach him how to read and write, and let my elder brother teach him martial arts. Let him also become a person as versatile as A Shen. It would be even better if he could serve the court in the future."
"What do you think, A Shen?"
By the end, Wen Yu seemed to have cheered herself up again. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Pei Shen, full of indescribable expectation.