Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Pouring Out Feelings to Family at Night

Xiao Chengyi was forced back to the front hall by the raucous discussions surrounding him.

Even though the Emperor knows about his emotional shift, everyone is still puzzled as to why he seems abandoned.

Thus, the onlookers began whispering, their words full of sarcasm and ridicule, making the atmosphere quite awkward.

He could only return to the mansion.

Seeing his return, the guests started to cheer, as if wishing to push the wedding to its peak: “Groom, you haven’t finished your drink, hurry up and continue, don’t spoil everyone’s fun!”

Xiao Chengyi forced a stiff smile onto his face, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart, responding, “Alright, I’ll drink!”

Immediately, he picked up the wine urn without hesitation, tilted his head back, and drank deeply, as if the strong liquor could wash away the melancholy in his heart.

However, his actions left the crowd feeling baffled, especially seeing the clear slap mark on his cheek, they fell silent, sensing something amiss.

This drama indeed has twists and turns, and is utterly brilliant.

As the wine took effect, the scenes of when he married Shen Ruoxi began to appear in Xiao Chengyi’s mind.

Back then, he was filled with excitement and anticipation, tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep.

Until later, he met Ning Zhen.

She was smart and lively, full of quirky wit, fearless and brave on the battlefield, and more fiery and passionate in matters of romance.

He was deeply attracted to her, thinking he had never experienced such intense emotions in his life.

Now, they had finally come together, he fulfilled his wish to marry her, promising a lifetime of companionship.

Yet, why did his heart feel so stifled?

Was it guilt? Was it because he felt conscience-stricken for not compensating Shen Ruoxi? Or was he afraid of being branded as a scumbag?

Xiao Chengyi himself couldn’t quite understand, only knowing he felt extremely uncomfortable inside.

Nevertheless, it was all his choice; Shen Ruoxi was no longer related to him.

He should live well with Ning Zhen and entirely forget everything from the past.

But the pain in his heart was hard to bear, while the image of Shen Ruoxi seemed impossible to dispel…

As the guests gradually dispersed, the generals who intended to celebrate in the bridal chamber, also left when Xiao Chengyi became as drunk as a muddy mess.

Ning Zhen felt even more upset and angry; this was the grand wedding she had longed for, but had not expected it to end amidst sarcasm and ridicule.

She looked at the drunken Xiao Chengyi lying on the bed like a lump of mud, a surge of fury welled up within her, almost making her want to kick him off.

However, in the mix of anger and disappointment, she finally sighed, helping him remove his jacket.

As a woman who traveled through time, she held firm confidence in herself, believing Xiao Chengyi would surely be devoted to her.

Shen Ruoxi was already gone; no matter what feelings Xiao Chengyi had for her, it’s all in the past, no longer possible.

Still, she seriously assessed Shen Ruoxi for the first time, the backyard woman she once despised seemed to have taught her a vivid lesson.

But she is not her; she is the ultimate victor.

She possesses a complete Xiao Chengyi, a love unique to her alone.

And she would also shine in ancient times, making everyone remember Ning Zhen’s name, for generations to come!

…

Shen Ruoxi slept too much during the day, finding it difficult to sleep at night, thus deciding to get up.

Stepping out of the room, she was surprised to find Xueyan leaning against the door outside.

Awoken by the commotion, she immediately sprang up, “Miss, are you getting up at night? Let me serve you.”

Shen Ruoxi slightly frowned, “Xueyan, didn’t Chuntao and Xia Lian arrange a room for you?”

“They did, Miss. But I was worried and wanted to stay by your side so there’s someone to care for you should you need anything.”

“You’re being silly, forsaking a bed to stand guard outside? Quickly go back to sleep, I don’t need anyone to keep watch, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Also, don’t let this happen again.” Shen Ruoxi softly scolded, yet her heart was full of care for her.

Xueyan was deeply touched, “I just wanted…”

Of course Shen Ruoxi understood her intentions, earnestly wanting to express her gratitude.

She smiled slightly, interrupting her: “The Xiao Mansion has its rules, as does the Shen Mansion.

Here we don’t need night watch, besides, staying up will affect tomorrow’s appearance, all my maids need to look pretty everyday.

Hurry back to your room and rest, and don’t disturb my sleep here.”

Xueyan was extremely moved, secretly pondering: How could there be such a considerate master in the world?

No wonder Chuntao and Xia Lian often show off, they were spoiled by the Miss.

“I will return now!” she responded respectfully.

“Don’t come again, I’d be unaccustomed to it.” Shen Ruoxi whispered.

“I obey.” Xueyan replied, then turned and returned to her own room.

Shen Ruoxi shook her head, then stepped out of the Shaohua Courtyard.

The Shen Mansion was exceptionally quiet at night, her pace was quick, yet her mood was unusually heavy.

The Ancestral Hall, where the ancestors of the Shen Family are worshipped, naturally includes her parents, uncles, and brothers.

Upon returning home, she wanted to visit, but seeing her family’s happiness with her return, along with her grandmother’s presence, she didn’t mention it.

Now, alone, she decided to devote time to these departed loved ones.

The Shen Mansion’s Ancestral Hall is located in the most secluded and tranquil place of the backyard; although remote, it is cleaned well, giving a simple and elegant feeling.

With a creaking sound, the sound of the door opening was especially loud in the silent night of the hall.

Inside was dim and deep, only the faint light from two lamps by the door illuminating the hall.

Shen Ruoxi slowly approached, her gaze falling on the densely packed tablets at the center, tears involuntarily filling her eyes.

She lit incense and candles, knelt down respectfully and kowtowed, choking as she spoke: “Father, Mother, your unfilial daughter Shen Ruoxi comes to visit.”

In the fire basin, paper money burned, the flames illuminating Shen Ruoxi’s face, she quietly watched, tears streaming.

“Older Brothers, you must take good care of our parents down there. Don’t worry about me; I am living well, really well. Eldest Brother and Fifth Brother, don’t fret over our sisters-in-law, I will care for them to the best of my ability.

Also Qing’er, Yun’er, and Xiang’er, the three are adorable and sensible; with me here, you can rest assured!”

Shen Ruoxi spoke softly in tears.

She apologized to her mother, explaining her intention was not to live poorly but fate was unkind, with Xiao Chengyi’s affections elsewhere, she had to return to the Shen Mansion to support the family.

From now on, she must live for herself, for the Shen Family.

As the night grew deeper, Shen Ruoxi felt no sleepiness.

She carefully cleaned each tablet, arranging them neatly.

Outside remained pitch black, yet dawn had not arrived.

“Father, Mother, Seven Brothers, Ruoxi is back. I will visit daily going forward, for now I won’t disturb you.” Shen Ruoxi whispered, then kowtowed once more, stood up, and exited the hall.

Though the Shen Mansion is much larger than the Xiao Mansion, it feels vast and desolate.

As Shen Ruoxi wandered within, suddenly a shadow flashed in the distance ahead of her.

She was startled, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes.

Who dares to invade the Shen Mansion at night? They must have a death wish!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep