Chapter 141: Sealing the Engagement

Shenyuan Garden, bathed in bright sunlight that spilled across the vintage, ink-colored bed.

She had stayed up late yesterday and hadn’t rested well, leaving a trace of dark circles beneath her eyes.

Her black hair fell loosely, framing a pale, exquisitely beautiful face that appeared somewhat weary and lacking vitality.

As Zhao Xi Shen climbed out of bed, her slender jade-like legs touching the carpet, a sudden rush of footsteps echoed from outside.

“Miss!”

“Miss!” A servant hurriedly approached, calling out to Zhao Xi Shen.

“What is it? Sister is still sleeping.”

Yuan Shen, dressed in a black casual suit that accentuated his pale skin, stood quietly. His refined features were illuminated by the morning light. His voice was low as he glanced at the servant rushing across the courtyard.

“Young Master, it’s the Miss!”

The young maid’s eyes sparkled with excitement, likely having run from the front hall, across half of Shenyuan Garden, now catching her breath.

After a moment to compose herself, she spoke to Yuan Shen, who stood in the courtyard.

“The Miss’s fiancé has arrived.”

“No, no—it’s someone from the Lu family.”

Suddenly recalling something, she hastily corrected herself.

“The Lu family?”

Yuan Shen’s eyes darkened. Zhao Xi Shen, now dressed, emerged and fixed her gaze on the maid.

“You mean Lu Yunzhou?”

The maid quickly answered, “No, Miss, it’s not just Young Master Lu, but also the elder Lu.”

Zhao Xi Shen’s brow furrowed.

“What brings them here?”

#

After more than ten minutes, having finished her morning routine and changed clothes, Zhao Xi Shen made her way to the front courtyard.

The grand, vintage-style living room stood three stories tall, its traditional Chinese architecture imposing and majestic.

“Miss.”

As she entered, the four or five bodyguards stationed at the door bowed their heads respectfully.

“Is it Ah Chao who’s come?”

Master Shen, previously engrossed in a game of chess with Elder Lu, looked up at the sound by the door.

#

A young woman in a dark ink-colored long dress, wrapped in a shawl, stepped inside. Her long hair was loosely pinned up, revealing a pale, pure face that caught Elder Lu’s eye.

In his gaze was undisguised admiration and fondness, as if beholding his own granddaughter.

Beside Elder Lu, Lu Yunzhou also looked up at the sound, turning his gaze toward Zhao Xi Shen.

Her eyes briefly swept over the two elders playing chess, then rested on the man standing nearby, dressed in a custom black suit, strikingly handsome.

Their eyes met—Lu Yunzhou’s dark gaze locking with hers—as she approached.

At that moment, Elder Lu spoke warmly.

“Come, come, Chao Chao, sit here.”

He beckoned her over, his face, though weathered by time, still bore the handsome smile of his youth.

“It’s your Grandpa Lu who’s come.”

“He used to hold you when you were little.”

“Do you remember?”

“Grandpa Lu,” Zhao Xi Shen greeted softly.

“Chao Chao, you’ve really grown up—becoming more and more beautiful,” Elder Lu said with a look of deep satisfaction.

He had met this little girl long ago—when she was but a newborn, held in Mrs. Shen’s arms, smiling at him.

And now, she had grown so much.

“By the way, Chao Chao, your grandfather told me you were unwell, so he took you to live at Qingfeng Mountain for a time.”

“How is your health now?”

Zhao Xi Shen replied, “Thank you for your concern, Grandpa Lu. It’s much better.”

“That’s good, very good,” Elder Lu nodded, smiling as he squeezed her hand with a fond gaze.

“Coincidentally, Yunzhou has returned to the capital as well. I think it’s time to finalize your engagement. What do you think?”

“Since your health hasn’t been the best, he can take better care of you.”

Elder Lu meant well.

Since childhood, Zhao Xi Shen had been betrothed to Lu Yunzhou.

For many years, Yunzhou had been stationed with the military, rarely returning to the capital, so they had never had the chance to properly discuss this matter.

But now that Yunzhou was back, Elder Lu had decided to settle the matter for their families’ peace of mind.

Hearing Elder Lu’s words, Zhao Xi Shen’s long lashes fluttered as she averted her gaze from Lu Yunzhou. She tugged at her lip and said,

“Grandpa Lu, I know you care for me deeply.”

Looking at Elder Lu, she continued, “But between Lu Yunzhou and me, there’s no foundation of affection, so I feel...”

As she hesitated, searching for an excuse to delay the engagement, Elder Lu laughed warmly.

“Chao Chao, don’t worry about that. Yunzhou simply cannot help but like you.”

Elder Lu knew his grandson well.

When the Lu family had matters to attend to, Yunzhou was often away with the military, as if dedicating his life to service.

Except when he used illness as an excuse to visit, it was rare to see him return home.

His nature was such that if he did not want to do something, even as head of the Lu family, he would not do it.

And now, the fact that he was willing to come to the Shen household—wasn’t that a sign he liked the young lady?

Elder Lu saw everything clearly.

“But...” Zhao Xi Shen started to protest, only to be gently interrupted.

“Chao Chao, your grandpa knows what worries you.”

“You see, love is something that can grow over time.”

“Once you’re married, if Yunzhou dares to mistreat you, Grandpa will help you teach him a lesson. But if I were to give you to someone else, I would never be at ease.”

Yet, the more she looked into Elder Lu’s kindly smiling eyes, the harder it became for Zhao Xi Shen to speak of breaking the engagement.

“Not only your Grandpa Lu, but your grandfather as well—they would never be truly at ease, wouldn’t they?”

It is said that elders worry about the younger generation all their lives.

But they only wish for their descendants to live well.

As long as they do, the elders can find peace.

Master Shen often seemed playful like a child, indulging his younger family members.

But on matters like these, he was clear-headed.

He did not want to see his granddaughter miss out on a good match like Lu Yunzhou.

Lu Yunzhou was his student, yes.

But more importantly, he was the young master of the Lu family.

He knew the Lu family inside and out, had watched Yunzhou grow up, and understood his temperament and character.

So entrusting his precious granddaughter to him was something he could feel assured about.

Moreover, this engagement was also the wish of Zhao Xi Shen’s mother.