Chapter 62: In Front of Him, the Little Fox Could Only Submit to His Arrangements

Previously, during the auction at the Imperial View Club, Jiang Buyan had asked him why that young girl had suddenly decided not to bid. He didn’t know why she had driven up the price or why she had chosen to withdraw. But what he did know was that the half of the Western Zhou manuscript offered at the auction that day was a fake. The genuine manuscript was with the Lu family. With the real artifact in his possession, how could he fail to distinguish the authentic from the counterfeit?

“Western Zhou manuscript?” When Old Master Shen learned that this birthday gift was the other half of the Western Zhou manuscript, his aged and gentle face lit up, the corners of his eyes lowering, revealing unmistakable delight.

“Are you saying…”

Lu Yunzhou replied, “Yes. It happened to be at my family’s home, and knowing that you, Teacher, have been searching for the remaining half for so long, I thought to bring it to you.”

“Oh my…” Old Master Shen was slightly taken aback, then nodded with utmost seriousness. He seldom admired anyone so much, especially such a polite and capable young man. As a junior of the Lu family and Old Master Shen’s student, Lu Yunzhou’s birthday gift was neither extravagant nor wasteful; instead, it struck right at the old master’s heart.

“You truly understand me.” He had indeed searched for this half of the Western Zhou manuscript for years, all to no avail. He had thought he would never obtain it in this lifetime. To receive such a treasure on his birthday was beyond expectation.

Yet as Old Master Shen voiced this sentiment, there was still joy in his brows and eyes, his gaze earnest upon Lu Yunzhou. The words sounded oddly ambiguous—was it the gift that touched him, or the giver?

“So long as you like it, Teacher.” Lu Yunzhou’s attitude was thoroughly respectful.

“I do like it,” Old Master Shen’s smile brimmed over. “How could I not?”

But amidst his happiness, Old Master Shen’s smile paused ever so slightly. His gaze deepened; even the way he looked at the gift was tinged with subtle complexity. He was delighted to have received the manuscript, but what about Ah Zhao… What about the wager he had with her?

Old Master Shen still couldn’t fathom it. How could Ah Zhao not like him? Lu Yunzhou was exceptionally handsome, with refined and striking features, outstanding intellect, and ability—he was the pinnacle of the capital’s elite. Such an excellent, high-quality man was rare even with a lantern in hand.

Even more so, countless debutantes and heiresses in the capital sought him, yearning to be with him but failing to win his heart. In terms of status and background, Lu Yunzhou and the Shen family were perfectly matched. Although times no longer clung to old traditions, even he found himself liking and admiring this young man. Yet Ah Zhao remained unmoved, even making a wager with him: if Lu Yunzhou himself withdrew from the engagement within three years, then the betrothal would be void.

How could he allow that? It seemed he, the old man, would have to lend a hand. Whether they could truly like each other, whether their hearts would meet, that was up to the young people.

“Are you planning to return to the military district soon?” Old Master Shen suddenly inquired, testing the waters.

“I’ll stay in the capital for the time being,” Lu Yunzhou replied seriously.

Looking into the man’s calm, dark eyes, Old Master Shen suddenly had an idea. He paused, his voice tinged with deliberation, “Then, would you have the time, perhaps, to look after someone for a while?”

“If you have something to say, Teacher, please speak freely.”

Old Master Shen was both elder and mentor, and Lu Yunzhou treated him with the utmost respect.

Ahem, what Old Master Shen wanted to say was: “You and Ah Zhao have been betrothed since childhood, but you’ve hardly met each other. Added to that, my precious granddaughter has been ill for years, her health particularly frail. So I thought, if you have time, you might take her with you, help her exercise and build up her strength.”

Exercise. Lu Yunzhou’s gaze darkened slightly, but he caught the hidden meaning in Old Master Shen’s words.

He asked earnestly, “Teacher, are you suggesting that Miss Shen accompany me to the military district for exercise?”

Note—it was exercise, not training. Old Master Shen knew the reality of Shen Chaoxi’s health perfectly well. Yet at this moment, he acted as though he knew nothing at all, simply wanting the best for his granddaughter.

Seeing Lu Yunzhou grasp his meaning, Old Master Shen’s gentle smile grew, “Exactly!”

But for Lu Yunzhou now, it was true: apart from the engagement, he and Shen Chaoxi were strangers. His courtesy and attentiveness toward her stemmed solely from upbringing and responsibility.

And that was all. He had no other thoughts about her. He had never broached the subject of their engagement because he knew it was arranged when Shen Chaoxi’s mother was still alive, and they were both too young to understand. After the Shen family’s tragedy and Shen Chaoxi’s parents’ passing, he never brought it up again. Even if he didn’t like her, he felt bound by duty to care for her.

Yet he knew they were not suited to each other.

Moreover, her health—Lu Yunzhou’s brows furrowed.

“But Teacher, given Miss Shen’s physical condition, I’m afraid taking her to the military district for exercise might be dangerous.”

He recalled the timid girl he had met, and concerns took root in his mind. She seemed a sheltered flower raised by the Shen family, innocent and delicate. Her body might not withstand the rigors of the military district.

Old Master Shen’s smile remained warm, “That’s exactly why I ask you to look after her, just as a means to help her exercise.”

He knew his granddaughter’s condition better than anyone. Ten years ago, he had deliberately spread word that Shen Chaoxi was chronically ill, simply to keep villains at bay. He could not bear to send another child to the grave, nor to witness a disaster like the one ten years ago.

People said Shen Chaoxi had several brothers who doted on her, but everyone grows up eventually. Old Master Shen had thought deeply—if in the future, the one she loved treated her poorly or couldn’t protect her, what then?

So, it was better to arrange everything for her while he was still lucid and able.

Yet, given their current circumstances, it was difficult. One was calm and free of desire, untouched by emotion. The other had wagered with Old Master Shen, hoping Lu Yunzhou would withdraw within three years.

As for his precious granddaughter’s intentions, Old Master Shen could guess. She intended to use her time back in the capital to find some clever means to make Lu Yunzhou relinquish the engagement.

But as the saying goes, old ginger is spicier. This little fox, Shen Chaoxi, could only be guided by his arrangements.