Sixteen thousand sixteen

Page (1/3)

Xie Yi didn’t come back all night, probably didn’t rest well outside either. A bluish stubble grew on his chin, and his eyes looked weary. After he entered the room, Shen Shuyao glanced at him and immediately noticed. She didn’t bother to speak, instead instructing Suihua to prepare some water because she wanted to change clothes.

Having gone out, her skirt had dampened and clung uncomfortably to her body.

Xie Yi stared at her, and seeing her ignore him, his face darkened.

“Shen Shuyao.”

“Hm? What is it?”

His question left him at a loss for words. He couldn’t just say, “You haven’t seen me all night, why don’t you care?” So he replied lightly, “Nothing.”

“Oh.”

Her attitude was cold, an unprecedented distance between them. In the past, she had been earnest, caring, sometimes even ingratiating towards Xie Yi, but now...

Xie Yi was unaccustomed to this change but felt helpless. His chest tightened with frustration and nowhere to vent it, making his expression grim. Hearing his silence, Shen Shuyao turned to look at him and tried to make small talk.

“Are you done with your work?”

“Mm.” Somehow, her casual question lifted his spirits considerably, dissipating much of the earlier gloom.

“Where did you go today?”

She walked further inside, preparing to bathe and change, answering him as she moved, “I went to see Chen Shuyi.”

Everyone at the Xie residence knew about the matter between Chen Shuyi and Xie Jun; the two were a fine match. Unfortunately, Lady Lin disapproved of a military general as a son-in-law and refused to relent, so the matter was dragging on. Xie Yi, as the eldest, was involved but only minimally in Xie Jun’s marriage affairs.

“What did you talk about?” Xie Yi pressed further.

The cramped space was filled with moisture and the unique fragrance of a young woman, hazy and intimate.

Shen Shuyao didn’t answer, instead looking up at him and saying, “I’m going to bathe and change.”

Following her in would be to watch her change clothes.

The man was momentarily stunned, awkwardly scratching his nose. “I’ll wait outside.”

Xie Yi’s earlobes flushed red. Shen Shuyao studied him carefully, and after he left, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Even the usually composed and self-controlled Lord Xie had awkward moments—rare indeed.

Outside, light rain drizzled; inside, the sound of water disturbed Xie Yi’s otherwise calm heart.

After a while, Shen Shuyao came out of the bath, her hair dripping wet. She took a dry cloth to wipe her hair, her eyes scanning the room but finding no sign of Xie Yi. Upon asking Suihua, she learned he had gone to the study.

She sat on the couch with an indifferent expression, recalling what Zhiwei had said earlier. After Xie Yi returned and saw Xiaoxiao, what did they talk about?

She wanted to know too much, so she called Zhiwei in and asked, “What did Xie Yi say to Xiaoxiao?”

Zhiwei shook her head. “They spoke alone; no one overheard. Only Madam Liu saw two shadows from afar.”

Of course, a cautious man like Xie Yi wouldn’t allow anyone to eavesdrop.

She lowered her eyes in thought, silent for a moment, then said, “Let’s see what Xiaoxiao has been busy with these days.”

“Mm, I know.”

Zhiwei left, leaving her alone in the quiet room.

Shen Shuyao’s mind wandered. If Xie Yi openly told her he wanted to take a concubine, would she agree?

She thought she would consent, but she disliked that he would secretly have an affair behind her back, especially with a maid from Lan Garden. That was a slap in her face.

If the news spread, she would have no face to show anyone.

Thinking of this, she suddenly tossed the cloth aside, covered her face, and leaned on her knees, silent for a long time.

—

The night was silent; the day, eerily quiet. She and Xie Yi barely spoke all day. It felt like they were in a cold war, but Shen Shuyao couldn’t explain why. Xie Yi was taciturn, and she didn’t want to speak, so things came to this.

That evening, Xie Jun sent one of his servants to ask Xie Yi to come over, saying there was an important matter to discuss. Though it sounded polite, Shen Shuyao could guess what it really was with her eyes closed.

Xie Yi returned about an hour later. By then, night had fully fallen, and the dense dusk enveloped Lan Garden. His figure stretched long and dignified.

Shen Shuyao, wearing a light undergarment, leaned on the couch. Her black hair draped down, framing her snowy skin, making her look exquisitely beautiful. Xie Yi glanced at her upon entering, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he silently withdrew his gaze.

She parted her lips to ask a few questions but, seeing his indifferent expression, swallowed her words. This was none of her business—it was between the two brothers.

Better not ask.

She focused back on the book before her. After a while, Xie Yi couldn’t hold back and got up to sit beside her. He glanced at her sideways; seeing no reaction, he awkwardly looked away.

Shen Shuyao raised the book higher, peeking at him from behind the pages, puzzled by his behavior. What was he trying to say? He was silent and thoughtful, seeming to want to speak.

Was it about Xiaoxiao’s matter?

Her mood darkened further. She couldn’t focus on the words on the page and lowered her hands. Her white neck and soft, full chest swayed before the man’s eyes.

Xie Yi’s waist tightened sharply, his Adam’s apple moving as he restrained himself.

After a moment, the man spoke in a calm voice: “My second brother asked me to come over to talk. It’s nothing but matters concerning the Miss Chen. Currently, Miss Chen is nowhere to be found, and he wants you to post a notice.”

“Whether those two succeed or not, there must be a conclusion.”

Shen Shuyao understood. She had refused Xie Jun that morning and now he was sending Xie Yi to persuade her—dream on.

“You’re his elder brother and serve alongside General Chen. Posting a notice wouldn’t be difficult for you.”

His features were sharp and deep-set eyes fixed intently on hers, carrying a strong pressure.

Xie Yi chuckled softly, “I can only post notices for General Chen. You’re different; you are close to Miss Chen, so no one would gossip.”

“I can’t help.”

She leaned back, her refusal clear. “Have you forgotten mother scolding me last time? If anyone should intervene, it’s you as his brother. I, as his sister-in-law, can’t.”

Page (2/3)

Her tone was somewhat willful, even a little arrogant, unlike her usual gentle demeanor, which made Xie Yi look at her again. Judging by her expression, she was angry.

“Are you angry?” Xie Yi frowned, not understanding what upset her. “If you don’t care, fine. I don’t want to be caught in the middle.”

Shen Shuyao turned her back and snorted softly, her voice barely audible, but Xie Yi still heard.

His face darkened, his brows furrowed fiercely, looking quite terrifying. “Look at me.”

She remained silent, the atmosphere dropping to freezing point, refusing to turn around. Xie Yi, exasperated, grabbed her shoulders and forcefully turned her to face him.

“Shen Shuyao, why are you angry?”

His palms were large, veins bulging on the back of his hands, powerful. One hand gripped her shoulder; Shen Shuyao winced in pain and patted his arm with a frown.

“What are you doing? It hurts.” Her bones ached; his strength was immense.

Xie Yi looked at his hand, thinking he hadn’t used much force. Was she really in pain or pretending? After all, she often lied. Despite this, he loosened his grip.

“Tell me, why are you angry?”

He spent his days deceiving himself and didn’t get angry; why should Shen Shuyao be upset? He couldn’t understand.

“I’m not angry.”

It was a long story, and Xie Yi probably wouldn’t comprehend. She was too lazy to explain, letting him figure it out himself. She got up and put on her shoes to leave, but just as she stood, Xie Yi grabbed her wrist. With a little force, she fell into his arms.

“Explain yourself before you go.” His tone softened, losing the earlier harshness.

Shen Shuyao took a deep breath, finding Xie Yi unusually persistent. “Don’t mention Xie Jun’s affairs to me anymore.”

After she spoke, Xie Yi squinted at her for a long while, roughly understanding. He realized Xie Jun caused her troubles and even got her scolded by their mother. Thinking this way, he sympathized.

Shen Shuyao glanced at his hands, wanting to use this chance to bring up Xiaoxiao’s matter but reconsidered. Since Xie Yi hadn’t mentioned it himself, if she blurted it out impulsively, would he think she was spying on him?

She tilted her head, looked at Xie Yi once more, then slowly stood and went to bed.

Late at night, in the darkness, a hand gently slid over the slender waist of the woman beside him. It paused, making no further move, just resting lightly. After a moment, seeing no rejection, it crept upward to the soft fullness beneath.

His palm couldn’t fully grasp it; between his fingers showed a little pale softness, making the man shudder all over. The woman in his arms remained still, emboldening him further.

The small, pointed pinkness was adorable and irresistible.

Once touched, Xie Yi didn’t want to let go. He squeezed and kneaded with effort. The woman trembled and then pushed him away with her elbow, her displeased voice coming softly.

“Go to sleep.”

His attempt at intimacy was rejected.

Xie Yi pursed his lips and sheepishly withdrew his hand.

—

After several days of light rain, the weather cleared, and the cicadas sang more joyfully. The stifling heat of summer was yet to pass.

Early in the morning, Shen Shuyao went to greet Lady Lin, noticing her pale face and asking more questions. Lady Lin confided that she had a headache these days, probably because the two concubines constantly troubled her over trivial matters.

Shen Shuyao didn’t pry into her in-laws’ affairs and kindly comforted Lady Lin before hearing that after she finished reviewing the account books for July, she no longer needed them sent to her.

Shen Shuyao was naturally pleased since Lady Lin always asked about this and that whenever the books were delivered, making her tired of it.

Back at Lan Garden, Shen Shuyao rested in the pavilion, enjoying the breeze and tea—extremely pleasant, if not for Zhiwei’s interruption.

She had asked Zhiwei to keep a closer eye on Xiaoxiao. After a few days, Zhiwei reported back.

“Madam,” Zhiwei bowed and looked around, then said, “The maid who shares a room with her said Xiaoxiao has been subtly inquiring about the front courtyard. Several times, she sneaked over when no one was watching. It’s unclear what she intends.”

Shen Shuyao’s expression immediately changed, her tone sharp. “Hmph, what else could it be? She definitely wants to see Xie Yi.”

Xie Yi had been busy these days and hadn’t gone to the back garden to see her. Xiaoxiao, unable to wait, must be coming to the front courtyard to find him. What was so mysterious about that?

She pursed her lips, sipped her tea, still uneasy. “She’s not allowed in the front courtyard.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Her good mood evaporated. Shen Shuyao clapped her hands, stood, and returned to her room.

In the afternoon, Xie Yi returned from the government office. Lan Garden was quiet, and Shen Shuyao was napping, so the servants were a bit lax.

The man’s sharp gaze swept the room, then he beckoned A Si with a finger and whispered something. A Si nodded and went to handle it immediately.

Taking advantage of the few people around in the afternoon, A Si brought Xiaoxiao over. Upon entering the study, a cool breeze greeted them, very comfortable.

Xiaoxiao glanced nervously at A Si, who smiled reassuringly, easing her tension.

Xie Yi lifted his eyelids and directly asked, “What does Madam do around the residence?”

Xiaoxiao shook her head, fearing more questions, and added, “I can’t enter the front courtyard, so I don’t know. The other sisters are tight-lipped and won’t say.”

Meaning, after several days, Xiaoxiao hadn’t learned anything.

Xie Yi was surprised. Lan Garden was neither too big nor too small—how could one hear nothing? Didn’t others gossip privately?

His face darkened, brows furrowed deeply, signaling anger. A Si watched carefully, glancing between Xie Yi and the shrinking Xiaoxiao, beginning to feel sorry for her.

A Si cleared his throat and, after a moment’s thought, said, “Madam is so clever. Shortly after entering Lan Garden, she found an excuse to replace the staff. You should have stopped that earlier, or you wouldn’t be in the dark about her actions now.”

“Xiaoxiao can’t compete with Madam.”

A Si looked at him and quickly lowered his head, murmuring some advice to Xie Yi, “You have many ways to deal with people in prison. Think of a suitable method to handle Madam; it would be more effective than having Xiaoxiao spy.”

A Si thought this was a good plan and looked up proudly, only to see Xie Yi’s darkened face, his eyes gleaming fiercely, making him shiver. He quickly bowed his head, “I spoke out of turn.”

Page (3/3)

“Is Madam a criminal?”

“No.”

Xie Yi stared at the two for a few moments, irritated, waved them away, and told them to leave.

Xiaoxiao hurriedly followed A Si out.

Alone in the room, Xie Yi pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking he had obtained the information he wanted.

The more he couldn’t find out, the more problematic it was.

Lan Garden was airtight; Shen Shuyao must be hiding her private self deliberately. Xie Yi chuckled inwardly, wondering what she was up to behind his back.

He shook his head—impossible, he was overthinking.

—

At that moment, Shen Shuyao woke from her nap and, upon stepping out, saw A Si leading a woman toward the back garden. Usually, she wouldn’t have paid attention, but since Xie Yi had been restless lately, she glanced twice.

Seeing the woman’s face, Shen Shuyao instantly got angry—it was Xiaoxiao. Well, just back and already being brought to the front courtyard, eager much.

She gritted her teeth, called Lingchun over, and angrily ordered, “For dinner, make Sichuan dishes—numbing and spicy, the spicier the better.”

Lingchun asked worriedly, “Madam, are you sure?”

Flushed with anger, Shen Shuyao nodded firmly, “Yes, spicy. Remember that.”

One should not provoke a woman in a fit of rage; Lingchun understood and said no more.

At dinner, the table was piled with bright red dishes, the aroma itself was suffocating, let alone the taste. Zhiwei stood at the door, coughing repeatedly, eventually moving farther away; it was too pungent.

Shen Shuyao enjoyed sweet and spicy food and was not picky, so she ate happily, picking up chunks of spicy meat one after another without feeling the heat.

Her rosy lips glistened with oil, eating with relish. She glanced at Xie Yi, who sat holding his chopsticks, hesitating, unable to start, his face sour and helpless—quite satisfying to watch.

She stifled a laugh, swallowed her food, then picked up a piece of spicy chicken and put it in his bowl, smiling sweetly and speaking softly, pretending to care.

“Why aren’t you eating? Here, let me give you a piece, try it.”

Shen Shuyao stared at him, refusing to relent until he took a bite.

Xie Yi’s face was troubled, jaw clenched tightly, looking quite sulky. He glanced at her and sighed silently, wanting to ask if the kitchen had no taste today or if she no longer wanted to stay at the Xie residence. But seeing her eat so happily, he suppressed his complaints.

The spicy chicken was hot; she had even deliberately slipped in a red chili pepper. Xie Yi picked out the chili and stared at the chicken piece, looking it over but not taking a bite.

Shen Shuyao kept watching him, helpless, until he finally opened his mouth to try. His teeth bit down, and the fiery chili flavor flooded his mouth. His face instantly reddened, and he coughed twice while swallowing, hastily drinking tea to soothe it.

“Tasty, right? Try this one too.”

Shen Shuyao wanted to give him more, but Xie Yi reached out to stop her. “I’m full.”

“You’ve only had one bite and you’re full?”

“Not hungry now.”

Xie Yi prepared to go to the study and asked A Si to cook some Wan Yang spring noodles for him—it was better than this.

She secretly chuckled behind him. But just as he reached the door, he paused, turned back. Shen Shuyao immediately composed herself and looked at him clearly.

“Summer is dry; eating too many chilies causes heatiness. Tell the kitchen to pay attention next time.”

“Mm, husband is right.”

After Xie Yi left, she could finally eat freely, recalling his flushed face earlier and feeling even happier.

Moments later, Shen Shuyao rinsed her mouth and wiped the water from her lips. Zhiwei came in smiling, telling her, “Master is eating noodles in the study.”

She smiled, “Hmph, serves him right.”

—

Having eaten much at dinner, Shen Shuyao tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She turned her head to the man beside her; his breathing was even, and he hadn’t moved for a long time—probably asleep.

She rubbed her stomach for some time before feeling a bit comfortable, but still no sleep. She thought of other things.

“Xie Yi, Xie Yi.”

They hadn’t been intimate for a while, and she missed it.

Boldly, her small hand slid over his firm abs, moving back and forth with clear intent.

Such teasing woke Xie Yi immediately. He grabbed her hand and helplessly said, “Go to sleep.”

Why sleep? She wondered.

Shen Shuyao pouted and kicked her legs, insisting.

“Another time.”

Just those two words made Shen Shuyao upset. Xie Yi didn’t want her anymore, truly bewitched by the women in the back garden—not wanting her at all. Just a few days ago, he had secretly reached out to her.

She was stunned for a moment, then withdrew her hand and turned away angrily to sleep.

The man sighed, his hand resting on his abdomen, silently thinking: it wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but he was too hungry and weak tonight.