Chapter 274 - 249: Bad Luck

Xiao Yanci looked troubled: "Ruyan, I’m afraid..."

Wang Ruyan saw his hesitance, and although her heart had anticipated this result, she still felt somewhat disappointed.

She was the daughter of the Prime Minister, a status second only to the noble daughters of the Imperial Family. She was prominent within high society, and worthy of being paired with the Crown Prince or a Prince. Now she was assigned to the poor scholar Xiao Yanci, and even though he was handsome and talented, she genuinely admired him, but the thought of living a humble life made her hesitate.

"I really am not worthy of you now. You’re so wonderful, this marriage..." Xiao Yanci’s face was filled with anguish. "Fortunately, it’s not widely known yet, so it won’t affect your reputation."

"Don’t say such things. My father has betrothed me to you, and I am your fiancée." Wang Ruyan was moved by Xiao Yanci’s deep affection.

It was only a matter of being a bit poor, but as the saying goes, ’Thirty years on the east side of the river, thirty years on the west side, never underestimate a young person when they’re poor.’ Xiao Yanci’s scholarly talent was impeccable, and given time, he would surely become successful.

He might not have silver now, but she did. In his most destitute times, she stood by him without wavering, and when he succeeded in the future, he would remain loyal to her as his devoted wife.

Besides, compared to those men with numerous wives and concubines, this common scholar could be easily influenced. It’s said he has no family, which means she would be in charge, without obligations to in-laws or sibling rivalries. She wasn’t willing to share a husband with other women, so marrying down made him the ideal choice.

"Mr. Xiao, rebuilding here isn’t cheap. My personal savings are limited, so I’ll go back and prepare. I’ll bring the funds to you soon."

Xiao Yanci cupped his hands: "Thanks for your efforts, Ruyan."

"With this place burned down like this, you have nowhere to stay tonight. Go find an inn, freshen up, and get a good night’s sleep." Wang Ruyan spoke as she removed her bracelet and placed it in his palm. "I’m sorry for your troubles."

After Wang Ruyan left, Xiao Yanci caressed the bracelet in his hand, a strange look flashing in his eyes.

Returning to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Wang Ruyan instructed her maid to inquire about Xiao Yanci’s current whereabouts. Shortly after, the maid returned, bringing news that moved Wang Ruyan deeply.

"Miss, after Mr. Xiao received your bracelet, he didn’t go to the pawnshop or the inn. Instead, he took good care of the bracelet and stayed in a broken temple."

Wang Ruyan fanned herself and nodded repeatedly: "I knew I was right about him. He truly cares for me, not wanting to pawn my bracelet. He has integrity and will certainly make something of himself."

"Since Mr. Xiao has such potential, Miss should treat him even better, so you can fully win him over and make him utterly devoted to you."

"That’s right. Send someone to bring him to the inn, offer him the best food and drink, and give him better clothes. I’ll visit tomorrow. It’s too late today; as the Prime Minister’s daughter, I can’t seem too eager. I need to let him continue to admire me, rather than thinking that a great lady from the Prime Minister’s Mansion should naturally treat him, a poor boy, well."

The Jiang Junfu household was all joy. Su Rende had a few extra drinks with his son-in-law and leaned against Zhang Zhaodi’s chest.

Su Yaoguang felt completely numb.

Her father was indulging himself entirely, not caring at all about maintaining his heroic image?

Zhou Wangshu hugged Su Yaoguang’s neck, nuzzled it like a playful puppy.

"Sister, do you like me?" Zhou Wangshu held her face, looking at her with drunken eyes. "Tell me, do you like me?"

Su Yaoguang glanced at her father, Su Rende, not far away. Drunk, he behaved similarly to Zhou Wangshu, clinging to Zhang Zhaodi, whispering sweet nothings.

This big, burly, fierce-looking man was being so affectionate with his wife that Su Yaoguang couldn’t bear to watch any longer. She grabbed Zhou Wangshu and helped him outside.

"Don’t hold me..." Zhou Wangshu pushed Su Yaoguang away, and under her glare, he said pitifully, "If you don’t like me, then don’t hold me. Am I that easy to hold?"

Su Yaoguang squatted down, looked into Zhou Wangshu’s eyes, and said: "I like you, like you best, only like you. You’re drunk now, you need to rest. Shall we go and rest?"

Zhou Wangshu smiled and wrapped his arms around Su Yaoguang’s neck, leaving with her support.

"Miss, let me help the young master!" A servant came forward.

Zhou Wangshu pushed away the hand reaching out for him, looking displeased: "I don’t need you, I only need my wife to help me." He shooed the servant away, "Don’t disturb us."

"It’s alright, I’ll help him myself. He’s drunk, won’t listen to anything else, and keeps pestering me."

Zhou Wangshu leaned over, kissed Su Yaoguang’s cheek: "Don’t be upset, sister. If I kiss you, you won’t despise me anymore."

Su Yaoguang: "..."

Since they married and became a true couple, Zhou Wangshu had not called her sister. Now, drunk, he reverted back to it as if it were some special inclination?

Su Yaoguang exerted effort to bring Zhou Wangshu back to their room.

If he didn’t fidget, didn’t stagger while walking, she would have brought him back long ago. However, even drunk, his mind was clear enough to insist on not being carried.

Zhou Wangshu lay on the bed, mumbled once, then fell soundly asleep.

Su Yaoguang lay beside him, gazing at his handsome face, muttering to herself: "Only now is he most quiet, and looks the best."

Too tired today, Su Yaoguang laid down beside Zhou Wangshu and closed her eyes.

In the middle of the night, tickling awakened Su Yaoguang. Opening her eyes, she saw his handsome face leaning close. Half-asleep, she was mildly responsive, until a strong jolt finally roused her.

"You..." Su Yaoguang pinched the soft flesh of his waist. "I was sleeping soundly, and you had to stir this up, or I’ll kick you off the bed."

"Kick then, I’ll just take you down with me. Maybe it’ll have a different taste."

"You..." Su Yaoguang covered his mouth, glared at him, embarrassed and annoyed.

In her past life, she never saw a man’s body, let alone had skin contact with one, even after years married to Xiao Yanci.

This irritating Wang Shu had practically compensated for all her lifetime’s missed intimacies. Whenever there’s a moment, he pestered her endlessly.

"Wang Shu... I want to discuss something with you." Su Yaoguang wrapped her arms around Zhou Wangshu’s neck.

Zhou Wangshu buried his head in her collarbone, igniting more fire in her until she felt as limp as water, forgetting the words she meant to say.