RPAGF Chapter 66 Shen Nian'an's courtyard burned down
Chapter 66 Shen Nian'an's courtyard burned down
Her third brother, the valiant general who always protected her and shielded her from the wind and rain, now stood before her, his eyes filled with tenderness and determination.
Xie Wanru rushed forward and hugged Xie Yanting tightly, as if she wanted to absorb all her grievances and anxieties into this warm embrace.
"Third Brother, you're back, you're really back." Her voice was choked with emotion, but also filled with the joy of being reborn.
Xie Yanting gently patted his sister's back. Knowing that she had been wronged, he felt extremely sorry for her and comforted her softly, "Don't be afraid, Wanwan. No matter what happens, your third brother is here. Your third brother will protect you. The Xie family will always be your safe haven."
The two embraced for a long time until their emotions gradually calmed down. Xie Yanting held Xie Wanru's hand, looked her over carefully, and said with heartache in his eyes, "You've lost weight. You must have suffered a lot these past few days."
Xie Wanru shook her head, forcing a smile: "No, I'm actually doing fine at the Shen residence. I eat and live separately from them, it's just... I just miss home."
Upon hearing this, Xie Yanting's eyes sharpened. He knew that his sister had suffered far more than this, but he didn't want her to dwell on the pain of the past. So he changed the subject, saying, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Today is New Year's Eve. Let's have a good family reunion and eat our New Year's Eve dinner."
As he spoke, he took Xie Wanru's hand and walked towards the New Year's Eve dinner table that had been prepared in the mansion.
Wanwan didn't want to talk about those things, so he didn't ask. He had his own way of making those who bullied Wanwan pay the price.
At the dinner table, the Xie siblings sat together. Xie Wanru felt it wasn't lively enough, so she called Dongzhu and Steward Xie to sit with them. Apart from the guards on duty, everyone in the Xie family was having a lively New Year's Eve dinner together.
Xie Yanting carried back letters and gifts that his father, eldest brother and sister-in-law, and second brother had specially asked him to bring back. Through these letters, they conveyed their longing and blessings for their family.
Although Xie Yun was unable to attend in person, the kinship that transcended mountains and rivers made this New Year's Eve dinner especially heartwarming.
As for the rewards from the palace, they were put into the storeroom for safekeeping after being reviewed.
During the meal, Xie Yanting recounted his experiences in the Northern Territory and his stories of outwitting and outmaneuvering the enemy, which drew gasps of amazement from Xie Wanru and the others.
This joy made Xie Wanru completely forget the confusion and unease she had been experiencing these past few days.
Xie Wanru finally agreed to talk about those unhappy things and shared her emotional journey during this period.
However, she didn't seem particularly sad when she spoke of it; rather, it was as if she were telling a story, even conveying a sense of relief as if she had been reborn from a calamity.
On New Year's Eve, the entire city of Xuancheng was immersed in joyful sounds.
The New Year's Eve dinner at the Shen residence seemed rather bland; without Xie Wanru, they seemed a little unaccustomed to it.
Shen Nian'an, unwilling to let Fu Rou and the children suffer, took the food to the woodshed and shared it with Fu Rou and the two children, showing a responsible attitude.
Shen Cong'an and Shen Mo did have a meal with Shen Zhan in the main house, but the father and son were both taciturn and did not say a word during the meal. They left after finishing their meal.
Shen Nianqing has been more reserved these days and doesn't talk much. In short, the Shen residence is shrouded in silence, without a trace of joy.
The most exciting moment was when a spark fell somewhere in the middle of the night and set Shen Nian'an's room in the East Garden ablaze. Flames shot into the sky, alarming half of Xuancheng.
"Help! Help!"
Shen Nian'an scrambled out of the house.
The fire seemed to have a human side; after waking him up, it burned fiercely and uncontrollably.
Everyone was awakened by the sudden fire and hurriedly grabbed buckets of water, shouting as they rushed toward the fire.
Before long, the sky was bathed in a deep red light, as if even the stars were obscured by the intense radiance.
After Shen Cong'an carried Shen Mo away from their side, he realized that the fire seemed to only be burning on Shen Nian'an's side. In the dead of winter, their roof was covered with snow, making it difficult to ignite.
But Shen Nian'an's courtyard seemed unusually dry, crackling and popping as it burned.
Throughout the Shen household, servants and masters alike worked together to fight the raging fire demon, and the palace's fire-fighting team was also mobilized.
Finally, with everyone's joint efforts, the situation was gradually brought under control, but Shen Nian'an's house was completely destroyed, leaving only devastation and the smell of smoke.
Shen Cong'an bent down and touched the melted sewage; it was oily.
What else don’t you understand about this?
"Cong An, this is..."
Shen Zhan noticed the oil residue on his hands and knew something was wrong with the fire.
"There's no need to investigate. Everyone knows who did it. I think Father should think carefully about how to appease the Xie family. Otherwise, I'm afraid the next fire will burn down the entire Yong'an Marquis's mansion."
Shen Cong'an dusted himself off and led Shen Mo back to the courtyard.
It's obvious that the fire was started by the Xie family, but when it comes to the Xie family's actions, you can't find any evidence no matter how you investigate.
Shen Zhan's expression was solemn, and even Shen Nian'an, who was usually easily angered, calmed down. They had also heard about Xie Yanting's return to Xuan.
I just didn't expect him to stand up for Xie Wanru so quickly, and with such ruthless methods.
Xie Yanting is the third son of the Xie family and is highly valued by the emperor. Moreover, he has a good personal relationship with the crown prince and others. Even if he was the one who reported this matter, the emperor would probably just ask the Xie family to tolerate it.
"Men, tie Shen Nian'an up and take her to the Xie residence first thing tomorrow morning for the Xie family to decide her fate."
Shen Zhan stood with his hands behind his back. The moment his family failed to deal with the woman immediately, they lost their chance.
This time, Shen Nian'an did not struggle.
Even if Xie Yanting wanted to punish him, he wouldn't really take his life, otherwise he would have died in the fire just now. But if he didn't apologize, his father would definitely target Rou'er again.
Shen Zhan looked at Shen Nian'an, his words sharp.
“If you still can’t get the Xie family’s forgiveness this time, your mistress and those two children must get out of the Shen family. Whether you leave or not is up to you. Our Shen family will not keep a scourge like you.”
Shen Cong'an nodded quickly, "I understand, son."
Shen Zhan glanced once more at the courtyard, which was burned beyond recognition, and reluctantly turned and left.
This courtyard was for the boys in the family to live in, and it was also where he used to live. Now it has been burned to the ground, and he can't hold anyone accountable.
This feeling of frustration made him very uncomfortable.
Shen Nian'an had no idea how bad Shen Zhan's mood was, because his own mood wasn't much better.
Since the adoption ceremony, everything has gone wrong. Xie Wanru has either scolded or beaten him, and now he doesn't even have the courtyard where he used to live.
If he once had feelings for Xie Wanru, now, because of this endless torment, they have been worn away completely.