Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 105

On the day of the Emperor’s Longevity Festival, Shen Tangning and Chi Yan entered the palace together.

Coincidentally, it was the Winter Solstice, and the cold had deepened considerably. Shen Tangning wore her winter clothes—she was especially sensitive to cold in winter. Her hands were tucked lightly inside her sleeves as she sat properly. She wore a pale pink overlapping lotus-patterned jacket, paired with a white skirt embroidered with the same floral design.

Though young, the soft pink perfectly complemented her delicate features, like a Western garden crabapple bud ready to bloom.

When they got off the carriage, Chi Yan stepped out first and then extended his hand. Shen Tangning took his hand and lifted her skirt as she descended.

Without the carriage shielding them, the cold wind hit her face, causing her to shiver slightly. Chi Yan frowned as he felt her icy fingers in his grasp. “Why are you so cold? Next time, we should bring a hot-water bottle.”

He was careful not to hold on too long, quickly releasing her hand but subtly moving to shield her from the wind with his tall frame.

Shen Tangning stared at him for a moment before diverting her gaze, a faint smile curling at her lips. “It’s not that cold yet—would be embarrassing if anyone noticed.”

Chi Yan lowered his eyes and glanced at her with interest. “What, you’re shy?”

Shen Tangning raised a brow, her bright eyes locking on his. “Is that not allowed?”

Their eyes met, and for a moment the harsh winter wind seemed to pause—the world quieted, and invisible sparks seemed to crackle in the air between them.

This brief stare-down ended with him awkwardly looking ahead, clearing his throat. “Alright, it’s allowed.”

Shen Tangning caught the slight flush on his ear and slowly looked away, her gaze dropping to the path ahead, thinking.

Chi Yan’s eyes really are something—bright, sincere, and clear.

Outside the palace gate, several officials and their families had already gathered. Seeing the two of them, there was a brief flicker of surprise before they smiled and greeted them warmly.

Chi Yan’s status technically wasn’t high enough to attend the banquet—his presence here meant he had some pull.

Since that was the case, it was better to make some early friends.

Chi Yan was soon surrounded by a group of officials chatting, so Shen Tangning didn’t disturb him. From behind her, a voice called out.

“Tangning.”

She turned to see Gu Qingxu approaching gracefully, her face lit with a smile. “I’d heard from Father you’d be here—I didn’t quite believe it at first.”

Shen Tangning smiled back, studying her. “Gu sister, your outfit today is quite eye-catching.”

Gu Qingxu’s cheeks flushed slightly, worry flickering in her eyes.

Understanding immediately, Shen Tangning grasped Gu Qingxu’s hand and started walking inward. “Do you have something you want to say?”

Gu Qingxu bit her lip, hesitating before lowering her voice. “I wanted to ask you before, but it felt improper… Do you know if His Highness the Crown Prince… is badly injured?”

Her face blushed deeply at the question. For someone so reserved, this was already a huge step.

She had once overheard her parents discussing whether the Empress had arranged her marriage. Gu Qingxu was seventeen this year—marriage was inevitable. Although they say it’s all about parental arrangements and matchmakers, marrying someone you don’t truly know still brings anxiety.

But if it was the Crown Prince… she thought she would be willing.

Shen Tangning smiled knowingly—apparently, all those times she mentioned her cousin weren’t for nothing.

“Gu sister, if you truly worry for His Highness, you might want to see him for yourself later.”

Gu Qingxu’s eyes widened, realizing the implication. “You mean the Crown Prince will be here today as well?”

Shen Tangning blinked. “Of course. It’s the Emperor’s birthday banquet—how could he be absent?”

Gu Qingxu’s heart settled as she lowered her gaze, thinking:

He is such a good person. Whether or not she can marry him, she only hopes for his safety and well-being.

…

Dealing with people was tiring work. Chi Yan smiled so hard his face was almost stiff, but when he turned around, his wife was gone.

“…”

Shen Tangning—such a cold and ruthless woman—just abandoned her husband in the freezing wind.

Then again, he guessed she had probably considered that once inside the hall, men and women would be seated separately, so she didn’t wait for him.

Chi Yan shook his head, smiling wryly. Just as he was about to step forward, he bumped into his father-in-law, who barely concealed a twitch of his expression.

This was the first time Shen Chang met Chi Yan since the return banquet. His son-in-law’s recent troubles had been quite the topic of gossip, and even Shen Chang himself hadn’t been spared.

For the first time, Shen Chang gave Chi Yan a proper once-over. Putting aside prejudice, the man actually carried an intimidating aura.

He rarely smiled, but now he did. “Son-in-law.”

Chi Yan was so startled by the address that goosebumps crawled up his arms.

He looked at Shen Chang, surprised to see him no longer impatiently looking away as before, but instead wearing a warm expression.

He thought to himself: If only he could switch faces like this, he might have made a great Minister!

“Father-in-law, long time no see,” Chi Yan forced a similarly fake smile.

Now that they were face to face, he couldn’t pretend not to see him.

Shen Chang nodded in approval and glanced around. “Tangning didn’t come with you?”

Chi Yan just wanted to end the awkward small talk quickly. “She went in ahead of me.”

Shen Chang’s brow immediately furrowed, displeased. “This is your first palace banquet, and you don’t know the rules—she just left you standing here alone? That’s unacceptable!”

Don’t think he cared about Chi Yan; he just feared Chi Yan would break palace etiquette and embarrass them both.

Chi Yan’s expression flickered; his smile faded slightly. “Father-in-law, you’re mistaken about Tangning. It’s freezing out here, and she’s delicate—how could she bear the cold waiting with me? If it were you, would you allow your wife to stand outside in this weather?”

He hadn’t even finished, yet Shen Chang was already meddling too much. Speaking poorly of his wife to his face was basically slapping him.

No wonder Shen Tangning wasn’t warm toward her father—he deserved it.

Shen Chang was somewhat annoyed but maintained a polite expression. “I was busy and couldn’t attend your housewarming banquet. I hope you don’t hold it against me?”

As they headed inside, Chi Yan smiled lightly. “Not at all, Father-in-law. I’ve heard the good news—Madam Fang is expecting. That’s truly wonderful!”

Shen Chang’s face stiffened, surprised that Chi Yan knew—he was sure it was that brat Shen Ci’s doing.

Chi Yan cocked his head, grinning. “I haven’t even congratulated you properly yet—you really are vigorous and strong for your age…”

“Cough, cough!” Shen Chang awkwardly interrupted as Chi Yan kept going, his face a little red. The more he listened, the more it felt like mockery.

But Chi Yan’s clueless look made him wonder if he was just imagining things.