Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 39

Yuan Zhao shrugged. “I overheard a little conspiracy—your family’s steward bribed a few street thugs. Said they were going to kidnap you, teach you a lesson.”

If it had been anyone else, he wouldn’t have bothered. But the moment he heard Shen Tangning’s name, he couldn’t just stand by. After all, she’d once saved his life.

As for how Yuan Zhao knew who she was—well, she’d introduced herself so straightforwardly that day, it was obvious she’d been waiting for him to come find her.

“Steward Wang?” Chi Yan’s expression flickered with surprise and then darkened. “So it was him.”

Shen Tangning’s eyes flashed with sudden clarity. The corners of her lips curled in amusement. “I’m guessing it’s because of what happened a few days ago—he must’ve gotten shut out by the Marchioness. Probably holding a grudge.”

Yuan Zhao wasn’t particularly interested in their household drama. He simply reminded her, “These assassins clearly aren’t from the same group. I suspect it’s because you helped me escape from the Princess’s residence. The Third Prince has likely taken notice.”

Shen Tangning didn’t look the least bit surprised, which caught Yuan Zhao off guard.

Seems this woman is sharper than he thought.

“You saved me, I saved you—we’re even now,” he said stiffly.

But Shen Tangning wasn’t about to let it go so easily. She had gone through considerable trouble to save him that day, certainly not just to be shrugged off like this!

“How very ungrateful of you,” she said with a sweet, sorrowful expression. “Do you know how much effort it took to save you that day at the Princess’s residence?”

She sighed dramatically. “Now thanks to that, I’ve caught the attention of someone as dangerous as the Third Prince. I dare say, today’s trouble wouldn’t have happened at all if not for you. Would you agree?”

Yuan Zhao paused, thought for a moment, and then reluctantly nodded.

Chi Yan watched the scene unfold with thinly veiled amusement. He had a feeling this big oaf was about to get outwitted by Shen Tangning.

She went on righteously, “To you, dealing with a few assassins was nothing. But for me? I nearly lost my life because of your mess. Are we really even?”

Her gaze turned pointed, even accusatory.

Yuan Zhao, though skilled with a blade, had never been good at arguing—especially not with someone as glib as her. He mulled it over and found her logic annoyingly sound. He dropped his head slightly, flustered. “Then what do you want?”

Shen Tangning smiled. “There’s a saying, isn’t there? ‘A life saved should be repaid with one’s own…’”

The two men instantly shot her alarmed looks.

Chi Yan stared blankly: Wait, hello? I’m still here. You’re saying this out loud? In front of me?

Yuan Zhao froze like a statue, his face expressionless: What is this woman plotting now? I’m not that kind of man!

Shen Tangning’s tone brightened. “How about this—you work for me, and I’ll pay you.”

She noticed their reactions and frowned. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

The two of them: “…”

Oh. She meant work work. Not that kind of work.

Please, next time—don’t pause so dramatically.

Yuan Zhao hesitated. He was a cold-blooded assassin, not someone who liked meddling in rich families’ affairs. “I don’t—”

“How much? You name your price,” she said, smiling gently.

Yuan Zhao looked insulted, face darkening. “Miss Shen, I’m not the kind of man who bends for five dou of rice!”

“How about one hundred taels per month?” she offered, brows furrowing as if unsure. “Too low? Two hundred, then?”

Yuan Zhao: “…”

He took a deep breath, expressing solemnly. “Deal. When do I start?”

Chi Yan: “…”

Wow. So not for five dou of rice… but for ten, huh?

Both parties left the deal very satisfied.

Yuan Zhao figured: A first-rank official only makes 180 taels a month. Working for Miss Shen pays better—and has a future.

Shen Tangning figured: Only two hundred taels to hire someone on par with an imperial assassin? Absolute steal.

As they headed down the mountain, Shen Tangning winced—her back was aching something awful.

Chi Yan noticed and frowned. “Didn’t you say you weren’t injured? Where does it hurt?”

“Just hit my lower back a bit…” she said. The words had barely left her mouth when Chi Yan muttered a low “Pardon me,” and swept her off her feet.

She stared, eyes wide in shock, as he carried her in his arms.

From her angle, she could see his sharp jawline. Without his usual laziness, he radiated a cool, commanding edge.

Her heart fluttered. She couldn’t help but squeeze his strong arm.

Chi Yan flinched like a startled cat, ears flushing red as he glared at her. “What are you doing?”

Shen Tangning thought to herself, why are you blushing?

“Hubby, you’re so strong,” she said sweetly.

Chi Yan cleared his throat, visibly flustered but secretly pleased. “It’s… alright, I guess.”

She drawled, “Practiced in martial arts, hmm?”

Chi Yan stiffened: “…”

Talking to this woman is a battlefield. You need a thousand schemes just to survive.

Yuan Zhao, wisely choosing not to witness their flirting, turned to scanning the area with sharp eyes.

Suddenly, his expression darkened. “Someone’s coming.”

A group of guards rushed over. “Miss Shen, are you alright?”

Seeing Shen Tangning’s confused look, one of them quickly explained, “We are guards of the Princess. Her Highness felt deeply concerned after learning of your disappearance and sent us to search for you.”

Shen Tangning’s expression softened. “Please thank Her Highness for her kindness. I’m safe now.” She paused, then added, “Thanks to my husband and my personal guard, the villains were subdued. Would you be so kind as to send their bodies to the Capital Magistrate’s Office on my behalf…”

If she reported the crime herself, she’d be subjected to endless questioning. With the Princess backing her, the Third Prince would have to swallow his fury.

Such a small favor shouldn’t be too much to ask.

“Of course.”

…

After seeing them off, Yuan Zhao also bid farewell. He still had to pack up. He’ll return tomorrow to start his new job.

At the foot of the mountain, Xueqing had been waiting anxiously. Seeing Shen Tangning in such a state, her face turned pale. “Miss, what happened to you?!”

Shen Tangning, in pain for some time now, only said, “We’ll talk when we get back.”

On the way home, Chi Yan couldn’t help teasing, “My lady sure is rich.”

Hiring a personal guard at that rate wasn’t cheap—ordinary families could hire dozens with that kind of money.

Reclining sideways on the carriage couch, Shen Tangning smiled sweetly. “What are you talking about? Isn’t it your money?”

Chi Yan blinked. “Huh?”

She looked genuinely puzzled. “Aren’t we husband and wife?”

“…Yeah.”

“Then your silver is my silver, right?”

He scratched his head. “I mean… I guess, but something about these feels—”

Off?

She raised her brows. “So, if you don’t let me spend your silver, who are you going to spend it on? That Miss Pingting?”

“…Of course it’s for you.”

“Then we’re good.”

Chi Yan: “…”

Great. It’s official. He’s the only one suffering in this relationship.