“There’s no need to see me off, Marquis. I have to be at Huimin Hall for my shift tomorrow, so I need to head back early.”
By the time Shen Yu finished accepting the hospitality of the Marquis Mansion, the sky had turned completely dark.
Marquis Wuding was in high spirits and insisted that Yun Wei take a few trusted servants to escort Shen Yu back to the inn.
He claimed it wasn’t safe for two defenseless girls like her and Yin Qiu to walk the streets at night.
“Yu’er, listen to your godfather. You can move into that small courtyard at the east end of the city near Huimin Hall without any worries.”
“A few days ago, His Majesty ordered me to find a group of reliable craftsmen from the surrounding provinces. He said they’re for renovating the East Palace where the Princess currently resides. He even mentioned pulling up all the flowers and plants… It’s quite senseless, but since it’s His Majesty’s decree, it’s not our place to say anything. However, these craftsmen are excellent. Once they finish their work in the Imperial Palace, I’ll have them renovate that courtyard for you as well.”
“I’ll have your eldest sister, Yun Xiang, help you arrange some furniture. At the latest, you’ll be able to move in within 2 days.”
“Be a good girl! It’s decided. Yun Wei, go see your little sister off.”
Marquis Wuding rambled on incessantly, giving Shen Yu no chance to speak at all.
He had gone straight to having Shen Yu acknowledge him as her godfather.
Shen Yu herself hadn’t even processed it yet…
Since the meal, the Marquis had been trying to get close to her, subtly guiding the way she addressed him.
From Marquis to Uncle Yun, and finally from Uncle Yun to Godfather.
The three-step leap in status happened in an instant, leaving Shen Yu completely dazed.
Moreover, this wasn’t a private joke or drunken ramblings.
It was said in front of all the servants and the Marquis’s two daughters.
Yun Wei and Yun Xiang showed no intention of objecting.
It could be said that Shen Yu’s status as the Marquis Mansion’s foster daughter had been solidified.
“My father is exceptionally happy today. He was just struggling at Guimenguan earlier, yet by the banquet, he was clamoring for wine.”
“You mustn’t let him drink!”
“I know, of course.”
Seeing her father out of danger and in much higher spirits than usual made Yun Wei naturally joyful.
As long as Marquis Wuding was there, the sky wouldn’t fall on the Marquis Mansion.
Yun Wei and her eldest sister, Yun Xiang, wouldn’t have to bear the heavy burden of maintaining the estate and the hereditary title.
Most importantly, Shen Yu would be living in a courtyard owned by the Marquis Mansion.
Yun Wei knew the place; it wasn’t far from the mansion.
Combined with their new relationship, it gave Yun Wei more than enough reason to visit Shen Yu every day.
After this long day, Shen Yu—who had saved both her father and her sister—had become the most dazzling existence in Yun Wei’s heart.
In truth, Yun Wei had a specific preference that she never dared mention to her family.
She was already 20 years old and still unmarried.
Her elder sister had married at 16, but in her case, even though suitors practically broke down the door to propose, Yun Wei always found excuses to refuse.
It wasn’t because her standards were high, but because she liked beautiful girls.
Having grown up by her father’s side and aspiring to be a heroine of her generation, she had absolutely no interest in men.
In her view, she was so strong and would eventually inherit the title of Marquis Wuding; she couldn’t just give herself away to someone else.
She would rather be killed than submit to marriage.
But the idea of loving women in this era was considered unfilial — a shameful, impure thought that could even bring disgrace to the Marquis Mansion.
So, Yun Wei had always suppressed this thought deep in her heart.
But now… facing Shen Yu, she could no longer hold it back.
Walking beside Shen Yu, watching her graceful steps and the slight sway of her slender waist beneath the simple white dress, Yun Wei felt her blood surging.
She could hardly restrain herself…
She truly liked Shen Yu too much — not just physically, but emotionally as well.
Conventional morality warned her that she was but one step away from ruin, while the affection deep in her heart urged her to take that brave step forward.
The two thoughts intertwined and clashed, nearly driving Yun Wei’s mind into a twisted knot.
“Shen Yu, won’t you… won’t you invite me up for a bit? I don’t really want to go home just yet.”