Chapter Forty-Seven: Yu Zixi

After Shen Zixuan recovered from his injuries, Yu Shi arranged for him to work under his supervision. Yu Qi and Yu Nuo were also assigned to follow him. Apart from the time spent on cultivation and assisting Yu Shi with tasks, Shen Zixuan had little free time.

A month quickly passed, and Shen Zixuan hardly spoke to Tang Ruoyu. Whenever she approached while he was talking with Yu Qi and Yu Nuo, he would stop the conversation and only resume after she left. Tang Ruoyu, unfazed by this, focused on her duties and spent most of her time with Su Xueer.

Meanwhile, in the Shen residence on the eastern side of Qingyun City, Shen Yue Ru was feeling increasingly unhappy. Every day, Yun Ziqi stayed by her side, which only deepened her resentment. She wished to accept the man in front of her but couldn't let go of Yu Shi.

One day, as Yun Ziqi sat by the bed, absorbed in a book, Shen Yue Ru spoke softly, "Ziqi, what are you reading?"

"I'm learning how to take care of children… What did you just call me?"

"Ziqi."

Yun Ziqi couldn't contain his excitement. He grabbed Shen Yue Ru's hand and pressed it to his face. "You've accepted me?"

"Mm…"

Her gentle voice deeply touched Yun Ziqi. He looked at her with eyes full of affection, feeling as happy as a child receiving his favorite candy.

"When everything is settled, let's find a peaceful place in Jiangnan and live out our days together. How does that sound?"

"Mm…"

Yun Ziqi seemed hesitant. Though he agreed, it felt like he had more important matters to attend to.

Soon, the day of their wedding approached. Yun Ziqi sent invitations to all the prominent families and officials of Qingyun City, including Su Xueer.

When Su Xueer received the invitation, she was surprised. "Shen Yue Ru and Yun Ziqi are getting married? That doesn't seem realistic."

"What's unrealistic about it? Senior Brother has always liked Shen Yue Ru. She used to like me, but now that I'm married, it's a perfect opportunity for Senior Brother," Yu Shi explained.

"Should I go?" Su Xueer asked.

"No need. I'll go. Tang Ruoyu can stay home with you," Yu Shi replied.

"That makes sense. As the Grand Commander of the Spirit Master Mansion, your presence is crucial. If you don't go, other families might skip it too, which would embarrass the elders of the Spirit Master Mansion."

"Smart thinking." Yu Shi tapped Su Xueer's nose playfully. "Very considerate."

Because Yu Shi planned to attend the wedding, all the prominent families in the city also decided to attend. Only Shen Zixuan accompanied him.

At the entrance, Yun Ziqi, dressed in wedding attire, was busy welcoming guests. Suddenly, Shen Zixuan's clear voice rang out, "Grand Commander Yu Shi has arrived to attend the wedding."

Hearing this, Yun Ziqi hurriedly delegated the task of greeting guests to others and went to personally welcome Yu Shi.

He bowed deeply. "Grand Commander."

Yu Shi stepped out of the carriage, smiling warmly. "Senior Brother, congratulations."

"Please, Grand Commander, this way."

Yun Ziqi led Yu Shi to a special private room on the second floor, the best spot after the host's.

After a few polite words, Yun Ziqi left to attend to other guests, leaving Yu Shi to ponder. "If Shen Yue Ru had nothing to do with that matter, I might have married her under Grandfather's urging. Though it's not the outcome she wanted, Senior Brother has loved her for so many years. It's a good thing."

As the wedding ceremony began, Shen Yue Ru, dressed in a red wedding gown, entered gracefully with her bridesmaids. Yu Shi, however, noticed something odd. "Why is she walking so heavily?" It didn't take long for him to realize that Shen Yue Ru was pregnant.

"Either Senior Brother used some means to force this marriage, which is unlikely, or it's mutual… but it doesn't quite add up." Yu Shi pondered, resting his chin on his hand.

When Shen Yue Ru's veil was lifted, her smile was not ordinary; it was a smile of true happiness. This immediately dispelled Yu Shi's initial suspicion. He stood up and blessed Yun Ziqi and Shen Yue Ru, saying, "Congratulations to my senior brother and sister on your marriage. Best wishes for a happy union."

The crowd echoed his sentiments, "Congratulations Elder Yun and Elder Shen on your marriage," "Congratulations!" and similar well-wishes filled the room.

What the others did not notice was that while Yu Shi sat back down to drink his tea, Shen Yue Ru cast a glance his way, her eyes filled with melancholy and a touch of envy. However, she quickly masked her emotions.

Three months later...

Su Xueer's belly had grown very large, making it difficult for her to walk. One day, she struggled to the swing and, after sitting down, gently spoke to Tang Ruoyu, "Ruoyu, look, my baby is about to be born. Do you think Yu Shi prefers boys or girls?"

Tang Ruoyu smiled, "Xueer, I think as long as it's your child, the Grand Commander will love them."

"You've become quite the sweet talker," Su Xueer laughed lightly. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain. "Ah!"

Tang Ruoyu quickly grabbed her hand, "What's wrong, Xueer?"

"I... I'm about to give birth."

"What? Someone, quickly inform the midwife to come immediately!"

"Yes."

Tang Ruoyu slowly helped Su Xueer back to her room.

Within moments, the midwife arrived, and so did Yu Shi. He paced anxiously outside the room, unable to do anything but listen to Su Xueer's cries.

After what seemed like an eternity, the sound of a baby's cry finally reached Yu Shi's ears, easing half of the tension he felt. Tang Ruoyu emerged from the room, and Yu Shi hurriedly asked, "Tang Ruoyu, how is Xueer?"

Tang Ruoyu smiled, "Xueer is fine, but she needs to rest now. Congratulations, Grand Commander, it's a girl."

"Oh, oh, good! Can I go in now?"

"Please wait a moment, Grand Commander."

Once everything was tidied up inside, Yu Shi couldn't wait any longer and rushed in. Everyone assumed he was eager to see the baby, but to their surprise, he went straight to Su Xueer, sat beside her, held her hand, and said, "Xueer, thank you for your hard work."

Everyone admired Yu Shi's actions, praising him in their hearts. As the Grand Commander of the Spirit Master Mansion, he truly understood what was most important to him.

Su Xueer shook her head weakly, her face pale, and said, "It's nothing. Look at our baby."

Tang Ruoyu gently brought the baby over.

Yu Shi studied the baby for a moment, his lips curving into a smile. "She looks just like her mother," he said, then turned to Su Xueer. "Xueer, have you thought of a name?"

After pondering for a while, Su Xueer said, "Zixi. How about it?"

Tang Ruoyu, hearing this, said, "Zixi, the name carries a meaning of resilience and strength. It's a good name."

Yu Shi looked at Su Xueer, who nodded in agreement. Overjoyed, Yu Shi declared, "She will be called Zixi, hahaha."