Chapter 70: The Upstream Journey on the Lanjiang River, Returning Home at Last

The twenty-fifth year of Great Liang’s Taihe era, eighth day of the seventh month—sunlight was just right.

Jiangzhou Prefecture, Jianglin, Shen Residence.

Lu Jin stood at the gates of the Shen Residence, waiting for Shen Yanxi. He intended to take her to Shangqing, to seek the roots of his existence in this world.

Standing before the Shen family’s door, Lu Jin’s mind was plagued by a tangle of chaotic thoughts, leaving him restless and uneasy. He had brought only Xiaobai and Yuan Fang, not a single maid. He dared not—should there truly be a wife waiting at the door, it would be far too awkward to arrive with a retinue of unruly servants. Whether or not there was any affection, his conscience would be utterly ashamed.

But he had no control over how many people Shen Yanxi brought, just as he had no idea how he would return home, waiting at the threshold as if everything depended on her arrangements. Bathed in the gentle morning sunlight, Lu Jin turned to see Shen Yanxi approaching the gates, surrounded by a group of family members. Even from a distance, he could make out his mother-in-law Zhou Manyun, cousin Shen Yanyun, younger brother-in-law Shen Yanlun, elder brother-in-law Shen Yancheng, aunt Bai Xueyao, and aunt Shen Hui. Hmm, why was his aunt still here? Had she not returned with his elder cousin?

There were countless matters to be instructed, one after another, as if he were taking their daughter to the capital.

“Nanqing, I entrust Xi’er to you. Please be sure to keep her safe on the journey. She has been cherished since childhood and is rather innocent. If there’s anything she does not do well at your home, I hope you will be understanding,” Shen Yancheng said, grasping Lu Jin’s arm as he reached the gate.

“Rest assured, brother, I will not let Yanxi suffer any slight,” Lu Jin replied.

Shen Yancheng was about the same age as Lu Jin, handsome and dignified. After marrying Shen Yanxi, Lu Jin had taken his wife away from home for several days, only recently returning.

Looking at the Shen family, Lu Jin sometimes felt he was a pearl cast before swine. He was handsome enough, yet in this household, it seemed to go unnoticed; everyone appeared striking—there was simply no justice.

“Brother-in-law, Xi’er is cold by nature, you must pay her extra attention. Don’t let her heart grow cold when you return home,” Shen Yanyun also reminded him.

Lu Jin quickly agreed, though he felt uncertain—the warmth of their relationship depended on the situation at home. If there was still a wife awaiting him, even if he turned into a volcano, it would be of no use.

He thought, Sister, you seem quite warm today yourself—her graceful figure was something Lu Jin dared not look at too closely. Why hadn’t she married yet?

He turned away and caught sight of his younger brother-in-law Shen Yanlun lounging idly by his mother-in-law’s side, pretending to be part of the send-off. While others were reluctant to let Shen Yanxi leave, offering advice and farewell, he was merely watching the spectacle.

“Shen Yanlun, stay at home and study hard, strive for progress every day, understood?” Lu Jin said, patting Shen Yanlun’s head, seeking a sense of presence as brother-in-law.

Mother-in-law Zhou Manyun glanced over, eyes wide, as Lu Jin touched her youngest son’s head. He sheepishly withdrew his hand—her glare said it all.

“Hmph, don’t think you can control me!” Shen Yanlun retorted, hiding behind his mother in annoyance.

This child truly lacked discipline. If Lu Jin could return, he’d make sure to keep him in line. There was no respect for him as a brother-in-law.

“After you get home, explain things clearly to your family. This time the Shen family handled things poorly, and since we don’t know your situation yet, just go back and figure it out before coming back,” Zhou Manyun instructed, likely aware of Lu Jin’s amnesia through Shen Yanxi.

“I won’t say much more—don’t bully Xi’er,” Zhou Manyun said, her maternal love evident.

“Mother~” Shen Yanxi finally couldn’t bear it and called out, prompting Zhou Manyun to stop.

“Mother, aunt, aunt, you all go inside now. We’ll be off!” Shen Yanxi, amid the reluctant farewells of her family, boarded the carriage. Four or five carriages began to slowly depart from the Shen Residence.

Lu Jin glanced at the carriages; besides the one he and Shen Yanxi occupied, the rest were mostly for servants, with the last carrying some unknown cargo. He said nothing.

“Do you find it beautiful?” Shen Yanxi, sitting opposite him, smiled.

“Huh?” What was beautiful—did she expect him to praise her? She wasn’t that sort of person.

“Is Sister beautiful?” Shen Yanxi’s smile deepened.

“I didn’t look,” Lu Jin replied awkwardly, lowering his head. He’d only glanced once—how was it noticed?

Shen Yanxi, amused by Lu Jin’s embarrassment, became playful.

“It’s fine to look, I think Sister is beautiful too. If you wish to see her again, I’ll take you next time.”

“You’re more beautiful,” Lu Jin said, his words sincere.

“……” Shen Yanxi was momentarily speechless. This fool could sometimes catch her off guard—this was the most subtle yet moving compliment she’d ever received.

“Why hasn’t Sister married yet?” Lu Jin asked, genuinely curious.

“Sister was married,” Shen Yanxi replied, her gaze lowered.

“When Grandfather was still alive, he arranged a marriage for Sister. But because she had to observe mourning, the marriage didn’t happen. After the mourning period, she finally married, but within days, her husband died. He’d been seriously ill for years, concealing it from us. It caused much discord between our family and the Jiang family, and Sister was brought back…”

“……” Lu Jin was at a loss for words. That alluring woman had such a bitter tale.

The carriage traveled for less than an hour before stopping.

“We’ll take a boat to Shangqing,” Shen Yanxi said, stepping out with the help of her maid.

Lu Jin followed, only then realizing they’d arrived at the Lanjiang docks. Three large ships were moored nearby.

He noticed many family guards aboard, with Shen Qingyun at their head, his face as lifeless as ever.

When they set out, Lu Jin thought Shen Yanxi’s journey was simple—but simple it was not. Just the guards numbered over a hundred. Still, it made sense; if Shen Yanxi were kidnapped by river bandits, Shen Hao would surely go mad.

The group boarded the ships in succession. Shen Yanxi and Lu Jin settled on the second deck amidships, where all manner of comforts awaited, much like a modern yacht.

“Let’s enjoy the breeze here. If you’re tired, you can rest in the cabin behind,” Shen Yanxi said, seating herself on a low couch beside the table.

The river wind tousled her hair, a few strands brushing her lips as she gazed dreamily at the distant mountains, her whole being possessing a unique beauty.

“I find the green mountains so enchanting; perhaps the mountains see me the same way,” Lu Jin blurted out.

Shen Yanxi turned in surprise, her beautiful eyes fixed on him, their depths shimmering. This simple man could catch her off guard—this was the most delicate, yet most moving praise she had ever received.

“Nanqing, do you truly think so?” Shen Yanxi’s gaze was intense.

“In feeling and appearance, there is some resemblance,” Lu Jin answered obliquely.

Shen Yanxi bit her lips, her heart stirred.

The dreams she once chased seemed within reach. This man appeared to be the one she had been waiting for.

Both in affection and in beauty, they were well matched.