I stopped. “Why? Are you truly protecting Su Xi out of personal interest?” Of course, I was more concerned about whether it involved Su Hui. An Jin pulled my hand into his embrace, laughing softly, his breath forming white mist on his eyelashes, making his eyes especially bright. “No. Not because of Su Xi, not because of Su Hui.”
I had to do this for a necessary reason, but this involves some confidential matters I cannot tell you now.” I turned my eyes away, feeling both guilty and happy. “I didn’t mention Su Hui. Fine, don’t tell me. I’m not interested anyway.” ”Mm, you didn’t mention Su Hui,” An Jin nodded seriously. “I sensed the vinegar jar was about to tip over, so I prepared in advance and prevented it.” An Jin’s words put my mind at ease, but I sensed an unusual atmosphere, as if beneath the surface’s small waves, an invisible undercurrent was gradually approaching. Soon after, the case was concluded. The involved official and the impersonator were exiled, and those who received bribes were removed from office and forbidden from future employment, and Su Xi safely escaped this calamity. But I still felt uneasy, especially during the day. An Jin and my father-in-law were not home, my mother-in-law was nowhere to be seen, and even Yuan Feng sometimes appeared agitated. So I returned to my parents’ home for help. Father said: “According to historical records, such symptoms once appeared in Empress Ming De, and later scholars summarized it as ‘Secluded Wife’s Resentment Syndrome’.”
” Mother rummaged through boxes and pulled out a book called “Twenty Techniques for Bearing Children” and handed it to me, saying earnestly, “Once you have a son, you’ll stop overthinking.” My younger sister dragged me shopping, spending all my private funds, and asked triumphantly, “Still feeling anxious?” I shook my head, gritting my teeth, “Now I’m just feeling the pain of financial loss.” My elder brother listened distractedly, then suddenly sighed deeply, “If only we had known earlier!” I was stunned. Did he mean I should not have married An Jin? Was it that serious? He followed with another deep sigh, “What should be done… sister, tell me what I should do?”
This peace lasted until the year-end Thanksgiving Banquet.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Farewell to the Eastern Palace
