Rebirth: Contract Husband Falls in Love with Me-Chapter 493 - 252: Filling the Deficit (Part 2)

"Discussing this now is of no use. I will handle this matter properly. Mother, please calm down. For the sake of Second Uncle, and in recognition of Miss Wan’s wholehearted care for you and management of the household, please refrain from interfering in this matter!" Shi Fengju sighed lightly.

Hearing him mention Sang Yufei, Mrs. Wang’s expression softened slightly, and the anger in her heart dissipated somewhat. She thought to herself that, no matter what, she couldn’t fail to give face to a son-in-law who was now at the Hanlin Academy. With him creating connections, when her son goes to the capital to take the exam, paying a visit to two or three well-known scholars wouldn’t be bad! As for Miss Wan, she would just keep her distance from her in the future—better to avoid distress from others seeing them together!

Seeing her alternate between deep thought, relief, relaxation, and frowning, Shi Fengju guessed what she might be thinking and added, "Mother, please don’t blame me for protecting Miss Wan. You really shouldn’t fault her for this matter!"

"So it’s my fault now?" Mrs. Wang couldn’t help becoming angry again and exclaimed, "If she had spoken earlier about her uncle’s character from her natal family, how could today’s incident have happened? Clearly, she is vain and overly concerned with appearances, intentionally concealing it!"

But Shi Fengju said, "Miss Wan is the junior; even if her second uncle has faults, how could it be her place to speak of them? And that too, in front of you, Mother? Mother, if without reason she suddenly started talking about the misdeeds of her uncle and aunt, wouldn’t you dislike her even more? You’ve really put Miss Wan in a difficult position! Moreover, she didn’t hide anything; it’s just inappropriate to discuss it in front of you. I’m quite aware of their family matters; she hasn’t kept me in the dark."

Mrs. Wang was momentarily speechless, but she was unwilling to admit she was at fault and replied coldly: "Your eloquence has gotten much sharper now! Everything about your precious wife is good to you, just keep protecting her then!"

"Mother—"

"Enough, enough, stop calling me!" Mrs. Wang waved her hand impatiently, "You go back! I’m just worrying over nothing, hmph, how many good years do I have left, what else am I after? This family property will be yours sooner or later; even if you happily give it all to your wife’s natal family, it’s out of my control! Get out! Don’t bother me here!"

Seeing that although she spoke irritably and vehemently, her tone had notably softened, Shi Fengju knew she was just being stubborn and smiled as he stood up, bowing to her before leaving.

In the warm pavilion of Ningyuan, Sang Wan was sitting with a frown, deep in thought. When Shi Fengju lifted the curtain and entered, he saw her sitting there, her slender and frail body inexplicably exuding a sense of desolation and loneliness.

Shi Fengju immediately felt a pang of discomfort in his heart, and called out with a heavy step, "Miss Wan!" 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"You’re back!" Sang Wan turned her head, saw him, and stood up, smiling as she approached him.

"Miss Wan," Shi Fengju took her hand and gently kissed it at his lips, "I’m sorry for making you suffer again."

Sang Wan felt somewhat heavy and distressed but managed a weak smile and shook her head, "Mother has always been straightforward, it’s nothing when she speaks like that. But what about you? You must have spent a lot of effort talking again, right?"

Shi Fengju chuckled, took her to sit down, and forcefully pulled her into his arms. Sang Wan struggled but eventually relented, "How did you know I convinced Mother?"

"You are the son Mother dotes on, and you know how to explain to her. Of course, she would listen to you. It troubles you to worry so much for my sake; I really feel ashamed as a wife."

"You are my wife; it’s my duty to protect you. Why say such things? Miss Wan, you seem distant to me," Shi Fengju tightened his grip on her arms, as if she would disappear if he let go.

Sang Wan’s eyes moistened, and she blinked away the wetness, smiling, "Fengju, if—" she paused mid-sentence.

Shi Fengju was waiting for her to continue, and after a moment, he prompted, "If what? Hmm?"

"Nothing!" Sang Wan laughed, "I was just saying, it would be nice if there were no such troubles!" Originally, she wanted to say, "If one day you tire of these troubles, we don’t have to force it and can part amicably," but upon reaching her lips, she suddenly felt that Shi Fengju might get angry listening to that, so she forcefully held back.

"Indeed!" Shi Fengju sighed lightly, lowered his head to gently kiss her soft lips, gritting his teeth, "I just want to live peacefully with you; why is it so difficult! Miss Wan, am I really that good? Can’t you live without me?"

Sang Wan’s body stiffened, knowing that he was referring to Gu Fangzi, and she sighed inwardly—truly, one cannot see Mount Tai when obstructed by a single leaf; how could a man easily understand a woman’s heart?

Only to hear Shi Fengju continue: "I’ve told her; I don’t like her and can’t be with her. I could even acknowledge her as a sister, prepare a generous dowry, and let her marry off in style as a Miss from the Shi family! In the future, the Shi family would still be her support and would never let her be bullied. But why can’t she understand this!"

"Maybe, she really likes you a lot!" Sang Wan casually laughed.

Shi Fengju’s profound gaze fixed on her, and after a moment, he smiled, "You’re not telling the truth! Does she really like me that much? I haven’t felt it."

Sang Wan sighed softly, quietly saying, "Maybe, she can’t accept it."

"Can’t accept it!" Shi Fengju’s heart jolted, somewhat stunned for a moment. Can’t accept it, is that really it? She’s too persistent!

"Mother’s issue is resolved now; don’t worry. As for your second uncle’s matter, I will handle it properly," Shi Fengju added.

Sang Wan nodded, "When I first heard that he and Second Aunt were missing, I felt uneasy, and sure enough, trouble happened today! No matter what, don’t keep them around any longer; send them back quickly! How much has Second Uncle embezzled—I wonder?"

Shi Fengju raised an eyebrow and smiled, "What? Are you planning to compensate for him?"