The Double-Chapter 511 - 156: Marriage Matters_4

Marquis of Ningyuan and Madam Ningyuan were also brimming with smiles, though the marriage arrangement with the Chief Minister Jiang’s Family had been called off, the Shen family was still a decent prospect. Despite the Jiang Family’s extensive wealth and influence, a daughter from the Jiang household inevitably required doting on, and one would need to revere her like a Bodhisattva upon marrying her. However, this young lady from the Shen family would be far easier to control.

Furthermore, fortunes can change in the blink of an eye; seeing the Jiang Family’s recent streak of mishaps, it’s uncertain how much longer they can remain prosperous. Should anything happen to Jiang Yuanbai, and Jiang Yuanping met with trouble, wouldn’t the Jiang Family be like scattered monkeys once the tree has fallen? Whoever chose a Jiang daughter might actually be the unlucky one. The Shen family was different; it seemed that Lord Shen’s future prospects were looking increasingly bright and enduring.

With this in mind, the smiles on the elders of the Zhou Family became a bit more sincere.

Mother Shen had been invited as an honored guest that day, and her daughter’s marriage to a nobleman was something she didn’t even dare to dream of in the past. Moreover, Zhou Yanbang was a striking individual, a sight that brought joy. Shen Ruyun herself also liked her husband-to-be, and Mother Shen thought there could be no more perfect outcome. Strangely, Mother Shen was demanding towards others but lenient towards her own daughter. Shen Yurong was the same; perhaps because Shen Ruyun had to help with sewing to supplement the family income from a young age to fund Shen Yurong’s studies. Once Shen Yurong had risen in status, he always felt guilty towards his sister and tended to indulge them in everyday matters.

What he hadn’t expected was that, although he could indulge his mother and sister, there was no need for others to suffer or make sacrifices on their behalf.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from outside; the bridegroom had arrived.

Zhou Yanbang walked in.

Half a year ago, Zhou Yanbang had been renowned in Yanjing City as a handsome gentleman, urbane and graceful. Now, he had put on a considerable amount of weight compared to half a year before, to the extent that his originally handsome face was somewhat swollen and distorted. His demeanor was listless; even though he had been specially groomed for today, he still looked lackluster.

Of course, he had no energy; this morning, the Zhou family had found him in a Brothel. Had he not been dragged back forcibly, he would likely still be seeking pleasure in unsuitable places, lost in drunken reverie.

Even now, he probably hadn’t sobered up from last night’s drunkenness, his gaze vacant.

Shen Yurong’s expression turned cold.

Ever since the scandal at the banquet, Zhou Yanbang had been in a downward spiral. With no hope left for his career, he became a laughingstock among the nobility of Yanjing City. Wherever he went, people would ironically praise his good fortune, their mockery clear. With this, Zhou Yanbang gave himself up to despair—frequenting Brothels, indulging in alcohol, and gambling, almost indistinguishable from the layabouts on the streets. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

This move brought tears to Zhou Yanbang’s parents. The Zhou Family’s marriage arrangement with the Jiang Family had ended, but they were now engaged to the Shen family. If Shen Yurong were to find out about Zhou Yanbang’s wild behavior, could that be overlooked? They couldn’t control their son, often covering up for him. But no matter how they tried, they couldn’t create a seamless façade; Shen Yurong had already personally visited the Zhou family to warn them several times. Initially, the Marquis of Ningyuan managed to forcefully restrain Zhou Yanbang, but that couldn’t be a daily occurrence. Whenever there was a chance, Zhou Yanbang would slip away to cause trouble.

The Zhou Family thought that their son’s antics would surely lead the Shen family to call off the engagement. But after all the warnings, the Shen family didn’t propose to dissolve the marriage, and Marquis Ningyuan’s Mansion finally felt relieved. They thought it must be because Ruyun too had been seen with Zhou Yanbang, which damaged her reputation—a matter of great concern for a young lady—so they had no choice but to marry her into the Zhou family with their heads held high.

Of course, Shen Yurong didn’t see it that way.

He stood at the forefront of the crowd, his expression stern as he watched Zhou Yanbang act like a scoundrel, without any sense of cherishing or carefulness, as casual as if he were dealing with a girl from a Brothel, taking Ruyun’s hand. A very casual demeanor indeed.

A fire seemed to burn in Shen Yurong’s heart, but reason told him he couldn’t, moreover... Ruyun herself was happy.

Ruyun had long favored Zhou Yanbang and even went as far as to stake her reputation to trap him, making the situation a fait accompli in front of everyone, leaving Zhou Yanbang with no choice but to marry her. As a woman, she discarded even her self-respect. But Shen Yurong, as a man, could see that Zhou Yanbang held no affection for Ruyun, not even a favorable impression; after Ruyun entered the household, she was bound to suffer a great deal.