Young widow in her boudoir

After Xie Rutang got into the car, she stiffly gripped the hem of her skirt. The room was filled with the cold, unfamiliar scent of a man.

She forgot that Pei Zhiheng and Shen Yuan had a close relationship, and it was common for them to share a carriage.

Both Young Master Shen and Young Master Pei were famous in the capital, and many women were attracted to them, one after another.

But she loved Shen Yuan. No matter how good other people were, none could compare to the gentle smile in Shen Yuan's eyes.

Fortunately, after a while, Shen Yuan got into the carriage. He was surprised that there was a beautiful young woman in the carriage.

Shen Yuan was born with a handsome appearance, gentle and refined, unlike the perpetually aloof Young Master Pei.

After Shen Yuan got into the car, Xie Rutang immediately relaxed, a smile appearing on her delicate face. She talked to him a lot during the journey.

Her voice was gentle and sweet. When Shen Yuan recounted what he had seen and heard at Xuanlu Mountain that day, Xie Rutang would look at him with admiration and adoration, her eyes and cheeks lightly rouged, her gaze shimmering and reflecting his image.

Shen Yuan, however, remained a gentleman, his gaze unwavering. His look towards her wasn't the typical male gaze; it was clear and serene, like the autumn moon over a cold river. This young master Shen possessed exceptional literary talent, unlike any of the other wealthy young men she usually encountered.

On their way down the mountain that day, they were caught in a sudden downpour and the three of them were trapped in a cave.

A white mist shrouded the mountains, a sudden clap of thunder, raindrops pattering against the branches and leaves, and a sparse curtain of rain falling from the sky.

Xie Rutang hoped the rain would last longer, but the rain stopped after only an hour, and her heart sank.

After Xie Chengen married his stepmother, he showed special favor to his stepsister Xie Ruoshuang, while Xie Rutang, the legitimate daughter of the first wife, became a dispensable person in the mansion, fading into obscurity and being ignored by everyone.

When Xie Ruoshuang took a liking to the jade pendant left to her by her deceased mother, Xie Rutang had to present it to her with both hands, and she could not refuse it in the slightest. Otherwise, she would be considered not generous enough as the eldest sister and not knowing how to give way to her younger sister.

She was the eldest daughter of the Xie family, and everyone in the mansion was watching her. She had to study poetry and books and strictly abide by the rules of the household.

Xie Ruoshuang's boudoir was always filled with seasonal jewelry and clothes, but Xie Chengen never provided her with any. Xie Rutang also disdained to ask for them, unwilling to be like Xie Ruoshuang, who could easily get what she wanted by being slightly spoiled and coquettish.

Having been a well-behaved and obedient girl for over a decade, Xie Rutang secretly vowed to find something that Xie Ruoshuang longed for but could not obtain, and one day, she would make Xie Ruoshuang only able to look up at it from afar, unable to reach it.

Xie Rutang then thought of marriage, the only thing she could change.

She appears gentle and compliant, but she possesses an unyielding spirit and is determined to marry a wealthy man so she will no longer have to be cautious and subservient to the Xie family.

Seeing that the Shen family's coachman was about to set off, Xie Rutang gripped her skirt tightly, pretended to slip, and plunged into the fast-flowing river beside her.

Just then, Pei Zhiheng happened to be passing by and rescued her from the river.

However, upon arriving at the cave on Xuanlu Mountain, Xie Rutang, soaking wet, turned around and was embraced by Shen Yuan.

However, she was also seen naked by Pei Zhiheng, who was also present.

Unaware of the situation, Shen Yuan draped one of his own clothes over her, which had a faint pine scent. He then told his close friend Pei Zhiheng that he had fallen in love with her at first sight and that since he had seen her naked, he had to take responsibility for her.

As Shen Yuan spoke, his usually dignified and gentle face remained calm, except for a faint blush creeping up his ear tips, revealing his hidden emotions.

Pei Zhiheng, dressed in a cool white robe, remained silent.

The girl in Shen Yuan's arms had slightly parted red lips glistening with moisture, her eyes unfocused. She was shivering from the cold river water, her snow-white shoulders trembling slightly, and her thin gauze dress soaked with rainwater, which stirred up all sorts of thoughts.

Pei Zhiheng's piercing, icy gaze seemed to see right through her.

Xie Rutang's heart pounded with nervousness, and she subconsciously clenched her fingers, pinching them painfully.

When she first got into the carriage, Pei Zhiheng knew that she had deliberately come to get close to Shen Yuan.

Therefore, Xie Rutang was very afraid that he would expose her. Her delicate eyes, filled with tears, looked at him with fear and unease, appearing weak and vulnerable.

Fortunately, Pei Zhiheng did not expose her scheming and cunning in the end.

But she knew that Pei Zhiheng disliked her and wouldn't stoop to breaking up their relationship.

It makes sense, someone like her is not worthy of stirring even the slightest ripple in his heart.

Later, Xie Rutang married into the Shen family as she had wished.