Old Mrs. Xiao suddenly realized, no wonder Shen Ruoxi has been causing trouble lately, it was all for this matter!
She was too embarrassed to speak directly, so she went around the subject, from talking about divorce to cleaning the house, using all her wits, just to mention the matter of consummation through the mouth of Old Mrs. Xu.
She hadn't thought of this at all.
"I just returned from the border, many trivial matters need my attention. I will find time to visit her," Xiao Chengyi replied.
"How long does it take to consummate? Just sleep together at night, no need to pick a day. Just today, it must be done tonight." Rarely, Old Mrs. Xiao agreed with Old Mrs. Xu's words.
"This..." Xiao Chengyi hesitated, secretly glancing at Shen Ruoxi, only to see her frown, seemingly very displeased with this topic.
Rage flared up inside him instantly, recalling her past words, if he made another inappropriate move, it wouldn't simply be a slap, but she would make him bleed.
His anger intensified, thinking that if she loathed him so much, why should he care to consummate their marriage?
In his heart, there was only Zhen'er. He wanted to see how long she could endure.
"I'm not feeling well today," Shen Ruoxi said lightly.
So that was the reason, Xiao Chengyi felt a slight relief in his heart, but recalling her previous words, he couldn't help but frown.
"How come it's such a coincidence?" Old Mrs. Xu also looked puzzled.
Old Mrs. Xiao felt a pang of tension, realizing she might have misunderstood, and it wasn't her who prompted Old Mrs. Xu to bring this up.
Is it the strategy of pulling a retreat to lure in the enemy?
She smiled slightly, "Then let's wait a few days, rest assured, leave this matter to me. Even if it takes a lock, I will make them consummate."
Shen Ruoxi remained silent.
Seeing this, Old Mrs. Xu's expression also softened, "Dear in-law, my words may be harsh, but they must be said. Even for a co-wife, we must see who came in first, right? Just because of elevating a co-wife doesn't mean neglecting the first wife, don't you agree?"
"Of course not, in the two years Chengyi was away, I've treated Ruoxi like my own granddaughter, rest assured, if he dares to mistreat Ruoxi, I'll be the first not to spare her," Old Mrs. Xiao proclaimed shamelessly.
"In that case, I shall take my leave."
Since there was no divorce, Shen Ruoxi wouldn't return to the Shen Family, Old Mrs. Xu felt reassured.
"Take care, dear in-law." Old Mrs. Xiao politely saw Old Mrs. Xu out.
Returning to the house, Shen Ruoxi expressed a desire to return to the Bamboo Pavilion to rest.
At this moment, Xiao Chengyi suddenly spoke, "Let the General escort you back."
Shen Ruoxi slightly frowned, "What matter does the General have?"
Xiao Chengyi's expression was somewhat unnatural, "Well... I have something to discuss with you."
"Then let's go." Shen Ruoxi glanced at him casually and said.
At the Bamboo Pavilion, Chuntao reluctantly served Xiao Chengyi tea.
Xiao Chengyi waved for Chuntao and Xia Lian to leave, but they simply didn't listen and stood still.
It was only after Shen Ruoxi spoke that they reluctantly withdrew.
This time, Xiao Chengyi didn't argue over Chuntao and Xia Lian not listening to him, he began to speak with difficulty, "I came today about your dowry."
Shen Ruoxi's lips curled into a faint mocking smile, and she asked lightly, "The General intends to take it?"
Xiao Chengyi almost wished to turn away in shame instantly, but he forced himself to suppress the impulse, speaking softly, "I certainly don't wish to possess it, it's just... could you lend me some?"
Shen Ruoxi responded lightly, "Did the General not once say you would return the money I supplemented to the General Mansion with?"
Xiao Chengyi nodded, "That will indeed be returned. You also know I've just returned to the Capital City, and funds are tight, there are many expenses. Can you spare some from your dowry for me?"
Shen Ruoxi calmly asked, "How much does the General need?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengyi felt a weight lifted from his body, he answered, "Ten thousand taels."
Xiao Chengyi was prepared to bargain with Shen Ruoxi, yet he did not expect Shen Ruoxi to simply say, "No problem."
That easy? Xiao Chengyi found it somewhat unreal.
"Really?"
"Of course. But typical loans require interest, the annual profit of the well-known Datong Money Shop in the Capital City is twenty percent.
Given our special relationship, I'll calculate 15% interest for you. If you agree, I can give the General a silver note for ten thousand taels now."
Interest as well? Xiao Chengyi was somewhat stunned.
"There's interest between us too?"
Shen Ruoxi said blandly, "General, even close brothers settle accounts clearly. Moreover, I want to know the repayment date."
Xiao Chengyi pondered and said, "Then one year! Okay, I'll write an IOU for you."
Although the interest made Xiao Chengyi slightly uncomfortable, he decided to resolve the immediate issue first.
After all, they are married, repayment can be gradually resolved in the future.
Having written the IOU and affixed a fingerprint, Shen Ruoxi safely stored it away, then took out a silver note for ten thousand taels from her money chest and handed it to Xiao Chengyi, "This is a silver note from Datong Money Shop, keep it safe."
Receiving the silver note, Xiao Chengyi felt the atmosphere turn awkward, he chuckled dryly and said, "I shall take my leave then."
"Take care, General."
After leaving the Bamboo Pavilion, Xiao Chengyi sighed softly.
He hadn't anticipated their relationship to become like this.
He once thought that even if he had feelings for someone else, just by communicating well with Shen Ruoxi, they might at least get along like friends.
But now, they were almost at the point of having nothing to say, some matters felt like handling official business with a stranger.
Quickly, Xiao Chengyi readjusted his mindset. They still have a lifetime, he promised to make it up to Shen Ruoxi and wouldn't break his word.
He would slowly dispel her resentments in her heart in the future.
Upon hearing that Shen Ruoxi lent silver to Xiao Chengyi, Xia Lian, usually a calm person, was so angry she jumped, "Miss, I told you not to lend him silver!"
Shen Ruoxi said lightly, "Why not lend at 15% interest? Not earning money would be foolish, I'm aware!"
Xia Lian bit her lip and went away in a huff, Shen Ruoxi shook her head helplessly.
The front courtyard was bustling with activity, everyone preparing for Xiao Chengyi and Ning Zhen's wedding.
Yet the Bamboo Pavilion remained quiet and serene, Shen Ruoxi was completely unfazed by the events in the front yard.
On March 20th, amidst gentle breezes and bright sunshine, the day of Xiao Chengyi and Ning Zhen's grand wedding finally arrived.
Early in the morning, Chuntao began to sulk, clanging teacups and dishes, leaving Shen Ruoxi to shake her head helplessly.
"Miss, you are much more beautiful than Ning Zhen. In my opinion, General Xiao is just temporarily blinded, he will surely see you eventually," Xueyan said softly, setting down a plate of osmanthus cakes.
Shen Ruoxi looked at her, at nineteen years of age, though not possessing a stunning beauty, her bright eyes paired with an attractive face, was enough to endear others.
"And what about you?" Shen Ruoxi asked softly.