Chapter 60 Do Not Want to Hear

Shen Yishu was easily swayed.

Moreover, he cared deeply about his face and pride.

Having been away from the capital for many years, deep down he harbored a profound sense of insecurity, secretly worrying that he was not taken seriously and that people in the capital would look down upon him.

Therefore, whenever there was anything that could add luster to his reputation, he was eager to display it.

Consequently, he was easily persuaded by Liu Xin'er, and his heart was stirred. "That's right! I am hosting a banquet for guests; what sense does it make if she, as the mistress of the house, does not show up? Dou Hongyan must go, and she must personally help me entertain the guests."

Only in this way could he demonstrate his high status within the Marquis's Mansion.

When the news reached Dou Hongyan, she immediately frowned.

Originally, she had fobbed Shen Yishu off precisely because she wanted nothing to do with his dissolute friends; yet now, she was expected to go out with him and meet guests.

With people constantly coming and going at the tavern, standing side by side with Shen Yishu in full public view would indeed draw too much attention...

If Xiao Ze were to find out, he would likely be so furious that he'd want to tear Shen Yishu to pieces.

Whether for her own sake or to appease Xiao Ze, she was unwilling to attend and get herself entangled in Shen Yishu's murky waters.

Feigning sudden illness, she declined Shen Yishu.

However, on the other end, Liu Xin'er continued to fan the flames, persistently instigating Shen Yishu.

Stirred up by Liu Xin'er's provocation, he actually came looking for her in person. "You must go! It is your husband's banquet, and if you, as the wife, fail to show your face, it will become a laughingstock to outsiders!"

A laughingstock...

Dou Hongyan closed her eyes and rolled them internally.

For a minor official like him to make such a grand fuss and banquet people from all directions—that was the real laughingstock.

Realizing she could not outstubborn Shen Yishu, Dou Hongyan reluctantly agreed. After sending him away, she turned and instructed Xiyue to send a message to Xiao Ze: "Tell him the time of the banquet and arrange to meet him."

Having figured out a way to keep Xiao Ze pacified, Dou Hongyan breathed a slight sigh of relief.

After arranging the tavern where the banquet would be held, she leisurely strolled out and made her way to Erya's courtyard.

Catching sight of the two small figures from behind in the courtyard, Dou Hongyan raised her eyebrows in surprise and stood outside the doorway, observing for a long time.

She found the scene rather amusing.

Erya looked timid and somewhat terrified of Shen Yuheng. "Eldest Brother... You, please sit."

"Mmm."

Shen Yuheng sat with his arms crossed far over by the window. His young yet already dignified eyes pinned Erya to the spot with a scrutinizing gaze.

When he spoke, it was almost like an interrogation: "Why would Mother suddenly be nice to you? What have you done? What are you writing? Is it a secret letter to the Liu woman?"

Erya was on the verge of tears.

Having been monitored by Shen Yuheng the entire day, she was on pins and needles. Feeling both fear and awe toward this older brother, she answered in a small, cowardly voice, "Concubine Liu does not read my letters, nor do I send messages to her."

"Mother is good to me because I..."

She could not articulate the reason either.

Growing even more flustered under Shen Yuheng's probing gaze, tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

After watching for a moment, Dou Hongyan stepped in just in time to rescue the situation. "Heng'er, have you finished your lessons for today? I was wondering why I hadn't seen you all day; it turns out you were here caring for your little sister."

The tight expression on Shen Yuheng's face instantly shifted. When he returned to Dou Hongyan's side, he looked obedient and composed. "Replying to Mother, my lessons are done. Sister didn't recognize some of the characters, so I came to teach her how to read."

She stroked Shen Yuheng's head. "That's good. Let your sister rest early, and let us head back first."

Finally, Erya was rescued.

Reflecting on her impulsive decision to take in Erya, Dou Hongyan realized that she might have somewhat overlooked Shen Yuheng's feelings and opinions.

Therefore, she asked, "Now that you've seen Erya today, do you have anything you'd like to say? Tell Mother all about it."