After the delicate and soft-spoken wife gave up, the aloof and powerful minister embraced her and sh

Chapter 243 Birthday

"The Marquis has taken away all my work. Whether it's changing handkerchiefs or wiping sweat, the Marquis does it all himself."

"And another thing, the Marquis hasn't eaten either, he's been staying by your bedside the whole time."

At this point, Ruyi stammered, "This servant almost thought that the Marquis was going to kick me out of the manor because he thought I wasn't serving him well enough."

Wen Jiayue, who was still deep in thought, smiled when she heard her say that.

"What are you saying? You're my maid, you wouldn't do that."

Ruyi concluded, "In short, when you were sick, the Marquis served you even better than I did."

Wen Jiayue said "Oh": "Then he has quite a talent for serving people."

In the past, she would be moved by Shen Fuhan shielding her from the wind, but now, upon hearing these things, her heart is not stirred at all.

Has she changed?

Maybe so.

But her heart didn't turn cold from the very beginning.

She had come to realize that the more she liked him, the deeper she would be hurt.

She had no interest in figuring out the reason for his change. She accepted Shen Fuhan's kindness without feeling grateful.

Upon hearing his wife's words, Ruyi immediately became anxious.

"Madam, do you have no feelings for the Marquis at all?"

Wen Jiayue smiled and said, "This is not something you should worry about. I'm thirsty, please pour me a cup of tea."

In the evening, Shen Fuhan returned.

With Ruyi's help, Wen Jiayue got up and said, "Your Excellency, you've had a long day. Let's go have a meal."

Her voice still sounded a little weak, but much better than when he left.

Shen Fuhan asked, "Did you have a headache this afternoon?"

Wen Jiayue shook her head and said with a relaxed expression, "I told you that a headache is just a minor ailment, and the Marquis doesn't need to worry too much."

Shen Fuhan was relieved to hear this.

Another day passed, and the next day, Wen Jiayue performed even better.

She missed Zhaozhao a little, so at noon she had Ruyi bring her back.

Shen Funian followed her over, looked her up and down, and asked with concern, "Are you feeling better?"

Wen Jiayue nodded: "That's about it."

She then suggested, "Third sister, how about we go boating together tomorrow?"

Shen Funian asked, "Where to?"

"It's right here in our own residence," Wen Jiayue looked at her, puzzled. "Where else could it be?"

“Oh, so the boats in the manor are usable,” Shen Funian glanced at her elder brother. “I thought they were just for show.”

A few days ago, Yao'er wanted to go boating on the lake. Since he had been behaving well recently, Shen Funian readily agreed.

Unexpectedly, we were stopped by guards as soon as we arrived at the lake, who said that the boats were temporarily unavailable.

When asked why it couldn't be used, the guard couldn't give a clear answer, only saying it was the Marquis's order.

She assumed the cruise ship needed maintenance and didn't take it seriously. Only today did she realize that her family of three was the first to sit on it.

Wen Jiayue found her words somewhat sarcastic and asked curiously, "Who said it can't be used?"

Just as Shen Funian was about to speak, Shen Fuhan coughed lightly: "Third Sister, you should go back."

“Fine,” Shen Funian rolled her eyes. “I won’t join the boat trip tomorrow. I’ll come over when the baby is chosen for the first birthday ceremony.”

Wen Jiayue stared at her retreating figure, completely bewildered.

"My lord, why did my third sister say that the pleasure boat is just for show?"

"I don't know," Shen Fuhan said frankly, "She's probably in a bad mood today."

Wen Jiayue felt it didn't seem quite right and was about to ask more when Zhao Zhao, who had been neglected by her mother, hugged her neck and started to act coquettishly.

She stopped asking and lowered her head to kiss Zhao Zhao.

Zhao Zhao was finally satisfied and gave him three kisses.

Wen Jiayue smiled and said, "Zhaozhao is a little woodpecker, she likes to peck people so much."

Zhao Zhao didn't quite understand, but she knew what a bird was, so she opened her arms and flapped her little hands a few times.

Wen Jiayue was amused by her: "Zhao Zhao is so cute, who did you learn that from?"

She giggled and said, "Mother."

Wen Jiayue gently pinched her little nose: "You're so naughty. Tomorrow, the little woodpecker will be a birthday star. Zhao Zhao, have you decided what you want to pick for your first birthday celebration?"

Zhao Zhao couldn't understand any more, and while tugging at her sleeve, she mumbled, "Father."

Wen Jiayue's mind raced; it was indeed a good idea.

Capturing Shen Fuhan would guarantee Zhaozhao a peaceful, prosperous, and wealthy life, far more practical than combs or abacuses.

She looked at Shen Fuhan, whose expression was also somewhat surprised, as if he hadn't expected his daughter to answer like that.

Wen Jiayue then handed Zhaozhao to him and teased, "Since Zhaozhao said he wants to catch his father, I'll put the Marquis on the table tomorrow."

Shen Fuhan took his daughter: "It seems your illness is truly cured."

They were even in the mood to tease him.

“Of course,” Wen Jiayue said with a smile, “It’s Zhaozhao’s first birthday, so I’ll definitely celebrate it properly.”

Not just the first one, but every birthday she has from now on, she will be well.

The next morning, after breakfast, the two took Zhao Zhao to the lakeside.

Wen Jiayue had not yet fully seen the entire lake view, and she carefully examined it as she walked.

After passing through a hanging flower gate, one is greeted by several artificial hills of varying heights, creating a sense of layered mountains.

As you walk further, the view suddenly opens up, with ripples spreading across the lake and lotus flowers swaying in the breeze.

From a distance, Wen Jiayue spotted small insects flying in the air, but upon closer inspection, she realized they were dragonflies.

She looked at Shen Fuhan in surprise: "Did the Marquis capture this?"

"No, they flew here on their own."

Wen Jiayue was immediately embarrassed; she had thought…

Seeing that she really believed him, Shen Fuhan coughed lightly and finally admitted, "I caught it."

Wen Jiayue glared at him. Why would he lie to her for no reason?

Just as she was about to speak, Zhao Zhao in her arms began to kick her legs, trying to get down.

Wen Jiayue put her down, and Zhao Zhao stumbled toward the cruise ship.

Shen Fuhan raised his eyebrows slightly. His daughter actually really liked boats. He had thought that Wen Jiayue had just said it casually that day.

Wen Jiayue also breathed a sigh of relief, thankfully Zhaozhao was accommodating.

Once on the boat, Zhao Zhao became even more excited, reaching out her little hands to play in the water, but then paused, seemingly calculating the distance.

Wen Jiayue couldn't help but chuckle. This cautious nature was just like Shen Fuhan's; it was a good trait she had inherited.

Once she was sure she wouldn't get wet, Zhao Zhao looked at her father pitifully.

Shen Fuhan hesitated for a moment, but seeing her pitiful appearance, he immediately softened.

This expression was exactly the same as Wen Jiayue's the day before.

He picked up his daughter and leaned down.

Just then, a group of koi fish leisurely swam by, and Zhao Zhao quickly grabbed one by the tail.

Before Wen Jiayue could even praise him, the koi fish splashed around, and Zhao Zhao's hand slipped, splashing water all over Shen Fuhan's face.

Shen Fuhan: "..."

Zhao Zhao giggled, as if she had discovered something fun, and continued to splash water on his face.

Wen Jiayue secretly gave her daughter a thumbs up, "Sprinkle more!"

Shen Fuhan sighed, but did not avoid it.

Well, they're my own flesh and blood, what else can I do but spoil them?