After dinner, Lu Xinyi had explained to Madam Shen that she wasn’t pregnant and had only gained weight. She supposed it was because she’d been spending most of her time in the kitchen, cooking meals for her family while practicing her skills.

Madam Shen could clearly see Lu Xinyi’s internal struggle. Even if the young woman’s face never had been a giveaway for her emotions, Madam Shen knew that Lu Xinyi was saddened by the fact that she couldn’t bear a child for Shen Yi soon.

The old lady chuckled lowly before taking both of Lu Xinyi’s hands in hers.

“Calm yourself, Xin’er. We understand that you are not ready to give us some little buns. As long as you and Yi are happy, I’ll be content in waiting for your little buns.”

“Oh,” Lu Xinyi smiled shyly and felt her cheeks aflame. Thank goodness, the Shen Matriarch wouldn’t pressure her to get pregnant soon.

Staring at her grandmother-in-law, Lu Xinyi looked at the old lady in another light. She was worried that her husband’s family wouldn’t accept her because of the blood of Sun running in her veins. Although she still wasn’t sure what happened to Shen Yi’s uncle and why his family was blaming the Sun family for his sudden death.

“Something’s bothering you?” It wasn’t a question, but it was more like a statement coming from Madam Shen’s lips.

“What if… What if I’m not enough? What will people say if they found out Shen Yi is married to a commoner? They’ve been throwing insults and false rumors about him recently. I just can’t…”

“Shh… don’t say that. They have no say in it.” The old lady’s tone was almost comforting while Lu Xinyi’s eyes welled up. “Tell me, what is your reason why you have to attend Silver Leaf? Why are you forcing yourself to study till late at night, only to do it all over again the next day?”

Why? Wasn’t it for herself or for Shen Yi?

When she applied for Silver Leaf, it was only for herself and for her father. Ever since she was young, she wanted to attend Silver Leaf, but because her parents died and she was left to fend for herself, her salary was only enough to get her through the day and her basic needs.

After her marriage, she realized she had another reason to attend Silver Leaf: Shen Yi. Wasn’t it because she wanted to become a woman he could be proud of?

“You don’t have to answer. I know your troubles. He loves you, that I am certain.”

Lu Xinyi looked up, startled. She hadn’t realized that her dilemma was written all over her face.

“Doesn’t he tell you this? You are his beloved. Everything he’d done so far was for your own sake. Even if it took that idiot grandson of mine long enough to realize it, I’m certain he loves you.”

Lu Xinyi laughed a little at that. There were very few who dared to insult her husband in her presence.

“You might not know the extent of what he could do for your sake. You have the possession and control of one of the most influential men in this country. Yi will never admit it, but you have managed to hold his heart. I trust that you will not misuse him.”

“Never,” Lu Xinyi asserted. She loved him too much to ever take advantage of his position. She would rather hurt herself than to see him suffering because of her. “As for having the kids, well…”

The old lady gave her a small, almost sympathetic smile. “There’s no need to rush to have kids. When you are ready, you can call me anytime if you need help. Let me know if Yi is giving you a hard time, or if he’s not doing his husband duties well,” she said with a wink.

“I assure you, Grammie. There’s no need to interfere. Xinyi knows I can perform my husband duties well.” Shen Yi’s voice surprised the two women. He was leaning on the doorway with his hands jammed in his front pockets.

With a dismissive sigh, Madam Shen rose from her seat and released Lu Xinyi’s hands. Lu Xinyi could have sworn the Shen Matriarch gave Shen Yi a wink.

“Take your time. There’s no need to rush. After all, you are a Shen, and it’s your duty to continue your father’s bloodline.” Her eyes flickered with mischief.

“Duty indeed,” Shen Yi nodded, as though completely serious, but there was something in the air that Lu Xinyi could sense between the two. She narrowed her eyes. This family sure was shameless to express what they want.