Chapter 34: Asheng

The deep, piercing gaze of the man in the silver mask locked steadily onto Shen He through the intricate eyeholes of his mask, showing no trace of fear. "Who I am is not important. Surely, the Shan woman will spread rumors today that you disrespected your grandmother and fled in the middle of the night. You must reach General Shen before they do and clarify the situation."

Shen He sat up straight, her eyes filled with a mixture of doubt and scrutiny as she quietly observed him. The chaotic anxiety that had clouded her mind yesterday had now settled into a deep, lingering sense of bewilderment—who on earth was he?

The man in the silver mask keenly sensed her confusion, his voice soft and low. "I have no intention of harming you, yet I cannot reveal a single detail about my true identity. You need not trouble yourself with that; your current predicament is the most urgent matter."

Shen He pondered silently. Indeed, now was not the time to unravel the mystery of his identity. After all, when she had been at death’s door yesterday, it was he who had stepped forward to save her. That kindness alone was proof enough that he, at the very least, would not be her enemy.

Yesterday... Shen He suddenly recalled his words: "I apologize, I arrived too late." What could that have meant?

Just then, the physician from the clinic returned with a bowl of porridge. Seeing Shen He awake, he smiled. "You're awake, young lady? Have some porridge."

Shen He took the bowl. "Thank you."

The old physician waved his hand, his eyes filled with warmth. "Don't thank me; thank your devoted husband. He stayed by your side all night without leaving for a moment. This deep affection is something my old bones rarely see. Seeing such a loving young couple, I feel as if I've grown a few years younger myself."

With a chuckle, the physician turned to tidy up the shop, preparing for the day's business.

Hearing this, a blush spread across Shen He's cheeks. She lowered her head shyly, her gaze falling on the thin, plain rice porridge in the bowl. Perhaps because the physician knew her tongue was sore, the porridge was light and watery, and she finished it in a few quick mouthfuls.

"Let us depart as soon as you have finished," the man in the silver mask said softly.

"Very well." Shen He nodded.

After thanking the physician, the two set off. They leaped onto the carriage together; the man flicked the reins, and they headed straight toward the distant Lingruo Temple. Shen He did not sit inside the carriage but instead sat beside him. A gentle breeze brushed past, causing their robes to flutter lightly.

"I am filled with gratitude for what happened last night. Had you not intervened, the consequences would have been unimaginable. I never had the chance to say it, but thank you."

The man in the silver mask remained silent for a moment. Seeing this, Shen He offered a faint smile and continued, "I will no longer ask who you are, but I must at least know the name of my benefactor."

"Giddy-up!"

"It seems we shall be together for some time. How should I address you?"

"Call me Asheng."

"Asheng? Which 'Sheng' is it?"

"'Gazing at the Milky Way, I play the jade sheng; the hall is cold, the courtyard chilly, as dawn approaches.'"

"'"No need for the sentiments of Mount Gou; the Xiang zither and Qin flute hold their own charms..." Asheng.'"

Shen He’s gaze rested gently on his profile. Even though half of his face was concealed by the silver mask, it could not hide his aura of upright integrity and heroic stature. Yet, under the brilliant sunlight, the silver sheen added an inexplicable coldness and a sense of unreachable distance, stirring an involuntary feeling of awe.

Shen He’s fingers moved instinctively, reaching toward the shimmering silver as if drawn by an invisible force. Asheng was quick; he gently but firmly caught her hand before it could touch the mask, a hint of undetectable amusement in his voice. "And who was it that swore they would stop prying into this matter?"

Shen He smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief and apology. "My apologies. Your mask is simply too striking; it is so beautiful it makes one's heart flutter. I couldn't help but be curious if it were made of solid silver."

"...Sit properly."

Asheng drove with speed, arriving at Lingruo Temple as quickly as possible.

"Go on now. With your father and aunt here, I can rest easy." Asheng dropped her off at the temple gates.

"No amount of 'thank yous' would be enough. I hope we can meet again," Shen He said sincerely.

"We will."

With that, Asheng drove away.

Upon entering Lingruo Temple, Shen He did not seek out Shen Huai'an first. Instead, she chose to see Shen Liqin, explaining the full sequence of events.

Upon hearing the story, Shen Liqin was furious, her face turning ashen. "That Shan woman! She has become truly lawless!"

"Over the years, the Shan family's business in the south has grown, making her increasingly arrogant. With Grandmother now in charge of the household, she does exactly as she pleases."

"I told you to let Qinyi accompany you, but you wouldn't listen, insisting she stay to keep me company, claiming nothing could happen at home. It seems home is the most dangerous place of all!"

"Fortunately, I am safe and sound, which means I still have a guardian star watching over me."

Shen Liqin gently stroked Shen He's silken hair, her eyes filled with heartache and affection. "I understand. You feel aggrieved. You say this only so that I won't worry too much."

"Aunt, I have thought about it a great deal on the way here. I have no evidence to link the Shan woman to this, and I fear the household has already agreed on a unified story. I have no choice but to swallow this injustice."

Shen Liqin pondered for a moment and nodded. "So, you intend to let it pass just like that?"

Shen He’s long lashes fluttered. "Of course not. I will save it for a final reckoning. For now, I need a letter from you, stating that a high monk at the temple requested my presence for a ritual, and that your people came to fetch me last night on short notice, which is why there was no time to consult with Grandmother."

"In that way, the Shan woman cannot use the excuse of a late-night escape to ruin your reputation."

"Yes. As for the rest, there is no rush. One day, I will settle all these debts at once!"

Shen Liqin followed Shen He's instructions, having her secret guards deliver the letter to the Shen residence with all possible speed. Shen Jiao tore the letter to shreds in one breath and threw it to the floor.

"Mother! Are we just going to let it go like this?"

Looking at the scraps of paper, the Shan woman said coldly, "How is it that Shen He is so lucky?"

"We shall pretend we never received this letter and proceed with our original plan, shall we not?"

"Fool. If Shen Liqin says this, it is clear that Shen He has already sought her out. With Shen Liqin to testify for her, if we still try to cast this filth upon her, we will only be accused of slander. Furthermore, since your father is with her, if we stir up rumors, he will naturally believe her more. We have no choice but to let this matter rest!"

Shen Jiao slammed her hand against the table, the palm aching with numbness. The surging jealousy made her unable to care about anything else. "I refuse to believe she can be this lucky every single time!"