CHAPTER 373: CHAPTER 189: DREAM

Time passed, and suddenly, Sang Wan stirred as if plagued by a nightmare, her breathing became irregular, and her brows furrowed tightly, her gentle and tranquil expression turning into one of panic and pain. Shi Fengju was startled, about to shake her awake when Sang Wan suddenly cried out, "My husband! My husband!" The voice was mournful and desolate, with boundless grief and anguish, chilling to anyone who heard it.

"Miss Wan! Miss Wan!" Shi Fengju was taken aback and quickly shook her gently, "Miss Wan, wake up, wake up, did you have a nightmare? Wake up quickly!"

After a while, Sang Wan blankly opened her eyes, staring straight ahead with a vacant gaze as if lost in some indescribable emotion. The desolate and pained expression on her face was something Shi Fengju had never seen before. He couldn’t help but think to himself: What kind of hurt must one have gone through to wear such an expression? What has happened to Miss Wan!

"Miss Wan, Miss Wan," Shi Fengju felt somewhat helpless, holding onto her hand tightly and kissing her cheek, "Miss Wan, did you have a nightmare? Hm? Don’t be scared, I am here, your husband is here, Miss Wan!"

Sang Wan rigidly looked up at Shi Fengju, her clear and moist eyes seemingly filled with tears, taking a while to snap back to reality, she said hoarsely, "My husband?"

"Yes," seeing that she had finally come back to her senses, Shi Fengju breathed a sigh of relief, holding her hand tighter and smiling, "Isn’t your husband right here with you? Did you have a nightmare? Hm?"

Sang Wan paused, then shook her head, and then nodded. Just now, she had dreamt of her past life again, dreamt of being ill during the bitterly cold winter in the dilapidated courtyard, suffering from both fever and hunger, with not a single soul to cast a glance at her!

No one cared whether she lived or died! She had even stopped caring about herself; every moment she lived was but another moment of torment!

"Don’t be afraid," seeing the look in her eyes, Shi Fengju’s heart suddenly felt an intense sting; he subconsciously stroked her eyes, speaking softly, "Miss Wan, don’t be scared! It’s just a dream, why be so silly!"

"Really?" Sang Wan asked blankly, was it really just a dream?

Shi Fengju chuckled, "Of course, look, am I not right here with you?"

Sang Wan’s nose tingled and she could no longer hold back, burying her face in his chest and starting to sob. It was only a dream, just a distant dream! He was by her side, truly right there by her side at this very moment!

"Don’t cry, stop crying!" Shi Fengju felt an inexplicable heaviness in his heart, gently patting her back and consoling her in a soft, gentle voice; her crying was so heartbreakingly sorrowful it was as if the dream was not a dream, but her reality! Realizing this, Shi Fengju felt particularly uncomfortable inside.

After a while, Sang Wan gradually stopped crying, sniffling softly. Shi Fengju gently released her, and picking up a handkerchief, tenderly wiped away her tears. Seeing her eyes red from crying, he couldn’t help but feel a deep pity, gently asking, "Miss Wan, what exactly did you dream about that upset you so much?"

Upon hearing his question, Sang Wan’s heart ached again, and she said in a choked voice, "I dreamt that you didn’t want me anymore! I—"

Shi Fengju felt as if he had been dealt a heavy blow, his complexion turning deathly pale, and he abruptly pulled her into his embrace, gritting his teeth and saying word for word, "What nonsense are you talking about! How could I not want you! You must never have such dreams again!" They felt too real!

Sang Wan let out an enduring hum, "Ease up a bit, I can’t breathe!"

Shi Fengju hurriedly released her, took her face in his hands and said breathlessly: "Miss Wan, how could you have such an absurd dream! How could I ever not want you! Promise me, no more wild thoughts in the future!"

Sang Wan’s feelings were bittersweet as she thought to herself: This is not an absurd dream; this is the excruciating pain of personal experience! My husband, you have abandoned me before, cast me aside as if I were a worn-out shoe. That was real, it wasn’t a dream! It’s just that, the past life is too distant now. Reflecting upon it, even I start to think it was all a dream!

Sang Wan managed a reluctant smile and lightly nodded, "My husband, I am just a little afraid—"

"Don’t speak," Shi Fengju gently covered her mouth, his voice tender, "With me here, you’re not allowed to have wild thoughts anymore! I will take care of all the troubles."

Sang Wan said no more and gently snuggled into his embrace. Shi Fengju looked down at the tender and delicate woman in his arms and couldn’t help but caress her face, gazing deeply at her. This was his wife, the woman he loved. That she could have such a viscerally realistic dream pained and annoyed him greatly.

After returning to Shi Mansion, the entire first lunar month was a hectic period for both Sang Wan and Shi Fengju with their respective busy schedules. Both had relatives and friends to entertain—either hosting visiting acquaintances at home or being guests at others’ spring feasts. As a new bride, Mrs. Wang naturally took Sang Wan with her on every visit. After going around for eleven or twelve days, Sang Wan herself lost count of how many people she met and how much she talked.

Ever since Shi Fengming left home, Second Madam Shi was absolutely unwilling to meet guests or visit relatives and friends. Fortunately, Third Madam Shi was also here this year to alleviate some of Mrs. Wang’s burden, which gave Sang Wan a much-needed respite.

Mrs. Wang herself was also bothered by these visits and receptions. Except for the very few familiar households, she would always remind Sang Wan beforehand, "You must remember everyone. Next year, I won’t be involved, and you’ll have to cope on your own!" This made Sang Wan even more anxious.

On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, Zhuang Weixian and a few acquaintances invited Shi Fengju for a small gathering. Those with wives brought them along, so Shi Fengju asked for Mrs. Wang’s permission to bring Sang Wan too.

"You’ve been exhausted these past days. Tonight, we are going to see very close acquaintances. There’s no need for strict formalities," Shi Fengju said, his heart aching for his wife as he held her face and smiled.

Sang Wan opened his hand and laughed, "Then maybe I shouldn’t go. Wouldn’t it be better to rest at home for a day?"

"No way," Shi Fengju laughed, "My friends haven’t met you yet. If others bring their wives, naturally, my wife should also come!"

Sang Wan laughed, "If that’s the case, let’s go. But if I don’t understand the proper courtesies and rules and end up embarrassing you, you can’t blame me!"

"My Miss Wan is the best woman in the world. How could she possibly embarrass me? Others would envy me for having such a good wife!" Shi Fengju now couldn’t help but his eyes shine whenever he talked about his wife.

Made shy by his words, Sang Wan lightly spat at him in jest.

The feast was held at Yuhe Tower. Including Zhuang Weixian, each of the five or six people, who were all significant figures from Qingzhou City, brought their wives. After mingling, everyone quickly warmed up to each other. The ladies had mostly heard from their own husbands about the story of childhood sweethearts between Shi Fengju and Gu Fangzi, leading to many speculations about Sang Wan. Now meeting her in person and seeing that Sang Wan was gentle, elegant, well-read, and that her every gesture and laughter was filled with grace and poise that was unattainable for others, yet without any hint of shallowness, only adding vivacity, they were delighted at heart, involuntarily harboring fondness. Seeing how Shi Fengju cared and protected her, it was apparent that their affection for each other was deep. The company couldn’t help but silently acknowledge, indeed, there’s a distinct difference between the legitimate wife and a concubine from outside the main house; just the air she carries is beyond what ordinary people can match!

The gathering was full of lively conversation, and it wasn’t until the moon was high overhead that everyone left contentedly, each returning to their respective homes.