Chapter 540: Fa…ther-in-Law

“Fa…ther-in-Law?”

Meeting the fierce, almost predatory gaze of the wealthy Master Li, Zhu Ping’an scratched his forehead in confusion and cautiously tried a different form of address.

Well… it was completely useless.

Not only did Master Li’s expression show no sign of softening, it seemed to darken even further. One could almost imagine storm clouds gathering above his head, ready to unleash thunder and rain at any moment.

“Father—”

At the crucial moment, a voice as clear and sweet as a lark rang out beside them. It was Li Shu, who, seeing her father making things difficult for Zhu Ping’an, pouted slightly and let out a soft, dissatisfied protest.

Noticing that his precious little darling was actually standing up for this boy, Master Li felt even more displeased toward Zhu Ping’an. Still, he could not ignore his daughter’s feelings.

“Oh… worthy son-in-law.”

Under Li Shu’s watchful gaze, the storm on his face cleared, and he forced himself into the role of a kindly elder. As he spoke, he reached out and gave Zhu Ping’an’s shoulder a couple of light pats.

Light, in appearance only.

Zhu Ping’an nearly spat out a mouthful of blood on the spot. The impact felt as though his shoulder bones were about to shatter—this was no gentle pat, but a full-force strike disguised as courtesy. Though it looked casual, the dull, thunder-like thuds revealed just how much strength had been used.

He coughed twice before finally catching his breath.

Li Shu cast him a slightly concerned glance, then turned to her father and rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Ahem… quickly, go tidy up the young lady’s boudoir again. After the meal, Shu’er should have a proper rest,” Master Li said, defeated under her glare. Yet almost immediately, he sprang back to life, issuing orders to the servants with renewed vigor.

“Master… it’s already been cleaned twice today…” a young maid spoke timidly.

“Then clean it twice more!” Master Li waved his hand decisively.

After giving the order, he seemed to recall something and added, in a casual tone that was anything but casual, “Go prepare a guest room for Xiao Zhu.”

When he said the words guest room, he deliberately emphasized them, as though worried the servants might misunderstand and assign the wrong chamber.

At that moment, Zhu Ping’an began to believe the saying about brides returning home to recuperate. Li Shu was to stay in her own boudoir, while he was relegated to a distant guest room. Not only would they not share a room, they would be kept far apart. Judging by Master Li’s attitude, even touching Li Shu’s fingertip seemed like an unattainable luxury—let alone anything more intimate.

Thinking of it now, the custom in many places that newlyweds should not share a bed when visiting the bride’s family did indeed seem to have its reasons.

“Little sister has returned!”

Just as Master Li had settled down, another voice rang out from within the residence—loud, energetic, and brimming with excitement. A young man of seventeen or eighteen burst out like a calf charging downhill, pushing aside anyone who stood in his way.

With thick brows, large eyes, and a round face, Zhu Ping’an recognized him at once—Li Shu’s third elder brother.

He was clearly the type who cared little for books, preferring simple and direct solutions—often involving brute force.

Behind him followed another young man, around twenty years old. His features bore a faint resemblance to Li Shu, though his frame seemed somewhat delicate. Yet, for reasons Zhu Ping’an could not fully explain, this man felt far more dangerous—far more so than the third brother.

His dark, unfathomable eyes were deeper and more silent than the night itself, impossible to read. With just a casual glance at Zhu Ping’an, he exuded a quiet pressure, as though he could see straight into one’s thoughts.

The last time Zhu Ping’an had felt something like this… was when he met Yan Shifan.

Without a doubt, this must be another of Li Shu’s brothers—either the second or the eldest.

“Third brother, second brother, you’re here! What gifts did you prepare for me?” Li Shu lifted her chin proudly, like a little peacock showing off her feathers.

“I personally hunted a deer, a sable, and five foxes,” the third brother declared, puffing out his chest. “I had them made into a fur coat to keep you warm in winter.”

As he spoke, he deliberately glanced at Zhu Ping’an with a hint of provocation, as if sizing him up as his next prey.

“Hmph…”

Li Shu pouted in disdain. “Deer, sable, fox… what kind of fine coat could that make? You’re always fobbing me off with such things. I like sable—go make me a coat entirely from sable.”

Hearing this, the third brother scratched his head, his earlier bravado deflating like a wilted vegetable. “A full sable coat would need more than twenty sables… I can hunt a few, but finding that many is no easy task…”

“Excuses… fine, I’ll make do for now,” Li Shu said, waving her hand with magnanimous indifference.

“Second brother, what about you? What did you prepare?” She turned her bright, expectant gaze toward the other young man.

“Since when do people chase after gifts like this?” the second brother replied with a faint, teasing smile.

Li Shu gave him a knowing look, then turned her gaze toward their father. Instantly, her expression shifted—her lips trembled slightly, her eyes glistened as if on the verge of tears.

“Father, did you hear that? Second brother didn’t prepare anything for me—and he’s even making fun of me…”

And just like that—

The elegant, refined second brother, dressed in spotless white and exuding effortless grace, received a solid smack from Master Li.

Though the blow wasn’t particularly forceful, the effect was immediate and undeniable.

That dignified young gentleman… had his hair knocked slightly out of place.

Seeing this, Zhu Ping’an almost burst out laughing, barely managing to hold it in.

The third brother, however, seemed entirely accustomed to such scenes.

Li Shu looked at her second brother triumphantly, her cherry lips curving into a smug smile as she extended her delicate hand toward him, wiggling her fingers expectantly.

The second brother merely shook his head with a resigned smile. After calmly smoothing his hair back into place, he looked at her with a mixture of helplessness and fondness.

“Didn’t you ask me to find calligraphy copybooks for you some time ago? While traveling in Danzhou, I was fortunate enough to acquire an authentic piece by Su Dongpo. I’ve already had it delivered to your room.”

“Now that’s more like it,” Li Shu’s eyes lit up with delight, and she nodded in satisfaction. Then she added, “What about eldest brother’s gift? He’s closest to you—didn’t he ask you to bring something for me?”

“He sent it to your room as well—a whole chest. Sealed tightly, very mysterious. He said you should open it yourself,” the second brother replied lazily, rubbing his forehead.

“Shu’er, let’s go inside. The food will lose its flavor if it gets cold,” Master Li said, signaling the servants to bring the carriages into the estate.

“Mm, thank you, Father…” Li Shu nodded sweetly.

She truly was the little princess of the Li family. From Master Li to her brothers, down to every servant in the household—everyone doted on her endlessly.

Watching all this unfold, Zhu Ping’an couldn’t help but reflect on how Li Shu had behaved over the past two days in his home—diligent, obedient, the very picture of a virtuous wife.

Thinking of that contrast, he couldn’t help but feel… it must have been quite a hardship for her.