The Black-Bellied Husband Is as Beautiful as a Flower

Everyone in the capital knows that Lord Shen Cong'an dotes on his wife beyond all reason. When she gets tired, he massages her shoulders and legs and pours her tea. When she wants pastries from Sanxiangzhai, he personally waits in line to buy them. When she doesn't want to be cooped up at home, he gives her his full support in opening a clinic, running a school, and doing business out in the world. When she wants to travel, every year during the long holiday, he leaves the whole family behind and takes her on a trip…

One day, while discussing state affairs in the imperial study, he stared fixedly at the emperor's desk. The emperor asked curiously, “What are you looking at, Lord Shen?”

Lord Shen cleared his throat. “My wife needs a paperweight. The one on Your Majesty's desk looks rather nice…”

The emperor flew into a rage. “Shen Cong'an! Have you no shame? You're asking me for things on your wife's behalf now? Haven't you taken enough fine things home from the palace over the past two years? Is there anything in your heart besides your wife?”

Lord Shen answered earnestly, “My heart is small. There's only room for my wife.”