Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Wen Shuse was very annoyed and wanted to ask Aunt Qing and Xiangyun how much he had heard. But when she looked up and glanced at the two of them, whose faces were even paler than hers, she realized there was no need to ask any more questions.

She was thoroughly offended.

She had finally asked someone to go back home with her, but she didn't expect it to turn out like this. The two old ancestors of Xinyuan Hall are still arguing with each other. If both sides start making trouble, the Wen family will be in chaos today.

Just as the terrible thought flashed through his mind, a maid rushed into the yard, her footsteps seemed to be stepping on clouds, and she said anxiously, "Second Madam, Second Madam, something happened, the old lady and Old Madam Xie had a quarrel..."

Whatever you fear will come true.

Wen Shuse hurriedly lifted up her skirt and followed the maid who came to report the news to Xinyuan Hall, asking her, "What's going on?"

The maid told her in detail.

After Wen Shuse and Xie Shao left, the two old ancestors were only talking about lightning and thunder. At first, it was fine. They mocked each other and at least maintained their face. But then, Madam Wen suddenly said, "Since the person has returned, I will not pursue whether my daughter has suffered any loss. Let's leave this marriage like this. I will accept the person. Madam Xie must be very busy with housework, so I won't see you off."

The thing that the old lady of the Xie family was most worried about finally happened. She was not willing to give up and directly scolded, "People say that it is better to demolish a temple than to destroy a marriage. What's more, it is your own granddaughter's marriage. Are you so cruel?"

Madam Xie snorted on the spot and stopped saying nice things. "I have a bad heart, but it's better than some people with black hearts."

"You old thing." Old Madam Xie was so angry that she fell backwards. "If you dare to detain someone today, I will spread the news tomorrow and say that you, old thing Wen, disregarded the reputation of your ancestors and did not keep your integrity. Not only did you change the bride on the wedding day, but you also wanted to take her back when you failed to get what you wanted. Neither of our families should think about it. If we are going to perish, let's perish together."

When the news that the Xie and Wen families had each changed their bride and groom spread, all kinds of rumors flew around. Both the Xie and Wen families made up stories, but they had little effect.

Later, a rumor started from nowhere, saying that the Third Young Master Xie and the Second Lady of the Wen Family had long been in love with each other, and that this wedding banquet was originally prepared for the two of them, but the news did not spread, so it was just ended.

For this, both the Xie and Wen families breathed a sigh of relief. Now, hearing her say that she wanted to fight to the death, Old Madam Wen felt a little short of breath and cursed, "Old fox..."

Seeing that the situation was not going well, Aunt Cao secretly winked at the maid at the door, and the maid hurried out to find Wen Shuse to save the situation.

Wen Shuse hurried to the yard and happened to bump into the eldest lady An who was coming from the opposite direction.

Although An was also anxious, her face showed a bit of gloating and excitement as she watched the fun.

Last time, the old lady wanted to replace someone just for a dowry, and the first wife, Mrs. An, was heartbroken. She left the main courtyard in tears. When Wen Shuse got married, Mrs. An did not show up. Not only did she not show up, she also added a knockout drug into the master's tea, causing him to oversleep and miss the wedding.

However, no matter how much grievance and dissatisfaction she felt, it all disappeared when she learned that the Xie family had also changed the groom and the old lady's plan had failed. She felt refreshed and happy.

Seeing someone now, he no longer had any resentment and took the initiative to greet Wen Shuse, "Shuse is back?"

"Aunt." Wen Shuse greeted her, not in the mood to pay attention to her, and hurried into the yard.

An followed closely behind her, "I heard that Madam Xie is here?" She turned her head and glanced at Wen Shuse's anxious expression, and sighed, "Knowing that everyone is unhappy, why did she come? The old lady is not well yet. You don't know that the old lady didn't eat a single grain of rice a few days ago and lay in bed. No matter how we called her, she didn't respond, but she scared people to death..."

Wen Shuse's eyelids twitched, and Xiangyun behind her was glaring at her, almost telling her to shut up.

Wen Shuse had no intention of dealing with her, fearing that the two old ancestors would really start fighting. He was still in front of the door, so he called out, "Grandma..."

He hurriedly stepped into the house, and saw the two old ancestors standing up from their seats. The energy they had just had was gone, as both of them had just gotten out of bed. This fight was a complete loss for both of them, and their original sickness was revealed. They were each supported by the servants beside them.

Wen Shuse didn't expect that the two ancestors, at such an old age, would still make such a fuss. He was quite at a loss. What should he do?

I'd better go forward and help old lady Wen first, "Grandma..."

"Jiaoxian." A man's voice suddenly interrupted her from behind.

Wen Shu was stunned for a moment, and when he turned around, he saw a handsome man with a handsome face walking in. It was none other than Xie Shao, who had been angered and left by him.

She must have learned her maiden name from Ming Wanrou just now through eavesdropping.

Wen Shuse looked at him warily, afraid that he would cause more trouble. She adjusted her attitude and bowed to him in time. She curved her lips and smiled, her eyes full of kindness and pleading for mercy. Unexpectedly, the man actually smiled back at her, as if the look that wanted to skin her alive the moment before was just an illusion. There was even a layer of tenderness between his brows. He walked up to her calmly, shook out the brocade cape in his hand, raised his arm, and draped it over her. "It's cool today, put it on." Ignoring the young lady's shocked expression, he pinched the collar of the brocade cape with both hands and suddenly lifted it up. Wen Shuse was pulled by the force and took several small steps forward and fell on his chest.

Wen Shuse:......

The girl's momentary stunned expression made him feel a little happier.

A nightmare? Then keep having it.

He untied the laces of her brocade cape with his fingers and tied the knot expertly while lowering his head to whisper in her ear. "It's a rare day for you to come back home today. Have a good talk with Grandmother Wen. The key to the storehouse is in your hand. See if there's anything missing and give it to the old ancestor."

The young lady in his arms seemed a little stiff and didn't respond to him. Xie Shao's eyelids moved, staring at her red earlobe. The last bit of unhappiness in his heart also disappeared. He straightened up slightly and called her as if nothing had happened, "Jiaoxian?"

He was tall, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Wen Shuse's nose touched his shoulder, and the faint aroma of meningococcal disease penetrated into her nose, hooking her soul tightly.

Her chest was beating uncontrollably and her head was dizzy, but her mind was clear as day. Was this damn bastard trying to show his affection to her?

There was a long silence around them, and everyone's eyes were on the two of them. Who wouldn't like a gentle, charming and handsome man?

Old Madam Wen, in particular, stared blankly at the two people in front of her, their intimacy was as sweet as honey, just like a newlywed couple.

Looking at the man whom I disliked before, he doesn't seem as weird as the rumors said.

At the beginning, I exchanged Jiaxian for the eldest master regardless of my reputation, just hoping that I would have a husband who would love and care for her in the future.

Madam Xie saw the changes on Madam Wen's face. While she was impressed by her grandson's achievements, she also had doubts in her heart. Could it be that this second lady was really his favorite...

The sudden burst of affection dispelled the smell of gunpowder in the room, and no one made a sound to disturb it.

The eldest wife, Mrs. An, was the first to break the silence. She came into the room to help the old lady, "Mother, what's wrong? You were still lying in bed this morning. Why are you out to meet guests now?"

Madam Xie glanced at Madam Wen, and sure enough, her expression changed again.

Although the two of them talked harshly, they had experienced it themselves and knew how unpleasant it was. In the final analysis, they were worrying about their children and grandchildren. If we talk about jokes, aren't they also a joke?

Madam Xie did not add insult to injury and stopped the eldest lady. "But the minor quarrels between the younger generations have been resolved behind closed doors. I see that the elder sister is in good health. Madam Wen does not need to worry." She looked up and called out, "Shu Se, come and chat with your grandmother for a while." She turned around and said to a maid of the Wen family in the room, "I heard that your old lady has planted a loquat field. Take me to have a look."

Madam Wen's expression also eased. She took a deep breath and told the maid, "Go, take the old lady to visit the garden."

After Old Madam Xie pulled Xie Shao out of the house, this thrilling secret battle finally came to an end.

Old Madam Wen sent everyone out, leaving only Aunt Cao in the room. She asked Wen Shuse to sit next to her and began to inquire about her precious granddaughter in detail.

The blush on the young lady's face had not yet faded away, which made Old Madam Wen feel inexplicably relieved.

Although she had just been trying to be tough and wanted to cancel the marriage with the Xie family, she knew in her heart that her granddaughter's reputation would be damaged, and it would be extremely difficult for her to find a good marriage again in this life.

If Xie San is really considerate...

I was still worried, so I asked her, "Are you really not being wronged?"

Although Wen Shuse had scolded Xie Shao thousands of times in his heart, facing the concerned look on Madam Wen's face, he couldn't bear it after all, and smiled, "My granddaughter is fine."

"Why do I always feel it's mysterious..." Did I really hit the jackpot by accident?

Wen Shuse said, "I won't hide it from you, grandma. Before this, I have actually met Mr. Xie San. Grandma, do you still remember the incident when you and Madam Ming let the dog bite Mr. Zhou? Mr. Xie San was there that day, and I was impressed by his heroic appearance. Unfortunately, before I could tell you about it, you pushed me into Madam Ming's bridal sedan. It's said that the Bodhisattva has blessed me. On the wedding night, I took the round fan in my hand and saw that the man in front of me was actually Mr. Xie San, whom I liked. I couldn't believe it for a while and couldn't recover for a long time. Guess what, grandma?"

She spoke in a mysterious manner. Old Madam Wen and Aunt Cao listened attentively and all leaned over to listen.

"Mr. Xie suddenly came forward and held my granddaughter's hand, mumbling "Buddha bless you". My granddaughter then realized that it wasn't just me that fell in love with her that day, Mr. Xie also fell in love with her."

She lowered her head and shyly held her sleeves, looking like a bashful young girl. She described the incident vividly, but only the Bodhisattva knew how ridiculous it was.

Old Madam Wen and Aunt Cao believed the vivid words. Aunt Cao smiled and said, "I said that Second Madam is a blessed person. Old Madam is devoted to Buddhism and has worshipped the Bodhisattva for many years. How can the Bodhisattva make Old Madam sad?"

The anxiety and guilt that had been weighing on Madam Wen's chest for more than ten days finally faded away, and her face became much rosier. She asked her again, "Did he really give you the key to the warehouse?"

Wen Shuse nodded, "Yes, I will give it to you. From now on, my granddaughter will be the housekeeper of the Xie family."

"He is so confident." There was no one in the room, and the old lady was not afraid of throwing cold water on her. She knew very well what kind of character the person she raised had.

If she is asked to manage the household, she will probably have to make Old Madam Xie cry in the future. Thinking so in her heart, a long-lost smile appeared on her face.

"I think the Second Lady is a good housekeeper. At least she doesn't treat herself badly." In the past, when the Second Lady was at home, everyone was shocked by her ability to spend money. Now that she's gone, it's clear that the money earned by the Second Master in the mansion is better spent by the Second Lady. Aunt Cao couldn't help but say, "The idea that the First Lady has been thinking about these days..."

"Ahem..." He was interrupted by Madam Wen's cough, "Why bring her up for no reason?" He continued to talk to Wen Shuse, "Tell grandma about the Xie family..."

—

The maid from the Wen family took Old Madam Xie and Xie Shao all the way to the Wen family's loquat garden.

As soon as he left the yard, he saw Min Zhang, who had gone out to do some work, hurrying over. Seeing that he looked a little unhappy, Xie Shao stepped back a few steps and said to Old Madam Xie, "Grandma, go first. I'll come over later."

The children and grandchildren have grown up and have their own things to do. Old Madam Xie has never interfered. "Remember not to miss lunch."

Xie Shao responded with a "yes". After the crowd in front of him had gone far away, Min Zhang said, "Prince Zhou is in a hurry to find you, and he is at the door."

What could have brought him here? Xie Shao frowned and walked quickly to the door.

Zhou Kuang had been circling the door for a long time. When he saw someone coming out, he immediately stepped forward without even bothering to greet him. He said with a sad face, "Brother Xie, what should we do? The armory in the western suburbs was broken into, and the person in charge is nowhere to be found."

As a man, who doesn't like to wield swords and guns? In a secret house in the western suburbs, some weapons were secretly stored. When they had nothing to do on weekdays, they would go there to practice.

Today, when Zhou Kuang went there, he saw the door was wide open and weapons were scattered on the ground. He called the manager, but no one responded for a long time.

There are only a hundred or so weapons in the warehouse, which are just for leisure and entertainment and can't amount to anything big. But if they fall into the hands of someone with ulterior motives and are sent to Dongdu, it will be a big deal.

Possessing weapons privately is a capital crime, and even Prince Jing will be implicated.

In the past year, several princes in the surrounding areas have been caught by the court one after another, and now only Prince Jing, the governor of Zhongzhou, is left.

It was indeed a troublesome matter. Xie Shao asked, "Does the prince know about this?"

Zhou Kuang became even more anxious. "Qingzhou has been almost scorched by the sun these past few months. Refugees are running around and making trouble everywhere. My father just left the city this morning..."

"Immediately send people out of the city to chase them along the road. As long as it is a carriage, all people must get off and be inspected." Xie Shao turned his head and glanced at the carriage parked in front of the mansion. "Go and inform Deputy Envoy Xie."