Chapter 3
Xia An was taking the ghost ball out of the house when he was bumped into Chunqi who was coming back from collecting his monthly allowance. When Chunqi asked him what happened, he was quite frightened.
He hurried in to look for Xie Yunchu, and saw his master resting under the moonlit window. He rushed over and knelt before her.
"Master, please tell me clearly, what's going on?"
Chunqi has always been meticulous and cautious, and the two of them grew up together and have a special relationship. It is easy to fool others except her.
Xie Yunchu pulled her up and said solemnly, "You won't believe me, but I've had nightmares these past few days. I dreamed that I was organizing a birthday party for my wife and I became seriously ill from overwork. I don't have much time left."
When Chunqi heard this, he turned pale with fright. Thinking back to the fact that Xie Yunchu had always been hardworking and selfless, he thought that this was not impossible. His expression instantly became solemn.
Xie Yunchu continued, "What's even more ridiculous is that I dreamed that Lu sent Xie Yunxiu into the mansion, intending to wait for me to die so that she could be the second master's second wife. Although it was a dream, it's a bad omen. Chunqi, Yunxiu is only two years younger than me. I've been married for nearly two years. Logically, she should be engaged, but she's been staying in the academy for so long. Think about it carefully, why is that?"
Chunqi was even more indignant when he heard this, and he spat and cursed,
"That concubine Lu is a concubine who is not worthy of being on the stage. How dare she set her sights on you, young lady? She is simply dreaming!"
Xie Yunchu did not hear Chunqi's endless chatter afterwards. Her mind was full of Chunqi's words "Aunt Lu".
Aunt Lu?
Yes, it is now March of the eighth year of Tianxi, and Aunt Lu has not yet been made the legitimate wife.
Thinking of this, Xie Yunchu sat up straight, grabbed Chunqi's hand tightly, and asked in a trembling voice,
"How many days are left until my father's birthday party?"
In her previous life, Aunt Lu was made the wife at her father's birthday party.
It seemed to be in the eighth year of Tianxi.
"April 3rd, there's still half a month left."
Chunqi saw Xie Yunchu's face turn red and white, and was a little surprised, "Haven't you prepared the gift? The birthdays of the son-in-law and our master are not far away, you prepared them together."
Xie Yunchu's heart was pounding, and it took him a long time to calm down.
"Okay, okay, let's celebrate Dad's birthday properly then."
In this life, she must not let Aunt Lu succeed.
There is still some time, and she needs to make a good living.
With this dream as an excuse, Chunqi refused to thank Yunchu for his hard work, "You really should take a good rest and take care of your body. If you lose your life, you will lose everything."
The intimacy between master and servant goes without saying.
Today is March 16th, the sky is clear and the weather is sunny. It rained for a while at Mao time, and then it cleared up at Chen time.
The morning light reflected in the dewdrops emits five-colored rays of light.
Today Wang Shuhuai has a rest.
After he became the number one scholar in the imperial examination, he was appointed as an editor in the Imperial Academy. Now that his two-year term has expired, it is time for him to be promoted.
The general election in March is expected to have results by the end of the month.
Wang Shuhuai got up early in the morning, greeted his parents, and returned to the study in the outer courtyard with his father, the second master of the Wang family.
The second master, Wang Shou, had gained weight in middle age, and his figure was no longer as tall and straight as it was when he was young. Only his face could still show some of its former majesty. He sat behind the desk with a big belly, almost occupying the whole of Wang Shuhuai's red sandalwood armchair. The housekeeper immediately came in to serve tea, and brought the purple clay teapot that the second master was used to drinking from, in which a pot of Dahongpao was boiling hot. He then poured Wang Shuhuai a cup of West Lake Longjing tea, and said with a smile,
"Second Master, Second Master, please have some tea." Then he closed the door and left.
Wang Shou was the eldest son of the Wang family, and Wang Shuhuai was also the eldest grandson of the Wang family. There was a reason why they were called "Second Master" and "Second Master".
The Wang family of Langya stood for a hundred years, and its descendants were elegant and talented. It remained prosperous even in the Great Jin Dynasty.
When the late emperor first ascended the throne, the old man of the Wang family was awarded the title of Duke Wang Guo for his meritorious service in following the emperor. The old man had a childhood sweetheart named Zhen, who was the biological mother of the second master Wang Shou. Zhen died soon after giving birth to a son.
It happened that Princess Dejong's husband had died, and the late emperor decided to marry the only legitimate princess to Old Master Wang.
Princess Dejong also had a son who was half a year older than the second master Wang Shou. Because the previous prince consort was guilty of treason, the princess decided to change her son's status to king and make him the first in line of rank. He is now the eldest master of the Wang family.
Later, the eldest princess and the duke gave birth to two sons and one daughter, namely the third master, the fourth master, and the fifth aunt of the Wang family.
The eldest princess is of noble status, and the eldest master of the Wang family is very capable and socially adept. He thrives in the Duke's Mansion like a fish in water, and acts like an elder brother.
It makes the second master Wang Shou, who has been an orphan since childhood, look somewhat cowardly and incompetent.
The second master was suppressed by his non-blood-related elder brother above him, and had several precious younger brothers below him. He was sandwiched between them and almost became an invisible man.
Until Wang Shuhuai was born, this legitimate grandson of the Wang family inherited the style of his ancestors, with a gentle temperament and outstanding character. He rejected the family's support for an official position and focused on taking the imperial examinations. In the end, he shined and became the top scholar of the dynasty.
This made the second master feel quite proud.
He sat behind his desk, looking at his young, noble and handsome son, with pride in his eyes. But when he thought of the election, his brows slightly furrowed.
"Yesterday, I was drinking in the West Chamber and met Lord Quan from the Ministry of Personnel. He said that officials from various ministries have taken a liking to you and want you to go to their own government offices to observe government affairs. However, Lord Quan said that the final decision on which one will depend on the eldest princess's opinion. Huai'er, which ministry do you want to go to? Do you want me to go to the palace and ask your grandfather to plead with the eldest princess?"
Although Princess Derong is married, she does not live in the princess mansion. It is because she assisted the current emperor in fighting for the throne. The current emperor respects this sister very much and asks her opinion on all state affairs. Therefore, the princess has lived in the deep palace for so many years and seldom returns home. The Duke loves his wife and accompanies her most of the time. He only returns to the mansion during the holidays to play with his grandchildren.
No matter which government office Wang Shuhuai was appointed to, such a trivial matter would not have alarmed the emperor and the eldest princess. Firstly, Wang Shuhuai was of noble status. Secondly, Wang Shuhuai had a special status. After all, he was not the eldest princess's biological grandson. In case the eldest princess had other intentions, the court officials did not want to offend this powerful woman.
Wang Shuhuai's expression did not change at all after hearing this. A look of satisfaction appeared on his handsome face. "Don't worry, father. If you go to petition, it will only complicate things and make you look for trouble. Wherever the princess decides, I will go there."
Wang Shou took a deep look at his son. He was wearing a porcelain-colored gown today, with a Hetian jade piece given to him by the princess when he was born hanging around his waist. This color was not eye-catching, and if it were worn by someone else, it would probably be overshadowed. But it was different on Wang Shuhuai. He had an outstanding temperament and a cold, calm expression, which made the color look a bit fairy-like.
It would be easy if my son was really the kind of person who could be manipulated by others, but I'm afraid that's not the case.
"Don't make any trouble."
Wang Shuhuai lowered his eyes and said nothing.
The second master pursed his lips, glanced at his calm and composed son, and snorted a few times.
Forget it, he couldn't help and just let the little fox fend for itself.
The second master was not used to worrying, so he quickly put his worries behind him and stared at Wang Shuhuai and asked,
"Did you stay at your wife's place last night?"
Wang Shuhuai was slightly startled. He was an extremely focused person, completely absorbed in his future and court affairs. If his father had not reminded him, he would have almost forgotten about the unpleasantness of last night.
Wang Shuhuai was speechless when he met his father's slightly teasing eyes. He never talked about family matters. He said without changing his expression,
"yes."
He looked as if he didn't want his father to ask more questions.
The second master also understood that it was impossible for a father to interfere in his son's room affairs. The reason why he asked one more question was because Xie had taken sick leave today and had not gone to the upper room to pay her respects. His wife, who had always visited him morning and night, had suddenly disappeared. He could only think that the young couple had been separated for a short time and that Xie was feeling shy because of the trouble she had caused.
Before Xie gave birth to a legitimate son, Wang Shuhuai could not take a concubine. This was the rule of the Wang family.
It is understandable that my son couldn't control himself for a while after being away from home for a while.
Seeing that Wang Shuhuai remained silent, the second master knew that he was trying to drive him away, so he got up and walked out.
Wang Shuhuai respectfully saw him to the door, then turned back and entered the study. The emotion on his face faded, and he took out a stack of specially made thin oil paper from the box in Duobao Pavilion and began to write a letter.
After writing, he asked someone to send it out.
The guard left and the long-servant Minggui came in. He came in with a smile on his face and a food box in his hand.
"Master, the young mistress sent Qiu Sui to bring some lily and lotus seed soup. Drink it while it's hot."
When Wang Shuhuai was at home, Xie Yunchu took care of him diligently, three meals a day.
I took a few sips as usual and the taste was a little different than usual, but I didn't think much about it.
He is very sensitive, but he doesn't take everything to heart.
He didn't know that from today on, his meals would no longer be prepared by Xie Yunchu himself.
After drinking, Wang Shuhuai looked up coldly when he saw Minggui hadn't left. "What's the matter?"
Minggui looked worried, "Before I entered the study, I saw Chunqi going to ask for a doctor. It seems that the young mistress is not in good health."
Wang Shuhuai was silent for a moment. This could explain why Xie Yunchu refused to have sex and wanted to recuperate.
It just so happens that he is not in a hurry.
Although Xie Yunchu was wrong about what happened last night, he didn't take it to heart.
"Well, you go and take care of it, and make sure the doctor is careful."
Minggui was speechless when he asked others to care but he himself did not. He silently complained a few words and responded respectfully.
Xie Yunchu did indeed ask a doctor to see a doctor. Firstly, she had to find a good excuse for her suddenness, and secondly, she really wanted to take good care of her body.
Thinking back to the conversation with Wang Shuhuai last night, she also realized that she had rejected Wang Shuhuai's request to sleep with her. She was satisfied with the result, but if she didn't give a reasonable explanation, it would be hard to avoid quarrels between the couple. She had given up on Wang Shuhuai, but that didn't mean she had to confront him. She had to save face no matter what.
Chunqi listened to her and went to ask for a doctor.
The Wang family is the most prominent family in the capital, and because of the eldest princess, the Imperial Medical Bureau specially assigned an imperial physician to the Wang family. The imperial physician came soon and prescribed a prescription for Xie Yunchu to replenish qi and consolidate blood. Xie Yunchu drank the medicine after lunch, took a nap, woke up, took a bath, changed clothes, and looked radiant.
Since you have decided to continue living your life, you must visit your parents regularly every morning and evening.
Xie Yunchu changed into a scarlet double-breasted long jacket and a light pink floral skirt, and went upstairs with confidence.
Xie Yunchu's mother-in-law, Jiang, was a stunning beauty. The Jiang family was an old noble family. Jiang had been raised in luxury since she was a child, with everything provided for her. She had a fair complexion and tender flesh. In her early years, she was arrogant and domineering. Later, she married into the Wang family and became the eldest princess's wife. She had to restrain her temper. Her husband was incompetent, and her sisters-in-law were difficult to get along with. Jiang was worn down by this and became weak on the inside. She looked very powerful on the outside, but she was actually useless on the inside.
Take what happened last night for example. Xie Yunchu clearly refused to sleep with her, but Jiang didn't hear anything about it. Why? Chunjingtang was either full of Xie Yunchu's confidants or Wang Shuhuai's men, so Jiang couldn't get involved.
Because Xie Yunchu was the daughter-in-law chosen by the eldest princess, she was capable, steady, dignified and generous, so Jiang had a love-hate relationship with her.
What she loved was that she finally had a capable daughter-in-law to manage the household, so she could finally take a break.
What I hate is that after all, the wife I chose was not mine, there is a layer of distance between us.
Jiang gave birth to three sons and one daughter in total.
Wang Shuhuai was devoted to his studies and refused to get married. Jiang was anxious to find a daughter-in-law to take over. She first married Wang Shuhuai's younger brother, the third master Wang Shukuang, to a wife. After Xie Yunchu became pregnant, she married the fourth master Wang Shutong and his wife.
Whenever Jiang got angry outside, she would take it out on her wife.
When Xie Yunchu entered Ninghe Hall, he saw his beautiful mother-in-law getting angry at the fourth master's wife.
"Isn't it just gargling? You can't even do it properly? Look at your second sister-in-law. Brother Huai's wife is even prettier than you, but she's not as clumsy as you."
Jiang was lazy and took a late nap every day and woke up at 3 p.m.
Fourth grandmother Xu Shiwei, holding a spittoon in her hand, stood trembling under the couch. Her fair and pretty face was about to cry because of the scolding. "Mother, I will learn from my sister-in-law..."
The maid immediately stepped forward to take over. After Jiang rinsed her mouth and drank her tea, the maid brought her a bowl of bird's nest porridge.
At this time of year, Jiang likes to drink a bowl of bird's nest porridge to nourish her energy and focus her mind.
Xu Shiwei looked at the bowl of bird's nest porridge, feeling bitter in her heart. Just then she saw Xie Yunchu walking in calmly. She hurried over as if she saw a savior, "Second sister-in-law, you are here. Mother and I have been talking about you all day. How are you? Are you okay?"
Xie Yunchu looked at Xu Shiwei calmly, then curved his lips with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law."
In her previous life, she had the best relationship with Xu Shiwei. Xu Shiwei was sweet-looking and well-behaved, and Xie Yunchu took care of her in every way. She never expected that after the news that Xie Yunxiu was about to remarry spread, she would be the first one to show goodwill to Xie Yunxiu.
As expected, you can’t judge a book by its cover.
Xie Yunchu first stepped forward and bowed gracefully to her mother-in-law, then took the porcelain cup from the maid, stirred it gently, and put a little on the back of her hand to test the temperature.
Xu Shiwei saw this from the side and said with concern, "Sister-in-law, go slower, don't burn mother."
After Xie Yunchu adjusted the temperature, he asked worriedly, "Is it ready to drink?"
It was Xie Yunchu who was doing the work, and it sounded like she was working for him.
Xie Yunchu scooped up a spoonful and handed it to Jiang.
This morning, Nanny Lin asked for leave from Jiang, saying that Xie Yunchu was not feeling well and could not visit him morning and evening.
Jiang's face changed when she heard this. She was used to being served by Xie Yunchu and couldn't bear to be away from him for even a moment. The third daughter-in-law was the most stubborn and wanted to seize Xie Yunchu's power over the household affairs. She took advantage of Xie Yunchu's absence and went to the conference room. She hasn't come back yet.
She could only ask her youngest wife to serve her.
The youngest daughter-in-law is a stupid person. She has been scalded several times. She is sweet-mouthed and kind-hearted, but she has no ability to do any work.
With others as a comparison, when she saw Xie Yunchu, Jiang felt relieved and naturally opened her mouth, enjoying Xie Yunchu's service.
Just when Xie Yunchu was about to put the spoonful of bird's nest porridge into his mouth, his arm shook uncontrollably, he turned his face away and coughed lightly.
Jiang frowned.
Xie Yunchu quickly took a step back and said ashamedly, "I caught a cold last night, I'm afraid it's not well yet, please forgive me, mother-in-law."
In the past, she affectionately called her "mother", but now she calls her "mother-in-law".
Jiang hadn't noticed these subtle changes yet. She didn't really need to be fed, not to mention she had maids and nannies serving her personally. It was just that after being a daughter-in-law for many years and finally becoming a mother-in-law, she wanted to show off her power and enjoy being served.
Xie Yunchu covered his mouth and was about to move forward. At this time, Xu Shiwei said politely as usual, "Why don't I do it? I always see my sister-in-law serving my mother, so I should learn from her."
Xie Yunchu's ears were almost callused from such polite words.
Xu Shiwei was like this in her previous life. Whenever she had to take care of her mother-in-law, Xu Shiwei would watch from the side. Although her hands and feet were slow, her mouth was fast, and she would say something from time to time,
"What kind of porridge did sister-in-law prepare today? I think we should add ginseng to it."
"Oh, my sister-in-law is really capable. She takes good care of my mother. I admire her."
With just one sentence, he flattered his mother-in-law and flattered Xie Yunchu.
When he speaks, his face is full of naivety, he is well-behaved and sweet-mouthed, and it is really hard to guard against him.
When Xu Shiwei said this today, Xie Yunchu immediately turned around and put the bowl of porridge in her hand, looking at her with bright eyes.
"I'm not feeling well, so I've troubled you to take care of my mother-in-law these past two days."
Xu Shiwei was stunned.
Jiang glanced at Xie Yunchu. Xie Yunchu had just demonstrated it. If Xu Shiwei still couldn't learn it well, she would be stupid.
Xu Shiwei met her mother-in-law's scrutinizing gaze and took the porcelain cup with gritted teeth.
While Xu Shiwei was serving, Xie Yunchu was giving instructions from the side.
"Whether it's tea or porridge, you have to test it at the base of your thumb. Tea should be 50% cool, porridge should be 60% warm... You must not burn your mother-in-law."
"By the way, you must add ginseng to your morning porridge, and you will be full of energy for the day."
"Look, mother-in-law looks radiant today when I'm not here. It proves that fourth brother's wife pleases mother-in-law more than I do..." Xie Yunchu's voice was mellow and pleasant to hear.
But it sounded very familiar to Xu Shiwei.
After Xie Yunchu finished speaking, he coughed a few more times.
Jiang was flattered by the word "radiant", but then she saw Xie Yunchu coughing non-stop and was worried that she would pass her illness on to her, so she waved her hand in disdain.
"Go back and rest. Don't come here until you are fully recovered."
Xie Yunchu was waiting for this sentence, and bowed gracefully.
"Then I'll take my leave. My mother-in-law likes crabapples. I'll go to the yard and pick a few and send them over."
Xu Shiwei blinked. Isn’t this a job she often does?
Xie Yunchu walked out of the upper room through the porch behind Ninghe Hall. Since she was bedridden in her previous life, Xie Yunchu had never left the yard. She was a little impatient. She walked through the hall and stepped onto a flat stone bridge. A warm breeze blew towards her. She took a deep breath, and the air flowed down her throat into her internal organs, emptying the turbid air that had been stagnant for a long time.
In her previous life, she lived as a dignified and virtuous wife, a virtuous and filial daughter-in-law, an amiable and respectable sister-in-law in the eyes of others, and an enviable figure in the capital.
But I didn't live my own life.
In this life, she wants to live differently.
Xie Yunchu took her maid and picked a basket of flowers and went back, and asked Chunqi to find two sky-blue plum vases to prepare the flowers.
Wang Shuhuai followed the old custom and came to Chunjing Hall for dinner. As soon as he stepped onto the corridor, he saw a group of beautiful women gathered in the usually quiet main room. He frowned. He never liked noise, and Xie was always considerate. Why was the courtyard so messy today?
Looking closely, the most eye-catching one is the girl in the red crabapple dress. She is tall and slender, with red lips and white teeth. She wears a peony hairpin inlaid with gems on her bun, and a pink crabapple flower is pinned on the end of her hair, just like a fluttering pink butterfly happily flying among the branches.
He looks so energetic, not like someone in poor health.
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