Chapter 262 Retirement
Xie Xuchuan nodded, and together with Jiang Wansu, they watched Hua Nanzhi leave before returning hand in hand to Qianxiang Courtyard.
The courtyard was decorated with lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Jiang Wansu said, "I told my mother today that I want to learn how to make taro pastries from the cook in her courtyard."
“I saw you liked it yesterday, so I’ll learn how to make it for you.”
Xie Xuchuan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
He actually doesn't like this; it's a bit oily and too sweet, but...
Some people like to eat it.
Thank you.
"There's no need for thanks between husband and wife; everyone does it the same way."
Xie Xuchuan didn't know what to say, and Jiang Wansu was also speechless.
They are both trying very hard to live their lives, and he believes that after some more time, he will be able to let go.
Let go of the past, let go of old friends.
"Today I made duck meat porridge and stewed pigeon eggs. I also asked the cook to add a dish of stir-fried ham and bamboo shoots for you. It's savory and delicious, and I remember you like it."
"Oh, there's also a nourishing soup to replenish qi and blood. I didn't open it to check, but we'll each have a bowl later."
Xie Xuchuan nodded: "Okay."
During the meal, Jiang Wansu told Xie Xuchuan about Zitang's matter. Xie Xuchuan had no objections and left it to her to handle.
Jiang Wansu was pleased and showed a genuine smile.
Qianxiang Courtyard was much larger than Tiqi Courtyard, and many of its items were of high quality. Jiang Wansu really liked the bathhouse there, as it was not only clean but also very bright.
After taking a bath, she came out wearing a quilted undergarment.
Her long, wet hair still had some water stains on it. Xie Xuchuan looked at it for a long time before standing up and taking a soft towel to gently wipe it dry.
He thought that if he were to marry Yuanzhu, he would definitely do the same.
Jiang Wansu sat on the embroidered stool, letting Xie Xuchuan gently wipe her hair.
Her gaze was lowered, staring at something in front of her, lost in thought.
"It's still a bit damp. I'll go get a charcoal brazier. It'll be dry so I won't get sick."
"Um……"
Jiang Wansu gave a soft "hmm" and kept her head down.
The charcoal brazier brought a burst of heat, and Xie Xuchuan used his hand to lift Jiang Wansu's long hair, letting the heat steam over it.
His eyes were clear, as if he were doing something completely ordinary.
"Xuchuan..."
Jiang Wansu brushed her hair away from Xie Xuchuan's hand and turned to look at him.
Her gaze was gentle, and she appeared charming and alluring in the candlelight.
Xie Xuchuan kept his head down, still holding a lock of her long hair in his hand.
Jiang Wansu bit her lip, still feeling a little resentful, but she also felt that she and Xie Xuchuan were bound to meet this day sooner or later.
Thinking this, he stood up and sighed softly.
After sighing, she gently leaned on Xie Xuchuan's shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist.
The man carried an aura that was neither entirely unfamiliar nor entirely familiar, but Jiang Wansu knew she didn't find it repulsive.
She closed her eyes, waiting for the other person's move.
But after a long time, Xie Xuchuan still stood there blankly, without even moving his hand, let alone hugging the other person back.
Jiang Wansu tightened her arms, and the image of Cui Yulin flashed before her eyes.
In the past, when she did this, Cui Yulin would hold her tightly in his arms and lower his head to press his lips to the top of her head.
The two of them would joke around and talk about anything.
At that time, she and Cui Yulin had no official status, and every time they were intimate, she was both afraid and passionate.
She could sense the love Cui Yulin had for her.
Xie Xuchuan did not.
But she didn't care.
She didn't like Xie Xuchuan either, but Xie Xuchuan could give her stability and make her feel at ease.
Jiang Wansu closed her eyes, tilted her head back, and planted a kiss on Xie Xuchuan's chin.
"Xu Chuan, this day was bound to come sooner or later."
Upon hearing this, Xie Xuchuan hesitated for a moment, then raised his hands and gently wrapped them around Jiang Wansu.
The two embraced for a while, then Jiang Wansu pulled him toward the bed.
The bed curtains were drawn, and Jiang Wansu took the lead in embracing him, her hand slowly climbing up the knot on Xie Xuchuan's clothes.
Xie Xuchuan lowered his head, but his gaze fell on the twin lotus flowers embroidered on the brocade quilt.
As Jiang Wansu took off her clothes, her hands trembled violently. Just as she was about to remove her undergarment, Xie Xuchuan pressed her hands down.
"You're not fully recovered yet, let's talk about it another day."
Jiang Wansu paused, then nodded slightly.
She slowly let out a breath, feeling relieved.
The two lay down, each turning over so that their backs were to each other.
Xie Xuchuan lifted a corner of the gauze curtain and looked at everything in the room, unable to help but think of the time when Yuanzhu lived here.
I wonder if she'll be sitting at her dressing table fiddling with an abacus, or at a desk.
Every night, he would fall asleep like this, and wake up thinking of Yuanzhu.
The next morning, the two ate together as if nothing had happened.
Jiang Wansu would serve Xie Xuchuan his favorite dishes, and Xie Xuchuan would occasionally take a bite and then ask about Jiang Wansu's health and preferences.
It seems their relationship is getting better and better.
"I might be back a little late today. If you have nothing else to do, you can take a stroll around the courtyard."
Jiang Wansu nodded: "Okay."
Their relationship improved, the father recovered from his illness, and the mother looked healthier and healthier.
Everything is getting better for the Xie family, and Xie Xuchuan hopes it will continue to be so.
He was relieved that his family was healthy.
Wearing the fur coat that Jiang Wansu had dressed him in, Xie Xuchuan walked out of the Xie family home.
Before he could even get into the carriage, a person appeared beside him.
He turned his head to look and was startled for a moment.
"Uncle Cui?"
Cui Cheng stood beside Xie Xuchuan, his face pale.
She must have been standing here waiting for him for a long time, and was freezing.
Xie Xuchuan remained silent for a moment, then took off his thick coat and draped it over Cui Cheng.
"You're back? You've been gone for so long, so much has happened at home."
Cui Cheng looked at Xie Xuchuan, his eyes reddening, "Young Master..."
Xie Xuchuan pursed his lips, then said, "Uncle Cui, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time. In the past, I..."
In the past, he was timid and neither knew nor dared to tell Cui Cheng about how he had caused Yu Lin's death.
But now he has learned to take responsibility for what he should take, and he will no longer run away from it.
"Young Master..."
Cui Cheng grabbed Xie Xuchuan's hand, trembling uncontrollably, "I also have something I want to tell you, you... could you come with me first?"
"good."
Xie Xuchuan turned around and gave the driver a few instructions, then turned and left with Cui Cheng.
On the way, Cui Cheng murmured, "How could so many things happen in just over half a year? The old lady is gone, and the family business has also fallen into ruin overnight."
"The craftsmen and embroiderers were sold off by the second master, the weaving and dyeing garden was closed, and even the shops in Songjiang Prefecture were closed."
"How could this happen? It's so sudden, so incredibly sudden..."
“It’s alright, Uncle Cui.”
Xie Xuchuan patted his shoulder and said gently, "There's no one at home, so we need you to keep things in order. Your return is just in time... Uncle Cui, I've thought it over. From now on, you can retire at the Xie family home, and I'll take care of all your needs..."
Xie Xuchuan spoke for a long time, but Cui Cheng, whether frozen or not, just kept muttering to himself.
It wasn't until the two arrived at a hotel room that Cui Cheng said, "Young Master, I went out this time to pick up Yu Lin. You...you should go and take a look."
After saying that, Cui Cheng stepped forward and pushed open the door.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
