The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 100

The Third Madam turned to Xie Yunchu and thanked her, “It’s thanks to your guidance. I can tell she’s changed. She’s no longer so stubborn and hasn’t outright refused. She can now explain her reasoning, which shows she’s seriously considering marriage.”

Xie Yunchu was equally pleased.

In her previous life, during this period, the Duke had been gravely ill. The various branches of the family schemed against each other. Even the once-dominant Third Madam was powerless when her husband fell ill. After the Duke’s death, the family fell apart. Disheartened, Wang Shuqin left for a family temple outside the city and never married.

Xie Yunchu vividly remembered the day Wang Shuqin left. It had poured heavily. The frail girl sat alone on horseback, drenched by the wind and rain, shouting in grief and anger, “Why has this family become like this? For a title? For some property? Is it worth tearing each other apart and making the house unlivable?”

Then, with a whip of her reins, she disappeared into the rain and never returned to the capital.

Wang Shuqin had no idea that the Duke’s family feud was just the beginning. It eventually spread to the court, triggering a battle for the throne that plunged the country into years of turmoil. 

Fortunately, things were different in this life.

Seeing Wang Shuqin showing signs of maturity, Xie Yunchu was genuinely happy for her.

After sitting for two quarters of an hour, Chun Qi hurried in from Chunjing hall and called her happily, “Second Young Madam, please go back quickly and see who came to see you.”

Xie Yunchu immediately knew it had to be her brother. She quickly apologized to the Third Madam and hurried back to Chunjing Hall.

Just as she walked up the steps in front of her from the corridor, she saw a pair of figures coming through the moon-shaped gate.

Xie Yunchu ignored Wang Shuhai and fixed her eyes on her brother.

The tall and slender teenager had grown into a striking young man. His bright, star-like eyes shone with energy, and his raised brows carried a touch of youthful pride. Seeing him, Xie Yunchu couldn’t help but burst into tears.

The memories of her previous life resurfaced—her brother, full of resentment and obstinance, charging ahead like a stubborn bull, refusing to listen to anyone. Compared to this vibrant young man before her, the difference was night and day.

In her previous life, he had been the one who treated her the best, even when he had a crippled leg. He had climbed mountains and crossed rivers to find renowned teachers for her, repeatedly knocking account books from her hands to stop her from overworking.

Anyone who dared to scold her would face his wrath as he stormed up to defend her.

If there was anyone in that world who would stand up for her without hesitation and regardless of life and death, it would only be Xie Yunyou.

Overcome with emotion, Xie Yunchu covered her mouth and sobbed uncontrollably.

“You’er…”

Xie Yunyou was stunned by her tears. The youthful boy, not yet free of his childlike innocence, pointed at his tearful sister and asked Wang Shuhai, “Brother-in-law, did you bully my sister?”

Wang Shuhai, equally baffled, looked at his emotional wife without a word.

Still full of suspicion, Xie Yunyou stepped forward and supported his sister. “Sister, don’t just cry. Tell me—who bullied you? Was it Brother-in-law or those old geezers in the family? Just say the name.”

Xie Yunchu couldn’t help but laugh as she saw the young man brimming with fiery determination, ready to fight at the mention of a name. “What nonsense are you spouting? I was just worried about you, that’s all.”

Xie Yuyou relaxed, “What’s there to worry about? Look at me—I’m perfectly fine!” He shot a cheerful glance toward Wang Shuhuai, who stood behind him, and the group made their way inside.

Xie Yunchu washed her face and sat with them for a chat.

“Did you come straight to the Wang family from the academy?”

“Of course,” Xie Yuyou said matter-of-factly. “What else did you think? That I’d go back to see that cranky old man first? No way—I’d definitely come to see you first!” His tone was one of unabashed confidence and favoritism.

Xie Yunchu couldn’t help but tear up again. “Fine, if you don’t want to go, you don’t have to. Do as you please.” In her previous life, she had always hoped her younger brother would stand tall again, doing what she thought was best for him. Over time, though, her brother grew distant, unwilling to share his true feelings. In this life, while she naturally wished for him to have a bright future, she would be content as long as he could live healthily and without trouble.

Hearing her words, Xie Yuyou was unexpectedly touched. Looking at his elder sister, his expression softened with affection. “Thank you, Sister.”

Wang Shuhuai, as usual, was a man of few words. Most of the conversation was dominated by Xie Yuyou, who enthusiastically recounted his experiences at the academy.

Noticing it was getting late, Xie Yunchu suddenly exclaimed, “Oh dear, you talk with your brother-in-law; I’ll head to the kitchen to make a few of your favorite dishes.” 

Before Xie Yuyou could react, her slender figure had already briskly disappeared around the corner.

Upon hearing her words, Wang Shuhuai’s gaze followed his wife’s retreating figure, lingering at the beaded curtain in silence.

It had been months since he last tasted her cooking, yet the moment her younger brother returned, she eagerly rushed into the kitchen.

By noon, Xie Yunchu had laid out a large table full of dishes, most being Xie Yuyou’s favorites, though there were some for Wang Shuhuai as well. However, no matter how many bites Wang Shuhuai took, something felt off. Ultimately, he repeatedly reminded himself that he shouldn’t and didn’t need to dwell on such trivial matters before forcing himself to finish his bowl of rice.

Reserved as he was, Wang Shuhuai’s subtle emotions went unnoticed by both Xie Yunchu and Xie Yuyou.

After the meal, when Wang Shuhuai invited Xie Yuyou to rest in the study, Xie Yunchu politely declined for him, “Second Young Master is still recovering, and you enjoy peace and quiet. Let Yuyou stay here instead of disturbing you.”

Understanding Wang Shuhuai’s strict temperament, Xie Yuyou replied while cradling his little niece, “Brother-in-law, don’t worry about me. I’ll just stay here and play with Ke’er… It’s been ages since Uncle last saw Ke’er. Look at my Ke’er; isn’t she growing so beautifully?” He lifted the child high into the air, making her laugh heartily. Like all children, Ke’er was immediately captivated by the novelty, her attention wholly absorbed by Xie Yuyou.