The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 102

Despite his outwardly carefree demeanor, Xie Yunyou was remarkably observant.

Recalling how his sister had burst into tears upon seeing him earlier, Xie Yunyou looked seriously at Wang Shuhua.

“Brother-in-law, have you offended my sister?”

Wang Shuhua felt a mix of emotions, unsure how to respond.

This momentary hesitation solidified in Xie Yunyou’s mind that the couple had indeed had a falling out.

He knew his sister’s temperament well. The only possible explanation was that Wang Shuhua had neglected her.

“Brother-in-law, could it be that you’ve been too preoccupied with official duties and have been neglecting my sister? No woman doesn’t wish for affection from her husband. My sister may be virtuous, but she must still long for your attention. Since you’re heading south soon, spend these few days with her properly.”

Having made his point, Xie Yunyou turned and left.

Wang Shuhua glanced sideways, catching sight of a slender figure standing gracefully behind the dense shadows of bamboo. She was delicate and charming, outshining the surrounding flowers.

Was it really his shortcomings?

Wang Shuhua had specially stayed home to see off Xie Yunyou. After his departure, he returned to the Yamen to resume his work. With his journey south approaching, the Eldest Princess had summoned him multiple times to Changchun Palace to discuss land survey strategies. His schedule left him no time to catch his breath. Yet, amid the late-night quiet in the Yamen, Xie Yunyou’s and Master Zhu’s words came back to him.

Once he left, who knew when he would return? Perhaps he should leave something personally made for her as a keepsake.

Wang Shuhua was skilled in carving and immediately instructed Qi Wei to fetch a small piece of Hetian mutton-fat jade from his collection. He cut a portion to the length of a hairpin and, amidst his busy schedule, spent two days crafting a Hetian jade hairpin for Xie Yunchu.

The hairpin’s head was carved into an intricate magnolia flower, reflecting her serene and elegant nature. Surely, she would like it.

Though devoid of elaborate adornments, the craftsmanship was fluent and exquisite. His fingertips bore several cuts from the carving knife, but he paid them no mind. That evening, he brought the hairpin to Chunjing Hall.

The late summer heat lingered after a recent rain, and mist enveloped the place. Wang Shuhua, clad in a deep blue robe, strode gracefully through the corridor.

Xie Yunchu was watching Ke Jie’er play under the eaves. The maid held the child, who mischievously reached out to catch the water droplets falling from the roof, her laughter ringing throughout the courtyard.

Noticing him in the corner of her eye, Xie Yunchu turned her gaze. He approached slowly through the misty rain, his features like a painting of natural beauty. Each stroke of his brow and eye seemed perfectly etched, like an ethereal landscape—distantly beautiful, almost untouchable.

Xie Yunchu was momentarily dazed but quickly regained composure.

Wang Shuhua, drawn by the child’s laughter, glanced at his daughter before shifting his gaze to his wife. She was dressed in a simple robe, her lips unadorned yet naturally rosy, her brows untouched but elegant. Leaning lightly against a pillar, she looked at him serenely.

“Second Young Master. you’re back.” Her complexion was paler than usual, seemingly a bit frail. Wang Shuhua noticed but didn’t question it. Instead, he slowly retrieved the jade hairpin from his sleeve and handed it to her.

“Wife, I carved this jade hairpin for you. See if you like it?” His voice was clear and rich, with no excessive intonations, yet it was pleasant to hear.

Xie Yunchu, feeling somewhat unwell due to her monthly cycle, had been forcing herself to stay composed despite her low spirits. But upon hearing his words and seeing the pure white, lustrous jade hairpin, she froze for a moment.

She gently took it into her hand. It was indeed a fine piece of craftsmanship. She raised her gaze to meet his refined eyes.

“Second Young Master, what made you think of making this?” It wasn’t like him.

Wang Shuhua chuckled softly, his hands behind his back. “Your brother accused me of neglecting you.”

No wonder. Xie Yunchu was momentarily stunned before saying, “You’re busy with official matters; those are more important. Don’t take his childish words to heart.”

Wang Shuhua remained silent but noticed that her expression lacked surprise or joy.

Xie Yunchu’s tone remained gentle and composed. “The Second Young Master has been thoughtful.” She then handed the hairpin to the maid beside her, saying, “Put it away in the box.”

A subtle pang struck Wang Shuhua’s heart. It was the first time he had crafted something for a woman. He had toiled through the night for two days to complete this hairpin, only for her to dismiss it with a simple “thoughtful”.

 The rain continued to fall lightly, veiling the courtyard in mist.

Ke Jie’er, spotting her father, instinctively stretched out her arms toward him. Despite the chill in his heart, Wang Shuhua’s face maintained a warm smile. He wasn’t accustomed to showing emotions, let alone blaming a woman.

After all, she wasn’t exactly wrong.

He took the child, who nestled against his neck, murmuring, “Dad.” Wang Shuhuai’s lonely heart found a small comfort in his daughter’s sweet, dependent smile.

Xie Yunchu poured him a cup of tea herself. Sitting to the side, she busied herself with needlework, occasionally glancing at the father and daughter playing.

Thanks to her gentle guidance, the two grew closer. In her previous life, Wang Shuhua had always been in a hurry, seldom sparing time to visit. Even when he did, he merely glanced at the child and left. She never forced him to hold the baby, fearing he found her cries bothersome. Over time, the child became estranged from her father.

As she grew older, the little girl, dressed neatly and properly, stood before her father with only distant reverence.

That day, as usual, Xie Yunchu invited him to stay for dinner, mentioning that there was steamed mandarin fish—a dish he favored.

Wang Shuhua suddenly recalled the day Xie Yunyou had visited, when Xie Yunchu had enthusiastically prepared dishes herself.

Sipping the tea, its bitterness lingered in his throat. He declined softly, “No need. I have work to tend to in the study.”

Xie Yunchu was used to such refusals and replied calmly, “Then I’ll have the food sent to the study later.”