The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 108

Madam Xiao was waiting for her at the entrance and hugged her affectionately, exclaiming, “My dear, we owe it all to you for planning on behalf of your confused elder sister. Otherwise, how could she manage such a husband?”

Speaking of Xiao Youran, Madam Xiao sighed deeply. “If only she had half your intelligence, I wouldn’t be so worried. She may appear formidable, but she always ends up suffering in silence.”

She first escorted her to the main room and invited her to sit. After sitting down, Xie Yunchu attempted to console her, saying, “In truth, as long as one maintains a positive outlook, life becomes easier. Mr. Zhu is the sole heir—there are no sisters-in-law or brothers in the family to vie for the inheritance. The only issue is her difficult mother-in-law, but if she’s clever and handles it well, it’s not insurmountable. Look at me—haven’t I managed to live like this?”

Madam Xiao thought of Xie Yunchu’s situation and said, “Don’t envy your sister too much. You have one great advantage that no one can match—your husband, Shu Huai, is exceptionally talented. In time, you’re bound to be the wife of a Grand Chancellor.”

Hearing this, Xie Yunchu couldn’t help but feel a sense of comfort when thinking about her husband. She didn’t hope for much else in life—her husband was outstanding, self-disciplined, and steadily rising in rank, leaving no room for complaints. Still, she responded modestly, “If I don’t end up as a Grand Chancellor’s wife, I’ll hold you accountable.”

“That’s impossible!” Madam Xiao laughed and hugged her affectionately.

After tea and some fresh seasonal fruits, Madam Xiao brought up the real purpose of her invitation.

“Today, I didn’t invite you over just because of Youran. There’s an important matter I need to tell you.”

“What is it?” Xie Yunchu asked quickly.

With a worried expression, Madam Xiao began, “There’s an old matter I’ve kept from you. Do you know why your father and mother were at odds back in the day? It’s because your father had someone else in his heart.”

Xie Yunchu looked mildly shocked upon hearing this.

“She was the daughter of his mentor, the late Grand Tutor Ming. Unfortunately, your father was already engaged, and she too was promised to someone else. The two of them missed their chance. But recently, I heard that Madam Ming has returned to the capital. She was married off to Cangzhou, but her husband passed away, and her only child, a stepdaughter, was married off to Jiangnan. She now lives alone in the old residence of the Grand Tutor’s estate.”

“Apparently, someone mentioned this to your grandmother not long ago. You know how close we live to each other—news of the Xie family always reaches my ears. When I found out, I came to tell you right away.”

“Chu’er, you need to be prepared.”

Xie Yunchu looked calmer than expected. “Honestly, I’ve been hoping Father would remarry. Without a mistress in the household, it just feels improper. Even the Empress mentioned this to me when I last visited the palace.”

At the mention of the Empress, Madam Xiao exclaimed, “Ah, I almost forgot! The Grand Tutor was once His Majesty’s teacher, and Madam Ming is acquainted with the Empress. If she visits the palace, who’s to say the Empress won’t act as a matchmaker?”

“Chu’er, can you truly accept your father remarrying?”

Xie Yunchu replied earnestly, “If both are willing, who are we to object? Aunt, could you help me learn more about Madam Ming’s character? As long as she’s virtuous, why not? If the position of mistress remains vacant for too long, I worry Aunt Lu might stir up trouble.”

Knowing Aunt Lu’s nature, Xie Yunchu was certain the woman would never settle down as long as she was alive.

If a new mistress could suppress Aunt Lu and her daughter, Xie Yunchu would welcome it.

Madam Xiao was about to invite Xie Yunchu to stay for lunch when a servant rushed in anxiously, stopping at the door.

“Madam, Lady Xie, something’s happened in the Xie family! Young Master Yunyou got into a fight with the Master, and the Master is so angry he’s threatening to kick him out!”

Xie Yunchu’s expression darkened.

Madam Xiao slammed the table and stood up. “How dare he?! Let’s go, Chu’er. We’re heading to the Xie residence!” She grabbed Xie Yunchu and prepared to leave.

But Xie Yunchu, still calm, stopped her, “Aunt, this is the Xie family’s affair. Please don’t intervene—it might implicate you. I’ll handle it myself.”

“No way!” Madam Xiao’s anger hadn’t subsided. “I watched you two grow up, and you’re like my own children. How could I stand by and let him mistreat you? I’m coming with you to stand up for you both!

Xie Yunchu’s nose tingled with emotion.

The two skipped lunch, eating some snacks in the carriage on their way. Madam Xiao sent a message to inform Xiao Huaijin, knowing family support was critical. Just as Xie Yunchu stood by Xiao Youran, Madam Xiao was determined to back these siblings.

The two households were close, and they soon arrived. Led by a servant, they bypassed the screen wall and headed straight to Xie Hui’s study.

Behind the study was a wide open pavilion that connected to a courtyard on the east and a covered corridor leading to the study on the south, with the other two sides facing water, enclosed by curved railings. At this moment, two figures were kneeling in the pavilion.

Aunt Lu, dressed in a plain jacket and with her hair in a soft bun pinned by a jade hairpin, was kneeling and weeping, covering her face. Beside her, a kind-looking young man knelt upright with tears in his eyes but said nothing.

The maids and servants had been driven outside. When Xie Yunchu and Madam Xiao entered, they saw Xie Yunyou sitting angrily on the outer rail, while shouts occasionally erupted from the inner room.

“Get out! I have no such unfilial son!”

Xie Yunyou fired back without hesitation, “Yes, I’m unfilial, but are you a good father? Without a detestable father, how could there be an unfilial son?”

Xie Hui, furious, had veins bulging on his forehead. A teacup flew through the window and smashed into the pavilion. Xie Yunyou sat unmoved, showing no concern.

He finally looked startled when he saw Xie Yunchu and Madam Xiao arrive together. “Sister, why are you here?”

Hearing his words, the noise inside abruptly stopped.

Even Aunt Lu and the others turned to look.

Seeing the child she’d cared for being berated, Madam Xiao’s heart twisted. She rushed over, hugging Xie Yunyou and wailing, “My poor boy, unloved by your father since childhood. You’ve struggled to grow up, only to face this kind of treatment. Fine, Yunyou, pack your things and come with me! I’ll work myself to the bone to support you. Even if we have to beg for a living, I won’t let you suffer this humiliation!”