The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 111

“The old lady immediately sent someone to ask the Master, but our young master overheard. He was furious and, after the matchmaker left, he argued with the Master, saying that he wouldn’t allow the Master to remarry.”

Xie Yunchu and Madam Xiao exchanged glances, both surprised by the palace’s speed and Xie Yunyou’s reaction.

Madam Xiao asked Xie Yunyou, “Why won’t you agree?”

Xie Yunyou, with his sword-like brows, coldly sneered towards Xie Hui. “Why should I? I’ve never called anyone ‘Mother’ in my life. Why should I call some stranger ‘Mother’? If you want to remarry, why didn’t you do so when we were young? After my sister worked hard to raise me, you disregarded our dignity and took in another woman. For what reason?”

In the end, it all boiled down to a deep-seated resentment in Xie Yunyou’s heart.

Seeing him being so rude in front of Madam Xiao, Xie Hui became even more furious, saying, “You are simply lawless. Does my personal business require your approval?”

Xie Yunyou was not willing to back down. His eyes were red, burning with anger as he glared at Xie Hui. “If you’re so eager to marry her, then why did you marry my mother in the first place? Why did you have me and my sister, only for us to suffer?”

Xie Hui was suddenly silenced.

The sun was shining brightly, and even the flowers and trees in the yard were wilted by the sun.

Xie Yunchu remained silent, her thoughts unreadable.

Madam Xiao choked back her emotions several times before gently pulling Xie Yunyou and speaking softly, “Child, I know you have suffered, but now that things have come to this, let’s sit down and discuss it properly.”

The old lady also expressed her concern about the situation, saying to Madam Xiao, “I’m sorry to trouble you with this, but today I’ve been upset by these two arguing all day. You know how it is, I can’t make a decision on their matters.”

Madam Xiao, well aware of Xie Hui’s stubborn nature, understood that Xie Yunyou was probably very similar to him. She wasn’t sure whether it could be considered a case of karma.

Madam Xiao then asked directly, “Has the marriage been settled then?”

Xie Hui adjusted his sleeves and replied coolly, “The Emperor asked my opinion about it yesterday, and I met with her in the evening…” He couldn’t provide much detail, his face flushing slightly. “I’ve made up my mind.”

It seemed like he was trying to avoid being questioned by his children, and so he quickly added, “The children are grown, and it’s time to think about marriage. She has a good reputation, is calm and gentle, and is suitable for the role.”

Madam Xiao glanced at the old lady, who seemed indifferent to the matter. Madam Xiao then exchanged a look with Xie Yunchu.

“Has the matchmaker spoken of the engagement and betrothal yet?” Madam Xiao asked.

Xie Hui grew more embarrassed and awkwardly replied, “At our age, we want to keep it simple. I just want to host a banquet. She… agrees with that too.”

At this point, Xie Yunyou sneered, “Look at that. You’ve met her once, and everything is settled. You’re not forty years old; you’re like a fourteen-year-old, no different from an impulsive teenager.”

Xie Hui’s face turned a mix of red and green. “You ungrateful son…”

Xie Yunchu, worried that their argument might escalate, quickly stood up and pulled her younger brother aside to speak with him in the corridor.

“I want an honest answer,” she began, “Do you not want a stepmother, or are you just opposing Father for the sake of it?”

Xie Yunyou pouted and didn’t answer.

Xie Yunchu guessed it was the latter and tried to reason with him, “Although Aunt Lu has been sent away, there’s still Xie Yunxiu. Despite everything that’s happened in the household, she hasn’t come back, showing just how scheming she is. With a legitimate mother to manage things, it will reduce the trouble for us. You’re a smart person—don’t you understand how to use circumstances to your advantage? You don’t want to call her Mother, right? Then just call her ‘Madam.'”

Xie Yunyou was stunned and fell silent.

Xie Yunchu persuaded her younger brother and brought him to the pavilion. From the look in her eyes, Madam Xiao could tell that the siblings had reached an agreement.

Madam Xiao said, “I didn’t anticipate this situation. It was the disturbance caused by Concubine Lu earlier that reminded me—since marriage is imminent, the family matters must be properly settled.”

Xie Hui cupped his hands and said, “If Madam has something to say, please speak directly.”

Madam Xiao smiled and asked, “When Yun’er left the capital years ago, she left behind a dowry. Half of it was given to Chu’er as her dowry, but where is the other half now?”

Xie Hui’s brows twitched slightly. “It’s in my hands.”

Madam Xiao’s smile deepened. “The remaining half should be transferred to You’er’s name before the new wife enters the house, with Chu’er managing it on his behalf.”

This was clearly a sign of distrust toward Xie Hui and the new wife.

Xie Hui’s expression turned somewhat unpleasant, but as a scholar, he couldn’t bring himself to care about such material matters.

“Fine,” he said.

Xie Hui was a decisive person. He immediately ordered an old servant to fetch the box that had been left by Qiao Shi when she passed away. Without even glancing at it, he handed it over to Xie Yunchu. “This is what your mother left. Besides the part that was used for your dowry, the rest is here.”

Xie Hui thought the matter was settled, but Madam Xiao, adjusting the jade bracelet on her wrist, said with grace, “By the way, this dowry originally belonged to You’er. You’er is your only legitimate son. As the Grand Master of the Imperial Academy, why didn’t you place him in the Imperial Academy but instead sent him to Songshan Academy to muddle along? Master Xie, are you truly at ease with that?”

The hall fell silent for a long time, with only the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.

Xie Hui placed his hand on his knee, his gaunt face slightly twitching. He sighed deeply. “Do you think I wanted that? He refuses to be disciplined and won’t listen to my teachings. I am desperate…”

Madam Xiao sneered, no longer wishing to dwell on past events. “In any case, Master Xie, you should make up for You’er. I think the position of an official through family connection should be given to You’er.”

Xie Yunyou, with the same attitude as Xie Yunzhou, replied, “I don’t want it. I want to take the exam myself.”Xie Hui felt a mix of pride in his son’s determination and frustration over his failure to focus on his studies. “If you really pass the exam, then I won’t have to worry about it.”