The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 117

Xie Yunchu was slightly overwhelmed by Lady Ming’s enthusiasm. “There’s no need for that—these can be bought in any shop. I already have plenty in my jewelry box.”

Lady Ming, however, was firm. “But I can make one even better.”

Having spent many lonely years, she had devoted herself to perfecting the delicate arts of embroidery and crafting.

Xie Yunchu: “……”

And sure enough, the next morning, Lady Ming sent over three exquisite silk flowers of her own making.

The three silk flowers sent the next morning were all made of soft velvet, their colors vibrant yet refined, unlike the gaudy styles commonly found in the market. Instead, they carried an air of elegance and grace.

Upon seeing these silk flowers, an idea suddenly struck Xie Yunchu.

“I just thought of something—let’s name our shop ‘Linglong Pavilion’. We’ll have Lady Ming craft exclusive silk flowers to adorn each new outfit… It will serve as our store’s unique signature.”

With that, Xie Yunchu, as if possessed, hurriedly led her maids to the shop. By sheer coincidence, the four outfits had just been completed. She personally tried them on, stunning the maids and elderly attendants with her beauty. She then ordered urgent production of twenty of the finest garments while her inspiration surged—sketching several designs for silk flowers and asking Lady Ming to craft them.

She was so caught up in the rush and excitement of the day that she entirely forgot that it was the first day of the month.

It wasn’t until sunset, as Mama Lin noticed her mistress missing and sent Chunqi to find her at the shop, that the matter was recalled.

Chunqi arrived at the shop to find it bustling, brightly lit, with everyone working in an orderly fashion. Astonished, she spotted Xie Yunchu bent over the table, designing new styles. Her jaw dropped before she rushed forward.

“My lady, how are you still working? Today is the first day of the month!”

“Ah…” Xie Yunchu blinked, dazed. She had been so focused on preparations—every moment from that day until the seventh would be crucial to their success—that she had entirely forgotten about the significance of the date. A beat later, she asked, “Has the Second Master returned?”

“Not yet, but he will surely come back.”

“That’s not certain. He’s busier than I am with his departure approaching.” Xie Yunchu huffed, her pretty eyes flashing.

In her previous life, Wang Shuhuai had broken too many promises. To him, she had always been the last priority. “I’m in the middle of a creative streak—don’t rush me.”

Chunqi could only wait.

By the time Xie Yunchu finished her sketches and gave instructions to the tailors, another half an hour had passed. Her mind, brimming with ideas all day, had remained taut and engaged. It wasn’t until she returned home that fatigue finally set in. After bathing and changing, she collapsed onto the bed without another thought.

Mamma Lin considered reminding her to stay alert in case Wang Shuhuai arrived, but seeing her mistress’ delicate face nestled in the blankets, already fast asleep, she chose to hold her tongue.

Night fell. Cool, silvery dew clung motionless to the branches and leaves, uncertain whether it was summer mist or autumn frost. Wang Shuhuai stood alone in the waterside pavilion, his tall, lean figure cast in the dim glow of the lanterns, his expression unreadable. As the lake breeze swept over him, he pulled his collar tighter, shaking off the exhaustion he had carried since leaving Qinghui Hall.

The Grand Princess had given him a list detailing the assets of five prominent noble families. These were the discarded pieces she had handed over to him. How to best maneuver them—he was still deliberating. His gaze lingered on the rippling water for a long moment before he finally shifted his stance.

He would depart the next day. With this list in hand, many aspects of his plans needed to be adjusted. There was still much to decide before the night was over.

Behind a cluster of peonies, Ming Gui stood, occasionally glancing toward the brightly lit Chunjing Hall before turning back to his master’s solitary figure.

That night was the first of the month.

Wasn’t his master supposed to go to Chunjing Hall?

He hesitated, uncertain whether to remind him.

Under normal circumstances, Ming Gui would have had no doubts. But these past days had been exceptionally hectic—his master was drowning in affairs: entertaining various officials, dealing with emissaries from Jiangnan probing for information, responding to summons from both the Emperor and the Grand Princess, and managing the daily operations of the Ministry of Revenue.

If not for Wang Shuhuai’s sharp mind and extraordinary capability, he would never have handled it all so effortlessly.

Still, his master had instructed that he be reminded on the first and fifteenth of each month.

Thus, Ming Gui spoke up. “Master, it’s getting late. Tonight is the first—shouldn’t you go to the Young Madam’s quarters?”

Wang Shuhuai slowly turned, his gaze landing on the warm glow emanating from Chunjing Hall, flickering softly through the branches.

He hesitated.

They were a couple in name only.

Her heart was still, so his should be as well.

Yet, something about this arrangement left him unsettled.

Regardless, duty was duty.

She followed routine, and so would he.

She wanted an heir. He would give her one.

Wang Shuhuai was a rational man. He knew what needed to be done. And so, he made his way to Chunjing Hall.

Mama Lin, upon seeing him, secretly rejoiced. Fortunately, she had left warm water and prepared fresh clothes. Wang Shuhuai bathed alone before returning to the bedroom.

The delicate light of a glass lamp flickered in the corner.

A slender figure lay beneath the gauzy bed curtains.

Without a word, Wang Shuhuai climbed into bed.

The familiar scent of the other filled the space between them. Their bodies remembered each other well.

Their movements were effortless, fluid, instinctive.

On the bed, they were far more in sync than they ever were outside of it.

Xie Yunchu arched her delicate spine, feeling his sweat trickle from his tense jaw onto her back, merging with her own. As she gasped, her pale neck arched in the dim light, tracing a breathtaking curve.

It felt both intoxicating and indifferent.

Breath uneven, she lay back without sparing him a glance. He, too, withdrew and retreated to the study, where the remainder of the night’s work awaited him.