The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 124

Wang Shuhuai remained expressionless, merely letting out a low, “Mm.”

Ming Gui left, while Qi Wei remained outside the study, feeling as though he had forgotten something important. He racked his brain until, at last, he remembered. Quickly, he retrieved an item from his quarters and brought it back.

“Oh, right—Second Young Master, I did bring something else for you.”

Wang Shuhuai turned his gaze slightly, his voice unnervingly calm.

“What is it?”

“A lantern…”

The exquisite eight-panel revolving lantern cast a warm golden glow into the dark night. Its soft, radiant light spilled outward, almost as if it were illuminating something deep within Wang Shuhuai’s heart. Slowly, he rose and approached the window.

He vaguely remembered a past festival, perhaps last year’s Lantern Festival or the Qixi Festival before that, when she had embroidered a grand red silk lantern adorned with peony patterns. That night, she had tiptoed into his study and gently blown out his lamp before placing her creation on his desk.

The lantern’s glow scattered in all directions, projecting vivid peony blossoms onto the dark walls.

She was clever and skillful, her craftsmanship exquisite. Even he had been momentarily taken aback by its beauty.

And now, this lantern before him was inlaid with gold, jade, and turquoise—far more extravagant than anything before.

His hand instinctively reached out toward it, but before he could touch it, Qi Wei spoke bluntly, “This was a gift from Prince Xin to the Young Madam during the Qixi Festival. Her shop’s manager mistakenly assumed it was from you and kept it. I took it quietly and brought it here. Should I dispose of it?”

The fleeting gentleness in Wang Shuhuai’s eyes vanished instantly.

Thunder rumbled in his mind, and the heat of alcohol mingled with a slow-burning fury deep in his chest. His once-calm, aloof features darkened ominously.

Qi Wei had never seen his master’s expression so grim and shivered involuntarily.

“You instructed me to keep an eye on Prince Xin’s activities and report everything to you…” Qi Wei hesitated. “This lantern was simply delivered to Madam’s shop by a guard from Prince Xin’s household. It was not given in person.”

Wang Shuhuai exhaled subtly, a trace of relief flickering across his face.

Qi Wei discreetly studied his master’s expression and, in his heart, felt that Wang Shuhuai had been lacking. Both he and Prince Xin were stationed far from the capital, yet Prince Xin had still managed to send such a splendid lantern across great distances. Meanwhile, Wang Shuhuai had been away for a month and a half and had not sent so much as a single letter home.

Qi Wei figured that using this lantern to provoke Wang Shuhuai a little might not be a bad idea. After all, it wasn’t his place to decide the lantern’s fate. Silently, he pursed his lips.

Wang Shuhuai’s dark eyes were like bottomless pits as he stared at the ornate, spinning lantern for a long time without speaking.

Since he hadn’t ordered it to be discarded, Qi Wei could only let go and carefully set it on the windowsill.

“Young Master, it seems Prince Xin is deliberately provoking you, constantly trying to get close to Madam.”

Wang Shuhuai let out a soft, cold laugh. How could he not see through it? The reason Prince Xin had yet to take an official wife was undoubtedly that he intended to wed Xie Yunchu once he ascended the throne.

Let him dream.

A heavy shadow darkened Wang Shuhuai’s face, his voice icy as he commanded, “Return to the capital. Stay close to Madam. Allow no one to harm or approach her.”

“While you’re there, keep a close watch on Prince Xin’s residence. Investigate all his secret dealings. If he wants to vie for the throne, he’ll have to see whether I allow it.”

Wang Shuhuai had originally not intended to involve himself in this struggle. But since Prince Xin had repeatedly tested his limits, he now had no choice but to act.

Qi Wei had barely arrived in Jinling and was already being sent back. He was momentarily stunned, glancing at the lantern with some regret—perhaps he shouldn’t have brought it at all.

“What about here? Who will guard you?”

“Leng Shan remains, and the Grand Princess has already arranged for hidden guards. You need not worry about my safety,” Wang Shuhuai said indifferently.

Only then did Qi Wei relax. Since his master had decided to deal with Prince Xin, someone had to remain in the capital to oversee matters. And that someone was him. Straightening his posture, he responded with renewed seriousness, “Then I shall depart immediately.”

“Report to me about Madam every half a month,” Wang Shuhuai added coolly.

Qi Wei acknowledged the order.

In the darkness, the tall figure of the man stood silhouetted within the window frame. The multi-colored lantern flickered, casting shifting hues of light and shadow across his face. Qi Wei, weary from travel, prepared to leave but then suddenly thought of something. He hesitated for a moment before asking, “Young Master, would you like to send a message to Madam?”

Wang Shuhuai was momentarily stunned. He had intended to say that he was doing well and that she need not worry about him. But recalling how she hadn’t even sent him a single word, it seemed she didn’t care. A dull, stifling sensation swelled in his chest, leaving him with nothing to say.

“No need.”

Hearing his answer, Qi Wei turned to leave.

Wang Shuhuai’s gaze was suddenly caught by the glow of the lantern. He called out, “Wait.”

Qi Wei turned back. “What are your orders, my lord?”

Wang Shuhuai said, “Rest for the night. At dawn, go to the market and pick out some fine new fabrics to take back to the lady.”

The jade hairpin he had sent her last time was not to her liking—perhaps buying something practical for her would be better.

That was what Wang Shuhuai thought.

Qi Wei was a little disappointed. The perfect example was right in front of him—why not just follow suit and send a lantern in return? Wouldn’t that be more heartfelt?

But this was his master’s matter. As a mere guard, he had no place to intervene, so he simply acknowledged the order.

After Qi Wei left, Wang Shuhuai returned alone to his desk. He placed the lantern in the corner of the table and gazed at it in the cold, empty room.

The silk embroidery on the eight sides slowly rotated.

A single red bean was particularly eye-catching, stabbing into his sight.

Red beans symbolized longing.