The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 129

Wang Shuhuai’s steps slowed as he halted before a particular store.

Beneath the black-tiled eaves of the white-walled building, a lone lantern hung.

A Beauty Lantern.

The lantern had likely been hanging for some time, its colors slightly faded. Delicate strokes of stone-blue ink outlined the graceful features of beauty. As the breeze stirred, the fabric rippled, making it seem as though she were smiling—so much like the shy, demure way she had once tugged at his sleeve, hinting at her desire for him to stay the night.

Unable to suppress it any longer, Wang Shuhuai took a deep breath in the cold wind and asked Ming Gui, “Has she still not replied?”

Raindrops, carried by the wind, splashed against him, yet Wang Shuhuai remained motionless, his tall figure unwavering in the breeze. Ming Gui hurried over, struggling to hold an oiled paper umbrella over his master’s head.

“It’s here, it’s here… Qi Wei’s letter has arrived! It’s been sitting on your desk at home. You left earlier, so I didn’t have the chance to tell you.”

Without another word, Wang Shuhuai turned and headed back to the residence.

Upon entering his study, he didn’t even bother to change out of his damp robes. He immediately searched the desk and found the letter tucked in one corner, unfolding it without hesitation.

The letter was divided into two parts—the first detailing the movements of Prince Xin.

“On the eighteenth of August, Prince Xin’s household sent gift boxes to the Xie family, the Xiao family, and Linglong Embroidery. The Madam politely declined…”

Seeing the words politely declined, Wang Shuhuai felt a weight lift off his chest. He exhaled a long breath, sinking into his armchair before carefully unfolding the second half. This section was much more detailed.

“On the nineteenth of August, the Young Madam did not leave the house all day. The wet nurse took the young miss to play in the back corridor. Xuan and Lin got into a fight, arguing over whose father was more formidable. Meanwhile, the young miss was waving her arms and calling everyone ‘Father’…”

Wang Shuhuai’s face darkened instantly—yet, oddly enough, he found himself amused.

“On the twentieth of August, the Young Madam visited the municipal office…”

From then on, the letter meticulously recorded Xie Yunchu’s movements, primarily between the municipal office and her store.

She was busy establishing a state-regulated trading bureau—an intriguing idea.

Wang Shuhuai fought back the mental image of his wife focused intently on her work. She was an intelligent woman; anything she set her mind to, she would master with ease… But why had she never…? His thoughts came to an abrupt halt.

Back then, she had been preoccupied with tending to him, caring for the entire household, managing every trivial matter. Where would she have found the time for anything else?

Like a veil lifting from his mind, Wang Shuhuai suddenly understood.

“He is not worth my time. I want to live for myself.”

So, the energy she once spent on him had now been redirected—to dressing, to food, to running her business.

He slowly set the letter down, his emotions tangled in a complex mix.

Clearly, he and his family had long taken her sacrifices for granted. Now, she was displeased.

Caring for oneself was only natural, and Wang Shuhuai was glad to see it. Still… there was no need for her to neglect him entirely.

He rose and went into his inner chamber, changing into a fresh set of clothes. Then, recalling Xie Yunchu’s trading bureau, he sat down and wrote her a letter, drawing from his years of government experience. He outlined key precautions, potential risks, and strategic approaches. He even listed the names of officials she could turn to for assistance if she encountered difficulties.

If his wife wished to spread her wings, he would gladly lend her a helping hand.

Half a month later, Wang Shuhuai received a return gift—a brocade box.

When he opened it, he found it filled with Sister Ke’s recent doodles and clay figurines. Alongside it was a cloth bundle containing winter garments Xie Yunchu had prepared for him.

Wang Shuhuai cast an expectant glance at Ming Gui. The servant continued rummaging through the package, but aside from the brocade box and clothing, there was nothing else.

A hint of disappointment flickered in Wang Shuhuai’s heart, though he said nothing.

Recently, he had been stationed in Yuhang for an inspection. The Liu Chang case had provided him with an opportunity to establish his authority. Acting under Liu Qiliang’s orders and wielding the imperial sword, he arrived in Yuhang alone and presided over the trial. Before the gathered crowd, he executed Liu Chang, sending shockwaves through the local administration.

Faced with the choice of surrendering their illegally acquired lands and laborers or losing their heads, the aristocrats of Yuhang found themselves in a dire predicament.

Wang Shuhuai’s reputation preceded him. Once a prodigious scholar and top-ranking scholar, now a rising political force, he had stepped forward in the face of the Western Chu general’s provocation, single-handedly altering the peace negotiations and bolstering the Jin dynasty’s prestige. A man like him was not one to be crossed lightly.

The intelligent ones submitted quickly. Once one family surrendered, others followed suit. Soon, Yuhang’s elite fell in line.

Within a month, Wang Shuhuai had shaken Yuhang’s officialdom to its core. The land surveys commenced in full force, marking the beginning of widespread reform.

On the eighth of September, Xie Hui and Madam Ming were wed in a grand ceremony. Two days later, on the tenth, Xiao Ke’s first birthday was celebrated with great pomp.

Given that she was Wang Shuhuai and Xie Yunchu’s firstborn, the Wang family spared no expense. Relatives and in-laws sent lavish gifts. During the grabbing ceremony, Xiao Ke, fascinated by everything, played with each item without making a choice—much to Xie Yunchu’s distress. The Duke was even more anxious, fearing his great-granddaughter might pick something unbefitting of her status. He attempted to guide her toward favorable options, but she, frustrated, finally grabbed a writing brush and threw it at him. Her bold, spirited display sent the entire gathering into laughter.

Wang Shuhuai’s birthday gift arrived three days late, but at least he had remembered. Xie Yunchu didn’t mind.

With his work in Yuhang concluded, Wang Shuhuai returned to Jinling.

By then, autumn had set in, and the courtyard was covered in golden leaves.

Having spent so much time away, his study remained sparse. When he left the capital, he had only brought a carved ivory ball, a few books, and some clothing—nothing more. Now, staring at the barren room, he instructed Ming Gui, “Go buy a potted Acorus calamus.”

Among the four refined flowers—orchids, narcissus, chrysanthemums, and calamus—Xie Yunchu favored calamus the most. She once said its lush greenery and resilience suited him perfectly. Wang Shuhuai had never paid much attention to such matters, but he had humored her back then.