The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 68

Xie Yunchu hadn’t originally planned to stay in the household. No matter what Jiang or the Second Master said, she would find a way to leave. Now that Wang Shuhuai had spoken up for her, it made things much easier.

Xu Shiwei’s face turned pale, tears clinging to her eyelashes as her vision blurred. The Second Master looked uncomfortable, but Wang Shuhuai was right—what Xie Yunchu could do, Xu Shiwei could also handle. However, the Fourth Young Master’s wife usually appeared more pitiful and less dignified and stable than Xie Yunchu. Yet, it wouldn’t be fair to assume Xie could handle things just because she was more stable. Both daughters-in-law were precious to him, and the Second Master couldn’t refute Wang Shuhuai’s argument.

Besides, with so many maids and servants in the household, his fourth son’s wife wouldn’t have to do much actual work. It was just a matter of delegating.

“What about managing the food supply?” the Second Master asked.

Wang Shuhuai thought carefully. In his mind, it was safest for Xie Yunchu to manage things. She was, after all, the Eldest Daughter-in-law of the Duke’s Mansion, and she needed to gain more experience to be prepared for her future role as the wife of the clan head. 

He glanced again at his wife.

Xie Yunchu, dignified and beautiful, stood with reddened eyes, tears falling silently.

Everyone knew how to cry, but now that Wang Shuhuai had backed her up, he might as well support her to the end.

Wang Shuhuai knew Xie Yunchu didn’t want to take charge of the household affairs again. Recently, she’d even been arguing with him more. How could he force her?

He spoke firmly, “My third brother’s wife is hardworking and efficient. She was the first daughter-in-law to enter the household, so it makes the most sense for her to take over household management.”

Dou Keling, not wanting to lose her new position, quickly stood and saluted Wang Shuhuai. “Thank you for your trust, Brother. I will follow your example and not let the family down.”

Her words were a clear attempt to prevent the Second Master from intervening. Since both parties had come to an agreement, the Second Master had no further objections.

Jiang, tired of the back-and-forth, waved her hand to dismiss everyone.

After they left, the Second Master turned to his wife with a wry smile. “Huai has improved lately. He knows how to support his wife, even if it means offending elders.”

Jiang couldn’t resist mocking him, “Yes, if you’d shown that kind of strength when I first joined this family, I wouldn’t have had to endure the Eldest Princess’s anger.”

The Second Master wisely said nothing more.

Thus, the matter was settled. Dou Keling retained control of household affairs, Xu Shiwei continued to serve her mother-in-law, and only Xie Yunchu from the second household would accompany the family to Yanshan for the summer retreat.

“Is the Second Young Master going as well?” Mama Lin asked anxiously. The departure was scheduled for the first day of June, and they would be staying in the temporary palace that night. Mama Lin hoped the couple would share a room and perhaps rekindle their bond.

Xie Yunchu, feeling bored, teased her daughter, who was giggling while playing with a new toy. “He hasn’t told me anything. I’ll wait for him to tell me himself.”

In her previous life, Xie Yunchu had always been the one asking questions, which had left her emotionally and physically drained. This time, she wouldn’t indulge Wang Shuhuai.

In the following days, Wang Shuhuai continued his routine of leaving early and returning late. When he did have time, he would stop by Chunjing Hall to visit his wife and daughter. If Xie Yunchu was busy, he would hold Sister Ke and read picture books to her.

Xie Yunchu busied herself with packing for the upcoming trip.

“Aren’t you taking Sister Ke with you?” Wang Shuhuai asked.

Xie Yunchu, standing on her tiptoes to reach clothes from the closet, displayed her tall, graceful figure and delicate waist.

“She’s still too young, and it gets cold in the woods at night. I don’t plan on taking her,” she replied.

What Wang Shuhuai had really wanted was for her to ask whether he was going as well.

After resolving the household issue on her behalf and diligently visiting her over the past few days, Wang Shuhuai expected Xie Yunchu to show some warmth. But, to his disappointment, she hadn’t even asked him whether he was coming to Yanshan.

He had made his gestures, and now he hoped his wife would reciprocate.

As the soft curtains swayed, Xie Yunchu’s graceful figure moved behind them. Wang Shuhuai sat holding Sister Ke, who excitedly babbled as her father lifted her. Though often absent, he wasn’t used to understanding his daughter’s needs.

Xie Yunchu, laughing, peeked out from behind the curtain, her face glowing with amusement. “She wants the Second Young Master to lift her up high.”

Taking her advice, Wang Shuhuai hoisted Sister Ke into the air, her little feet kicking happily. Her joyful laughter filled the room, and for a moment, the family shared a rare moment together.

As Xie Yunchu continued packing, she noticed Wang Shuhuai watching her too often, clearly having something on his mind. But she chose to say nothing. In the past, she would have asked what was wrong, but now she was determined to let him speak first. She wouldn’t indulge him anymore.

When she finished packing, Sister Ke’s eyes widened, noticing the bags. Her little mouth quivered as though she was about to cry.

Xie Yunchu, softening, took Sister Ke from Wang Shuhuai’s arms and sat with her on the Luohan bed. She spoke to her daughter gently, “My dear girl, how about letting mommy go out to play for a few days? There are many mosquitoes in the forest, and the climate is too humid for you. You’re still young, and I’m afraid you won’t be able to handle it. I’ll be back soon.”

Though Sister Ke couldn’t understand her mother’s words, she seemed to grasp that Xie Yunchu was about to leave. Her lips trembled, and tears welled up in her big eyes.

Suddenly, in a surprising turn, Sister Ke spoke clearly for the first time, “Ma… Ma…”

Xie Yunchu froze in shock. In her past life, Sister Ke had first called for “Dad”, no matter how much she tried to coax her otherwise. This time, the little one called for her first.

Without hesitation, Xie Yunchu scooped up her daughter, covering her with kisses, as Sister Ke giggled and clung to her tightly. The feeling of their skin touching made Xie Yunchu’s heart swell with joy, and she felt more connected to her daughter than ever.

Sister Ke refused to let go of her mother, burying her face into her neck.

Wang Shuhuai, sitting quietly on the side, watched his wife in confusion. He didn’t understand why she was so happy, but seeing her smile so vibrantly, with tears in her eyes, made him realize he hadn’t seen her like this in a long time. Her quiet, gentle demeanor had shifted into something more lively, and it caught his attention.

Still, noticing his wife wasn’t going to ask him anything, Wang Shuhuai stood after finishing his tea. He had been busy recently, serving the Emperor during the day and dealing with the fish scale project. Despite his desire to stay, duty called.

As he walked towards the corridor, he heard soft crying behind him. He turned to see Sister Ke, upset by his departure. Xie Yunchu carried her out, watching him leave while teaching their daughter, “Dad has official business. Mom will stay with you. Dad will work hard and buy toys and clothes for Sister Ke.”

But Sister Ke, too young to fully grasp the meaning, shook her head, looking at her father with teary eyes.