The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 88

On the fifteenth day of June, right in the peak of the scorching summer season, the Wang family, a noble household known for its generosity, opened its doors to the public. They distributed medicinal herbs and healing foods to the common people, boosting the prestigious reputation of the Duke’s mansion. People streamed in, coming and going to collect these medicinal offerings.

To provide relief from the heat, the servants had set up cooling tents by the side and back gates, where cold refreshments like herbal jelly and cold tea were served.

Ke Jie’er (Sister Ke), who loved excitement, was brought to play under the cooling tent by her wet nurse, on Xie Yunchu’s orders. The little girl, with a touch of red vermilion on her forehead, had thick eyebrows and big eyes, resembling a New Year’s blessing doll. She curiously watched the bustling crowd, and people passing by praised her as a “child of fortune” with a blessed appearance. Hearing this, Qiu Sui was delighted and gave out some extra melons and fruits to the elderly women nearby.

As the sun grew harsher, Qiu Sui and the wet nurse took the child back to Chunjing Hall. Dong Ning, sitting under the veranda, crafted an octagonal lantern for Ke Jie’er. Xie Yunchu painted a delicate silk design, which she and Dong Ning then carefully glued onto the lantern frame. Finally, they attached a smooth jade handle to the bamboo ribs, giving the little one something fun to twist and play with.

The little girl, brimming with strength, sat in Qiu Sui’s lap, shaking the lantern vigorously. The floral tassels beneath it swung up and down, making Ke Jie’er giggle uncontrollably.

Qiu Sui chuckled, “When night falls, we’ll catch some fireflies to put inside. Then it’ll be a glowing firefly lantern.”

Everyone agreed it was a splendid idea.

Mama Lin peeked in to see the maids entertaining the little girl. Smiling, she glanced at Xie Yunchu, the young and beautiful lady of the house, who was sitting by the window on the heated kang bed, weaving a cord. Behind her hung a scroll painting of the Three Friends of Winter—her own handiwork—elegant and refined, much like the artist herself.

Mama Lin quietly entered, her face brimming with a knowing smile. “My dear girl, tonight’s the fifteenth. Shouldn’t you start preparing?”

Xie Yunchu froze for a moment, her cheeks flushing crimson. “Mama, the Second Young Master is injured. There’s no need for such haste, is there?”

Mama Lin was nearly bursting with grievances. “Oh, my dear ancestor! While you were away, Madam sent word for me to take the child to the main house to play. The Fourth Young Madam is with a child, isn’t she? Every word exchanged between mother and daughter-in-law was aimed at urging our household. Even if you won’t consider yourself, think about me. I raised you, and my whole life’s hope rests on you. Please, my dear, put in some effort and let me have a little peace.”

Xie Yunchu couldn’t bear to hear Mama Lin say such things. Losing her mother at a young age, she had indeed been raised single-handedly by Mama Lin. Quickly setting aside her work, she climbed off the bed and held Mama Lin’s hand, reassuring her, “Alright, alright. But today is different from usual. He’s injured and might not be in the mood to come. Don’t worry; once he’s healed, we can make up for it another day.”

Mama Lin, however, knew this was just a way to comfort her. Over the past few months, she had observed with a sharp eye that her mistress had lost her feelings for her husband. She was even indifferent toward their child—having one more family day or one less didn’t matter to her. Mama Lin, realizing there was little to be done with Xie Yunchu, decided to focus her efforts on the master instead.

She made up her mind and didn’t push Xie Yunchu further. “Fine, you carry on. This old servant will check on the kitchen.”

With this thought, Mama Lin instructed the servants to prepare ginseng soup for… well, those matters. A little injury, so what? she thought. Back in her youth, her husband had done far worse things. The memory made her blush as she fanned herself, heading to the small kitchen. Once everything was ready, she discreetly went to the front courtyard and called for Ming Gui.

“How is the Second Young Master’s injury?”

Ming Gui was in an even worse mood than Mama Lin. Upon seeing her, he abandoned all decorum and nearly wailed, “Mama, has the Second Young Madam been very busy lately? The Master has been injured and can’t step outside in this heat, yet she hasn’t visited him once.”

Mama Lin grasped the heart of the matter and asked, “Is this the Second Master’s idea, or is it yours?”

Ming Gui fell silent, scratching his head as he thought about the Second Master’s expression. His face was as serene and perfect as a jade immortal, betraying no emotion. Every day, he went about his duties as usual. Having earned merit this time, visitors had come in waves to see him, and official matters were sent to the mansion nonstop. He barely had a moment’s rest.

Seeing his hesitation, Mama Lin understood the situation and didn’t press further. “How is the Second Master’s injury?”

Ming Gui answered straightforwardly, “Oh, it’s nothing serious. The house is kept cool with ice, and he’s using the best ointments. The wound has already healed.”

Mama Lin could tell Ming Gui was worried. After all, it had only been five days since the attack. Complete recovery was unlikely. She sighed and said, “Regardless, make sure the Master visits my mistress tonight. The rest will depend on fate.”

Ming Gui agreed.

Although Wang Shuhuai was still recovering from his injuries and unable to practice martial arts, his arm had regained full mobility. The previous night, the Duke visited him and mentioned that the Imperial Court intended to entrust him with a major task. The Princess intended to assign him to collaborate with Liu Qiliang, the Minister of Revenue, on the management of the land records. Liu held significant status and authority, capable of overseeing others, while Wang would take the lead in execution as a deputy. The Duke also hinted that the Emperor might bestow upon him an Imperial Sword, granting him even greater responsibility.

It seemed likely that by early July, he would have to leave the capital.

Only half a month remained…

Wang Shuhuai finished drafting a letter, stretched his left arm, and leaned back in his armchair. At that moment, Ming Gui entered with a cooling lotus seed soup and broached the topic, “Second Young Master, today is the fifteenth. Shouldn’t you visit the Young Madam?”

In the past two days, he had visited their child, but each time, Xie Yunchu was absent. Ming Gui’s question was clearly not about the child.

Wang Shuhuai was well aware of his wife’s cold demeanor since their return to the capital. Could she be upset over his life-threatening mission? That was understandable—if something had happened to him, she and their daughter would have been left without support. Feeling a pang of guilt, he replied, “Go inform them that I’ll join them for lunch.”

Ming Gui was elated and quickly delivered the message. Mama Lin, upon hearing it, wasted no time in preparing.