The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 89

With the Qixi Festival approaching, Xie Yunchu planned to make an embroidered ball and had begun designing a pattern on rice paper. Seeing her preoccupied, Mama Lin refrained from disturbing her.

At noon, Wang Shuhuai changed into a light moon-white robe and prepared to head out. Just as he was leaving, he recalled Xie Yunchu’s interest in the ball he had. Opening a box, he took out a carved ivory ball and brought it to Chunjing Hall.

Upon stepping into the courtyard, he saw Xia An playing with Ke Jie’er. The little girl clung to a round pillar, giggling foolishly at her father. Xia an’s eyes fell on the carved ball, and she nearly choked on her words, quickly bowing to Wang Shuhuai.

Seeing his daughter, Wang Shuhuai couldn’t look away. Handing the ball to Xia An, he picked up Ke Jie’er. Hearing the commotion outside, Xie Yunchu stepped over the threshold. Seeing her daughter wriggling excitedly in Wang Shuhuai’s arms, she frowned. “The Second Young Master is still injured. Why insist on carrying her? She’s heavy-handed and might hurt you.”

It was the first time his wife had spoken to him so sternly. Wang Shuhuai didn’t find it offensive; instead, he saw it as a sign of her concern. He handed the child back to her. 

Xie Yunchu took the little girl, her gaze briefly passing over the carved ball without any change in expression. “It’s hot outside. Come in.”

Inside, the room was cooled with ice. Mama Lin, knowing Xie Yunchu disliked the cold, had placed the ice basin near Wang Shuhuai’s feet. Wang Shuhuai sat at the table drinking tea. Ke Jie’er, now heavier, was left on the bed. Having been away from her mother for days, she clung to her like a little monkey, refusing to let go. Her little mouth landed kisses on Xie Yunchu’s arm, making her laugh.

It was a pure, unguarded laugh.

Wang Shuhuai watched her. Her eyes were so tender they seemed to drip warmth. She had once looked at him like that. A sudden pang pierced his heart, and even the tea lost its flavor.

Xia An placed the carved ball on the table. Wang Shuhuai toyed with it while watching the mother and daughter. His gaze fell on a drawing on the table—the design of the embroidered ball matched the ivory ball in his hand. Just as he was about to pick it up for a closer look, Xie Yunchu noticed.

“That ball in your hand is beautiful. Is it the carved ball you mentioned?”

The maids behind the curtain stifled their giggles, amused by their mistress’s attempt to act nonchalant.

Wang Shuhuai put down the drawing and handed her the ball. “Didn’t you want to see it? Here, take it.”

Xie Yunchu felt a mix of emotions. “Are you giving it to me, Second Young Master?”

Wang Shuhuai hesitated, then shook his head. “It was a gift from someone else. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to give it to you. If you like it, I’ll find you another one later.”

He hadn’t even considered that, as husband and wife, such formalities were unnecessary.

Xie Yunchu’s expression turned cold. “No need. I’m not interested.” Turning away, she left with their child.

Wang Shuhuai rubbed his forehead, convinced she was upset. Lacking experience with women, he decided to seek advice from a colleague on how to appease his wife.

After lunch, Wang Shuhuai planned to spend time with the child. However, Qi Wei reported that someone from the Ministry of Revenue had arrived. Straightening his expression, Wang Shuhuai returned to his study. Xie Yunchu assumed his injury made nighttime inconvenient for intimacy, so she didn’t press the matter and instead napped with her daughter.

The visitor turned out to be Master Zhu, who also worked at the Ministry of Revenue and was a relative by marriage. He brought documents needing Wang Shuhuai’s official seal.

Wang Shuhuai politely inquired if Master Zhu had eaten. The prince, sweating profusely, took a sip of the tea offered and said, “Just a light meal, but it’s too hot to have much appetite.”

Wang Shuhuai immediately instructed Ming Gui to fetch some bitter melon pastries from the backyard to serve as a snack for Master Zhu.

The two discussed official matters for a while. Master Zhu, lounging lazily across from him, watched as Wang Shuhuai meticulously reviewed documents. He sighed and said, “Yunzhi, we practically grew up together, and we even married a pair of sisters. My father often compares me to you. Honestly, I hated you when we were younger.”

Wang Shuhuai adjusted the paperweight and smiled without responding.

“Of course, it wasn’t just me. Every young lord in the capital hated you. While we were scraping by, you pulled off two incredible achievements in a row, gaining enough clout to stand toe-to-toe with the old-timers in court. And soon, you’ll be heading south…” As he spoke, Master Zhu suddenly remembered something. “By the way, you’ll be in Jiangnan for at least three years. You and your wife only have one child—are you planning to bring her along?”

Wang Shuhuai paused mid-stroke with his brush. In the past, he wouldn’t have given it a second thought and refused outright. Bringing his wife along as a newly appointed official would make him appear frivolous. But now, he hesitated. “I’ll discuss it with my wife before deciding.”

Master Zhu had already come up with a plan for him. “You could go for six months first to establish yourself, then bring your wife over later.”

Wang Shuhuai also thought that was a good idea and said, “We’ll see.” 

Xie Yunchu might not be willing to accompany him to work and endure hardships. As he immersed himself in reviewing documents, Master Zhu dozed lightly in a nearby armchair. By the time Wang Shuhuai finished, it was early afternoon. Master Zhu had slept well and was ready to leave, carrying his documents. Surprisingly, Wang Shuhuai stopped him.

“Please stay, Master Zhu. There’s one more matter I’d like your advice on.”

Master Zhu sat down, intrigued. “What could it be, to warrant such seriousness?”

Wang Shuhuai, feeling a bit awkward, rested his folded hands on the desk and deliberated before asking, “I recently got injured, and my wife is upset with me for being reckless. She’s quite resentful. I’d like to ask your advice—what do women typically like? I’d like to get her something to ease her anger.”

Master Zhu’s interest was piqued, and he straightened up. Patting his chest, he said, “Yunzhi, you’ve come to the right person.”

“Let me break it down for you.” Setting aside his documents, he spoke earnestly, “First, there isn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t appreciate jewelry or fine clothing. Jewelry is a cure-all—guaranteed to work.”

Wang Shuhuai, hearing this for the first time, massaged his temple.

“Of course, there are some wives who dislike extravagance or don’t like the jewelry their husbands choose. In that case, you’ll have to give her the money directly.”

“By the way, let me ask you this—does your salary go to your wife for safekeeping?”

Wang Shuhuai nodded. “Naturally.”

Master Zhu mused, “In that case, it’s best if you craft something for her personally, like a poem or a jade ornament with good symbolism. The key is to show her that you want a long and happy future together.”

“Or, if a man is diligent, he could cook a special meal for his wife. That’s sure to win her over,” Master Zhu added with a grin, looking at Wang Shuhuai. “Though I doubt you’re capable of that.”