The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 90

Wang Shuhuai shook his head decisively, saying, “A gentleman keeps his distance from the kitchen, and my wife might not appreciate such gestures anyway.”

“And if none of that works,” Master Zhu said, leisurely fanning himself, “then tame her in bed.”

Wang Shuhuai had been listening attentively, but at this last suggestion, he coughed lightly and skipped over it. Rising to his feet, he said, “I’ll keep your advice in mind. It’s getting late—I’ll see you out.”

Master Zhu, ever perceptive, understood the couple’s dynamic immediately. Their only issue seemed to be maintaining a proper facade with each other. For instance, he and Xiao Youran would bicker at bedtime but make up before dawn, resolving even major disputes with a bit of fuss.

Wang Shuhuai wasted no time escorting him to the door and immediately called for Ming Gui. “Did my wife leave any money with you?”

As Wang Shuhuai was often busy with social obligations and indifferent to material possessions, Xie Yunchu had long since started managing his salary herself. Secretly, she entrusted it all to Ming Gui, worried her husband might find himself short of funds.

Xie Yunchu handled all of Wang Shuhuai’s food, clothing, and other expenses, so he never needed to worry about spending extra money. His pens, ink, paper, and inkstone were either distributed by the government or gifted as rewards from the palace, all covered as public expenses. After passing the Imperial Examination and becoming the top scholar, the Duke granted him an additional allowance, permitting him to draw two hundred taels of silver from the public treasury each month for official functions—an honor granted solely to him. Thus, this was the first time Wang Shuhuai had asked about money, and Ming Gui immediately responded, “Yes, yes, all your salary is with me.”

Wang Shuhuai frowned. “All of it? You didn’t hand it over to my wife?”

Ming Gui gave a wry smile. “The Madam said that, as a man, you have plenty of expenses outside. The household has a monthly allowance, so she instructed me to keep your salary for emergencies.”

Wang Shuhuai stood silent for a while. He’d often heard colleagues complain about how tightly their wives managed the household finances, with some even stashing away private funds. By contrast, his wife was generous and considerate, always putting him first.

His wife had been quietly sacrificing in ways he hadn’t even noticed.

Though she didn’t ask for it, he couldn’t simply accept her sacrifices without reciprocating. He instructed Ming Gui, “Keep ten taels and send the rest to my wife.”

Ming Gui followed the order but returned shortly, looking helpless. “Second Young Master, the Madam refused it. She said to keep it for your trip to Jiangnan—you’ll need it to cover expenses.”

Wang Shuhuai froze in place. Xie Yunchu truly lacked nothing. Over the past two years, he’d received countless rewards—gold, silver, and jewels piled up in storage, accessible at any time.

After a moment of contemplation, he recalled Master Zhu’s suggestion.

“Then go to Duobao Pavilion and pick out some jewelry.”

Ming Gui lit up, thrilled that his master had finally caught on. Excited as if it were New Year’s, he exclaimed, “I’ll go right away!”

Ming Gui, being a good observer, guessed that Xie Yunchu preferred elegant accessories. He purchased a set of jewelry: a lotus-shaped hairpin inlaid with kingfisher feathers and a pair of gold bracelets set with turquoise. The items were quickly delivered to Chunjing Hall.

The maids were overjoyed, and even the senior maid, Mama Lin, felt a sense of relief, exclaiming, “The Master has finally learned how to please the Madam.”

Only Xie Yunchu seemed puzzled as she gazed at the jewelry. What had gotten into him?

“Go ask Ming Gui what this is about,” she instructed.

Lin Mama chuckled. “I already did. Master Zhu visited today.”

Xie Yunchu understood immediately. Master Zhu was the best at handling such matters; he must have noticed something and advised Wang Shuhuai to coax her. It was surprising that Wang Shuhuai was willing to listen. Truly a rare occurrence. After all, one does not strike a smiling person. With a calm expression, Xie Yunchu instructed, “Keep them.”

Chun Qi picked up the rosewood box and teased, “Madam, since he’s coming today, will you wear this one?”

Xie Yunchu shot her a glare. “How ambitious.”

In the evening, the Duke summoned Wang Shuhuai to the Qinghui Hall, where he had his dinner. By the time it was the third watch (around 9 PM), he had not returned to his study and went directly to the Chunjing Hall.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a clear light on the courtyard of the Chunjing Hall, illuminating it inside and out. A few sparrows flitted through the air, their wings cutting graceful arcs. The branches of the trees trembled, shaking off a bit of dry dust, breaking the night’s stillness. A couple of maids sat in the corner of the corridor, playfully grabbing at some snacks they had found, but when Lin Mama saw them, she scolded them lightly, and the group scattered like birds.

Wang Shuhuai stepped through the moonlit archway and walked along the stone path toward the hall. Lin Mama saw him and respectfully bowed in greeting, then turned to signal the little maid hiding inside the door to bring some iced drinks.

Turning back, Wang Shuhuai had already reached. His tall figure still towered above Lin Mama as he stood in the corridor. His brow, covered by the moonlight, appeared as though dusted with light frost, adding a layer of aloofness to his originally refined demeanor.

“Where is Ke Jie’er?”

At this time, Lin Mama naturally understood what Wang Shuhuai meant, but unfortunately, the person he was asking didn’t take it seriously. She answered vaguely, “She… she’s sleeping.”

Wang Shuhuai was merely asking casually as he walked into the room, passing through the eastern side chamber and arriving at the outer part of the inner room. Through the gauzy curtains, he saw Xie Yunchu sitting on the bed, seemingly organizing children’s clothes. She wore a simple pale silk gauze robe, her dark hair cascading halfway down. The dim light from a glass lamp in the corner flickered softly, casting a gentle glow on her delicate, graceful features.

Wang Shuhuai stood outside the curtain, cleared his throat lightly, and asked, “Asleep this early?”

Before he could finish, the corner of the blanket suddenly flipped up as small feet kicked at it. Then, Ke Jie’er’s little head popped out from under the thin gauze, her eyes squinting with a smile as she excitedly called out, “Dad!”

In recent days, with Xie Yunchu away, Madam Jiang and the Second Master, Wang Shou, often came to play with their granddaughter. When they heard her call for her mother, they felt uneasy and encouraged her to learn how to call her father. Now, Ke Jie’er’s pronunciation of “dad” was clear and accurate.

Wang Shuhuai hadn’t expected his daughter to be in bed, and he stood there, momentarily stunned.

Xie Yunchu hadn’t expected him to return so early, and she couldn’t help but express a hint of frustration. “Second master, I finally managed to get her to sleep, and now you’ve woken her up.”