The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 99

After a few days away, Wang Shuhuai noticed that the decor of the room seemed different. The soft, smoke-like Luo window curtains had been replaced, and the intricately carved screen that once divided the room had been moved aside, leaving the space open and grand—just the way Wang Shuhuai preferred.

“Second Young Master, have some tea,” Xie Yunchu said, pouring him a cup of West Lake Longjing tea. The delicate fragrance lingered, diffusing the awkward atmosphere in the room.

The couple sat across from each other at a tall table. Wang Shuhuai sipped his tea, while Xie Yunchu ate lotus seed soup. Lately, she had indulged in a few too many lychees, which had caused her gums to become inflamed. On the table were some chilled fruits—several bright red lychees, grapes, and refreshing cucumbers. Xie Yunchu didn’t eat cold food at night; the chilled treats were prepared for Wang Shuhuai.

Wang Shuhuai didn’t eat them either; he was mindful of his health.

The man’s gaze was downcast, his thin lips lightly pursed. He toyed with the teacup in his hand, the faint mist of steam softening his brows, giving him a jade-like elegance. Slightly turning his face, he inadvertently met Xie Yunchu’s studying gaze. She showed no sign of embarrassment at being caught, and with a light smile, she asked, “Second Young Master, is there something on your mind today?”

Wang Shuhai’s voice choked slightly as he spoke, “Ke’er sleeps this early?”

The implication was clear—he had come to see the child.

Xie Yunchu smiled. “She didn’t nap today. She pestered the nursemaid to take her to the rear garden to watch Mei’er pick flowers. After having some milk with her dinner, she fell asleep.”

Wang Shuhai didn’t know how to respond. Just as Xie Yunchu began to suspect he might want to stay the night due to his eagerness for an heir, he pulled a letter from his sleeve and handed it to her. “Your brother will return to the capital tomorrow.”

Hearing this, Xie Yunchu froze momentarily before eagerly taking the letter. “Thank you, Second Young Master.”

She quickly opened the letter. Inside were only a few lines, written in an extremely sloppy hand. Her brother mentioned that the book she had asked him to copy was completed and demanded a reward. Through the ink strokes, she could almost picture his playful, shameless grin. Xie Yunchu’s eyes unknowingly welled with tears. “Thank you, Second Young Master…” She was so overcome with emotion that her words tumbled out incoherently.

Wang Shuhai gave her a puzzled look, asking, “Isn’t it just a few months since you last met?” 

Xie Yunchu carefully put the letter away. “No, it’s just that I was worried about his autumn examination…” Her brother was returning to prepare for it.

When it came to the imperial examinations, that was Wang Shuhai’s area of expertise. “When he comes back, have him stay at the residence for a few days. I’ll guide him.”

Xie Yunchu looked at him and smiled sincerely. “Thank you for your efforts, Second Young Master.” Then, she asked proactively, “By the way, has the date for your trip south been decided, Second Young Master?”

Wang Shuhai finally felt a bit of relief. “Early July. We will set off after Minister Liu’s mother’s birthday celebration.”

The Vice Minister of Revenue, Liu Qiliang, would accompany him on the journey south. While Liu would pave the way, the majority of the responsibility for implementing the national policy would fall on Wang Shuhai. It was a colossal undertaking that promised unprecedented pressure. Knowing her husband would ultimately succeed, Xie Yunchu wasn’t worried. “I’ll prepare your luggage gradually in the meantime.”

Her expression was entirely free of concern.

Wang Shuhai sipped his tea, his long fingers drumming lightly on the table. He wondered to himself—was she really just planning to prepare his luggage?

It wasn’t that he wanted to break protocol, but having an heir was crucial. This trip’s return date was uncertain, and yet Xie Yunchu didn’t seem the least bit anxious.

Her calmness left Wang Shuhai puzzled.

Xie Yunchu, however, had indeed thought about spending more time together as a couple before his departure. But her monthly cycle was due on the 22nd, and that day was only the 18th. It would be pointless to try now. Since he wasn’t leaving until early July, there would still be opportunities.

Besides, she still held some hope that her period wouldn’t come. If she were already pregnant, she would need to be extra careful. So, she said nothing.

Seeing that his wife didn’t bring it up, Wang Shuhai felt a tinge of melancholy and returned to his study.

The next day, Xie Yunchu woke up early. She prepared new clothes for her brother and gathered ingredients for his favorite dishes. Since he was returning to the capital that day, he might visit her within a few days.

At three-quarters past the hour of Si (9-11 am), a servant from the Third Madam’s quarters came to invite her to Liuli Hall.

Xie Yunchu had no choice but to put aside her work and go. To her surprise, the Third Madam welcomed her with a smile and gestured toward a bashful Wang Shuqin. “Someone came to propose marriage today.”

Xie Yunchu’s expression brightened as she sat down. “Which family’s young master?”

The Third Madam sighed slightly. “The family’s rank isn’t high, but I find the young man to be decent…”

Before she could finish, Wang Shuqin interrupted grumpily, “It’s that man we met at the palace.”

Hearing this, Xie Yunchu became even more interested and asked who it was. The Third Madam revealed it was the young master of the Wen family from Hedong. Years ago, the Wen family had been prominent, but they had since declined, with their highest-ranking member only holding a fifth-rank official post—hardly a match for a Duke’s family.

“The Wen family’s matron was so nervous, afraid of being looked down upon. The young master, however, was bashful but earnest and eager. It’s clear to me that the boy has taken a liking to our Shuqin and pushed his family to propose, though they might not fully support it.” 

The Third Madam sighed.

Wang Shuqin immediately said, “See? They probably think they’re unworthy and don’t want to marry into our family. If I go willingly, my in-laws might think I’m throwing myself at their son, treating him like some rare treasure, and they’d look down on me. I won’t marry.”

The Third Madam and Xie Yunchu exchanged a glance and clicked their tongues. 

“Listen to her. She’s something, isn’t she? Still, her reasoning isn’t wrong. If you don’t like him, I can’t force you.” The Third Madam wasn’t too impressed with the Wen family either. After all, marriage should be between equals.

Fuming, Wang Shuqin stormed back to her room.