TRBDM -Chapter 159 A Heart-to-Heart Between Mother and Daughter

Wei Zhaorong noticed Xie Wanrou’s low spirits and immediately said, “Xiaohui, I won’t hide it from you—I think my Wanrou is perfect in every way. Her future husband must love her with his whole being, even if it means ignoring the eyes of the world. He must be utterly devoted to her. If he can’t do that, our Marquis Mansion would rather raise her for a lifetime ourselves than let her marry and suffer even a little.”

Xie Wanrou had suffered enough in her past life. In this life, Wei Zhaorong would protect her in her arms, shielding her from every hardship.

Her words might have sounded lofty, but in her heart, that was exactly how she felt.

Xie Wanrou was gentle, kind, well-educated, and virtuous—she deserved the very best the world could offer.

“You’re right, A-Rong. Truly, you’ve raised Wanrou very well. Wanrou is a good child; her husband must be worthy of her.”

Lin Juehui drank water desperately, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Wei Zhaorong, meanwhile, held Xie Wanrou’s hand and gently rubbed the back, offering silent comfort.

With her mother’s protection, Xie Wanrou’s heart felt less heavy.

After a while, Lin Juehui changed the topic, and the three of them chatted again. The awkward atmosphere finally dissipated.

In the evening, Lin Juehui invited Wei Zhaorong to stay for dinner, but she declined: “There’s much to attend to at home; it’s not proper to linger.”

Lin Juehui did not insist and personally saw them to the carriage.

On the way back, Wei Zhaorong asked Xie Wanrou, “Rou’er, what do you think of Master Jiang?”

Wei Zhaorong’s question was so direct that Xie Wanrou was momentarily stunned.

After a moment, she said, “Master Jiang is very good.”

Truly very good—Xie Wanrou could not find a single flaw in him.

“Do you like him?” Wei Zhaorong suddenly asked.

Xie Wanrou’s breath almost froze.

Her voice was soft and small, tinged with embarrassment: “I’m not worthy of him.”

“Nonsense!” Wei Zhaorong became angry. “You’re not allowed to think that way.”

Xie Wanrou’s self-doubt pained Wei Zhaorong.

But she had done nothing wrong—so why should she feel unworthy?

A divorced woman—so what? Does being divorced mean she doesn’t deserve love?

Does being divorced mean she can only marry a widower?

Wei Zhaorong refused to believe that.

She had seen Jiang Yuelin’s every action toward Xie Wanrou, piece by piece.

True affection or pretense—she could tell.

“Wanrou, remember, your past experiences aren’t stains—they’re merely episodes in the long journey of your life. The days ahead are long; dwelling on the past serves no purpose. Whoever you like, go ahead and like them boldly. If someone looks down on you because of this, then that person isn’t worth your devotion.”

“Love yourself first, then love others.”

Wei Zhaorong’s words stirred a thousand waves in Xie Wanrou’s heart.

Love yourself first, then love others.

If Xie Wanrou could not fully accept the wounded part of herself, how could she open her heart to embrace a beautiful love?

Love knows no hierarchy or status—both parties are equal. If one belittles oneself, they will always be at a disadvantage in any relationship.

She seemed to understand her mother’s meaning.

The carriage swayed gently as it returned to the Marquis Mansion, the orange sunset spreading across the capital.

From afar, Xie Wanrou saw someone standing by the stone lion outside the gate.

Jiang Yuelin stood there draped in the colors of the sunset, quietly waiting for the carriage.

Wei Zhaorong and Xie Wanrou got out.

Xie Wanrou’s heart raced, and she barely dared to meet Jiang Yuelin’s eyes.

“Master Jiang, why are you here?” Wei Zhaorong asked.

“I just came out of the palace and was on my way back to the Dali Temple, so I dropped by,” he replied.

“Just by chance, or intentionally?”

“Where have the Hou Madam and Miss Xie been?” Jiang Yuelin asked with a smile.

Wei Zhaorong answered, “Madam Nanyang came to arrange a match for Wanrou, so we went to the mansion to discuss.”

Jiang Yuelin’s smile vanished, replaced by a confused look directed at Xie Wanrou: “Arrange a match?”

“Yes, arrange a match. Wanrou lives in the Marquis Mansion, so naturally people take notice. Madam Nanyang was the first to speak, and later there will be Madam Zhang, Madam Li, and others—it will be busy.”

“…” Jiang Yuelin was at a loss for words.

Wei Zhaorong held her forehead. “Nanny Qi, I have a headache. Come press it for me back at the mansion.”

“Yes, Madam,” Nanny Qi replied.

She helped Wei Zhaorong inside, leaving Xie Wanrou and Jiang Yuelin alone.

Nanny Qi knew Wei Zhaorong had intentionally left them alone to talk and kept glancing back as she said, “Madam, Master Jiang seems a bit anxious; it’s rare to see him lose his composure.”

Faced with any case, no matter how big or difficult, Jiang Yuelin usually remained composed and impartial. But today, upon hearing someone was arranging a match for Xie Wanrou, he had instantly been flustered.

Wei Zhaorong thought: the opportunity is created for him. Whether he can seize it is up to him.

Under the stone lion, Jiang Yuelin’s jaw tightened. “Wanrou, I have an impertinent request.”

Xie Wanrou looked up. “What is it?”