TRBDM -Chapter 213 An Incompetent Son-in-Law

“Xuan’er, no!” The Empress was the first to object.

“We have worked so hard for so many years. How can we hand over our achievements to someone else?”

The Empress could not accept it; she would never tolerate the Noble Consort climbing above her.

“But Mother, Zhao Jingyan is insane. How many people has he killed? I’ve lost count.”

The Crown Prince had been living in fear these past few days. His eye sockets were hollow, darkened beneath, and he had lost quite a bit of weight; his robes hung loosely on him as if a gust of wind could topple him over.

Zhao Jingyan never forgave; he didn’t just strike cruelly—he struck to kill.

The Crown Prince was naturally timid. Every day, when he heard of someone dying, he would tremble uncontrollably. At night, he couldn’t even close his eyes for fear that, upon opening them, a killer would be standing by his bed.

The Empress looked at her son’s pitiful state and felt both heartache and anxiety.

At this point, there was no way she could push further.

It wasn’t hard to see why the Noble Consort had mocked Zhao Jingxuan as “a hopeless fool.”

The Empress held her son’s hand and comforted him, “Xuan’er, rest assured. With Mother here, he won’t dare lay a hand on you.”

Zhao Jingxuan’s hands were ice-cold, his demeanor listless, as if he couldn’t even hear the Empress’s words.

Seeing this, the Empress didn’t dare press him further and could only speak of other matters to distract him.

At the Mingde Marquisate, Wei Zhaorong had received a letter from Lin Juehui.

It said that the Third Prince had recently been pressuring the General to choose a new faction.

If he refused, there would be either suppression or assassination.

In recent days, ministers loyal to the Crown Prince had already requested to see General Nanyang, asking him to take a stand and support deposing the Crown Prince.

General Nanyang delayed them, citing a recurrence of an old illness.

This stalling tactic could only buy a few days at most. Lin Juehui suspected that the Third Prince might move against the Nanyang General’s household.

Wei Zhaorong had long anticipated that this day would eventually come.

She picked up her brush and replied: General Nanyang should not leave the residence for the time being. Strengthen the household guards, and if escape is impossible, ask Deputy Minister of Justice Jiang Yuelin for help.

She also reminded Lin Juehui to be careful and ensure her safety.

Wei Zhaorong also wrote a letter to Jiang Yuelin, informing him about the situation at the Nanyang General’s residence.

Now, they were like grasshoppers tied to the same rope, having established a secret line of communication, sending messages at least once daily.

Besides a seventh-rank official, Xie Sheng, no one in the Mingde Marquisate held office at court, so they were outside the Third Prince’s purview.

For now, the Mingde Marquisate was safe.

The Tenth Prince had entrusted Dou Shuxin to Wei Zhaorong, precisely because he understood this.

“Mother.”

Dou Shuyao, heavily pregnant, arrived at Anhe Court.

“Shuyao, come sit.” Wei Zhaorong smoothed away the worry from her face and revealed a faint smile.

Dou Shuyao’s belly had grown larger, and she had gained some weight, radiating an aura of wealth and stability.

The more Wei Zhaorong looked at her, the more satisfied she felt.

Autumn had arrived, and everyone had changed into autumn attire.

Dou Shuyao’s outfit had been custom-made by Wei Zhaorong’s arrangements—loose, comfortable, and suitable for a pregnant woman.

“Mother, I heard that a batch of salt merchants came to the southern part of the city. I’d like to meet with them.”

Lately, Dou Shuyao had been idle and had read books such as Business Teachings and Eighteen Methods of Commerce.

The Marquisate owned its own grain and oil shop in the capital. If she could strike a deal with the salt merchants, under her management, it would surely bring in considerable profit.

Wei Zhaorong naturally understood Dou Shuyao’s intentions.

However, with the imperial succession in flux, all members of the Marquisate needed to keep a low profile and go out as little as possible.

“Shuyao, the Marquisate’s other ventures are doing well. Leave the salt business for now. Besides, you’re already four months pregnant and shouldn’t overexert yourself. I’ve been waiting to hold my grandchild, you know.”

As the head lady of the Marquisate, Dou Shuyao had dealt with high-ranking figures and handled emergencies. She was now composed and confident, no longer timid. Even when speaking with Wei Zhaorong, she displayed a certain intimacy.

“Mother, don’t worry. There are still six months left, and then you’ll get your wish.”

“That’s right. I’m not in a rush. I want to take my time and accompany the little one as they grow.”

Dou Shuyao listened to Wei Zhaorong’s words and pushed the matter aside for the moment.

She was still young, and some things she couldn’t fully see ahead; she needed Wei Zhaorong’s guidance from time to time.

No matter what Wei Zhaorong said, she would listen.

After all, Wei Zhaorong was like a guiding light for her. Whenever she felt lost, she would always shine ahead, pointing her in the right direction.

“Shuyao, with the nation in mourning and the imperial power transitioning, the palace is unstable—and so is the capital.”

Dou Shuyao had also heard some rumors about the assassination of a minister.

“The political situation is unstable. These days, try to keep people in the residence from going out as much as possible.”

Dou Shuyao sensed the urgency in Wei Zhaorong’s tone and immediately nodded. “I’ll have someone relay the orders.”

“Also, don’t let any strangers enter the Marquis residence. Even those delivering the daily meals must be familiar faces.”

Dou Shuyao sat upright. “Mother, is the situation really that serious?”

“Yes.”

Wei Zhaorong didn’t mention supporting the Tenth Prince’s rise to power—after all, that was a matter with too many implications. And now that Dou Shuyao was pregnant, she couldn’t let her worry about it.

But she couldn’t let her let down her guard either.

At a critical moment like this, utmost caution was necessary.

“I understand, Mother. There’s no need to worry about anyone else in the residence. As for my husband, I’ll keep him by my side—he’s not allowed to wander around.”

Currently, the only person who could restrain Xie Chuan was Dou Shuyao.

With her in charge, Wei Zhaorong could rest completely assured.

“Chuan’er is reckless and thoughtless. Thankfully you’re there to rein him in—otherwise, he’d be ruined long ago.”

That was a heartfelt remark from Wei Zhaorong.

“My husband is doing well now. He follows my lead in everything and even helps manage the household affairs.”

Hearing about Xie Chuan made Dou Shuyao feel a warm sweetness in her heart.

She had always been strong-willed; if Xie Chuan had also been headstrong, the two of them would probably quarrel every day.

The couple of the main residence had already developed a unique mutual understanding, along with a slowly blossoming love.

Dou Shuyao was very satisfied with her current life.

Wei Zhaorong laughed aloud. “Good, good, good. As long as everyone is well, I’m happy.”

Dou Shuyao left Anhe Courtyard intending to visit Xie Wanrou, but on the way she passed Lan Courtyard. The crabapple tree there had grown lush and beautiful, catching her attention.

“Big sister-in-law, you’re here.” Xie Lan was about to water the tree when he saw Dou Shuyao enter the yard.

Ever since the emperor had passed away, Master Dong had suspended lessons, so Xie Lan had been revising his studies in the Marquis residence every day.

“Third brother, I saw this crabapple tree growing so well, so I came to take a look.”

Xie Lan, familiar with the routine, continued watering the tree. “I water it twice a day. With the sun shining during the day, it naturally grows well.”

“I remember this tree was planted by Fourth Brother himself.”

Xie Lan paused for a moment, giving a soft, “Mm.”

It had been almost a month since Xie Yu had left, and he didn’t know how Xie Yu was faring at the Princess’s residence.

At first, Xie Lan had expected Xie Yu to write to him, hoping every day.

But a whole month had passed without a single letter.

Gradually, he stopped holding onto hope.

Only this crabapple tree, tended with care, gave him the hope that next year it would bloom into a riot of flowers.

Dou Shuyao sighed softly and changed the subject. “Mother said that recently, everyone should try not to leave the residence. It’s dangerous outside.”

Xie Lan assumed this was because of the national mourning period and didn’t question further. He obediently nodded. “Don’t worry, Big Sister-in-law. I won’t leave the residence.”

“Good.”

After leaving Lan Courtyard, Dou Shuyao went on to Moyun Courtyard.