TRBDM -Chapter 217 It Ends Here

The pitiable often have aspects that are truly detestable.

The situation that Shen Zhizhi and Xie Sheng had reached was inseparable from their own selfish natures.

Seeing that Wei Zhaorong still hadn’t spoken, Shen Zhizhi immediately wanted to kneel again.

Luckily, Nanny Qi was quick-eyed and quick-handed, stopping her in an instant.

“Second Madam, speak properly. Why kneel at the drop of a hat? Don’t think you can gain sympathy just because you’re pregnant.”

Nanny Qi’s cold words struck Shen Zhizhi like a blow to the head.

Back when the second household had a falling out with the Marquis’ residence, Shen Zhizhi had left determined never to interact with them again.

Who would have thought that life was so unpredictable? She had humbled herself twice already, and even though she hadn’t achieved her goals, she was still met with mockery and ridicule.

Shen Zhizhi wanted nothing more than to turn and leave, but her feet felt like they were filled with lead, unable to move an inch.

Restless and at her wit’s end, she could only cry.

Her crying gave Wei Zhaorong a headache.

She waved her hand, pressing her temple: “Madam Shen, go back. I will find someone to help with Xie Sheng’s matter. But only this once. The second household is cut off from the Marquis’ residence; there is no longer any connection. Out of consideration for your pregnancy, the Marquis’ residence will intervene. But you must remember: not helping is the proper course, helping is an act of kindness. After this, your and Xie Sheng’s ties with the Marquis’ residence end, here and now.”

Tears blurred Shen Zhizhi’s vision. Her heart felt utterly empty.

Recalling the glory of marrying into the Mingde Marquis’ residence, and comparing it to her current pitiful state, she could not honestly say she didn’t regret it.

Once, Wei Zhaorong had given her a chance—though she was merely the second household’s wife, she was treated as the primary lady and nurtured.

Alas, her maternal family’s younger brother was utterly useless, repeatedly dragging her down.

She knew it, but she had no choice. He was her only brother; she couldn’t just let him die.

Having reached this point, Shen Zhizhi had no face left to speak further.

As long as Wei Zhaorong agreed to save Xie Sheng, she asked for nothing else.

Shen Zhizhi stood up and bowed deeply to Wei Zhaorong: “Thank you, Mother, for saving us. My husband and I will never forget your great kindness.”

When leaving Anhe Courtyard, Shen Zhizhi saw Xie Wanrou, Xie Lan, Dou Shuyao, and Xie Chuan enjoying the garden flowers.

They were so happy together, smiles spreading across their faces—the scene before her eyes was as beautiful as a painting.

Shen Zhizhi’s eyes stung painfully.

After the second household split, there had been no laughter in the Xie residence for a long time.

This time, leaving the Marquis’ residence, she walked slowly, as if she wanted to imprint everything in her memory.

The most glorious moments of her life had all been in the Marquis’ residence.

Only now did she fully realize that the past splendor could exist only in memory.

Tears welled up again.

In recent days, her eyes had almost been soaked in tears.

The house steward followed silently behind her, sighing when he saw her crying.

Each person has their own fate; what is meant to be will be, and what is not should not be forced.

The second master and second madam had brought this upon themselves; they could only endure the consequences.

The heavy, tall doors of the Marquis’ residence opened. Shen Zhizhi stared at the bustling street outside, unmoving.

With this one step forward, she would never again enter the Marquis’ residence.

“Madam,” a maid waiting outside asked anxiously, “has the old madam agreed to save Second Master?”

Shen Zhizhi’s gaze was distant, unfocused. She said numbly, “She agreed. My husband will be released soon.”

“That’s wonderful! The old madam really has the ability.”

“Yes,” Shen Zhizhi murmured, “it’s Mother who has the ability. How could I have been so blind back then?”

“Madam, what are you saying?” the maid asked, confused.

Shen Zhizhi didn’t answer. She stepped out of the Marquis’ gates.

From this point onward, the Xie residence and the Marquis’ residence were completely severed.

Anhe Courtyard

Wei Zhaorong stood and said, “I’ll head out—prepare generous gifts.”

She was going to find a trusted official to pull Xie Sheng out of prison.

As a mother, this was the last time she would help Xie Sheng.

When Dou Shuyao heard the news, she rushed over immediately. “Mother, leave the preparations to me.”

“All right. I feel even more at ease leaving it to you.”

That afternoon, Wei Zhaorong brought a generous gift to meet the chief officer of the government. Less than half an hour after she left, Xie Sheng was released.

His reckless comments about state affairs had not been reported, so his official position remained unaffected.

Outside the prison, Shen Zhizhi stood by the carriage, craning her neck in anticipation.

As soon as Xie Sheng appeared, she finally revealed her first smile in days.

“Husband—” she exclaimed in delight and hurried toward him.

Xie Sheng had suffered from poor food and sleep in the prison; his beard was scruffy, his robe soiled, and a strong odor clung to him. Approaching her, he felt uncomfortable and stepped back.

“Madam, please get in the carriage first.”

Standing like this in the street was truly embarrassing.

Caught up in her joy, Shen Zhizhi forgot about that. “Yes, yes, get in the carriage first.”

Once inside, she took a handkerchief and carefully wiped his face.

When she finished, she brought out a red cord and tied it around Xie Sheng’s wrist.

“The red cord brings luck, dispelling misfortune.”

Xie Sheng kept his head down, saying not a word the entire time, but his eyes never left the red cord.

Back at the Xie residence, Shen Zhizhi immediately had the servants prepare hot water. “Husband, take a hot bath first. Throw away all your clothes and boots—I’ve prepared a new set for you.”

Pregnant as she was, Shen Zhizhi busied herself back and forth, only taking a seat once Xie Sheng was soaking in the bath.

She had a maid massage her waist while she softly moaned. In another month, she would give birth; her legs were swollen, her body uncomfortable everywhere, and she moved awkwardly.

Fortunately, after enduring so much hardship, Xie Sheng was safe, and she could finally rest.

That evening, the couple dined together at the stone table in the courtyard.

They hadn’t had a proper meal together for over half a year.

Shen Zhizhi had ordered all of Xie Sheng’s favorite dishes and kept feeding him.

“Husband, eat more.”

Faced with the food, Xie Sheng found it hard to swallow.

“Zhizhi, thank you for your efforts in finding someone to rescue me.”

His words brought Shen Zhizhi to tears.

She had been so wronged. For half a year, she suffered her husband’s coldness, was burdened by her family, looked down upon by her in-laws—if not for the child in her womb, she might not have survived.

Feeling guilty, Xie Sheng pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, Madam. I’ve wronged you.”

Shen Zhizhi cried as she spoke. “From now on, you mustn’t go to places like Huaxiang again.”

“All right, I won’t go.”

“And you mustn’t be harsh with me anymore.”

“All right, I won’t.”

Xie Sheng agreed quickly, but then he thought again and added, “As long as you don’t pander to the Shen family, I absolutely won’t be harsh with you.”

The couple’s biggest source of conflict, after all, was Shen Tianci.

Shen Zhizhi had been taught from childhood to be unconditionally good to her younger brother. Though she had gained perspective through all they had been through, she could never completely ignore Shen Tianci.

But in this moment, the atmosphere was so warm that she didn’t want to spoil it.

That morning, she had envied the happy harmony of the Hou family; now, the Xie household felt the same.

For now, she decided to put Shen Tianci aside and softly replied, “I promise you.”

Satisfied, Xie Sheng held her tightly. “Madam, in just a month our son will be born. By then, you’ll understand that our own child is what matters most. Shen Tianci has his parents; our son has us.”

“You’re right, husband.”