TRBDM -Chapter 49 Domestic Violence Discovered

The daughter-in-law and mother-in-law formed a united front; with just his mouth, Xie Chuan couldn’t compete against the two of them and could only take the loss.

The next day, Dou Shuyao arrived early at Anhe Courtyard and waited until Xie Chuan had dressed properly before getting into the carriage.

It was only after the carriage had traveled a while that Xie Chuan remembered to ask, “Did you prepare the gifts?”

“Mm, two jars of wine, and two bolts of cloth.”

“That’s it?”

“What else would there be?” According to her mother’s instructions, she wouldn’t even give more than this.

Dou Shuyao frowned. She didn’t know how Xie Wanrou was faring at General Wei Yuan’s residence, but her mother seemed to treat Lei Lieshan like an enemy, as if she wanted to personally punish him.

These days, Dou Shuyao had become her mother’s capable assistant, standing unconditionally on the mother-in-law’s side.

Since her mother despised Lei Lieshan so much, he must have done something unforgivable.

Thinking this, Dou Shuyao also felt that even this small gift was too much.

Xie Chuan looked away in dissatisfaction and lifted the carriage curtain to gaze outside.

Outside, people bustled about, and the calls of street vendors never ceased.

Ah, the taste of freedom—he hadn’t experienced it in a long time.

He was used to going out every day and seeing the same sights, but now, even the beggars by the roadside evoked a sense of familiarity.

The carriage swayed, and after half an hour, they arrived at General Wei Yuan’s residence.

Hearing that the young master of the Mingde Marquisate had arrived, Lei Lieshan came out to greet them.

“Haha, Brother Xie, welcome! Forgive our poor reception.”

True to his name, Lei Lieshan was tall and imposing, with a voice like a thunderclap. When he spoke, Dou Shuyao noticed Xie Wanrou behind him visibly flinch.

Xie Chuan exchanged pleasantries with Lei Lieshan, while Dou Shuyao stepped forward and held Xie Wanrou’s hand. “Big sister, long time no see.”

Xie Wanrou’s features were gentle. Though Dou Shuyao’s intimacy made her slightly uncomfortable, she still lightly covered her hand with hers. “Shuyao, long time no see.”

Her voice was soft and delicate, her entire presence radiating elegance, making Dou Shuyao feel a pang of inadequacy.

“Big sister, Third Brother’s birthday banquet is coming soon. Mother asked me and my husband to escort you home for a short visit.”

Xie Wanrou’s eyes flickered. She was about to speak, but Lei Lieshan’s glance stopped her. She smiled and invited Dou Shuyao inside, no longer mentioning returning to her home.

One glance was enough to be intimidating.

Dou Shuyao understood—it wasn’t that her big sister didn’t want to go back; Lei Lieshan wouldn’t allow it.

The couple was invited into the front hall for tea.

Xie Chuan and Lei Lieshan chatted animatedly, long forgetting the original purpose of today’s visit.

Xie Wanrou kept a gentle smile and quietly conversed with Dou Shuyao.

“How is Mother’s health?”

“Everything is fine. Mother’s sleep wasn’t great recently, but after Doctor Xiao’s treatment, she can now sleep peacefully.”

Xie Wanrou nodded, still a bit worried.

“And the first and second branches of the family?”

“Yes, they’re fine. Don’t worry, big sister.”

After asking about everything, Xie Wanrou finally asked, “Third Brother has entered Mr. Dong’s tutelage—this is true, right?”

“Absolutely true. Third Brother is talented; gaining entry into Mr. Dong’s tutelage is said to be as difficult as ranking in the second class of the imperial exam.”

This was no exaggeration. Anyone accepted by Mr. Dong never ranked lower than the second class in official exams.

Back then, Xie Sheng barely ranked in the third class and the Marquisate held a lavish three-day banquet.

If Xie Lan could truly achieve the second class, it would be a glory for the entire family.

After hearing this, Xie Wanrou said twice in succession, “That’s wonderful! That’s wonderful!”

She was genuinely happy—for Xie Lan’s success.

No one understood how difficult life had been for Xie Lan in the Marquis’s residence better than Xie Wanrou. Seeing Xie Lan able to attend school made her happier than anyone else.

Dou Shuyao noticed how she was always thinking of others and couldn’t help asking, “Eldest sister, how have you been at the General’s residence?”

At the mention of this, Xie Wanrou instinctively glanced toward Lei Lieshan.

She forced a smile. “I’m fine. The General treats me well, and my mother-in-law is kind too.”

Dou Shuyao didn’t believe her.

Every word Xie Wanrou spoke was carefully measured against Lei Lieshan’s expression—there was nothing fine about it.

Only reporting the good, never the bad. No wonder their mother worried.

“Eldest sister.” Dou Shuyao grabbed Xie Wanrou’s wrist.

“Ah—” Xie Wanrou let out a soft gasp, quickly suppressing it.

Dou Shuyao looked at her in confusion. Could her wrist be injured?

Wrapped as it was in clothing, there were no visible marks.

Xie Wanrou withdrew her hand and pretended nothing had happened. “Shuyao, try this red date bean cake. It’s very tasty.”

Dou Shuyao took a bite, only to realize it was far from delicious.

Lei Lieshan left them to have lunch, and as evening approached, he still didn’t mention Xie Wanrou returning to the Marquis’s residence.

After drinking with Lei Lieshan at noon, Xie Chuan was completely drunk and merely kept his eyes closed, pretending to nap.

“General Lei, today my husband and I, following my mother’s orders, will bring eldest sister back home. The sky is getting late—let her gather her things and return with us.”

Lei Lieshan had drunk quite a bit at noon, but his tolerance was immense. He showed no signs of drunkenness, only a noticeably stern, almost cruel expression.

“Rou’er, do you wish to go back?” Lei Lieshan asked her.

Dou Shuyao found his gaze unsettling. The way he looked at her eldest sister was far from a question—it was clearly coercion.

“General Lei, Mother has missed eldest sister for a long time. This time… even if she doesn’t wish to return, I must bring her back. General Lei, I hope you understand.”

Dou Shuyao half-jokedly took over Xie Wanrou’s reply, shielding her from Lei Lieshan’s pressure.

Lei Lieshan paused, then laughed heartily. “In that case, Rou’er, quickly pack your things. Don’t keep Mother waiting.”

Xie Wanrou’s heart pounded. She suppressed the surge of fear and slowly rose. “Shuyao, please wait for me a moment.”

“All right, I’ll wait.”

Dou Shuyao gently woke Xie Chuan, letting him continue babbling with Lei Lieshan, while he patiently waited for Xie Wanrou.

A quarter of an hour later, Xie Wanrou came out carrying her bundle, accompanied by a maid.

“Eldest sister has finished packing. It’s getting late. General Lei, we shall leave now.”

Half-asleep, Xie Chuan mumbled upon hearing “leave,” “Go… go… back home… sleep.”

Lei Lieshan’s expression remained unreadable as he escorted them to the carriage.

“Husband, I will return to the Marquis’s residence first. On the day of the Third Young Master’s birthday banquet, I’ll be waiting for you there,” Xie Wanrou said softly, her tone betraying nothing—but her eyes toward Lei Lieshan revealed clear fear.

“Mm, wait for me!”

The carriage jolted forward, carrying them farther from the General’s residence.

Dou Shuyao noticed that Xie Wanrou visibly relaxed.

“Shuyao, thank you for coming all this way to bring me back.”

Xie Wanrou’s voice was much lighter, her joy clear in her eyes.

“Eldest sister…”

“Hm?”

Dou Shuyao suddenly grabbed her hand and swiftly rolled up her sleeve.

“Shuyao, what are you doing!” Xie Wanrou exclaimed, caught off guard. Before she could react, it was too late.

On her slender arm were mottled marks—brutal, glaring welts.

“Did Lei Lieshan do this?” Dou Shuyao stared at the bruises, asking with certainty.