TRBDM -Chapter 56 The Three Xie Sons Gather

“House doctor, have you checked Madam Shen’s pulse recently?”

“Reporting to Madam, yes, a few days ago. Second Madam said she wasn’t feeling well, so I went to examine her.”

“What’s the matter with her?”

“It’s the transition between spring and summer, and the temperature fluctuates a lot. Second Madam has caught a slight chill. She just needs to keep warm, and she’ll recover on her own.”

“I see. You may leave.”

After the doctor withdrew, Wei Zhaorong said to Dou Shuyao, “The second branch has been left idle for some time. Madam Shen is bored and restless, so she has to create some commotion to attract attention. Dou Shuyao, as the future head lady of the household, storms and trials await you. If such trivial matters make you lose your appetite, that’s truly overreacting.”

“In life, only you yourself matter most. Your connection with a child hasn’t matured yet; when the time is right, he will naturally come to you.”

“You must trust Chief Physician Xiao’s abilities. If he says it’s fine, then it will work. Whether others are pregnant or not is none of your concern. Besides, what if she’s trying to trap you? If you fall into it before verifying the truth, wouldn’t you just be making a fool of yourself?”

Wei Zhaorong’s blunt advice made Dou Shuyao flush red.

She couldn’t help but think: the older really are wiser—seeing things far more clearly than herself.

Dou Shuyao felt a weight lifted from her heart, and her previously anxious face relaxed:

“I will heed Mother’s teaching.”

“You’ve been busy these days. Some matters must be handled personally, but you can also delegate to your subordinates. Tomorrow I’ll have fifty taels of silver sent from the treasury for you. Reward the diligent, obedient servants directly. When managing others, maintain balance—proper rewards and punishments will help you win people’s loyalty.”

Wei Zhaorong was willing to patiently teach Dou Shuyao the ways of managing the rear household. Luckily, Dou Shuyao was sensible and thoughtful; she remembered Wei Zhaorong’s kindness and was eager to learn.

“I will remember everything you said, Mother.”

“Mm. Go now and rest early.”

Before going to sleep, Wei Zhaorong instructed Nanny Qi, “Keep an eye on Quyang Court. Whether Madam Shen is truly pregnant, have someone find out tomorrow and report to me.”

Nanny Qi received the order and sent maids to Quyang Court early the next morning.

By afternoon, a reply came from the maid.

“Nanny Qi, according to Second Madam’s personal maid, Second Madam is not yet pregnant. But these past two nights, Second Master has been vigorous and demanding, so it seems Second Madam will soon be expecting.”

A few words from the maid confirmed Wei Zhaorong’s suspicion—Shen Zhizhi was deliberately provoking Dou Shuyao.

She was aiming right at Dou Shuyao’s weak spot, truly malicious.

Nanny Qi immediately relayed the news to Wei Zhaorong.

“All these days she keeps causing trouble. Nanny Qi, I only arranged for the house doctor to check her pulse because I was concerned about her health. When it turns out she isn’t pregnant, the matter will be resolved naturally.”

Rather than sitting back, it was better to strike proactively.

Xie Lan’s birthday banquet was approaching—there could be no mishaps.

If Shen Zhizhi plotted some trick, causing an accidental fall or miscarriage, it would be disgusting. Better to cut off that path in advance.

The house doctor, carrying his medicine box, arrived at Quyang Court under Nanny Qi’s guidance.

Nanny Qi played her part to perfection, even saying that the Old Madam had been worried and sleepless over Second Madam’s health.

Shen Zhizhi couldn’t refuse and, under Nanny Qi’s gentle restraint, reluctantly extended her wrist.

After the examination, the doctor said, “Second Madam’s pulse is steady; there’s nothing abnormal with her body.”

“That’s wonderful! Old Madam can rest easy. Second Madam, this servant will now return and report to Old Madam.”

Nanny Qi left Quyang Court smiling.

The false impression Shen Zhizhi had tried to maintain yesterday barely lasted a day before Wei Zhaorong gently dismantled it.

“Ahhhhhh—”

Shen Zhizhi was so furious that she couldn’t help but shout, her voice dripping with resentment:

“Fine! I’ll be more patient. Next month, I’ll definitely be pregnant. Let’s see then, Mother—will you still treat me this way?”

The Xie residence, having enjoyed three days of calm and busy preparation, finally welcomed Xie Lan’s birthday banquet.

“Lan’er, I’ll help you with your hair.”

Xie Wanrou arrived at the Lan Courtyard early, her eyes shining with a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Eldest Sister.”

Xie Lan sat stiffly in his chair, utterly motionless, his hands clenched tightly beneath his brocade robe.

Xie Wanrou carefully twisted his soft, jet-black hair at her fair fingertips, tying it into a neat bun and slowly sliding in a dark green jade hairpin.

Because of his nerves, Xie Lan didn’t notice that the hairpin was a gift from Xie Wanrou herself—crafted by a renowned artisan, painstakingly purchased after much effort.

Once the bun was secured, Xie Wanrou helped adjust his slightly crooked waistband.

“Lan’er, don’t be nervous. After today, you’ll be recognized among the sons of the capital’s noble families. Forget the past and show the bearing of a legitimate heir. Don’t let your mother’s efforts go to waste.”

“All right.”

With Xie Lan settled, Xie Wanrou turned her attention to Shi Yi.

“Little Shi Yi, come here. Do you want me to help you tie your hair too?”

“Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Eldest Miss!”

Shi Yi was also dressed in new clothes today, looking like a young gentleman from a wealthy family.

Xie Wanrou had bought him a hairpin as well. The material was excellent, though not made by a master craftsman.

Seeing the precious hairpin atop his head, Shi Yi was so delighted that he tried to kowtow to Xie Wanrou.

“Don’t, Shi Yi. You are now Lan’er’s companion reader, representing his honor. You can’t just kowtow to anyone.”

Shi Yi replied frankly, “Eldest Miss, don’t worry. I only kowtow to you. Anyone else who wants me to kowtow will have to fight me first—I can’t make a fool of Third Master.”

Xie Wanrou laughed softly. “You don’t even need to kowtow to me. Just keep the gift safely and focus on your studies. Follow Lan’er in pursuing honors. If you succeed, don’t forget all that the Xie residence has done for you.”

“Eldest Miss, Shi Yi will remember forever.”

Satisfied, Xie Wanrou beckoned him over with her fingers. Shi Yi immediately obeyed.

Lowering her voice, Xie Wanrou said, “Lan’er is very nervous. Stay alert by his side. If he panics, remind him—today is very important. Don’t let anything go wrong.”

Shi Yi nodded immediately. “Eldest Miss, I’ve got it covered.”

At the Mingde Marquis residence, guests filled the halls. The three Xie sons had gathered, greeting and seeing off visitors.

Xie Chuan wore a sky-blue robe, his face glowing, looking every bit the model eldest son.

After being disciplined by Wei Zhaorong and Dou Shuyao for some time, he no longer acted recklessly. With two formidable women at home, he alone could not resist; after enduring hardships, he dared to be angry but not speak.

As the saying goes, a wise man knows the times.

Now his greatest wish was simply to leave the Eastern Courtyard. Today, finally out, how could he possibly cause trouble?

Let Mother acknowledge Xie Lan if she wants. Even if she does, Xie Chuan’s position as the eldest son remained secure—no one could take it.

Thinking this way, Xie Chuan immediately let go of any lingering resentment and cheerfully welcomed the guests.

The most unexpected was Xie Sheng.

Since Wei Zhaorong decided to hold a birthday banquet for Xie Lan, the Second House had tried various small schemes, but all failed.

Originally, he should have been the one opposing it. Yet today, he dressed neatly early, paid his respects to Wei Zhaorong, and together with Xie Chuan came to the main hall to greet the guests.

So, is this… surrendering by blending in?