TRBDM -Chapter 60 Throwing Dirty Water

The birthday banquet had ended. Some guests departed, while others stayed for the entertainment—games like archery at the jar or the Flower-Flying Challenge.

Xie Chuan was extremely interested. He loved lively gatherings, especially when he could suddenly let loose after being restrained for so long—he was as happy as a child.

In the past, whenever Xie Chuan attended a banquet, he would always drink too much. By the time the games started, he would be in a fog, his hands trembling like sieves, winning little and losing a lot.

Today, Dou Shuyao had swapped his wine for plain water. By the end of the banquet, he was full, sober, and in high spirits. During archery, he shot ten arrows in a row, earning cheers from the crowd.

Proud, Xie Chuan lifted his head and raised an eyebrow at Dou Shuyao, not far away.

“See? Isn’t your husband amazing?”

Dou Shuyao had no intention of smiling at first, but seeing him wag his metaphorical tail, waiting for praise, she couldn’t help but think of the large Western dog the household used to keep.

Xie Chuan kept watching her, as if expecting her compliment. The next second, Dou Shuyao finally laughed.

Satisfied, Xie Chuan turned back and loudly called for another round.

Another round began, though luck could not favor him forever. This time, he only hit eight arrows.

He felt a bit frustrated.

He instinctively looked back and saw Dou Shuyao still watching him.

Early summer had just arrived, and today Dou Shuyao wore a pale lotus-colored long dress, which made her skin look exceptionally fair.

Xie Chuan suddenly realized just how beautiful his wife was. She usually favored older, darker dresses, which made her look several years older than she was.

Why had she chosen this color today? It was strikingly attractive.

Raising his hand, Xie Chuan signaled to Dou Shuyao from afar, then with renewed vigor shot ten more arrows, prompting another round of cheers.

Dou Shuyao watched for a while before being called away by one of the household’s maids.

There were many guests today. Besides keeping an eye on Xie Chuan, she had plenty of other things to attend to.

The lotus-colored dress had been chosen by Xie Wanrou, who said that Dou Shuyao’s fair skin was overshadowed by dark clothing, and a lighter color looked more natural.

Indeed, Xie Wanrou’s taste was impeccable—Dou Shuyao had received a lot of praise today.

In a quiet pavilion, the maid’s expression was tense:

“Madam, Miss Xie Wanyi…”

The mention of Xie Wanyi immediately made Dou Shuyao tense. “Did she go bother Shuxin?”

Today, Dou Shuxin had also come to the birthday banquet. Dou Shuyao had purposely seated her far away from Xie Wanyi, just in case she lost control.

“It’s not that, Madam. Miss Xie Wanyi sneaked out of the residence.”

Dou Shuyao frowned. “Where did she go?”

“She ran off with the young tutor of the Prince Jing residence.”

The maid’s words were a bit roundabout, but Dou Shuyao understood.

The young heir of the Prince Jing residence was named Li Ming. He studied at the Imperial Academy and had a tutor, and Xie Wanyi had followed that tutor and ran off.

“Do you know who the tutor is?”

“It’s the young master of the Nangong family, Nangong Hai.”

A young lady running off following a tutor? It sounded utterly irresponsible.

Worried she might get into trouble, Dou Shuyao immediately sent someone to pursue them.

After thinking it over, Dou Shuyao decided to inform Wei Zhaorong as well.

She expected her mother-in-law to worry, but surprisingly, Wei Zhaorong was calm, as if the household had merely lost an unimportant kitten or puppy.

“She has legs and feet; if she wants to run, she’ll run. When she’s tired, she’ll naturally return.”

“But Mother, what if she meets some villain?”

“Then let her deal with it herself. Self-inflicted troubles can’t be avoided. You can restrain her for a while, but not for a lifetime.”

Xie Wanyi’s obsession with Nangong Hai was almost cult-like.

In her previous life, Nangong Hai had married early. This time around, she wanted to see whether Xie Wanyi’s unwavering devotion could lead the two of them to a proper ending.

Dou Shuyao was somewhat surprised by Wei Zhaorong’s indifference.

But on second thought, if even his mother spoke like that, there was no need for his sister-in-law to overthink. Xie Wanyi had already reached the age for marriage; she should know better.

After reporting to Wei Zhaorong, Dou Shuyao went on to attend to other matters.

As dusk fell, the previously bustling marquisate gradually quieted. Many guests had left, leaving only a few behind for dinner.

Xie Wanrou had spent the whole day accompanying the ladies of the household in poetry and painting, leaving her neck sore. She returned to the Moyun Courtyard to rest.

Xiaodie helped massage her neck.

At that moment, a young servant ran over: “Young Mistress, Second Young Master said he wants to discuss something. He’s waiting for you in the back courtyard.”

Since Xie Wanrou had returned to the residence, she and Xie Sheng had exchanged very few words.

Understanding that Xie Sheng was busy with official duties, she hadn’t minded.

Xie Sheng must have a reason for calling her. Without suspicion, Xie Wanrou followed the servant out of the Moyun Courtyard.

Once at the back, the servant left on his own.

When the household was handling major matters, the servants in the back courtyard were busy everywhere. At this hour, the back courtyard was nearly empty.

Night had fallen, with only two lanterns hanging at the main gate.

Xie Wanrou stood at the entrance. “Second Brother? Where are you?”

Receiving no reply, she stepped forward two more paces. “Second Brother? Xiao Sheng?”

A tall dark figure emerged from the corridor ahead, slowly approaching.

“Second Brother? Is that you?”

As the figure drew near, Xie Wanrou’s heart leapt to her throat. Her legs went weak, unable to move, as if someone held her feet down to prevent her from leaving.

“Husband… Husband…”

A shiver of terror radiated from her bones.

Lei Lieshan, imposing and tall, stepped out of the corridor, completely blocking her.

“My lady, it’s been a few days. I’ve missed you dearly. And you… have you missed me?”

Before a predator sinks its fangs into the neck of its prey, it enjoys toying with it first.

The more terrified the prey, the more thrilling it is.

A scratch from a small cat doesn’t hurt; it merely awakens the darkest impulses within.

“Why are you hiding from me, my lady?”

“I… I am not… there are so many guests in the residence… Mother… asked me to help,” Xie Wanrou’s voice trembled, fragmented.

“You are already married to me. You should understand the four characters for husband and wife duties. The marquisate, your mother, your brother—they all come after me. Wherever I am, you must be there. If I stand, you may not sit. Whatever I command, you obey. Your eyes must never leave me for a moment. My lady, it’s only been a few days, and you’ve already forgotten the rules of the general’s residence?”

“N—no, I haven’t forgotten.”

“Haven’t forgotten? Then why, knowing I had come, didn’t you come to me immediately? Why did I have to send someone to fetch you? Xie Wanrou, you’ve grown bold.”

Lei Lieshan stepped closer, his eyes radiating a terrifying light.

Even before his hands could grasp her neck, Xie Wanrou struggled to breathe.

“Husband, I… I’m sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose. There were simply too many guests.”

“Don’t make excuses!” Lei Lieshan suddenly interrupted, knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists. “A woman should revolve around her husband. You neglect me like this—have you harbored other intentions, or done something behind my back?”

When the filthy water was thrown, Xie Wanrou’s already-dead heart grew colder.

For the first time in her life, Xie Wanrou dared to argue back:

“Lei Lieshan, do not slander me! You don’t know why I dared not see you? Do you want me to take off my clothes and show you the wounds on my body?”