TRBDM -Chapter 88 Feeling Extremely Wronged

Xie Wanrou tapped Xie Lan’s forehead. “What’s more important—eating, or studying?”

“Of course—eating… no, of course studying is more important,” Xie Lan said mischievously.

“When you come back, it’ll almost be midsummer. I’ll make you a mint and mung bean drink.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“Thank you, big sister.”

Since Xie Wanrou returned to the Marquis’ residence, both Xie Lan and Xie Yu had gained some weight and grown taller. Xie Lan was now half a forehead taller than Xie Wanrou, and Xie Yu had just passed her ear in height.

After their feast, the two returned to Lan Courtyard.

The day after tomorrow, they were scheduled to go to the National Academy, but Mr. Dong had given them a day off.

Today, they had agreed to relax and watch the stars together before bed.

As they returned to their rooms to pack, Xie Lan suddenly remembered Xie Wanyi’s letter.

Earlier at the Dong residence, Xie Lan had asked a senior fellow disciple if he knew Nangong Hai.

The senior said that Nangong Hai was an average student, not outstanding at the National Academy, and he didn’t know how he ended up as the heir’s study companion.

“Though Nangong Hai is handsome. Maybe Prince Jing picked him based on looks when choosing the heir’s companion?”

The senior joked.

Xie Lan had a rough idea.

Xie Wanyi’s springtime feelings had somehow been stirred, and she must have taken a liking to Nangong Hai. So the letter she gave him was most likely a love letter.

Now he really had a hot potato on his hands.

Xie Lan held his forehead and sighed helplessly.

“Fourth brother, what’s wrong?” Xie Yu happened to come to the door and heard his sigh.

“Oh, nothing. Overate. Let’s go watch the stars.”

Back when he was a servant, Xie Yu did all the dirty and exhausting work. At night, he barely had time to sleep or even dream before getting up to work again.

Watching the moon and stars—that was a life only noble children could enjoy.

Xie Yu gazed at the star-filled sky, stunned into silence.

It was so beautiful—

And Xie Lan stayed right there beside him.

At Anhe Courtyard, Wei Zhaorong was soaking in a bath. A maid massaged her head, gently, the touch so soothing that Wei Zhaorong closed her eyes and drifted off.

“Madam, the water is cooling. Do you want to keep soaking or get out?” Nanny Qi asked softly in her ear.

Wei Zhaorong opened her eyes. “Get out.”

After drying off, Wei Zhaorong half-reclined on the soft couch while Nanny Qi helped dry her hair.

“Madam, there’s still no movement from the wood storage. Has anyone checked on Old Ding?”

Ever since Old Ding was locked in the wood storage, Wei Zhaorong had people keeping watch day and night.

The incident of Old Ding being caught for falsifying accounts had already spread throughout the Marquis’ residence. The servants’ gossip during meals and tea breaks all revolved around this.

Even Xie Lan and Xie Yu, who rarely paid attention to outside affairs, had heard of it.

The one who actually falsified the accounts surely knew and would find a way to see Old Ding.

Although there were obvious suspects, Wei Zhaorong would not convict anyone without evidence.

“How about the Dou Shuyao? Has anyone gone to ask about the situation?”

“First Madam said many have inquired, but mostly maids and servants from different branches. Second Madam herself went to the accounts room once, but only glanced at the doorway and left without speaking to First Madam.”

Wei Zhaorong snorted coldly.

“She’s patient enough. Nanny Qi, have someone investigate the Shen family. Whatever you find, report everything to me, no matter how trivial.”

“Yes, Miss.”

At Quyang Courtyard, Xie Sheng’s back wounds had mostly scabbed over, and he could now get out of bed and walk.

“Wife, my back itches so much! Scratch it for me.”

Newly healed wounds itched terribly. If scratched, he would suffer again. Shen Zhizhi grabbed Xie Sheng’s uncontrollable hands, slightly annoyed: “Husband, don’t scratch it. You’re not a three-year-old. How many times do I have to tell you?”

Xie Sheng paused. His relationship with Shen Zhizhi was harmonious, and she had never spoken to him in such a tone before.

But remembering that she was pregnant, Xie Sheng did not dare anger her. He quickly apologized: “It’s my fault, I forgot your instructions. I won’t scratch anymore, I won’t.”

Xie Sheng embraced Shen Zhizhi, placing both hands on her belly. “Wife, don’t be upset. You’re carrying the Marquis’ eldest grandson, so you must take care.”

At the mention of this, tears fell from Shen Zhizhi’s eyes. “I’d rather not be pregnant. Now everyone in the residence looks down on me. No one cares about the child I’m carrying.”

“This is outrageous!”

Xie Sheng, in his excitement, pulled at the wound on his back and gasped in pain.

Shen Zhizhi dared not cry anymore and helped Xie Sheng sit down.

“Husband, you must recover quickly. I only have you. Mother now favors the First Branch and is partial to the Third, neglecting the Second. I am pregnant, and not a single person has shown concern, let alone brought me supplements.”

Shen Zhizhi felt extremely wronged.

Recently, Xie Sheng had been in severe pain, and she had nowhere to vent her grievances. She had held them inside for many days, and now she finally spoke out.

Xie Sheng felt heartbroken. “It’s okay, it’s okay. I’ll buy it for you, I’ll get you supplements. What does Quyang Courtyard lack that would make you feel wronged?”

With his salary and the Marquis’ household allowance, the Second Branch was among the most prosperous in the entire residence, second only to Anhe Courtyard.

Shen Zhizhi managed the household, and Xie Sheng trusted her completely, never worrying about the silver.

“All in all, we’re still using Quyang Courtyard’s money,” Shen Zhizhi pouted.

She had expected that for her first pregnancy, her mother would reward her greatly. She even thought of asking her mother to hire a cook dedicated to making meals for pregnant women.

But everything turned out to be illusions, leaving not even a trace.

“Wife, I know you understand my grievances, but don’t worry. Once I get a few promotions, I’ll make them all eat according to your face from now on.”

“Now you just need to take care of yourself and give me a big, healthy boy. Leave everything else to me.”

Shen Zhizhi’s expression darkened. There was something stuck in her throat, but she could not tell Xie Sheng.

Seeing her remain silent, Xie Sheng thought he had calmed her. “Come, wife. Eat with me.”

Shen Zhizhi weakly hummed in response.