TSWRLM -Chapter 109 The Grand Tutor’s Residence Banquet

Shen Qingyuan immediately sent someone to Xuzhou to rescue Qing Shu. Since the academy was currently on break, it would be appropriate to re-enroll Cao Wen after classes resumed.

Previously, when Cao Wen had gone home, he only brought a few sets of clothes and the usual textbooks—he hadn’t brought the books Shen Qingyuan had given him. He asked Chun Xi for leave and returned home.

As soon as he arrived, Madam Wang eagerly pulled him aside.

“Why have you come back so suddenly? Did that heartless Chun Xi drive you away? Didn’t I tell you no matter what happens, you must stay in the Marquis residence? Why are you so useless?”

Being driven out of the residence had embarrassed Madam Wang, but when she heard that Chun Xi had received praise from the Empress and would one day become a proper noblewoman, she felt she had foresight—she had already placed Cao Wen close to Chun Xi early on.

Once A-Wen’s education was complete, he could be raised alongside Zheng’er in the Marquis residence, helping the family prosper.

Madam Wang, still sitting in her daydream, was naturally furious when she saw Cao Wen return.

Cao Wen had harbored a small hope that his mother would miss him and care about his well-being at the Marquis residence. But upon entering, all he received were scoldings.

He freed himself from Madam Wang’s grip and whispered, “Sister didn’t drive me away. My brother-in-law lent me several books, and I came back to fetch them.”

Not being driven away was a relief.

Madam Wang let out a sigh and asked about his life in the Marquis residence.

Cao Wen was unwilling to say much, his attitude cold, just like Chun Xi’s.

Madam Wang immediately realized her son had grown distant from her. Fearing Chun Xi had sown discord behind her back, she scolded, “Why are you still wearing those old clothes? Didn’t your sister get you new ones? And your brother-in-law surely has plenty of books—why are these few books so important?”

She went inside and gave Cao Wen two taels of silver. “A-Wen, I don’t want you to rely on the Marquis residence, but I really can’t help. Your brother-in-law is going to inherit the title, and now that he’s solved a major case, others will hold you in higher regard by being near him. Take this money. If you get hungry while studying, buy yourself something to eat.”

Previously, Cao Wen’s half-month allowance was only a few copper coins. Two taels of silver was a fortune to him, though after signing dozens of taels’ worth of IOUs with Chun Xi, it already seemed insufficient.

He still accepted it quietly. “Thank you, Mother. I’ll study hard. I should go now.”

Parting after only a brief meeting, Madam Wang felt sad and wept, yet she still held him close. “A-Wen, don’t be too afraid. You’re your sister’s younger brother. Everyone in the Marquis residence must call you Young Master. Talk to Zheng’er when you can—he’s growing well. When he’s of age to start learning, let him accompany you in the residence.”

Cao Wen glanced at his infant nephew in his sister-in-law’s arms, oblivious to everything, and said lightly: “No need. I’m fine in the Marquis residence. I don’t need company.”

He slung his small bundle over his back and strode off.

Madam Wang chased him out of the alley, but Cao Wen never once looked back.

Back at home, Madam Wang cried endlessly. “It’s only been a few months, and A-Wen is no longer close to me! That heartless girl—how could she not only ignore me herself but also alienate A-Wen from me? How can such a daughter exist in this world!”

Since being expelled from the Marquis residence, Madam Wang cursed Chun Xi daily. At first, neighbors came to gawk, but Madam Wang’s repetitive complaints bored them. Even Mrs. Li next door avoided Madam Wang, afraid of being dragged into her endless complaints.

Madam Qian couldn’t help defending Chun Xi. “Mother, my sister was in Xuzhou with her brother-in-law recently. She didn’t have a chance to speak ill of A-Wen. Don’t overthink it.”

Madam Wang didn’t like hearing that. She glared at Madam Qian. “That heartless girl only sent Zheng’er two sets of clothes. I helped you during confinement and even looked after your child, and yet you’re bribed by such a small favor?”

Madam Qian lowered her head and stayed silent. She knew Chun Xi had suffered much, but she and her child still needed Madam Wang’s care. Later, she and Brother Wu would be responsible for Madam Wang’s elder care, so she couldn’t quarrel like Chun Xi.

Chun Xi no longer cared what Madam Wang thought of her.

Shen Qingyuan’s return to the capital was high-profile. Though his promotion hadn’t yet been formalized, many had already sent letters seeking connections, forcing him to attend social engagements.

Chun Xi also received several invitations.

Madam Mo, still fuming at Shen Qingyu, remained bedridden. Her invitations were delivered directly to the inner courtyard.

Chun Xi initially planned to decline them all, but Nanny Jia came to pass Madam Mo’s message:

“The Grand Tutor’s young master will have his ‘Zhua Zhou’ ceremony in three days. Madam is still unwell and cannot attend. Please accompany the young lady to the Grand Tutor’s residence. The Grand Tutor’s wife likes her very much. Remember to let the young lady behave well. If the two families form a good match, it will benefit the elder young master’s career in the future.”

Chun Xi was slightly surprised. “Second and third brothers haven’t even arranged marriages yet, and Mother is already anxious to marry off the little sister?”

Nanny Jia said sternly: “The Grand Tutor’s residence is a family of scholars with a deep heritage. Being married into such a family would be a blessing for the young lady.”

“Oh.”

Chun Xi nodded, choosing not to argue.

When Shen Qingyuan returned, she immediately told him about the matter. “Husband, you often go out—do you know the character of the young masters at the Grand Tutor’s residence?”

Chun Xi had prepared a hangover remedy. Shen Qingyuan drank it first before asking, “You want to intervene in this matter?”

He had long known he wasn’t of Shen family blood, and due to Madam Mo, he was estranged from Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingyu. He had little feeling toward his sister, Shen Qingchi.

Chun Xi said immediately: “Since I entered the residence, the younger sister has treated me reasonably well. I don’t intend to interfere with this matter, but she is timid and I fear she might be bullied. I want to understand more because I will accompany her in three days. If she does poorly, others might criticize me behind my back.”

Although Chun Xi hadn’t spent much time with Shen Qingchi, she remembered every kindness shown to her.

Shen Qingyuan understood and said: “I’m not familiar with other people’s family affairs, but Liang Weimin has a good relationship with the Grand Tutor. He is marrying the daughter of one of the Grand Tutor’s classmates. This case will have some impact on the Grand Tutor’s residence. If she hasn’t made up her mind, it’s better to change the prospective match.”

Chun Xi grasped Shen Qingyuan’s hand and nodded firmly. “Thank you for the guidance, Husband. I know what to do. I’ll help you bring the hot water.”

As she spoke, she turned to leave, but Shen Qingyuan caught up and lifted her, whispering hoarsely: “I’ll go with Madam.”

“Husband, it’s just carrying water. I can do it myself.”

Chun Xi sensed danger and tried to break free. Shen Qingyuan tightened his hold, effortlessly restraining her. “From now on, whatever happens… we do it together.”

“……”

My lord, you’ve changed! At this rate, your body is going to break down!