TSWRLM -Chapter 118 I Thought You Left Me Behind

Madam Xiao’s invitation and Xiao Qinghe’s one hundred taels of gold arrived at the Hou residence almost simultaneously.

The doorman had intended to hand them directly to Madam Mo, but both families insisted that Chun Xi receive them in person. The doorman couldn’t block anyone at the door, so he first guided her to the Wenxin Courtyard before reporting to Madam Mo.

Madam Mo’s health had mostly recovered, but Shen Qingyu hadn’t even gone to Yun Clan Academy and had been staging a hunger strike at home every day. Madam Mo didn’t dare recover fully and had to continue claiming illness.

Hearing that the Xiao family had sent gold and an invitation to Chun Xi, jealousy flared up. She wanted to summon Chun Xi for questioning, but Nanny Jia came up empty-handed.

“Madam, the young madam went to the Xiao residence as soon as she received the invitation.”

“I’ve only been ill for a few days, and already she acts like I don’t exist as the mistress of the Hou residence!”

Madam Mo snorted coldly. Unable to find Chun Xi, she summoned Shen Qingchi instead. Upon hearing that Chun Xi had caused a commotion at the Grand Tutor residence and even forced Wei Lingze to kneel and serve tea, Madam Mo nearly choked.

“This woman is insane! It’s one thing to stir up trouble at home, but she even embarrassed us at the Grand Tutor residence and offended Young Master Wei. Why didn’t you stop her? Don’t you know your second brother and Young Master Wei are close friends? How do you think the Grand Tutor Madam would view you after such behavior?”

Madam Mo shrieked, and Shen Qingchi clutched her silk handkerchief and whispered, “I tried to advise her, but she didn’t listen. And Grand Tutor Madam doesn’t truly like me. Even if she hadn’t caused a scene, she wouldn’t have allowed me to marry in anyway.”

“Isn’t it all because of your stupidity? All these years, have you done anything worthwhile? I told you to find chances to interact with those young masters—did you listen? Your third brother is now on a hunger strike over a woman. If you had her cunning, would I be bedridden like this?”

“…”

Shen Qingchi said nothing and quietly shed tears.

Her mother cursed her while expecting her to learn such underhanded tricks, showing not a shred of concern for her feelings.

Madam Mo paid no attention to Shen Qingchi’s sorrow. Seeing her crying made her angrier. She rubbed her temples and scolded, “Get out! Stop sulking in front of me!”

Meanwhile, at the Xiao residence:

Even though it was Madam Xiao who sent the invitation, Chun Xi first went to see Old Madam Xiao-in-law, the matriarch.

On the way, Chun Xi had bought various local specialties and small trinkets, all of which she presented to Old Madam Xiao. The items were modest in value, but Chun Xi’s stories of local customs and anecdotes captivated her.

Especially the final jade bracelet. Though worth only a dozen or so taels of silver, Chun Xi had chosen it together with Shen Qingyuan. Old Madam Xiao was delighted and immediately wore it.

“I truly didn’t expect Yuan’er to bring you along to Xuzhou. He’s always been proper in public and private, never breaking rules for anyone. That he treats you this way shows he must really like you,” Old Madam Xiao said with emotion.

Chun Xi, unlike other young brides, was frank and straightforward. She nodded: “My husband indeed treats me very well, and I like him very much too.”

Old Madam Xiao liked Chun Xi’s openness even more. She smiled kindly: “Yuan’er is usually so reserved. Now with you, life finally has some color. He’s achieved great merit this time, and the emperor will surely favor him. No one will dare to look down on you anymore.”

Chun Xi beamed proudly: “It must be my father in heaven watching over me, allowing me the fortune to marry such a man.”

After spending some time chatting, Chun Xi prepared to leave and go meet Madam Xiao, but Madam Xiao arrived first at the Songhe Courtyard.

“I knew Chun Xi would come to the Xiao residence and see my mother first. I waited for her for the evening banquet, but she was probably enjoying conversation with mother and didn’t want to leave. So I decided to host the banquet here at Songhe Courtyard. Mother won’t mind, will she?”

Madam Xiao smiled and spoke more intimately to Chun Xi.

Old Madam Xiao noticed her daughter-in-law’s fondness for Chun Xi and replied, smiling: “I too am reluctant to let her go. It’s wonderful you’ll dine with us.”

Madam Xiao took a seat beside the matriarch. She first asked about any difficulties or dangers during the Xuzhou trip. After Chun Xi answered, Madam Xiao continued: “Chun Xi is brave. Accompanying Yuan’er through so many places, it’s no wonder the Empress personally praised you. For your supplementary wedding, I’ll add two more boxes of dowry for you.”

Chun Xi felt embarrassed, having already received plenty from Madam Xiao before. She hurriedly said, “Sister-in-law, you are too kind. I already received so much. I cannot take more.”

She was still wearing the agate bracelet from Xiao Qingyue.

“You called me sister-in-law, so don’t be polite,” Madam Xiao said firmly. “Regarding yesterday at the Grand Tutor residence, I heard from Yue’er. My son-in-law is indeed shameless. Consider these gifts my way of compensating you on behalf of the Wei family. Take them. If you have time, meet with He’er more. You’re lively—being with you will make her happy.”

Madam Xiao had learned from Quezhi that Xiao Qinghe had been unhappy after marriage. Though the Wei and Xiao families were longtime friends, this marriage had been rocky. As the matriarch, Madam Xiao could not easily offend the Wei family. Chun Xi’s antics yesterday had been on Xiao Qinghe’s behalf. Regardless of Chun Xi’s motives, Madam Xiao was grateful.

Chun Xi had no interest in Wei Lingze, but she could leverage her status to support Xiao Qinghe. Madam Xiao naturally wanted to cultivate her goodwill.

By mentioning yesterday’s incident, Madam Xiao made her stance clear. Chun Xi stopped refusing and replied: “Since sister-in-law insists, I won’t decline. I’ll meet with He’er more.”

Madam Xiao was reassured. The matriarch changed the topic: “Before leaving the capital, I promised to provide some staff to help you reclaim your shop from your mother-in-law. The people are ready. You can go to the first teahouse on Zhuque Street whenever you like.”

Madam Xiao immediately said, “What kind of shop will you open? The Xiao family has many businesses. If you don’t know, I can teach you.”

She looked eager, as if wanting to hand Chun Xi a share of the Xiao family profits.

Chun Xi quickly stopped her: “I’ve never done business before and am just beginning to learn. I don’t need you to teach me personally. He’er can guide me occasionally, that’s enough.”

Xiao Qinghe had learned the family trade from Madam Xiao. Chun Xi could use this as an excuse to interact more with Xiao Qinghe. Madam Xiao nodded: “That makes sense. You and He’er are close in age, so it’ll be easier to discuss things.”

During the meal, Chun Xi shared more stories from the journey, her tone light and vivid, making everyone feel present. When it was finally time to leave, Madam Xiao was reluctant to let her go.

Stepping out of the Xiao residence and lifting the carriage curtain, Chun Xi suddenly saw Shen Qingyuan standing inside. Startled, she exclaimed:

“Husband! Why are you here?”

Shen Qingyuan looked at her with a hint of grievance: “You didn’t return. I thought you left me behind.”

“…” ???

Chun Xi’s nose twitched—she could smell the strong scent of alcohol.

Great, he was drunk again.