TSWRLM -Chapter 126 He Can Take a Concubine

By evening, Xiao Qinghe finally returned to the Wei residence.

Her spirits were much better than when she had left earlier, a faint smile lingering in her eyes. In her hand, she carried a simple woven basket made of straw and vine, filled with various wildflowers. Though they weren’t the rare, carefully cultivated flowers of the household gardeners, they held a rustic charm all their own.

Seeing her, the gatekeeper immediately stepped forward: “Second Young Mistress, you’ve returned. Madam requests your presence at the main residence for dinner tonight.”

Hearing this, Quezhi stepped forward, intending to take the basket, but Xiao Qinghe gently avoided her and said softly: “This basket is quite lovely. I’ll take it to Mother so she can see it too.”

Anything Xiao Qinghe appreciated naturally won Madam Yun’s praise. When she learned that Chun Xi had made the basket herself, she was even more astonished: “I didn’t expect she had such skills. It seems you and Chun Xi are getting along very well these days.”

Xiao Qinghe, noticing the basket, replied warmly: “My little aunt is straightforward and lively. It’s genuinely pleasant to be around her. Moreover, both Grandmother and Mother have always liked Uncle Shen. They’ve told me to spend more time with my little aunt. Most importantly, now that Uncle Shen has entered the Censorate, it’s only proper for me to stay close to Chun Xi.”

Shen Qingyuan had gone ten years without promotion at the Jingzhao Prefecture. Now that he had finally entered the Censorate, his future looked promising. Many prominent families would want to cultivate a good relationship with him, so Xiao Qinghe maintaining ties with Chun Xi was entirely reasonable, both publicly and privately.

Madam Yun understood this logic. But before Chun Xi became the Second Young Mistress, she had cared for Wei Lingze for three years. If Xiao Qinghe still loved him deeply, she would not now associate with Chun Xi so freely.

Unless… she no longer loved Wei Lingze.

Thinking this, Madam Yun sighed and took Xiao Qinghe’s hand: “He’er, I know what Wei Lingze has done recently. He and the Wei family have wronged you. You didn’t spread the matter, and I am grateful. You may punish him as you see fit. No one in the Wei family will protect him.”

Madam Yun’s stance was clear—she fully supported Xiao Qinghe.

Xiao Qinghe looked moved. “Mother, you didn’t blame me for the Xiao family’s delayed wedding, and you’re still so good to me. I will always remember your kindness. In the future, I will continue to be a good Second Young Mistress, manage the household well, and never make you worry.”

She only spoke of being a good Second Young Mistress, without mentioning Wei Lingze. Madam Yun tried to advise further, but Xiao Qinghe continued: “The doctor said my body needs a long time to recover before I can conceive again. If Mother is eager for grandchildren, I don’t mind if Mr. Wei takes a concubine. I can handle the Xiao family side myself; it won’t affect relations between the two families.”

She even spoke of allowing a concubine—clearly, she had completely lost hope in Wei Lingze.

Madam Yun panicked and quickly rejected the idea: “He’er, Wei Lingze cares for you. He only acted foolishly. How could he take a concubine? You are still young. Recover your body slowly; I promise I won’t rush you anymore.”

“Thank you, Mother, for understanding. But if you ever change your mind in the future, please let me know at once.”

At this point, any further advice from Madam Yun might seem overbearing, so she changed the subject to lighter matters, secretly hoping that once Wei Lingze returned from Yunshan Temple, he could win her forgiveness.

A united couple is the foundation of a prosperous family. In the future, the Wei family’s legacy would rest in their hands. If they remained at odds, the household would inevitably decline.

Meanwhile, Chun Xi returned to the Hou residence—not to Wenxin Courtyard, but to the main residence to see Madam Mo.

She didn’t notify the servants in advance and found Mo Yunwan and Madam Mo arranging flowers. Madam Mo’s demeanor was cheerful, showing no trace of the morning’s hostility toward Mo Yunwan.

“Earlier, I was worried that Mother’s illness would worsen after the morning incident. I didn’t expect her to look so radiant. Have I unknowingly healed her?”

Chun Xi entered, flattering herself while pouring a cup of tea.

Seeing her, Madam Mo immediately scowled: “What are you here for?”

Chun Xi, completely unfazed, looked concerned: “I came to see Mother. Earlier, someone said I hit you. If you had been injured or grown seriously ill, outsiders would surely say I cursed you.”

Madam Mo: “……”

Whether Chun Xi could curse her or not, the words alone were enough to vex her.

Madam Mo glared angrily: “I’m perfectly fine. Stop cursing me. Now that household management is in your hands, your focus should be on the promotion banquet. There’s much to repair in the residence, the gardens and flowers need tending and updating, and the guest list, menu, and drinks must be arranged so invitations can be sent in time.”

“Indeed, Elder Cousin-in-law. Our cousin finally got his promotion after waiting for years. You must manage it well—don’t embarrass him. Otherwise, if our cousin regrets marrying you, your days will be hard.”

Mo Yunwan, just echoing the words, received a cold laugh from Madam Mo: “Your appearance, character, and family background don’t match Wan’er in any way. I don’t know if that son is blind to prefer you over Wan’er.”

Chun Xi didn’t get angry, only smiling faintly: “If it weren’t for my husband insisting on me, how could Third Brother have the fortune to marry his first elder sister-in-law? Now Mother likes Miss Mo so much, it seems Third Brother’s marriage should also be scheduled soon.”

Madam Mo’s face changed, and she shouted: “I’m not dead yet! Even if you have household control, this is no matter for you to interfere in!”

Chun Xi raised an eyebrow at Mo Yunwan.

Even with Mo Yunwan going so far to support Madam Mo, Madam Mo still refused to loosen her grip, showing that their alliance wasn’t that solid.

Mo Yunwan sensed the ridicule in Chun Xi’s eyes, clenched her handkerchief, but said: “Marriage is always arranged by parents and matchmakers. Indeed, it’s not for Elder Cousin-in-law to worry about.”

Chun Xi paid no mind and teased a little more before strolling out of the main residence and returning to Wenxin Courtyard. There, she saw Shen Qingchi standing in the courtyard.

Upon seeing her, she rushed forward and whispered: “Elder Sister-in-law, I’ve thought it through. Mother always treated me as a stepping stone for Second and Third Brother, never considering my feelings. From now on, I will listen to you and Elder Brother. Please help me.”

Her eyes were full of hope. Chun Xi was gratified: “It’s good you’ve thought it through.”

Then Shen Qingchi added: “I heard Mother gave household control to you and let you handle Elder Brother’s promotion banquet entirely. I may not be very capable, but I know the family affairs a bit better than you. If you trust me, I should be able to help.”

Chun Xi tilted her head at her. She panicked, stammering: “I know I’m clumsy. If you don’t trust me, it’s fine…”

Her voice threatened to break into tears. Chun Xi gently interrupted: “Don’t cry. I trust you. Tomorrow, you’ll go out with me.”

“Alright,” she agreed without hesitation, then asked, “Where are we going?”

“Of course, to raise money. Without funds, how can we host the promotion banquet?”

“……”