TSWRLM -Chapter 137 Was the Madam Satisfied with What She Saw?

Wei Lingze was invited into the front hall of the Xiao residence. Xiao’s father personally poured him tea, and not long after, Xiao Qinghe appeared before him.

It had been several days since they last met. Compared to when he visited Yunshan Temple, Xiao Qinghe looked slightly thinner, but her spirit was clearly much improved; she no longer seemed as listless and lifeless as before.

Seeing her safe and sound at the Xiao residence, Wei Lingze finally relaxed, though his eyes remained firmly fixed on her.

From the time the Top Selection at Wuyou Pavilion had ended until now, Xiao Qinghe would have had enough time to make it to her family home.

Where exactly had she been tonight?

Xiao Qinghe didn’t look at Wei Lingze but stepped forward to bow to her father: “Father.”

Xiao’s father, aware of the events, wore a stern expression as he reprimanded her: “Why didn’t you tell Ze’er when you went back to your mother’s house? Not even taking Quezhi with you? You made Ze’er search for you so late. Since when have you become so willful and reckless?”

“I, your daughter, was wrong. I beg your forgiveness, Father.”

Xiao Qinghe obediently admitted her mistake without offering any excuses.

Her father knew her well; she was always conscientious. Had it not been for some unpleasant incident with Wei Lingze, she would never have returned home without reason. He did not continue to scold her. Instead, he turned to Wei Lingze: “He’er has been spoiled by us, so I hope my wise son-in-law will be more tolerant of her. Since her marriage, her mother has secretly cried many times.”

Xiao’s words carried a sigh. He did not wish to pry into the young couple’s matters. All he hoped was that Wei Lingze would treat Xiao Qinghe well so their lives together would be happy—that was the most important thing.

From the tone, Wei Lingze realized that Xiao Qinghe had not mentioned the miscarriage incident. She had immediately shouldered the responsibility herself. He quickly said: “It’s not her fault. I overthought things. She’s been spending a lot of time with Madam Shen lately, and I worried she might be led astray, so I made a fuss over nothing.”

Just as Wei Lingze finished speaking, Chun Xi strolled in energetically: “Nephew-in-law, what do you mean by that? I’ve spent three years serving you with care and diligence, attending to your every need—am I now some irredeemable villain in your eyes?”

Previously, Wei Lingze had thought those three years of service were a soft spot Chun Xi couldn’t mention. Now that she kept bringing it up, he realized it was his own embarrassing past that couldn’t be discussed.

He couldn’t help feeling annoyed and gritted his teeth: “I found out you bought tickets to Wuyou Pavilion’s Top Selection, and you disappeared with He’er. Shouldn’t I be worried?”

“Wuyou Pavilion? What kind of place is that? Nephew-in-law, do you even have proof I bought tickets there? And how do you even know about Wuyou Pavilion?”

Chun Xi blinked innocently, feigning ignorance.

Wei Lingze felt like vomiting from frustration.

If he had proof, he could have taken it straight to the Qingyuan Marquis residence, accusing Mo of letting Chun Xi go as a shameless woman. How could he possibly argue with her here?

“You know very well what you did!”

His tone was harsh, but without evidence, it carried no weight. Chun Xi immediately looked aggrieved, turning to Xiao’s father: “Cousin, you have to speak up for me! That Wuyou Pavilion is obviously no good. Nephew-in-law is slandering me—how am I supposed to face people after this?”

She stomped her foot, her words carrying more threat than charm.

Xiao’s father remembered how she had caused a scene at the late Madam Xiao’s birthday banquet and had recently heard of her exploits. He twitched his eyelids, vaguely fearing Chun Xi might cause trouble in the house.

Thinking of Old Madam Xiao’s favoritism toward Shen Qingyuan, he cleared his throat and quietly admonished Wei Lingze: “Ze’er, she is your little aunt by marriage. You shouldn’t speak to her like this.”

“Father-in-law is right, but I really—”

“Nephew-in-law, you keep claiming I have dealings with Wuyou Pavilion. Show proof—witnesses or evidence. Or perhaps you saw me there yourself tonight. Otherwise, if I don’t get an explanation, I’ll just bash my head to death here.”

Chun Xi spoke with full confidence and even hugged the pillar, threatening to commit suicide.

Wei Lingze was about to speak again when Shen Qingyuan, guided by a servant, walked in. Seeing Chun Xi’s antics, he immediately looked coldly at Wei Lingze: “What has my wife done wrong that you are forcing her to die?”

Wei Lingze: “…??? She’s clearly throwing a tantrum, can’t you see, old man?”

Unable to tolerate it, Wei Lingze blurted out Chun Xi’s ticket-buying incident. He expected Shen Qingyuan to react with anger—but Shen Qingyuan remained completely calm, asking: “Nephew-in-law, do you have proof?”

“….”

Wei Lingze rolled his eyes internally, though he realized it made sense. Shen Qingyuan and Chun Xi were only pretending to be husband and wife; they had no real marital ties. It was natural he didn’t mind her seeking entertainment.

Perhaps it was precisely because Shen Qingyuan, at his age, could not satisfy Chun Xi that she went to Wuyou Pavilion for fun.

Thinking this, most of Wei Lingze’s anger dissipated, and he even felt a twinge of superiority.

But the next moment, Shen Qingyuan said: “It is human nature to appreciate beauty. My feelings for my wife are deep. Even if she did go to Wuyou Pavilion, it would only have been to watch the entertainment. Nephew-in-law, could it be that you are anxious because you treat He’er poorly, and you fear she might fall for a better man?”

These words hit Wei Lingze’s sore spot. His fleeting sense of superiority collapsed.

During the past few hours searching for Xiao Qinghe, he had felt unprecedented panic, terrified she might be with another man.

Even if it was just revenge, he could not accept it.

Wei Lingze glared at Shen Qingyuan, seized Xiao Qinghe’s hand, and said: “I was only worried about He’er’s safety. Stop trying to provoke me against her.”

With that, Wei Lingze took his leave with Xiao Qinghe.

Once in the carriage, he couldn’t help asking again: “He’er, where did you go today?”

“If you don’t trust me, does it matter what I say?”

Xiao Qinghe countered, frowning. Remembering Madam Yun’s warning, Wei Lingze softened his tone: “I do trust you. It’s just that Cao Chun Xi is scheming, and I feared you might be misled—”

“I can tell who treats me well and who doesn’t. You needn’t worry for me,”

Xiao Qinghe interrupted firmly, her words carrying both strength and a sharp edge.

Wei Lingze felt a weight in his chest but held back, not wanting to worsen their relationship.

In the darkness, Xiao Qinghe unclenched her fists quietly.

She had managed to handle it.

The little aunt had been right: seeing a few more men before facing Wei Lingze made it less difficult.

Meanwhile, Chun Xi followed Shen Qingyuan into the carriage, chatting and flattering him: “Husband, you were amazing just now! You supported me and nearly enraged that wretched man. Watching from the side was thrilling. But didn’t you say you’d dine with the magistrates tonight? Why did it end so quickly—and yet you came to Xiao’s residence to pick me up?”

Chun Xi chattered endlessly, but Shen Qingyuan remained silent.

When it quieted down, Chun Xi keenly sensed something amiss. Then Shen Qingyuan’s distinctly cold, deep voice rang out: “Tonight’s performance… was Madam satisfied with what she saw?”

“…!!!”

Lord… how do you even know?