TSWRLM -Chapter 144 The Guests Arrive

With the Marquis of Qingyuan and Old Madam Wu escorted away together, no one dared to speak a word against Chun Xi.

Madam Mo silently glanced at Shen Qingchi. Seeing her nod, her mood lightened a bit.

Cao Chun Xi had agreed to let the head cook use her own brother’s small tavern wine for the guests. Once Shen Qingyu exposed this publicly at the banquet, and with Madam Wang—bearing the dowry from the Xiao family—appearing in front of everyone, the accusations that Chun Xi had stolen from her maternal family or substituted cheap wine for premium wine would be completely cleared.

Even if Shen Qingyuan investigated, it would only be the cook acting for personal gain, messing up the original wine order. It had nothing to do with the lady of the Qingyuan Marquisate.

Thinking this, Madam Mo’s lips curved slightly. But the next moment, she heard Chun Xi ask Shen Qingyu, “On such a fine day, why hasn’t my sister-in-law come? Third Brother always says he loves his wife to the bone, but could it be that deep down, he actually despises her for being remarried?”

“I don’t!” Shen Qingyu immediately refuted. Then he looked at Madam Mo: “Mother, what exactly did you tell Wan’er that, after paying her respects, she said she wasn’t feeling well and refused to come out?”

Shen Qingyu truly liked Mo Yunwan. He had agreed to let her study at the Yun family’s clan school. After last night’s fun, he wanted to give his heart entirely to Mo Yunwan. Today, he naturally wanted to openly declare in front of the guests that Mo Yunwan was his wife.

Although Madam Mo found the marriage shameful, Shen Qingyu felt a secret sense of superiority. He had married his former elder brother’s almost-wife.

If he could let everyone see how gentle and gracious Wan’er was, his elder brother would surely regret treating a shrew like Cao Chun Xi as a treasure.

Hearing Chun Xi mention Mo Yunwan, Shen Qingyu couldn’t wait and pressed Madam Mo.

Madam Mo was furious, almost spitting blood. She had used Mo Yunwan’s plan, but didn’t want her appearing in public, nor did she want others to know her Yu’er had married Mo Yunwan as Third Young Madam.

Madam Mo glared at Chun Xi viciously, then, keeping her face stern, said to Shen Qingyu, “She said herself she’s not feeling well. How is that my concern?”

Shen Qingyu immediately said, “I’ve already asked the doctor to treat Wan’er. After taking the medicine, she should feel much better. Let her accompany Big Sister to receive the guests.”

Before Madam Mo could refuse, Chun Xi smiled brightly: “Perfect! Thank you, Third Brother. I was just worried we wouldn’t have enough hands to entertain everyone.”

Now that Chun Xi agreed, Madam Mo couldn’t refuse without upsetting her son, and she gritted her teeth and endured it.

It didn’t matter—let Chun Xi enjoy this little victory for now. Once she regained control of the household, Madam Mo would have plenty of ways to deal with her.

After some small talk, the guests began to arrive.

Shen Qingyuan stayed in the front courtyard with Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingyu to receive guests, while Chun Xi followed Madam Mo to the back courtyard to await the female guests.

Before leaving, Shen Qingyuan squeezed Chun Xi’s hand. She playfully winked at him.

She wasn’t afraid at all; her eyes shone with anticipation for the branch household.

Shen Qingyuan’s eyes curved in a smile: “Go. No matter what happens, I’m here.”

Chun Xi nodded, smiling radiantly: “Don’t worry, Husband. I won’t let you down.”

Shen Qingyu sent word to Mo Yunwan, who had been waiting early in the garden.

Today, Mo Yunwan wore a sky-blue embroidered orchid gown. Her black hair was tied into a simple bun, adorned only with a single orchid, simple yet elegant, exuding an understated charm.

Though Chun Xi wasn’t skilled at makeup, she could tell that Mo Yunwan had prepared carefully.

It made sense—today was Mo Yunwan’s first appearance as Third Young Madam of the Qingyuan Marquisate in front of the ladies of the prominent families. How could she not pay attention?

“Aunt, Sister-in-law, Chi’er, Sister,” Mo Yunwan greeted proactively.

Madam Mo gave her no friendly expression.

Earlier that morning, when Mo Yunwan came to pay respects, Madam Mo had specifically instructed her not to appear publicly. Mo Yunwan had agreed, but then turned to Shen Qingyu and acted pitifully, not only defying Madam Mo but also stirring discord between Madam Mo and her son.

If not for the plan to let Chun Xi lose face today, Madam Mo would have dealt with this little shameless girl herself.

Despite Madam Mo’s cold demeanor, Mo Yunwan ignored it, still pressing forward warmly.

Soon, guests began arriving.

Mo Yunwan had spent these days learning about prominent families, and when the guests arrived, she confidently greeted them, showing propriety and bearing worthy of a lady of a prominent family.

She wanted to shine in the spotlight, and Chun Xi was happy to let her, sitting with Madam Mo in the garden drinking tea.

Madam Mo couldn’t bear Chun Xi’s calm, leisurely demeanor. She frowned: “Today is Yuan’er’s promotion banquet. How can you, the eldest young madam, not greet the guests yourself and hide here?”

“Isn’t my sister-in-law here? Mother, you refused to hold a wedding for Third Brother, which has already upset him. As the eldest sister-in-law, letting the sister-in-law take the spotlight a bit is only natural. Otherwise, how would those ladies know Third Brother married a virtuous wife?”

Chun Xi spoke grandly, yet every word cut Madam Mo like a knife.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to hold a wedding for Yu’er—it was that Mo Yunwan wasn’t worthy!

Madam Mo wanted to say more, but a servant came to report that the Xiao family had arrived.

Chun Xi’s eyes lit up, and she immediately set down her tea cup to greet them.

Madam Mo sneered coldly: “So she really only knows how to curry favor with the Xiao family. It’s just a nephew-aunt relationship, yet she really thinks they’re her backing.”

Shen Qingchi quietly reminded her: “Mother, the guests are here. Say less—if anyone overhears, it won’t be good.”

Madam Mo, unwilling to listen, shot her a sharp glare: “Since when did you have the right to speak? Behave properly, or I won’t forgive you if you mess up!”

Shen Qingchi shivered and pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

Outside the main gate of the Marquisate, Wei Lingze and Xiao Qinghe also arrived. Seeing the Xiao family’s grand procession—including the usually reclusive Old Madam Xiao—they were quietly surprised.

Wei Lingze knew Old Madam Xiao doted on Shen Qingyuan, but he hadn’t expected Old Madam Xiao, with no blood relation, to care so much for Shen Qingyuan. The entire Xiao family clearly valued him highly.

“Grandmother, Father, Mother,” Wei Lingze stepped forward with Xiao Qinghe to bow.

Old Madam Xiao smiled, calling him “worthy son-in-law,” while Madam Xiao couldn’t smile.

Wei Lingze often ignored Qinghe, and not only quarreled with her, but even had the mansion staff intercept messages she sent and interfered with her socializing—a grave disrespect to Qinghe as the rightful wife.

Madam Xiao was upset but, constrained by her status, couldn’t act. At that moment, Chun Xi’s surprised voice sounded: “Nephew-in-law, didn’t you say I shouldn’t associate with my eldest niece? I thought you wouldn’t let Qinghe come!”

Madam Xiao immediately asked: “Ze’er, what’s going on?”

Wei Lingze: “……”