TSWRLM -Chapter 145 Nephew-in-Law Doesn’t Know How to Behave, Uncle Can Teach You

In front of the entire Xiao family, Wei Lingze felt completely without confidence in front of Xiao Qinghe. He spoke softly: “Mother-in-law, there’s been some misunderstanding. I haven’t interfered with Qinghe’s social activities.”

After speaking, he looked at Xiao Qinghe, signaling her to back him up. But before she could speak, Chun Xi stepped forward, linking her arm with Qinghe’s in a familiar gesture: “So it was just a misunderstanding. That’s a relief. From now on, when I visit the Wei family to see Qinghe, no one will stop me, right, nephew-in-law?”

Her last words were aimed at Wei Lingze, her gaze carrying a subtle hint of provocation.

Wei Lingze gritted his teeth in anger, but maintained his composure, replying solemnly: “Of course. You may come to see Qinghe anytime, Young Aunt.”

As soon as he spoke, Shen Qingyuan and Shen Qingyue also received word and came forward to greet them.

Today, Shen Qingyuan wore a deep crimson brocade robe. His presence was commanding, his demeanor extraordinary, reminiscent of the triumphant top scholar he had been ten years ago.

Old Madam Xiao glanced at him and couldn’t help tearing up. The rest of the Xiao family spoke up, praising him.

Shen Qingyuan calmly accepted their compliments and performed the proper greetings. He then came to Chun Xi’s side, his gaze cold as it flicked toward Wei Lingze before asking Chun Xi: “Did anything happen?”

Chun Xi’s eyes curved in a smile: “Nothing major, just a small misunderstanding earlier. It’s all cleared up now. Nephew-in-law said I can visit Qinghe anytime I like.”

Shen Qingyuan already knew that Wei Lingze had tried to prevent Chun Xi from entering the Wei household. Hearing Chun Xi’s words, he cast Wei Lingze a cold glance: “Regardless, if nephew-in-law truly respected you, this misunderstanding wouldn’t have happened in the first place.”

His words were blunt, and the eyes of Old Madam Xiao and the rest of the Xiao family immediately turned to Wei Lingze.

No matter what Chun Xi’s previous status had been, Shen Qingyuan treasured her, and the Xiao family recognized her. Wei Lingze should treat her with the respect due to a senior.

The invisible pressure bore down on Wei Lingze. He glared at Shen Qingyuan but eventually softened his tone: “Uncle Shen is right. I will be sure to respect Young Aunt from now on.”

The words “Young Aunt” were forced through Wei Lingze’s clenched teeth, laden with meaning, as if he wished he could devour Chun Xi alive.

Chun Xi, seemingly oblivious, leaned in further: “Nephew-in-law, it’s not enough to speak nicely—you must also act accordingly from now on.”

After saying this, Chun Xi took Xiao Qinghe’s hand, inviting Madam Xiao and the female members of the Xiao family inside.

Once they had all entered, Shen Qingyue led Old Madam Xiao and the others into the mansion. Wei Lingze attempted to follow, but Shen Qingyuan stopped him.

The two fell behind quickly. Wei Lingze glared coldly at Shen Qingyuan: “What else do you want?”

Shen Qingyuan met his gaze with piercing eyes, sharp enough to pierce flesh and see the twisted darkness within his soul: “Although the Ye family case is closed, that doesn’t mean the truth has been revealed. Many things happened on our trip to Xuzhou with your Young Aunt. If you don’t learn to behave with humility, I, as your uncle, won’t hesitate to teach you properly.”

With no one else around, Shen Qingyuan dropped the façade of detached calm, revealing a sharp, deadly edge.

His eyes were like blades, already holding all the evidence against Wei Lingze. At any moment, he could throw Wei Lingze into ruin.

Wei Lingze’s muscles tensed inch by inch, a primal fear rising as if a dormant beast had fixed its gaze on him.

The Ye family case had long been resolved, and he had claimed all the credit, even gaining a promotion. He had thought Shen Qingyuan was a mere meddler in household affairs, even considering using the Xuzhou incident to remove him. Yet Shen Qingyuan had already seen through everything and now openly threatened him with these two incidents.

However, Shen Qingyuan presented no evidence. Wei Lingze soon relaxed slightly: “I don’t understand what Uncle Shen is talking about.”

This reaction was exactly what Shen Qingyuan expected. He curled his lips slightly: “It’s alright if you don’t understand now. You’ll understand in time.”

With that, Shen Qingyuan walked away. Wei Lingze stood in place, watching his back, his eyes dark and feral.

If Shen Qingyuan insisted on holding these two cases over him, it would be a battle to the death.

In the garden, the guests naturally gathered around Old Madam Xiao and Madam Xiao, as Old Madam Xiao rarely appeared in public.

Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe sat on either side of Old Madam Xiao. Seeing how close Old Madam Xiao was to Chun Xi, everyone treated the Young Madam of the Shen family with proper respect.

Mo Yunwan had been busy all morning trying to gain attention, but now Chun Xi completely overshadowed her.

Madam Mo, seeing her useless, sneered: “All you can do is show off in front of Yu’er. No one is paying attention to you.”

Unable to draw attention, Mo Yunwan obediently poured tea for Madam Mo: “Aunt, your lesson is correct. Someone as scheming as Cao Chun Xi must be personally disciplined by you to tame her.”

Madam Mo, displeased that Old Madam Xiao was showing off in the Marquisate, took the tea Mo Yunwan handed her, then signaled to Nanny Jia: “Go see if Madam Wang has arrived.”

“Yes.”

Nanny Jia left, and soon Madam Wang appeared with the Mo family. She even linked arms with Madam Ning, appearing very close.

Madam Mo glanced at Mo Yunwan. Mo Yunwan whispered: “Earlier, Cao Chun Xi had chased her mother away. Now that Chun Xi has control of the household, Wan’er was worried the gatekeepers might obstruct us, so she asked her mother to keep an eye out, to avoid ruining your plan, Aunt.”

As she spoke, Madam Ning led Madam Wang before everyone.

Madam Mo’s interest piqued; she waited for the show to start, grudgingly thinking Mo Yunwan still had some use.

“Young Madam Shen, on such a fine day, why didn’t you send a carriage for your maternal family? If I hadn’t run into your mother at the gate just now, she might not have even entered the Marquisate today.”

Madam Ning spoke loudly, making sure everyone could hear, and nudged Madam Wang forward.

Madam Wang had received the jade bracelet and earrings from Cao Wen, and was ecstatic. She had made a new outfit from the fine fabric Chun Xi had previously brought from the Wei household and boasted to the neighbors that her son-in-law had been promoted to a third-rank official. Today, she was here at the Marquisate to attend the promotion banquet.

She had carefully prepared, even purchasing two gold hairpins for her hair. Yet standing before the prominent family ladies, she still lacked confidence, instinctively bowing, timid and self-conscious.

However, her eyes still sought Chun Xi, hoping she might say something to give her mother face and help straighten her posture.

But Chun Xi only looked on coldly, saying nothing for Madam Wang.

When Cao Wen had returned the bracelet and earrings, Chun Xi had come home once. She hadn’t entered the house, standing outside, asking Madam Wang to return the items. This wasn’t Chun Xi asking for them—it was deliberately planted incriminating property.

Madam Wang had refused and even scolded Chun Xi harshly.

This was typical of her—once she possessed something, she would never give it up. The bracelet and earrings fit her taste perfectly, so Chun Xi’s request felt like tearing flesh from her. Combined with past grievances, Madam Wang used the harshest words.

Chun Xi had left quickly, and seeing Madam Wang now stirred no emotion in her.

Her mother had scolded her countless times for being an unfilial daughter. If she didn’t prove that accusation true, how could it be justified?