TSWRLM -Chapter 159 It’s Fine for Me and Your Brother to Endure a Little Hardship

Xiao Qinghe also brought the same news as Xiao Qingyue.

Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingyu had good relationships at the Yun Family Academy.

Besides the children of noble families, the academy also had talented students from humble backgrounds. Most of them had not personally attended the Hou residence’s promotion banquet and were unaware of Madam Mo’s rise by crawling into the residence. Seeing Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingyu abandon their studies to return home and care for their mother, while Shen Qingyuan, as the eldest son and a high-ranking official at the Censorate, remained indifferent, some voiced criticism, and a few even wrote articles mocking him.

These articles circulated only among scholars, so it was natural that Chun Xi didn’t know. Xiao Qinghe had overheard the matter by chance while at the Yun family, which was how she learned how big the fuss had become.

That night, when Shen Qingyuan returned, Chun Xi immediately asked about Madam Mo’s illness.

Shen Qingyuan replied coldly, “She won’t die so easily. Don’t worry.”

“I know she won’t die easily, of course, but outsiders don’t know that. They’re all cursing you for being unfilial. How can you just let them say that?”

Chun Xi placed her hands on her hips, indignant for Shen Qingyuan.

Shen Qingyuan replied calmly, “I don’t mind. Their mouths are theirs; let them talk. It won’t take any flesh from me.”

“But I mind! My husband clearly did nothing wrong. Why should he bear these curses? I’ll go back to the Hou residence tomorrow and see what’s going on myself.”

Chun Xi spoke her decision directly. Shen Qingyuan frowned and, after a long pause, said, “She isn’t my biological mother. The whole Shen family is unrelated to me. I don’t want you to be tormented on my account.”

Besides, Chun Xi had already done so much for him these past days.

Seeing his concern, Chun Xi cupped his face with both hands and looked straight into his eyes. “We’ve been married so long. Don’t you know my abilities? I’m not the type to endure injustice quietly. I have strength and means. Who dares give me attitude?”

Her tone was lively. She didn’t wait for him to speak before adding, “Also, there’s hardly anyone at home now, and I’m bored. Think of it as letting me go back to see some excitement.”

Recalling Chun Xi’s past exploits, Shen Qingyuan’s frown eased slightly. Still uneasy, he asked, “You really don’t feel annoyed?”

“Not at all,” Chun Xi answered without hesitation, planting a quick kiss on his lips. “You treat me so well, husband, I really like you. Helping you manage the household makes me happy and proud.”

Her eyes sparkled with joy. Shen Qingyuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he deepened the kiss.

The next day, Shen Qingyuan hired imperial doctors to accompany Chun Xi back to the Hou residence.

The main hall smelled strongly of medicine. Madam Mo lay on the bed, her face pale, eye sockets sunken, her breath faint. She seemed drained of life in just a few days, on the verge of death.

The household accounts were empty, and many servants had been sold. Only Nanny Jia and Mo Yunwan were left attending to her. Both looked exhausted, clearly these past days had been harsh.

Chun Xi stayed at the doorway and did not enter. The imperial doctor examined Madam Mo, administered acupuncture, then stepped outside and whispered, “The Hou madam has excessive liver fire, repressed emotions, and now her circulation is blocked. The situation is indeed severe. I’ve prescribed a formula. If there’s no improvement in four to five days, have Master Shen notify me, and I’ll adjust the treatment.”

So it really was a real illness.

Chun Xi was slightly surprised but kept her composure, thanked the doctor politely, and personally saw him out.

Back in the main hall, Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingyu arrived upon hearing the news.

Shen Qingyu harbored deep hostility toward Chun Xi and asked bluntly, “Why are you back? Isn’t it enough that mother is sick?”

Chun Xi didn’t think the emptied private treasury alone could make Madam Mo fall ill like this. She said calmly, “Though the family is divided, we are still one family. Mother is gravely ill. As the eldest daughter-in-law, it is right for me to return home and care for her.”

A sound of porcelain shattering came from inside, followed by Madam Mo’s hoarse, ugly roar: “Get out! I don’t need your fake kindness, don’t get in my way!”

“Did you hear that? Mother said get out! Hurry!”

Shen Qingyu tried to push Chun Xi, but Shen Qingyue stopped him. “Third brother, how many times must I tell you? Don’t be disrespectful to eldest sister-in-law.”

After scolding, Shen Qingyu stayed in the room to care for Madam Mo while Chun Xi followed Qingyue out of the main hall.

“Mother is confused and her temper is strange. Third brother is merely acting out of concern. If he offended you, please don’t mind.”

Shen Qingyue apologized sincerely, then bowed respectfully.

Since he was polite, Chun Xi didn’t press the matter and responded graciously, “We are family. Second brother, no need to be so formal. Since mother doesn’t wish to see me, I won’t be a bother here.”

As Chun Xi turned to leave, Shen Qingyue said, “Mother has us to care for her, so she doesn’t need your attention. But there is one matter we still need your help with.”

“What is it?”

“Grand Tutor’s fourth son has mutual affection with Chi’er. He came to visit yesterday. Mother, being ill, has no energy to discuss the marriage. We need you to help mediate.”

The Grand Tutor’s family?

Chun Xi recalled that Madam Mo had previously sought to marry into the Grand Tutor’s family. This should have been good news, yet she had fallen ill. Could there be something suspicious about this match?

Chun Xi considered carefully, not immediately agreeing. Shen Qingyue quickly added, “If you find it difficult, forget it. I can write to my teacher to ask if she can help my sister with the match.”

The teacher Shen Qingyue referred to was a respected Yun Family Academy instructor, esteemed even without official rank, with students all over the realm.

News of Madam Mo’s illness had already spread in the academy. If Shen Qingyue bypassed Chun Xi and went directly to his teacher’s wife, it would reinforce the idea that Shen Qingyuan was unfilial.

Chun Xi coming forward herself showed she had heard the rumors. Although Shen Qingyue spoke politely, his words carried full-blown pressure.

After thinking for a moment, Chun Xi said, “Fine, you may go ask your teacher’s wife.”

“Thank you, eldest sister-in-law…” Shen Qingyue said confidently but then realized something was off. He looked up in disbelief. “Eldest sister-in-law, what did you just say?”

Chun Xi patiently explained: “Although I am your eldest sister-in-law, my background is humble. I can barely read, and I don’t understand the rules of great families’ marriages. If I interfere rashly, I’ll mess up this marriage. You were wise to decide to ask your teacher’s wife to mediate—that’s the best choice.”

She even nodded in approval of his decision.

Shen Qingyue’s expression froze completely. Afraid Chun Xi didn’t understand, he bluntly said, “Mother is gravely ill. Normally, the eldest daughter-in-law should manage the household. If outsiders intervene, it may harm your and elder brother’s reputation.”

Chun Xi nodded. “I know. But mother doesn’t even want to see me. How could I manage my sister’s marriage? For her health, it’s fine if your elder brother and I endure a little hardship.”

Shen Qingyue: “…You really call that enduring hardship?”