TSWRLM -Chapter 167 Returning to the Marquis’ Residence to Observe Mourning

Xiao Qinghe’s neck was injured, so Madam Yun didn’t let her appear and went alone to the front hall.

Seated there was an older man with slightly graying temples. Though he was only a steward, he sat upright and carried an air of authority rather than the typical shrewdness of a merchant.

Seeing Madam Yun, the old man immediately stood and bowed. “Greetings, Madam.”

Madam Yun had initially assumed that Lady Chun Xi had simply sent a common steward to deliver the gift, but this man was clearly no ordinary person.

Her heart sank slightly, though her expression remained calm as she asked, “The funeral for Lady Qingyuan has just ended. Why would Madam Shen think to send a gift now?”

Although Lady Chun Xi did not need to personally guard the grave with Shen Qingyuan, as a daughter-in-law she was supposed to stay low and avoid social contact during mourning. Madam Yun did not scold her, but her disapproval was clear.

The old man remained calm and explained: “Madam, this was arranged by Madam Shen early this morning. Madam Shen’s ability to take over the shop is thanks to the manpower provided by Old Madam Xiao. Previously, Young Mistress Wei also helped Madam Shen select fields and estates. To show her gratitude, Madam Shen decided to give a portion of her shop’s profits as a gift to Young Mistress Wei. Today, I have come to deliver the first quarter’s dividends.”

Although Lady Chun Xi had to observe mourning for Madam Mo, her shops still needed to operate. Sending a steward to deliver the promised dividends to Xiao Qinghe was beyond reproach.

As he spoke, the steward took several silver notes from his sleeve.

The Wei family was wealthy and didn’t need this money, but no one would turn away a visitor delivering silver—especially one carrying the favor of Old Madam Xiao. How could Madam Yun refuse on behalf of Xiao Qinghe?

She signaled a servant to take the silver and, after carefully considering the steward’s words, couldn’t help but ask, “Were you also chosen by Old Madam Xiao for Madam Shen?”

“Madam, my surname is Sun,” the steward replied humbly. “In my youth, I was fortunate to gain Old Madam Xiao’s favor and managed some of the Xiao family’s external properties. Now that I am older and cannot oversee as much, being sent by Old Madam Xiao to handle a shop for Madam Shen is truly an honor.”

Despite his age, Steward Sun spoke with great humility.

Madam Yun’s heart sank further.

Someone who had managed the Xiao family’s assets in youth and could still carry out Old Madam Xiao’s tasks now was not ordinary—it was someone deeply trusted.

Was Lady Chun Xi merely sending Steward Sun to deliver the dividends, or did she want him to gather information?

After all, the timing of his arrival was incredibly convenient.

As Madam Yun pondered, Steward Sun stood. “The month’s dividends have been delivered, Madam. I will not take up more of your time.”

With that, guided by a servant, he left.

Steward Sun did not inquire about Xiao Qinghe, which only increased Madam Yun’s unease.

After some thought, Madam Yun instructed Nanny Yin to take the silver to Lingfeng Manor and also approved Xiao Qinghe’s request to hire guards.

No matter what arguments occurred between the young couple at home, as long as Xiao Qinghe didn’t return to her natal family to complain, there was still room for reconciliation.

After Nanny Yin left, Xiao Qinghe stared at the silver notes in her hand for a long while.

She didn’t expect that, once again, her young aunt had helped her.

Wei Lingze also did not anticipate that Lady Chun Xi, while observing mourning for Madam Mo, could still intervene in his matters with Xiao Qinghe. But unlike before, he did not fly into a rage or smash things.

With Madam Mo gone, Shen Qingyuan would have to observe mourning for three years, and soon Lady Chun Xi would make him pay for the actions she oversaw during that period.

When Lady Chun Xi returned home after seeing Steward Sun, she immediately saw Mo Yunwan standing weakly at the door.

“Eldest sister-in-law, where have you been? Why are you back so late? You’re still observing mourning; it’s best not to go out.”

As Lady Chun Xi approached, Mo Yunwan quickly began to scold her.

Lady Chun Xi glanced at her, smiling faintly, “Little sister, you know I’m just observing mourning, right? I thought I was some great villain, sneaking off to commit crimes while you weren’t looking.”

Mo Yunwan was momentarily speechless, then softened her tone: “Eldest sister-in-law, don’t misunderstand. I mean no restriction, just a friendly reminder.”

“Is there something you need?”

Lady Chun Xi, not wanting to waste words, asked directly. Mo Yunwan immediately nodded: “Father has moved back into the residence. He wants you to move back as well, so everyone can look out for each other.”

“All the household maids and guards are in place, handpicked by your eldest brother. There’s nothing that needs extra care.”

Lady Chun Xi refused without hesitation.

Then Mo Yunwan said, “Eldest brother hasn’t been home for three months. Living alone, you might get lonely. It’s better for everyone to stay together.”

She implied concern that Lady Chun Xi would be unable to endure solitude for three months and might be tempted to act on it.

Lady Chun Xi’s eyes curved, and she replied cheerfully, “Fine. I’ll pack some things and return home with you.”

She quickly gathered a few changes of clothes and left for the Marquis’ residence with Mo Yunwan.

Upon entering the main gate, Mo Yunwan spoke softly: “Father has seen to everything carefully, allowing me to continue managing household affairs. You’re only returning temporarily, so the management of the household need not change. I hope you won’t mind.”

“I don’t mind.”

Lady Chun Xi answered quickly, showing no attachment to household control.

Her cooperation unsettled Mo Yunwan slightly. She hastily clarified: “Don’t worry. I only manage daily affairs. Father is in charge. You and I both answer to him.”

Meaning she would not abuse household power to mistreat Lady Chun Xi.

Marquis Qingyuan did not reside in the main hall but in the previously vacant Wenxin Courtyard.

Lady Chun Xi and Mo Yunwan went to pay their respects. The Marquis scrutinized Lady Chun Xi and sternly warned: “It’s mourning time. Behave while you’re home. Any further trouble, and there will be no leniency!”

“Of course, Father. Your daughter-in-law will remember this well.”

Lady Chun Xi bowed respectfully. After a few more words from the Marquis, they withdrew.

Outside the main hall, Mo Yunwan apologetically said: “Grandmother has moved into the main hall. Wenxin Courtyard is occupied by Father. Several uncles and aunts also live in the residence. There are no extra rooms. Will it inconvenience you to temporarily stay with Grandmother?”

After Madam Mo’s death, the happiest was Madam Wu. With no matriarch in the residence, she could finally enjoy comfort. She eagerly moved into the main hall, bringing the Shen family along and having Lady Chun Xi stay with her—partly to assert control again.

Mo Yunwan’s tone was cautious, but her eyes revealed delight.

Lady Chun Xi swung her bundle over her shoulder and grinned: “Good! Staying with Grandmother as a granddaughter-in-law makes me happier than anything. How could I feel inconvenienced?”