TSWRLM -Chapter 188 The Fifth Lady of the Grand Tutor’s Mansion

Xiao Qinghe did not accompany Wei Lingze to go apologize.

She was in her monthly cycle.

Since the last incident, she had been suffering from painful menstruation. The doctor had prescribed many remedies, but her lower abdomen still ached as if being cut with knives each time.

Quezhi prepared several medicinal hot compresses to warm her body, yet the pain in her lower abdomen remained severe.

Around noon, Wei Lingze returned.

Xiao Qinghe felt weak all over, lacking the strength to care why he had come back so early. Not long after, Madam Yun arrived at Lingfeng Courtyard. Seeing a fresh blood mark on Wei Lingze’s back, she hurriedly instructed someone to treat it.

Since Princess Hengyang and Prince Ying were aware of Wei Lingze’s injuries, they hadn’t made things difficult for him. His attempt to gain sympathy through a “self-inflicted” trick failed.

By the time his back healed, the Emperor might have forgotten the matter entirely. Apologizing again would only remind the Emperor that he had a problem.

Madam Yun sighed, unable to hide her concern. “Since both the princess and the Prince have said this, Ze’er, you should rest at home for a while. Your aunt wrote that she’ll return in a few days. With her help to persuade, He’er will definitely reconcile with you.”

There was a hint of complaint in Madam Yun’s words.

She had sent Wei Lingze back to Lingfeng Courtyard hoping the two would spend more time together to repair their relationship. Unexpectedly, Xiao Qinghe preferred to sleep in a separate room on the lady’s couch rather than share a bed with him. Even daily tasks like changing medicine and bathing were handled by servants; Xiao Qinghe would not come near Wei Lingze herself.

Today, she even used her period as an excuse to avoid going out with him. Even when her mother-in-law arrived, she didn’t rise to greet her.

Her behavior was cold and stubborn, completely lacking the refinement expected of a noble lady.

Wei Lingze was used to Xiao Qinghe’s behavior. With a calm face, he asked, “So, has the envoy delegation arrived yet?”

Originally, when the envoy delegation reached the capital, palace guards were needed. He could have shown his talents and presence before the Emperor. But now, with no hope of reinstatement, he might not even be allowed to attend the welcoming banquet for the delegation. It was truly frustrating.

“They haven’t. Your aunt left early with the children. The delegation shouldn’t arrive for more than half a month. Don’t worry—your aunt said in her letter that she’s already figured out a way to help you get reinstated.”

**

The Grand Tutor’s Mansion also received news that the Fifth Lady would arrive early with her children. The entire household became busy preparing, showing how highly they valued her.

Shen Qingchi didn’t know this Fifth Lady well. After some intimacy, she rested against Li Jixian’s chest and whispered, “Fifth Uncle won’t arrive for a few more days, so why is the household preparing a special welcoming banquet just for her?”

In recent days, Shen Qingchi had done everything she could to please Li Jixian. His attitude toward her had softened considerably. Now, with her being officially recognized, their relationship felt even sweeter, like newlyweds.

Li Jixian pinched the soft flesh of her waist and explained, “This Fifth Lady isn’t ordinary. Back in Hanjing, countless suitors pursued her. Even the current princess consort was charmed by her. She’s not only beautiful but also extremely talented. That my Fifth Uncle could marry her was truly climbing high. Although she hasn’t been in Hanjing all these years, she knows everything about household affairs. Even your official recognition was proposed by her to Grandmother.”

Originally, Shen Qingchi had been merely curious. When she heard the last sentence, a thought suddenly crossed her mind.

This Fifth Lady had returned to help her.

To please the Fifth Lady, Shen Qingchi spent several days embroidering an orchid.

It was the only thing she could offer.

The next evening, the Fifth Lady, Yun Wantang, arrived at the Grand Tutor’s Mansion with her two children.

The household was managed by the elderly matriarch. Having never split the family over the years, today’s welcoming banquet was extremely grand. Shen Qingchi and Li Jixian could only stand in the corners.

Peering through the crowd, Shen Qingchi saw the carriage curtains pulled aside by a composed maid. Two chubby, jade-like children crawled out, calling to everyone in sweet voices.

“Zhen’er greets Grandmother, all uncles and aunts, elder brothers and sisters!”

“Yue’er greets Grandmother, all uncles and aunts, elder brothers and sisters!”

The two children resembled illustrations of festive children, and their sweet voices immediately won the hearts of everyone around.

People stepped forward to hold them. At this moment, an exceptionally beautiful woman emerged from the carriage.

Despite having two children, her figure had not changed in the slightest. Her waist was like a willow in the breeze, her gaze radiant. Not only beautiful, she possessed a memorable, unique charm.

Shen Qingchi couldn’t help but hold her breath.

She had once thought Xiao Qinghe was the pinnacle of noble beauty, but seeing Yun Wantang today, she finally understood what “there’s always someone better” meant.

If Cao Chun Xi saw the Fifth Lady, she would surely feel embarrassed by comparison.

Surrounded by admirers, Yun Wantang entered with her children. Shen Qingchi couldn’t even get a chance to speak to her, feeling that her embroidered orchid was unworthy of her. Just then, Yun Wantang’s soft, melodious voice carried across the crowd: “Jian’er, your wife is pregnant. Be sure to take care of her carefully.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Li Jixian wrapped his arm around Shen Qingchi’s waist. “Fifth Aunt is right. I will protect her well.”

Because of Yun Wantang’s words, everyone glanced at Shen Qingchi more than once.

Though the topic hadn’t shifted to her, Shen Qingchi felt immense recognition and warmth.

She had lost her status, come as a concubine to Li Jixian, and even the household servants had looked down on her. She thought she’d have to struggle painfully to become the main wife, yet this Fifth Lady, whom she had never met, made it easy. Today, the Fifth Lady even publicly showed her respect.

The Fifth Lady was truly a benefactor, even kinder to her than her own mother.

The Grand Tutor’s Mansion was large. Even though it was only family present, the welcoming banquet still had five tables.

During the meal, Shen Qingchi couldn’t approach Yun Wantang and could only watch from afar.

Yun Wantang was clearly beloved by the matriarch and got along well with the household’s other wives. She had brought many gifts and specialties from Wengzhou, attending carefully to everyone.

Shen Qingchi admired and envied her, dreaming of one day being as tactful, graceful, and adored by all as Yun Wantang.

After the performance ended, Yun Wantang was escorted back to her courtyard with her two children.

Shen Qingchi secretly followed. Once everyone had left, she gathered courage and knocked on Yun Wantang’s courtyard door.

She had been nervous, worried about being intrusive, but the one who opened the door was the adorable Yue’er.

“Mother, Little Sister-in-law Qingchi is here!” Yue’er called out, then came forward and reached out to touch Shen Qingchi’s belly. “There’s a little baby here! I’ll be his little aunt from now on.”

Shen Qingchi’s nervousness melted instantly.

She thought: the Fifth Lady must like her. Otherwise, even Yue’er wouldn’t be so close to her.

The Fifth Lady was truly different from Cao Chun Xi.