TSWRLM -Chapter 190 Top Scholar, Long Time No See

Li Jixian accompanied Shen Qingchi back to the Marquis residence. That afternoon, Shen Jinhua came to the new house to see Chun Xi.

“Such wonderful news! Chi’er has been recognized as the legitimate wife. The Grand Tutor’s residence has supplemented the betrothal gifts, and that Li Jixian even personally knelt to apologize to your father-in-law. When Qingyuan takes his day off, they’ll host a banquet for us. As the elder brother and sister-in-law, you must make sure Chi’er is properly celebrated.”

Shen Qingchi had prepared gifts for the family, and Shen Jinhua’s attitude had changed drastically—she no longer scolded Chun Xi as a “little piglet.”

Chun Xi had already seen Shen Qingchi at the princess’s residence and knew about her official recognition as the wife, so she wasn’t surprised. She just cautiously asked, “Did the Grand Tutor’s residence supplement the betrothal gifts but not request a dowry?”

“Of course not,” Shen Jinhua smiled broadly. “Li Jixian tricked Chi’er into his bed and sent people to humiliate her when she was already in the right. Now the two of them are blissfully sweet, and Chi’er’s womb is cooperative—she’s carrying his child. How could he dare ask for a dowry?”

After saying this, Shen Jinhua realized something and rolled her eyes at Chun Xi: “You’re not worried about having to provide a dowry for Chi’er, are you? Chi’er is now officially the Fourth Young Mistress of the Grand Tutor’s residence. She’s not going to take anything from you, her big sister-in-law.”

Shen Jinhua’s tone was full of disdain, thinking Chun Xi was too stingy to be taken seriously.

Chun Xi didn’t mind at all.

People can say whatever they want; as long as she wasn’t at a loss, it didn’t matter.

On the day of Shen Qingyuan’s day off, they went to the Grand Tutor’s residence with the Marquis family.

Everyone in the residence wore new clothes, the fabric looking quite fine. All the Shen family members were present, even Shen Qingyu, who had been resting at home due to injury, tidied himself and stepped out. Shen Jinhua even brought her own pair of children.

There weren’t enough carriages in the Marquis residence, so Shen Jinhua squeezed into one with Chun Xi, while Shen Qingyuan rode alone on horseback.

On the way, Shen Jinhua kept praising their new in-laws, the Grand Tutor’s residence, saying they didn’t look down on the Shen family and valued them highly. The new clothes they were wearing had been made from fabric gifted by the Grand Tutor’s residence.

Each person had two sets, even including shoes and socks.

At the end, Shen Jinhua sighed: “Fortunately, Chi’er was wise. She didn’t listen to her mother to marry some worthless rich merchant, but connected herself with the Grand Tutor’s residence. Otherwise, how could she have such a good life now?”

Her words were full of envy and pride. She no longer treated her daughter’s premarital indiscretion or her voluntary entry as a concubine as shameful, nor did she care that her own daughter was sitting nearby listening intently.

Soon, the carriage stopped at the Grand Tutor’s residence gate.

Li Jixian personally led them in: “Father-in-law, please come inside.”

Today was a family banquet, and the men and women were not separated. In the front hall, the Grand Tutor’s matriarch had already seated everyone.

Shen Jinhua had initially thought that the Marquis family attending would be quite a crowd, but seeing how many people were at the Grand Tutor’s residence, she immediately felt constrained.

Although they wore new clothes, they hadn’t lived a wealthy life over the years and couldn’t match the air of refinement of the Grand Tutor’s household. Standing together, they immediately looked inferior—even the once-esteemed Marquis of Qingyuan, who had been ennobled for military merits, lost all presence.

However, since the Grand Tutor’s residence had formally acknowledged them as in-laws, they did not show any sign of surprise and courteously guided them to their seats.

Seating was arranged according to seniority. Old Madam Wu and the Grand Tutor’s wife sat at the main table’s principal seats. The Marquis of Qingyuan sat with Li Jixian’s parents at the main table. Chun Xi and Shen Qingyuan were seated at the same table as Li Jixian and his family.

Whether intentional or not, Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingyu were assigned to another table and were not seated with them.

After taking their seats, Li Jixian kept discussing matters of the diplomatic mission with Shen Qingyuan. Chun Xi quietly listened without interrupting. After a while, she heard Shen Qingchi’s voice beside her: “Elder brother, elder sister-in-law.”

Turning her head, Chun Xi saw Shen Qingchi standing there in a bright red long dress, lively and elegant.

It had been only a few days since the princess’s flower-viewing banquet. Seeing her again, Shen Qingchi had changed entirely. She no longer appeared anxious, her gaze was no longer timid, and her expression exuded calmness and gentle grace—the aura of a legitimate wife.

However, no matter how much Shen Qingchi had changed, she couldn’t outshine the woman standing next to her.

The woman was beautiful, not with youthful charm but with mature elegance that lingered in one’s memory, making people want to get closer and know more.

Shen Qingyuan stopped talking and glanced at Shen Qingchi, giving a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Shen Qingchi immediately introduced the woman: “Elder brother, elder sister-in-law, this is Fifth Aunt. Fifth Aunt just returned from Wengzhou and has treated me very well.”

Yun Wantang smiled softly: “Top Scholar, long time no see.”

She still called Shen Qingyuan “Top Scholar,” showing that they had known each other before and had a good relationship.

“Long time no see,” Shen Qingyuan replied calmly, then looked at Chun Xi and introduced her: “This is my wife.”

“Young Mistress Shen, you’re very beautiful.”

Yun Wantang complimented her and, together with Shen Qingchi, sat down beside Chun Xi.

Shen Qingchi was curious and whispered to Yun Wantang: “Fifth Aunt knew my elder brother?”

“Yes. Your elder brother was already talented at a young age. My father admired him and guided him a few times.”

Yun Wantang answered casually, but her gaze kept checking on Chun Xi.

Chun Xi wasn’t very interested in their conversation and didn’t eavesdrop. Instead, she watched the dishes being brought to the table with some curiosity.

Yun Wantang called over a maid and specially placed a dish in front of Chun Xi. It contained sea cucumber, fish balls, fish maw, shiitake mushrooms, and other ingredients.

“This is a famous Wengzhou dish, Braised Three Delicacies. I taught the household cooks to make it after I returned. Young Mistress Shen, you can give it a try.”

Each table had servants serving dishes. Yun Wantang’s voice was soft and didn’t draw attention, but it was clear she was giving Chun Xi special care.

Chun Xi couldn’t help but admire inwardly.

The Princess of Hengyang was right—this Fifth Mistress of the Grand Tutor’s residence was indeed very likable.

“Thank you, Madam.”

“Young Mistress Shen, no need to be so polite. We can now consider ourselves one family. I’ve heard from Chi’er that you’re skilled in cooking. After having children, I also enjoy experimenting with new dishes. In the future, Young Mistress Shen can teach me more about cooking, and I can share some childcare experience with you.”

Yun Wantang’s words were heartfelt, not empty flattery; she genuinely wanted to befriend Chun Xi.

Technically, Chun Xi shouldn’t refuse, but recalling how she drank alone at the Hengyang princess’s banquet, she spoke: “Madam, you flatter me. I only know some home-style dishes. I don’t know as many as the household cooks here, so there isn’t much I can teach you. Besides, you’ve just returned to Hanjing and must have many matters to attend to. I shouldn’t trouble you too much.”

Chun Xi’s words were polite, but the refusal was clear.

Yun Wantang was secretly surprised.

Over the years, very few people had refused her friendly gestures at first meeting. This Cao Chun Xi was indeed interesting.