TSWRLM -Chapter 2 At Least Have Some Decency

Only after Chun Xi had fallen asleep did the Wei family’s banquet finally end.

Three months ago, Wei Lingze could barely stand. Though he now appeared to move normally, if he stood for too long, his legs would ache and swell unbearably.

After seeing off the guests, the smile on Wei Lingze’s face vanished, and his whole demeanor turned dark and frightening.

When he returned to Lingfeng Courtyard and learned that Chun Xi had taken her contract of freedom and gone home, the aura around him became even more bloodthirsty and violent. The servants in the courtyard fell silent in fear.

Xingzhou couldn’t help asking, “Young Master, should I go bring Chun Xi back?”

Wei Lingze brushed the teacup off the table, his voice cold as ice. “Let her go. Once she’s done making a fuss, she’ll come back on her own.”

After three years of devoted service, he didn’t believe Chun Xi would really leave just like that.

It began to rain in the latter half of the night.

The late spring chill came fiercely, as if winter had returned.

Everything was damp and wet. Chun Xi didn’t feel like going out and spent most of her time lying in bed.

In just two days, Madam Wang grew dissatisfied, hinting repeatedly that Chun Xi should get to work and earn money, afraid she was freeloading at home.

Chun Xi replied coolly, “In these past three years, I’ve brought home at least thirty taels of silver in wages. Did I really eat it all up in just two days?”

“What are you saying? Of course there’s still money at home, but we can’t just sit around and spend it all.”

“Since the family can’t afford to keep me, Mother might as well marry me off. If I eat and laze around at my in-laws’ house, I won’t be an eyesore to you.”

Chun Xi had entered the Wei household at ten. In two months, she would be nineteen—long past the age to marry. But since Wei Lingze couldn’t do without her, and Madam Wang didn’t want to lose her high wages, no arrangements had been made.

Hearing Chun Xi talk about marriage, Madam Wang’s expression stiffened slightly. “I’m not urging you to marry. It’s just that lying in bed all day like this—it doesn’t sound good if people hear about it.”

Though Madam Wang feared trouble, she hadn’t completely given up hope. What if Wei Lingze regretted it and decided to keep Chun Xi as an outside woman?

Even if she couldn’t be acknowledged openly, at least she wouldn’t have to bow to others. If she bore a child and outlived the main wife, she might eventually gain status.

But if Wei Lingze truly couldn’t bear to part with Chun Xi, he would have arranged something for her long ago—why wait until now?

Chun Xi didn’t bother explaining all this to Madam Wang. She only said, “Since Mother knows it would sound bad, then hurry and find a matchmaker.”

The spring rain lingered, falling for ten consecutive days before stopping.

Once the sky cleared, the chill vanished at once, replaced by warm sunshine.

After eating, Chun Xi went out.

The fabrics Madam Wei had given her were far too fine for everyday wear. She planned to visit clothing shops and fabric stores to check prices and sell them.

Ordinary shops wouldn’t take such high-quality material, so Chun Xi had to head toward the busiest part of the city.

Halfway there, a procession of luxurious carriages approached. Chun Xi followed the crowd and stepped aside to make way.

People murmured—it turned out to be young nobles going out to enjoy the spring.

Riding horses, admiring flowers, catching butterflies—it all sounded fun. But the servants accompanying them had to set up tents, build stoves, and prepare food. By the end of the day, they’d be exhausted.

Chun Xi sighed, feeling the beauty of spring wasn’t so appealing after all.

Just then, a voice rang out, “Oh? Isn’t this the maid who used to be by Brother Wei’s side?”

Chun Xi: “…”

She hadn’t checked the almanac before going out—careless.

Looking up, she saw Wei Lingze riding past with several young nobles.

Reminded by the comment, they all stopped.

Wei Lingze glanced at Chun Xi with a dark expression, his gaze sharp as a blade.

“My mother is kind. Seeing her loyalty, she returned her contract of freedom. She is no longer a servant of the Wei family.”

He made the relationship clear, but the others showed no sign of leaving. Chun Xi had no choice but to step forward and bow.

“This commoner, Chun Xi, greets the young masters.”

“Are you here to see Brother Wei?” someone asked.

The speaker was the second young master of the Ministry of Works Assistant Minister’s family. Chun Xi didn’t know his name, only that Wei Lingze called him Ye Er.

For some reason, Ye Er didn’t get along with Wei Lingze. When Wei Lingze had brought Chun Xi to banquets before, Ye Er had often made sarcastic remarks. He was also the one who recognized her just now.

When gods fight, mortals suffer.

Chun Xi complained inwardly but remained respectful. “Replying to Young Master Ye, Madam Wei rewarded this commoner with many fabrics. But they are too fine for my family to use, so I merely wish to sell them for money. I would never dare cling to Young Master Wei or seek more.”

“You cared for Brother Wei for three years, and the Wei family dismissed you with just a few bolts of cloth?”

Ye Er raised his voice, clearly stirring trouble.

Chun Xi quickly said, “Madam is generous—she gave far more than this. My whole family is deeply grateful.”

Whether Wei Lingze was present or not, Chun Xi wouldn’t dare say a single word against the Wei family.

Failing to get the reaction he wanted, Ye Er grew displeased. Changing tactics, he said, “I’ll pay double for your cloth. How about you come along with me on this outing?”

Before Chun Xi could answer, Ye Er turned to Wei Lingze. “Brother Wei wouldn’t mind an extra person, would he?”

Wei Lingze ignored him and rode off first.

Unbothered, Ye Er smiled and extended a hand toward Chun Xi, signaling her to mount his horse.

Chun Xi’s throat went dry. “This commoner is of low status—I’m afraid I’m not qualified to ride the same horse as Young Master Ye.”

“No matter. I don’t mind.”

“…”

Ye Er, have some decency.

The outing destination was a valley east of the city. It was lush with green grass, dotted with wildflowers, and a winding stream ran through it—a very pleasant scene.

But Chun Xi had no time to admire it.

She had been slung across the horse the entire way. Now she crouched on the ground, vomiting miserably. When she turned her head, she saw Wei Lingze standing not far away, elegantly helping a young lady down from a carriage.

The young woman had a graceful figure. Her peach-pink brocade dress outlined her slender waist. Though she wore a veil, her bright, almond-shaped eyes alone revealed her stunning beauty.

Standing together, they looked perfectly matched—like a couple made in heaven.

Chun Xi withdrew her gaze, wiped her mouth, and was about to stand when Ye Er’s voice rang out again:

“Miss Chun Xi is vomiting so badly… could it be that she’s pregnant?”

Though Ye Er didn’t speak loudly, his words were shocking. Everyone present was drawn in, quietly pricking up their ears for what came next.

Pregnant?

Pregnant with what?

“Young Master Ye… ugh—”

As soon as Chun Xi opened her mouth, she vomited toward Ye Er again.

Unfortunately, she had already emptied her stomach earlier. Only a bit of sour liquid splashed onto his shoes.

“You wretch! How dare you!”

Ye Er shouted angrily, but he had no time to deal with Chun Xi. Flustered, he hurriedly kicked off his shoes and threw them far away, then rushed back to the carriage to change clothes.

Filthy! Absolutely filthy! He needed a bath immediately!!!

Chun Xi patted her chest, finally feeling better. Raising her voice, she said sincerely, “I’m sorry, Young Master Ye. I didn’t mean it. Please be magnanimous and forgive me. If you hadn’t insisted on bringing me here, I wouldn’t have been shaken into vomiting like this.”

The commotion here was quite large. As soon as Chun Xi finished speaking, a maid came over with a message:

“There are spare clothes belonging to my young lady in the carriage. Please come with me.”