TSWRLM -Chapter 207 I Think I Might Be Possessed

The Marquis’s residence was now completely overrun by the Shen family. The Marquis of Qingyuan didn’t want to be hounded for money, so he had gone to stay with an outside “enchantress” instead.

After Chun Xi and Shen Qingchi returned, they didn’t see the Marquis, but the rest of the Shen family was all gathered in the main courtyard, waiting for Chun Xi.

Ever since Shen Qingchi had been officially recognized as the legitimate wife, the Shen family’s attitude toward her had completely changed. When they heard about Chun Xi getting drunk and fighting with the princess, they immediately scolded her upon meeting.

“Our family is now connected to the Grand Tutor’s household by marriage. How could you hit Chi’er and her Fifth Aunt with the princess? This doesn’t reflect well on the relationship between the two families at all!”

“Exactly! We all saw it last time. Chi’er’s Fifth Aunt is beautiful and gentle, and she treats him so well. Suddenly getting beaten like that was incredibly unlucky. With your father’s birthday coming up, you should apologize properly to her.”

Two of the Shen uncles echoed each other, directly deciding that Chun Xi had to apologize to Yun Wantang.

Chun Xi didn’t respond to this and instead said calmly, “My husband has gone to Qu County on official business. Second and Third Brother, what are your thoughts on Father’s birthday banquet?”

The family’s attention shifted as expected. The Second Uncle said with a stern face, “Their energies are all focused on their studies. They don’t know how to handle a banquet, so naturally it should be fully organized by you, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Marquis’s household.”

Third Uncle added, “Although this banquet won’t be extravagant, we’ll invite the Grand Tutor’s household. The dishes need to be sumptuous and appropriate. We can’t embarrass the family and have them laugh at Chi’er.”

Fourth Uncle added, “If you don’t have time to handle these matters, you can give us the money and we’ll take care of it. We’ve been in Hanjing for so many years, have connections, and more experience than you. Shopping for the ingredients will definitely be cheaper and more practical than hiring random people.”

Shen Jinhua, fearing she wouldn’t benefit, hurriedly said, “The household members should also prepare two sets of new clothes. Last time when attending the Grand Tutor’s banquet, they covered the expenses. Wearing the same clothes again would be embarrassing. Your nephews and nieces will also be able to show off properly, so add some gold and jade for them. When they succeed in the future, they won’t forget their eldest sister-in-law.”

Although the Shen family had no money, they made their demands confidently, trying to drain Chun Xi and Shen Qingyuan completely.

Chun Xi didn’t get angry. She simply said, “Second and Third Brother, we should still discuss this matter together. Last time, the case with Mother was all thanks to my husband. Father shouldn’t have only one filial son in the future, right?”

“What use is it to call them? You know the household’s situation.”

Shen Jinhua rolled her eyes. Old Madam Wu cleared her throat and said, “The Second and Third Sons have not yet earned official ranks, so they have no salaries. It’s only right for the eldest to take on more responsibility for this banquet.”

Chun Xi nodded in agreement. “You can skip contributing money, but you can’t skip showing up.”

No one could argue with this. Old Madam Wu quickly sent for Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingyu.

After not seeing them for several days, Shen Qingyue hadn’t changed much, while Shen Qingyu looked even more depressed.

Upon hearing that Chun Xi was willing to handle the banquet, Shen Qingyue apologized, “Third Brother and I truly can’t help much. Big Sister-in-law, this matter will trouble you.”

Shen Qingyu, in a bad mood, snapped, “If you want to handle it, handle it. If not, forget it. No need to call us just to show off your few measly coins. I find your suddenly-rich attitude disgusting.”

After saying this, he stormed off.

Shen Qingyue, helpless, could only look at Chun Xi apologetically: “Please forgive him, Big Sister-in-law. Since Mother passed, Third Brother has shown no goodwill to anyone.”

It’s not them.

Chun Xi made the judgment internally. Shen Qingyue, though somewhat hypocritical, still wanted to prove himself through the imperial examinations. He wouldn’t kidnap her mother or Chi’er to stain his record.

Shen Qingyu spoke without thinking, wearing his emotions plainly. If her mother and Chi’er were in his hands, who knows how arrogant he might become.

The rest of the Shen family only wanted money. With the pretext of Qingyuan Marquis’s birthday banquet, there was no need for them to act otherwise.

As for Wei Lingze, he would never personally make a move against her.

Then who could it be?

Chun Xi pursed her lips and thought. Meanwhile, the Shen family, fearing she might give up because of Shen Qingyu’s words, eagerly urged her along.

Shen Qingchi’s voice sounded again: “Big Sister-in-law, are you alright?”

Her eyes were clear and concerned.

Chun Xi rubbed her temples and shook her head. “Nothing serious, just suddenly felt a bit off in the head.”

Shen Jinhua rolled her eyes. “Chun Xi, with your complexion, if you went to the fields you’d tire out a whole ox. Stop pretending to be weak.”

The others were thinking the same. Suddenly, a flash of insight came to Chun Xi’s mind. She sat down on the nearest chair.

“Little Sister, you really misunderstood me. When Chi’er came to see me this morning, she even commented that I looked unwell. I wasn’t pretending.”

The others immediately glared at Shen Qingchi.

To say Chun Xi’s complexion looked bad, how could her expression have been anything but serious?

Shen Qingchi hadn’t expected Chun Xi to latch onto her morning remark. She forced a smile. “Big Sister-in-law, I just said it casually, not seriously. Don’t take it to heart.”

Chun Xi shook her head. “Little Sister doesn’t say such things for no reason. Perhaps my forehead looked dark this morning—maybe a violent incident will occur. If I end up offending Father’s birthday banquet, what will happen?”

Everyone: “….”

Listen to what she’s saying! If you don’t want to pay, just say so. Why make up some nonsense about violent incidents?

Shen Jinhua tried to suppress her anger and comfort her, but Chun Xi insisted that Shen Qingchi must have noticed something. She felt completely weak, as if possessed, and had no energy to deal with anything else.

Shen Jinhua, at a loss, could only ask Shen Qingchi, “Why did you say Big Sister-in-law looked unwell?”

Shen Qingchi clenched her silk handkerchief.

Why did she say that? She knew Chun Xi’s maternal family was in trouble, hoping Chun Xi would be worried and exhausted, so she asked on purpose. How could she have expected Chun Xi to latch onto this one remark?

After a long silence, Shen Qingchi found an excuse: “The room was a bit dim, I misjudged, so I misspoke. I apologize to Big Sister-in-law.”

Chun Xi didn’t accept the apology. She clutched her chest, groaning, “My head hurts. I think I might be possessed. Little Sister is pregnant and might see things normally invisible. For the sake of her child, she should quickly consult a high monk.”

Shen Qingchi: “……”

There’s nothing dirty to see—what trick is Cao Chun Xi up to now?