TSWRLM -Chapter 225 As Long as There’s a Child

Princess Hengyang was in a very good mood today and insisted on dragging Chun Xi to drink. Chun Xi had originally intended to refuse firmly, but the prince consort spoke up: “I’ll keep an eye on the princess. I’ve also notified Lord Shen to come to the princess’s residence after his duty. Madam Shen can drink with peace of mind.”

“What are you even? You dare watch over me?”

Princess Hengyang gave Wen Yanshu a sharp look, then looped Chun Xi’s arm in hers: “Good, A-Xi, you returned safely from the Ghost Gate and have triumphed again today. We must celebrate properly! And He’er and Yue’er—you’ll join us too.”

Fearing they might hold back, Princess Hengyang immediately sent Wen Yanshu away.

The princess was entirely focused on her own enjoyment, caring little for others. After the meal, Wen Yanshu still arranged for servants to see the guests off.

In the evening, Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue left first.

At first, Xiao Qingyue restrained herself, wary of being too unruly in front of the princess, but after being influenced by Chun Xi, she let loose completely. Her tolerance for alcohol, however, was poor; she was almost carried out by the maids.

“Once you get home, have the kitchen make some sobering soup. Don’t let Yue’er bathe alone—keep an eye on her. She might get drunk and act up at night, maybe even vomit. Warn the servants so no embarrassment occurs.”

Xiao Qinghe gave careful instructions. Once Xiao Qingyue’s carriage had turned the corner, she boarded her own carriage.

She had also drunk a little more than usual today, but wasn’t fully intoxicated—just slightly tipsy.

Quezhi noticed the rare smile at her lips and asked: “Madam, you’re in such a good mood—why not stay a bit longer and enjoy yourself with the princess and Madam Shen?”

“No, another time,” Xiao Qinghe shook her head.

As a member of the Wei household, she couldn’t act too unrestrained. Once her separation is finalized, she would have plenty of opportunities to drink freely with Little Aunt and the princess.

Then, she intended to indulge fully and get completely drunk.

Though not fully satisfied, Xiao Qinghe was happy all the way back. But upon returning to the Wei residence, she was called to the main hall.

As soon as she entered, Yun Wantang approached: “He’er, I’m sorry. It was all my fault—I was too soft-hearted and believed Shen Qingchi’s lies. After I left, the princess and Madam Shen didn’t trouble you, did they?”

Yun Wantang’s expression was full of guilt and concern, as if she always put others first, regardless of herself.

But if she were truly kind-hearted, she wouldn’t have only worried about Shen Qingchi, who carried the Grand Tutor household’s bloodline, and chosen such a moment to confront Little Aunt, nor would she have deceived herself and gone uninvited to disrupt the princess’s feast.

Xiao Qinghe had previously held some affection for Yun Wantang, but seeing her confront Chun Xi publicly today erased that small fondness.

Yun Wantang, like the Wei household and Wei Lingze, seemed good at first glance, but upon closer interaction, would prick you with countless tiny thorns without you realizing it.

Xiao Qinghe lowered her gaze, not wanting to respond. Madam Yun smelled the faint alcohol on her and frowned: “They forced you to drink? You haven’t recovered fully. Even the princess shouldn’t coerce you like this.”

Though it sounded like concern, the tone was clearly displeased.

She was unhappy that He’er had grown close to Chun Xi and the princess, and even more so that she had drunk and returned home so late.

“Mother,” Xiao Qinghe spoke, looking up at her, “No one forced me to drink. I wanted to. I’m happy Little Aunt returned safely. The princess didn’t hold her disturbance against me but treated me with courtesy. Drinking with them was the happiest thing I’ve done in months.”

Having drunk, Xiao Qinghe’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes brighter than usual, her gaze resolute as she looked at Madam Yun.

She knew clearly what she liked and wanted.

She was a new wife of the Wei household, yet still herself.

Though her tone was gentle, her demeanor conveyed a subtle defiance that Madam Yun felt.

Madam Yun frowned tightly.

Previously, He’er had been obedient, a model noblewoman—truly cherished by Madam Yun. But recently, He’er had become increasingly rebellious.

If He’er were to act as freely as Cao Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang, could she still shoulder the responsibilities of the Wei household’s matriarch in the future?

Seeing Madam Yun’s worry, Yun Wantang preemptively said: “It’s good that He’er wasn’t troubled. Today, I was indeed too impulsive and didn’t know what wine the princess liked. Another day, I’ll find some good wine and have He’er deliver it to the princess to apologize on my behalf.”

If Yun Wantang went herself, she probably wouldn’t even get through the princess’s gates. She had to rely on Xiao Qinghe.

Xiao Qinghe didn’t want to be the middleman and was about to refuse when Wei Lingze entered the main hall with a dark expression.

His face looked terrible, his aura oppressive, clearly directed at Xiao Qinghe. Seeing Yun Wantang, his expression softened slightly.

“Ze’er, what’s wrong? Why do you look so angry?”

Madam Yun expressed concern immediately. Wei Lingze pressed his lips together, speaking coldly: “Nothing.”

He didn’t want to discuss this in front of Yun Wantang.

Madam Yun, worried, was about to ask more when Yun Wantang intervened: “Ze’er has been busy at court all day. Let him relax with He’er for a while.”

After letting Xiao Qinghe leave with Wei Lingze, Madam Yun immediately vented her displeasure: “He’er is getting more and more reckless. She knows Cao Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang drink poorly, yet she still joins them. Isn’t she afraid of embarrassing herself?”

Yun Wantang understood her feelings and said softly: “He’er has always followed the rules, but suddenly seeing Chun Xi and the princess living so freely and vividly, it’s natural for her to feel envious. But as long as she has a child, she won’t think like this anymore.”

This made Madam Yun frown even deeper. She snapped: “I also want a grandchild, but she doesn’t even let Ze’er touch her—how can she bear a child?”

Just then, Yun Wantang added: “If she won’t allow it when sober, we just have to make her a little less clear-headed.”

Madam Yun’s eyes twitched, realizing what Yun Wantang intended. She said hesitantly: “That’s not right—what if He’er causes a scene back at the Xiao household…”

“Sister, serving your husband is every wife’s duty. Besides, she and Ze’er have already shared a room. How could she have the face to cause a scene at home?”

Yun Wantang’s voice was calm, but Madam Yun heard and absorbed every word.

Yes. Ze’er and He’er were husband and wife; sharing a room was perfectly normal. Even if He’er was reluctant, once it was done, there was no reason for a scene that would embarrass both families.

As long as there was a child, He’er wouldn’t entertain other thoughts.

After Yun Wantang left, Madam Yun immediately ordered her trusted maid to find a potion to induce a certain kind of “passion.”