TSWRLM -Chapter 243 Has the Wei Family Raised a Good Son?

Wei Lingze’s voice was hoarse, full of dejection, and he looked as if he had aged ten years in an instant.

Wei Lingze’s father was startled, all his anger and reproach caught in his throat.

After a moment, he spoke in a low, angry voice: “What nonsense are you saying? You survived three years lying in bed paralyzed. Losing a single match is nothing—you’re not done yet. Xuanyuan Lang lost an arm, and he’s still doing fine, isn’t he?”

Wei Lingze’s father spoke quickly and urgently.

Indeed, Wei Lingze’s loss today would leave a poor impression on the Emperor and the Crown Prince, and for a long time he might not have another chance for promotion. But he was still young; there would always be opportunities in the future to showcase his talents.

Wei Lingze’s father wanted to use Xuanyuan Lang as motivation, but to Wei Lingze, it sounded different.

He curled his lips into a mocking smile: “Father, fortunately I fought against Shen Qingyuan today. Otherwise, everyone would know that I can’t even beat that cripple Xuanyuan Lang.”

Hearing this discouraging remark, Wei Lingze’s father’s anger surged. He couldn’t help but grab Wei Lingze by the collar and lift him up: “Wei Lingze, pull yourself together! Life is full of disappointments. You can lose a match, but you cannot lose your spirit!”

Wei Lingze’s body went limp; he made no resistance, his gaze vacant.

He had lost not only to Shen Qingyuan but also couldn’t compete with that wretched Cao Chun Xi. Now, He’er was also about to leave him. He had nothing left—how could he still have the spirit to fight?

Wei Lingze’s father didn’t yet know that Madam Yun had drugged Xiao Qinghe; he simply assumed the couple had quarreled again and planned to personally reconcile them after the winter hunt. Seeing Wei Lingze in such a near-death state, he could only send someone to find Xiao Qinghe, hoping she could comfort him and help him recover.

At the very least, he shouldn’t appear so lifeless in front of the Emperor and the envoy delegation.

Yesterday, Chun Xi had publicly revealed that Wei Lingze had an illegitimate child. To avoid gossip, Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue had not left the camp today. But Xiao Qingyue couldn’t sit still and sent a maid to gather news.

Upon learning that Wei Lingze had challenged Shen Qingyuan, Xiao Qingyue immediately sent 1,000 taels to bet on Shen Qingyuan’s victory.

Xiao Qinghe didn’t entirely agree with her sister: “I’ve already decided to leave the Wei family. Yue’er, why bother with this?”

Xiao Qingyue pouted and snorted: “He treated you badly, even deceived you. I just hope Uncle Shen wins—to teach him a proper lesson.”

Not long after placing the bet, the bookmaker sent a silver note and informed them that Wei Lingze had lost the match.

Xiao Qingyue immediately laughed aloud: “Sister, did you hear that? Uncle Shen won! Now he’s going to be so embarrassed.”

Xiao Qinghe, however, did not feel the same thrill as her sister. She had neither love nor hate for Wei Lingze anymore. Hearing that he lost the match stirred no emotion—it was like hearing about a stranger.

Hearing that Shen Qingyuan would face Xuanyuan Lang tomorrow, Xiao Qingyue added another 1,000 taels to bet on him. She even coaxed Xiao Qinghe: “Sister, tomorrow let’s go cheer for Uncle Shen. The Wei family did the dirty work—they should be hiding in shame. If Uncle Shen beats Xuanyuan Lang, we can tell Grandmother, and she’ll be delighted.”

Xiao Qinghe was moved by the last sentence and hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

Xiao Qingyue was overjoyed and wanted to drag Xiao Qinghe to find Chun Xi, but just then, Wei Lingze’s father’s envoy arrived.

Wei Lingze’s father had sent for Xiao Qinghe in his own name. As a senior family member, she could not refuse. She tidied her appearance slightly and went to meet him.

Upon seeing her, Wei Lingze’s father immediately spoke: “He’er, Ze’er lost the match today and is in a bad mood. I know you are considerate and responsible; I hope you can temporarily set aside your disagreements with him to comfort him, help him regain his spirits. You are husband and wife—if he is well, you are well too, right?”

As head of the Wei family, Wei Lingze’s father’s words were authoritative. Here, to his daughter-in-law, his tone was naturally stern. It was not a suggestion—it was an order.

Xiao Qinghe was unafraid. She stepped back, bowed respectfully, and said: “Father, Wei Lingze is no longer a child. When he chose to challenge Uncle Shen, he should have known the possible consequences. Xuanyuan Lang lost an arm but still fought with spirit. Uncle Shen has been in hiding in Jingzhao for ten years without losing his edge. Compared to them, the blow of a single match is truly insignificant.”

Her tone was detached. She addressed him by name, not as her husband.

Wei Lingze’s father furrowed his brow. Of course, he knew Wei Lingze should not have been so easily crushed, but he was more displeased that his daughter-in-law had defied him.

He couldn’t help raising his tone: “He’er, regardless of whether Ze’er can bear this setback, as his wife, you should care for and encourage him! Yet the words you just spoke were colder than a stranger’s. Is this how the Xiao family taught you to be a good wife?”

His words were reproachful and imposing.

Xiao Qinghe straightened her back, showing no fear or hesitation. She looked Wei Lingze’s father in the eyes and said: “Although society is harsh on women and imposes many rules, men are not without expectations. How can a husband blame his wife for not being virtuous if he himself does not cherish her?”

Her counterquestion darkened Wei Lingze’s father’s face. He could barely suppress his anger: “He’er, are you saying the Wei family failed to raise Ze’er properly?”

For a daughter-in-law to speak this way to her father-in-law was almost unthinkable.

Xiao Qinghe remained calm: “I dare not, Father. I only hope that before you reproach your daughter-in-law, you first go and see for yourself what your son has done, and whether all of this is truly my fault alone.”

Her words made Wei Lingze’s father alert. He immediately asked: “What has Ze’er done?”

“Father might not believe it if I told him. It’s better if you investigate and find out for yourself,” Xiao Qinghe said, bowing again. “It’s late. If you have no other matters, I will take my leave.”

Xiao Qinghe turned to leave, but Wei Lingze’s father wanted to stop her. At that moment, Xiao Qingyue and Xiao Qingyang arrived.

Xiao Qingyue ran to Xiao Qinghe, lifting her skirts, and asked anxiously: “Sister, are you all right?”

She didn’t even address him as uncle, only looked at Xiao Qinghe with worry, as if Wei Lingze’s father might harm her. Wei Lingze’s father choked with anger. Then Xiao Qingyang spoke sternly: “If you have a complaint, Master Wei, you can discuss it with us. There’s no need to trouble my sister.”

Wei Lingze’s father: “……”

What on earth had this wayward son done to make the younger generation of the Xiao family treat their in-laws this way?