TSWRLM -Chapter 265 When Ruthless, One Doesn’t Even Spare Oneself

After returning from the Grand Tutor’s residence, Chun Xi immediately began handling the many preparations for the New Year.

This year, the shop’s profits were good. Combined with the rewards Chun Xi had received and the money won from the winter hunt, she now had nearly ten thousand taels of silver.

This was the first time Chun Xi had control over such a large sum. She wasn’t stingy: she gave each shopkeeper and estate steward an extra month and a half of salary, and tenants and household servants were given five days off before and after the New Year, along with half a month’s pay.

Uncles Hu and Bao, A-Li, and the estate guards had to remain on duty continuously. Chun Xi gave them two extra months of salary. Qing Shu was still in Qingzhou watching over Cao Wen, and besides two months’ pay, Chun Xi also sent him some silver to buy New Year goods for Cao Wen.

Each month, Qing Shu sent updates. Since leaving home for Qingzhou, Cao Wen had become much more composed, always the first to arrive at school and the last to leave.

Because of his accent and the lack of family around, some students had tried to bully Cao Wen. But he no longer passively endured it; instead, he figured out ways to solve problems himself.

In the last school exam, Cao Wen ranked eighth, a huge improvement compared to before.

The academy would have nearly a month-long holiday. Qing Shu asked if Cao Wen wanted to return to Hanjing for the New Year, but he refused.

When he left the capital, Chun Xi hadn’t demanded he achieve anything remarkable; he had spent this time reflecting and decided to return only after completing his studies.

Chun Xi was very pleased with Cao Wen’s recent changes. Since he chose to stay in Qingzhou, she didn’t force him otherwise.

Once everyone’s salaries were distributed, Chun Xi began drafting her New Year gift list.

The Xiao family had helped her a lot, so gifts needed to be prepared for everyone. Princess Hengyang could not be omitted. There was also the Qingyuan Marquisate. Although Chun Xi didn’t favor the Shen family, as the eldest daughter-in-law, appearances still mattered. Finally, there were her elder brother and sister-in-law…

Each person had different tastes, so the gifts varied. Chun Xi had just gathered two jars of fine wine to present in a few days when Princess Hengyang arrived at the estate first.

Seeing Chun Xi quietly writing at her desk, the princess was slightly surprised. Upon seeing her handwriting, her expression was hard to read: “A-Xi, your handwriting… really is terrible.”

Although Princess Hengyang wasn’t fond of reading, during her time in the palace, she had been forced to practice good penmanship.

Chun Xi wasn’t discouraged. She calmly replied, “Princess, given my humble background, it is already quite an achievement that I can read and write.”

“That’s true,” Princess Hengyang didn’t press the topic. Patting Chun Xi on the shoulder, she continued, “Although your handwriting is ugly, your skills at managing your husband are excellent. Compared to you, I have been far too gentle with my prince consort.”

“…???”

Chun Xi put down her brush, bewildered: “Princess, I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

“It’s fine. There’s no one else here, so you don’t need to pretend in front of me.”

Princess Hengyang gave Chun Xi a knowing glance. Seeing Chun Xi even more confused, she realized Chun Xi truly wasn’t acting.

“You really don’t know, huh,” the princess sighed. Before Chun Xi could ask, she explained, “A few days ago, your husband Shen Qingyuan brought this matter up in court. The gist was that although you lost your father young and had no family backing, you still married him with genuine sincerity when he was at his lowest. Now that you are pregnant, he failed to properly manage his household, causing you to suffer injustice. Truly, for a man of seven feet, this is shameful.”

“…”

Chun Xi was stunned.

She had been busy with year-end matters and hadn’t gone out, so she hadn’t heard anything about this. Shen Qingyuan had continued his official duties as usual, showing no unusual behavior.

How could he even bring this up himself?

Snapping back to reality, Chun Xi quickly asked the princess, “Is His Majesty angry? Did he punish him?”

“The Shen family was the one who meddled, not him. He did nothing wrong, so why would the emperor punish him?” Princess Hengyang replied without hesitation. Then she added, “But this matter isn’t entirely without effect. The entire court now knows he is henpecked, a devoted husband. Privately, people might laugh that you’ve tamed him like a dog.”

Chun Xi pursed her lips.

Although Shen Jinhua had forcibly sent Ying’er into the estate and then handed her over to Shen Qingchi, this had not affected Chun Xi at all. She hadn’t been angry and hadn’t expected Shen Qingyuan to formally bring this matter before the court.

Chun Xi didn’t understand court affairs, but she knew that a man known to be henpecked did not have the best reputation among officials.

Lost in thought, her brow furrowed. Princess Hengyang nudged her arm: “Your husband loves you so much. Why do you look so unhappy instead?”

Chun Xi shook her head, honestly replying, “I’m not unhappy. I just worry that his reputation for being henpecked will spread, and others will look down on him.”

The princess rolled her eyes dramatically. “A-Xi, your Shen Qingyuan is a prodigy who became the top scholar at seventeen. Recently, he shone during the winter hunt. He’s extremely prominent before the emperor now. He could strike down a cow with one blow—who would dare look down on him?”

“….”

That actually made sense.

Chun Xi stopped dwelling on the topic and instead asked about Princess Hengyang’s recent condition.

The princess still had some morning sickness, but not as severe as before. Her prince consort tried various methods to ease her symptoms, even accompanying her every time she got up at night.

Princess Hengyang said somewhat awkwardly, “Mother and my elder sister-in-law have been urging me to have a child. Now that I am pregnant, it’s fine. Next year, Mother will celebrate her birthday; I can give her a child to play with, and she will be very happy. Plus, our children are the same age, so they’ll have more time to play together.”

Although the words lacked maternal warmth, the princess’ expression held a subtle gentleness even she might not notice. Chun Xi didn’t contradict her, simply sharing some methods to ease morning sickness and relax.

They hadn’t talked long when the prince consort arrived.

The weather was cold. He brought a cloak and heater for Princess Hengyang, along with sweet-and-sour dried fruits. Though she muttered about his fussiness, she accepted the heater and allowed him to fasten the cloak for her before leaving with him.

After they left, Chun Xi finished her tasks and dove into the small kitchen to cook.

By evening, Shen Qingyuan returned from his duties. Just as he entered the main gate, he saw Chun Xi approaching with a lantern.

Winter nights were early and dark. Although the corridor lights were lit, they weren’t very bright. The biting wind made the lantern sway gently in Chun Xi’s hands.

Shen Qingyuan hurried to meet her, taking her hand: “It’s so cold outside. Why did you come out? Did something happen?”

Chun Xi looked up at him, her eyes sparkling: “If nothing happened, can’t I come out to welcome my husband?”

Shen Qingyuan tightened his grip on her hand. After a moment, he said, “As long as my wife wishes it, anything is fine.”