TSWRLM -Chapter 293 A-Xi, Someone Is Out to Harm You

Although Wei Lingze had caused many scandals in Hanjing, once he arrived in Wengzhou, he was treated as an honored guest by the new state government. Other officials and merchants in Wengzhou all scrambled to see him.

Traveling through the mountains and rivers along the way, Wei Lingze’s mood brightened considerably. Daily social engagements restored his image as the elegant, refined young master. Many women were immediately captivated by him, and within just a few days in Wengzhou, Wei Lingze regained much of his confidence. The previous period of decline was completely swept away, replaced by a radiant, spirited demeanor.

Yet when night fell and everything grew quiet, thinking back on the events in Hanjing and Xiao Qinghe’s resolute divorce left Wei Lingze tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

It felt as though he had been split in two.

One half languished in Hanjing, depressed and disheartened; the other half stood proudly in Wengzhou, admired and celebrated.

The only thing that allowed him some peace, preventing the gap from driving him insane, was the “Soul-Soothing Incense” he had purchased from Wuyou Pavilion.

Previously, he had used it occasionally to help sleep, but now he could not rest without it.

Last time, he had bought an insufficient amount, so he had to send a message back to the capital, asking Xingzhou to purchase more from Wuyou Pavilion and have it sent over.

He could only hope Xingzhou would act quickly and not make him wait too long.

Even just thinking that the incense was about to run out made Wei Lingze strangely irritable, his chest feeling as if countless ants were gnawing at his heart.

The wedding of Qingyuan Hou and Madam Yao was set for the eighth day of the fourth lunar month.

Although Qingyuan Hou insisted on a grand ceremony, Madam Yao had no family, and Qingyuan Hou had few friends. The Shen family wanted to invite people they knew to make a lively display, but Qingyuan Hou refused, saying those people were not worthy of the occasion.

In the end, the guest list was small.

Madam Yao remained fairly compliant and did not make excessive demands. Chun Xi therefore helped the Shen family diligently with the wedding preparations.

As the wedding approached, Chun Xi chose to stay at the Hou residence with Shen Qingyuan to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. After Shen Qingchi completed her postpartum confinement, she returned to her natal home with her child.

Even with Shen Jinhua and the wet nurse taking care of her, Shen Qingchi’s confinement was not properly observed.

She cried constantly, and after her confinement, developed the habit of tearing up easily in the wind. Her eye sockets became hollow, her back slightly hunched, and the pride and confidence she had regained were gone.

The child, born prematurely, was frail. After about a month of care, she remained small and thin.

Qingyuan Hou had no pity for Shen Qingchi, and seeing his tiny granddaughter failed to stir any affection. He prepared no gifts for her, and the Shen family was even less likely to bring anything.

After seeing everyone, Chun Xi took the mother and daughter to rest.

The courtyard where Shen Qingchi had stayed before leaving the residence was now occupied by her second uncle’s family, so the mother and daughter had to use the guest room.

As they approached the guest room, Shen Qingchi spoke softly, “Sister-in-law, I’m sorry. It was my fault before.”

Her head bowed, eyes slightly red. Chun Xi did not respond, only saying, “Everything for the wedding has been arranged. You and the baby should rest in the room. I’ll have food sent here.”

“Thank you, Sister-in-law,” Shen Qingchi said gently, then added, “I heard from my aunt that you bought a lot of nourishing supplies for me from Huichun Hall. Thanks to you, I survived this ordeal. Thank you, Sister-in-law, for not holding grudges…”

The more Shen Qingchi spoke, the more ashamed she became, her voice growing smaller.

Chun Xi, however, remained composed, saying calmly, “I’m not saying I hold no grudges. I just feel the child is innocent, and these things are for the child.”

Chun Xi’s tone was cold. Shen Qingchi choked on her words, and after a moment asked, “Sister-in-law, before you said that if anything happened to me, you would take the child under your care—is that true?”

Chun Xi looked at her suspiciously. “Why are you asking that? Do you not want to live?”

“No, I’m just asking.”

Shen Qingchi shook her head repeatedly, her expression slightly dazed.

Chun Xi furrowed her brows. After a pause, she said, “This child is the bloodline of the Grand Tutor residence. If anything happens to you, the Grand Tutor residence should take care of her. If they refuse, she should be sent back to the Hou residence for her father and brothers to raise. Only if they are all gone would the child come under my care and your elder brother’s. Even among close relatives, there are distinctions in proximity. With her father and full brothers alive, it is not our place to raise the child.”

Shen Qingchi opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Finally, she thanked Chun Xi once more and entered the room with her child.

Chun Xi felt that something was wrong and turned to find Shen Jinhua.

Shen Jinhua had endured a lot of scorn at the Grand Tutor residence recently, and upon seeing Chun Xi, vented her frustrations.

“This Grand Tutor residence is truly unbearable. They knew she gave birth to a daughter, yet no one came to see them. The servants were indifferent everywhere. And that Li Jixian scoundrel ran off to Wengzhou without a word. If I hadn’t been here, mother and daughter might not have survived confinement.”

Chun Xi knew Shen Qingchi’s situation would have been tougher without a son, but she hadn’t expected that with Shen Jinhua still around, the Grand Tutor residence wouldn’t even bother to maintain appearances.

After thinking for a moment, Chun Xi asked, “What about the Fifth Madam of the Grand Tutor residence? Isn’t she a good person? Did she not care for Qingchi and the baby?”

“She did come a few days ago, but empty-handed, bringing nothing. I wasn’t in the room, so I didn’t hear what they said. After she left, Qingchi kept holding the baby, crying and staring blankly. I couldn’t comfort her, so I gave up.”

Shen Jinhua sighed again. Shen Qingchi cried so much that Ying’er constantly regretted her own foolish actions. Seeing these two discouraged faces every day made Shen Jinhua feel life was meaningless.

Chun Xi handed some silver to Shen Jinhua. “I know you’ve worked hard lately. I noticed Qingchi doesn’t look well. Please pay extra attention to her and the baby.”

Chun Xi’s gesture was generous, but Shen Jinhua, exhausted, barely reacted. She took a deep breath, forced herself to focus, and said, “I understand, A-Xi. Don’t worry. It’s the Grand Tutor residence that mistreats them. If anything happens at the Hou residence, it’ll be on us.”

Chun Xi didn’t explain further, only giving a few final instructions before leaving.

Even though the Shen family each took charge of parts of the wedding for their own benefit, Chun Xi was still tired. She had barely sat down when a servant reported, “Young Madam, your maternal elder brother has arrived. He says it’s urgent and must see you.”

Chun Xi’s eyes flicked. She immediately had Cao Wu brought to the main hall. As soon as she entered, Cao Wu rushed over, tightly grasping her hand, and said in a low voice: “A-Xi, someone wants to harm you and your brother-in-law!”