TSWRLM -Chapter 329 Madam Shen Is Lanshu’s Only Friend

After the Beginning of Winter palace banquet, news of Chun Xi receiving her official decree spread quickly. Posts from the wives of noble families in Hanjing arrived at the Shen residence like falling snow.

Some came to visit the residence, some invited her to outings and temple visits, and others invited her to private dinners.

Chun Xi didn’t rush into socializing. She took An’an and Ning’er to visit the Xiao family to see Old Madam Xiao.

An’an had been frail from birth, carefully nurtured for several months, and now, looking at him and Ning’er—both plump, round, and chubby, with tiny hands and feet like little lotus joints, fair and soft, radiating a milky scent—she seemed about the same age as Ning’er.

It was the first time both children went out. Their round, wide eyes looked around in curiosity. Old Madam Xiao laughed so heartily that her mouth could hardly close: “A-Xi has raised these two children so well. They’re like the dolls in New Year pictures. Once they can talk, I wonder how charming they will be.”

Chun Xi smiled and lowered her eyes: “Once they can talk, they’ll probably be a handful. I won’t be able to manage them, so they’ll pester you, auntie. Just don’t mind them too much.”

“I don’t mind. I’m old, and I like watching children make a fuss.”

Old Madam Xiao, though recovered from a recent illness, still had low energy due to her age and soon felt tired. Chun Xi quickly had the wet nurse feed the children and then spoke with Old Madam Xiao about the recent posts she received.

Old Madam Xiao smiled: “When socializing, sincerity is most important. Don’t be calculating. You’ve always done well in judging people. Now that you have your decree, no one dares to question your background. You don’t need to worry too much; meeting more people will actually benefit you.”

She didn’t specify which connections Chun Xi should pursue but encouraged her to meet people and choose carefully herself. This was both encouragement and recognition of Chun Xi as Madam Shen.

Chun Xi felt reassured and lowered her eyes respectfully: “Thank you for your guidance, auntie.”

At noon, Chun Xi stayed for the meal as usual. Madam Xiao also brought Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue. Seeing the two children so adorable, Madam Xiao felt joy but couldn’t help a shadow of worry in her eyes.

If He’er hadn’t experienced so many hardships, her grandchildren would have been learning to walk by now.

He’er was still young. Now that Wei Lingze had died, there were plenty of suitors, some from reputable families, but He’er stubbornly refused to marry again.

The Xiao family could afford her, and Madam Xiao didn’t want to pressure her daughter. But a woman’s youth is short. If in a few years He’er changed her mind, there might not be so many good suitors left to choose from.

Lost in thought, Madam Xiao sighed.

Xiao Qingyue noticed her mother’s worry but didn’t want to give her sister pressure, so she changed the subject: “Brother A-Chen will soon hold a formal residence banquet. When will sister-in-law have time to go with us to choose gifts?”

“All right,” Chun Xi agreed.

Old Madam Xiao also said to Madam Xiao: “A-Chen is a good boy. His family is gone, and he is unmarried. You should help him manage things.”

Madam Xiao quickly responded: “Yes, mother. He has achieved merit and now has his own residence. Many wives are curious about what kind of girl he likes, though he’s still recovering. I haven’t asked him yet.”

With a household hero well-known to all, Xiao Qingyue was proud, naturally paying more attention to Xiao Yechen.

As soon as Madam Xiao spoke, Xiao Qingyue added: “Brother A-Chen’s injuries are severe. The emperor sent imperial doctors. He has many wounds, especially a long one across his waist and abdomen.”

She gestured with her hand to show the length.

Madam Xiao immediately scolded: “Yue’er, be careful what you say! A young girl shouldn’t discuss a man’s injuries like that.”

Xiao Qingyue shrank her neck and quietly explained: “Mother, I haven’t seen it myself. The servants told me. When Brother A-Chen returned, the wound on his waist hadn’t healed yet. Just thinking about it hurts me. I don’t know how he could remain calm and silent.”

“Those who dare go to the battlefield can endure far more than that. Enough, no more talking about it.”

Madam Xiao added a serving of food to Xiao Qingyue’s bowl, signaling her to eat more and speak less. Xiao Qingyue huffed but reluctantly ate.

After the meal, Madam Xiao ordered Xiao Qingyue back to the courtyard to learn proper etiquette, while Xiao Qinghe escorted Chun Xi out.

Just after passing through the flower-adorned gate, they met Xiao Yechen.

Returning home, he had changed out of his armor into ordinary clothes. Perhaps for easier dressing, his clothes were loose. The aura of battle left him, and his pale face made him look weak.

The scars on his face had faded; he didn’t look fierce but fragile, evoking pity.

“General Xiao,” Chun Xi greeted.

Xiao Yechen responded with a short “Hmm,” then pulled a piece of paper from his chest and handed it to Chun Xi: “This is from Lanshu, entrusted to me to give to Madam Shen.”

Chun Xi was surprised. Opening it, she found a bank deposit slip with a sum of tens of thousands of taels.

The slip was stained with blood, but the writing was clear: it had Chun Xi’s name on it.

“Lanshu said the shops and food you recommended were excellent. Madam Shen is his only friend in this world. He foresaw he might come to harm and decided that the only person he could entrust his savings to was Madam Shen.”

Chun Xi loved money. Even now, as a lady who had received her official decree, she still loved money. But receiving all of Lanshu’s savings so casually, she felt no happiness—only a heavy, stifling weight in her heart.

Her interactions with Lanshu had been few, her concern for him only superficial words. Yet for those few words, he entrusted her all of his savings.

What kind of life had he lived to devote everything so fully just to repay this small kindness?

“Where is Lanshu now?”

Chun Xi had a bad premonition but asked anyway. Xiao Yechen’s brow furrowed: “He’s dead.”

Like Wei Lingze, he had died in Wengzhou.

But because he had no family and low status, his body wouldn’t be sent back to Hanjing.

Besides Xiao Yechen, no one cared about his life or death.

Chun Xi’s heart sank further. After a moment, she put away the deposit slip and asked Xiao Yechen: “Could you help me find some of Lanshu’s belongings? I want to give him a proper burial. Also, I’d like to use this money to redeem the boys in Wuyou Pavilion.”

A flicker of emotion crossed Xiao Yechen’s eyes.

So… Lanshu had guessed correctly.