TSWRLM -Chapter 33 Wei Lingze Behaves Like a Villain

Madam Xiao’s Songhe Courtyard was located in the northeast corner of the Xiao residence. The yard was spacious, filled with flowering trees and plants, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Because of Shen Qingyuan’s accident, Madam Xiao had been sleeping poorly for the past few days. As soon as Chun Xi entered the room, she smelled the strong scent of calming incense.

After politely thanking her host, Chun Xi boldly asked, “Madam, do you have a headache?”

Previously, Wei Lingze had been temperamental and restless at night, which sometimes caused headaches. Chun Xi had learned some massage techniques from the imperial physician.

Madam Xiao had brought out many hairpins and jewelry from the storage. Chun Xi only wore a white jade hairpin and a pair of jade earrings, and with her bright new dress, she looked much better than before, though still modest and elegant.

Madam Xiao recalled that when they first arrived at the residence, Shen Qingyuan had almost leaned his entire body against her, and with the difference in their sizes, it made her appear tiny. He had never been this close to anyone before.

Madam Xiao didn’t refuse, so Chun Xi stepped behind her to give her a massage.

Chun Xi knew the acupoints of the human body and applied just the right amount of pressure. After a short while, Madam Xiao’s brow relaxed, clearly feeling comfortable.

Once the massage was finished, Madam Xiao asked about Shen Qingyuan’s injuries.

Chun Xi kept secret the part where the two of them had pretended to embrace in the alley, only saying that she had coincidentally encountered Shen Qingyuan, protected him to the inn, and then, following his instructions, staged the appearance of his accident.

Even hearing just this, Madam Xiao felt her heart tighten.

Shen Qingyuan had already been injured and was incapable of handling the investigation, yet those people had relentlessly pursued him. They had truly meant to take his life.

Madam Xiao’s heart sank, but her expression remained calm. She looked at Chun Xi with affection: “Yuan’er was gravely injured and pursued by enemies. Weren’t you afraid being with him?”

“Master Shen is a good man. Heaven will surely protect him. Besides, he has solved so many wrongful cases—he must have accumulated immense merit. Ever since meeting Master Shen, my luck has improved too.”

Chun Xi’s eyes shone with sincerity.

Since the prodigy, who had become the top scholar at seventeen, entered Jingzhao Prefecture, he had made no further achievements, constantly dealing with corpses and criminals, and had tragically lost two wives. Over the years, Madam Xiao had heard countless remarks about Shen Qingyuan being cold and antisocial.

This girl, Chun Xi, was clearly different.

A smile appeared in Madam Xiao’s eyes, her tone growing warmer: “Then why did you appear in Yuxian?”

Finally, the key question.

Chun Xi pinched her thigh discreetly, and looking up, tears glimmered in her eyes: “I won’t hide it from you, Madam. I happened to encounter Master Shen while escaping from a marriage I didn’t consent to.”

“Escaping a marriage?”

Madam Xiao looked puzzled. Chun Xi nodded: “After leaving the Wei family, I received many rewards. I shared much of it with my family and also bought a small shop for myself. My mother, however, was greedy. To seize my shop, she drugged me and arranged for me to be married off far away to Qingzhou. When I woke, I was shocked and heartbroken, so I sought a chance to escape.”

Marriage alliances between prominent families were no trivial matter. Even if the fault lay with Wei Lingze, who wanted to enjoy all the benefits, sending Chun Xi off to die would have been the easiest way to preserve appearances.

Even with all her resentment, Chun Xi didn’t dare blame Wei Lingze.

“I knocked out Young Master Liu and his coachman, took their carriage, and left them on the roadside. The Liu family might come to Xiao household seeking them. Boldly, I rely on the favor I owe to Master Shen, begging Madam to protect me, so I can choose a husband I can trust and live peacefully.”

Escaping a marriage was already shocking enough—Chun Xi didn’t mention that she had stripped both men.

Explaining her actions openly and claiming she acted out of gratitude made her seem straightforward rather than offensive.

Madam Xiao asked gently: “What kind of husband do you like?”

“Now I’m an older maiden. Previously, I did rough work in the Wei household. I dare not be picky. Whether a commoner or a worker—if he’s decent-looking and willing to live an honest life, that’s enough.”

Her examples were ordinary people, showing her expectations were modest.

Madam Xiao’s eyes flickered: “You saved Yuan’er, helped dress his wounds, and had close contact with him. I see that he seems to regard you differently.”

“…”!!!

Madam, you can’t say that!

What am I? What is Master Shen?

Moreover, if that logic applied, I’ve spent the past three years serving Wei Lingze—how much close contact have I had with him?

Chun Xi hurriedly denied: “Madam, you misunderstand. Master Shen only sympathized because my family forced me to marry far away. He has shown concern so that I can rely on this life-saving favor to seek your protection.”

Chun Xi’s expression was resolute—she didn’t dare harbor even the slightest improper thought toward Shen Qingyuan.

Madam Xiao observed closely, still slightly unconvinced. Was she overthinking?

The Xiao household’s bed was soft, the bedding fragrant, and Chun Xi slept very well.

Meanwhile, in Yuxian, Wei Lingze sat in the dark, sleepless and brooding.

While he still doubted that Liu Fengyuan had secretly abducted Chun Xi, his investigators reported that it was the Xiao household’s personal guards who took her.

The Xiao family had a martial heritage, and the emperor had specially permitted them to maintain personal guards.

On Madam Xiao’s birthday, she had placed Shen Qingyuan beside her, and had been furious when hearing of his accident. Now the Xiao family’s guards had gone to Yuxian—not for Shen Qingyuan, who else could it be for?

But why was Chun Xi entangled with Shen Qingyuan? And why had she gone to the Xiao household with him?

For three years, the Xiao family had never canceled the engagement despite his paralysis. Now that the wedding date was set again, there was no way they would call it off for a mere maid.

If Chun Xi dared speak, her only path would be death.

Wei Lingze was certain Chun Xi wouldn’t dare reveal the truth, yet seeing her live at the Xiao household with Shen Qingyuan felt like a thorn stabbing into his heart.

Did she really think Shen Qingyuan could protect her?

What right did a bureaucrat who had not been promoted in ten years have to oppose him?

Moreover, Shen Qingyuan had arranged a safe place for her, would check on her whenever he could, and she was served by a staff of attendants—so why couldn’t she behave properly?

Long lashes cast a shadow over Wei Lingze’s eyes. A cold, cruel smile curled at the corners of his lips.

He had given Chun Xi dignity, but since she refused it, he would break her bone by bone until she cried and begged to return to him.

That night, Wei Lingze took his men back to Hanjing.

Chun Xi had just finished breakfast with Madam Xiao when she heard Wei Lingze had arrived at the Xiao household and specifically demanded to see her.

Following Shaoyao, Chun Xi went to Shen Qingyuan’s courtyard. Just stepping into the yard, she heard Wei Lingze’s cold voice: “Master Shen was chased by assassins. That someone suddenly appeared at such a critical moment is suspicious. I will take her back to Jingzhao Prefecture for a thorough interrogation, to see if she colluded with the assassins!”

Chun Xi: “…”

Openly lying with his eyes wide open—Young Master, you really have no shame!