TSWRLM -Chapter 346 Another New Year

Hearing that Chun Xi wanted to set up a place specifically for women to seek justice, Shen Qingyuan didn’t think she was being fanciful or absurd. After a moment of surprise, he earnestly began thinking through the matter with her.

“Madam, your intention is good, but it’s often said that even honest officials find family disputes difficult to judge. Matters in the inner household are even harder to discern right from wrong. Some women, even if truly wronged, may not have the courage to sever ties with their husband’s family. They might even, unable to bear the pressure, turn against you. And once such a place is established, you will inevitably face much social criticism. Have you thought this through?”

Shen Qingyuan had presided over cases in Jingzhao Mansion for many years, seen all kinds of people, and endured misunderstandings and backlash himself. He wasn’t trying to stop Chun Xi—he just felt the path would be incredibly difficult and didn’t want her to bear so much pressure.

Chun Xi’s eyes curved slightly as she replied, “What you say is true, husband. That’s why I’ll discuss it thoroughly with He’er and the Princess, set some thresholds, and make it for women who have the courage to help themselves but lack the means to escape their situation. I know our time and energy are limited, but if women across the land know there’s a place where they can seek justice, then in moments of despair, perhaps it will give them one more reason to survive, right?”

Take Feng Yinyin, for instance. If Su Yang hadn’t provoked Chun Xi, and if Chun Xi hadn’t had Uncle Hu investigate in Yuzhou, then after Feng’s mother passed away, she might have ended her own life, never seeing Su Yang brought to justice.

Or take Elder Sister-in-law Qian’s case. If Chun Xi hadn’t shown up to force her to break ties with the Qian family, she might have been married off to Li Tuhu, only to awaken to the abuse too late and spend the rest of her days in regret.

When Chun Xi first met Shen Qingyuan, she had been discouraged.

Even though she had already left the Wei family and done nothing wrong, she was still teased and put through hardship.

Had she not met Shen Qingyuan, who risked his own future to dig up evidence in the dead of night, she would have had no idea what path her life might have taken.

Now, all those hardships had passed, and she wanted to bring a little warmth and light to others.

Her eyes shone brightly. She didn’t speak grandly or make lofty declarations, but Shen Qingyuan could feel the energy and warmth emanating from her.

After a brief silence, Shen Qingyuan said deeply, “Madam, to marry you is my lifelong fortune.”

Like last year, Chun Xi gave the servants of the mansion a holiday in advance.

Only Nanny Li, Nanny Zhang, the wet nurse, Uncle Hu, Uncle Bao, A-Li, and the household guards remained on duty, and everyone shared the New Year’s Eve dinner together.

Last year they had hotpot lamb; this year Chun Xi prepared a roasted suckling pig and, along with Shen Qingyuan, cooked many delicious dishes.

Feng Yinyin’s body was too weak. Chun Xi, worried about her traveling, asked Uncle Hu to wait until after the New Year to escort her back to Yuzhou, so she stayed for dinner.

Seeing Shen Qingyuan with his sleeves rolled up, busy with Chun Xi in the small kitchen, Feng Yinyin’s eyes filled with tears after her initial surprise.

Her mother had enjoyed preparing medicinal meals at home. Her eldest brother had already arranged a marriage, and the bride-to-be was cheerful and gentle. After the Feng family’s misfortune, Elder Sister-in-law had visited her in prison several times. Later, when she and her mother served in the market, Elder Sister-in-law sent food and clothes several times.

But, unfortunately, her eldest brother was gone. Even though Elder Sister-in-law had feelings for him, family pressure forced her to choose another marriage.

Feng Yinyin wondered how her elder sister-in-law was doing now.

Lost in thought, Chun Xi suddenly came over and took her hand. “Stop daydreaming—come help make dumplings. Once they’re in the pot, we can eat.”

The dumpling wrappers were ready. Chun Xi called Uncle Hu, Uncle Bao, and A-Li to join in.

Though they were skilled with weapons, they had no idea how to handle these small dough wrappers. Either the filling leaked, or the dumplings looked ugly.

Feng Yinyin laughed at the oddly-shaped dumplings, dispelling her gloom, washed her hands, and joined in.

The New Year’s Eve dinner was lively. Afterward, Chun Xi handed out red envelopes to everyone and set off fireworks with An’an and Ning’er. Once the children were tired, they washed up and sat on the bed together to watch the New Year’s Eve countdown.

As soon as they sat, Chun Xi took out a pouch and handed it to Shen Qingyuan. “Here, this is for you.”

The pouch was dark blue, embroidered with a mandarin duck. The stitching was delicate, and it carried a faint medicinal fragrance.

When Shen Qingyuan took it, Chun Xi produced another, apricot-colored, also embroidered with a mandarin duck. “This is mine. The two of them make a pair. I hope every year we can have today, year after year.”

Chun Xi’s eyes sparkled, her face radiant with happiness and peace.

Shen Qingyuan felt warmth swell in his chest.

Though this was already their second New Year together, preparing the dinner, staying up for the New Year, and receiving gifts with the smell of fireworks made everything feel fresh and fortunate.

He was glad that night when he first met Chun Xi, he hadn’t let things go awry or scared her with secrecy, leaving a bad first impression.

Most importantly, after several encounters, he knew he wanted to marry her.

Shen Qingyuan immediately tied the pouch to his waist, then took a gold bracelet and put it on Chun Xi’s wrist.

The bracelet was solid gold, plain, but perfectly to Chun Xi’s liking.

Chun Xi’s eyes shone. “When did you buy this? It feels heavy. Did you spend all your salary, or do you have a private stash?”

One question after another, her eyes crescent-shaped with joy. Shen Qingyuan loved her material-loving side and leaned to kiss her.

Chun Xi went silent instantly. He kissed her again. “All my money is yours. I have no private stash. If you need, I would give my life for you.”

“…”

Husband, you’ve changed! Have you secretly learned the ways of Wuyou Pavilion from A-Li?

How is one supposed to resist this?

Chun Xi pounced, taking control. As a result, on the first day of the New Year, she couldn’t get up early to have breakfast with An’an and Ning’er. While dressing, Nanny Li and Nanny Zhang teased her, saying the mansion would have another little master soon.

Shen Qingyuan had become a favorite at court, and Chun Xi had received official recognition. After the New Year, many guests visited the mansion. Chun Xi stayed busy until the sixth day before taking An’an and Ning’er to see Old Madam Xiao.

On the tenth day, Chun Xi went with Xiao Qinghe to the princess’s mansion to discuss setting up the place for women to seek justice.

Princess Hengyang, who had helped Feng Yinyin punish Su Yang, was still eager for more. Upon hearing Chun Xi’s plan, she immediately agreed—she loved exposing the ugly faces of the heartless and unkind.

Xiao Qinghe’s eyes shone too, though she had more concerns than the princess. “If this succeeds, it’s good, but there will be many difficulties and criticisms. Some may even deliberately try to sabotage it. We need to carefully consider how to avoid risks to help those who truly need assistance.”

Chun Xi gave Xiao Qinghe a thumbs-up and then looked at Princess Hengyang. “Princess, could we ask the prince and his friends to help us strategize?”

“Isn’t your old Shen very capable? Why involve the prince?”

“My husband is busy at the Censorate every day and needs rest. What we’re doing is long-term, and he can’t manage everything alone. It’s better to have the prince help.”

The princess nodded. “Alright, then the prince will join us.”

With the prince’s advisory group involved, the matter quickly progressed.

That day, just as Chun Xi returned from the princess’s mansion, Feng Yinyin suddenly knelt before her. “Madam Shen, please save my elder sister-in-law!”