TSWRLM -Chapter 35 Summoned by the Crown Prince

Good news doesn’t travel, but bad news spreads a thousand miles.

The news that the Wei family’s ancestral tomb had exploded spread like wildfire, and everyone began maliciously speculating about the marriage between the Wei and Xiao families.

Could it be that Xiao Qinghe and Wei Lingze were astrologically incompatible? Otherwise, why did something always happen to the Wei family whenever a wedding date was set?

If the marriage went through, would Wei Lingze be “cursed” to die young?

Once the rumor spread, Madam Yun immediately sent gifts to the Xiao household.

The Wei family’s old master’s tomb had been blown up with gunpowder—completely unrelated to Xiao Qinghe. The Wei family had no prejudice against her due to these baseless rumors.

Madam Yun was considerate, but it could not stop the endless chatter of the public.

Xiao Qingyue was furious: “Who would be so idle that they blow up someone else’s ancestral tomb? I bet it’s that little she-devil! She’s probably hoping to separate sister and brother-in-law so she can rise in status herself.”

Xiao Qinghe, flipping through the account books, calmly replied: “Miss Chun Xi has been staying at home these past few days. Before that, she was with Uncle Shen. She didn’t have time to do something like this, and the Wei family tombs are under strict watch. How could a weak young woman like her avoid being seen?”

“Maybe someone helped her secretly.”

Xiao Qingyue blurted it out, and both of them, in their minds, involuntarily pictured Shen Qingyuan’s stoic, implacable face.

Impossible.

This little uncle was always detached yet righteous—he wouldn’t do such an underhanded thing.

Xiao Qingyue frowned, unwilling to relent: “Anyway, I feel this has to be connected to her. She doesn’t even like the son of a wealthy merchant—she’d rather run away from marriage and stay in Hanjing. Surely she wants a chance to get close to brother-in-law.”

Xiao Qinghe paused in her bookkeeping, recalling recent encounters with Chun Xi. After a moment, she said: “She’s been by Lord Wei’s side through the toughest days. If he wants to give her a proper place in his life, it’s understandable.”

Ever since Wei Lingze had brought Chun Xi to various banquets, Xiao Qinghe had been pondering this issue.

She realized she could actually tolerate Chun Xi.

Chun Xi had shared three years of companionship with Wei Lingze. Xiao Qinghe herself had a childhood friendship with him spanning over a decade. Even if things weren’t as before, she still held weight in Wei Lingze’s heart.

“Sister, how can you bear to share a husband with such a person!?”

Xiao Qingyue exclaimed, her heart aching painfully.

Her elder sister was born noble, educated from youth, her talents equal to any man’s. Wherever she went, she was adored.

Before her brother-in-law was injured, he treated her the best. Any delicacy or entertainment would be sent to her first. If anyone spoke ill of her, he would be the first to object.

Everyone in Hanjing knew her and her brother-in-law were a perfect match.

If it weren’t for her brother-in-law being injured, how could a lowly maid even appear by his side?

Someone like that wasn’t even worthy of holding her sister’s shoes!

Xiao Qingyue cried in anger. Xiao Qinghe, half-amused, half-exasperated, said: “I’m just saying this. She already left the Wei family and even had a matchmaker arrange a marriage. Even if I didn’t mind, she might not even want to be a concubine.”

“Who says she wouldn’t want to? Does she think she can surpass the heavens and overshadow sister?” Xiao Qingyue cried, then realized the words sounded off. She hurriedly added: “Brother-in-law promised in front of the family that he would only ever love sister, never take a concubine. Who cares what that little she-devil thinks?”

Xiao Qingyue’s nose was red from crying. Xiao Qinghe wiped her tears gently and said softly: “Yes, yes. Your brother-in-law only loves me. So… can you at least be polite to Uncle Shen’s life-saving benefactor?”

Xiao Qingyue could not.

The more she thought about it after being coaxed back into the courtyard, the angrier she got. She immediately summoned Mo Yun: “Have the kitchen put some croton seeds into that little she-devil’s food.”

This she-devil loved eating, didn’t she? Well, let her eat to her heart’s content!

The last time Chun Xi caused a scene at the old madam’s birthday banquet, Mo Yun had been punished with thirty strokes. Although the steward had not hit too hard, Mo Yun was still severely scolded afterward.

A servant must not only obey their master but also advise them—not watch them commit a mistake.

Mo Yun twitched at the order, trying to reason: “The old madam said Miss Chun Xi is a distinguished guest. Miss, doing this might not be proper.”

Xiao Qingyue pouted: “What’s improper? She’s greedy herself. If she overeats and gets sick, that’s her problem, not anyone else’s.”

“But Miss Chun Xi has been dining in Madam Xiao’s Songhe Courtyard these past few days. If something happens, the old madam will investigate.”

“Then put it in her tea. She can’t refuse to drink water, can she?”

Xiao Qingyue’s eyes narrowed, patience exhausted. Mo Yun dared not argue further and withdrew.

The servants quickly brought back the croton seeds and handed them to Shaoyao. Thinking of seeing Chun Xi humiliated tomorrow, Xiao Qingyue happily went to sleep.

The next morning, after breakfast, hearing that the Crown Prince was coming to see Shen Qingyuan, she was overjoyed.

Truly, heaven assists me!

The Wei family tomb had been blown up. Chun Xi’s mood was excellent, and her appetite surged. She diligently helped Madam Xiao finish her meals but accidentally ate too much and felt bloated.

After tossing and turning all night, Chun Xi woke up looking a bit haggard.

Still, to please Madam Xiao, she forced herself to eat a breakfast of a tray of crab-roe buns, a plate of cold noodles, and two flower rolls.

Shaoyao followed her closely, and Chun Xi dared not show her discomfort.

However, Shaoyao’s observation skills were sharp. She brought hot tea: “Mistress, you look unwell. Drink some tea slowly. If you’re still not feeling right, I’ll call the household doctor.”

“Thank you.”

Chun Xi gratefully took the tea and drank it all in one go.

Warmth slid down into her stomach, and she truly felt better.

Chun Xi relaxed her brow, and Shaoyao breathed a sigh of relief.

After drinking, she found an excuse to take the kettle away, “destroying the evidence,” while Chun Xi practiced the Five-Animal Exercises in the courtyard.

It must be because she hadn’t moved much these past days. Moving around would help her digestion.

After just two moves, her stomach churned violently. Chun Xi thought, “Oh no!” and rushed to the latrine.

“Ugh!”

A bout of vomiting emptied her stomach in an instant.

Finally… relief.

Chun Xi exhaled, then walked back to the courtyard with lighter steps.

Shaoyao returned with fresh tea and noticed Chun Xi coming from the latrine, a bit suspicious.

Could croton seeds act so quickly? Wouldn’t it be fatal?

Chun Xi took the kettle, rinsed her mouth, and said apologetically: “Sorry, didn’t disturb you, did I?”

No noticeable smell at all.

Shaoyao shook her head. At that moment, a servant reported: “Miss Chun Xi, His Highness the Crown Prince requests to see you.”

The Crown Prince wants to see her? Why?

Chun Xi quickly changed her clothes to meet him. Just as she entered, she heard Xiao Qingyue say: “Thanks to Miss Chun Xi’s quick thinking, she saved Uncle Shen. His Highness the Crown Prince must reward her well.”

Chun Xi: “……”???

Second Miss Xiao is… taking credit for me?