TSWRLM -Chapter 355 It’s Time to Consider Remarriage

Two years later.

After the first snowfall, a biting cold swept across Hanjing, making the air damp and frigid.

Upon returning home, Xiao Qinghe immediately went to visit Old Madam Xiao.

After the snow, temperatures had dropped sharply, and Old Madam Xiao had caught a chill.

Xiao Qinghe warmed herself by the fire for a while, driving out the chill before approaching her grandmother’s bedside.

Old Madam Xiao had just taken her medicine and was resting against the bed. Seeing Xiao Qinghe, she smiled: “Out again today? Was it cold outside?”

“Not at all,” Xiao Qinghe shook her head and sat by the bed, skillfully massaging her grandmother’s arms. “Your granddaughter has been walking around outside, and it made her sweat. Once you’re fully recovered, I’ll accompany you around the mansion to get some exercise. Little Aunt said that staying active keeps all illnesses away.”

Over the past two years, Xiao Qinghe had been busy helping women stuck in difficult lives alongside Chun Xi and the princess. Her days were fulfilling. She had also learned the exercise routine for health from Chun Xi, giving her a rosy complexion and far more energy than before.

Old Madam Xiao liked the changes in her granddaughter. She smiled, narrowing her eyes: “You two are still young. I’m old; my bones creak whenever I move. I can’t say I’m free from ailments.”

“You’re not old at all, Grandmother.”

Xiao Qinghe frowned, speaking teasingly. Old Madam Xiao quickly corrected herself, saying she wasn’t old, then changed the subject to ask about Xiao Qingyue’s wedding preparations.

“Mother has been keeping Yue’er busy these past months. The wedding dress is almost finished, and everything else has been prepared. The young master of the Jin’an Marquis’s mansion likes Yue’er very much. Knowing she couldn’t go out recently, he had plenty of food and toys sent over to keep her entertained. Grandmother, you can rest easy.”

Old Madam Xiao nodded: “The Jin’an Marquis’s wife is your mother’s close friend and a kind person. Everyone in their household spoils this young master. Once Yue’er marries in, she’ll have two elder sisters-in-law supporting her. There won’t be the burden of managing the household. As long as the couple maintains a good relationship, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Having learned from Xiao Qinghe’s experience, Madam and Mister Xiao were very cautious about her marriage. Xiao Qingyang and Xiao Qingyun had secretly investigated the young master of the Jin’an Marquis’s mansion for a long time, ensuring he was virtuous, not a spoiled brat, honest, and sincere. Only then did they arrange the marriage.

Speaking of marriage, Old Madam Xiao inevitably mentioned Xiao Qinghe herself: “Yue’er is about to marry, and it’s been over two years since your divorce. It’s time to think about remarriage.”

“Grandmother…”

Xiao Qinghe still didn’t want to remarry. But before she could finish, Old Madam Xiao interrupted: “I know you’ve been busy with Chun Xi and the princess, helping with important matters every day. Your life is fulfilling, and you don’t want to be distracted by matters of the heart. But your life is still long. If Grandmother, your father, and mother were no longer here, I would worry about you being alone.”

Old Madam Xiao’s white hair glimmered, and with her lingering cold, her words brought tears to Xiao Qinghe’s eyes.

Grasping her granddaughter’s hand, Old Madam Xiao continued: “Your brothers’ wives treat you well now, but as they grow older, they’ll focus more on their own children. They can’t always consider you as we do. You need to choose someone truly caring, someone to have a child with who can stay by your side.”

Old Madam Xiao’s tone was gentle. Though her words were familiar, each one carried deep love for Xiao Qinghe.

Faced with such heartfelt concern, Xiao Qinghe couldn’t refuse. She replied, “Grandmother, you are right. Your granddaughter will think carefully about this matter.”

Old Madam Xiao smiled with relief: “Good child.”

Xiao Qinghe had only said it to make her grandmother happy. Yet, just a few days later, the Xiao family announced that their clan academy would open to the public.

Next year would be the triennial spring examination. The Xiao family’s decision to open the academy for students to seek guidance immediately drew countless talented youths.

Mister Xiao, Xiao Qingyun, and Xiao Qingyang worked diligently to select students carefully. Madam Xiao also took Xiao Qinghe shopping for new jewelry and clothes.

“I think this apricot-pink fabric looks lovely. What do you think, He’er?”

While speaking, Madam Xiao draped the fabric across Xiao Qinghe. Xiao Qinghe felt helpless: “Mother, this fabric is delicate and suits a young teenage girl. You don’t realize how old I am now.”

Madam Xiao didn’t like hearing this. She shot her daughter a reproachful glance: “You’re just over twenty! How old can you really be?”

Ignoring Xiao Qinghe’s protests, Madam Xiao picked several more vibrant fabrics and had the servants wrap them all up.

After choosing the fabrics, Madam Xiao took Xiao Qinghe to select several sets of the latest fashionable jewelry in Hanjing.

Still unsatisfied, she then led Xiao Qinghe to a cosmetic shop.

As soon as they got out of the carriage, they saw Xiao Yecheng frowning on the roadside, with a tear-streaked young girl standing before him.

Madam Xiao immediately recognized her as Zhang Zhilian and sighed: “I really don’t know which girl Cheng’er likes. I’ve tried asking him several times, but he won’t say. Miss Zhang has humbled herself and pursued him for two years, yet he still hasn’t given her a proper response. It’s such a pity.”

No sooner had Madam Xiao finished speaking than Xiao Yecheng noticed them and quickly approached: “Aunt, He’er.”

Zhang Zhilian wiped her tears and followed, greeting them: “Aunt Xiao, Sister He’er.”

Her face was red from crying, her eyelashes wet, and her pitiful appearance tugged at the heart.

Madam Xiao glared at Xiao Yecheng: “Why did you make this young lady cry?”

Before Xiao Yecheng could answer, Zhang Zhilian spoke up: “Aunt Xiao, it’s a misunderstanding. It’s not Brother Cheng’s fault. Something got into my eye by accident.”

Having pursued Xiao Yecheng for two years, Zhang Zhilian understood him somewhat but didn’t dare make a scene or let others misinterpret their relationship, fearing she might never see him again.

By taking responsibility, Zhang Zhilian avoided Madam Xiao’s further questioning. Madam Xiao only reminded Xiao Yecheng to be gentle with ladies, not to be too harsh.

Xiao Yecheng didn’t dare disobey and respectfully agreed.

After some polite exchange, Madam Xiao led Xiao Qinghe into the cosmetic shop, and Xiao Yecheng naturally followed.

Madam Xiao looked back, frowning: “This is a cosmetics shop. Why are you coming in?”

Xiao Yecheng remained composed: “It’s a rare opportunity. I came to pay the bill.”

He was grateful for the Xiao family’s kindness. Though he lived in a separate residence, he returned home during holidays and bought gifts for everyone in the family.

“Your thoughtfulness is enough,” Madam Xiao said, showing appreciation. Then she added: “But these items are for women. It’s not proper for you to pay.”

Being older, Madam Xiao no longer cared much about makeup; the cosmetics were clearly for Xiao Qinghe.

A warning bell immediately rang in Xiao Yecheng’s mind.