TSWRLM -Chapter 358 Unwavering Devotion

Xiao Yecheng did not dare claim that his heart was free of distractions.

His admiration for the eldest miss had long since taken root; over the years, it had grown like a towering tree, unshakable.

He loved her deeply, yet he did not dare speak it aloud.

He feared that if he were rejected, even the chance to be near her would vanish.

Xiao Yecheng clenched his face and remained silent. Seeing this, Xie Zhang curved his lips into a knowing smile.

“Cousin He’er is currently alone. Everyone can try their own luck. I’m willing to compete fairly with Brother Yecheng,” Xie Zhang said calmly, his tone that of a true gentleman.

Xiao Yecheng frowned at the words. “A woman’s lifelong matters should be decided by her own heart, not by a secret competition between us. And besides, you already have a child.”

It is often said that being a stepmother is difficult; Xiao Yecheng did not believe Xie Zhang had the right to pursue Xiao Qinghe.

Hearing the disapproval in Xiao Yecheng’s voice, Xie Zhang remained composed. “Not only do I have a child, but I’ve also been married before. From the current situation, my chances are far lower than Brother Yecheng’s. So what do you have to worry about?”

Xie Zhang could remain patient and composed; Xiao Yecheng pressed his lips together and clenched his fists.

He was not afraid of losing to Xie Zhang—he feared causing the eldest miss to grow weary of him.

Xiao Qinghe was unaware of the conversation between Xiao Yecheng and Xie Zhang. Upon learning that Yu Zhao was hosting a birthday banquet, the Princess of Hengyang sent a female medical officer from the palace to disguise as a maid and accompany Xie Zhang’s schoolmate into the Yu household to meet Madam Yu.

Sure enough, Madam Yu had been deeply poisoned and, due to three miscarriages, was weakened and bedridden.

On the day of the banquet, the front hall was filled with guests, bustling and noisy. Madam Yu, however, was confined in a small courtyard, left only with the sounds of firecrackers and her illness. The household servants treated her lightly, delivering spoiled and moldy food.

Once Madam Yu’s condition was confirmed, the medical officer instructed her to find a way to go to Yunshan Temple.

Ten days later, before dawn, Madam Yu left quietly. Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe, under Xiao Yecheng’s escort, also headed to Yunshan Temple.

The Princess of Hengyang had intended to go as well, but the night before, her child had caught a chill and clung to her, so she stayed home to care for him.

At Yunshan Temple, Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe first went to offer prayers to the Buddha.

As the matriarch of the Xiao family aged, they both wished for her to suffer less illness and enjoy more years of family happiness.

After finishing their prayers, Quezhi came in to indicate that Madam Yu had already gone to the meditation hall. Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe rose to go there, but on the way, they saw a little girl crying.

The girl was about three or four years old, with double ringed buns in her hair. She was fair, chubby, and very cute, wearing finely made clothes. Somehow, her palm had been scraped, and she quietly shed tears without making a fuss.

Seeing someone approach, the little girl shifted behind a nearby pillar, looking pitiful.

Xiao Qinghe stopped, and Quezhi knelt before the child, speaking gently: “Which young lady are you? Why are you here alone? Were you bullied?”

Quezhi’s tone was gentle, her smile warm. The little girl hesitated, then softly said, “I wasn’t bullied. I fell by accident. I don’t want to worry my father. I’ll go find him at the Longevity Hall soon.”

Her voice was sweet, childlike yet sensible.

Quezhi wiped her tears and asked, “What is your father’s name? And your mother?”

“My father is Xie Zhang. I am Xie Huaiyin. My mother… my mother…”

The little girl could not continue, pouting, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Upon hearing Xie Zhang’s name, Xiao Qinghe’s heart tightened. Seeing the girl so upset, she quickly held her in comfort.

Quezhi explained the girl’s identity to Chun Xi, who said immediately: “Madam Yu cannot stay long in the temple. He’er, you look after the child; I will go see Madam Yu and return shortly.”

Over the past two years, Chun Xi’s status among the city’s elite ladies had risen steadily. She frequently came to Yunshan Temple with the Princess of Hengyang. Everyone there knew her, and with Xiao Yecheng secretly protecting them, nothing would go wrong.

Xiao Qinghe nodded in agreement.

Not long after Chun Xi left, Xie Zhang sent a nanny to fetch his daughter.

The little girl had stopped crying and quietly rested in Xiao Qinghe’s arms, unwilling to let go.

Xiao Qinghe carried her to the Longevity Hall, and from a distance, Xie Zhang hurried to meet them.

“Huaiyin, where have you been? Do you know how worried I was when I couldn’t find you?”

Xie Zhang’s face showed concern, but he restrained his emotions.

Seeing him, the little girl finally let go of Xiao Qinghe. She walked to her father, tugged on his robe, and whispered, “Sorry, Daddy. I got carried away playing and wandered off. I won’t do it again.”

The girl was so sensible that Xiao Qinghe could not help speaking: “It was I who lingered playing with Huaiyin because she is adorable. Cousin, please don’t blame her.”

Xie Zhang picked up his daughter, speaking warmly: “I do not blame you, Huaiyin. It’s my fault. I was in the Longevity Hall, offering the eternal lamp for your mother, and I got lost in memories. If anything had happened to you because of my negligence, I could never forgive myself.”

Today, he wore an old gray-blue outfit, and the sorrow in his brow reflected the depth of his love for his deceased wife.

Having seen so many heartless people over the past two years, Xiao Qinghe could not help but be moved by his unwavering devotion. She comforted him softly: “Cousin, you’ve raised Huaiyin well. I’m sure your wife would be comforted in heaven.”

Still concerned about Madam Yu, Xiao Qinghe spoke with Xie Zhang briefly before leaving.

After Xiao Qinghe left, Xie Zhang carried his daughter back to the Longevity Hall.

Inside, thousands of lamps burned, each representing a memory of the deceased.

Xie Zhang held Huaiyin and asked, “Do you like the lady who was just here?”

The little girl blinked and nodded earnestly: “Yes, Auntie smells nice and speaks gently, like my mother in my dreams.”

Xie Zhang kissed her forehead, then turned to the eternal lamp and said, “Rest assured, my child. I will never let you suffer. Whatever you like, I will do my best to help you get it.”

The little girl replied earnestly: “Mother, don’t worry. I will always remember you. Even if that aunt becomes my stepmother, I will come here with Daddy every year to see you.”

The father and daughter stayed in the hall for a long time before leaving. Outside, the little girl pulled out a small bean-green silk handkerchief: “I found Auntie’s handkerchief. Daddy, I want to return it to her.”

Xie Zhang’s eyes softened into a loving smile. He tousled her hair and said warmly: “Alright, Daddy will go with you.”