TSWRLM -Chapter 374 He’er, Happy New Year

After Xiao Qinghe went to the General’s Mansion, Xiao Yechen’s illness was gone.

Soon, he began sending things to the Xiao household every few days—food, drinks, toys, all sorts of things. His enthusiasm seemed as if he wanted to move the entire world to please Xiao Qinghe.

Before long, not just the Xiao family but even the prominent families of Hanjing knew that Xiao Yechen’s heart belonged to Xiao Qinghe.

No wonder he didn’t dare speak of it openly. An orphan raised by the Xiao family dared to covet the family’s treasured daughter—truly audacious.

But previously, Xiao Yechen had kept his feelings to himself. Now, suddenly showing such attentiveness… could it be that Xiao Qinghe was willing to remarry?

Everyone started catching on and hurried to the Xiao household to find out.

Although Xiao Qinghe had been married once, she was still the eldest daughter of the Xiao family. Moreover, she had been granted the title of County Princess by His Majesty, with a stipend to collect, and she was on good terms with Princess Hengyang—achievements most noble daughters from prominent families could only dream of.

Most importantly, Wei Lingze had been dead for over two years, and the Wei family was in decline. Her previous marriage would have no effect on her now.

For a time, many prominent families sought to curry favor, hoping their sons could marry Xiao Qinghe.

Madam Xiao selected a few young men of good family and character and approached Xiao Qinghe: “These gentlemen are your age, ambitious and capable. I’ve discussed with your grandmother, and she thinks well of them. He’er, would you like to consider them?”

Xiao Qinghe, busy tallying the year’s earnings from her shops, looked up and said lightly: “No need, Mother. I think my brother is fine as he is. Let these young men find someone else.”

Her refusal was straightforward. Madam Xiao couldn’t help but advise: “I’m not saying Yechen is bad, but although he has received titles, he holds no real power. The country is peaceful now, and he may not have much chance for promotion. If you marry him…”

“Isn’t marrying him just peaceful? No need to serve in-laws, no social obligations, no household affairs—life will be even easier than Yue’er’s.”

“But relying only on his modest stipend and your shops and estates, life might not be very comfortable.”

Madam Xiao frowned with concern. The Xiao family had accumulated wealth for over a century, and their daughters had been raised delicately. Having seen the hardships Xiao Qinghe endured with Wei Lingze, Madam Xiao didn’t want her to live a life of scarcity.

Xiao Qinghe wasn’t too concerned with these matters. She said gently: “Little aunt and Uncle Shen worked hard for everything they have. Though their wealth isn’t vast, their life is harmonious. Mother, do you think worldly possessions are more important, or people?”

Xiao Qinghe had a clear perspective. Madam Xiao’s eyes brightened: “So you truly like Yechen?”

Xiao Yechen had been in the Xiao household from a young age. Though the family raised him, he wasn’t formally recorded as theirs, and Xiao Qinghe had only interacted with him more in the past two years. Madam Xiao had worried that Xiao Qinghe’s choice was influenced by the health of the matriarch, so she had overthought.

Xiao Qinghe recalled the image of Xiao Yechen kneeling on the ground and said earnestly: “I don’t especially like him yet, but I’m willing to try.”

Having been married once, her words carried more weight than her previous insistence on Wei Lingze.

Madam Xiao’s eyes welled with tears as she repeated, “Alright, alright, as long as you’re happy, everything is fine.”

With Xiao Qinghe’s stance clear, Madam Xiao turned away the mothers from the prominent families who had come to inquire.

Soon, the New Year approached.

This year, Shen Qingyuan didn’t need to attend the palace banquet. Chun Xi took him, along with their two children, to spend the New Year at the Xiao household.

Xiao Qingyue was about to marry after the New Year, making this her last one at home. As the festival drew near, Madam Xiao finally relaxed her strict rules for her.

Since the matriarch had coughed blood once this year, all branches of the Xiao family tacitly gathered the younger generation to celebrate a lively New Year together.

Early on New Year’s Eve, Chun Xi and Shen Qingyuan arrived with their two children.

Everyone gathered in the Pine-Crane Courtyard. The matriarch was delighted by the children, and both adults and children exchanged gifts.

After the festivities, others dispersed. The matriarch stayed behind to speak privately with Shen Qingyuan: “I heard you recently intervened in a matter at the Ministry of Personnel. I know you have little patience for incompetence, but in court, it’s better to moderate your approach. You don’t need to confront every situation personally—there are many in the Censorate to handle things.”

At her age, the matriarch preferred caution. Shen Qingyuan, without arguing, nodded: “I am mindful. Even if not for myself, I consider Chun Xi and the children.”

Indeed, ever since Chun Xi entered his life, Shen Qingyuan’s life had grown fuller and more grounded. They would continue like this.

The matriarch nodded approvingly and, as usual, added: “An’an and Ning’er are growing up. You and Chun Xi might consider having another child—boy or girl, it doesn’t matter. A larger household is always lively.”

Shen Qingyuan disagreed, frowning: “I think it’s fine as it is. We have both a son and a daughter. The children are growing mischievous, and Chun Xi already has her hands full. Having another child is not easy, and I don’t want her to suffer again.”

When Chun Xi gave birth to Ning’er, Shen Qingyuan had barely made it in time. Even now, he clearly remembered how weak she had looked on the birthing bed.

Though she never complained to him, he knew she had suffered. Having endured much hardship before marrying him, he wanted her life to be happy and peaceful, without further suffering.

His tone was gentle, but his resolve firm.

The matriarch didn’t insist further, changing the topic to other matters.

Outside the Pine-Crane Courtyard, Chun Xi was in the garden with Xiao Qingyue and Xiao Qinghe, playing in the snow with the household children, building snowmen and having snowball fights.

An’an and Ning’er were familiar with the game, but too small to compete. They trailed behind Chun Xi, helping roll snowballs and providing support.

Xiao Qingyue, finally free, played more wildly than the other children, and Xiao Qinghe joined in the fun.

By the time Xiao Yechen arrived, the garden had descended into playful chaos.

Just as he stood still, a snowball flew straight toward his face.

“Watch out!”

Xiao Qinghe called out.

It was her snowball—she hadn’t realized Xiao Yechen had arrived when she threw it.

Before she finished speaking, Xiao Yechen caught it steadily.

Looking up, he saw Xiao Qinghe standing in the snow, breathing a sigh of relief, her smile radiant and bright.

A smile spread across Xiao Yechen’s face. He tossed the snowball aside and walked directly to her, speaking warmly: “He’er, Happy New Year.”

After silently guarding her for years, he finally had the chance to say those words to the eldest daughter of the Xiao family.