TSWPF -Chapter 257 Worry

The Duke still wasn’t satisfied and asked the Duchess one more question: “Are you truly at ease?”

The Duchess paused for a moment before speaking. “If you’re worried that Yin’er won’t be able to shoulder the responsibilities of the family, then you could have the third son and his brothers support the eldest. Only this way can the Duke’s household continue to prosper.” She absolutely did not want to see her sons turn against each other.

If they really became enemies, the Duke’s household would be doomed.

The Duke curled his lips. What other choice was there?

He stood up, brushed his robe, and said to the Duchess, “Rest well,” before stepping away.

When she was young, seeing the Duke go rest in another courtyard would have made her heart ache. But now, she no longer cared.

When one’s heart is dead, one no longer feels anything.

As soon as the Duke left the courtyard, the news spread to several other courtyards.

At this moment, the First Madam was whispering, “Husband, what do you think Empress Dowager said to Mother? She went to discuss it with Father the moment she returned.” She even went personally to the concubine’s courtyard to find him—this was quite intriguing.

The eldest young master was reading and didn’t lift his head as he replied, “Other than Fifth Brother’s wife causing trouble, what else could it be?”

The First Madam gave him a disapproving glance. Always like this… if he knew how to seize opportunities, the Duke’s household would have been his inheritance long ago. There would be no need to wait until now for any decision.

She could see that the Duke had no intention of passing the family estate to her husband.

She paced the floor several times, unable to hold back any longer, and went to the eldest young master, reaching for the book in his hands.

The eldest young master lifted his head, frowning. “What do you want?”

“Husband, why aren’t you even a little anxious?” the First Madam asked, frowning as she confronted him.

The eldest young master looked puzzled. “Anxious about what? What’s there to worry about? Fifth Brother’s wife’s troubles have nothing to do with us. As long as they don’t cause problems outside, why should we care?”

She could have been infuriated. The First Madam took a deep breath to calm herself before saying, “Husband, aren’t you afraid Father might not pass the Duke’s household to you? Why don’t you have even a shred of concern?”

What would happen if, one day, the Duke’s estate went to another branch?

“That’s impossible. If Father doesn’t pass it to me, who else would it go to?” The eldest young master took the book back from her hand, patting her lightly without a hint of worry. “You think too much.”

The Duke’s household could only pass to the legitimate eldest son. Being the eldest son himself, he had no concerns on that front.

Here it comes again… every time she brought this up, he would insist she was overthinking.

She really wanted to knock on his head to see what he was thinking.

“Husband, did Father ever tell you when he would pass the household to you? Did he ever say?”

“Although Father never said, the ancestral rule of the Duke’s household is to pass it to the legitimate eldest son. You really don’t need to worry so much. I will inherit it for sure.”

The First Madam pressed a hand to her chest, frustrated. She really… had never met someone so optimistic. If it weren’t for her careful management over the years, the main branch would have collapsed long ago.

Fortunately, their son wasn’t like his father; if he were, she would be truly distressed.

“Husband, don’t forget—if the eldest son is gone, someone else will be chosen to inherit.” The First Madam coldly poured a bucket of cold water over him, trying to wake him up. If he remained so optimistic, his life might be at risk.

The eldest young master froze, then slowly looked up at her, pale. “No, my brothers wouldn’t harm me.” They were blood brothers; how could they possibly hurt him? He couldn’t believe it.

The First Madam snorted, reaching again for the book in her hand. Sitting across from him, she said intently, “Husband, I know you won’t hurt them, but that doesn’t mean they won’t hurt you.” Seeing such a kind husband, she truly felt helpless. “How many blood brothers have killed each other over a bit of profit? Husband, when you have time, go talk to Father. Find out when he’ll pass the household to you. Only if you inherit the Duke’s estate will others stop eyeing it greedily, understand?”

She was genuinely worried for this husband and hoped he would grow up soon, to stop being so naïve.

People’s hearts are hard to read; who knows what others are thinking?

The eldest young master lowered his eyelids, resisting her words. He still believed his brothers wouldn’t harm him.

“Husband…”

“All right, all right. I’ll talk to Father when I have time. Stop nagging.” He interrupted her, lying down on his side. “Let’s sleep.”

Seeing him like this, the First Madam sighed helplessly. She knew he hadn’t taken her words to heart.

“Husband, do you remember Lord Liu Si?”

“Yes, why?” That man, so strikingly handsome, how could he forget?

“I heard there’s someone who looks a lot like him. Could he be Lord Liu Si’s son?” The First Madam was a bit gossipy. “They say he’s also called Mr. Luo, Master. I’m ninety-nine percent sure he’s his son.”

At this interesting topic, the eldest young master jumped out of bed, asking repeatedly what she meant.

The First Madam laughed and explained the situation. The eldest young master stroked his chin. Indeed, it was very likely Lord Liu Si’s son. In a few days, he would visit the Luo household to check, right?

…

Meanwhile, Liu Zhimou, who had been the topic of discussion, looked at Li Qingling and asked, “What are you doing?”

Li Qingling was lying on his back, smiling brightly. “You were really manly today.”

“What?” He didn’t understand what she meant.

Li Qingling laughed, kissing his cheek. “You were very manly today.”

Though his shoulders were still youthful, now they were strong enough to support their household.

With him standing before her, she felt safe.

The kiss made Liu Zhimou’s smile deepen. He pulled Li Qingling onto his lap, cupping her chin, and kissed her without a word.

He only released her when she was breathless.

“You silly girl, why don’t you know how to breathe?” he teased, pressing his forehead to hers. “I’m happy to be your support.”

She had always been so independent that he had often felt helpless in trying to help her.

Sometimes it frustrated him, but it also pushed him to work harder, to catch up to her, surpass her, and stand as her support.

Li Qingling cupped his face in her hands and said earnestly, “You have always been my spiritual pillar.”

His eyes brightened instantly. Not knowing what to say, he lowered his head and kissed her lips several times, whispering, “Thank you.”

He didn’t know why he said it—it just came from his heart.

“I thank you too, for always being by my side.”

She knew Liu Zhimou sometimes struggled with inner conflicts, but she hadn’t explicitly mentioned them.

She thought words were useless—better for him to feel it himself.

Seeing his expression now, she thought maybe she was wrong. If she had said these things sooner, perhaps he wouldn’t have struggled so much.

This matter taught her that men also need encouragement and praise.

She would remember that in the future.

“Zhimou, so many people recognized you today. Could it be dangerous?” Li Qingling’s heart tightened thinking about today’s events. “Be careful when going out, okay?”

She worried that those opposing Lord Liu Si or the Liu family might harm him.

Previously, this concern had made her reluctant to return to the Liu household.

Now that he had been exposed, she wondered if it would affect his imperial examinations.

Liu Zhimou smoothed her furrowed brow, kissed her forehead, and said with a smile, “It’s fine.”

The Master secretly told him to have hidden guards protect him, so he didn’t need to worry and could focus on preparing for the exams.

The Emperor told him his father was wise and hoped that, as his son, he wouldn’t disappoint him.

One fights for dignity, and even monks burn incense for recognition. For his father, he must achieve a good rank in the spring exams.

He couldn’t let those behind the scenes ridicule his father.

Being the famous Lord Liu Si’s son, he had to uphold this honor.

“What about the Liu family? Will Old Master Liu take this chance to have you acknowledge your ancestry?”

Honestly, she didn’t want to return to the Liu household, not wanting to face their intrigue.

Here, life was simple, quiet, and free. She could do whatever she wanted, without constraints.

But it would depend on Liu Zhimou’s decision.

“Hard to say, maybe.” Thinking of the Liu family, Liu Zhimou frowned. “But before the spring exams, I won’t go back.” He didn’t want to waste time dealing with the Liu family’s scheming.

Hearing this, Li Qingling breathed a slight sigh of relief. She smiled. She felt the same way.

No need to mention others—they had offended Liu Zhishan, who was already a troublemaker.

If he kept causing them problems, Liu Zhimou wouldn’t be able to concentrate on studying.

After the spring exams, there would be fewer worries.

If Liu Zhimou achieved a good result, the Liu family wouldn’t dare bully them casually.

“All right, don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it.” Liu Zhimou stood up holding Li Qingling and walked toward the bed. “It’s late; we should rest.”

However, they didn’t expect that early the next morning, not only would the Liu family send people, but an unexpected guest would also arrive, surprising and delighting Liu Zhimou.