All we can do is trust her unconditionally and stand behind her,” Xia Qingyun comforted.
Xia Qingfeng’s situation was quite similar.
Bai Wan’er was the legitimate eldest daughter born to Bai Zhengjie, the Vice Minister of Revenue, and his first wife. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father soon remarried.
Her stepmother was sweet-faced but black-hearted, putting on one act in front of others and another behind their backs, while her father paid little attention to household matters.
Living under her stepmother’s control for years, Bai Wan’er developed a timid and weak character.
When it came time for marriage, her stepmother, not wanting her to marry into a good family, arranged for her to be matched with a playboy. This was the first time Bai Wan’er rebelled.
She resisted to the death. At a banquet, her stepmother drugged her, intending to force her into a compromising situation with the playboy to coerce her into submission.
With her last ounce of willpower and the help of her personal maid, she escaped the banquet. She was eventually rescued by Xia Qingfeng, who was out on business. From then on, her heart belonged entirely to him.
Xia Qingfeng learned of her plight and felt deep sympathy.
He himself was being pressured by his mother to consider marriage prospects. Having just rescued Bai Wan’er and feeling an affinity for her, he thought it over and told her his identity, asking if she would be willing to marry him.
Although Bai Wan’er spent most of her time at home and rarely went out, she had heard of Xia Qingfeng, the second son of the Changxin Marquisate. He was one of the capital’s top ten most handsome bachelors and a man many young ladies vied to marry.
She never imagined her rescuer would be him. Now she even had the chance to become his wife—how incredibly fortunate she felt.
At that moment, she believed luck was finally on her side. She knew she was marrying above her station, but she still wanted to seize this opportunity for herself.
Blushing, she nodded in agreement.
Seeing her consent, Xia Qingfeng took her back to the mansion and informed Liu Youran.
Liu Youran had also heard of the Vice Minister of Revenue’s legitimate eldest daughter, though mostly unfavorable rumors. Meeting her in person today, she could only say that rumors were misleading.
Upon hearing Bai Wan’er’s story, Liu Youran felt great sympathy for her and held nothing but contempt for her stepmother’s cruelty.
Now, learning that her son was interested in this young woman, she did not object.
Instead, she was delighted that her son had found someone he liked and urged Xia Qingfeng to treat Bai Wan’er well in the future.
Knowing it would be improper for Xia Qingfeng to escort her home himself, as it might lead to damaging gossip that could ruin a young lady’s reputation—for rumors could indeed destroy a person—Liu Youran personally accompanied Bai Wan’er back to her residence.
She assured Bai Wan’er that she would bring people the next day to present betrothal gifts on behalf of her second son.
Although Bai Wan’er’s stepmother was unwilling, the Vice Minister of Revenue was genuinely pleased.
Thus, the marriage was smoothly arranged.
After their wedding, the couple’s affection deepened day by day. The Xia men seemed to share their father’s trait of devotion, as Xia Qingfeng did not take any concubines.
Bai Wan’er considered herself extremely fortunate to marry into such a family, with a kind mother-in-law, harmonious sisters-in-law, and a sister-in-law who caused no trouble.
She felt deeply distressed and angered by the injustice her sister-in-law had suffered, having long regarded Xia Xing’er as her own younger sister.
“Husband, the Helian family is truly bullying us too much. On their wedding day, Helian Zhi led troops to the battlefield, leaving Younger Sister alone to manage the General’s Manor, taking care of the entire household all by herself for three whole years. Now that he’s finally returned, instead of seeking honors for his wife with his military merit, he wants to marry someone else. He’s nothing but an ungrateful wretch.”
Xia Qingfeng looked at his beloved wife’s indignant expression with great satisfaction.
He patted his beloved wife’s shoulder. “Don’t be angry, my dear. How could I let the Helian family get away with such behavior? It’s just not the right time yet.”
He would never easily let Helian Zhi off the hook—his own sister’s grievances could not go unanswered.
“I just feel heartbroken for Xing’er. Look how thin she’s become, and her complexion is so poor.”
“I know you’re worried about your sister, and so am I. When you have time, go keep her company more often. Tomorrow, instruct the kitchen to prepare more delicious food for her. Now that she’s back, we’ll make sure to nourish her properly and help her regain that lost weight.”
Xia Qingfeng pulled his beloved wife into his arms and leaned back onto the bed. “Alright, let’s rest early. We can discuss the rest tomorrow.”
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Xia Xing’er’s face. She slowly opened her eyes.
How long had it been since she last woke up naturally? This feeling was truly wonderful.
After getting up, she decided to take a stroll in the garden to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of home.
As she walked into the garden, she saw a butterfly dancing gracefully among the flowers. She couldn’t help but recall her childhood, when she too had played as freely as this butterfly.
But now, that carefree state of mind was gone forever.
However, this was no time for melancholy—there were still many things waiting for her to do.
Chunliu hurried over, panting. “Miss, you really had me searching everywhere!”
Xia Xing’er looked at her flustered appearance. “Slow down, there’s no wolf chasing you. Look at you, sweating all over—wipe it off quickly.”
Chunliu scratched her head sheepishly. She seemed to have gotten a bit carried away. Back at the General’s Manor, every day had been oppressive. Now that she had returned to the Marquis’s Mansion, she had reverted to her old self.
Would her mistress dislike her for this?
Seeing Chunliu lost in thought, Xia Xing’er shook her head in amusement.
“Alright, tell me, what did you come to find me for?”
Only then did Chunliu remember her purpose. “Just now, the Marchioness sent someone to invite you over!”
“Father and Mother are looking for me? Did they say what it’s about?”
“They didn’t say. Oh, Miss, you’ll find out once you go, won’t you?”
Xia Xing’er thought that made sense and headed to her parents’ courtyard with Chunliu.
Jiahe Courtyard
Xia Xing’er entered Jiahe Courtyard and saw her parents sitting in the courtyard, drinking tea.
She walked up and bowed to greet them.
The Marchioness smiled and took her hand. “Xing’er, come sit by Mother.”
While observing her daughter’s condition, she asked, “How did you rest last night, Xing’er? Was there any discomfort? Is there anything else you need in your room?”
This series of questions warmed Xia Xing’er’s heart—this was what it felt like to have a mother.
“Mother, you’re asking so many questions all at once. Which one should I answer first?”
After saying this, she playfully stuck out her tongue.
The Marchioness tapped her forehead affectionately. “You silly girl, answer them one by one.”
Xia Xing’er sat up straight, assuming a serious posture. “Reporting to Father and Mother, I rested very well last night, experienced no discomfort, and there is nothing I need to add to my room.”
Chang Xin Hou looked at his wife and daughter, a smile never leaving his face.
“Father, Mother, may I ask everyone to leave? I have important matters to discuss.”
Xia Xing’er had thought about it for a long time and finally decided to tell her family about what was to come.
Xia Chengsheng and Liu Youran saw their daughter’s serious expression, which didn’t seem like a joke, and immediately became serious as well.
After all the servants had left, Xia Xing’er gave Chunliu a look.
Chunliu instantly understood, nodded, and withdrew, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.