Xie Yuheng sighed, his inner restlessness growing even stronger.
In previous years, all the household accounts had been managed in perfect order by Steward Wu and the bookkeeper.
There had never been a need for him to trouble himself with such matters.
“If Mother has nothing to do, why not let Xi’er teach you some characters? It would be good for you to learn how to manage household affairs and settle your mind.”
Old Madam Xie had been feeling discontented in the mansion these past few days. Shen Zhaoli had humiliated her and still hadn’t come to apologize, leaving her simmering with anger.
Now, hearing Xie Yuheng speak this way, she felt even more embarrassed and her face darkened.
“I raised you, fed you, and sent you to school, all so that one day I could enjoy a peaceful life. Now my son is grown and successful, and he looks down on his old mother for being illiterate.”
Old Madam Xie scolded through her tears: “This old woman just wants to eat well. You ungrateful child, when you were young, every bite of your food was saved bit by bit from my own mouth.”
“Now you’re so capable, and I have to watch your expression just to eat a meal. What sin have I committed to deserve this!”
Xie Yuheng was somewhat annoyed by Old Madam Xie’s wailing, but he couldn’t help remembering how, in his childhood, it was his old mother who had overcome all opposition, selling everything to insist on sending him to school.
Through summer heat and winter cold, she had never failed to bring him food, rain or shine. Without her, he wouldn’t be where he was today.
Taking a deep breath, Xie Yuheng softened his tone.
“Mother, your son was wrong. Please don’t cry anymore. I’ll have the kitchen prepare some of your favorite dishes right away.”
“But having you learn household management is truly for the good of the Xie family. I attend court daily and can’t attend to domestic matters. If no one manages things, sooner or later this large Prime Minister’s Mansion will fall into disorder.”
Hearing this, Old Madam Xie didn’t really want to make things difficult for her son. Wiping her tears, she seized the opportunity to back down, her expression improving somewhat, though she still looked troubled.
“I don’t know a single character. Asking me to learn to read at this age is really too difficult.”
As she spoke, Old Madam Xie suddenly turned her gaze to Su Qingxi beside her, her eyes brightening.
“Rather than having Xi’er trouble herself teaching me characters, why not just let Xi’er learn how to manage affairs? With her helping you, wouldn’t that make things much easier?”
Su Qingxi was momentarily stunned, instinctively looking toward Xie Yuheng with hidden expectation in her eyes.
Xie Yuheng’s expression remained neutral, but inwardly he felt this wasn’t quite appropriate.
Although he regarded Xi’er as a younger sister, if he let her manage the affairs of the Prime Minister’s Mansion’s inner quarters, Shen Zhaoli would certainly be unhappy upon learning of it.
“Qinggui Brother, if I can be of help to you, Xi’er will definitely study hard.”
Su Qingxi gazed eagerly at Xie Yuheng, her tone gentle and refined.
Old Madam Xie smiled and patted Su Qingxi’s arm, looking at Xie Yuheng.
“Yes, just let Xi’er help you. Learning household management would be good for Xi’er too.”
Xie Yuheng hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.
“Very well, then I’ll trouble Xi’er with this.”
A flash of joy appeared in Su Qingxi’s eyes as she quickly nodded.
“Xi’er won’t let Qinggui Brother down.”
After the meal, Old Madam Xie sent Su Qingxi to the accounting office to begin learning household management.
Once she had left, Old Madam Xie turned a serious face to Xie Yuheng.
“What exactly is going on between you and Princess Changle? It’s been so many days, and she hasn’t visited even once. Does she still want to enter our family or not?”
Xie Yuheng frowned slightly: “She’s just throwing a temporary tantrum. Of course she’ll enter the Xie family.”
Speaking of which, ever since he missed the engagement banquet last time, the Imperial Edict of Marriage Bestowal had yet to be issued.
He should find an opportunity to enter the palace and meet with the Emperor.
Old Madam Xie glanced at Xie Yuheng. “If that’s the case, then you should properly coax her.”
“In the past, she was always so respectful toward me, never failing to think of this old woman whenever there was something good. Now that the two of you are at odds, everyone is suffering along with you.”
“Women need to be coaxed a little. You shouldn’t hold your pride too high either.”
Xie Yuheng was slightly taken aback, recalling that whenever Shen Zhaoli had visited the Prime Minister’s Mansion in the past, she had never once put on the airs of a princess.
Every time she came, she would bring many gifts, winning over everyone in the mansion with ease.
Even toward Xi’er, she had never treated her poorly.
She had even been willing to lower herself and personally attend to his mother, never getting angry no matter what unreasonable demands his mother made.
“I understand. I will speak properly with her.”
Old Madam Xie glared at Xie Yuheng and chided, “You child, why are you so rigid? What use is just talking?”
“In a few days, it will be the Shangsi Festival. Couldn’t you invite Princess Changle out for some fun?”
“This old woman can see she is truly angry this time. If you give her our family’s heirloom bracelet, she will surely understand your intentions.”
As she spoke, Old Madam Xie removed a jade bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Xie Yuheng.
Although the quality appeared ordinary, its luster was rich and glossy, clearly an old piece that had been preserved for many years.
Xie Yuheng carefully put the jade bracelet away and agreed.
Seeing this, Old Madam Xie also breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Once her son managed to coax Princess Changle, she could return to her previous way of life.
…
At Princess Changle’s Mansion, Shen Zhaoli was unusually not shut away in her study.
Early in the morning, she had Mi Ning and the others prepare a large amount of food, clothing, and books, leaving everyone puzzled.
“Your Highness, why are you preparing so many things? Where are you planning to go?”
Shen Zhaoli placed a copy of the Three Character Classic into a chest and said with a light smile, “A few days ago, Nanny Cui heard from somewhere that my Ciyouju is short-handed, and everyone wants to go and see.”
“Coincidentally, the weather is nice today, and it has been a long time since I last visited the children. I will go and take a look together.”
Hearing this, Mi Ning’s face also lit up with joy.
Ever since Nanny Cui and the others returned from the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Her Highness had them stay at the Princess’s Mansion.
But none of them were the type to idle around and be lazy. Having them stay idle at the Princess’s Mansion would be a waste of talent.
Now that they could be settled at the Ciyouju, it was a good thing.
Soon, everything was prepared and loaded onto two large carts.
Shen Zhaoli boarded the carriage, and the group set off for the Ciyouju in Yongxing Lane, West District.
At the entrance of Yu Linglong, Su Qingxi, who was carrying some items and heading out, tugged at Xie Yuheng’s sleeve.
“Qinggui Brother, is that Princess Changle’s carriage?”
Xie Yuheng was momentarily stunned and immediately looked up.
The rosewood carriage carved with phoenixes displayed the noble status of its owner, while the curtains made of high-quality silk completely concealed the person inside.
Accompanying guards kept the approaching crowd at a distance, and behind the carriage followed two more carts carrying cargo, slowly moving forward.
It was indeed Princess Changle’s carriage. Where was Shen Zhaoli going?
“Qinggui Brother, the direction Princess Changle is heading seems to be toward our Prime Minister’s Mansion,” Su Qingxi said softly, watching the carriage depart.
A faint glimmer flashed in Xie Yuheng’s cool eyes.
Indeed, Shen Zhaoli usually disliked going out.
Heading west from Vermilion Bird Street, the only place she frequented in that area was the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
Carrying so many things, could it be that she was deliberately going to the Prime Minister’s Mansion to seek reconciliation with him?
Xie Yuheng couldn’t help but curl the corners of his lips, a touch of warmth appearing on his cool and aloof face.
He had always known that Shen Zhaoli would never ignore him.
It was just that this time, their quarrel had lasted a bit longer.