Sui Lingyun, already appearing mature beyond his years, nodded earnestly:
“Father, I understand! I followed the tutor’s lessons carefully and comprehended everything.”
Sui Jingxing’s eyes shone with satisfaction. His son had been clever from a young age—truly promising for scholarly pursuits. In the future, the Sui family would have heirs to carry on the lineage.
Chu Rou’er rose gracefully and approached Sui Jingxing from behind, gently massaging his shoulders and neck:
“Husband, I live here with the children, nameless and without status. My heart is devoted to you, and I am content with anything. Yet now that Jiaojiao and Lingyun are growing up, they need a proper social standing to match.”
Having served as Sui Jingxing’s mistress for over a decade and bearing him two children, Chu Rou’er was no longer satisfied with her current position.
Rumors in the outside world claimed that Sui Jingxing, the top scholar, was loyal to his wife for life. Chu Rou’er scoffed, but she could not defend herself publicly.
Even though Wen Shiyi was the General’s legitimate daughter, she was still fooled by her husband, just as many others had been.
Sui Jingxing reached out and drew her in front of him, speaking softly:
“Rou’er, be patient. I will plan carefully and surely provide you and our children with a bright future.”
“Husband…”
Chu Rou’er let out a soft whimper, collapsing into his embrace.
Jiaojiao, perceptive as always, pulled Lingyun out of the room and gently closed the door behind them.
Half an hour later, Sui Jingxing straightened his attire and stepped outside. Chu Rou’er linked her arm with his, escorting him to the garden gate.
They lingered, speaking sweetly to one another, reluctant to part.
Jiaojiao and Lingyun stood nearby, each calling out “Father! Father!”
Meanwhile, Wen Shiyi and Sui Changle sat in the black-canvas carriage, peering through the narrow curtain slit.
Chu Rou’er held Sui Jingxing’s hand, cooing tenderly at him.
Even though Wen Shiyi had long anticipated this, her chest ached nonetheless.
Changle, sensing her mother’s distress, hugged her closely and whispered:
“Mother, don’t be sad. You still have me, and your parents to support you.”
Wen Shiyi exhaled deeply, a sense of relief washing over her.
A man who was so deceitful and shameless was not worth her sorrow.
“You are right, Le’er. I have you and your grandparents. Why should I grieve over a man unworthy of the public eye?”
Changle leaned against her mother, her eyes catching the sunlight glinting off Chu Rou’er’s hairpin—a pair of red jade begonia flowers.
She smirked, teasing:
“Mother, look! Father even stole your dowry to favor his mistress.”
Wen Shiyi looked along her daughter’s gaze, realizing the truth.
Indeed, her dowry adorned the head of that cooing mistress.
Changle nudged her mother, eyes glinting with anger:
“Mother, stealing someone’s property can lead to imprisonment. I wonder if our delicate mistress can withstand that?”
In the capital, residences had long been known as “east wealthy, west humble; south rich, north poor.”
The Osmanthus Alley property was one of the best in the southern city. With his modest official salary, Sui Jingxing could barely support himself, let alone maintain a mistress and her children there. It was clear he had used Wen Shiyi’s dowry.
Wen Shiyi understood immediately and smiled, tapping her daughter gently on the nose:
“Le’er, we’ll find out soon enough.”
Her expression then hardened as she whispered:
“Return to the residence.”
Though Xiangyun and Meiyin said nothing, their anger was evident. They ordered the carriage driver to leave Osmanthus Alley and return to the family estate.
Sui Changle and Wen Shiyi had just settled when Sui Jingxing returned slowly.
Seeing Changle, he was momentarily taken aback. This once lively, playful girl rarely stayed quietly with Wen Shiyi.
Changle stood calmly, giving a polite bow:
“Father.”
Sui Jingxing smiled indulgently:
“Le’er, it’s your birthday. Unfortunately, I’ve been busy with official duties and couldn’t attend in person. You mustn’t be angry, or your father would be heartbroken.”
Changle inwardly scoffed.
How amusing—he spent the day with his mistress, yet claimed he was too busy with ‘official duties.’ When did attending to a mistress become work? She would have to question this hypocritical father thoroughly later.
Maintaining her innocent demeanor, she replied without a trace of her inner sarcasm:
“Father, you broke your word and didn’t even attend my birthday. Clearly, I am not in your heart. I shall ignore you from now on.”
Changle’s resentment ran deep; she had no patience for more words. Playing a child’s small tantrum was the perfect excuse.
Wen Shiyi, understanding her daughter’s intentions, drew her close with a gentle smile, stroking her cheek:
“After half a day of social engagements, you must be tired. Let’s go rest.”
Changle wanted to leave, but she could not bear to leave her mother alone with Sui Jingxing. She nestled in Wen Shiyi’s arms, whining:
“No! I want you to stay with me.”
Wen Shiyi held her daughter lovingly, coaxing her in soft tones:
“Alright, my Le’er, mother will stay with you.”
She then turned to Sui Jingxing:
“Master, today Le’er has been very sad. Perhaps you should rest in the front courtyard while I comfort her.”
Sui Jingxing, having dallied with Chu Rou’er all morning, was too exhausted to protest. His age caught up with him, and he gratefully agreed:
“Very well! I’ll go to the study in the front courtyard. Madam, you may take care of this little girl.”
No sooner had he spoken than he hurried off.
Though Sui Jingxing had once acted with extreme caution, carefully covering every trace, over the years of deception he had gradually relaxed.
Recently, the Second Prince, Xiao Chenrui, unexpectedly extended an olive branch.
The sudden gesture of goodwill sent Sui Jingxing into near ecstasy.
The Second Prince was highly esteemed in court; his mother, Consort Lan, enjoyed the emperor’s utmost favor.
If Sui Jingxing could choose the right ally and fully support the Second Prince’s rise, he would gain unparalleled wealth and status.
Then, he could rise without dependence on the Wen family, no longer constrained by their shadow.
Sui Jingxing had always been extremely confident.
Once a top scholar, he had expected rapid advancement, yet after over a decade in the Hanlin Academy, he had seen little progress.
He blamed General Wen for deliberately thwarting him, fearing that if he rose too high, it would overshadow Wen Shiyi.