The Wen family was unlike other noble houses, bound by few rules.
They did not fuss over speaking during meals, nor did they insist on silence in the chambers.
Sui Changle sat beside General Wen, her smile radiant.
A maid came to inform her: “Young Master has arrived!”
Changle’s eyes flickered briefly, but her smile remained unchanged.
Setting down her ivory chopsticks, she slowly rose:
“Father is here—have you dined yet?”
Sui Jingxing smiled, greeting General Wen and Madam Wen respectfully before turning to Changle:
“Father has already eaten. Have you and your mother finished? I came specially to bring you home.”
Changle’s face showed reluctance:
“Father, I want to stay at Grandmother’s tonight.”
Sui Jingxing’s eyes darkened subtly, though his expression remained gentle:
“Changle, don’t be difficult! If you miss your maternal grandparents, visit them tomorrow.”
Madam Wen reached out, embracing Changle:
“Jingxing, let her stay. There’s no urgent matter at your residence, don’t restrain her constantly.”
Sui Jingxing, who had hurried over only to gauge Madam Wen’s attitude, relaxed slightly at seeing the family calm.
“Mother-in-law speaks wisely! I only felt empty inside, not seeing Shiyi and Changle at home.”
It appeared that Wen Shiyi had no suspicion of Rou’er’s identity and had not informed the Wen family about the missing dowry.
This realization sparked a quiet irritation in him.
Was it really necessary for her to send Rou’er and Jiaojiao to prison over a few pieces of bridal jewelry?
He knew the importance of a woman’s reputation. How could these two daughters, nurtured like precious gems, endure such suffering?
General Wen and Madam Wen, seeing Sui Jingxing speak so eloquently, were pleased.
Madam Wen patted Changle’s back teasingly:
“See, Shiyi and Changle only stayed a short while, and you already feel reluctant to leave?”
Changle noticed the flicker in Sui Jingxing’s eyes. Clearly, he was worried about the mother and daughter, relieved they hadn’t been discovered.
Yet he spoke solemnly:
“Mother-in-law, please do not tease me. Shiyi and Changle are dear to me—they are my family. Of course I care deeply.”
Hearing his smooth words, Changle inwardly scoffed.
In the future, the entire Zhen Guo General’s household could be caught in the schemes of this seemingly gentle, courteous hypocrite.
Wen Shiyi, who had remained silent until now, finally rose with a soft smile:
“Father, Mother, Changle and I will visit you in a few days.”
Seeing Sui Jingxing’s hypocritical expression made her feel disgusted.
“Very well,” Madam Wen nodded. Harmony in the family was always welcome.
The three of them left the Zhen Guo General’s residence and climbed into the carriage.
Changle, unwilling to play along with Sui Jingxing, nestled in her mother’s arms, complaining of sleepiness.
Wen Shiyi held her gently, patting her back.
Sui Jingxing watched her expression carefully, then cautiously asked:
“Madam, I heard you reported a case today, sending a mother and daughter to Jingzhao Prefecture, and checked the dowry in the courtyard. Was something amiss?”
Changle peeked from her mother’s arms, her delicate face filled with righteous indignation:
“Father, that woman was truly vile, deliberately provoking Mother. The hairpins and jewelry she wore belonged to Mother’s dowry. Why would she do such a thing?”
Meeting Changle’s clear, innocent eyes, Sui Jingxing felt a pang of guilt and avoided her gaze.
“Madam, perhaps the maid in your household was careless and sold your dowry? That woman may have bought it unknowingly. You shouldn’t misjudge an innocent person.”
Wen Shiyi continued to pat Changle, turning to Sui Jingxing with a faint smile:
“You speak reasonably! I reported the matter to the authorities. If that woman is innocent, Lord Ye will restore her reputation. But the woman was also reckless and foolish, daring to buy and sell items of uncertain origin.”
Sui Jingxing felt uncomfortable at her mockery of Chu Rou’er.
He dared not speak further, nodding awkwardly:
“You are right, Madam! Probably she was deceived and suffered through an unintentional misfortune.”
Changle cast him a sidelong, mocking glance, yet spoke innocently:
“Father, why are you defending that woman today? She was rude to Mother. Xiangyun should have taught her a proper lesson immediately.”
Sui Jingxing’s face alternated between pale and flushed. He could only feign gentle instruction:
“Changle, in life, virtue lies in magnanimity. In dealings with others, keep a broad heart; do not quibble over trivial matters. Never act harshly or maliciously—narrow-mindedness harms others and yourself. Only the magnanimous earn respect and find the path open.”
“Yes, Father! I understand,” Changle replied, snuggling back into her mother’s arms, scoffing at his words.
Her father, full of moralizing, was in reality a deceitful, ruthless hypocrite.
The carriage gradually stopped at the Sui residence gate.
Sui Jingxing, having gauged Wen Shiyi’s intent, feared that further speech might cause error. He excused himself, claiming busy official duties, and went to his study.
The mother and daughter watched him leave in haste.
“Mother, he must have asked the Second Prince for help,” Changle whispered.
She glanced at Wen Shiyi, noting his calm demeanor, showing he had everything arranged.
“Mm,” Wen Shiyi replied softly, holding Changle’s hand as they returned to the back courtyard.
The next day, Lord Ye personally arrived at Jingzhao Prefecture, returning all of Wen Shiyi’s missing dowry:
“Madam Wen, these are your lost dowry items. That woman confessed—she bought them from a maid. My men verified the matter. As for the rest, it pertains to your household; I cannot intervene further.”
A flash of shame briefly crossed his face.
Yesterday, a guest from the Second Prince’s residence had personally delivered his instructions.
Being a minor official, he dared not disobey a powerful prince and had no choice but to comply.
The case was resolved.
That mother and daughter were picked up by carriage early in the morning.
Sui Jingxing guessed that they were maintained as concubines by the Second Prince’s faction.
“Thank you, Lord Ye! Xiangyun, see them out.”
Wen Shiyi understood now—Sui Jingxing had already secured the Second Prince’s favor. Otherwise, few in the capital would dare challenge her.
After Lord Ye left, Changle stepped out from behind the screen, her eyes glinting with resolve:
“Mother, since Lord Ye said the dowry concerns our household, they must have arranged a scapegoat. Then we shall let the performance continue and see it through.”