Looking at Xie Wanning, who seemed to want to stay as far away from him as possible,
Xiao Chengyan felt a pang of bitterness welling up inside him.
If that’s the case, then why did she go looking for him that night?
Was it really just to get revenge on Xiao Chengli?
He suppressed the surging emotions within him and said in a deep voice, “You only said the first half of the sentence; there’s a second half.”
Xie Wanning turned around in surprise, “What?”
Xiao Chengyan looked at her and said, word by word, “Men and women should not touch each other; that’s proper etiquette. If a sister-in-law is drowning, a brother-in-law should help her; that’s a matter of principle. One who does not help a drowning sister-in-law is a wolf.”
Hearing this, Xie Wanning was shocked. “This allusion can be used like that?”
She wasn’t really drowning; why would she need his help?
Moreover, she had clearly gained the upper hand in her confrontation with Xie Wanrou today, but it was his interference that displeased her mother-in-law.
If her mother-in-law believed Xie Wanrou’s words and thought she was truly in cahoots with Xiao Chengyan, she wouldn’t be able to clear her name no matter how hard she tried.
She had indeed wanted to meet with Xiao Chengyan privately, but that didn’t mean she wanted to make a scene in public.
Xiao Chengyan saw through her little scheme perfectly; she could sneak into his bedroom at night, but during the day, she would completely sever ties with him.
It turned out that he really was just a substitute for Xiao Chengli.
“You…”
Xiao Chengyan stood up, staring at her with a pained look, swallowing the question that hovered on his lips.
He was afraid that asking it would change the current situation, and even more afraid that she would shrink back and never seek him out again.
“Fine, I will do as you wish from now on.”
Xiao Chengyan said fiercely, picked up his teacup, took a big gulp, and then walked away.
He couldn’t have come for nothing by inviting her for tea.
Xie Wanning waited until he was completely gone before letting out a long sigh of relief.
Her legs felt weak as she sat down.
The idea of a sister-in-law helping her brother-in-law was utterly shocking.
Xie Wanning took a large gulp of water to calm herself.
Xiao Chengyan would be gone in seven days; as long as she didn’t make any mistakes during those seven days, she would be fine.
After calming herself, Xie Wanning didn’t dare linger at Juxiang Tower. She dragged the bewildered Chunhuan and Hongye away and returned to the Xiao family.
She had returned from her parents’ home to report to Madam Xiao.
Madam Xiao didn’t care what she said, and finally only said, “Xie Wanrou has been punished with confinement; the time is perfect. You and Li’er should rebuild your marital relationship.”
Was she suggesting they consummate their marri age?
Xie Wanning felt a bit disgusted. Although the formalities still needed to be followed, tonight wasn’t the best time.
Xiao Chengli loathed her. If they consummated their marriage tonight, he would surely be angry, making it difficult for her to tamper with things.
But since Madam Xiao had spoken, she couldn’t refuse, so she lowered her head and agreed, planning to find another way later.
After leaving Madam Xiao’s room, Xie Wanning returned to her courtyard and called Chunhuan in alone. Although Hongye didn’t know what they were discussing inside, she didn’t eavesdrop.
However, Xiao Chengli didn’t come that evening. After dinner,
Xie Wanning spent her time reading in her room.
Chunhuan brought in a bowl of sweet soup and placed it on the low table beside her, saying in a low voice, “Miss, the young master is in the study tonight, and Liuying is serving him there.”
Xie Wanning didn’t even lift her eyes from her book, and asked indifferently, “Where is Feiyue?”
“Feiyue was sent away by the young master.”
After Chunhuan finished speaking, she added, “This servant went to invite the young master to dinner, but he has a bad temper. Miss Liuying is very understanding, and the young master liked her and kept her.”
“Miss, Liuying has more tricks up her sleeve than Feiyue. I’m afraid she won’t be easy to control after becoming the young master’s concubine.”
Xie Wanning said indifferently, “We have her indenture in our hands, which is equivalent to holding her lifeline. It’s no problem.”
Besides, she didn’t plan to let Xiao Chengli live too long. Even if she became favored and disobedient, she couldn’t cause any trouble.
Chunhuan added, “Aunt Liu must have heard what the doctor said, but there’s been no movement all day.”
Hearing this, Xie Wanning looked up from her book, closed it, and asked, “Xiaohuan, do you know what it means when a dog that bites doesn’t bark?”
Chunhuan shook her head, indicating that she didn’t understand.
Xie Wanning said, “Liu Shi managed to evade Madam Xiao’s notice and successfully conceive, so she’s no simple person. Besides, the doctor didn’t confirm today that the things Xie Wanrou gave her would definitely cause a difficult childbirth. Even if she went to Xiao Chengli now, it would be useless. It would only make Xiao Chengli think that everyone was taking advantage of Xie Wanrou.” ”
Moreover, this is just suspicion. Even if there were solid evidence, it wouldn’t matter if she went to Xiao Chengli. First, Xie Wanrou is pregnant and cannot be severely punished. Second, Madam Xiao doesn’t like her and won’t stand up for her.”
“If I were her, I wouldn’t show any hatred in my heart right now, but would wait for an opportunity to take revenge quietly.”
“We should remain still and just keep an eye on her secretly. Whatever she does, as long as it doesn’t threaten us, let her be.”
“If necessary, we can even help her.”
Chunhuan nodded heavily, indicating that she understood.
This was also the reason why Xie Wanning pretended to be weak when she entered the mansion. No matter what happened, no one would think of her.
Who told her to be timid and cowardly?
Of course, Xie Wanrou is an exception.
But from now on, he won’t let anyone believe her, including Xiao Chengli.
“Miss, are you going to the Second Young Master’s again tonight?”
Chunhuan suddenly asked. Xie Wanning paused for a moment, then her face flushed. She awkwardly opened her book and said stiffly, “No, he can’t dream about me every day. Too often, and if he finds out, it’ll be terrible.”
Thinking of his fierce expression last night and his imposing aura at the teahouse today, Xie Wanning felt a little afraid.
But there was no turning back now; she had no way out.
Chunhuan said “Oh” and silently put away the medicine.
It was late at night, and Xie Wanning washed up and went to sleep.
Hongye stayed up until midnight, but Xie Wanning didn’t call her, so she went downstairs.
At this moment, Xiao Chengyan stood in the courtyard. The moon was exceptionally bright tonight, and the moonlight shone on him, making him look particularly cold and aloof.
Last night, she had arrived much earlier than this hour.
But tonight, she didn’t come!
Xiao Chengyan’s expression gradually darkened, especially after learning that Xie Wanning had sent someone to invite Xiao Chengli before dinner. His emotions surged even more.
What a heartless person! She said men and women shouldn’t touch each other, but she sent someone to find Xiao Chengli tonight!!
“Master, the eldest young master is in the study tonight, not in the young mistress’s room.”
Seeing Xiao Chengyan waiting anxiously in the courtyard, Shadow took the initiative to appear and explain on Xie Wanning’s behalf. “Hongye said that the young mistress returned to her parents’ home today, and the Xie family’s concubine was disrespectful to her. Perhaps the young mistress is in a bad mood, so…”
“The Xie family’s things displeased her?”
Xiao Chengyan looked at Shadow with a cold and gloomy expression, full of hostility. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
“This subordinate… this subordinate forgot.”
Shadow said with a forced smile. It wasn’t a big deal, and the Xie family’s stepmother had already punished her. It was clear that his master was unhappy because the young mistress hadn’t come, so he could only make up an excuse for his master.
Xiao Chengyan said in a deep voice, “Next time, don’t overlook any small matter concerning her.”
Before Shadow could respond, Xiao Chengyan added, “Have someone deal with that concubine and half-brother from the Xie family.”
Shadow had just agreed when he saw Xiao Chengyan start walking out. He asked in confusion, “Master, where are you going?”
A dark glint flashed in Xiao Chengyan’s eyes, and he said in a low voice, “If she doesn’t come looking for me, I’ll go find her!”
Shadow: “…”