Having learned her lesson before, Xie Wanning didn’t ask him the reason this time. Instead, she said with a troubled expression, “My husband gave me instructions, so I shouldn’t refuse. But my mother-in-law said that nothing in our household can be hidden from her, and I have to list the uses of all the money she gives me each month. Although I have a dowry, the dowry list was personally checked by Granny Qi, so I dare not touch it easily.”
Hearing this, Xiao Chengli stood up abruptly, surprised, “You reported everything? Didn’t you keep any for yourself?”
Xie Wanning sneered inwardly. How could she have reported everything?
The dowry on the surface had to be inspected; that was the rule.
But she kept her private money hidden. She said this only to be certain that Xiao Chengli wouldn’t dare to confront Madam Xiao.
Madam Xiao gave him a considerable amount of money every month. If she found out that Xiao Chengli spent all his money early every month, she would definitely check his accounts.
At that time, all the frivolous things Xiao Chengli did in private would be exposed.
Therefore, facing Xiao Chengli’s questioning, she feigned grievance and said, “Husband, my mother-in-law doesn’t mind my lowly birth and made me the young mistress of the Marquis’s mansion. Logically and morally, I should be of one mind with her and not hide anything from her.”
She used the principles of loyalty, filial piety, and propriety to pressure him, and Xiao Chengli really couldn’t refute her.
At this moment, Xie Wanning feigned concern and asked, “Husband, is this matter important? Should I take it to ask my mother-in-law? She loves you so much; if it’s useful to you, she’ll surely send someone to handle it even more properly.”
“No need,”
Xiao Chengli immediately objected, his face turning pale. All the tenderness from before vanished, replaced by his disgusted gaze.
“I thought that since you married me, we would be husband and wife, but I didn’t expect you to be so stingy. I only asked you for a favor, and you’re making excuses.”
Xie Wanning looked at him with ‘surprise,’ tears streaming down her face.
“My lord, you’ve misunderstood me. I come from a humble family and don’t understand the rules of the Marquis’s mansion. I’m afraid of making a mistake and bringing shame upon you and the mansion. Therefore, I always prioritize my mother-in-law’s opinion and dare not overstep any boundaries.” ”
And today, my mother-in-law gave me some instructions regarding Consort Rou’s matter. Any movement between my husband and me, whether it’s sending things inside or using money outside, must be approved by her before a decision can be made.”
Xiao Chengli’s face was grim. To discipline him, Madam Xiao had reduced his monthly allowance last month and forbade the accountant from giving him money privately.
She claimed it was for his studies, but it was really to control him. He was used to living a carefree life, and suddenly without money, he was very unaccustomed to spending.
Xie Wanrou said that Xie Wanning had brought a lot of dowry, and he had started to have designs on it. He didn’t expect Xie Wanning to be so foolish, telling his mother everything.
If his mother had known about what happened just now, who knows how she would have scolded him.
Xiao Chengli, seething with resentment, suddenly turned cold. “Fine. I thought you, as my wife, should be a virtuous and capable wife, but I never expected you to be so useless. You’re just a pretty face.”
Xie Wanning cried even harder upon hearing this.
Xiao Chengli, however, didn’t bother to look at her, refusing to say a word, and strode away.
After he left, Chunhuan immediately came in, while Hongye stood guard outside.
“Miss, are you alright?”
Chunhuan asked with great conc ern, but Xie Wanning calmly shook her
head, indicating that she was fine. She wiped her tears with a handkerchief and then asked Chunhuan to fetch water to wash her hands.
She felt disgusted that Xiao Chengli had touched her hands.
Chunhuan quickly brought water and helped Xie Wanning wash and apply face powder. She asked worriedly, “Miss, the young master wouldn’t let us in just now. What did he say that made you cry so much?”
Xie Wanning replied, “Nothing. He wanted money, so I pretended to cry and didn’t give it to him.”
“What? This young master actually asked you for money?”
Chunhuan was shocked. “That’s shameless! You’ve only been married a few days, and he’s already eyeing your dowry money?”
“Besides, that’s your dowry, not the Marquis’s private property. How dare he ask you for it?”
Xie Wanning smiled at Chunhuan. “He’s not exactly a gentleman. As long as he has money to live extravagantly without Madam Xiao knowing, he’d even dare to steal money from a vat of boiling oil. What’s more, this?”
“Truly shameless!”
Chunhuan cursed angrily. Xie Wanning pulled her aside and said, “Xiaohuan, later find a trustworthy maid to complain to the young master and let him know that Xie Wanrou is quite wealthy.”
“That’s perfect! They say my dowry is all show and no substance; it’s all bark and no bite. Aunt Rou was favored by her father back in her maiden home, but she actually has far more money hidden away.”
Chunhuan’s eyes lit up, and she immediately nodded. “Miss, I’ll get it done tomorrow. Doesn’t the young master want to spend money? He should spend Aunt Rou’s money ,
right?” Seeing that it was getting late, Chunhuan asked, “Are you hungry? I’ll have someone prepare dinner.”
Xie Wanning nodded and said softly, “I’m going over there tonight; you should prepare in advance.”
Xiao Chengli had just spoken ill of her, so she figured he wouldn’t come to her room for several days.
That was fine; it would save her the trouble of seeing him.
Chunhuan understood and went out to do her errands. At the door, she saw Hongye and whispered a few words in her ear.
Hongye nodded expressionlessly, indicating no problem.
That night, Xie Wanning waited until late before getting dressed and going out.
Hongye had already scouted the place and was waiting for her at the door.
“Don’t worry, Madam, there’s no one in or around the Second Young Master’s courtyard.”
Knowing that Xie Wan Ning was going there that night, Xiao Cheng Yan had already taken precautions. Even if she went openly with a lantern, no one would notice, let alone sneak away.
This was Xie Wan Ning’s third time coming here to scout ahead.
Although she had prepared herself, her heart still pounded as she entered Xiao Chengyan’s room. She walked very quietly, afraid of making a sound that might wake him.
Seeing the person lying on the bed, Xie Wanning took a deep breath, took off her shoes and socks, got into bed, and then drew the bed curtains. Practice makes
perfect, and soon, subtle movements could be heard from inside the room.
This time, Shadow had anticipated this and hid elsewhere, able to hear her master’s private conversations while still observing the situation in the courtyard.
This time, the time was slightly longer than last time. Not long after Xie Wanning, supporting her aching back, left with Hongye, the lights in the bedroom were lit.
Seeing this, Shadow rushed over, and just as she stood at the door, Xiao Chengyan’s voice came from inside.
“Come in!”
Shadow didn’t hesitate, immediately pushing the door open and then closing it behind her.
Inside the bedroom, Xiao Chengyan, dressed in a dark inner robe, stood quietly by the window with his hands behind his back.
His eyes were slightly closed, his sharp features softened considerably, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips, revealing a satisfied contentment. With
his eyes half-closed, his mind was filled with the scene of their passionate lovemaking.
The image of her nestled in his arms, breathing softly, still stirred his heart.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t speak, nor could he let her notice anything amiss…
“Master, you called me.”
“Have you found the person I asked you to find?” Xiao Chengyan turned around, asking in a calm tone.