“She’s been sent in. She’s one of the maids chosen by Madam Xiao.”
Shadow walked behind Xiao Chengyan, his attitude respectful.
“Master, Madam Xiao has arranged several maids. It’s not certain that the young mistress will choose Hongye.”
“She will choose.”
Xiao Chengyan’s tone was very certain. When
Xie Wanning arrived at the front hall, Madam Xiao had just arrived, and the old Marquis was nowhere to be seen. When
a new bride enters the house to serve tea to her parents-in-law, Madam Xiao and the old Marquis should both be present. The absence of one of them, along with Xiao Chengli, could only mean that no one in the Marquis’s mansion took her seriously.
It was the same in her previous life, and now Madam Xiao was preparing to show her power, just like in her previous life.
Xie Wanning was already prepared in her heart. Although she appeared afraid on the surface, she was not afraid at all in her heart.
Before she became pregnant, she mainly played the role of someone who knew nothing, could not be taught anything, and was docile, timid, and lacked courage.
Then, when Madam Xiao demanded that Xie Wanning display the authority of a matriarch because of what happened to Xiao Chengli the previous night, Xie Wanning immediately adopted her usual tearful act. Regardless of what Madam Xiao said, she insisted that her husband’s offspring were the priority, and that she didn’t mind suffering a little grievance.
Xiao Chengli arrived late, and just as he reached the door, he heard her words of “understanding the bigger picture.”
He had been instigated by Xie Wanrou, and had originally thought that if Xie Wanning complained to his mother about what happened last night, he would never forgive her.
It was one thing for her to bully his sister in the Xie family, but if she continued like this after marrying into the Xiao family, he would definitely make her pay.
“Mother-in-law, I heard that my husband lost Concubine Liu’s child a month ago. Now Concubine Rou is pregnant, only three months along. It’s understandable that my husband values her. If Concubine Rou can give birth to my husband’s eldest son, it would be a joyous occasion.”
Madam Xiao, who was known for her fiery temper, couldn’t contain her anger upon hearing this. “What’s so joyous about it? If she gives birth, he’ll be the eldest son of a concubine. Do you think that sounds good?”
Besides, Xie Wanrou had only been in the household for two months, and her baby was already three months along. After the child was born, who wouldn’t know what was going on?
Thinking about this made Madam Xiao feel like she had swallowed a fly.
But her son was the eldest grandson of the Xiao family, and he had been spoiled by the old lady. She couldn’t change him now, so she could only let him get married first and find a suitable daughter-in-law to persuade him.
Who knew that Xie Wanning would be such a pushover?
Seeing Madam Xiao’s displeasure, Xie Wanning feigned panic and hurriedly knelt before her. “Mother-in-law, it was all my fault for not thinking things through. I admit my mistake.”
“I was teaching you to maintain the dignity of a mistress. What are you doing?”
Madam Xiao frowned, her tone changing.
“Mother-in-law, my father taught us sisters from a young age to respect our husbands. I dare not interfere in my husband’s affairs. Besides, Consort Rou was pampered by my father from childhood. It’s already a disservice for her to be a concubine. I dare not object to my husband showing her more affection.”
Xie Wanning looked like she was about to cry, as if someone had bullied her.
Madam Xiao’s anger flared instantly. “You…”
But before she could finish speaking, she was interrupted by another voice.
“Mother, she’s right. A wife should always put her husband first. Wanrou is carrying your grandson, so it’s only right that she makes concessions for the child.”
Xiao Chengli walked in, glancing at Xie Wanning kneeling on the ground. She was also ‘surprised’ by his appearance and looked at him.
With her head bowed and eyes downcast, she looked pitiful and aggrieved, kneeling before his mother like a kitten. This was far removed from the image of the unreasonable and violent woman Xie Wanrou had described, even evoking a sense of pity in him…
Madam Xiao steadied herself and said, “Li’er, the child is the most important thing. You shouldn’t have neglected Wan Ning last night. She’s your newlywed wife, your legal wife. Where does that leave her dignity?”
Xiao Chengli retorted, “What’s wrong with that? They’re sisters, they should help each other.”
Madam Xiao was speechless with anger. Her beautiful eyes widened as she turned to Xie Wan Ning, “Is that what you think too?”
“I… whatever my husband says is right.”
Xie Wan Ning mumbled for a long time before finally managing to utter this one sentence. Madam Xiao became even angrier and waved them away.
Perhaps Xie Wan Ning’s words had pleased Xiao Chengli, for he took the initiative to help her up and they walked out together. Xie Wan Ning
, blushing shyly, followed him a step behind with her head down.
Madam Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly at this sight, a glint of shrewdness flashing within them.
Unexpectedly, Xie Wanning withdrew her hand shortly after leaving the house.
“What’s wrong?” Xiao Chengli turned back, puzzled.
Xie Wanning lowered her head slightly, feigning shyness, “Husband, Concubine Rou’s child is important. You don’t need to send me back; you should go and keep her company.”
Xiao Chengli was pleased with her understanding and said gently, “It’s best that you can think this way. Your sister has always spoken well of you since she married into the family, and you haven’t let her down.”
“Yes, Concubine Rou is certainly good.”
So good that he wanted to tear her to pieces.
Xie Wanning continued, “According to the rules of the household, when the mistress enters, the concubines must pay their respects. I thought that since Concubine Rou is pregnant, I would exempt her from this rule so that my sister can focus on her pregnancy.”
“Very good.”
Xiao Chengli raised his eyebrows slightly, quite pleased with her ‘obedience’.
Seeing his happiness, Xie Wanning continued, “I’ve always been concerned about Aunt Rou’s health. Now that she’s pregnant, I want to do something for her. Husband, I heard that Aunt Rou prepared a very complete gift list for Aunt Liu. Could I copy one and send it to her?”
“Husband, please don’t blame me for trying to save trouble. It’s just that I really don’t know what to do, so I can only imitate… learn from Aunt Rou’s experience.”
As she spoke, Xie Wanning’s tone lowered, softening Xiao Chengli’s heart once more. His previous impressions of her were entirely based on speculation; he hadn’t expected her to be so understanding, just like Wanrou.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m just surprised you’re as generous as your sister. She took good care of Aunt Liu during her pregnancy, but it’s a pity Aunt Liu was unlucky and couldn’t keep the child.”
“What a pity,” Xie Wanning said, her voice filled with pity.
Xiao Chengli was captivated by her beauty; Xie Wanning was so beautiful, and she had a different kind of charm than Xie Wanrou…
His mind wandered, and he suddenly thought of Xie Wanrou again, immediately becoming serious. “Although you did well this time, you must continue to do so in the future, be a good mistress of the house. I will make it up to you after your sister gives birth. During this time, don’t be jealous of your sister, or don’t blame me for disgracing you as mistress.”
“Yes,” Xie Wanning replied as usual. Xiao Chengli didn’t say anything more and turned to leave.
Xie Wanning’s expression changed. She disgustedly wiped her hand with a handkerchief, which he had held, and turned to walk towards her courtyard.
Not long after, Xiao Chengli sent someone with a list.
Chunhuan, holding the list, was furious, her face turning green. “Miss, this young master is really going too far! You only said it casually, and he actually sent it!”
“Who said I was just saying it? I really will give these things to Consort Rou.” ”
What?”
Chunhuan was even more shocked. Looking closely at the list, good heavens, it was all sea cucumbers and abalone, all kinds of fresh and delicious food.
“My goodness, these are all good things! Miss, this will cost a lot of money.”
Chunhuan was reluctant to
part with it. Xie Wanning smiled, a hint of sarcasm in her smile. “If she really eats these things every day, she’ll definitely have a difficult childbirth, and it might even result in the death of both mother and child.”