As the evening sky gradually darkened, birds chirped lightly in the trees, and the scent of gardenias lingered in the air. However, Yuanxi seemed oblivious to her surroundings. As she watched Xie Du’s face inch closer, her earlier confidence vanished in an instant. Hastily stepping backward, she found herself soon pressed against the trunk of a tree with no room to retreat, forced to watch as his features loomed larger. She felt his breath on her face, her heart pounding like thunder. Never before had she been so close to a man, even if he was her husband. She lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze.
Xie Du sighed. “Why are you always so afraid of me, as if I were a cannibal?” As he spoke, he reached out to adjust the strands of hair falling over her shoulder, his fingers trailing along her fair and delicate neck. Suddenly, his smile faded. “Rumors have it that I have a taste for human blood, especially that of women. Do you believe it?”
Yuanxi felt a tingling warmth on her neck but dared not push his hand away. Tilting her head to the side, she replied in a voice barely above a whisper, “I… don’t believe it. Human blood is useless and not palatable. Who would drink it?”
Xie Du had intended to scare her, but now he found himself intrigued by her response. “How do you know whether human blood is palatable or useful?” Leaning in closer, he whispered into her ear, his voice low and seductive. “I’ve heard that drinking the blood of young women can rejuvenate and keep one healthy, warding off all ailments.”
Taking a deep breath, Yuanxi summoned all her courage to lift her head and meet his gaze. Her eyes were filled with seriousness as she replied, “Drinking blood would only result in it being excreted from the body, unable to permeate internally. There is no scientific basis for the claims of its rejuvenating properties. Legitimate medical practices have never mentioned the use of human blood for healing, so these purported benefits have no foundation.”
Xie Du’s smile froze on his face, momentarily at a loss for words as he stared at her, unable to comprehend how her mind worked. Giving up on trying to scare her, he straightened up, finding her response unamusing. A sudden thought crossed his mind: with her unconventional and straightforward nature, she might just be the perfect match to deal with Aunt Wang. The idea amused him greatly, and he couldn’t wait to see Aunt Wang’s reaction.
Indeed, Aunt Wang’s expression was less than pleasant, especially when Yuanxi handed her the large stack of account books, claiming to have memorized all their contents. Making Yuanxi memorize the account books was simply a scheme to assert her authority, hoping to deter Yuanxi and make her realize that managing the household affairs wasn’t something she could meddle in at will.
After standing there in a daze for a while, she finally felt a bit awkward and adjusted her hair, forcing a smile. “Madam Yuan is truly exceptional, to have memorized everything so quickly.”
Yuanxi nodded firmly, her eyes sparkling with determination. “Aunt, you can quiz me anytime.”
Aunt Wang glanced suspiciously at the account books on the desk, hesitated for a moment, then finally selected one and began to quiz Yuanxi. She asked questions from several books in succession, watching in disbelief as Yuanxi answered each question flawlessly. Unable to maintain her smile any longer, Aunt Wang reluctantly praised her, though her mind was in turmoil.
Yuanxi continued to smile gently, her voice filled with determination. “Aunt, you asked me to complete the task, and I have done so. Now, can you teach me how to manage the household accounts properly?”
Aunt Wang’s body tensed, her hands clasped tightly within her sleeves as she struggled to suppress her rising anger. She forced a smile and replied, “Of course, but as Madam Yuan has just begun, it wouldn’t be appropriate to rush things. Why don’t we start by entrusting you with the management of several estates on the outskirts of the capital?”
Yuanxi nodded thoughtfully, considering it a good starting point. She wasn’t too ambitious, understanding that she couldn’t take over all the affairs of the household in a short period. However, since yesterday, she had secretly resolved to do her best. If she couldn’t be a favored wife, she could at least strive to be a good mistress. After all, her days in the Marquis’ Mansion were bound to be long, so she wasn’t in a hurry.
Seeing Yuanxi’s agreement, Aunt Wang took out several ledgers from the cabinet and briefed her on the population, harvest, and revenue of several estates on the outskirts of the capital. She repeatedly reminded Yuanxi not to rush, and Yuanxi nodded attentively, carefully memorizing everything. It wasn’t until the moon was high in the sky that she left Aunt Wang’s room.
Aunt Wang stood at the threshold, watching Yuanxi walk away, her smile gradually fading. She turned back into the room, suddenly choked by the scent of incense. Summoning two maids, she exclaimed in frustration, “What is this scent? Do you want to suffocate me? Change it all!” The maids exchanged puzzled looks, not understanding why the incense that was lit daily would anger her so much. However, seeing Aunt Wang’s expression, they knew she was in a bad mood and quickly complied, extinguishing the incense and fetching a different one.
Aunt Wang approached the incense burner, disdainfully flicking the ashes inside. Through gritted teeth, she muttered, “I never expected… I truly underestimated her.”
Meanwhile, Yuanxi walked back with Anhe, thinking about her accomplishments of the day. Unable to suppress her smile, she felt light-hearted. She was eager to familiarize herself with the affairs of the estates. Just as she reached the door, she suddenly heard Nanny Li talking to someone inside the room. It was the voice of a young woman, clear and melodious like a warbler, unlike any of the maids in the mansion. Yuanxi felt puzzled and pushed open the door, only to encounter someone she never expected to see inside.
There stood Xiao Zhixuan, dressed in apricot-colored embroidered satin, with a fine pleated skirt of white silk. She was engaged in an animated conversation with Nanny Li, but as soon as she saw Yuanxi enter, she rushed over and affectionately took her arm. “Sister-in-law, you’re finally back.” Yuanxi wasn’t accustomed to such closeness with others, but she had a favorable impression of this young sister-in-law and didn’t refuse. Instead, she pulled her to sit together on the couch and smiled, “What brings you here?”
Xiao Zhixuan smiled sweetly. “Nothing much, I just felt bored and wanted to chat with my sister-in-law. Since the incident at the Buddhist hall, Father hasn’t allowed me to roam freely around the mansion, fearing for my safety. It’s been driving me crazy.” She pouted, clearly displeased.
Yuanxi couldn’t help but chuckle. Xiao Zhixuan was indeed a naive and romantic young girl. Her biggest worry was not being able to go out to play. Little did she know about the intrigues and conflicts within the mansion, far more troubling than not being able to go out.
Just as Yuanxi was about to say something to comfort her, Xiao Zhixuan suddenly grabbed her hand excitedly. “Sister-in-law, would you accompany me to the estates? Last year, Big Brother took me there, and at this time of year, the peaches are big and sweet. Big Brother even taught me how to catch fish. It was so much fun.”
Yuanxi’s heart skipped a beat. She had been thinking about visiting the estates, after all, the best way to understand the situation was to go there in person and ask around. However, she was still somewhat hesitant and asked, “Just the two of us women? Wouldn’t that be inconvenient?”
“Of course not!” Xiao Zhixuan immediately exclaimed, “Big brother will accompany us, or else Father will never allow me to leave the mansion. Besides, it’s also a good opportunity for big brother and sister-in-law to bond.” With a meaningful look, she blinked at Yuanxi.
Yuanxi found it rather strange. How could this young girl understand such matters? Then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Nanny Li, who was standing to the side, also smiling meaningfully. Suddenly, it dawned on her. Nanny Li must have been too anxious for Xiao Du to visit her room, and simply repeating advice in her ear every day wasn’t enough. Now, she had even involved Xiao Zhixuan.
As Yuanxi realized that Xiao Zhixuan was ambiguously trying to match her and Xiao Du, her face flushed slightly. She couldn’t help but cast a reproachful glance at Nanny Li, who didn’t seem to mind at all and happily responded, “It’s perfect. Miss Xiao is also planning to go out for a change of scenery.”
Afraid that Nanny Li might say something more, Yuanxi coughed lightly to interrupt and sent her to attend to something outside. Nanny Li, still unperturbed, left happily to instruct Anhe and Rongqiao to come in and tidy up Yuanxi’s belongings. She seemed even more delighted than when Yuanxi got married.
Suppressing the urge to facepalm, Yuanxi noticed that Xiao Zhixuan had taken her agreement for granted. She replied with excitement, “That’s great! I’ll go tell my brother. Once we’ve arranged everything, someone will come to inform you, Sister-in-law.”
Early the next morning, Xiao Zhixuan arrived outside Yuanxi’s room with her maids and luggage, waiting for her. They walked to the courtyard gate together and saw several carriages waiting there.
Beside a carriage draped in emerald green silk, Xiao Du stood casually under a flowering tree, dressed in a purple robe embroidered with clouds. Despite his relaxed demeanor, Yuanxi remembered Nanny Li’s repeated instructions from the night before. She couldn’t help but blush again, but fortunately, Xiao Du was busy giving instructions to the coachman and didn’t notice her.
When Xiao Zhixuan saw Xiao Du, she happily ran over and grabbed his hand. “Brother, is everything ready?” Xiao Du shook his head with a smile. “As soon as you heard about going out to play, you lost your composure. I really should have let Master Zhao discipline you properly.” Xiao Zhixuan disdainfully scoffed at the mention of Master Zhao. “That old stick-in-the-mud? I never listen to him.” Then, she gestured to Yuanxi. “Sister-in-law, come over here. Let’s ride together.”
Xiao Du also noticed Yuanxi but just smiled faintly. “You and your Sister-in-law can ride in the same carriage. I have other arrangements.”
Xiao Zhixuan found this strange and was about to ask why when she and Yuanxi both noticed two figures approaching from a distance. One was a maid, and the other, dressed in a coarse blue shirt
Yuanxi’s memory of that day suddenly surfaced, causing her face to pale slightly. She couldn’t help but take two steps back. However, Xiao Du walked over to support Yunniang and walked towards them, saying softly, “Don’t be afraid. She fell ill due to shock that day. I’ve noticed her spirits haven’t been too good lately, so I thought of taking her out to relax. I wonder if Madam would agree.”
Naturally, Yuanxi couldn’t refuse. However, her heart was full of curiosity about the mysterious Yunniang’s identity. Just then, the coachman came to remind them that it was time to depart. Yuanxi and Xiao Zhixuan boarded the carriage together, while Xiao Du shared another carriage with Yunniang. Several maids and servants occupied the remaining carriages as they set off in a line towards the outskirts of the city.
During the journey, as the carriage bumped along the road, Yuanxi couldn’t contain her curiosity and asked Xiao Zhixuan, “Who exactly is Yunniang?”
Sighing, Xiao Zhixuan replied, “Yunniang used to serve by Madam’s side. Since Big Brother was born, Madam’s health has been poor. She entrusted Big Brother’s care to the wet nurse and Yunniang. It’s said that Yunniang took meticulous care of Big Brother from a young age. Once, when Big Brother had a high fever and was almost unconscious, Yunniang stayed by his bedside for three days without sleep to save him. Because of this, Big Brother regarded her as a motherly figure. Unfortunately, eight years ago, Yunniang suddenly fell ill with a strange disease, causing her to lose her mind and become insane. Originally, Madam wanted to send her away from the mansion, but Big Brother insisted otherwise. He found a secluded courtyard within the mansion and assigned a maid to take care of her. He would often visit her.”
Yuanxi’s heart softened. She hadn’t expected Xiao Du, who seemed capricious on the surface, to have such a compassionate side. She felt even more sympathetic towards Yunniang. As the carriage traveled along a rugged path, it eventually stopped by a riverbank. Xiao Zhixuan excitedly opened the carriage curtain and said, “Once we cross this river, we’ll arrive at the estate. My bottom is almost calloused from sitting so long.” Yuanxi couldn’t help but burst into laughter at her innocent remark.
The group disembarked and approached the riverside. Upon seeing the carriage, the boatman immediately recognized them as from the Marquis’ Mansion and respectfully invited them aboard. Yuanxi sat at the bow of the boat, gazing at the distant mountains and shimmering waters, feeling an indescribable sense of ease in her heart.
At that moment, a small boat approached from the center of the river, with a figure standing at the bow. Dressed in a green robe with a jade belt and a black square scarf, his features were elegant and handsome, like a clear stream amidst the mountains and rivers. He gracefully gestured towards them and respectfully said, “Luo Yuan, a compiler from the Hanlin Academy, pays respects to the Marquis.”
Yuanxi found the voice very familiar. As the boat drew closer and she saw his features clearly, she couldn’t help but exclaim, “Young Scholar!”
Luo Yuan shifted his gaze toward her, paused for a moment, and then smiled lightly. “Madam Xiao, long time no see.”
Xiao Du looked at his wife suspiciously, seeing her unable to contain her excitement, and couldn’t help but mutter, “She’s not shy this time!”