After drinking the medicine, Yun Chu felt drowsy and sleepy.

Liu Qianqian left the room.

Seeing her emerge, Yun Ze, who had been waiting in the courtyard, immediately approached. “Has Chu’er come to terms with it?”

“Husband is overthinking.” Liu Qianqian spoke. “I see that Chu’er hasn’t taken that matter to heart at all. Does husband believe that if a woman is too intimate with a man other than her husband, it equals committing a grave mistake? Men can have three wives and four concubines, can go a whole year without entering their legal wife’s chambers. Chu’er did what she had to do to save her life—she had no choice but to be with Prince Pingxi… Even if something truly happened, I don’t believe she wronged the Xie family.”

Yun Ze was dumbstruck.

His wife had always been gentle, virtuous, well-read, and reasonable. He never imagined he would hear his wife say such words.

Wait!

He spoke. “Wife, do you mean that Xie Jingyu hasn’t entered Chu’er’s chambers for a year?”

Liu Qianqian nodded with a cold expression.

Some time ago, when Mother-in-law accompanied Chu’er to find a miracle physician for a pulse diagnosis, Mother-in-law had been in depressed spirits after returning to the residence. When she inquired, she learned that Chu’er and her husband hadn’t shared a bed for at least a year.

Chu’er worked her heart out for the Xie family, raising so many illegitimate sons and daughters. How dare Xie Jingyu, as her husband, humiliate his legal wife in such a manner!

Yun Ze’s expression wasn’t much better.

For a man to take concubines was natural law. Of course, he hadn’t taken any concubines—not because he wasn’t a man, but simply because he saw no necessity.

No matter how many concubines were in the rear courtyard, one should never neglect one’s wife. Otherwise, what difference was there from favoring concubines and destroying the wife?

“Husband, since Chu’er was injured this time, let her stay home to recuperate for a while longer.” Liu Qianqian spoke slowly. “Let Xie Jingyu know that without Chu’er, without the Yun family, the Xie family is nothing.”

Yun Ze nodded. “We’ll do as my wife says.”

As the couple were speaking, a servant came to report. “Lord, Madam, the son-in-law has arrived.”

The Yun family’s son-in-law was naturally Xie Jingyu.

Yun Ze initially wanted to tell Xie Jingyu to get lost, but thinking of something, he spoke. “Take him to the study.”

Xie Jingyu didn’t come alone—he also brought Xie Shi’an with him.

Although the two families were related by marriage, people from the Xie family rarely came to the Yun family. They only came during festivals and banquets.

The father and son sat waiting in the study for quite a while. The servants didn’t even serve tea, leaving them sitting there awkwardly. About fifteen minutes later, Yun Ze finally arrived.

“Sorry to keep brother-in-law waiting.” Yun Ze wore a smile on his face, showing no sign of deliberate difficulty. “Why did Shi’an come as well? Doesn’t the academy have classes today?”

Xie Shi’an stood up. “Mother was injured. I was worried in my heart, so I specifically requested leave to come see Mother.”

“You’re quite a filial child.” Yun Ze spoke. “Your mother just fell asleep—best not to go in and disturb her rest. Jiang’er has been quite playful with his studies lately. Shi’an, you passed the scholar examination at such a young age—have Jiang’er learn some methods from you.”

Xie Shi’an nodded, turned, and left the study.

The smile disappeared from Yun Ze’s face. “What tea does brother-in-law prefer? I’ll have someone bring it up.”

Xie Jingyu’s expression was extremely calm. “No need. I’ll wait here until my wife wakes and take her home.”

In terms of official rank, he was fifth rank, Yun Ze was seventh rank. Even if Yun Ze couldn’t manage to bow to him, he should at least give sufficient face.

Yet he couldn’t see the slightest respect on Yun Ze’s face. This was complete disregard for him.

“Whether or not Chu’er returns to the Xie family—we can discuss that matter later.” Yun Ze spoke coldly. “Brother-in-law, ever since becoming Prince An’jing’s future father-in-law, your social engagements seem to have increased considerably. I’ve heard people say that brother-in-law has recently received quite a few good things—for example, coral planters, jade ruyi scepters, and it seems some people have even directly delivered silver into brother-in-law’s hands?”

Xie Jingyu’s expression changed dramatically. “Where did Elder Brother hear all this?”

“You are Chu’er’s husband, so naturally I pay more attention to you. I casually chatted with several lords from the Ministry of Revenue and learned all this.” Yun Ze shook his head. “If someone deliberately targeted you and investigated you thoroughly inside and out, and these things were handed over to the Censorate, do you know what the consequences would be?”

Xie Jingyu clenched his fists.

Throughout the imperial court, everyone did this—accept gifts and then handle matters. It was an established convention. Why should it be wrong when it came to him?

“How others behave, I can’t control!” Yun Ze’s voice grew colder. “If you affect the century-old reputation of my Yun family, the first thing my Yun family will do is have Chu’er divorce you!”

Xie Jingyu’s face darkened, but he concealed his expression well, bowing with cupped hands. “Elder Brother’s admonishment is right. I will never do it again.”

“There is no ‘again.'” Yun Ze shook his head. “When all those things you accepted before are returned, that’s when Chu’er will return to your Xie family! Lord Xie, I won’t see you out!”

Having said this, he turned and left with a wave of his sleeve.

Xie Jingyu picked up the teacup on the table, about to throw it on the ground, but then realized this was the Yun family and could only suppress his rage.

He left the study and met up with Xie Shi’an. Xie Shi’an inquired, “Father’s expression looks so terrible. Did Uncle say something to Father?”

Xie Jingyu spoke in a low voice. “Ever since His Majesty issued the imperial decree for the betrothal, many people have sent gifts asking me to handle matters. I refused some, but it became quite ugly, so later I accepted some. But your uncle found out about it and said I was affecting the Yun family’s reputation, telling me to return everything I received.”

“Uncle’s words aren’t wrong.” Xie Shi’an spoke. “If Father wants to climb higher and go further, you really should be more careful in this regard. What should be returned should be returned.”

Xie Jingyu pressed his lips together. “Those things have already been recorded on Ping’er’s dowry list…”

“Father needn’t worry about the dowry matter.” Xie Shi’an thought for a moment. “Wait until Mother’s injury heals, then have Mother think of a solution.”

The father and son talked as they slowly walked to the main entrance of the Yun residence. Just as they were about to board their carriage, they saw another carriage stop.

Before the carriage had even come to a complete halt, a child jumped down from inside. Dressed in fine silk, he hopped and skipped into the Yun residence.

Immediately after, a man descended from the carriage—imposing and awe-inspiring, his presence commanding.

With just one glance, Xie Jingyu immediately pulled Xie Shi’an to bow. “This humble official greets Prince Pingxi and pays respects to Your Highness.”

Chu Yi’s gaze fell on Xie Jingyu. He recognized him—this was that woman’s husband, the fifth-rank Vice Minister of Revenue.

And the one beside him should be the legitimate eldest son she had registered under her name.

He only swept them with a glance before striding into the Yun residence.

Xie Jingyu raised his head, watching as the guards at the entrance respectfully led Chu Yi inside. His emotions were complex.

His father-in-law had not yet returned to the capital. In the Yun residence, only Yun Ze held office—merely seventh rank—yet could receive a personal visit from a prince. No wonder Yun Ze dared to lecture him in such a manner.

Yun Ze had just had servants see Xie Jingyu off when he heard a servant report that Prince Pingxi and the Young Lord had arrived.

He didn’t delay and immediately went to the study, having the finest tea and refreshments served.

Before he could even speak, Chu Hongyu anxiously said, “Uncle Yun, mmph…”

His mouth was covered. Chu Yi spoke coldly. “Address him as Lord Yun.”

Seeing the little one nod, he released his hand. Chu Hongyu corrected himself. “Lord Yun, how is Auntie Yun’s injury? May I go see Auntie Yun?”