Edited by Elanor
“Your Sister is young and ignorant. If she does something bad, just teach her. We are a family. If she gets better in the future, she will repay you, you understand?” Xie Liangbei watched as his Daughter obediently bowed to his Second Son. The Second Son’s expression was quite calm, and he immediately felt relieved. He turned his head and reminded his Daughter, “You too, look around a little and don’t stick around like a stick. There are many guests today and when your Second Brother is busy, remember to give him a hand… …”
After Xie Liangbei had warned her enough, he left his Daughter Xie Ru to Xie Tingyue and left in a hurry, preparing to go to the outer courtyard to enjoy the limelight of a ‘Father-in-Law’.
The family background of the Chu family and Xie Tingyue’s reputation were all shining brightly. How could others not praise them? Xie Liangbei and his Second Son were not close and had nothing to say when they were together. He was even less close to his ‘Son-in-Law’ Chu Mu, although he was polite on the surface, he still disliked him in his heart. He was a sick man, and he didn’t know how long he could last. What was the point of getting along well and how much advantage could you get by using it? The Elders of the Chu family had higher status and seniority and they could always overpower people at any time, making it even more uncomfortable to sit together. It was not as satisfying as being praised and flattered by the guests in the outer courtyard.
Xie Liangbei’s pursuit was single and clear, and he was completely self-satisfied. He was like a fish in water, and he didn’t need others to worry about him.
The only thing Xie Tingyue needed to worry about was her Step-Sister, Xie Ru.
“You came alone, without a maid?”
Xie Ru blushed slightly and felt a little embarrassed, “I originally brought her with me, but Father felt disgusted when he saw her and said it was too petty and embarrassing to bring her out. Anyway, my Brother will take care of me here, so…”
Xie Tingyue frowned, what kind of trouble is that old bastard making!
Or–
Madam Lin?
He suddenly narrowed his eyes.
“Brother, don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself,” Xie Ru repeatedly assured, with a shy smile, brave and strong, as if she were a lovely neighbor sister. “I know that it’s not easy for my Brother to live in a wealthy family, and I won’t cause you any trouble.”
Xie Tingyue was stunned.
He knew very little about the children born to Madam Lin, she protected the two of them very closely. In his previous life, she always personally confronted Xie Tingyue, giving him trouble every time. She used all means and scheming to avoid any impact on her own children. If she failed, her reputation would be damaged, but not her children.
Xie Tingyue has always adhered to the idea of ‘the wrongdoer deserves his debtor‘ and never implicated others. The Brother and Sister had never harmed him, so he had never targeted them. And Madam Lin was constantly making moves, one after another. It was difficult for him to protect himself and his Younger Brother. How could he have the time to focus on other things?
He only remembered that when Madam Lin married in, Xie Liangbei took his Son to pay homage to his ancestors, entered the family tree, changed his name to Xie Tingri, and sent him to study outside. Of course, he was not studying in the same academy as Xie Tingxing. He married Chu Mu, and Xie Tingri didn’t come back at that time as well. What Madam Lin said outside was due to some accident, the message was not delivered. If the family didn’t get the message, there would be no resentment. Xie Tingyue understood that Madam Lin didn’t send any message at all and the news about his marriage had not been passed.
The Second Son was married as a male wife. What would the Elder Brother do when he comes back? Carry him on the sedan chair to get married? Wasn’t the marriage itself embarrassing enough?
As for his Step-Sister Xie Ru, she has been sitting in the back courtyard all along. Madam Lin hired a famous lady to teach her piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, as well as virtue, speech, and merit. Xie Ru rarely ventured out, and there were not many opportunities to meet in person. At most, when they met, they only bowed to each other and had no other exchanges. Madam Lin and him were fighting fiercely in the house, and the situation was tense. Xie Ru never helped, but she never said a word in favor of him.
In all his memories, the faces of these two people were very blurry. In short, they were better than him, stronger than him, and could win more glory than him. That old bastard liked them very much.
At this moment, Xie Tingyue was a bit unsure how to face this scene.
He could kill Madam Lin without feeling any guilt at all, because Madam Lin had harmed him all his life, and his feelings still hadn’t changed this lifetime. But Xie Ru had never harmed him, and he was not a person who would hold a grudge against everyone who had a blood relation with Madam Lin and kill everyone related to her….
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to sit in the flower hall.”
At present, Xie Ru was quite quiet, so for the time being, he should focus on observation and vigilance.
“En.” Xie Ru was really quiet. Xie Tingyue didn’t speak, so she didn’t make any noise and followed Xie Tingyue all the way to the flower hall.
The Chu family was a bit special. During the reign of the Late Emperor, the family sent a girl to the Palace. Unfortunately, the girl had no favor, no children, and her reputation was unknown. She was just a little transparent person in the back palace, and no one paid her any attention. It was not until the Late Emperor became famous, that she followed the new Emperor’s decree and was promoted to a Noble Consort. Among all the concubines who were favored and were not favored by the previous Emperor, she was honored and raised in the royal garden.
Regardless of whether she was favored or not, the woman who served the former Emperor, as a Noble Consort, has a different level of nobility. The new Emperor would not dare to treat her lightly, and as long as the Chu family did not commit treason, they would have some dignity in front of the superiors.
The Old Patriarch of the Chu family retired early, and Chu Mu’s Father left early. Now the biggest official in the family was the Second Master, who had no real job. He had an idle job in the Ministry of Rites. Although his official rank was considered prestigious, in fact he did not have much power.
Such a family was far away from the Imperial power and had seemingly vague connections. Their strength was not strong enough to stand in the middle of the court, and there were few conflicts of interest. On a certain level, there were still many people who were willing to associate with them.
Because of safety.
Those of high status, who interact with the Chu family and show their grandeur, have noble conduct, and do not dislike poverty and love wealth; For those with average status, there would be certain risks in moving around in the official circle. If they were not smart enough to join a party, they would not be able to handle the risks. The Chu family did not have this problem. Instead of interacting with people who don’t know the details, it’s better to come here. At least you won’t get into trouble. People with no status would not give up the opportunity to get to know the powerful and climb up. Even though they couldn’t reach those big shots, as long as the Chu family was willing to expose a little something between their fingers, it would be enough for them to eat.
Today’s banquet brought a completely new look to the Chu family. The exquisite embossed carvings on the beams and pillars were cleanly painted. Potted green plants surrounded the bluestone path. Gemstone bonsai trees were also a common sight. In the open backyard, there was a small plum forest with a variety of red plums and green sepals, blooming with fragrant flowers, emitting a faint fragrance. The corridor was wrapped in light gauze and gold ribbons, swaying gently in the wind. Even the pearl curtains in the flower hall were decorated with special plum blossom patterns.
The tea cup set on the table was even more exquisite. It was a powder glazed porcelain that was found from somewhere. The new color from the kiln was extremely light, with a very light powder. It was extremely elegant, and when held in the hand, it was clear and transparent, bright and dignified, making people happy at first glance and reluctant to put it down….
Along the way, the Chu family’s heritage has been evident.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Where others couldn’t see, Xie Ru clenched her fingers tightly and her eyes flickered.
“Tbecu Zjvjw!”
Cr rbbc jr Wlf Klcusef abbx Wlf Ee ab atf oibkfg tjii jcv qblcafv bea j wjlv ab ajxf mjgf bo tfg, j rfgnjca jqqgbjmtfv tlw jcv rjlv, “Ktf afj tberf tjr ygbeuta rfnfgji yjamtfr bo cfk afj klat fzmfiifca dejilas. Fr rfgnjcar vbc’a xcbk tbk ab jggjcuf la obg fnfgsbcf. Vtbeiv kf mtjcuf atf afj cbk? Vtbeiv kf rfqjgjaf atf ofwjif uefrar ogbw atf beafg mbegasjgv bg erf atf rjwf bcfr? Qtja jybea atf Yiv Zjagljgmt’r qijmf?”
Xie Tingyue thought for a moment, “I’ll go take a look.”
There were many things to attend to today, and accidents were inevitable. The errand runner mentioned several unexpected events in one breath, which were not significant but they were still a headache. Xie Tingyue’s mind was full of solutions, giving orders one by one to solve them, but he didn’t notice that Xie Ru didn’t stay back in the flower hall. Instead, she followed him, sticking close to him.
She really helped.
When he was giving orders at the front, she would help pass on the message and lend a hand.
When the servants didn’t hear his orders clearly, she would call them aside and explain in a low voice…
It did not affect the management of Xie Tingyue at all, as she perfectly avoided Xie Tingyue’s sight and did not let the other party notice her.
After all, she was Madam Lin’s Daughter and has learned a lot from her Lady teacher. She did these little things with ease and smiled so prettily that the servants could feel the warmth of spring.
Xie Tingyue was very surprised when he noticed, “Why are you here? Didn’t I ask you to have fun in the flower hall?”
Xie Ru’s smile was bright and clear, “Father asked me to follow you. Besides, Second Brother is so busy, and I am idle alone… I feel very sorry if I don’t help.”
Xie Tingyue: “No need, you go and have a rest.”
Xie Ru had no choice but to say obediently, “Then I’ll just stay here and don’t cause any trouble.”
Xie Tingyue was so busy that he didn’t even notice when Xie Ru disappeared.
People who were resourceful would always find room to perform.
As for the maid who followed her, of course she didn’t get separated and kept Xie Ru within her sight. The maid understood that she was ‘taking care of’ Miss Xie. Taking care was true, but it was mainly to keep a watch on her. As long as she doesn’t cause any trouble, she could just play with Miss Xie and take good care of her. If there was any sign of an ‘accident’, she couldn’t pretend she didn’t see it, she would report as soon as possible.
Xie Ru didn’t mind at all if the maid followed, and would chat with the maid and ask her to show the way. If the maid walked slowly, she would wave and shout, “don’t get lost”.
After going back and forth, it was unknown how they had gotten there, but they had come to a Warm Pavilion.
The Warm Pavilion was built next to the water, with a wide view. In summer, it should be a Water Pavilion, with a lake on the side. Now in winter, the surface of the lake was frozen, and there were birds chasing and playing with each other, creating a unique atmosphere. A screen was set up on the verandah to block the wind, and several charcoal burners were placed in the front and back. Tea was boiling on the table, with a lingering aroma that made people feel warm at first glance.
On the soft chair by the table sat a young man, very thin, pale in complexion, with pale lips that exuded the look of someone sickly. However, his eyebrows and eyes were extremely beautiful, with sharp eyebrows and deep eyes that seemed to flow with a tide.
Xie Ru was startled, then turned back to the maid following her, “Is this… my Brother’s husband?”
The maid frowned fiercely, Why is the Young Master here? If she knew it, she would not have let Miss Xie wander towards here!
“Yes, he is the Eldest Young Master of our family.” She frowned seriously, hoping that Miss Xie would avoid suspicion on her own.
Xie Ru didn’t understand the maid’s anxiety at all, “I’ll go over and say hello.”
Maid: “……”
There was a big difference in dealings between men and women, but the two families were related by marriage, and their relationship was like that of Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law in other people’s families. It was not too much to say hello and say a few words when they encountered each other at a family banquet. Moreover, the view here was wide and everyone around could see it, so it was not unruly.
There was no other way. Helplessly, the maid had no choice but to lower her head and follow Xie Ru.
The Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-Law illicit relationship has always been a trope in most erotic novels. When Xie Ru walked over, everyone who saw them was shocked.
Those who were sweeping in the distance and delivering things stopped, their eyebrows and eyes moved frequently, and murmurs broke out.
“What’s going on with this Sister-in-Law? Is she trying to seduce our Eldest Young Master?”
“There are many good stories about Sisters serving the same husband outside. Maybe the Xie family’s tastes are just different?”
“Shut up, I think you are too idle and have no place to put your tongue. Miss Xie is a nice person. She helped a lot in front of you, she is a pretty well-behaved girl.”
“It’s just that our Eldest Young Master is good-looking, but his body is useless. Why do other girls want him? If he really wants to, there is no need to marry the Second Young Master. Can’t he just marry her himself?”
“You are so blind that you only look at people in bad places. If you have the time, why not do more work to save yourself the trouble of getting in trouble and getting slapped by the Young Madam!”
“As long as you can, you can say you are upright! Isn’t this just a small talk? Who wouldn’t be curious about this kind of thing? They talk about what’s going on, but they don’t really do anything…”
The servants’ words drifted away in the wind, and no one knew who heard them and who didn’t.
**********
Chu Mu was reading a wine manual. It introduced several ancient wine-making methods, most of which were fruit wine. Most of the fruit wines were sweet, with a lingering but not intoxicating taste. If it could be brewed… the Madam would definitely not stop him from drinking, and might even accompany him to drink it.
The air was clear and the charcoal stove was warm, reflecting his harmonious profile.
There was a smile on the corner of his lips, and most of the coldness in his body was gone.
Upon hearing voices, Chu Mu raised his head, and when the person came closer, he narrowed his eyes imperceptibly, “Xie Ru?”
“Brother has mentioned me to you?” Xie Ru wasn’t shy at all, and bowed to Chu Mu in a grand manner, “He just loves to worry. He is worried every day about us Younger Brothers and Sisters not being well behaved and being wronged. He dotes on us like treasures and has to mention about us to everyone.”
Her smiling face was full of pouting, ‘disliking her brother but actually liking him’ and her emotions were so full that they were almost overflowing. People would understand at a glance that these were siblings who had a very good relationship with each other.
Xie Ru was not polite. After bowing, she continued forward. She walked to the table and sat down by herself. Seeing that Chu Mu’s teacup was empty, she simply picked up the tea pot and helped him fill it.
Qin Ping took a step forward, as if to block her, Chu Mu raised his hand and gestured for him to stand down.
Xie Ru concentrated on refilling his tea cup and did not see the interaction between the Master and the servant, but the quiet atmosphere was too obvious. She stuck out her tongue and patted her head gently, “Am I disturbing you?”
Chu Mu smiled and said nothing.
“Brother said that you are not in good health and need to be careful at all times. Don’t tire your eyes, let alone your heart. What Brother says is always right. You have to listen,” Xie Ru said to fill the silence, although her mouth mentioned about not disturbing, she didn’t seem to have the good sense to leave and instead continued chattering, “You are reading a book, do you want me to help you read it?”
If this kind of gesture was done, it was ambiguous and annoying, but when it was done right, it was cute and charming, seemingly giving the impression of, ‘Because I like my Brother and listen to my Brother, I also want to get close to the people who are close to my Brother, and I subconsciously take care of him without any personal feelings between men and women.’
Chu Mu leaned back without leaving any trace, his eyes darkened, his smile always elegant: “How can I trouble my Sister? I’m just about to rest.”
Qin Ping’s eyes almost popped out of his head.
This girl was so bold!
But the Master was angry! Very angry!
Why?
He couldn’t figure it out for a while.
Madam was too busy to get away today and was thinking about his Master, so he specifically asked his Younger Sister to come over and take a look. Why was the Master unhappy? The Master usually listens to his wife the most, always wanting to have Madam by his side, right?
“That’s great, you should get more rest.” Xie Ru smiled broadly, very satisfied.
Chu Mu put the book in his hand on the table and said in a soft and ethereal voice, “Did your Brother ask you to come here?”
Xie Ru smiled, “Brother didn’t say it directly. He missed you so much, but he was so busy that he couldn’t turn around. As a Sister, I couldn’t bear it. I wanted to share his worries, so I volunteered to come. Don’t be angry, okay?”
Qin Ping was stunned.
He finally came back to his senses, which means… Miss Xie was not asked to come here by Madam?
Then why did you not give up now even though every word just now carried this hidden meaning? It’s not like they’re going to kick her out to be honest.
This Miss Xie was generous and polite, lovely and charming, with a beautiful smile, bright and warm, as if all the care comes from the heart and has no other meaning or intentions. If you were to nitpick, it was because you were not generous, and refusing directly was even more cruel and not gentlemanly at all.
Qin Ping was worried for his Master, how should he deal with such a Sister-in-Law?
Chu Mu was not anxious at all, his elegant smile was as stable as before, “Why should I be angry? I just think that the Young Lady is in the prime of spring and her time should be spent playing happily outside, carefree, and without worries. There are too many things to worry about in the future, so there is no need to worry.”
Qin Ping laughed out loud.
The Master’s words were too hurtful!
The scenery of spring was beautiful, but it was too short-lived. Why don’t you take advantage of the current beauty to enjoy it, and wait until you regret it and cry all kinds of things later? Today’s Plum Banquet was full of excitement. Was the food outside not delicious or the little sisters were no fun? Why were you running around blindly when you have nothing to do?
The guard knew that the more elegant Chu Mu’s smile became and the more sincere his attitude was, the words he said were more likely to be insulting. However, unfamiliar people might not be able to hear his deeper meaning and thought he was sincerely suggesting.
Qin Ping felt that Miss Xie probably couldn’t hear it either.
Even if she heard it… she would pretend she didn’t hear it.
After all, it didn’t sound very good.
He quietly observed Xie Ru’s expression, but unfortunately didn’t see anything.
It was not good to make random guesses about others, but when you were not sure about the other person’s personality and intentions, you must be vigilant. Qin Ping stopped smiling and carefully watched Xie Ru’s every move, for fear that the Master would be taken advantage of and end up provoking his wife’s jealousy.
Xie Ru held her chin cutely, her cherry lips slightly parted, and let out a sigh of pity as she said, “It’s so cold today that I lost all my interest in having fun. I just want to warm myself by the fire…” This was considered to be the answer to Chu Mu’s question, “But on your part, you should take good care of your health. Only when you are well can you play happily, enjoy a lot, and be with my Brother for a long time.”
Qin Ping pondered.
Was this…what kind of hidden meaning was this?
Did this Miss Xie like her Brother too much, or did she have some unpleasant thoughts about his Master? Otherwise, why did she remind the Master to pay attention to his health every word and every sentence?
Chu Mu’s slender fingers made contact with the table as he spoke slowly and meaningfully, “Do you want me to be healthy?”
“Of course! You must not listen to those nonsense words outside. Our whole family hopes that you will be healthy and live long, and that you will be with my Brother for a long time. My brother is even more…” At this point, Xie Ru lowered her head slightly, feeling a little depressed. “How sad it would be if a couple couldn’t live together till the end.”
“You buried the bones in the mud under the spring, but you left your head full of snow in the world. I don’t understand the emotions and love mentioned in those books, but I don’t like these regrets. It’s too sad.”
Xie Ru said, her eyes reddening, “It’s hard for a solitary goose to live alone. People will be moved when they see it, but I feel most sorry for the goose who stayed behind. There are many things that I can’t empathize with. I only feel pain. I feel distressed.”
Qin Ping: “……”
What’s going on? A sudden change in atmosphere? What on earth is this little girl doing?
He looked at his Master again——
Chu Mu was laughing, actually laughing! And sincerely!
Even the corners of his eyebrows swayed, as if he was completely delighted by the Miss Xie in front of him and had seen some great joke.
Xie Ru let out a long sigh, “Don’t make fun of what I said. In fact, I feel more sorry for my Brother. Whenever I think of him suffering alone, my heart aches. Should I persuade him that there are plenty of options in the world or should I persuade him to keep remembering you? I am his Sister, and I am destined not to be the closest person to him. No matter how much companionship and comfort I have, I am afraid it will not work. I hope he is well, I hope you are well, and I hope you will always be well, and have a smooth life for the rest of your life.”
Chu Mu’s smile was full of meaning, “Sister is very considerate.”
“Isn’t it because my Brother is too selfless, only knowing how to care for others and don’t care about himself at all? What can I do if I’m not considerate?” Xie Ru turned her head to look at Chu Mu seriously, blushing. “Now that my Brother has married you, I… am also your Younger Sister, so you must listen well and protect your body obediently.”
The care from this Younger Sister was both soft and sweet, quietly appealing to men. It was completely different from the naughty boy Xie Tingxing.
Two siblings, two emotions, two attitudes, it was hard to say which one was more advanced, but unfortunately——
What’s fake is fake, and it can’t even inspire emotion.
Of course, the performer herself might not be aware of it and might still think that she has performed well.
Chu Mu smiled slightly, looked down, away from Xie Ru, and looked at the teacups on the table.
Three in total.
There was one for him, so Xie Ru took one for herself, and the other was placed on the side of the table, very inconspicuous, with only half a glass drunk, and the owner was not there.
In the warm pavilion, in the side room separated by a curtain, there was an easel propped up by the window. A young man was painting with ink, his profile was handsome.
Were these words directed at him today, or were they directed at someone else?
This Step-sister was really interesting.
One, two, three, four! Throw that w***e right out the door!
What a scheming mind! I want to see what exacly she wanting to do
Thank You for the new chapter ♡(o´〰`o)♡
How old is this girl…what does she want to do? 😳
Lmaoo and the fact that the sweet little sister failed to realise her brother is there listening to her nonsense all along is just 😂👌💯
Oops just read the next chapter and I got the wrong person 🙈