The Laid-back Life of a Stepmother

Chapter 29

However, a mother's love has its limits.

Wen Ye took Xu Yuxuan to play on the swing for a little while before picking him up and carrying him back inside.

The wind had picked up.

If they kept playing, he would surely catch a cold.

Xu Yuxuan was half-carried, half-clutched against Wen Ye's chest, his short legs kicking wildly in the air as he pleaded, "Mother, let's play some more~"

Wen Ye, taking advantage of his young age, teased him, "The time you get is only as much as the little box you gave me."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuxuan stopped kicking his feet and obediently let Wen Ye carry him into the inner chamber.

Though his little face still showed a hint of disappointment.

As it neared lunchtime, Wen Ye figured it was about time and instructed Tao Zhi to prepare the meal.

Since Madam Lu wasn’t in the mansion, Xu Yuxuan would most likely be having lunch with her.

Wen Ye glanced at the pouting child and couldn’t help but laugh.

"Mother!" Though young, Xu Yuxuan could tell there was something unusual about Wen Ye’s laughter.

"Alright, alright, I won’t laugh at you," Wen Ye said, suppressing her smile.

But it wasn’t long before she started again.

This continued until after lunch, when Wen Ye, having eaten her fill and had her fun, announced, "Mother is going to take a nap."

Xu Yuxuan quickly chimed in, "Xuan'er wants to too!"

His room in the west courtyard was right next door, so if he wanted to stay, Wen Ye had no objections. "Then let Nanny Ji take you over."

Xu Yuxuan shook his head, clinging tightly to Wen Ye’s leg, a move he had mastered by now.

Wen Ye finally understood what he wanted and asked, "Do you want to sleep with me?"

Xu Yuxuan nodded eagerly.

Wen Ye thought for a moment. "That’s fine, but you have to listen to me."

Xu Yuxuan’s eyes lit up immediately. "Okay!"

Wen Ye agreed and turned to Nanny Ji, instructing her to strip Xu Yuxuan down to his sleeping clothes. The child, even without his outer garments, looked round and chubby as he sat on the edge of the bed.

Wen Ye pulled back a blanket and said, "Get in quickly."

Xu Yuxuan scrambled into the nest Wen Ye had prepared for him, lying down obediently.

Nanny Ji, standing nearby, instinctively reached out her hand but froze mid-air, forgetting to pull it back.

Wen Ye tucked him in and turned to Nanny Ji. "Stay here for now."

Then she went to the side room to freshen up a bit before returning.

Nanny Ji had been keeping watch the whole time. Wen Ye glanced at her, lifted the bed curtain, and climbed into the inner side of the bed.

She then said, "You can leave now. Have Tao Zhi come in and take your place."

Nanny Ji looked up for a moment before finally responding, "Yes."

Wen Ye didn’t care what Nanny Ji was thinking. She didn’t like having someone watch over her while she slept, but now that there was a precious child in the room, someone had to stay.

However, even if someone had to stay, it had to be someone she was familiar with; otherwise, Wen Ye feared her nap would be restless.

Tao Zhi soon entered, and Wen Ye told her to sit on a stool and keep a close eye on Xu Yuxuan once he fell asleep.

Xu Yuxuan, bundled up tightly with only his head peeking out, rolled his eyes and asked, "Mother?"

Wen Ye pulled up her own blanket and lay down, responding, "What is it?"

"Aren’t we sleeping together?" Xu Yuxuan asked, his little hands and feet moving under the blanket.

Wen Ye lay on her side, propping her head up with her hand, and smiled at him. "Aren’t we already on the same bed?"

"You’re sleeping in your father’s spot, under his usual blanket. Isn’t that nice?"

Xu Yuxuan was instantly confused and murmured, "Okay..."

Wen Ye said, "Then close your eyes and go to sleep."

Xu Yuxuan obediently shut his eyes, though his eyeballs still moved beneath his lids.

But children fall asleep quickly, and soon he was truly sound asleep.

Wen Ye, seeing this, yawned and curled up under her blanket, rolling to the innermost side of the bed, leaving only the back of her head visible.

Not long after lunch, Madam Lu returned from the manor and heard that Xu Yuxuan had taken his nap in the west courtyard that day.

Madam Lu didn’t mind. She had been rushing back to the mansion for lunch and hadn’t rested much during her morning at the manor.

"Let Xuan'er nap wherever he wants," Madam Lu said as she entered the warm pavilion and sat on the heated kang. Qingxue poured her a cup of hot tea.

Madam Lu took a few sips, and the warmth began to spread through her body.

Bai Mei, standing nearby, said, "Nanny Ji mentioned that the young master slept with the second madam and hasn’t woken up yet."

Madam Lu paused mid-sip and looked up. "He’s still asleep?"

Bai Mei nodded. "Yes."

Madam Lu asked again, "Has Xuan'er been in the west courtyard all day today?"

Bai Mei replied, "This morning, the second madam had a swing set up in the corridor and played with the young master for a while. Nanny Ji said he was very happy and even ate more at lunch."

Madam Lu set down her teacup, her appetite for the snacks Qingxue offered gone. Unconsciously, her tone turned slightly sour. "The two of them certainly know how to enjoy themselves."

Duke Xu, after training the troops at the western camp for the emperor, had taken on a minor role at the Ministry of Works, collaborating with the officials there to develop better weapons for the soldiers of the Great Jin Dynasty. Recently, they had made significant progress, so he was often out early and back late.

As for Xu Yuejia, it went without saying—he was busy all twelve months of the year, never truly idle.

And Madam Lu herself was in the midst of her busiest season, reviewing estate affairs, preparing holiday lists, and managing gifts for relatives and friends. There wasn’t a moment of peace.

Even Xu Jingrong and Xu Jinglin were rushing to complete the assignments their tutor had left before the New Year, hoping to enjoy the festivities without worry.

The only person in the entire Duke’s mansion who seemed to have any leisure was Wen Ye. Well, now there was also Xu Yuxuan.

Madam Lu had been married into the Duke’s mansion for nine years, and every year had been like this. But this year, with Wen Ye around, the contrast was stark. While Madam Lu worked tirelessly for the entire household, Wen Ye was lounging in the west courtyard, eating, drinking, and even playing on a swing.

How many years had it been since Madam Lu had sat on a swing?

Of course, Madam Lu wasn’t in the mood to play on swings now. She just felt that Wen Ye’s life was far too comfortable.

*

It’s true that good days should be lived quietly, or else trouble might come knocking.

Wen Ye had just woken up from a delightful nap when she was informed that there were still three manors left to inspect, and it was her responsibility to visit them.

These three estates were under Xu Yuejia’s name, so naturally, they fell under Wen Ye’s management.

Wen Ye wanted to ask, were they in her name?

But Madam Lu was sick, and it wouldn’t be right to make a sick person work, would it?

Though Wen Ye suspected Madam Lu might be faking her illness.

Fortunately, Wen Ye had done some checking and found out that the task was simply to verify the harvests reported by the estate managers and ensure there were no discrepancies in the account books.

The managers might inflate the numbers to earn rewards from the master, exploiting the tenant farmers in the process.

The estates were outside the city, quite far away, but if all went well, she could return the same day.

Aside from the long and tiring journey, there wasn’t much else to worry about.

Wen Ye was someone who could find joy in any situation, so she decided to treat this as an ancient-style countryside retreat.

She instructed Yun Zhi and Tao Zhi to pack a few sets of clothes.

Tao Zhi, while packing, asked, "Madam, didn’t Madam Lu say the three estates aren’t far and we can return in a day? Why are we packing so many clothes?"

Wen Ye gave her a meaningful look. "Madam Lu only said 'if all goes well.' What if it doesn’t?"

After a moment’s thought, she added, "You two should pack a few extra sets as well."

The next morning, Wen Ye, wrapped in a thick cloak and holding a hand warmer, boarded the carriage.

Inside the carriage, hot tea and freshly prepared breakfast were already waiting. Wen Ye had overslept a little, so she had to eat her breakfast hastily in the carriage.

The three estates were located close together, and Wen Ye chose the middle one as her base.

After dozing off in the carriage, Wen Ye woke up and asked how far they had traveled, only to find out they were only halfway there.

The carriage ride took over two hours, and by the time they arrived, it was almost noon.

Wen Ye stepped out of the carriage and gazed into the distance, where the snow-covered landscape stretched endlessly before her.

What a beautiful view.

Just as she was admiring the scenery, a cold gust of wind swept past.

Wen Ye: "..."

Never mind, better head inside quickly.

Back at the Duke’s mansion.

Madam Lu had deliberately slept in that morning, leisurely enjoyed her breakfast, and was now sitting on the heated kang in the warm pavilion, holding a book—a collection of poetry. A pot of hot tea and a plate of pastries sat on the table beside her.

After flipping through a few pages, Madam Lu asked, "Has she left the mansion yet?"

Nanny Xi replied, "The second madam set off for the estates before you even woke up."

Madam Lu smiled. "Finally, it’s her turn to work while I rest."

Admittedly, this feeling was quite nice. No wonder Wen Ye was content to stay holed up in the west courtyard all day.

Nanny Xi didn’t know what to say either. It was the first time she had seen Madam Lu like this, as if she had reverted to her childhood, displaying the delicate temper of a young girl.

The Second Madam truly had a way about her.

Madam Lu comfortably sipped her hot tea and was about to taste a pastry when Qingxue entered from outside, curtsied, and said, “Madam, the Eldest Aunt has arrived in Sheng Jing.”

The pastry in her hand was neither eaten nor put down. She had specifically chosen today to “fall ill” because she had calculated the timing perfectly.

Madam Lu asked, “Wasn’t she supposed to arrive tomorrow?”

Qingxue replied, “They said they nearly encountered an avalanche on the road. The Eldest Aunt, fearing further mishaps, had the coachman drive through the night. They’re likely entering the city soon.”

The person who came to the Duke’s mansion to deliver the news was a guard who had been by the Eldest Aunt’s side for many years. Qingxue recognized him.

This Eldest Aunt was another younger sister of the late Duke, two years older than Aunt Xu, who had married into the Changnan Marquis Mansion.

Back then, she had also married beneath her station, but unfortunately, her husband passed away from illness within two years.

The Eldest Aunt had been living away from the capital for several years, accompanying her son, who had been assigned to a post outside the city.

Last year, her son married in his assigned region. Due to the long distance, Madam Lu had doubled the congratulatory gifts and sent them urgently.

With her daughter-in-law now part of the family, the Eldest Aunt felt it was necessary to bring her back to the capital this year to introduce her to the family.

Thus, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, leaving behind their son/husband, set off from Ling City, thousands of miles away, with a retinue of servants and guards, making their way back to Sheng Jing.

They had arranged by letter beforehand that upon their arrival in the capital, they would stay temporarily at the Duke’s mansion. Madam Lu had already prepared the courtyard for them, awaiting their arrival the next day.

But despite all the calculations, no one expected them to arrive a day early.

Madam Lu sighed helplessly, put down the book of poetry and the pastry, and got off the heated kang.

After dressing properly, Madam Lu began giving orders: “Go tell the kitchen to prepare hot soup and food. Send a few more people to check the courtyard where the Eldest Aunt will be staying to ensure nothing is missing. Don’t forget to light the incense she loves.”

“Never mind, I’ll go check the courtyard myself.” Madam Lu sighed deeply.

She was destined to be busy, it seemed.

At the manor in the outskirts.

Wen Ye, having warmed up on the heated kang, found it was time for lunch.

The food at the manor was more casual, lacking the elaborate presentation of the Duke’s mansion, but it made up for it in flavor.

Being away from home, there were fewer formalities, so Wen Ye ordered a hearty stew.

The pot contained chicken, pork ribs, potatoes, and vegetables like eggplants and green beans from the greenhouse, all stewed until tender. Around the edges of the iron pot were flatbreads, perfect for dipping into the savory broth. It was delicious.

Wen Ye heard that the manor also raised geese.

Outside, heavy snow was falling. Look, even the heavens were on her side.

Wen Ye planned to stay at the manor for two nights and have goose stew tomorrow.

In the west courtyard of the Duke’s mansion.

Upon hearing the news of the Eldest Aunt’s imminent arrival, Madam Lu sent people to notify Xu Yuejia at the Ministry of Works’ weapon forge and Duke Xu at his office.

Xu Yuejia hadn’t returned to the mansion for two days. The journey through the heavy snow had left his clothes slightly damp.

Xu Yuejia went straight to the west courtyard, entered the main hall, and stepped into the inner chamber.

But he found the room empty, devoid of its usual lively atmosphere.

He paused, instinctively glancing around.

The thick quilts on the daybed were neatly folded, and the tea table was missing its usual plate of pastries.

Xu Rike had gone to the west study, but Xu Yuejia didn’t know when the daybed there had been made up so neatly.

Just as Xu Yuejia was feeling puzzled, there was a commotion in the courtyard.

In the yard, Nanny Ji anxiously followed Xu Yuxuan, saying, “The Second Madam really isn’t here. Let me carry you inside to see.”

The snowy path was slippery, and even adults could easily slip, let alone Xu Yuxuan, who was just a few days shy of two years old.

Xu Yuxuan twisted away, refusing to be carried, but his steps slowed obediently.

Xu Yuejia left the study and walked out, just as Xu Yuxuan reached the corridor.

Xu Yuxuan looked up and called out, “Father.”

Xu Yuejia responded with a nod and asked, “Looking for your mother?”

Xu Yuxuan nodded, his expression a little uneasy. “Find Mother, play together.”

Xu Yuejia glanced at the unusually empty courtyard and said, “Your mother isn’t here.”

Xu Yuxuan immediately insisted, “Find!”

Xu Yuejia calmly replied, “I don’t know where your mother is.”

Hearing this, Nanny Ji quickly explained, “It’s like this, Young Master. The Duchess returned from inspecting the manors yesterday and felt unwell, but there are still a few manors left to inspect. So, she asked the Second Madam to go in her place. The Second Madam left by carriage before dawn this morning.”

“I already explained this to the Young Master, but he insisted on coming to see for himself.”

Xu Yuejia listened, then looked at Xu Yuxuan standing before him and said, “Did you hear? Your mother isn’t in the mansion.”

Xu Yuxuan lowered his head and softly replied, “Xuan’er heard.”

Xu Yuejia added, “It’s cold outside. Come to the study.”

Xu Yuxuan obeyed his father’s words, but the threshold was high, and he was bundled up in thick clothes, making it hard to step over. He looked up at Nanny Ji for help.

Nanny Ji quickly bent down to pick him up and followed Xu Yuejia inside.

Once in the study, Xu Yuxuan had Nanny Ji put him down, then clambered onto the daybed.

Xu Yuejia sat behind the desk, quietly reading.

For a while, the only sound in the room was the turning of pages.

Xu Yuxuan blinked, squirmed around, and turned to face the window, peering out through the paper.

After a moment, he couldn’t resist turning back and calling out, “Father.”

Xu Yuejia looked up, his tone gentle. “What is it?”

Xu Yuxuan pointed outside with his little finger and said softly, “Swing.”

Xu Yuejia followed his gaze and noticed the snow had stopped. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Do you want to swing?”

Xu Yuxuan nodded.

“Take good care of him.” This was directed at Nanny Ji, giving his permission.

Xu Yuxuan’s eyes lit up, and he squirmed off the daybed, signaling for Nanny Ji to carry him outside.

Xu Yuejia lowered his head and continued reading.

But before he could turn the page twice, Xu Yuxuan was back.

He looked dejected.

Xu Yuejia didn’t understand what had happened and asked, “Don’t want to swing anymore?”

Xu Yuxuan shook his little head. “Want Mother.”

Xu Yuejia pursed his lips. “Your mother went to the manor. She won’t be back until evening.”

Xu Yuxuan sniffled lightly.

Nanny Ji, feeling a bit heartbroken, added, “Young Master, you might not know, but yesterday the Second Madam was the one who held the Young Master while he swung.”

Hearing this, Xu Yuejia glanced at Xu Yuxuan, who was now looking at him with hopeful eyes. He paused.

After a moment of thought, he said, “How about I teach you to read instead?”

Xu Yuxuan looked confused.

But Xu Yuejia didn’t wait for his reaction. He stood up, went to the bookshelf, and picked out a book.

Opening it to a page, Xu Yuejia read, “Those who cannot be frugal with themselves will inevitably take from others recklessly.”

“This means…”

Xu Yuxuan took a small step back.

He didn’t understand. Not a single word.