Suspicious glances once again swept over Xu Yuejia.
However, Wen Ye ultimately asked nothing, as it didn’t matter.
She stood up, holding the opened letter, and said to Xu Yuxuan, “If you don’t want to read it, then don’t. Stay here for a while, and if you need anything, ask Nanny Ji. I have other matters to attend to.”
With that, she walked towards the study on the west side without looking back. Xu Yuxuan, being young, couldn’t keep up with her and was thus left outside the door.
Fortunately, Nanny Ji came in with a plate of snacks, which momentarily distracted Xu Yuxuan, and he sat back down on the stool.
Nanny Ji picked up an almond cookie and coaxed Xu Yuxuan to eat it.
Xu Yuxuan leaned on the table, nibbling at the cookie with his tiny teeth. The almond cookie seemed to taste good, as he ate it with obvious delight.
Sitting across from him, Xu Yuejia took a sip of tea, his gaze flickering towards the child.
Xu Yuxuan seemed to sense it and used his other hand to shield the half-eaten cookie, clearly protective of his snack.
Xu Yuejia: “…”
In the study, Wen Ye was contemplating how to reply to Madam Shen.
From Xu Yuejia’s attitude, it seemed that while the palace was complicated, it wasn’t as dangerous as she had imagined. The reason Madam Shen had written this letter was self-evident.
The Wen Family wanted no ties with the royal family. Although the Crown Prince was currently favored, the Emperor was still in his prime. Who could guarantee what the future would hold?
It was said that the late Emperor had been a wise ruler in his youth, but as he aged, his mentality changed.
Princess Changle was the Crown Prince’s elder sister, both born to the Empress. Their fates were closely intertwined.
After thinking it through, Wen Ye picked up her brush and began to write. She didn’t need to elaborate on the pros and cons; she simply needed to inform Madam Shen of the Emperor’s true intentions behind selecting companions for the princess.
With her thoughts clear, the letter was quickly written. Wen Ye set it aside to dry and then took out another blank sheet of paper.
The second letter was for Concubine Chang and her younger sister, which she would enclose with the first letter to be sent to the Wen Family.
It had been some time since she had seen her concubine mother and younger sister, and she missed them dearly. Fortunately, she would see them again when she returned to her maternal home on the second day of the New Year.
As she wrote, Wen Ye pondered what New Year’s gift to give her younger sister this year. The box of golden pigs Xu Yuxuan had received gave her an idea.
In previous years, she hadn’t had the means, but this year was different.
After marrying, all her daily expenses were covered by the Xu household. Her monthly allowance was more than enough, with some left over.
The dowry money Madam Shen had given her would just gather dust if she didn’t spend it.
Having lived a second life, Wen Ye no longer had the same obsession with saving money as she did in her previous life. Back then, she had worked tirelessly to save millions, only to pass away before spending a single penny.
Still, she loved money and wouldn’t turn it away, but her mindset had shifted. She would spend when necessary.
She had let go, but not entirely.
Wen Ye sealed the letters and planned to have Yun Zhi deliver them to the Wen Family after lunch.
When Wen Ye emerged from the study, both father and son had left.
Only a plate of half-eaten almond cookies remained on the table.
Wen Ye called Yun Zhi and Tao Zhi in, handed the letters to Yun Zhi, and after giving her instructions, asked Tao Zhi, “What’s for lunch?”
Tao Zhi smiled and replied, “It’s all your favorites. With Hong Xing’s cooking, do you still have doubts, Madam?”
Wen Ye thought to herself, true enough. She casually picked up an almond cookie from the table and took a bite. It tasted good, though not as sweet as the ones she had eaten before. It must have been made specifically for Xu Yuxuan, with less sugar added.
Wen Ye ate two cookies and, after Yun Zhi returned from delivering the letters, said, “The New Year is almost here, and there’s something I need you to do.”
Yun Zhi replied, “Please go ahead, Madam.”
Wen Ye took a sip of tea to quench her thirst and then said, “It’s simple…”
There were only two small tasks, which Yun Zhi could easily handle on her own.
After explaining, Wen Ye handed Yun Zhi a drawing she had made after finishing the letters and said, “If you have any questions, come and ask me.”
Yun Zhi carefully stored the drawing and assured her, “Understood, Madam.”
After giving her instructions, Wen Ye’s gaze returned to the plate of almond cookies, and she suddenly remembered to ask, “Where are the master and young master?”
Tao Zhi replied, “Madam, you were busy replying to Madam Shen’s letter, so the master took the young master away to avoid disturbing you.”
Wen Ye let out an “Oh,” not particularly concerned.
Then she finished the entire plate of almond cookies. With less sugar, they tasted even better.
After lunch, Qiu Shu left the Duke’s residence with the letters and drove the carriage to the Wen Family.
When Madam Shen received the news, she was in the main hall speaking with her two daughters-in-law. She hadn’t expected Wen Ye’s reply to come so quickly; she had thought it would take a couple of days.
But then again, Wen Ye had always been resourceful, able to thrive wherever she was.
Madam Shen instructed the servant to take Qiu Shu to the side room for a cup of hot tea to warm up and to bring the letters over.
The servant handed the letters to a maid from the main courtyard, who then passed them to Yin Shuang, who finally brought them to Madam Shen.
Madam Shen took the letters and immediately felt that there was an extra one inside.
Without needing to think, she knew the additional letter was for Concubine Chang.
Her daughters-in-law were discreet, and they were already aware of most matters in the household, so Madam Shen opened the letter in their presence.
Madam Liu’s belly was now quite large, and Madam Shen had excused her from daily greetings. However, Madam Liu still occasionally came to the main courtyard during the day to chat with Madam Shen, as the two courtyards weren’t far apart. The maids carefully supported her, so it wasn’t a problem.
After reading the letter, Madam Shen’s brows relaxed completely.
Madam Yang, seeing her mother-in-law’s relieved expression, guessed that the matter of the princess’s companion had been resolved favorably.
However, she wisely didn’t ask any questions.
She simply smiled and said, “It’s been several months since Fourth Sister got married. Just the other day, Che’er was talking about her.”
Madam Yang wasn’t exaggerating. Before Wen Ye married, she would occasionally send small gifts to Madam Yang’s courtyard, and her two sons had been quite fond of them.
Among the several aunts, aside from Wen Ran, who wasn’t much older, they only remembered Wen Ye.
After reading the letter, Madam Shen put it back in the envelope. She would show it to Wen Ye’s father when he returned from his duties.
“Regarding the Emperor’s selection of companions for the princess, our family won’t get involved,” Madam Shen told her daughters-in-law. “However, since Fifth Sister meets the criteria, she must participate in the selection.”
Otherwise, the Emperor might think the Wen Family was disrespecting the royal family.
The decree stated that only families of fifth-rank officials and above were eligible. Not only did the Wen Family qualify, but Madam Yang and Madam Liu’s families also met the criteria.
Madam Yang understood and couldn’t help but smile more brightly. She had a niece who was eight years old, clever and lively, and would be a good fit.
Being a princess’s companion would elevate her status, making her a more desirable match in the future.
Madam Liu, however, didn’t think much about it. None of her brothers had daughters, so even if she had such aspirations, she lacked the means.
Her focus was entirely on the child in her womb.
She didn’t know whether it would be a boy or a girl.
A son would be ideal, but Madam Liu secretly hoped for a daughter. After all, rarity increased value. The Wen Family’s next generation didn’t yet have a girl, and if she could give birth to one, her mother-in-law would likely be pleased.
Having been married into the Wen Family for some time, Madam Liu finally understood why her mother had chosen this family. Beyond the close friendship with her mother-in-law, at least in the Wen Family, she didn’t have to worry about being neglected for bearing a daughter.
Madam Shen had Yin Shuang personally deliver the letter to Concubine Chang.
After Wen Ye married, Concubine Chang was left with only her younger daughter. Life went on, but without Wen Ye, it felt a bit lonelier.
Wen Ran was diligent, studying hard every day without fail, even in snow or rain. While Concubine Chang was proud of her, she often thought of her eldest daughter, who had married into the Duke’s residence.
However, the family school had already closed for the New Year holiday, and Wen Ran wouldn’t need to attend until after the Lantern Festival.
Now, she spent her days following a pre-planned schedule. After completing her studies, she spent the rest of her time accompanying Concubine Chang.
When Yin Shuang arrived with the letter, Jinju, hearing it was from Fourth Sister, immediately led Yin Shuang into the room and announced to Concubine Chang and Wen Ran, “Madam, Fifth Sister, Fourth Sister has sent a letter.”
Inside the room, Wen Ran was practicing her calligraphy, while Concubine Chang sat to the side, embroidering small items to pass the time.
Upon hearing Jinju's excited voice, Concubine Chang quickly put down her embroidery and hurried over, looking at Yin Shuang beside her with equal excitement. She asked, "Miss Yin Shuang, is it true?"
Yin Shuang presented the letter and replied, "Madam, this is the letter from the fourth young lady, as ordered by the mistress to be delivered to Xicui Courtyard."
Concubine Chang happily took the letter and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Yin Shuang."
Yin Shuang said nothing more and left after delivering the letter.
Concubine Chang returned with the letter, ready to read it together with Wen Ran.
The letter was quite long, and Wen Ye didn't write any formalities; instead, she wrote as if chatting about daily life, detailing what she had been up to lately.
Wen Ye thought that Concubine Chang and Wen Ran would enjoy her ramblings.
Indeed, Concubine Chang was delighted. Even though she couldn't reply, knowing that her daughter was doing well from the letter was enough to satisfy her.
Wen Ran was also happy. After reading her fourth sister's letter, she felt even more motivated to study.
However, despite her early maturity, she was still a six or seven-year-old child. Wen Ye focused on describing her life on the estate over the past two days in the letter.
The mention of "iron pot stewed goose" caught Wen Ran's attention, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with excitement.
Concubine Chang patted her younger daughter's head and smiled, saying, "Your sister included the recipe at the end of the letter. I'll have the small kitchen prepare it for you tomorrow."
The main kitchen in the mansion wouldn't serve such dishes, but fortunately, Xicui Courtyard had its own small kitchen. If they wanted something special, they could buy the ingredients themselves without much trouble.
With the promise secured, Wen Ran smiled happily and said, "Mother, I'll go back to practicing my calligraphy now."
She was determined to study hard, hoping to earn more rewards from her father and save them all. Her fourth sister spent money lavishly, so Wen Ran felt she needed to save more for her.
After reading the letter, Concubine Chang felt reinvigorated and picked up her embroidery again.
She wasn't skilled in many things, but her embroidery work was quite good.
*
In the west courtyard of Duke Xu's mansion, Wen Ye had slept for quite a while during her afternoon nap and woke up close to Shen hour (around 3-5 PM).
Thinking that it had been a long time since she last played cards, Wen Ye asked Tao Zhi to fetch the deck. Yun Zhi was away on an errand, so they were short one player. Tao Zhi pulled Liuya over to join them.
Liuya nervously said, "Madam, I don't know how to play."
Wen Ye casually replied, "It's fine. Tao Zhi will teach you."
Following her orders, Tao Zhi immediately began explaining the rules to Liuya, who listened in confusion before being handed a deck of cards.
Wen Ye set the rules for the game: no money was involved, but the loser would have to stick a strip of paper on their face for each loss.
As a beginner, Liuya was no match for Wen Ye, a seasoned player. Combined with Wen Ye's good luck that day, even Tao Zhi, who had been taught by Wen Ye herself, ended up with many strips on her face.
Wen Ye, on the other hand, had only one strip on her forehead.
The two of them played for over an hour, and Liuya didn't win a single game. Her hands were covered in strips of paper.
Wen Ye had Tao Zhi help her remove the strips and then said, "You have a natural talent. I'll call on you again next time."
Both Yun Zhi and Tao Zhi were too skilled, and playing with a beginner like Liuya was more enjoyable.
Wen Ye smiled gently, but Liuya couldn't help shivering. Without thinking, she said, "Perhaps tomorrow you could have Liuxin accompany you, Madam? She learns things much faster than I do."
She didn't feel any guilt about pushing Liuxin forward, as it wasn't the first time she had done so.
Wen Ye didn't expose her little scheme and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Is that so?"
Liuya nodded.
Wen Ye said, "In that case, have her come over tomorrow."
Liuya immediately smiled and replied, "Understood, Madam."
Meanwhile, Liuxin, who had just finished scolding some servants in the front courtyard, suddenly sneezed.
After the card game ended, Wen Ye read a bit of a novel before it was time for dinner.
With the addition of the Eldest Aunt, dinner had been held in the main courtyard for the past few days. Wen Ye passed the time reading her novel while waiting for Xu Yuejia to arrive so they could go to the main courtyard together.
Xu Yuejia arrived punctually at the west courtyard during the You hour (5-7 PM).
Wen Ye put down her novel, stood up, straightened her dress, and called out, "Husband."
Xu Yuejia acknowledged her with a nod.
Wen Ye noticed that Xu Yuejia was wearing different clothes from what he had on in the morning, but she didn't pay much attention to it.
The two walked to the main courtyard in silence.
After greeting everyone, Wen Ye found herself face-to-face with a little round ball.
The round ball, Xu Yuxuan, opened his little mouth and called out, "Mother~"
Wen Ye, as usual, patted his head and moved on.
Once everyone was seated, considering that the Eldest Aunt hadn't been back in the capital for many years, the usual rule of "no talking during meals" was temporarily lifted these past few days.
The Eldest Aunt had spent the day visiting Changnan Marquis Mansion with her daughter-in-law to reconnect with her younger sister and congratulate her on the birth of her grandson.
Changnan Marquis Mansion and the main branch of the Jiang family were closely connected, and their residences were close by. The Eldest Aunt had heard a bit about the disputes within the main branch of the Jiang family from her younger sister.
However, some topics weren't suitable for dinner conversation.
After the meal, everyone gathered to chat.
The Eldest Aunt said, "I heard from my younger sister that a concubine-born daughter from Lady Li's family has somehow caught the eye of Prince Wen. Lady Li's family is unwilling to give up and plans to use Prince Wen's influence to plead for leniency for their exiled sons."
Madam Lu immediately became angry and said, "The Li family is truly like a piece of sticky plaster."
Wen Ye ate her dessert while listening to the conversation, thinking to herself that the plot sounded familiar.
"Zitan, you should be prepared," the Eldest Aunt reminded him.
Prince Wen was the emperor's youngest brother. Although they weren't born of the same mother, due to the relationship between the Empress Dowager and Prince Wen's mother, the emperor had always treated this younger brother well.
Xu Yuejia replied, "Thank you for the warning, Aunt. I will handle this matter properly."
Seeing that he remained calm, the Eldest Aunt felt reassured.
This nephew of hers had always been steady and reliable, never causing anyone to worry.
Duke Xu added with concern, "If the Li family really manages to get Prince Wen to plead their case before the emperor, you must be careful with your words and actions in front of His Majesty. Don't openly argue with Prince Wen."
Faced with his family's concern, Xu Yuejia had no reason to refuse and agreed to everything.
After drinking two cups of tea, the Eldest Aunt led her daughter-in-law back to their own courtyard.
Not long after, Wen Ye and Xu Yuejia also got up to leave.
Xu Yuxuan wanted to follow them, but Wen Ye stopped him and had Nanny Ji take him back to the main courtyard.
Madam Lu wasn't surprised to see Xu Yuxuan being carried back. After all, her second brother and sister-in-law were still newlyweds.
It was fine for Xu Yuxuan to visit the west courtyard during the day, but he shouldn't stay there at night.
Otherwise, when would Xu Yuxuan ever get a younger brother or sister?
Unaware of Madam Lu's thoughts, Wen Ye returned to the west courtyard and went straight to the side room to freshen up and take a bath.
When she came out, she noticed that Xu Yuejia was still there, which meant he would be staying the night.
After Tao Zhi and Yun Zhi helped Wen Ye dry her hair, Xu Yuejia emerged from the side room as well, wearing only his sleeping robe and still damp from his bath.
Seeing this, Yun Zhi and Tao Zhi silently withdrew.
It was still early, so Wen Ye lay on the inner side of the bed, reading her novel.
Without looking away from the book, Wen Ye casually called out, "Husband," and then fell silent.
Xu Yuejia lay down beside her, and the two maintained a clear boundary between them.
There was none of the "newlywed bliss" atmosphere that Madam Lu had imagined.
After a while, Wen Ye reluctantly closed her novel. The only downside to Xu Yuejia staying over was that she had to go to bed by Hai hour (9-11 PM).
She had slept too much during the day and wasn't the least bit tired now.
Wen Ye turned her head, about to ask Xu Yuejia to put the novel away for her, but she noticed that he was also holding a book and reading.
Surprised, she asked, "Aren't you going to sleep, Husband?"
Xu Yuejia slowly looked up and countered, "Have you finished reading?"
Wen Ye replied nonchalantly, "The novel isn't going anywhere. I can continue reading it tomorrow."
Seeing her response, Xu Yuejia put down his book, drew the bed curtains, and blocked out the candlelight from outside.
Wen Ye lay down, and as darkness enveloped her, the presence of the person beside her became all the more noticeable, sparking a sudden idea in her mind.
She counted the days and realized the timing was just right.
Taking advantage of the darkness, Wen Ye proactively suggested, "Husband, how about we play a game?"
Xu Yuejia calmly asked, "Another round of 'fishing for kittens'?"
Having played it for four nights in a row, Xu Yuejia remembered it vividly.
Wen Ye immediately denied it, saying, "What fishing for kittens? That's childish. I'm talking about a bedtime game for adults."
Xu Yuejia: "..."
From her mouth, he always heard strange yet oddly fitting phrases.
However, it wouldn't be fun if things remained dry and dull. Wen Ye reached into Xu Yuejia's sleeping robe, playing with the thin cord tied around his waist.
She had recently read quite a few novels, and some of the scenes, well, she thought they might be worth trying.
Given Xu Yuejia's temperament, no matter how difficult it was for him to accept, he would ultimately yield to her on this matter.
Expecting him to take the initiative to learn was as futile as hoping the sun would rise from the west tomorrow.
Wen Ye softened her voice: "Darling~"
In the darkness, Xu Yuejia's Adam's apple bobbed slightly.
There was no true paragon of virtue in this world, and Xu Yuejia was no saint.
As the man leaned over her, Wen Ye wrapped her arms around his neck, her cool fingertips wandering mischievously.
Xu Yuejia's breathing grew heavier, yet he still restrained himself, saying, "Be more proper."
Wen Ye almost rolled her eyes at him, replying, "In matters like this, show me how you can be proper, darling?"
With that, she pulled him closer and pressed her lips to his.
That night, Wen Ye used her actions to dismantle Xu Yuejia's old-fashioned demeanor.
