After speaking, Xu Yuejia turned and walked straight to the bed.
Wen Ye sighed softly and then instructed Tao Zhi to have another bucket of bathwater brought to the side room.
Half an hour later, Wen Ye emerged from the bathroom, her body still damp with steam.
Hearing the movement, Xu Yuejia closed his book and glanced up slightly.
Wen Ye raised an eyebrow and walked over.
The bed curtains were drawn, and the room was once again filled with the warmth of intimacy.
The next day, Wen Ye woke up and tilted her head slightly.
Xu Yuejia was reaching for his official robe hanging on the wooden clothes rack.
Noticing the plain silk sleeping robe he wore, Wen Ye suddenly remembered that the robe with cloud patterns he had worn the previous night had been torn by her.
Xu Yuejia sensed the movement behind him. After putting on his crimson official robe, he turned his head to look at Wen Ye, his gaze calm as he asked, "Awake?"
Wen Ye yawned slightly and nodded, her lips curving into a smile, clearly in a good mood.
Although last night had been the same as usual, the current atmosphere and mood were different, making the experience unique. To be able to take the ordinary to its utmost refinement—Xu Yuejia truly had a talent for it.
Wen Ye's voice was soft as she said, "You woke up so early, my lord."
Xu Yuejia replied with a dignified expression, "I must attend to my duties."
The Xu Yuejia from last night seemed like a fleeting illusion.
Wen Ye let out an "Oh," then added after a moment of thought, "Come back early for dinner tonight. I'll have the kitchen prepare some of your favorite dishes."
Xu Yuejia straightened his official robe, paused, and said, "I might not be back in time for dinner."
Wen Ye smiled gently, her tone accommodating, "That's alright. No matter how late, I'll wait for you."
What a considerate wife.
Xu Yuejia silently stared at her for a while. Under his clearly misunderstood gaze, Wen Ye couldn't help but laugh inwardly. She deliberately teased, "My lord, can we celebrate my birthday again tonight?"
Indeed, behind every unusual request, there was always a mischievous intent.
Xu Yuejia began to seriously ponder whether telling her about the contraceptive medicine he had taken was the right decision.
Seeing him remain silent, Wen Ye called out again, "My lord?"
Xu Yuejia adjusted his official hat and, without giving her another glance, walked out, muttering under his breath, "You should exercise some restraint." His tone carried a hint of helplessness, mixed with something else.
Wen Ye: "..." So easily flustered.
Romance novels truly were full of lies.
After Xu Yuejia's figure had completely disappeared, Wen Ye called out, "Tao Zhi~"
A moment later, Tao Zhi entered the room and asked, "Madam, what do you need?"
Wen Ye stretched out a foot from under the covers and kicked aside the outer quilt, saying, "Take this quilt away. I want to go back to sleep." It was in the way.
This was how "unfamiliar" couples were—they didn't even share the same quilt at night.
It had been agreed that Xu Jingrong would start at Pine Mountain Academy in the spring, but it was already over half a month late.
Of course, it wasn't because Madam Lu couldn't bear to part with her son. The delay was due to her sending Xu Jingrong to stay at the estate for a few days, where he worked in the fields with the farmers and even learned to wash his own clothes.
Although at his age, these tasks wouldn't be required at the academy, it was good for him to get used to them early.
However, Madam Lu wasn't entirely unsympathetic. Xu Jingrong's primary purpose at the academy was to study, so she arranged for the youngest son of the laundry maid to accompany him. They rented a small courtyard near the academy and hired a skilled cook.
Apart from the scheduled breaks for clothing and farming seasons, the academy also gave a half-day holiday every ten days.
Xu Jingrong could return to the small courtyard during these breaks to enjoy some good food and rest. If there were clothes that needed washing, he could bring them there as well.
Madam Lu wasn't the only one doing this. Other noble families in Sheng Jing who sent their sons to Pine Mountain Academy also rented small courtyards nearby, with one or two servants stationed there to prepare meals and deliver them to their young masters.
Xu Yuejia had gone to work, and the tutor for Xu Yuxuan's early education would arrive the day after tomorrow. The two days in between were considered a break for him, as starting from the day after, he would have to study an extra hour each day.
However, Xu Yuxuan didn't come to the west courtyard to play with Wen Ye. Unaware of the situation, he spent the past two days in the east courtyard clinging to Xu Jingrong, begging him to tell stories.
Upon learning that Xu Jingrong would be leaving the next day, Wen Ye had the kitchen prepare some long-lasting snacks and personally brought them to the east courtyard. There was no helping it—Madam Lu had been so kind to her, and she couldn't possibly repay all of it. Since Xu Jingrong was her son, he could share the burden.
In the east courtyard, Xu Jingrong was telling Xu Yuxuan about the aggressive geese he had encountered at the estate. He animatedly waved a wooden sword as he spoke, "The goose had such a fierce face! As soon as it saw me, it spread its wings and charged at me. Luckily, I noticed it in time and blocked it with my sword. The goose was so scared it jumped into the water..."
Xu Yuxuan was completely captivated, his expression frozen in awe.
Xu Jinglin, who had heard the story countless times, was focused on eating pastries and barely paid attention. His eyes wandered until they landed on Wen Ye and the others outside the door. He quickly stood up and interrupted his older brother, "Big brother, Auntie Wen is here!"
Xu Jingrong was in the middle of a dramatic stance, balancing on one leg, when Xu Jinglin's sudden shout nearly caused him to topple over with his sword. By the time Wen Ye entered, he had just managed to steady himself.
Wen Ye pretended not to notice. A nine-year-old boy deserved to keep his dignity.
Xu Jingrong awkwardly regained his composure and then led his brothers in greeting Wen Ye.
Xu Yuxuan, upon seeing her, called out sweetly, "Mother~"
Wen Ye acknowledged him with a soft "Hmm," then instructed Tao Zhi and Yun Zhi to set down the items. She said, "These are some long-lasting snacks I had Hongxing prepare. Take them with you when you leave for the academy tomorrow."
Xu Jingrong's eyes lit up instantly.
Wen Ye opened one of the packages, and Xu Jinglin eagerly pushed past his older brother to grab two pieces—one for himself and one for Xu Yuxuan.
"These are savory with a hint of sweetness. You can all eat them. I also made two spicier ones," Wen Ye said, handing a piece to Xu Jingrong and reminding him, "But these need to be eaten within half a month. After that, they might spoil."
Xu Jingrong nodded gratefully, his mouth still full as he reached into the bag for another piece.
He usually didn't care for sweet snacks, but these slightly sweet and salty pastries were surprisingly delicious.
"Auntie Wen, you're the best!" Xu Jingrong exclaimed sincerely after swallowing his bite.
Wen Ye's lips curved into a mischievous smile as she added, "Oh, by the way, I also took two high-quality ink sticks from your uncle. Your mother mentioned your handwriting needs work, so take these and practice writing more every day."
Xu Jingrong's face froze.
After leaving the east courtyard, Wen Ye was in high spirits. With nothing else to do, she went to the main courtyard to "bother" Madam Lu for a while. She also brought some of the snacks she had prepared for Xu Jingrong.
In the mild spring weather, many families in Sheng Jing were holding weddings. Madam Lu had to carefully review the invitations from those with connections to or relations with the Earl's Mansion before deciding whether to attend.
Occasionally, there were also a few banquet invitations that couldn't be declined.
Wen Ye picked up a savory biscuit and held it to Madam Lu's lips, saying softly, "Sister-in-law, try this."
Madam Lu gave her a helpless look and said, "You're acting just like Jinglin."
Wen Ye chuckled and explained, "I just thought you might be busy."
Madam Lu sighed, took the biscuit from Wen Ye's hand, and took a bite.
Wen Ye asked eagerly, "Is it good?"
The snack was made to Wen Ye's taste, so Madam Lu found it a bit unusual. She replied, "Then I'll make a milder version for you next time."
Madam Lu had only said it casually and hadn't expected Wen Ye to go to the trouble.
She said somewhat awkwardly, "There are several cooks in the mansion who can make pastries. You don't need to make them yourself. Just keep the ones you make for yourself. You don't have to worry about me."
Wen Ye pouted slightly, "So Sister-in-law doesn't like the snacks I make?"
Madam Lu: "...That's not it."
Wen Ye: "Then it's settled." She then fed her another piece.
Madam Lu hesitated but eventually opened her mouth to eat it.
"By the way, isn't your sister-in-law from your maternal family due to give birth soon?" Madam Lu quickly changed the subject, fearing Wen Ye would feed her more.
Wen Ye nodded, "Next month. But my mother wrote to say I should wait until my niece or nephew is a month old before visiting." That meant she wouldn't be able to see her mother and younger sister until May.
Madam Lu agreed with Madam Shen's decision, "Since your mother specifically sent a letter, you should listen to her."
If only she, a married daughter, returned home while the others did not, it would not only look bad but also be awkward.
Madam Shen had her reasons for doing this, and Wen Ye understood.
Her elder sister, Wen Yuwan, was at the Earl's Mansion as the wife of the heir. Between raising her children and assisting her mother-in-law with the social affairs of the Earl's Mansion, she hardly had time to visit her family often.
Seeing that Wen Ye seemed a little downcast, Madam Lu suddenly said, "Once Jingrong leaves for Pine Mountain Academy, Jinglin will likely feel out of sorts. He's used to Jingrong playing with him. I recall your nephew is around the same age as Jinglin. If you have the time, bring him over for a day. He and Jinglin could keep each other company."
As if struck by a sudden thought, she added, "And your younger sister isn't much older than Jinglin either. Why not bring her along?" Wen Ye's heart stirred slightly, though she showed no outward reaction. She replied, "Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
Madam Lu waved her hand dismissively. "Trouble? Nonsense. I hear your sister is quite studious. She could set a good example for Jinglin and Yuxuan."
Wen Ye smiled faintly. "Then I'll write to my mother as soon as I return."
★
In the evening, Wen Ye fetched some letter paper from the study and asked Tao Zhi to grind ink for her.
She began by inquiring after Madam Shen and Wen Ye's father, then extended her regards to her elder brothers, Madam Yang, Madam Liu, and their children—even mentioning the unborn child in Madam Liu's belly.
After filling an entire page with pleasantries, Wen Ye finally got to the point of her letter.
As she was finishing the letter, Xu Yuejia returned home.
It was rare to see her bent over her desk, pen in hand. Xu Yuejia, who had been heading toward the inner chamber, changed direction and approached her instead. Wen Ye heard the footsteps and looked up. Recognizing him, she said nothing at first.
Only after sealing the letter did she speak. "You're back so early. Have you changed your mind?"
Xu Yuejia: "..."
Wen Ye was merely teasing. Even if she wanted to celebrate her birthday multiple times, there was only so much she could handle.
