WBSGVS Chapter 147 V1

Harboring certain thoughts, Xie Rongyun originally had no intention of accepting the assignment to Qu County. However, after hearing Madam Mu’s words, he worried that his plans might go awry, so he agreed.

With lingering concerns on his mind, he became more impatient than usual, completing his tasks several days ahead of schedule. The moment he arrived home, he immediately asked the butler about the situation in the household.

The butler, who had been instructed to keep an eye on the Osmanthus Courtyard, quickly reported, “Master, this morning, the eldest young lady visited and happened to run into Miss Mu Wu. There was a bit of a conflict, and it seems Miss Mu Wu was injured.”

Xie Rongyun’s cold expression softened slightly, his eyes darkening as his pace quickened instinctively.

The butler fell silent, not daring to speak further.

But as he neared Osmanthus Courtyard, his rationality returned, and he abruptly changed course, heading toward the main residence instead.

Halfway there, Xie Yuning blocked his path, tearfully complaining, “Brother, you must stand up for me! Your wife is so overbearing. I came to visit, and she had a retort for every word I said! Just because I’m married, am I now an outsider in the Xie family? Should I not come back at all?”

Xie Rongyun immediately felt a headache coming on. His composed, sharp features nearly cracked, and he pressed his thin lips together before speaking in a low voice, “No, big sister, don’t be upset. Just tell me what happened, slowly.”

But Xie Yuning only continued crying, looking utterly aggrieved.

Xie Rongyun had no choice but to turn to her maid. “You tell me.”

The maid eagerly seized the opportunity, embellishing the story as she vividly described the mistress of the house as an ungracious tyrant, treating her visiting in-laws like opportunists.

As Xie Yuning listened, her sobs became even more dramatic.

Earlier that morning, she had only planned to take a few things and leave. But when Mu Qingli refused to give her face, staying suddenly lost its appeal—until she noticed Mu Lan’er was there.

Her sister-in-law’s father might be a third-rank official, and though her grandfather had retired, his influence remained strong, so she didn’t dare provoke Mu Qingli openly. But Mu Lan’er was different—just a concubine-born daughter. As long as she didn’t make a big scene, she wouldn’t be openly disrespecting the Mu family while still getting to vent her frustration.

So she had one of her maids take the items she had taken from Xie Rongyun’s study back home while she remained at the Xie estate, planning to have a good meal, rest up, and then find a way to torment Mu Lan’er.

However, just after her afternoon nap, a maid rushed over with news that Xie Rongyun had returned. She immediately ran over to complain.

Hearing everything, Xie Rongyun’s expression darkened. The Xie family might have fallen from grace, but his eldest sister had once been a cherished young lady of high status before being sent to the courtesan house. How could Mu Qingli treat her with such disdain?

Xie Yuning discreetly peeked at her brother through her handkerchief, and upon seeing his displeased expression, she felt reassured. She sighed pitifully, “It’s my fault for embarrassing you. Your wife is right to treat me this way…”

Even though he knew she was playing the victim, Xie Rongyun still felt a pang of guilt. He had escaped disaster at the age of eight, but his sister, only two years older than he, had been taken away because of Second Master Mu.

He let out a sigh and gently reassured her, “That’s not true. Don’t think that way. I’ll go talk to Ah Li about this.”

“Mm!” Xie Yuning nodded quickly.

And so, the siblings headed toward the main residence together.

—

When they arrived, they saw Mu Qingli taking a stroll in the garden.

She wore a light purple dress, her once pale and sickly face having regained some color. Her fair skin carried a slight flush, and her bright eyes sparkled as she spoke to her maid with a smile. The afternoon sunlight illuminated her, making her look particularly stunning.

Xie Rongyun’s heart stirred for a brief moment, but he quickly regained his composure, his brows knitting slightly as he approached.

With so many people arriving, the movement naturally caught Qingli’s attention. She looked over and, feigning delight, said, “Husband, you’re back!”

Xie Rongyun nodded and smiled faintly. “Ah Li, you seem to be feeling much better.”

“Yes, all thanks to Doctor Zhang. His medical skills are truly remarkable,” Qingli said with a smile. “From now on, if I fall ill, we must call for him.”

Xie Rongyun’s smile faded slightly as he nodded in agreement, then shifted the topic to Xie Yuning. His tone carried a hint of disapproval. “Ah Li, my sister is still my family…”

Qingli blinked, feigning confusion. “What do you mean?” She turned to Xie Yuning and asked, “Elder sister, are you dissatisfied with something?”

Xie Yuning lifted her chin. “Dissatisfied with everything! Take lunchtime, for example. I said I was hungry and wanted to eat what you had prepared. I didn’t even ask you to cook it yourself. So why did you outright refuse me?”

Qingli suddenly looked apologetic. “That was my mistake. Husband, why don’t you prepare dinner for your sister?”

Xie Rongyun’s brows furrowed again, but before he could say anything, Xie Yuning immediately snapped, “I told you to prepare it!”

Qingli smiled. “My husband and I are one, and besides, you two are siblings. Wouldn’t it be even better if he made it for you?”

Xie Rongyun’s eyes narrowed slightly as he scrutinized Qingli’s expression.

“My brother is a man! How could he enter the kitchen to cook?” Xie Yuning scolded.

Qingli sighed, feigning helplessness. “I haven’t fully recovered yet, so I can’t overexert myself. But since you insist, and you won’t let my husband cook, how about I invite my mother over to prepare the meal for you?”

“Elder sister!” Xie Rongyun suddenly called out in a deep voice.

Xie Yuning shuddered, immediately realizing she had pushed too far. She had been about to agree out of spite, but now she shut her mouth.

Xie Rongyun smiled faintly. “Ah Li is right. She’s still recovering, and it doesn’t matter who prepares the food. If you want to eat, I’ll make it myself.”

Xie Yuning forced a laugh. Noticing her brother’s irritation, she immediately backed down. She was most afraid of this younger brother of hers. “No need, no need! I’ll be leaving soon anyway.”

Xie Rongyun rubbed his temples, feeling exhausted. “Alright. Ah Li, prepare some gifts for my sister to take back for her two sons.”

Qingli glanced at Xie Yuning and curved her lips into a smile. “No need, husband. She already took her gift home, didn’t she?”

Xie Yuning’s eyes widened slightly. She panicked—her brother’s study held his most treasured items. If anything went wrong, she would be in serious trouble. She hurriedly said, “Y-Yes, I already sent it back! I should go now—my children are probably crying for me!”

With that, she swiftly turned and bolted as if something were chasing her.