WBSGVS Chapter 160 V1

She had just playfully teased a naïve young man while tactfully deflecting a few veiled advances. That person left with a dark expression, but Qingli herself was in a great mood.

Especially when she heard the next day that Xie Rongyun had briefly regained consciousness—just for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea—before slipping back into unconsciousness. That made her even more pleased.

With injuries that severe, the chances of a full recovery were slim. But even so, he couldn’t be allowed to die too soon.

So Qingli had Qiyue go out and bring in several skilled doctors.

Seven days later, a maid from the Laurel Courtyard came to her and said, “Madam, the Master would like to see you.”

Qingli was fishing at the time.

The Xie estate was large, and she had brought a generous dowry. On top of that, she had taken over several of Xie Rongyun’s businesses. With so much money, she had built herself a pond and stocked it with edible fish. Whenever the mood struck her, she’d go out and fish—grill them, boil them, whatever she felt like.

Hearing the message, she lost the fish that had just taken the bait. With a flick of its tail, it was gone.

Qingli pouted in frustration. “Typical. As soon as I hear about him, my fish gets away.”

The young maid didn’t catch what she said, but Qiyue, standing beside her, heard every word and chuckled. She was in great spirits these days. That disgusting Fifth Miss had been demoted to a mere concubine, and the main culprit—Xie Rongyun—was in a truly miserable state. Seeing Qingli like this, she said softly, “Don’t be upset, miss. Go see him, and when you come back, the fish will be lining up to get caught.”

Qingli nodded. “You’re right!” She stood up with a grin and waved her hand. “Let’s go.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Qiyue replied with a slight curtsy.

She told the little maid to pack up the fishing gear and followed along with a light step.

Their goal in nursing Xie Rongyun back to health wasn’t to let him recover and start his nonsense again—it was to make sure he lived long enough… to suffer.

Soon, they arrived at the Laurel Courtyard.

Mu Lan’er was standing obediently at the door, bowing her head and looking docile, afraid Qingli would find her an eyesore and give her another lecture.

Qingli didn’t even spare her a glance and walked straight inside. There, she saw Xie Rongyun being fed medicine by a maid—she’d just given him the last spoonful.

Despite everything, Xie Rongyun had a strong will to live. Medical conditions were poor back when he was injured—no real disinfectants, serious blood loss—and he’d been running a high fever ever since. And yet, he’d still managed to wake up within just seven days, and now he was diligently drinking his medicine.

“A’Li, you’re here!” Xie Rongyun looked genuinely happy to see her. His expression was soft, not at all like the cold, arrogant man he’d been before he left. His voice was weak, but the flattery in his tone was obvious.

He waved his hand, dismissing the maid who had been feeding him.

The maid stepped aside, and Xie Rongyun lightly patted the space beside him, making it clear what he wanted. Then he said, “Come sit with me, A’Li. Ever since I left the capital, you’ve been the only one on my mind…”

Qingli didn’t move. She just smiled at him sweetly and waited for him to finish his little performance.

Funny how even when they were newlyweds, he hadn’t been this gentle. Back then, he always carried an air of pride.

Of course, the original Qingli had adored that pride of his.

But this Qingli? Not so much.

Pride is fine—for those who can back it up. At the very least, it should be a fair match in strength. But Xie Rongyun? Please.

Under her unflinching gaze, Xie Rongyun began to feel uncomfortable. He gave a bitter smile and weakly raised a hand to the bandaged wound on his forehead.

“Did I… get disfigured? Do I look worse now? Is that why you’re no longer fond of me?”

Qingli replied lazily, “Did you mistake me for your darling concubine, Lan’er?”

His face froze. Already pale, he went sheet white. His voice came out barely above a whisper: “A’Li, I know I was wrong… You didn’t hold a grudge, and you even asked the doctors to treat me with everything they had… That I could survive this long… Cough, cough…”

He couldn’t finish the sentence before breaking into a coughing fit. His body slumped to the side, lying there weakly.

“I’m truly touched, A’Li… Let’s… let’s live a good life together from now on, alright?”

He stared at her without blinking, trying to soften her heart with his gaze.

When he left to suppress the bandits, he had been full of ambition—especially with Nie Xiao by his side, he’d felt invincible.

But when he fell off that cliff, all he could think was: I’m done for.

And he regretted everything.

He should’ve faked an illness and avoided going in the first place.

After that, he drifted in and out of consciousness. He was barely aware, but still able to pick up bits and pieces—usually voices full of pity.

Two of the men carrying him even joked that it was poetic justice: right after taking in so many concubines, he got himself nearly killed. If his wife had been a bit more ruthless, refused treatment, and let him die, it would’ve been game over.

That thought haunted Xie Rongyun.

He was terrified that once he got home, Mu Qingli would say, Don’t bother treating him.

Even though he knew it was unlikely—after all, she hadn’t even killed Mu Lan’er, just had her disowned by the Mu family, and hadn’t blamed him either—it still left him deeply unsettled.

Even now, although he lived in the Laurel Courtyard and had woken up more than once, he had yet to see Mu Qingli. Still, he could feel that everyone in the Laurel Courtyard was taking care of him, and the doctor visited daily.

All of this was thanks to Qingli!

Naturally, he was moved by this, though his feelings were based on the fact that he needed her.

It was like when he’d faced his greatest crisis in life, nearly dying. When he woke up, he realized the one who had helped him was Mu Qingli. He had been moved then, and that was why he had always treated her differently.

But that was all conditional on the fact that he wanted the Mu family’s help to clear the Xie family’s name!

Qingli met his gaze, then suddenly burst into laughter. “Hahaha… this is quite funny…”

Xie Rongyun was confused.

Qingli waved her hand.