WBSGVS Chapter 161 V2

What would she do then?

“Sister-in-law… didn’t you have a lot of dowry money?” Xie Yu’ning asked cautiously.

Qingli spoke slowly, “I did bring quite a bit of dowry, but all the concubines are pregnant. In a few months, there will be children. All the money has gone into treating Xie Rongyun. What about the children then? Back when Uncle Xie was alive, what he worried about most was the future of the Xie family. If he were here, I’m sure he’d choose the children, don’t you think?”

Mentioning their father made Xie Yuning pause. Her expression flickered with hesitation before she finally said, “You’re right. It’s already a great kindness that you’re willing to raise those children despite everything. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Qingli nodded in satisfaction, smiling. “Then I won’t keep you. I’m sure you have a lot to take care of at home.”

“…Alright.” Xie Yuning still wanted to ask if she could take something back with her.

It had been two whole months since she’d managed to take anything from the Xie estate, and it left a sour taste in her mouth.

But now, she didn’t dare.

If Qingli cut ties with her after Xie Rongyun died, the Yu family would turn on her immediately. She couldn’t afford to offend her sister-in-law.

As she left, she kept glancing back, only exhaling deeply once she was outside the main courtyard. She hadn’t expected her sister-in-law to be this ruthless.

But really, it was her brother’s fault. Of all the things he could’ve done, he just had to marry that woman and then treat her poorly?

Did he think the Mu family was full of pushovers?

Xie Yuning shivered. Thinking about what happened to her brother gave her goosebumps, and she hurried her steps to leave.

It’d be best to visit the Xie estate less often. She didn’t want to upset her sister-in-law again—if trouble came, she’d at least need someone to back her up.

Qingli naturally noticed Xie Yuning’s cautious glances as she left. Let her guess if she wanted to—Qingli didn’t care. She wasn’t alone. She had a husband and a son to think about. No way was she throwing all that away for Xie Rongyun.

Clear-headed people are always easier to deal with than those like Mu Lan’er, who are constantly muddled.

Half a month later.

Mu Lan’er woke up as usual.

Autumn had begun, and the air was dry. Every morning, Xie Rongyun’s lips would crack and peel from dehydration, so the first thing she had to do was get him water.

But when she entered the room, the man who had been unconscious for half a month was suddenly wide awake. His eyes, though dull in color, were open wide and unusually bright. When he saw her, a spark of light flickered in his eyes. “Lan’er!”

Mu Lan’er, however, showed no sign of joy—only shock and panic. “How… how are you awake?!”

Xie Rongyun’s gaze dimmed a little, as if he had already expected this reaction. Still, he forced a smile and stretched out his bony hand to reach for her.

Mu Lan’er didn’t move. She kept a safe distance, watching him with guarded eyes.

Xie Rongyun gave a bitter smile and said in a hoarse voice, “Lan’er, help me… I don’t want to die…”

“I… I can’t help you!” Mu Lan’er shook her head, rejecting him instinctively.

It wasn’t just that she couldn’t help him—she knew what kind of person Mu Qingli was now. If she dared to pull any tricks again, she wouldn’t make it through the night.

Xie Rongyun froze, his hand dropping back onto the bed, and tears welled in his eyes. He pleaded, “Then… could you help me call the concubines over? Please?”

Mu Lan’er’s heart softened at the sound of his voice. He was, after all, the man she had once loved regardless of the world’s judgment. But then she thought of Mu Qingli and forced herself to remain calm. She bit her lip and lowered her head. “I’ll… I’ll try.”

“You can do it!” Xie Rongyun said, voice raspy with hope.

Mu Lan’er gave a stiff smile and quickly left the room, but instead of heading to the concubines’ quarters, she rushed to the main residence.

She told the maid at the door that she had urgent business to discuss with the lady of the house.

Soon, July (Qiyue) came out with a cold expression and brought her in. Qingli was inside, reading a book. Hearing the commotion, she didn’t even look up. “What is it?”

“Th-Third Madam!” Mu Lan’er almost said the wrong title again, but quickly corrected herself. She lowered her voice and said, “This morning, the Master suddenly woke up. He asked me to bring the concubines to see him. Maybe he wants to…”

Qingli looked a bit surprised. Can he still wake up? She had honestly thought the next news about Xie Rongyun would be his death. Still, hearing this, she smiled and said, “July, go inform the concubines that the Master wishes to see them. Ask if they’re willing to come.”

“Yes, ma’am!” July nodded and prepared to leave.

Mu Lan’er was stunned. She’s not worried at all?

If those concubines were even slightly moved by Xie Rongyun, they could cause trouble, spread rumors, or create chaos later. Any of those would be a real problem!

July noticed her hesitation and frowned. “Lady Lan’er, if you have nothing else to report, please leave with me.”

Mu Lan’er pouted but obediently followed July out.

She didn’t go to the other courtyards, though. She returned to Laurel Courtyard instead—she still had to feed Xie Rongyun his water and breakfast.

Xie Rongyun was in unusually good spirits that morning. He could even eat on his own. One bowl of porridge wasn’t enough—he asked for half a bowl more.

After breakfast, someone finally came to the courtyard.

There were no maids to announce the visitor, so they came straight in.

Only one person showed up—Concubine Zhou.

Mu Lan’er was the first to see her. She quickly stepped forward to greet her, glancing behind her in confusion. Only Zhou Yiniang? That couldn’t be right.

Noticing her gaze, Zhou Yiniang, who was already showing a bit of a baby bump, smirked and said, “No need to look. The others couldn’t be bothered to come.”

Mu Lan’er’s expression changed slightly, though she wasn’t surprised.

She had already chosen to yield to Mu Qingli—how could the other concubines not? Especially when none of them had any deep feelings for Xie Rongyun.

But then, why did Zhou Yiniang come?

Just as she was thinking that, Zhou Yiniang had already reached the bedroom door. As she stepped inside, a loud, dramatic voice rang out, filled with fake joy and flourish:

“Master! You’re not dead yet? That’s wonderful news!!!”

Mu Lan’er: “…”

Even if he wasn’t dying before, he probably would be from anger by the time Zhou Yiniang left!