WBSGVS Chapter 162 V1

Just as Mu Lan’er had guessed, Xie Rongyun, upon hearing movement, was filled with hope. He had been struggling in the darkness for so long that finally regaining a bit of consciousness through sheer willpower felt like salvation. At last, he was no longer like a corpse.

All he could think about was getting Mu Lan’er or any of the other concubines to spread the word about his situation, even if it meant framing Mu Qingli for attempting to murder her husband.

He knew it would be difficult—after all, the Mu family behind Mu Qingli held great power.

But since ancient times, women had been taught to see their husbands as their heavens. He was their husband. Even if some didn’t care, there had to be one who did. Sure, he had never treated any of Concubine Zhou and the others with real regard, but they had all borne his children. How could they bear to let their child’s father die just like that?

If Mu Qingli remarried or threw them out of the residence, both the women and their unborn children would have nowhere to go.

After all, Mu Qingli had no real blood ties to their children—why would she care?

So when Mu Lan’er refused him, Xie Rongyun was disappointed, yes, but not surprised. He had placed greater hope in the concubines.

But the moment Concubine Zhou stepped in and shouted what she did, Xie Rongyun was so furious he nearly rolled his eyes and fainted again.

He glared at her with his pale face.

His face had grown gaunt and sunken, so much so that his bulging eyes looked positively terrifying.

The moment Concubine Zhou walked in and saw his face, she gasped and instinctively clutched her belly. Whispering, she said, “So ugly… oh heavens, child, don’t be scared. That’s not your father—your father’s already dead…”

Xie Rongyun was fuming. But when his eyes landed on her slightly swollen belly, he forced himself to calm down. Opportunities were few—he couldn’t afford to be impulsive now.

He took a deep breath and softened his tone. “The baby’s about three months along now, isn’t it?”

Concubine Zhou’s lips curved into a smile. When the child was mentioned, her expression became gentler. She responded softly, “Yes, just over three months. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have dared come see you—I was afraid I’d miscarry from the shock.”

Xie Rongyun: “…”

How the hell did this woman even survive this long?

Couldn’t she listen to a single serious word?

Xie Rongyun gritted his teeth and lowered his eyes sorrowfully. “What a shame… I fear I won’t live to see this child born, much less pass on the Xie family legacy to him…”

Concubine Zhou beamed. “Oh, don’t worry, my lord, it’s fine. The child won’t care. The madam said we’re not after any of that petty inheritance.”

Xie Rongyun: “…Are you really willing to let your child be born fatherless?”

Her grin widened. “The madam said once the baby is born, I can choose to remarry, or stay here if I wish. She’s willing to support us. I’ve been thinking—once the child is born, I’ll earn my own money and find a decent man. If he doesn’t mind, we’ll change the baby’s surname to his. Then the child will have a father!”

“!!!” If Xie Rongyun had any strength left, he would’ve leapt up and cursed her to her face.

But he didn’t. It took everything he had just to speak, and even then, he could only mutter through gritted teeth, “You heartless, shameless woman…”

Concubine Zhou frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean? You were allowed to take in concubines, but we’re not allowed to be with other men? You expect us to stay loyal to you forever? Based on what? Look at yourself now! You’re hideous! Don’t worry—once you die, I’ll be the first to encourage the madam to find a few handsome young men. She’s got power and money—unlike us. Even if you’re not happy about it, tough!”

“Pfft—!” Xie Rongyun spat out a mouthful of blood. He was so angry, he was barely clinging to life.

Concubine Zhou wrinkled her nose in disgust and stepped back. Her maid quickly supported her, worried that the stress might hurt the baby.

That last bit of strength Xie Rongyun had mustered finally gave out. His body went limp, though his eyes remained wide open in disbelief and resentment.

He truly looked terrifying in that moment.

Concubine Zhou didn’t dare push him any further, afraid she might actually enrage him to death.

She pouted, then let the maid help her out.

None of the other concubines had come—only Concubine Zhou. Why? Because she held grudges.

Back then, Xie Rongyun had refused to touch her for two nights while they shared a room, making her doubt her own charm. Later on, when he had a reason not to touch her, he even tried to sell them all off.

She was no gentle soul—and seeing how Mu Qingli now treated Xie Rongyun, clearly toying with him on purpose, Concubine Zhou wasn’t going to miss a chance to kick him while he was down.

If the madam was pleased and rewarded her, wouldn’t that be wonderful?

As for Xie Rongyun? She felt absolutely nothing for him anymore. Even if she had once been attracted to his looks, the sight of his skeletal frame now killed any remaining affection.

Might as well die early and make her a free widow. His presence was just an obstacle anyway.

Satisfied with venting her rage, Concubine Zhou strutted out and boasted about it to the other concubines. That night, a box of jewelry was delivered to her courtyard. As the others watched in envy, she hugged the jewelry box, so happy she was already thinking of visiting Moon Laurel Courtyard again.

Mu Lan’er watched Concubine Zhou leave, then turned back inside and looked at the bloodied man on the bed, her face full of pity.

How pathetic.

Even the concubine pregnant with his child couldn’t be bothered to care for him—what a complete failure of a man.

Now that she was calm again, Mu Lan’er thought back. It was true—back then, Xie Rongyun had married Mu Qingli in a grand ceremony. Mu Qingli had done everything in her power to help the Xie family regain its standing, going through great lengths within her own family.

That alone should’ve earned Xie Rongyun her loyalty and gratitude.

So why had he still tried to be with her?

Mu Lan’er couldn’t understand. She could only chalk it up to his cold, selfish nature. Just like Mu Qingli had said—did he ever consider what would happen to her when he led her astray? That she’d be the one to suffer for his selfishness?

Probably not.

Just like she had never considered how her third sister, who had cared for her all this time, would feel upon discovering her with Xie Rongyun. He hadn’t thought of the consequences either.