WBSGVS Chapter 8

When Qingli woke up fully rested, she noticed Wan Yue looking frustrated.

Instead of getting up immediately, she stayed in bed for a while and casually asked Wan Yue why she seemed upset.

Wan Yue had been waiting to vent, and as soon as her mistress asked, she quickly responded, “Young Madam, the Young Master, and Miss Su sat in the pavilion for an entire hour!”

Another maid chimed in, nodding vigorously, “Isn’t that just outrageous? An unmarried woman alone with a married man for so long! Even though our Jiang Kingdom has a more liberal culture, this is too much! Young Madam, if you don’t give her a warning, she might start believing she can marry into the Zheng family!”

Qingli asked, “Did they do anything improper?”

The maids quickly shook their heads. “No, they didn’t.”

Qingli spread her hands. “Then it’s fine, isn’t it?”

“Young Madam!” The two maids were anxious but didn’t dare say more. While nothing inappropriate happened, sitting together for that long — especially between an unmarried woman and a married man — was just too improper!

Seeing their expressions, Qingli smiled even wider, as if her mood had lightened.

There was really no need to feel sad, upset, or angry over this. It simply wasn’t worth it.

In her past life, the original Qingli had suffered so much, losing both her husband and herself in the process. Everyone said she destroyed her own life, but was that true?

Even if she hadn’t caused a scene, that husband would have still slipped away after being missing for six months.

Even though they were childhood sweethearts, destined from a young age, the seeds of doubt had already been planted long ago. Yet neither the original Qingli nor this current one could ever understand how a love that once seemed so steadfast could crumble so easily. How could promises made in the height of passion be forgotten when those same promises were broken?

But it didn’t matter. If Zheng Yihan couldn’t remember, she could help him keep that promise.

In the past life, Su Tingxue had entered the Zheng family on the pretext that her reputation had been ruined. This time, however, Qingli had blocked that avenue for her. Qingli was curious to see what excuse Su Tingxue would come up with next to marry into the family while maintaining the respect of others.

Even if it was out of gratitude for saving her life, if Su tried to destroy someone’s family to become a concubine, no one would look kindly on that.

So, Qingli wasn’t in any hurry about the ambiguous relationship between Su Tingxue and Zheng Yihan.

The ones who should be worried were those two.

As long as she disagreed, the Zheng family wouldn’t dare allow Zheng Yihan to take a concubine!

Wan Yue and the other maids were still fuming, so Qingli gently reassured them, even giving them some silver to go out and enjoy themselves. She remained home, enjoying her day in peace.

Wan Yue couldn’t quite understand what her mistress was thinking, but seeing that she wasn’t upset about the situation, the maids didn’t press further.

However, that very night, Zheng Yihan came by again.

Before he could say anything, Qingli apologized first, expressing regret for losing her temper and suggesting that he shouldn’t stay the night, so as not to disturb his duties. If anything else went wrong, it wouldn’t be good.

With his wife apologizing first, Zheng Yihan found it hard to say much. Considering that his mother had caused the issue in the first place, he chose to comfort Qingli instead. “It was my fault. I didn’t realize how hard it’s been on you. If anything like this happens again, tell me. I’ll speak to my mother about it.”

Qingli almost wanted to laugh. Had he been blind for the past five years? Did it only matter now that it involved him directly?

But outwardly, she smiled happily. “Thank you, husband.”

Zheng Yihan gently patted her back, smiling with a mix of warmth and guilt.

And so, the days passed by.

Qingli’s health was genuinely improving. During this time, Zheng Yihan made several attempts to stay the night, but each time he did, Qingli would pull the same trick. After three such instances, he seemed to have developed a reluctance and stopped asking.

Qingli had assumed that with her tactics, he would grow closer to Su Tingxue.

But to her surprise, apart from his visits to Zhang Shi for his regular respects, Zheng Yihan hadn’t had much interaction with Su Tingxue.

At least, Qingli could tell he was restraining himself, even deliberately keeping his distance. It seemed he was afraid of actually going through with taking a concubine.

This puzzled the maids like Wan Yue, who kept a close eye on Zheng Yihan. Wasn’t he thinking about taking a concubine? They had expected the two to sneak around, yet it seemed as though they had distanced themselves as if he had given up entirely.

Qingli thought about it for a moment and understood why. Right now, her mental state wasn’t great. If he pushed her too hard, it could cause a real disaster, and the Ji family would likely come after him. Plus, his childhood bond with Qingli was much stronger than his fleeting connection with Su Tingxue.

In her past life, the original Qingli had caused a fuss, but even then, he hadn’t taken a concubine.

The real trouble began when Qingli was caught attempting to kill Su Tingxue, and Prince Yu intervened. There were likely other factors at play, which eventually led Zheng Yihan to divorce her and marry Su, who had restored her status. Though not without scandal, it was enough for her to become the second wife.

A month later, as Qingli’s health improved, she no longer felt weak or fatigued. Her body had filled out, and she accepted an invitation to a social event, deciding it was time to make a public appearance.

As the eldest daughter-in-law of the Zheng family and a general’s daughter, her social outings were a big deal, especially since it was her first appearance after recovering from her illness. It was like a resurrection of her status — no longer a widow since her husband had returned from the dead.

Naturally, she needed to look her best.

The maids, including Wan Yue, took this event very seriously. They had been preparing for days, making new clothes and jewelry, determined to have their young mistress shine in the most beautiful light.

Ever since her fainting spell, Zhang Shi had grown wary of Qingli. Although she knew that Qingli was recovering, she had stopped imposing rules on her and acted as though Qingli didn’t exist.

However, the commotion over Qingli’s preparations for the event still triggered Zhang Shi’s jealousy. Seeing the managers and shopkeepers coming and going from the estate, Zhang Shi couldn’t hold back any longer and had Granny Cui summon Qingli for a scolding. “You’re already part of the Zheng family, yet you still spend your days dressing up like this. What exactly are you trying to do?”

Qingli waited for Wan Yue to place a cushion on the chair before sitting down slowly. Unfazed, she replied calmly, “Mother, you must be joking. As your daughter-in-law, I dress up for myself — it’s to keep my spirits up.”

Zhang Shi didn’t buy it. She thought Qingli was either trying to charm her son or compete with other noblewomen. She furrowed her brow. “But do you need to make such a big deal out of it? Jewelry stores, dressmakers — they’ve all been here!”

Qingli remained composed. “It’s nothing. They’re just our people. No need to worry.”

Zhang Shi was about to retort when she remembered that much of Qingli’s dowry had come from her family, including several of the shops. It suddenly dawned on her that these businesses likely belonged to Qingli, which only deepened her resentment.

Stubbornly, she said in a passive-aggressive tone, “So they’re from your family, are they? As the eldest daughter-in-law, you should be taking care of your younger siblings instead of focusing only on yourself. What a great example of Ji family values.”

Qingli couldn’t help but roll her eyes. In her five years of marriage, except for the last six months when she had to lay low after her husband was presumed dead, she had always shared her things with the other members of the Zheng family, especially with Zheng Yihan’s full brother.

Zhang Shi had received many gifts, including the pearl curtain now hanging in her bedroom, which had been present from the original Qingli. That curtain was made of real pearls.

Now, however, Zhang Shi was complaining that Qingli was only thinking of herself.

Qingli smirked internally but pretended to be surprised. She covered her mouth in feigned astonishment and said, “Oh, Mother, is it true that I haven’t been taking care of my younger siblings? I’ll go back and ask my husband for some money to get them some proper clothing.”

Zhang Shi was immediately infuriated. “What do you mean asking Han’er for money? He’s just a minor official now. How much money could he possibly have?”

Qingli chuckled lightly. “Mother, are you suggesting that I should use my dowry to provide for my husband’s younger siblings? That doesn’t sound very appropriate. Isn’t it the man’s responsibility to support the family?”

Wanting her son to take a concubine while also expecting her daughter-in-law to be dutiful?

Such a thing was simply unrealistic!

“Ji Shi!” Zhang Shi was livid, slamming her hand on the table and trembling with rage as she glared at Qingli.

How had she not noticed before how sharp-tongued her eldest daughter-in-law was?

Qingli’s rebuttal was giving her a headache, and she couldn’t find a way to counter it!

Qingli smiled lightly. “Mother, is there anything else? If not, I’ll be on my way. I wouldn’t want my husband to miss his court duties. It would be difficult for me to get money from him afterward.”

Zhang Shi was seething with hatred but couldn’t retort. She could only sulk and say, “I was just joking. It’s not a festive time, so why bother with clothing? They don’t have to go out for social events like you.”

“Indeed, Mother,” Qingli agreed and, after performing a respectful bow, was surrounded by her maids as she left.

At the entrance, Qingli ran into Su Tingxue, who was carrying a bouquet.

Su Tingxue quickly greeted her. “Sister Ji.”

Qingli responded with a gracious and gentle smile, “No need for such formality. Miss Su, are you settling in well at the Zheng family?”

“The Young Madam, the Lady of the House, and everyone here are very kind. There’s nothing to complain about,” Su Tingxue answered with a smile, her gaze lingering on Qingli’s red gown, which was beautifully patterned and complemented her complexion with its gold embroidery, looking quite elegant and expensive.

Su Tingxue felt a pang of envy, glancing down at her own simpler dress and tightening her grip on her handkerchief in a sour mood.

Qingli nodded in satisfaction and said warmly, “But as Miss Su is still unmarried, staying here might not be ideal. Don’t worry, I’ll be attending a flower-viewing banquet hosted by the Prime Minister’s family in a couple of days. Many young, unmarried men will be present, and I will certainly find a suitable match for you.”

Su Tingxue was startled and quickly shook her head. “No, no, there’s no need!”

Marriage?

She didn’t want to get married!

But Qingli seemed oblivious to her resistance. “Miss Su, there’s no need to be shy. Most women do get married. Unless you plan to remain unmarried forever, letting me choose a suitable partner for you is the best option.”

“I don’t want to get married,” Su Tingxue insisted, shaking her head vigorously. “Thank you for your kindness, but I don’t want to get married.”

Qingli’s expression turned serious. “Really?”

Su Tingxue gritted her teeth. “Yes!”

After all, only they knew about this, and it didn’t matter if she changed her mind later.

Qingli said, “Is that so? I don’t believe it, unless… I could set you up as a female head of a household?”

A female head of a household?

In Jiang Kingdom, this meant a woman establishing her household and remaining unmarried. Generally, this was only possible for women of notable status, as ordinary women in this era couldn’t support themselves alone.

Additionally, this required government registration. Once established, a female head of household couldn’t remarry, though keeping a concubine was permissible and went unregulated.

Su Tingxue, however, wasn’t eligible to become a female head of household as she still hoped to marry the man in question. She turned pale and was almost in tears. “Sister Ji, I don’t want that. I don’t…”

Seeing her distress, Qingli shook her head in resignation and said, “Miss Su, if you don’t want to marry and you don’t want to become a female head of household, what exactly do you want?”

Su Tingxue bit her lip and looked down, unwilling to speak.

Understanding that she wouldn’t reveal her true intentions, Qingli changed her approach and said with a sudden realization, “Ah, I see now. You must have someone you’re in love with but have been forced to part with, so you’re unwilling to marry anyone else.”

Su Tingxue didn’t refute this.

This was effectively an acknowledgment.

Qingli looked at her sympathetically.

Su Tingxue felt her face flush with embarrassment under Qingli’s gaze, feeling ashamed as she was being pitied while secretly yearning for the man in question.

Qingli patted her shoulder comfortingly and said softly, “You’re such a devoted young lady. We shouldn’t delay your happiness any longer. Staying here might lead others to misunderstand your intentions towards my husband or my father-in-law. I have a cottage outside the city with a nice environment. You can stay there and wait for your beloved to come for you.”

Su Tingxue’s guilt and unease vanished instantly. She shook her head vigorously. “No, really, there’s no need! I can stay here! Sister Ji, you don’t need to go through the trouble.”

Qingli firmly insisted, “It’s necessary. I don’t mind the expense, since the cottage is empty. After all, you saved my husband’s life. If he tried to take you as a concubine, it would be an act of ingratitude. I’m not like him. I repay both kindness and enmity.”

Su Tingxue wanted to protest, but Qingli was already set on the idea. “I’ll send a message to prepare the cottage right away. It should be ready for you soon.”

As she spoke, she gave Su Tingxue a knowing smile before turning and leaving.

Su Tingxue stared blankly at her retreating figure, biting her lip with a hint of resentment in her eyes.

Had she discovered something?

Was that why she was being sent away from the Zheng family?

But why should she have to follow her wishes?