Volume One, Chapter 14: Having a Child with Qi Jinshan

Qi Xiuyu, with his tall stature and jade-like face, remained the dream suitor of many women in the capital even after several years of marriage. Seeing him now, even more distinguished than a decade ago, Xie Mingyue's gaze grew colder with each passing moment.

Having married into the Xie family, Qi Xiuyu had served in various posts adorned with gold insignia for five years. Now, having just completed his term as Prefect of Jinzhou, he was about to return to the capital, poised for rapid promotion.

At court, the rumor spread that the Shunqing Marquis’s household was about to produce a second favored minister of the emperor.

But she was determined to put an end to the good days between him and Xie Wanqing!

Their eyes met—this woman both strange and familiar—and Qi Xiuyu was momentarily surprised before he politely bowed.

“Greetings to father, mother, elder brother... and sister-in-law.”

His slight hesitation was met with a sneer in Qi Jinshan’s eyes.

Sister-in-law?

Had it not been for an investigation during which Qi Jinshan accidentally intercepted a family letter from Qi Xiuyu—one that ended with the words “Ask Mingyue about her well-being”—he might have truly believed his younger brother’s current show of respect.

The letter was addressed to Lady Luo and had never reached Xie Mingyue’s hands; otherwise, he would have long since been unable to restrain his emotions.

Sensing the cold aura emanating from the man beside her, Xie Mingyue suppressed the inexplicable sting of his indifference and quietly moved closer, brushing his hand gently.

While feigning loyalty, she watched Qi Jinshan’s expression. Seeing no change, she sighed inwardly.

It was as if she had cast her charm before a blind man.

“Did you arrive in the capital today? Why didn’t you send word in advance so the family carriage could come fetch you?”

Lady Luo, having not seen her child for many years, cautiously expressed her concern.

“There were attendants arranged by my side; no need to trouble others,” Qi Xiuyu replied with a smile as he approached Qi Jinshan and Xie Mingyue. “Elder brother, sister-in-law.”

Earlier, Qi Jinshan and Xie Mingyue had ignored his greeting, and now that he had come over expressly, Qi Jinshan still faced him coldly, merely nodding with a soft “Hmm.”

Xie Mingyue, sensing the mood, also responded quietly.

The couple mirrored each other’s cold and distant demeanor.

Qi Xiuyu was slightly taken aback.

Though he had been away for years, Xie Mingyue had always been unable to contain her emotions upon seeing him, often resulting in discord with Qi Jinshan. Yet now, she resembled Qi Jinshan himself.

Watching the two so perfectly in sync, his eyes darkened. Maintaining composure, he smiled faintly, “I returned late and fear I delayed the family banquet. Elder brother, sister-in-law, you must have been anxious. I will now go change.”

Lady Luo could not bear to see her son so humble before Qi Jinshan and spoke up, “It’s not late. Wanqing and Feng’er have not yet arrived. You should go change.”

The Shunqing Marquis’s household was a first-rate family; even if she begrudged her son’s toil, the custom of changing attire before the banquet had to be observed.

Qi Xiuyu turned and went back to the inner chambers. Xie Mingyue frowned, glancing at Qi Jinshan who refused her even a look, causing her heart to tighten.

She had already reached out to touch him—what more did he want?

Such pettiness.

She whispered to the wutong tree behind her, “Who is Feng’er?”

“He is the legitimate grandson of the second branch, the only son of the second master and mistress.”

Qi Xiuyu and Xie Wanqing’s son?

Xie Mingyue raised an eyebrow and suddenly understood.

No wonder the main branch had no children, yet the Shunqing Marquis and Lady Luo had shown no urgency; the heir apparent already had a successor.

Then all that Qi Jinshan had earned in the Shunqing Marquis’s household would one day be inherited by Xie Wanqing’s son?

Unless she also bore children with Qi Jinshan...

The thought flushed her cheeks. She patted her face and sat upright.

After a while, the sound of a child’s laughter came from outside. Qi Xiuyu and Xie Wanqing entered the hall, holding the hand of a boy of four or five years.

“Feng’er, call them.”

Knowing her husband had returned today, Xie Wanqing was dressed like a lotus just emerged from the water, her cheeks rosy. Yet against Xie Mingyue’s fair and flushed face, she appeared somewhat weary.

After all, the second branch was not as leisurely as the main. Unlike Xie Mingyue, who did not serve her mother-in-law, she had to attend morning and evening, ever at her side.

Xie Mingyue showed no interest in the child of Xie Wanqing and Qi Xiuyu and turned to Qi Jinshan.

“Why are you ignoring me?”

She knew Qi Jinshan’s oddity stemmed from Qi Xiuyu, but she had been obvious enough.

Couldn’t she dispel his suspicion?

She moved under the table to take his hand. Qi Jinshan’s brow twitched, his back straightened, and he grabbed her hand in return.

“Nothing. Eat.”

He pushed her hand back, and a chill ran through her palm as she sharply withdrew it into her sleeve.

Enough.

“Uncle, and also…”

Qi Ruofeng called them over, but seeing Xie Mingyue, his eyes flickered with hesitation, recalling his mother’s earlier instructions.

Xie Mingyue patiently waited for him to call, but unexpectedly, he pouted and burst into tears.

“Mother! Father! Feng’er is scared!”

His cry struck everyone’s hearts. The wet nurse hurried forward and took Qi Ruofeng away. Xie Wanqing leaned anxiously against Qi Xiuyu, her voice soft, “Husband, why is Feng’er upset for no reason?”

Lady Luo snorted coldly. The wet nurse beside her deliberately said, “Ah, could it be that the young master saw something?”

Qi Ruofeng had just been in front of Xie Mingyue; their insinuation was unmistakable.

Xie Mingyue snorted softly and spoke openly, “Wet nurse, do you mean there is something about me? That I bring misfortune?”

Unexpectedly direct, the wet nurse faltered. Lady Luo restrained her and said kindly, “Wet nurse did not mean that. Feng’er is simply crying hard, and everyone feels sorry for him.”

She forgot to remind those around her that the main branch’s daughter-in-law had changed completely and was not to be trifled with.

Yet Xie Mingyue would not suffer loss. Qi Ruofeng’s gaze fixed on her, clearly following instructions. As for who could have given those instructions, naturally…

Her eyes fell on the second branch’s group. If Xie Wanqing wanted to use the child as a pawn, she would have to see if she consented!

She smiled faintly, “Well, I was once poisoned by my sister-in-law and coughed up so much blood that my yang energy is insufficient. That’s quite normal.”

At this, Lady Luo and Xie Wanqing’s faces darkened. Qi Xiuyu, perceptive, remained silent. The Shunqing Marquis frowned, “Poisoned?”

He did not inquire about household affairs, so Lady Luo had not informed him.

Xie Mingyue resumed her seat. “It’s nothing serious. Please do not trouble Father’s mind. My sister-in-law has already been punished. But I cannot accept such a grave accusation of bringing misfortune without cause. Perhaps we should invite a high monk from the Protectorate Temple to examine me?”

The Shunqing Marquis’s brow knit tightly. Lady Luo’s heart throbbed, and she quickly signaled her daughter-in-law.

This matter was indeed the second branch’s fault. Xie Wanqing’s reputation for virtue was well known, and now that Qi Xiuyu was about to rise in rank, if Xie Mingyue caused a stir that outsiders learned of, what would become of it?

Xie Wanqing held the child with a forced smile, “Sister-in-law speaks too harshly. Feng’er’s crying has nothing to do with you; I failed to manage the child properly.”

“As long as you know the child is poorly disciplined.”

Xie Mingyue lightly picked up a handkerchief to cleanse her hands. Everyone awkwardly sat down. Suddenly, Qi Jinshan spoke, “Has Feng’er begun his lessons?”

Xie Wanqing did not understand his question and answered frankly, “He started a year ago and can recite the Hundred Family Surnames and the Thousand Character Classic.”

She was subtly boasting, but Qi Jinshan threw the handkerchief onto the table, casually saying, “Who is his teacher? Perhaps it’s time to replace him.”