Chapter 16: The Malicious Little Sister-in-law
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Lu Yuan Ze was a man with unshakable pride.
Years ago, when he sought to marry the legitimate daughter of the Xu Family, whispers of ridicule echoed in secret. The Xu Family was an illustrious lineage, their patriarch holding a first-rank position in the imperial court. All of Xu’s sons were exceptional talents, and they doted on their only daughter, Xu Shi Yun, with unconditional love. She was a true daughter of nobility.
In contrast, the Marquis Zhongyong’s Manor was but an empty shell after the death of the Old Marquis. With Lu Yuan Ze’s frail health and scholarly path, his struggles were endless. Seeking marriage with such a noble lady seemed an unattainable dream.
Who could have predicted that Xu Shi Yun would be charmed by his striking appearance and insist that she would marry none but him? After their wedding, she inadvertently discovered his awkwardness and inferiority when dealing with her family. For the sake of Lu Yuan Ze’s pride, she severed ties with her maiden home.
At present, Xu Shi Yun held the title of a third-rank imperial wife, outranking Lu Yuan Ze himself. While official positions and imperial titles weren’t directly comparable, she couldn’t deny the subtle, hidden satisfaction she felt.
“Shi Yun is virtuous, magnanimous, and pure of heart. Her title is well-deserved. It is I who am useless, unable to earn her such recognition through my own efforts,” Lu Yuan Ze exhaled a heavy breath.
Back when his father sought an imperial title for his mother, the Emperor had flatly refused. Now, this felt like a stinging slap to his face.
Xu Shi Yun smiled but said nothing. In the past, she might have belittled herself into the dust just to please him, but not anymore.
“My parents have been released from imprisonment, and my eldest brother has received a promotion. Tomorrow, I wish to visit the Xu Manor,” she said with a faint smile, barely containing her eagerness to return home.
Lu Yuan Ze gave a soft grunt of acknowledgment. “It’s only proper to go and offer congratulations.”
[That scoundrel of a father is surely fuming now—what a perfect case of trying to steal a chicken and losing the bait instead! Hmph, serves him right! Heeheehee…] The little voice of Lu Chao Chao chattered away, and it helped dissipate some of the gloom in Xu Shi Yun’s heart.
Not long after her return to the Xu Manor, Lu Wan Yi came to hand over the household authority in person.
“Sister-in-law, you’re finally back. This… this responsibility of managing the household—I didn’t ask for it! Eldest Brother forced it on me!” she stammered, red-eyed and flustered as she tried to explain.
Xu Shi Yun had always been sincerely fond of Lu Wan Yi, who was only two years old when she married into the family. At the time, the Old Marquis had been gravely ill, and the Old Madam kept vigil through the nights. Little Lu Wan Yi had slept in Xu Shi Yun’s room, where she was soothed and comforted day after day.
“How could I blame you? We’re as close as mother and daughter. I know your nature well,” she replied. Seeing that Lu Wan Yi’s hands were cold, Xu Shi Yun even poured her a cup of tea to warm her.
It was Lu Wan Yi’s favorite—a pre-rain Dragon Well tea.
“Hmph! Eldest Brother blamed you unjustly. Just wait—I’ll settle this with him!” Lu Wan Yi huffed in anger. “If he dares to bully you, I won’t acknowledge him as my brother!”
Her indignant expression warmed Xu Shi Yun’s heart. In the Lu Family, perhaps only Lu Wan Yi truly cared for her.
“Does your brother… truly care for me?” Xu Shi Yun murmured absentmindedly, her voice tinged with a fleeting trace of melancholy.
Lu Wan Yi froze for a moment before tugging Xu Shi Yun’s hand affectionately.
“Sister-in-law, my brother may be a scoundrel, but his feelings for you are genuine. Remember how he knelt at the Xu family gates for three days and nights to win his precious bride?”
“For all these years, there hasn’t been a single flirtatious woman around him. The entire capital knows of his unwavering devotion.”
“If he dares to stray, I’ll be the first to object!”
“I’m your loyal little cotton-padded jacket. I’ll keep an eye out for you. Any troublemakers trying to worm their way in? Not a chance!” Lu Wan Yi smirked, leaning close to Xu Shi Yun’s shoulder with affectionate familiarity.
Xu Shi Yun’s heart felt warm and at ease.
Lu Chao Chao had just woken from her nap, smacking her lips contentedly.
[Little Cotton-padded Jacket? No way! I’m the only cotton-padded jacket who never lets the draft in for Mother!]
[She’s letting in drafts—she’s letting in drafts! Before Mother gave birth, she didn’t even return to the old manor. She was off caring for that mistress’s confinement!]
[No one’s taking my place! Hmph… Bullying me just because I can’t talk yet. Wait till I can! I’ll scold you so badly you’ll wish you’d never been born!]
The warmth in Xu Shi Yun’s hands slowly turned stiff as she held Lu Wan Yi. Her fingertips trembled faintly.
“What’s the matter, Sister-in-law?” Lu Wan Yi asked with a bright smile, her face full of innocence and admiration.
Born to the Old Madam late in life, Lu Wan Yi was her cherished daughter. Because of the Old Madam’s age, much of Lu Wan Yi’s upbringing had fallen to Xu Shi Yun, who had poured even more care into her than into her own child.
“Sister-in-law, about the new top scholar…” Lu Wan Yi’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and her eyes sparkled with a shy glow.
Biting her lower lip lightly, she added, “I’m already nineteen. I can’t afford to delay anymore.”
“Sister-in-law, you promised to look into him for me last time,” she said, her tone both hopeful and timid. It seemed she had fallen for the top scholar after catching sight of him during his parade through the streets.
If Xu Shi Yun hadn’t heard Lu Chao Chao’s inner voice, she might have readily agreed by now. But now…
Gently stroking Lu Wan Yi’s hair, Xu Shi Yun said softly, “I remember the day I wore my wedding robes and entered this household. You had just learned to walk. You toddled toward me, clinging to my leg and calling me Mother.”
“That moment is something I’ll never forget. My love for you has always been just a bit deeper than for your brothers.”
Lu Wan Yi’s expression froze momentarily, her eyes flickering away as though she dared not meet Xu Shi Yun’s gaze.
“That was childish nonsense. Luckily, Sister-in-law treated me as her own daughter,” she murmured. All of her manners and refinement were the result of Xu Shi Yun’s teachings.
Xu Shi Yun studied her for a long moment. “I’ll take a closer look into the top scholar for you. But ultimately, I’m just your sister-in-law. It’s your mother who will make the final decision about your marriage.”
Lu Wan Yi pressed her lips together, forcing a reluctant nod.
In the past, Xu Shi Yun would have gone all out, gathering portraits of the finest young men in the capital, complete with detailed records of their family background and character, and laid them before Lu Wan Yi to choose from. The influence of the Xu Family in the capital was truly unmatched.
If Xu Shi Yun took charge of her marriage arrangements, Lu Wan Yi could have aimed for an even higher match. But now, she had deferred the matter to Lu Wan Yi’s mother.
Her mother, hailing from the countryside, lacked social connections. What prospects could she find for a suitable match?
Once Lu Wan Yi had left, Xu Shi Yun’s expression darkened.
“Madam, didn’t you say before that the former Grand Tutor’s final disciple showed great promise and that you intended to match him with Miss Wan Yi?” asked Deng Zhi, who had just returned from the storeroom with gifts prepared for tomorrow.
“Go investigate whether she returned to the old manor at Clear Creek in February.” The Clear Creek Old Manor was three days’ journey from the capital—there were sure to be traces if she had been there.
Deng Zhi hesitated briefly before responding with a nod of understanding.
That evening, Lu Yuan Xiao returned from the academy, his fatigue evident as he looked worn from head to toe, as though the rebellious streak in him had finally been worn away.
“Mother, I’ve come to keep you company for dinner,” he said with a weary but determined smile. He had been trying to catch up on his neglected studies, but the gap between his ambition and reality was proving daunting.
“Yuan Xiao is so thoughtful now,” Deng Zhi thought to herself. Having the third young master around seemed to lift the Madam’s spirits.
“I wonder when your second brother will return,” Xu Shi Yun sighed wistfully.
“He’s out conducting his studies. He should be back before the New Year,” Yuan Xiao replied quietly.
After they finished their meal, Lu Yuan Xiao announced, “I’m going to see my little sister now.” With that, he slipped into the adjacent room.
“The brother-sister bond between them is quite something,” Deng Zhi remarked, laughing softly behind her hand.
Little Lu Chao Chao looked up, catching sight of her “troublesome” third brother. Her big eyes gleamed as she sized him up.