This was meant to be a sarcasm.
But who knows if Xia Ruyi is too dumb or what.
She actually didnât catch it.
She happily sucked the last piece of meat off the chicken leg and said smugly.
"No need to envy me!"
"Actually, youâre not bad looking either, itâs just a pity youâre a concubineâs child, your luck is poor!"
Xia Caiying: "..."
After a moment of speechlessness, she finally understood.
The person in front of her is an idiot.
She didnât bother to say more.
Vaguely complimented a few words and turned to return to her own courtyard.
Xia Ruyi finished the last bite and tossed away the chicken bone.
Her mind gradually cleared.
Suddenly remembering something, she quickly turned and chased after.
"Hey hey! You wicked woman donât go!"
"Give me back my mother!"
Beside her, Xia Weifeng saw his sister chase after, and quickly twisted his hefty body to follow.
"Sis, wait for me!"
...
A farce in the Xia Family ended with Lady Yao being grounded.
In the evening, after dinner.
Old Master Xia went to Lady Wenâs quarters.
Lady Wen had just cleared dinner, and quickly stood up when she saw him arrive.
"Greetings, Master!"
She wore a simple dark purple outfit, with few hairpins, only some intricately made floral pins.
But she maintained herself very well.
Her skin was fair and rosy, her figure slender and balanced.
Where needed, she was plump, where slender, she was slim.
She was like a ripe peach, exuding a charm more seductive than a young girl.
Old Master Xiaâs gaze lingered on her rosy neck for a moment and said.
"No need for courtesy, sit down!"
"Thank you, Master!"
Lady Wen smiled softly and sat up.
A bowl of tea was served, Old Master Xia took a few sips and held it in his hand, his expression gradually showing hesitation.
As if there was something to say, but very hard to open up.
"Master, whatâs wrong?" Lady Wen asked quietly.
Old Master Xia hesitated for a moment, still speaking.
"Iâve wronged you over the years!"
"Iâve heard from Yangyang!"
"Itâs been tough for you raising four children!"
Lady Wen was taken aback at first and then lowered her head upon realization.
"Master!"
"Yangyang is still young, immature, and talks nonsense!"
"Itâs disrespectful for her to contradict Madam in front of you; I will surely teach her well later!"
Lady Wen lowered her head, speaking softly and gently.
The candlelight made her appear exceptionally tender.
Old Master Xia was moved, and inadvertently sat closer to hold her hand.
"Yangyang is not wrong, it is I who have wronged you three!"
He suddenly realized.
All these years, aside from his legitimate wife.
Only Lady Wen cared genuinely for him and thought on his behalf.
Whenever he needed her, she was always there.
Taking care of children, managing the household, all without complaint, tirelessly and willingly.
Old Master Xia felt a pang of guilt.
He tightened his grip on her hand again.
Lady Wen gently raised her eyes.
Subtly moved his hand away, smiling.
"Why does Master say such things?"
"Since entering this household, I am a Xia Family person in life, and a Xia Family ghost in death!"
"If Master doesnât mind, I am willing to accompany you for a lifetime!"
She said while lowering her head again.
Her downcast eyes hid a well-concealed indifference.
Her heart as unmoved, calm as still water.
Master, you now apologize, donât you think itâs too late?
So many years have passed.
My children have grown so large.
When have you ever properly acknowledged them?
Your mind is always on your legitimate heirs, legitimate heirs!
Yes, legitimate heirs are important!
But havenât you treated the children of your first wife any better!
The late Madam was your first and legal wife.
Is this how you regard them?!
One is the legitimate wife, one a longtime concubine.
With four legitimate and illegitimate children.
None compare to Lady Yao and her two children!
How laughable!
Lady Wenâs lips curled into a barely noticeable sneer.
Old Master Xia saw her bow her head, thinking it was shyness, he leaned in closer, laughing.
"You are the understanding one! Caring and considerate!"
As he spoke.
The sliver of tender feeling, mixed with middle-aged manâs sense of conquest was stirred up.
Looking at Lady Wen, she appeared increasingly pleasing.
Amazed that he hadnât realized earlier how vibrant and captivating she was!
If Lady Wen knew his thoughts, she would likely sneer.
âEarlier? Donât you consider, what did you eat and drink then?â
âWhat does at Tingtingâs place and drink?â
Sheâs barely over thirty, how could she be truly old?!
With careful maintenance, some youthful grace can be restored.
However, this grace has nothing to do with Old Master Xia!
Therefore...
Lady Wen distanced herself again, speaking softly.
"Master says too much; this is what I should do!"
Old Master Xia leaned in a little further, holding her shoulder.
Spoke in a more gentle tone.
"Itâs already late, why donât we rest together!"
Saying so, he reached to pull her clothes.
Lady Wen frowned, displeasure in her eyes.
She smiled and gently avoided him, somewhat coyly saying.
"Master, I have my period, let another sister serve tonight!"
Lady Wen said this because.
Old Master Xia always had many chamber maid girls around.
No matter when.
He was never lacking in Beautiful Delicate Ladies to serve him.
And she.
Really didnât want to serve anymore.
Facing someone whose heart had died long ago, she was truly unwilling.
Disappointment was evident in Old Master Xiaâs eyes.
Lady Wen quickly and apologetically stood up to offer her respects.
"Master, I have erred..."
Old Master Xia was indeed displeased, but it wasnât appropriate to express it.
Patiently, he helped her up.
Casually comforted with a few words and left.
If Lady Wen wasnât available, others had to serve.
Or should he endure?!
The fire rising in him needed an outlet, didnât it?
Seeing off Old Master Xia.
Watching him laboriously and with large steps leave despite his corpulence.
Lady Wen sneered.
Without further comment, she turned to enter the inner room.
She undressed and lay on the bed.
Hong Rui covered her with a quilt, ready to leave.
Suddenly stopped.
"I canât sleep; accompany me for a chat!"
"Alright!"
Hong Rui responded and sat at the bedside.
The room wasnât cold; she picked up her sewing box, intending to sew while chatting.
Lady Wen stopped her.
"Whatâs the sewing for? Get up and sleep with me!"
"Madam!"
Hong Rui hurriedly shook her head, laughing.
"What is Madam saying? I dare not!"
Lady Wen frowned.
"Whatâs this âMadamâ talk? Weâre both from the same background; I always considered you a sister!"
"We used to share a bed, what, are you looking down on me now?"
Hong Rui wanted to laugh and cry.
"Listen to Madamâs words, how dare I!"
Back then, Lady Wen was still an unflavored concubine, her position barely higher than a maid.
During the most difficult days, even the quilts werenât sufficient.
In the harsh winter months.
The two could only push their beds together to keep warm.