Chapter 562 - 648 Agreed to take a concubine

Wu Xin’Er knew of Cao Xiyue, she had even seen her in person before. Not only was she beautiful, but also a talented woman. She could match as her husband’s woman.

According to Cai Shi’s words, if Cao Xiyue truly gave herself to her husband, though it wasn’t her husband’s fault, a woman’s chastity was no small matter and he should take responsibility.

Furthermore, if he didn’t take responsibility, Wu Xin’Er worried that if Cao Xiyue had her husband’s child from that night, the child would be left out alone.

After thinking it over, Wu Xin’Er said, "The Prince hasn’t talked to me about this matter specifically, I need to confirm with him before I can reply to Madam Cao. If it is indeed as Madam Cao said, I will send a matchmaker to arrange the betrothal gift and bring Miss Xiyue into the household."

As the Consort of Prince Zhen Nan, Wu Xin’Er had the right and duty to take in a concubine for Chen Mo.

Cai Shi’s face showed joy. In her view, her daughter’s body being given to Prince Zhen Nan was a foregone conclusion. Now that the Princess Consort had agreed, her daughter having a status was naturally the best outcome.

"Then I won’t disturb the Princess Consort’s rest any longer, I take my leave." Seeing the matter settled, Cai Shi did not stay any longer.

...

Elsewhere.

At the banquet, Liu Xuan, in gratitude for Chen Mo’s kindness, even declared on the spot that he was willing to work like an ox or horse for Chen Mo.

Chen Mo smiled and told him not to be so formal, and that he didn’t need to act like an ox or horse for him, just to live as he always had.

With two grown men dining, Chen Mo had no leisure interest in lingering with him longer. After politely turning down his offer, he returned to his inn lodgings.

...

The inn was silent, with some rooms still lit.

Upon returning, Chen Mo went back to his room, as he needed to get up early for traveling the next day and didn’t want to disturb his consort for fun. As he opened the door, he found Wu Xin’Er sitting properly on the bed. Seeing Chen Mo return, she quickly stood up to welcome him.

She firstly closed the door, then took off Chen Mo’s outer robe and placed it aside. Then she put a towel into the hot water prepared earlier, wrung it out, and handed it to Chen Mo, saying, "How did your conversation with him go?"

Chen Mo had become accustomed to Wu Xin’Er’s service, took the towel to wipe his face, and said, "He kept talking about repaying me. I told him there’s no need. It was just a casual act of kindness."

As he spoke, Chen Mo was suddenly startled, noticing the neatly folded white robe on the table beside him.

"Sent by Madam Cao," Wu Xin’Er said.

Chen Mo nodded, without further discussing it, casually wrapped his arm around Xin’Er’s waist and started caressing.

Wu Xin’Er responded slightly, blushing, and said, "Madam Cao came not only to return your clothes but also to mention the matter of Miss Xiyue."

She looked up at Chen Mo, a bit embarrassed to speak of it, waiting for him to bring it up first.

But Chen Mo had no understanding of the misunderstanding, so he asked, "What did she say?"

While untying Wu Xin’Er’s dress.

"She hopes you will take Miss Xiyue as a concubine," Wu Xin’Er said.

Chen Mo paused, puzzled, "What do you mean?"

He hadn’t done anything to Cao Xiyue, hadn’t even taken any advantage, so why was she suddenly asking him to take her as a concubine?

Could it be that she had taken a liking to him?

Well, he was surely a fine-looking man, her liking him was also quite understandable.

"My husband, although you haven’t done anything wrong, this matter concerns her chastity. Moreover, if Miss Xiyue became pregnant with a descendant of the Chen Family that night, it wouldn’t be good for the child to be left out." Wu Xin’Er said.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo was stunned, understanding what Wu Xin’Er was trying to express, feeling a little helpless, he said, "My dear wife, you’ve misunderstood me. I didn’t do that kind of thing to her."

"You didn’t?" The Cao Family was quite reputable locally. If nothing happened, how would they have the nerve to come knocking? Wu Xin’Er continued, "Then how did Miss Xiyue’s Spring Poison get resolved?"

"I expelled it using True Qi," Chen Mo explained the detailed events of that night to Wu Xin’Er.

Upon understanding what had truly happened, Wu Xin’Er realized, "She was probably too embarrassed to say, so the circumstances made her parents misunderstand."

"Since it’s a misunderstanding, it’s easily resolved. I’ll explain it tomorrow," Chen Mo didn’t think much of it.

Wu Xin’Er shook her head, saying, "My husband, it seems not so simple. It appears that Miss Xiyue has fallen for you. According to Madam Cao, Miss Xiyue thinks of you day and night, unable to concentrate on eating or drinking, and is gradually losing weight."

Wu Xin’Er could understand, given her husband’s current standing and charisma, capturing the heart of a girl who was ready to marry wasn’t exactly difficult.

Especially since her husband had also saved her before.

A hero saving a beauty, which girl could resist that?

"So, what’s your suggestion?"

"Perhaps you should take her as a concubine, husband. Regardless of her family status or appearance, she excels in every way. Besides, only you are left in the Chen Family; bringing her in could help extend the family line."

"And you wouldn’t be jealous, Xin’Er?"

"With so many consorts of yours, if I were that jealous, I’d be overwhelmed," Wu Xin’Er said teasingly and softly.

"Then I’ll listen to you, Xin’Er." Chen Mo didn’t mind this matter. When such a beautiful woman offers herself, why refuse, especially when he could easily support her?

"Then I will have the family send a betrothal gift to the Cao Family in your name, husband," Wu Xin’Er said.

"Xin’Er, do as you see fit." Chen Mo lifted up his obedient wife, gently lay her on the bed, and then joined her there.

With such matters, Wu Xin’Er was quite fluent. She lay quietly on the bed, her face flushed, hesitated a bit, and then laid her leg over Chen Mo’s shoulder...

...

Having decided on the betrothal gift, Chen Mo didn’t visit the Cao Family the next day, instead, boarded the Wu Family’s treasure transport ship and returned to the Capital.

This matter wasn’t pre-discussed with the Cao Family.

Seeing Chen Mo leave Jianghe County without so much as a farewell, Cao Xiyue thought Chen Mo had refused to take her in, her heart ached, eyes welling with tears.

Amid her sadness, she composed a sorrowful seven-character regulated verse.

Cao Benyuan and his wife were distressed seeing their daughter in such pain and privately scolded Chen Mo for his lack of discernment.

Cao Xiyue cried every day.

Until one day, Cao Benyuan saw a team of people at the gate of the Government Office, beating drums and gongs, heading inside.

The one leading, with a smiling face and festive attire, Cao Benyuan took a closer look, it was Wu Zongxian, the second master of the Wu Family. Behind him were a group of robust men carrying various burdens on poles.

"Haha, Lord Cao, I congratulate you," Wu Zongxian said smiling as he approached.

Cao Benyuan was extremely puzzled, "Lord Wu pays a grand visit, what joy has befallen Cao?"

"Prince Zhen Nan admires your daughter, especially entrusted me to present a formal proposal. These are the betrothal gifts."

Upon hearing this, Cao Benyuan was stunned.