Qing Yanci Chapter Eight

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“Pengcheng, are you asleep? Open the door for a moment!” Su Xiu called out.

Hearing Su Xiu outside and worried she might be cold, Sun Pengcheng realized she still cared about him. He got up, opened the door, and quickly pulled her inside, embracing her tightly. Su Xiu struggled and pushed him away gently. “My brother came to bring you a quilt,” she hinted, signaling that Su Kang was outside. Sun Pengcheng immediately let go and let Su Kang in.

“Sister-in-law, I’ve placed the quilt here. My sister asked me to bring you an extra one, worried you might catch cold. I heard you coughing just now. Should I get a doctor to check on you?” Su Kang said.

“Big brother, no need. I’m fine, thank you. An occasional cough doesn’t matter,” Sun Pengcheng replied.

“Good to hear. I’ll take my leave then,” Su Kang said, closing the door and returning to his room.

“I’ll ask Hong’er to make some ginger tea with sugar for you,” Su Xiu offered, about to turn away but was held tightly by Sun Pengcheng.

“It’s nothing, I won’t drink it. I only choked on some saliva just now. Forget it, you should go sleep with mother. It’s late,” Sun Pengcheng said, releasing Su Xiu and returning to bed.

Sun Pengcheng knew that, according to custom, married couples could not share a bed in the wife’s family home for the night, so he didn’t push further. After speaking, he let go of Su Xiu and lay down.

“Are you angry again?” Su Xiu asked softly as she tucked the quilt around him.

Sun Pengcheng closed his eyes without replying. His last cold hadn’t fully healed, and the wine he drank at noon made him drowsy. Su Xiu leaned close to his face to watch him. Though his eyes were closed, his long eyelashes were surprisingly feminine. Gradually, Sun Pengcheng fell asleep, breathing steadily. Even silent, he was undeniably a handsome man.

After seeing him asleep, Su Xiu quietly closed the door and left.

“Xiu’er, I thought you weren’t coming today!” Mrs. Wang exclaimed upon seeing Su Xiu.

“Mother, of course I’m coming to sleep with you. It’s been a long time since we’ve slept together. Hold me to sleep,” Su Xiu coaxed her mother affectionately.

“Sigh! You’re growing up...” The mother and daughter talked late into the night.

That night, Mrs. Wang chatted with Su Xiu until late, both worried about her daughter and giving much advice on how to conduct herself in her husband’s household.

Early the next morning, Su Kang went to wake Chenxi for breakfast but found the bed neatly made with no sign of Chenxi.

Chenxi had risen at dawn and left, fearing another encounter with Sun Pengcheng that might cause unnecessary misunderstandings regarding Su Xiu.

Coincidentally, Sun Pengcheng was also up early, possibly out of habit, wandering near the main gate of the Sun residence alone.

From a distance, Chenxi saw Sun Pengcheng pacing by the gate and felt uncomfortable. He intended to leave through the back door but just as he was about to turn—

“Zhao Chenxi, don’t you want to explain why you appeared at the Su residence? In what capacity?” Sun Pengcheng confronted aggressively.

“Do we know each other?” Zhao Chenxi turned and faced Sun Pengcheng. Since Sun Pengcheng spoke, Chenxi felt no need to avoid him, having done nothing wrong.

“Ridiculous! Su Xiu and I have both eaten at your house, and you ask such questions?” Sun Pengcheng grew angrier.

“Oh? My memory isn’t great. You can just call me Mr. Zhao. I have things to do now. Goodbye!” Chenxi saw no point in continuing and walked away, leaving Sun Pengcheng standing there, bewildered in the cold.

Fuming, Sun Pengcheng returned inside and paced back and forth in his room.

Daylight gradually brightened. Su Xiu came outside his door, “Pengcheng, get up for breakfast, come on.”

Hearing Su Xiu’s voice, Sun Pengcheng immediately rose and opened the door. Su Xiu entered. Today, Sun Pengcheng was unusually calm, silent, and sulking again.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Su Xiu asked with concern.

“My chest hurts; it’s uncomfortable,” Sun Pengcheng grasped her hand and touched his chest.

“I’ll have my brother call a doctor. How could you be in pain for no reason? Did you not sleep well last night?” Su Xiu fired off several questions, making Sun Pengcheng impatient.

“Stop pretending. This morning I saw Zhao Chenxi and asked why he was at the Su residence and in what capacity. He said he didn’t know me and then left,” Sun Pengcheng recounted the morning’s encounter.

“What’s your relationship with him? Are you and your whole family hiding something from me? How long do you plan to keep secrets? I tell you, I offended Lu Yiran for you. I was sick and near death before we married. She took care of me tirelessly and told me to get well quickly so I could marry you. I often ignored her, but I kept you in my heart. Where do you put me? Where do you put Zhao Chenxi? Tell me!” Sun Pengcheng shook Su Xiu’s shoulders angrily. This was the first time he had shouted at her since they’d been together.

“My brother already said—Chenxi is his friend and was invited by him. But if you feel guilty toward Lu Yiran, fine. Go back today and live well with her, repay her kindness properly, or you can divorce me directly!” Su Xiu said coldly, feeling disheartened.

“Don’t even think about it! You’re coming back with me. If you want to divorce me to be with Zhao Chenxi, not a chance!” Sun Pengcheng grabbed Su Xiu’s hand and started dragging her out.

“Master, master, where are you two going? The head of the household asked me to call you for lunch,” Little Hong’s voice followed behind, mentioning the family head, forcing them to stop.

“Let go, you’re hurting me!” Su Xiu struggled to free herself.

Sun Pengcheng glared fiercely at Su Xiu, annoyed every time she mentioned Chenxi. He himself often mentioned Lu Yiran, and all three were living under the same roof, which made Su Xiu’s feelings understandably painful.

“Miss, master, let’s go eat first!” Little Hong’s timely reminder shielded Su Xiu.

Sun Pengcheng was still wary of Su Jinran, both because she was an elder and because she played by her own rules. Since their families had business dealings, he listened to Little Hong and went to eat with Su Xiu.

At the meal, neither Su Xiu nor Sun Pengcheng spoke. Su Jinran said, “After lunch, you two should go back. Also, on the first, fifth, and fifteenth of each month, Su Xiu will stay at the Su residence for a few days. If you can’t come, I’ll have Su Kang escort her back.”

This was clearly directed at Sun Pengcheng.

“All right, father. As long as Xiu’er wants to come back, I’ll accompany her,” Sun Pengcheng said obediently, though inwardly reluctant.

“If you can’t, I’ll send Kang’er to fetch her. She’ll stay a few days before Kang’er returns her. After all, Xiu’er is the apple of our Su family’s eye. Even as your second wife, you must not mistreat her,” Su Jinran said, noticing Sun Pengcheng’s sour expression since the meal began.

“I won’t mistreat Su Xiu, father. Don’t worry. I’ll eat quickly, and you all can continue eating. I’ll pack my things,” Sun Pengcheng said. This breakfast was a warning; he thought that if Su Xiu had no contact with Chenxi, she would naturally treat Su Xiu well.

Soon, Su Xiu and Little Hong finished breakfast. Sun Pengcheng waited by the carriage at the gate.

As Su Xiu and Little Hong reached the gate, Mrs. Wang held Su Xiu’s hand, saying, “Now you’re adults living together. Don’t be stubborn. Communicate well when there are problems...”

“All right, mother, I know. You should go back now,” Sun Pengcheng said, helping Su Xiu into the carriage.

“Mother, please go back. It’s cold outside. Don’t worry, I’ll treat Su Xiu well,” Sun Pengcheng said to Mrs. Wang.

“You two go ahead. I’ll come in once you leave,” Mrs. Wang said.

Watching the carriage fade into the distance, Mrs. Wang felt a sudden sadness and couldn’t help but shed tears. Every parent wishes happiness for their children.

Sun Pengcheng drove the carriage, sitting in front, with Su Xiu and Little Hong inside. The three rode in silence, a sharp contrast to the cheerful journey to the Su residence.

After over an hour, the carriage stopped at the Sun residence. Sun Pengcheng got out, handed the reins to the new coachman, helped Su Xiu down, and headed straight inside. Su Xiu helped Little Hong down as well.

“You should rest in your room. I’ll go to the study,” Sun Pengcheng told Su Xiu.

“Okay,” Su Xiu replied.

“What do you mean by ‘okay’? When I talk to you, you just say ‘okay, okay.’ Can’t you say a few words? Don’t want to talk to me? Do I annoy you that much? Don’t you have anything to say?” Sun Pengcheng, frustrated, shook Su Xiu’s shoulders hard and then left.

Su Xiu didn’t understand what she had done wrong to provoke such anger. The bumpy journey had left her exhausted, and Sun Pengcheng’s constant suspicion weighed on her heart like a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe.

After Sun Pengcheng left, Su Xiu suddenly stumbled but was caught by Little Hong in time.

“Miss, what happened between you and master? Let’s go back to your room. You should rest. I’ll find master to ask a doctor for you,” Little Hong said with worry and concern.

“I’m fine, Hong’er. Just resting will help. Don’t bother Sun Pengcheng,” Su Xiu said, and Little Hong helped her back to her room.

The scene of Sun Pengcheng’s anger and Little Hong’s support was witnessed by Huan’er, Lu Yiran’s personal maid. She hurried to report to Lu Yiran.

“Madam, madam, I have some good news for you!” Huan’er came running, breathless.

“What good news? You’re always so flustered; what could you have achieved?” Lu Yiran teased, knowing Huan’er’s mischievous nature.

“The young master and the little vixen have returned,” Huan’er said.

“What’s so good about that? They’re always flirting. It annoys me just watching,” Lu Yiran complained.

“But today’s different. The young master got angry at the little vixen and left the study alone. The little vixen was scolded so hard she almost fainted and was caught by that useless girl,” Huan’er said proudly. The “little vixen” was Su Xiu, whom Lu Yiran often mentioned.

“What happened today? Sun Pengcheng usually treats her like a treasure. How could he scold her until she nearly fainted? Are you seeing things?” Lu Yiran doubted.

“He left right after scolding her. She nearly fainted after he left,” Huan’er explained.

“Interesting! By the way, did you hear why he scolded her?” Lu Yiran pressed.

“No, I was a bit far away. I only know they just came back from the Su residence,” Huan’er told Lu Yiran everything she had seen.

“It’s okay. I’ll investigate when I have time. I thought Sun Pengcheng would protect her, making it hard for me to act, but it seems they already have friction. Heaven helps me!” Lu Yiran felt the heavens were on her side.

“Here’s a little gift for you—a jade hairpin my mother gave me. I have several, so I’m giving this one to you since you’re quite capable. Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of benefits for you,” Lu Yiran handed an old hairpin to Huan’er. Though old, it was quite valuable for a maid. This was why Huan’er was loyal to Lu Yiran.

“Thank you, madam. Don’t worry, I’ll serve you faithfully...” Huan’er accepted the hairpin.

“By the way, go to the kitchen and make some porridge for the young master. I bet he didn’t eat much breakfast,” Lu Yiran ordered, knowing Sun Pengcheng’s temper well.

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After seeing Huan’er leave, Lu Yiran went alone to the study to find Sun Pengcheng.

The study door was ajar, confirming Sun Pengcheng was inside.

“Cough, cough... ah, achoo!” Sun Pengcheng heard a woman coughing outside. Thinking it was Su Xiu coming to find him, he was pleasantly surprised, having told her to come to the study for an explanation.

But it was Lu Yiran standing there, and his smile faded. “Why are you here? If there’s nothing, go take a walk in the garden with Huan’er.”

“You heartless one! You don’t miss me at all. I was sick a few days ago and still feel unwell. I heard from the maids that you’re back. I didn’t dare to find you at my sister’s, so I took a walk and ran into you. I didn’t expect you to be so indifferent to me, wah...” Lu Yiran pretended to cry, tears dripping from her eyes.

If only Su Xiu had come to see him now. But recalling how Lu Yiran stayed up all night caring for him during his illness while he took Su Xiu back to the Su residence, guilt crept into Sun Pengcheng’s heart.

“Ran’er, don’t cry. I’ll take you back to your room,” Sun Pengcheng comforted.

“Then carry me. I can’t walk. You must carry me!” Lu Yiran coquetted.

“That’s not appropriate with so many people watching...” Sun Pengcheng was embarrassed.

“I’m not a stranger. What’s wrong? You’re just brushing me off, wah...” Lu Yiran accused, clearly needing to learn how to act cuter from Su Xiu.

“All right, don’t cry. Good girl, I’ll carry you. If you keep crying, it won’t be pretty...” Sun Pengcheng coaxed. Lu Yiran had once been a plump beauty. Since Su Xiu’s arrival, she had lost much weight, now about twice Su Xiu’s size, much slimmer.

Holding Lu Yiran felt lighter. Thinking of how she refused food during her last illness but worried about him deepened his guilt.

“Ran’er, you’ve lost weight. That’s not good. Take care of your health; it’s the most important,” Sun Pengcheng said kindly.

“You like my sister so thin. I want to be that thin to please you,” Lu Yiran said, then kissed him unexpectedly. Sun Pengcheng was caught off guard.

Mentioning Su Xiu made Sun Pengcheng think: Su Xiu never did anything for him, never initiated a kiss, and always spoke perfunctorily. She clearly didn’t love him and still had Zhao Chenxi in her heart. Was his devotion worth it? His brows furrowed deeply.

“I’ll take care of you tonight, Ran’er. Get well,” he promised. Hearing this, Lu Yiran was overjoyed.

“You should have come earlier. Since my sister arrived, your heart and body have been with her. The servants gossip behind my back, saying I’m no match for her, wah...” Lu Yiran’s acting skills were excellent; she deserved the stage.

“Don’t cry, Ran’er. If anyone talks behind your back, I’ll stand up for you,” Sun Pengcheng felt pity for her. She had suffered much.

Sun Pengcheng was foolish. Lu Yiran was formidable, respected even by his parents. None of the servants or men dared gossip behind her back unless they wanted to starve.

“We’re here... sigh... Ran’er, get down,” Sun Pengcheng, out of breath, said after carrying her all the way.

He set Lu Yiran down at the door, helped her in, and sat her by the bed.

“Rest a bit. I’ll get a doctor,” he said gently.

“I’ll be fine after resting. Don’t leave. Hold me...” Lu Yiran whispered. This was a different Lu Yiran from when she first arrived.

Sun Pengcheng stayed, holding and soothing her softly.

At this moment, his heart was restless. Why couldn’t Su Xiu be like Lu Yiran—letting him hold her, kiss her, and speak softly? It meant Su Xiu never truly loved him, always thinking of Zhao Chenxi. The more he thought, the angrier he got. Lu Yiran was better, devoted solely to him.

“Miss, I’ll go to the kitchen to make you something to eat. Rest first,” Little Hong offered.

“No, Hong’er, you rest. I’m fine,” Su Xiu said, though troubled.

“Miss, did master misunderstand you today? He usually treats you like a treasure. You didn’t do anything wrong, so why is he like this?” Little Hong, tearful, defended her mistress. But Su Xiu remained calm, no different from usual.

“Hong’er, don’t cry. It’s okay. I’m here. No one will bully you,” Su Xiu comforted her softly.

After Little Hong left, she went to the kitchen and found Huan’er there. Truly a nemesis, she thought.

“Oh, isn’t this the little fox, no, the second young lady’s maid? What are you cooking for her?” Huan’er’s sarcastic tone annoyed Little Hong, but she controlled herself.

“I’m making some light food for our lady. What about you, sister Huan’er?” Little Hong greeted politely.

“Our first young lady had me cook porridge for the young master, who’s in the study and probably hasn’t eaten. Compared to our lady, my lady cares for the young master more. Remember, fortunes change, haha...” Huan’er’s words carried an undercurrent. Being new, they had to endure.

“You...” Usually witty Hong’er was at a loss with Huan’er.

“You what? No respect. Watch the porridge, don’t burn it. I’m going out,” Huan’er bossily ordered.

Before Little Hong could cook the lotus seed soup for the lady, she was asked to watch Huan’er’s porridge. Well, since it was for the master, never mind. The young master hadn’t eaten much this morning, and Hong’er felt sorry for Sun Pengcheng.

She helped Huan’er with the porridge.

After a while, Huan’er checked on Hong’er stirring the porridge, her eyes shifting.

“Thanks, sister Hong. Oh, I forgot the young master likes sweet porridge. The kitchen is out of sugar. Go ask old Zhang to buy some. For now, we’ll make do,” Huan’er suddenly softened.

“Okay... I’ll go now,” Hong’er said, thinking little of it but wanting to help master and lady.

Seeing Hong’er leave, Huan’er scooped three large spoonfuls of salt into the porridge and stirred it.

Hong’er couldn’t find old Zhang anywhere. A maid said he had gone out to buy sugar at Huan’er’s request.

“If Zhang is buying sugar, why did I have to go? This is suspicious. I must check,” Hong’er’s instincts warned her of trouble.

Huan’er carried a bowl of plain porridge to Lu Yiran’s door. “Madam, young master, open up. It’s Huan’er, bringing porridge.”

Sun Pengcheng opened the door, took the porridge. “Ran’er, drink this. I’m not hungry. I’ll eat lunch later,” he said. Huan’er was shocked—if Sun Pengcheng didn’t eat and Lu Yiran did, the outcome would be serious.

“No, you must eat. You probably didn’t eat breakfast. Have some porridge first,” Lu Yiran encouraged tenderly. Hearing this, Huan’er sighed in relief.

“All right! I’ll eat some, for Ran’er’s sake,” Sun Pengcheng said, spooning some porridge.

Huan’er anxiously watched his next move.

“Ah... pfft...” Sun Pengcheng grimaced, spat it out immediately.

“Hong, or rather, Huan’er, did you put salt instead of sugar? It’s so salty, my throat…” Sun Pengcheng complained.

“Master, I didn’t add anything. There was no sugar, so I asked Zhang to buy some. I didn’t want to trouble Hong’er, so I told her to watch the porridge. I said it was for the master, who likes sweet porridge. Zhang gave sugar to Hong’er when he returned. I went to get some medicine for madam. When I came back, Hong’er said the porridge was ready. I brought it without thinking. When Zhang returns, you can ask him,” Huan’er explained smoothly, confident her story was airtight.

“Hong’er is too presumptuous, spoiled by my sister. Could it be my sister told her to do this? Today she dared to mess with the salt—who knows what next time,” Lu Yiran fanned the flames.

“I don’t think Hong’er did it. I know their characters,” Sun Pengcheng recalled how Hong’er had prepared ginger sugar tea and snacks on the day he married Su Xiu. She was quite capable.

“Then it must be my sister...” Lu Yiran wanted to pin the blame on Su Xiu.

“Enough. It’s not her. I’ll have Manager Zhang investigate. From now on, no one can prepare food without his permission. The cook must taste it first before serving,” Sun Pengcheng said, glancing at Huan’er, who avoided his gaze.

“Don’t be angry. Let Huan’er make a new bowl. Have Zhang confront her. If this escalates, my sister will blame me forever and we’ll have lasting resentment,” Lu Yiran fretted, fearing the truth might fall on her. Huan’er was more trouble than help, ruining her plans. Sun Pengcheng’s slight favor for her would vanish instantly.

“Forget it, I won’t eat. Lunch is soon. You go now. If this gets worse, no one will have a good time,” Sun Pengcheng warned Huan’er, more like a threat. He feared Su Xiu would get hurt and didn’t want anyone to harm her.

Hong’er searched everywhere but couldn’t find Huan’er and didn’t dare go to Lu Yiran’s room. Finally, she went to find Su Xiu.

“Miss, miss... I think I’m in trouble. Help me think of a way,” Hong’er sought help.

“What happened, Hong’er? Don’t worry. With me here, no one will bully you,” Su Xiu reassured her softly.

“Miss, today...” Hong’er recounted the entire porridge incident.

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry. As long as we have clear consciences, we have nothing to fear!” Su Xiu patted Hong’er’s back gently.

“Next time, if you see Huan’er and her crew, avoid them. Stay away from trouble, understand? We don’t cause trouble and don’t fear it!” Su Xiu warned. In the Sun residence, it was just the two of them against many. She knew that well.

“Okay, miss. I understand,” Hong’er felt comforted.

“Rest a bit. I’m going out for some air,” Sun Pengcheng told Lu Yiran, his good mood ruined.

With the tension rising, Lu Yiran dared not say more, fearing blame.

“Huan’er, was this your doing?” Sun Pengcheng asked after leaving.

“Yes... yes, I meant to frame the little fox...” Huan’er confessed hastily.

“Enough. No more messing with food. You could harm lives. From now on, never again, understood?” Lu Yiran scolded.

“Yes, madam,” Huan’er replied.

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“What? Someone put a lot of salt in the young master’s porridge? Who is so bold? Impossible!” Mrs. Liu was furious, having heard from her personal maid.

They had just returned, and such a thing happened. Mrs. Liu sighed, “Good and bad luck never leave the house.”

At lunchtime, Sun Pengcheng came to Su Xiu’s door, pacing outside her tightly shut room.

“Miss, it’s time for lunch. Let’s go out now!” Su Xiu was hungry. Sun Pengcheng had been sulking this morning and ate little.

“All right!” Little Hong opened the door, spotting Sun Pengcheng pacing.

“Master, you’re here. Why not come inside?” Little Hong was delighted to see him.

“Um, I wanted to invite your lady to eat together,” Sun Pengcheng was hesitant facing Su Xiu after scolding her.

“Xiu’er, let’s go,” Sun Pengcheng urged as she appeared, checking her face for signs of crying—it was clear she hadn’t.

Thankfully, she hadn’t taken it to heart, Sun Pengcheng comforted himself.

“Um, I’m sorry for this morning. I shouldn’t have...” Sun Pengcheng began to apologize.

“It’s okay. Let’s eat. We can’t keep the elders waiting. It’s improper!” Su Xiu interrupted, seeing the table still waiting for them.

As they prepared to sit, the usual lively atmosphere was replaced by silence. Sun Yu had gone out and wouldn’t return for lunch. Grandma had eaten late and was still at the prayer hall. Maids would bring her food later.

“I want to say something. There was a serious incident today. Someone put a lot of salt in the young master’s porridge. What’s their intent? If I catch the culprit, they’ll face family law and be expelled. From now on, only Manager Zhang will deliver the young master’s meals, tasting them first,” Mrs. Liu declared, looking at Su Xiu and Lu Yiran, who remained silent.

“Mother, who’s spreading rumors? It’s not that serious. Let’s eat,” Sun Pengcheng quickly interjected to stop her.

“I’m not eating. You all eat slowly,” Mrs. Liu huffed, leaving angrily.

After she left, Su Xiu picked up her chopsticks to eat.

“Little sister, you have a good appetite. Eat more,” Lu Yiran insincerely said in front of Sun Pengcheng.

“I heard sister hasn’t been well lately. Eat more to nourish your body,” Su Xiu said, putting down her chopsticks.

“Thank you, little sister. You look well. Eat up!” Lu Yiran said with hidden malice.

“It’s nice you two can get along so peacefully,” Sun Pengcheng remarked, watching them chat amicably. Even if his porridge was salty, what did it matter?

After eating calmly, Su Xiu prepared to leave.

“Sister, enjoy your meal. I’m heading back first,” she said indifferently.

“Xiu’er, let me see you out,” Sun Pengcheng stood to accompany her.

“I feel dizzy...” Lu Yiran touched her forehead, speaking to Sun Pengcheng.

“Husband, stay and take good care of sister. She needs you more now,” Su Xiu said without looking back, then left.

“Alas!” Sun Pengcheng sighed heavily, watching Su Xiu’s retreating figure.

“I’ll see you to your room to rest. Later, I’ll read in the study. When you wake, come find me,” Sun Pengcheng seemed used to Lu Yiran’s little tactics and didn’t argue.

“All right! Wait for me in the study when I wake. Don’t go anywhere, okay? I want the first thing I see to be you,” Lu Yiran clung to him.

“Mm,” Sun Pengcheng responded faintly.

He helped Lu Yiran back to rest, then went to the study to drown his sorrows in wine.

Sun Pengcheng was restless in the study, pacing anxiously. Just days ago, he and Su Xiu were fine. Why was it like this now?

Meanwhile, Mrs. Liu, Sun Pengcheng’s mother, was not idle. She sought a famed fortune teller known as the “Divine Seer” to read the fates of her son and his two wives. She wondered why marrying Su Xiu brought endless troubles and if their destinies were incompatible.

Mrs. Liu gave the Divine Seer her son’s birth data. (PS: Don’t believe in fortune tellers; fate worsens by the reading. Control your own destiny; never give your birth data to anyone.)

“The young master’s fate is very good,” the seer said.

“How so?” Mrs. Liu asked eagerly.

“He has two wives, both bringing good fortune to him.”

“Oh? I don’t feel that. Only one should,” Mrs. Liu said, referring to Lu Yiran.

“Madam, patience. Listen carefully. The first wife’s fortune benefits her family, which is larger and helps your family’s business, right?”

“About that. What about our second young lady? Since she married in, the household has been in chaos,” Mrs. Liu said.

“That’s mistaken, madam. The second wife’s fortune benefits him personally. He cares more for her. A harmonious couple brings prosperity. He obeys her,” the seer explained.

Mrs. Liu was jealous her son listened to another woman. She stopped hearing after that, thinking the seer was foolish and trying to harm her son. The woman she hated was none other than Su Xiu. Her hatred deepened.

“By the way, my son and first wife have been married many years with no children. Now he has a second wife. When will there be heirs?” Mrs. Liu interrupted.

“Don’t be anxious, madam. Children will come within two years. Being too eager can cause misfortune.”

“You’re not anxious. You’re different from us,” Mrs. Liu said, rolling her eyes.

“Everything happens for a reason. I can say no more. If complications arise, the consequences are severe...” The seer prepared to end.

“Don’t leave without earning money! Say more and I’ll pay more. Fine, children are what matters,” Mrs. Liu said, placing money on the table and grumbling as she left.

The seer sighed heavily, shaking his head.

Sun Pengcheng couldn’t help but seek out Su Xiu for clarity.

She was his lawful wife. Why couldn’t she love him like Lu Yiran? His mind was filled with doubts about Su Xiu and Chenxi’s past. No matter the explanation, he couldn’t understand, stubborn as a mule.

“Xiu’er, open... the door... quickly... open... door,” a drunken Sun Pengcheng knocked on her door. Su Xiu rose quickly to open it.

The moment the door opened, Sun Pengcheng stumbled in, nearly falling with the slender Su Xiu. “How much did you drink?” she scolded, worried.

“I... feel... bad inside. Stay with me... talk to me... you always... avoid me...” Sun Pengcheng sobbed, tears flowing.

As the saying goes, men don’t shed tears easily. Even his parents had never seen him cry. But before Su Xiu, he was fragile.

“I’m not ignoring you. You’re the only one in my heart. I’m your wife. You’re just overthinking and misunderstanding me...”

“But you clearly don’t want to talk to me...” Sun Pengcheng was about to say more when Su Xiu shyly kissed him. He froze but quickly matched her, lifting her onto the bed...

Watching Sun Pengcheng fall into a deep sleep, Su Xiu pondered. She had long been attracted to him, but why did he never feel it? His visits made her happy deep down. Unfortunately, Lu Yiran’s duplicity left Su Xiu at a loss, like a silent war weighing heavily on her.

“Xiu’er, why did I come here?” Sun Pengcheng asked, confused.

“Did you drink too much before coming here? Are you sober now?” Su Xiu asked gently.

“I... didn’t hurt you, did I? Let me see,” Sun Pengcheng worried he might have harmed her drunk.

“I’m fine. Don’t panic,” Su Xiu said, unsure what else to say.

“I’ll try not to drink again. Drinking is bad for you. I’m afraid I can’t control my temper!” Sun Pengcheng held Su Xiu’s hand against his chest, pulling her close.

“Let’s not argue anymore. Live well, like now, okay? Xiu’er,” Sun Pengcheng seemed scared of losing her.

“Of course! You already hold a deep place in my heart. You’re the only one here. Sometimes when you wrongly accuse me, I hurt inside. I don’t cry but endure. That doesn’t mean I’m not in pain...” Su Xiu opened her heart.

“Xiu’er, I’m sorry, truly sorry...” Sun Pengcheng cried and apologized. Su Xiu’s tears fell too, and they embraced.

This heartfelt talk eased their relationship, seeming to return them to better days.