Chapter 109: Your Husband Still Lives

Three days later was the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The steward of the Crown Prince’s residence had already prepared gifts for both the Xie family and the Zhao family, just as Xie Yao instructed. Notices had been sent in advance.

As for Xiao Hong’s disruption of Xiao Ning’s wedding, the emperor had not punished him too harshly. He only ordered the Imperial Guards to strengthen surveillance, ensuring Xiao Hong wouldn’t escape again. Xiao Ning, surprisingly, said nothing.

At the Xie household.

When the Crown Prince’s carriage arrived, the entire family came to greet them at the gate. Xie Yujiao stood proudly beside Xie Yuru, ignoring Madam Zhang’s ugly expression. Song Wenbo hovered close to Xie Yujiao, his posture protective.

With her slightly raised pregnant belly, Xie Yujiao looked at Xie Yao with strange eyes; jealous, but also mocking and condescending.

News had already spread everywhere: The Crown Princess was pregnant with twins.

But Xie Yujiao knew the truth or what she believed to be the truth. Those twins were bastards.

Tch.

So what if Xie Yao “won” this round? She herself would win in the long run.

Xie Yujiao’s eyes burned with twisted excitement, but Xie Yao didn’t even spare her a glance. Her gaze swept indifferently across the Xie family as she walked in hand-in-hand with Xiao Ji, leading little Xie Zhan inside.

Part of the reason she came home today was because of Xie Zhan. Though she kept him by her side, he was still a son of the Xie family. On such an important day, it was necessary to bring him to show presence.

Inside the courtyard, Master Xie stepped forward, politely addressing Xiao Ji. “Your Highness, this way please.”

Traditionally, on these return visits, the father would invite the son-in-law aside while the mother spoke with her daughter.

But Xiao Ji looked at him once, unmoving. “No need for formalities, Master Xie. I will remain with the Crown Princess.”

The Xie family fell into an awkward silence.

Xie Yujiao’s fingers tightened around Song Wenbo’s hand. Once again, she had lost. Was this still the same Crown Prince she once knew? But she quickly convinced herself otherwise. Whispering to her husband as they left the hall, she said, “The Crown Prince sticks to her so closely, not out of love or protection. It’s surveillance! He knows he’s incapable, so he let Xie Yao carry bastards. Now he watches her day and night…”

Her voice trembled with excitement. “Husband, when Xie Yao gives birth, could it also be the day she dies?”

The thought thrilled her. She should have died long ago!

Xie Yujiao was too absorbed in her glee to notice Song Wenbo’s strange expression—dark, contemplative, as though weighing something. After a long pause, he finally said, “Not bad. That plan… is not bad.”

Xie Yujiao smiled wickedly. “Yes, she should have died long ago.”

Song Wenbo’s large hand pressed against her belly, his fingers applying slight pressure, his eyes flashing with killing intent. “Yes… long ago.”

If not for her temporary usefulness and that of the Xie family, he would have finished her already. He quickly concealed the malice, stroking her hand instead. “My wife is truly clever.”

Xie Yujiao blushed, playfully tapping his chest. “Husband~”

He caught her hand and caressed it, voice low. “You’ve been staying here for several days now. When will you return home? Without you, your husband feels so lonely, so cold.”

Her face flushed deeper, her voice timid yet joyful. “Husband, you’re terrible…”

Meanwhile, Xie Yao and Xiao Ji knew nothing of Xie Yujiao’s delusions. If she had heard them, she would have praised Xie Yujiao for being imaginative before suggesting she look in a mirror.

Inside the main hall, Master Xie and Madam Zhang had no choice but to entertain the Crown Prince and Princess. Xie Yuru’s eyes kept shifting, sometimes toward Xie Yao, sometimes toward Xiao Ji. Though her gaze still held resentment, it seemed less stubborn than before. Had she really let go? Something about it felt off.

Master Xie exchanged glances with Madam Zhang, forcing himself to find topics of conversation. They couldn’t just sit in silence, could they? Yet Xie Yao showed no interest, withholding the ease and charm she displayed among noblewomen. Her answers were curt. Thankfully, Xie Jing and Xie Yuru were present, easing the tension and saving their father from utter embarrassment.

After only a short while, Xie Yao and Xiao Ji prepared to leave. Master Xie’s face darkened, but he dared not stop them. Truthfully, just seeing Xie Yao irritated him. Thanks to her, their home still looked bare, stripped as if looted.

“You may go to the Zhao family,” he said coldly, “but leave Xie Zhan here.”

Months had passed, and the Xie family barely recognized the boy. The once dirty little child had grown taller, fairer, brighter, and strikingly handsome.

At first, summoning Xie Yao home had been for ulterior motives. But now, asking to keep Xie Zhan can only be for his son Xie Jing.

Xie Yao immediately refused. She wanted to train the boy, but he was still too young.

But then Xie Zhan spoke. “Sister, leave a few guards behind. They can escort me back later. Please also convey my greetings to Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncle, and Aunt.”

Xie Yao was stunned. Did he mean to stay? Master Xie’s intentions were never kind. But meeting Xie Zhan’s earnest, upright gaze, and feeling Xiao Ji’s reassuring pat on her hand, she finally nodded. “Si-nan will stay.”

Xiao Ji agreed calmly, leaving his trusted aide behind. With Si-nan representing him, no one dared openly trouble the boy. Master Xie’s face soured further.

Once outside, Xie Yao frowned. “Is Ah-zhan really ready?” He was clever, yes, but had only been under proper guidance for a few months.

“Trust him,” Xiao Ji said. He had witnessed the boy’s progress. “He’s growing up and learning to protect his sister.” Though admirable, Xiao Ji found it a little bothersome. After all, he was still alive, wasn’t he? He was her husband.

“The tea earlier was tainted,” he added firmly. Having studied countless medical texts for his own health, he was keenly aware of such things.

Xie Yao hadn’t touched the tea or the pastries, out of caution. She only sneered, “That’s the Xie family for you.”

Xiao Ji squeezed her hand, his eyes pained. “Too blatant. That alone makes it suspicious.”

“Then have the gifts they gave us examined carefully,” she replied.

“Of course.”

The Xie family had such a nerve. If not for the fact that his Crown Princess bore their name, Xiao Ji would have exposed the poisoning attempt publicly, destroying them. But for now, he couldn’t. His time was limited, and Xie Yao still needed the support of her natal family. Master Xie’s position in court made him untouchable.

But the rest of the Xie clan? They were due for pruning.