After Marrying the Heirless Crown Prince, I Gave Birth to Three Children - Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Praising the Ex-Husband to Death

“The Crown Princess fell into the lake when spring had only just begun as the water was icy cold, it led to a chill entering her body. That’s why she now burns with fever,” the physician explained respectfully. “I will prescribe some medicine. After drinking a few doses, Her Highness will recover. As for the fainting, I’ll perform some acupuncture. She will wake shortly.”

After the physician finished writing the prescription, Zhuxin escorted him out while Zhuqing went to prepare the decoction.

The room suddenly became very quiet, leaving only Xiao Ji and the unconscious Xie Yao.

His gaze could not help but linger on her. Her figure was soft and curvy, yet her face was delicate and small, her pale cheeks now flushed with fever. Even in faintness, she did not rest peacefully.

He involuntarily thought back to their wedding night. Quickly looking away, his eyes wandered around the room. Though this was his residence, now it felt strangely unfamiliar as it was filled with her belongings, as if it had always been hers.

“Your Highness?”

A hoarse voice pulled him back. He turned and saw Xie Yao had opened her eyes. Her whole face was red, not just from fever but it made her look as if she were fully awake.

He instinctively took two steps toward her before halting again.

“I…” Xie Yao slowly sat up, and then seemed to realize what had happened. She lowered her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes. “I… I was rude to Your Highness. What I said in the carriage earlier, I—” Her lips trembled, her body even shaking slightly.

“It’s fine,” Xiao Ji interrupted with a light cough, looking away uncomfortably. After a pause, he added, “Just… be more careful next time.”

Soon Zhuqing returned with the medicine, giving Xiao Ji an excuse to leave.

“Ah…” Xie Yao sighed softly.

What she had said and done in the carriage earlier had been from fever-clouded thoughts as well as intentional. She had wanted to test Xiao Ji’s feelings. From his reaction, the results were… not ideal.

“Crown Princess?” Zhuqing glanced toward the door where the Crown Prince had just left, then at her mistress’s expression. She whispered encouragingly, “When His Highness carried you back into the residence, he was so nervous. He must truly care for you.”

Xie Yao smiled faintly; taking the jade bowl of medicine and drinking it all in one go without changing expression. “It doesn’t matter. I still have time.”

Zhuxin soon returned carrying two invitation cards; one black with gold embossing, the other bright red. She presented them respectfully, “Invitations from the Cui residence and from the Xie family.”

Xie Yao read them, her expression growing subtle. Both invitations were for the same event: the Cui residence’s ceremony in seven days. The Cui family had sent the black-gold card, inviting her as a guest. Her stepmother, Madam Zhang, and her younger sister Xie Yujiao had sent the red card, inviting her to attend with them.

Zhuxin added softly, “This morning Madam Zhang’s nursemaid went to investigate that house on Sweetwater Alley. But Madam Zhang didn’t make a scene. After meeting her, Master Xie went to summon Scholar Song.”

Yesterday, after Xie Yujiao returned to her parents’ home, Song Wenbo had not gone to fetch her.

Xie Yao chuckled coldly. “If she causes a scandal, that mistress and her children would have to be formally acknowledged and brought into the family. But as long as she stays quiet, they remain hidden outside. How could she willingly destroy her own position?” After all, that woman had borne Master Xie’s only son.

“Zhuxin, prepare a generous gift for the Cui family’s ceremony in seven days. Deliver it personally.”

…

At the Xie residence, the moment Song Wenbo entered, the disdain on his face instantly changed into guilt and humility. Bowing deeply, he greeted, “This son-in-law pays respects to Father-in-law.”

Master Xie carefully looked him up and down, satisfaction shining in his eyes. “Ah, Wenbo, you’re here. Sit.”

Song Wenbo blinked. So polite? He had expected his father-in-law, being an official, to scold him for mistreating Yujiao. Yet not only was there no anger, there was even warmth.

Master Xie praised sincerely, “Truly outstanding for one so young, no wonder the great Master Qingshan chose you as his final disciple.”

“…What?” Song Wenbo froze. Master Qingshan had chosen him? He had asked the Princess to recommend him, but she hadn’t given any reply yet. How did the Xie family already know? Could it be…. they had also intervened to help him?

Well, it made sense. After all, he was their son-in-law.

Master Xie continued warmly, “Your mother-in-law and I will certainly attend the ceremony with lavish gifts to support you. Don’t worry.”

Song Wenbo bowed again, heart swelling. “Many thanks, Father-in-law!”

Seeing him confirm it, Master Xie grew even prouder. “Son-in-law, our Yujiao was spoiled since childhood, and yesterday she missed her mother, so she returned home. As her husband, you must be more tolerant.”

“Father-in-law!” Song Wenbo declared with righteous sincerity, “Yujiao was raised with love and indulgence, so if she has a little temper, I completely understand. Please rest assured, whether in her natal family or in the Song family, I will treat her exactly the same, with utmost devotion.”

The two men talked warmly, and after dining together at the Xie residence, Song Wenbo returned home with Xie Yujiao.

That very evening, news spread simultaneously from both the Xie and Song families: Master Qingshan’s final disciple would be none other than Scholar Song Wenbo!

In the capital, the rumor spread like wildfire. By the next day, everyone knew. Some believed it instantly, others doubted, but all eyes turned to the Cui residence, where Master Qingshan lived. Yet no one stepped forward to deny it.

Suddenly, Song Wenbo was the most sought-after scholar in the city. Praise poured in, gifts piled up, invitations arrived in droves, so many that the Song family was nearly buried under them. Song Wenbo, drowning in admiration and flattery, felt dizzy with pride.

Meanwhile, thanks to her “blessed body,” Xie Yao’s fever faded quickly, though she still rested a few more days. Each day, Zhuxin reported the situation outside, making Xie Yao laugh helplessly. “Does Song Wenbo himself not know whether Master Qingshan truly chose him or not? And yet… he still lets this go to his head!”

Zhuxin sighed in relief. “Thankfully you didn’t marry him, miss. Otherwise…”

Xie Yao chuckled. “All those praises and compliments, he was bound to get lost in them.” She knew exactly what kind of man Song Wenbo was. Besides, the wildfire spreading of the rumor was not only due to people’s curiosity about Master Qingshan, it had been her subtle push behind it.

“Zhuxin, our people can withdraw now. Have those who spread the news leave the capital for Jiangnan early.”

“Yes.” Zhuxin bowed and went to arrange it.

Moments later, Zhuqing entered with a smile, holding a letter. “Crown Princess, a letter arrived from Jiangnan!”

Xie Yao opened it eagerly. After reading, her face lit up. “Wonderful! Cousin is coming to the capital, she’s already on the road. In just a few days, she’ll arrive.”

But suddenly her smile stiffened. Cousin had not decided this trip suddenly; she had left Jiangnan even before Xie Yao’s marriage. Then… in her previous life, why had she never known about it?