Chapter 73: Sister-in-law, Elder Brother Is Already Old

Although Xie Yao had said it was fine, Xiao Ji was still gentler and more restrained than in the past.

This trip would last at least half a month, perhaps longer. Naturally, the two of them were reluctant to part.

Afterwards, Xiao Ji carefully cleaned Xie Yao, then held her in his arms as they lay on the freshly changed bed. His broad palm gently massaged her slender waist.

His brows and eyes were filled with satisfaction as he softly instructed, “Yao-yao, while I am not in the capital, you must be cautious in all things. The household guards are at your disposal. If trouble arises, seek out Royal Aunt. Do not be afraid, your safety comes first. If you can win, then fight; if not, wait until I return.”

Only then did Xie Yao understand why Xiao Ji had darkened his face on the carriage earlier.

The guards were already at her command. She had been wrong to admit fault.

“All right.” Drowsily, Xie Yao nodded and drifted off to sleep, nestled in his embrace.

The next morning.

When she awoke again, dawn had already broken.

The space beside her was empty. Xie Yao hurriedly sat up. “Someone come.”

“Crown Princess.” Zhuqing quickly entered. “You are awake?”

“Where is His Highness?” Xie Yao reached out, and Zhuqing immediately helped her up, lowering her voice. “His Highness has already departed. At this moment, he should be boarding the boat. His Highness gave strict orders not to disturb your rest.”

Since it was Xiao Ji’s arrangement, Xie Yao did not complain. After tidying herself, she went to the Zhao household.

At the same time, in the Xie residence.

Yesterday, the Crown Prince’s men had smashed the place apart. It had taken them a long time to put things somewhat back in order.

But the decorations and furnishings were ruined, leaving the rooms empty, as if ransacked by bandits.

The mistress from Sweetwater Alley had been brought back to the residence, but Madam Zhang had no attention to spare for her. In her mind echoed only Xie Yao’s words from the day before.

Xie Cheng had sold Jiao-jiao for Xie Jing’s future.

She did not believe it.

Yet as if compelled by unseen hands, she still ordered Momo Liu to secretly visit the Song household.

After waiting an entire night, Momo Liu finally returned.

“Momo Liu, is everything well?” Madam Zhang’s heart leapt and she quickly asked.

“Madam,” the old servant replied, “this servant went to the Song residence. Young Lady is still injured and refused to see anyone. But that maid Qiucha said Young Lady is well.”

“Madam must not worry. Young Lady married beneath her station, but with you and Master supporting her, how could a mere scholar son-in-law dare to mistreat her? Surely it was only Eldest Young Lady deliberately speaking such words to sow discord between you and Master…”

Madam Zhang’s heart finally settled. “You are right.”

Momo Liu added, “Madam, as for that woman from Sweetwater Alley, yesterday those two children publicly called her ‘Mother.’ Master declared she was indeed their birth mother, and a guest of the household.”

A concubine could be crushed at will by the legitimate wife.

But a ‘guest’, she could neither be dealt with, nor mistreated, but instead must be politely accommodated.

It was clear Master harbored true feelings for that mistress.

A cold glint flashed in Madam Zhang’s eyes. “Since she is a guest, then she must be entertained well.”

Originally, she had intended to deal with Xie Yao first.

But if someone insisted on parading in front of her to disgust her…

Then she could not be blamed.

…

On her way to the Zhao residence, Xie Yao’s carriage suddenly came to a halt.

The driver’s angry shout rang out. “Move aside at once! This is the Crown Prince’s carriage!”

Zhuxin lifted the curtain and looked out, seeing a man dressed as a guard standing before the horses. “Noble Lady, my master invites you.”

Xie Yao’s expression darkened. “And who is your master?”

“You will know upon arrival,” the guard replied with a smile. He stepped forward and handed something to the driver.

The driver quickly passed it to Zhuxin.

But Xie Yao was faster. She took it directly from the driver’s hand; a golden abacus, crafted entirely of pure gold.

She rubbed her thumb over one corner, where a single character was engraved: “Zhao.”

Her face shifted.

It was Elder Sister Ying’s belonging.

“Lead the way.” Xie Yao spoke in the face of the guard’s triumphant smile. Donning a bamboo hat, she stepped down from the carriage with Zhuxin’s support.

Her martial instructor, Lin Xia, followed close at her side.

The bamboo hat draped down with a veil to her waist, the light white gauze fluttering as she walked, lending a faint, misty allure.

The guard swept a glance over the three of them before quickly withdrawing his gaze and leading the way.

Soon, they arrived at a nearby restaurant, the Tianxiang Pavilion.

On the second floor, in a private room, the guard gestured. “Noble Lady, please.”

Zhuxin and Lin Xia moved to follow her in, but the guard blocked their way. Xie Yao said coldly, “If I must enter alone, then there is no need to meet at all.”

She turned to leave.

“Since you have come, why not meet?” A familiar voice drifted out from within. A man in brocade robes waved his hand, and so master and servants entered together.

Bang!

The door closed behind them.

Through her veil, Xie Yao calmly gazed at Xiao Hong, immaculately dressed.

His eyes, however, were brazen.

The gauze veil half-concealed her, half-revealed her, accentuating her graceful figure, making one wish to rip away the cloth to properly admire her beauty.

Zhuxin stepped forward, shielding Xie Yao.

“Second Prince.”

Xie Yao’s voice was cold. “What is the meaning of this?”

Xiao Hong looked all innocence. “Sister-in-law has misunderstood me. I gave you this item only to reassure you. Young Lady Zhao is doing very well.”

“Elder Sister Ying is in your hands?” Xie Yao’s eyes narrowed, a cold gleam flashing within.

Xiao Hong’s lips curved. “That depends on whether Sister-in-law wishes for her to remain well.”

He stepped closer, shoving Zhuxin aside with rough strength. “Sister-in-law, elder brother is already old.”

“Only I can give you true pleasure…”

Slap!

Xie Yao’s hand whipped across his face.

Through the veil, Xiao Hong could see her stubborn expression, her eyes reddened with hatred.

Yet instead of anger, he chuckled lightly, raising his hand to stroke the cheek she had struck. “Sister-in-law… so soft.”

His eyes roved over her body as he spoke, disgusting beyond measure.

Xie Yao nearly vomited on the spot.

He continued, “As long as you accompany me once, I will personally ensure that Young Lady Zhao is safely returned to the capital, delivered right to your side. Sister-in-law, what do you say?”

“Ah—!”

Before he could finish, Xie Yao’s knee shot upward, striking squarely between his legs!