Chapter 262: How Did He Contract Such an Illness?

Chapter 262: How Did He Contract Such an Illness?

Tang Shuyi had previously speculated wildly that Xiao Huai might have fallen for another. But now, she felt that her previous speculation might not have been wild enough.

Based on her observations tonight, Xiao Huai might not have fallen for another because she saw no trace of guilt on his face. Xiao Huai and his former self used to be so affectionate they couldn’t bear to be apart. Under such circumstances, if Xiao Huai had found new love, it would be impossible for him not to show any guilt or remorse.

So, if Xiao Huai wasn’t in love with someone else, why had his feelings for his wife changed so drastically?

Could it be possible that this Xiao Huai wasn't the same Xiao Huai as before? Like her, this Xiao Huai might have been transmigrated.

This possibility caused Tang Shuyi’s heart to tighten. If this were true, then who was this Xiao Huai? Could he be a threat to her and her three children?

Not all transmigrators are kind, and not all of them would consider the original body’s family and responsibilities as their own.

Considering all the possibilities, Tang Shuyi felt a surge of anxiety, her heart racing. If her suspicions were true, and if this Xiao Huai had ill intentions towards her and the three children, it would be an absolute disaster.

“Cui Zhu, Cui Yun,” she called out.

Cui Zhu and Cui Yun, who were standing guard outside, hurriedly entered at her voice. Seeing them, Tang Shuyi took a deep breath and beckoned them over. The maids hastened to her, only to hear Tang Shuyi whisper, "Keep a watch on the Marquis in the study."

After a pause, she added, "Be careful not to be discovered."

The faces of Cui Zhu and Cui Yun registered shock and panic upon hearing her words. Cui Zhu, who was always quick to speak, asked worriedly, "Madam, is it the Marquis..."

Tang Shuyi waved her hand, "Don’t ask, just go."

Seeing her grave expression, they hurried off. Once outside, they were tense, but dared not speak out of turn, and quickly went to find someone.

Inside the room, Tang Shuyi sat upright, ready for battle. If it indeed came to a confrontation with Xiao Huai, she was not without chances of victory. Firstly, she had the backing of the Tang Marquisate, so even if this Xiao Huai intended to harm her and the three children, he would have to think twice. Moreover, she believed the three children would stand by her side.

…………

Back in his study, Xiao Huai dismissed his attendants and leaned back in his spacious chair alone, pondering over every detail of his encounter with Tang Shuyi today. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that something was off about Tang Shuyi.

Admittedly, since he wasn't the real Xiao Huai, his attitude towards his wife had cooled significantly. In such a situation, shouldn't his wife feel aggrieved and heartbroken? Yet, she seemed completely unfazed by his "coldness," even calm about it.

Why?

If it were said that the lady's heart belonged to another because her husband had been "dead" for four years, she shouldn't be so composed either! Unless... unless this lady, like him, wasn't the original Tang Shuyi and had been body-swapped.

At this thought, he curled his lips in amusement. If that were the case, things would get interesting.

He didn't share the same fears as Tang Shuyi about "Tang Shuyi" harming the three children. It was clear that "Tang Shuyi" had arrived earlier than him, and from what he heard from Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuchen, "Tang Shuyi" genuinely cared for them. Moreover, "Tang Shuyi"'s interaction with the three children was no different from that of a biological mother.

Evidently, she truly regarded the three children as her own.

He just didn't know who this "colleague" was.

While Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai harbored their respective thoughts, Xiao Yuchen's side was also restless. At this moment, he was listening to Changming's report, "The Marquis has returned to his study, and it seems he intends to rest there."

Xiao Yuchen's face grew somber upon hearing this. From the beginning of the day, he had noticed something off about his parents. It was their first meeting after a "life-and-death separation" of four years, and not only did they not weep together, but they also hardly spoke to each other. Even the occasional words exchanged were formal and distant.

Having experienced love himself, he knew this was far from normal. But he couldn't understand why. He had clearly seen his mother's longing for his father over the years. And while he was in the northwest, he hadn't heard of any other women by his father's side. Where did the problem between the two lie?

"Eldest Young Master," Changfeng ventured hesitantly, "could it be... could it be..."

He trailed off, and Xiao Yuchen frowned, "Speak your mind."

Gathering courage, Changfeng blurted out, "Eldest Young Master, do you think it's possible that the Marquis is injured... in that area... that he's incapable now?"

After saying this, he immediately lowered his head, but he felt his guess was very likely. If not, why would he sleep in the study? The Marquis and his wife used to be very affectionate.

Xiao Yuchen's expression grew even more stern; he felt this possibility wasn't unfounded. But if so, it would be quite troublesome!

"But why are they so cold to each other?" he asked.

This time, both Changming and Changfeng shook their heads, equally puzzled. Changming suggested, "Eldest Young Master, you should rest. Tomorrow we can inquire about doctors who specialize in treating such ailments."

"Don't you dare!" Xiao Yuchen glared fiercely at Changming.

"This matter must not be leaked," he said with irritation, waving his hand dismissively. "You may leave now; I need to rest."

Changming and Changfeng bowed respectfully before retreating. Once outside, Changfeng whispered sharply to Changming, "Are you out of your mind? How can you speak of the Marquis' illness openly?"

Changming bristled at the rebuke, retorting, "Who said I was going to talk about it?"

Changfeng countered, "If you go around asking for a doctor to treat that kind of illness, won't people guess what's going on?"

Realization dawned on Changming. "I... I hadn't thought that far."

Changfeng heaved a heavy sigh. "How did the Marquis contract such an ailment?"

Changming sighed in agreement.

………………

P.S.: There were some matters at home today, hence the late update.

Additionally: The extras will continue after the conclusion of the main story. The update of the extra yesterday was due to many readers' dissatisfaction with the male lead not being Xiao Huai.

Alas! I must admit, I'm easily influenced by all of you.