Chapter 184 Linglong

Chapter 184: Linglong

It wasn't just Third Master who changed his expression.

Everyone's faces looked unpleasant, especially Xie Daozhi, who gritted his teeth and cursed "foolish woman" in his heart.

If these words were said on an ordinary day, there would be nothing wrong with them. The matriarch would even smile and praise her for being filial.

But today, in this setting, in front of Yan Sanhe, these words should not have been spoken.

Whether the matriarch had remained a widow or struggled alone, others might not know, but Yan Sanhe knew it all too well.

Furthermore, this was Yan Sanhe's first appearance, making her a guest. If a guest speaks up for you, Wu, you should at least thank her; to contradict her in front of everyone is a grave mistake.

Lastly, Yan Sanhe had finally agreed to integrate into the Xie family, to the point where the matriarch disregarded the rules. At this moment, if you, Wu, step forward, are you trying to drive her away again?

Just as everyone at the table was unsure how to respond, Xie Zhifei stood up and pressed Wu back into her seat.

"Madam, you standing while Sanhe sits makes you look like the elder and her the junior, which would make her uncomfortable. Besides, isn't there me by the matriarch's side? I can serve her food."

He smiled warmly and continued, "Wherever the matriarch looks, my chopsticks will follow. I haven't seen her in three months, so let me show some filial piety."

No matter how poor Wu's ability to read the room was, she could see that the master's face was not pleased. She dared not say anything more.

Xie Zhifei returned to his seat, raised his wine cup, and smiled innocently.

"Yan Sanhe, thank you for caring about my mother and sister-in-law. This first cup is dedicated to you and our family's matriarch, who has finally reunited with her natal family."

His words were not only honeyed but also blessed.

He not only defused Wu's awkwardness but also flattered the matriarch, and most importantly, he did not forget to comfort her, making her feel quite comfortable.

Yan Sanhe looked at Xie Zhifei as if he were a golden Buddha.

"Older Brother, sit down. It's not your turn to toast yet."

Xie Erli gave his younger brother a stern glance before standing up and raising his cup to Yan Sanhe.

"Since we've recognized each other, we're now family. Family doesn't need formalities. In the future, Miss, please come out more often. Both the matriarch and Madam will treat you like their own daughter."

With these words, the atmosphere improved, and the situation was salvaged.

Yan Sanhe raised her cup and said softly, "Thank you!"

The meal proceeded harmoniously, as if what had just happened never occurred.

The matriarch, feeling joyful, drank a couple more cups of wine and leaned against her grandson, dozing off.

Third Master Xie gave his father a look, and Xie Daozhi put down his chopsticks and stood up, signaling the end of the banquet.

...

Back at Jingsi Residence, Yan Sanhe hurriedly changed into her own clothes, closed the door, and sat down on the bed with Li Buyan.

She recounted everything she had heard and seen at En Hall to Li Buyan.

After listening, Li Buyan stroked his chin and said, "So, the mothers of Xie Sanshi and Xie Wushi, though virtuous and filial, seem not very bright."

Yan Sanhe nodded.

Li Buyan continued, "Then the mother of Xie Laoer must be extraordinary. I wonder why her natal family got into trouble?"

Yan Sanhe nodded again.

Li Buyan added, "The eldest miss is twenty-four. Normally, a girl of this age should already be married. It seems the Xie family plans to keep her forever."

Yan Sanhe nodded once more.

Li Buyan then said, "You mentioned that Xie Sanshi and Zhu speak little, indicating a lack of affection between them. Otherwise, they wouldn't have only one child. I wonder how many concubines Xie Sanshi has."

Yan Sanhe nodded again.

"Xie Wushi's mouth..."

Li Buyan chuckled.

"He truly is beloved by all, charming flowers and even the dead. No one can match him. Instead of Xie Zhoudao, call him Xie Linglong, smooth-talking in every direction."

Yan Sanhe couldn't help but smile.

Li Buyan counted, "There's still one person missing—Xie Sishi. You didn't mention him at all?"

Yan Sanhe, reminded by him, remembered there was indeed such a person at the dinner table.

"He hardly spoke and had no presence."

Li Buyan commented, "Both are masters, yet one is adored by all while the other is ignored. What a stark contrast!"

"It has nothing to do with us."

Yan Sanhe lay back, resting her head on her arm.

"Buyan, I don't plan to stay long in the Xie family. The intrigues in this large household are mentally and physically exhausting."

Li Buyan lay down beside her, looking at her sideways. "Then why did you go to recognize them?"

"Xie Sanshi invited me sincerely, and I couldn't refuse."

"You, in the end, are just too kind-hearted."

Yan Sanhe, having been reprimanded and unable to retort, changed the subject. "By the way, help me think of how to bring up the matter to Xie Linglong."

Li Buyan's eyes darted around.

Hmm!

Dealing with that smiling fox, Xie Linglong, indeed requires some careful thought!

...

That smiling fox, clutching the one thousand taels secretly slipped by his sister-in-law, was sitting in his mother Lady Wu's room, drinking bird's nest soup.

Lady Wu looked at her son with adoration, finding him delightful no matter how she looked.

After finishing, Third Master wiped his mouth and gazed at her with soft and obedient eyes.

"Mother, remember what I say when it comes to matters involving Yan Sanhe."

"What is it?"

"Whatever Yan Sanhe says, just go along with it."

Lady Wu grabbed her son's arm. "Son, who exactly is she to the matriarch? Tell me the truth."

"She's just a distant relative whom the matriarch took in because she’s an orphan."

"An orphan doesn't deserve such treatment, does she?"

Third Master Xie coaxed, "How could she not be cherished? The matriarch has only one remaining family member. Treating her well means treating the matriarch well."

Lady Wu reluctantly let go but then grabbed him again.

"The matriarch had you both sit beside her today; she wouldn’t be thinking of matching you two, would she?"

"How could that be!"

"What about you?"

Lady Wu worriedly asked, "You keep speaking up for her; don't tell me you have feelings for her?"

Xie Zhifei did not expect his own mother to suddenly ask this and was momentarily stunned.

No one knew better than Lady Wu what her son was like.

Seeing her son's stunned expression, she became furious and slapped the table. "What status does she have compared to yours? They're not a match. Don't lose your head over this."

"Mother, where are your thoughts going?"

Xie Zhifei rubbed his arm. "I treat her as a younger sister."

"Better be so!"

Lady Wu lectured earnestly.

"You're not getting any younger. Settle down with Du girl soon. Although she's a bit spoiled, her background is excellent. Your father is good in every way except he doesn't care much about your marriage. Logically..."

"Mother, please stop with the logical talk."

Hearing this, Xie Zhifei wanted to escape. "I'm exhausted. I'll go rest now. You should rest early too!"

But Lady Wu continued.

"Don't blame me for being talkative. In this entire Imperial City, the only one who isn't put off by your short life and is devoted to you is Du girl. There's no one else."

As she spoke, tears welled up.

"It's all my fault for not giving you a healthy body. You've suffered so much since childhood..."

Here we go again!

Xie Zhifei sighed heavily in his heart!