Chapter 573: What a Coincidence

Chapter 573 What a Coincidence

Yu Mingzhu’s pitiful expression nearly stiffened on her face upon hearing those words!

Jiao Shi, however, was too busy worrying about how harsh White Cloud Temple would be and hurriedly began packing essentials for Yu Mingzhu. There was no time to delay. She accepted it as her mother-in-law’s last shred of kindness: "Yes, Mother. I'll take Zhu Zhu back now."

With that, Jiao Shi pulled Yu Mingzhu up by the hand.

Yu Mingzhu had no choice but to trail after her, still wearing that wounded look.

She clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms, reminding herself that this was just a minor setback—no need to panic! She could still see the reluctance in her elder brother's attitude toward her. Even if today had rattled him badly, she’d slowly reel him back in, restoring their bond as it once was!

As Jiao Shi was about to leave, she suddenly couldn’t help but glance at Xingxing.

—She felt a strange tug of reluctance.

But Jiao Shi didn’t understand where this reluctance came from, nor what it truly meant. It made no sense to her.

She averted her gaze from Xingxing, her mind now consumed by another matter—White Cloud Temple was rough; she needed to pack extra supplies for Zhu Zhu.

Jiao Shi hastily led Yu Mingzhu away.

The Dowager Duchess’s voice went icy: "Utterly foolish."

The comment came out of nowhere, leaving Yu Chongjie and Mao Shi unsure whom she was referring to.

The Dowager Duchess took a moment to compose herself, relying on the sight of Xingxing's concerned little face to gradually soothe her mood.

She gave Xingxing’s hand a reassuring pat, further calming herself.

After recovering for a while, the Dowager Duchess finally spoke to Yu Chongjie: "I won’t hash out who’s right or wrong. I trust you have your own judgment. My stance remains the same—you’d better protect her. Remember, she is the wife with whom you’ll share your life."

It was unclear whether Yu Chongjie truly took her words to heart.

He was miles away, answering mechanically, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

The Dowager Duchess was annoyed and turned her gaze to Mao Shi instead.

Mao Shi’s complexion wasn’t quite as ghostly pale now.

The Dowager Duchess softened her tone: "Don’t worry—while I’m still breathing, I’ll make sure you’re compensated for any injustice you suffer."

The kindness in those words made her eyes burn.

Her voice was rough, "Yes."

Her thoughts were a mess. She had thought her suspicions were mere paranoia, never dreaming it was all Yu Mingzhu’s doing!

Was Yu Mingzhu really so jealous of the harmony between her and her elder brother?

Yu Chongjie, hearing his wife’s strained reply, couldn’t help but look her way.

His sister’s pitiful face blurred in his mind, replaced by his wife’s wan, drained face.

So this was what his wife had been enduring...

It hit Yu Chongjie then.

His chest ached for no reason.

"Fu Qu..." Yu Chongjie suddenly said, "I've saved up some vacation days over the years. Why don't I take you to our country estate for a few days to relax? What do you think?"

Mao Shi never expected Yu Chongjie to say this.

She knew why he had been saving those days—probably for Yu Mingzhu's sake, to be used in case of emergencies concerning her.

But now, Yu Chongjie was actually proposing to use that leave to take her to the countryside for relaxation...

Mao Shi felt a pang of emotion. She studied Yu Chongjie's face without speaking.

Her emotions were in knots. Should she forgive this man?

While Yu Mingzhu had meddled, the root of the problem was Yu Chongjie's spoiling her rotten.

Mao Shi clenched her fists.

Looking into Yu Chongjie's earnest eyes, she recalled the excitement of their first meeting.

No, she couldn't give up everything just because of Yu Mingzhu's schemes!

Wouldn't that be exactly what Yu Mingzhu wanted?

Mao Shi managed a rough 'Alright'.

Hearing this, the Dowager Duchess of Xin finally smiled and gave an approving nod.

A marriage should last a lifetime, and facing problems with a positive attitude to resolve them—that was the right way!

Before leaving, Mao Shi was stopped by Xingxing, who said earnestly, "Madam Yu, there's nothing wrong with your health. Relax—children will come when fate allows."

Mao Shi was taken aback, then broke into a smile. "Then I will cherish Township Lady's blessing."

Yu Chongjie gave Xingxing a complicated look.

Before leaving, he thanked her as well.

Xingxing actually thought Yu Chongjie was a complete idiot, but it seemed this fool was making an effort to wise up.

She just nodded at his thanks and didn't say anything more.

After everyone had left, only the Dowager Duchess of Xin, Xingxing, and Nanny Qingluan, who was attending to them, remained in the room.

Xingxing was about to ask when the Duke would return, but the Dowager Duchess ventured cautiously, "Xingxing, what do you think about today's events?"

Xingxing thought about Yu Mingzhu's behavior earlier and said thoughtfully, "Madam, I'm not one to spread tales, but this reminds me of something."

The Dowager Duchess encouraged her with a look. "Go on."

Xingxing said, "Remember what happened with Second Miss Wei from the Jiping Commandery Prince's residence? That was also caused by a maid from Miss Yu's courtyard. Today’s matter, when you think about it, also seems to have been triggered by a maid from Miss Yu's courtyard... Isn't that strange?" she added meaningfully.

At these words, the Dowager Duchess went very still.

These two incidents had two things in common—the victims were both Yu Mingzhu's sisters-in-law, or soon-to-be sisters-in-law.

And the ones who seemed responsible were both maids from Yu Mingzhu's courtyard.

The Dowager Duchess gasped.

Seeing the thoughtful expression on the Dowager Duchess's face, Xingxing knew she had made her point and left it at that.

Some things are better left unsaid.

For someone as intelligent as the Dowager Duchess of Xin, a subtle hint would suffice.

Xingxing pressed her lips together, thinking to herself, did Yu Mingzhu think she was stupid or something? The implied meaning in those words earlier was clearly trying to subtly lead others to believe she was causing trouble between people!

She hadn’t even done anything to stir up trouble, yet Yu Mingzhu accused her of it—talk about unfair!

Well then, she might as well follow Yu Mingzhu’s insinuation and actually stir up some trouble for once!

Xingxing pouted. Hmph, did they really think she had no temper?

After checking the Duke of Xin’s pulse as well, Xingxing finally left.

The smile on the Dowager Duchess of Xin’s face faded, and her expression turned cold. The more she thought about it, the more upset she became.

The Duke of Xin was puzzled. "What's wrong, my lady?"

When the Dowager Duchess repeated Xingxing’s earlier hint, the Duke of Xin’s expression turned grave. "This is serious!"

Without hesitation, he declared, "I’ll send someone to investigate this again!"

The Dowager Duchess nodded solemnly.

The old couple exchanged glances, both hoping the truth wouldn’t be as bad as they feared...