Chapter 83: Wei Xun’s Plan

Chapter 83 Wei Xun's Scheme

"You're married...?"

"But what about the Young Master?"

Chun Tao was stunned, barely holding back the rest of her question.

No wonder when she asked Chang Yuan about their mistress’s whereabouts, he had been evasive and kept it from her. So, after leaving, their mistress had married someone else.

"Let's not stand outside any longer. Come in."

A Yuan smiled, as if she hadn't noticed her expression, stepping aside to let her in.

Anyway, married or not, Wei Xun wouldn’t let her go. The only thing she wanted to hide was A Man's true parentage.

"Ah."

Chun Tao composed herself and followed her inside.

Though the courtyard in Osmanthus Lane was small, it had everything one needed. A Yuan had a knack for decorating, making the place cozy.

Hesitantly, she asked, "So... where’s your husband?"

A Yuan smiled, sending A Man away before pouring Chun Tao a cup of water. The two sat on the couch by the window, catching up.

"We divorced. He took a government post out of town."

Chun Tao straightened up, hesitating before speaking.

"...Was it because of the Young Master?"

Having served A Yuan for six years, Chun Tao knew her temperament well. She wouldn’t have had a child with someone unless she truly loved them.

After two years apart, Chun Tao could sense how at peace A Yuan seemed—something she had never experienced in the Marquis’s estate.

She must have been very happy with that man. But the Young Master would never allow her to marry another.

A Yuan pressed her lips together, sidestepping the question. "Let’s not talk about that. Try this osmanthus tea I made—A Man picked the osmanthus flowers herself."

"Alright."

Chun Tao smiled weakly, taking a sip of the tea, her eyes downcast to hide her worry.

She had thought that once the Young Master found their mistress, he would bring her back to the Marquis’s estate. But who could have guessed that in the two years she was gone, not only had she married, but she had also borne another man’s child? Even if the Young Master could accept it, the old madam never would.

What would become of their mistress now?

"I’ve been talking about myself all this time. What about you and Chang Yuan?"

A Yuan refilled her tea, her eyes curious.

Though the two hadn’t spoken at the door, their closeness was obvious.

Chun Tao flushed, mumbling like a scolded child, "While you were gone... I married Chang Yuan..."

While she was recovering, Chang Yuan had taken care of her personally. Chun Tao wasn’t unfeeling—though Chang Yuan often had a sharp tongue, he was really good to her. Over time, she had grown fond of him.

On their wedding day, the people they bowed to, besides Granny Zhu and Nanny Zheng, was A Yuan’s memorial tablet.

She wanted her lady to share in her joy.

"Chang Yuan is dependable and patient with you. I’ll have peace of mind knowing he’ll look after you." A Yuan smiled after listening.

"But what about *you*, my lady?"

Who would protect her?

Chun Tao’s heart clenched with sorrow. Now, her lady’s standing was beneath even a former concubine’s. Would she spend her life with the young master, nameless and unseen?

"A Man is all I need. I don’t dare ask for anything else."

A Yuan had made her peace with it. Since she couldn't escape Wei Xun, she would strive to live her life well.

"My lady, you’ll always have me."

Chun Tao squeezed her hand, earnest. "Chun Tao will stay by your side too."

A Yuan’s eyes welled up, tears threatening to fall. "Good."

No matter how difficult life became, at least she still had loved ones by her side.

......

After seeing Chun Tao to Osmanthus Lane, Chang Yuan returned to the neighboring courtyard.

Wei Xun waited by the wall and ordered in a low voice, "Let Chun Tao remain and care for her. You and I will go to Shu."

"Yes."

Shu—home of Marquis Yongyi.

Xiao Ce, Marquis Yongyi, had just finished breakfast with his wife when a servant announced the arrival of Wei Xun, the heir of Marquis Anning.

His brow flickered. He took a damp cloth and tenderly wiped Madam Xiao’s hands, then tucked away the loose strands of hair at her temples. He murmured, "Yu'er, I’ll be back shortly. Play cat’s cradle with the girls to pass the time?"

"Alright, but husband must come back soon."

Madam Xiao clutched his sleeve, timid, her childlike eyes filled with attachment.

Xiao Ce’s chest tightened with fondness. "Of course. Yu'er, count the threads—I’ll be back by the time you finish."

"Mm, Yu'er will count." Madam Xiao released his sleeve, letting him leave. Xiao Ce glanced at the maid. "Take good care of your mistress."

"Yes."

......

In the front courtyard, Wei Xun rose and bowed upon hearing footsteps outside. "Hengzhi greets Uncle Xiao."

"Why come to Shu? An order from the Emperor?"

Though Xiao Ce and Marquis Wei held the same noble rank, Xiao Ce had no children and avoided worldly affairs—so much so that even the Emperor rarely remembered him.

Wei Xun shook his head. "Hengzhi has come to seek your help."

His deference made Xiao Ce curious. "Speak. If this marquis can assist, I won’t refuse."

"Hengzhi loves a woman, but my mother rejects her for her low birth. Yet I cannot live without her. Thus, I beg you to recognize her as your daughter..."

"Absolutely impossible!" Xiao Ce's face darkened as he stood abruptly. "This marquis has only one daughter—Dan Yang. No one else can or should take her place!"

Wei Xun had anticipated his reaction. He rose as well and stated his condition. "Hengzhi knows how to heal Aunt Xiao’s mind."

"Crash!"

The teacup on the table fell, and Xiao Ce fixed him with an intense gaze, "Are you telling the truth?"

He and Madam Xiao had married young. In the second year of their marriage, they had a daughter named Xiao Dan Yang.

However, when Dan Yang was three years old, a servant took her to see the lanterns, only to encounter a temple fire. Dan Yang was separated from the servant and was never found again.

Madam Xiao, consumed by grief, lost her mind, becoming like a child.

Xiao Ce, devastated by the loss of his beloved daughter and burdened with caring for his wife, petitioned the emperor to return to his fief.

Now, hearing that Wei Xun had a way to restore Madam Xiao’s sanity, how could he not be desperate?

"Absolutely true! The renowned healer is already on his way."

This renowned healer was someone Wei Xun had met when he was trying to save A Yuan. Though A Yuan was never found, the healer continued wandering the world.

Recently, upon hearing the healer had arrived in Shu, Wei Xun saw his chance.

"Good! If he can truly cure my wife, I’ll accept that daughter as my own!"

Xiao Ce made the decision, and half his anxiety lifted.

"Hengzhi thanks Uncle Xiao."

Three days later, the renowned healer arrived.

Nearing seventy, with graying hair, he was nonetheless vigorous in spirit, radiating an otherworldly presence.

In the back courtyard of the estate, Xiao Ce kept only the few servants who attended Madam Xiao closely.

Having lived secluded in the inner quarters for years, Madam Xiao had not seen outsiders for years. Frightened by the stranger, she hid behind her husband.

"My lord, I’m afraid."

Seeing his beloved wife’s frightened, childlike look, Xiao Ce’s heart ached. He gently stroked her back, "Don’t fear, my jade. The healer is here to treat you. Once you’re cured, you’ll remember everything. So, be good for me, alright?"

"Remember everything?" Madam Xiao looked up at him with wide, confused eyes, "Will I remember Dan Yang too?"