Chapter 39 How Could I Let Him Gloat

Chapter 39: No Way Would She Let Him Gloat

But wouldn't you know it—when Yang Xingxian and his servant got back to the residence, they found that Xi Qianyue still hadn't returned.

Achang hated seeing his master so down, so he coaxed him again: "The young mistress knows what she's doing. Maybe she's got some other big surprises for you."

Yang Xingxian figured that made sense, and his mood picked right up.

Even when Liu Mei came to wait on him, he waved her off.

No joke—now that his wife had finally come around, if he slipped up even a little on his end, what if that firecracker started roaring again?

That afternoon, after Qi Jing finished teaching Xun Geer, he spotted Xi Qianyue waiting for him in the courtyard.

Zeng Shi had a swing set put in the courtyard so Xun Geer could have fun after his lessons.

This time, it was Xi Qianyue sitting on it, her feet swinging gently, her light green skirt sweeping across the grass, the embroidered butterflies on her shoes looking like they might just fly off.

She looked like some kind of woodland spirit.

Qi Jing froze for a second, then snapped out of it, his face turning a little red.

He stepped forward, gave a cupped-fist salute, and chatted with Xi Qianyue about Xun Geer's studies.

"I feel completely at ease knowing Xun Geer is studying under you. Plus, I've got some good news for you."

Qi Jing didn't have much experience with women. Seeing Xi Qianyue smile softly, her long lashes fluttering like little fans, she looked as sweet and innocent as a young girl—

He suddenly realized that even though Miss Xi was married, she was still just a young girl—only sixteen, right?

He tried hard to keep his voice and expression normal, and replied with a smile: "And what good news would that be?"

"I really appreciate you being willing to teach my little brother. Now, I've got a chance to get guidance from the Great Scholar Yancan, and I can give that chance to you."

Qi Jing exclaimed: "Is that true?"

Xi Qianyue was happy with his reaction and smiled: "That's right!"

After the first rush of excitement, Qi Jing got confused: "But, Miss Xi, why would you give me such an amazing chance? You know, any scholar in the capital would do just about anything to get guidance from the Great Scholar Yancan."

"Of course, I hope you'll pass the imperial exams. And even if you pass and become an official, I hope you'll keep teaching my little brother."

Qi Jing laughed at himself for being so dumb—what other reason could Miss Xi have? Obviously, it was for her little brother!

"I promise you, I'll do everything I can to teach Xun Geer well!"

"Great. Go get your essays ready, and this afternoon I'll go with you to the Great Scholar Yancan's place. I figure you'll be busy, so I won't keep you for lunch."

Qi Jing smiled and bowed deeply: "Miss Xi, you're a real straight shooter."

Xi Qianyue smiled and waved her hand, telling Qing Bi to push the swing higher.

Qi Jing couldn't hide the joy on his face.

Hearing Xi Qianyue's bright laughter behind him, he was so happy he could've rolled around on the ground twice.

Amao knew this was a big deal and was happy for his young master too.

Xun Geer was really close to Xi Qianyue. Seeing his big sister on the swing, he wanted to join in.

Xi Qianyue scooped him up, told the maid to push them higher, and asked him, "Scared?"

"Nope," the kid answered right away. "With big sister holding me, I'm not scared at all."

Zeng Shi watched the two siblings with a big smile, her heart melting.

She'd once worried about her daughter's life after marrying into the marquis's family, but now her daughter had grown into such a confident, easygoing person, and she was so close with her brother—what more could she want?

"You two must be hot. Come have some fruit."

The siblings played a while longer before going to eat the fruit.

Zeng Shi hesitated: "Yue'er, I've heard something these past couple days—about Daimiao Temple..."

"Yeah, that was me," Xi Qianyue said without trying to hide it. "Not only did I win over Elder Meng Fu and the Great Scholar Yancan, I also put my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law in their place."

When Xi Qianyue told her what happened, Zeng Shi had mixed feelings.

"I can see now that those people in the marquis's household aren't easy to get along with. But aren't you worried that things will get really hard for you in that household?"

"Mom, don't worry about me. Now that I have a proper younger brother, the worst that can happen is I get a divorce and come back home. Don't worry, I don't want a divorce either, but I'm not going to let anyone push me around. They still need my money in that house—no matter how much they hate me, they can't touch me."

To put Zeng Shi at ease, Xi Qianyue gave her a rough idea of what her life was like in the marquis's residence.

Nanny Li saw Zeng Shi was still worried, so she spoke up: "Young Miss, the mistress is worried that this might affect things between you and your husband... Right now you've got the upper hand, but if in the future the young master passes the imperial exams and inherits the title, then you... Besides, men can take concubines."

Nanny Li trailed off, suddenly struck with alarm.

Would the young miss end up walking the same path as the mistress?

Xi Qianyue was taken aback. She wanted to say that such a situation would never arise—she simply would not let that husband of hers rise. If he wanted to revive the family's fortunes, he would first need her approval.

She had come to rewrite his ending—how could she possibly let him be pleased with himself?

But seeing the earnest gazes of Zeng Shi and Nanny Li, she didn't know what to say.

She could only force a dry laugh: "Don't worry, I have everything under control. Mom, I also hold leverage over their family—what that leverage is, I won't say for now. In short, this leverage will keep me safe. Put your minds at ease."

Zeng Shi grew even more worried—it sounded like her daughter truly had them under her thumb and held leverage over them. How could that not be dangerous?

"Mom, look at me now—free and easy, isn't that wonderful?"

Zeng Shi pondered for a long while: "Daughter, if you truly aren't happy in that marquis's household, then let's have you divorced. I'll find you a good match... even if it's not in the capital, we can go to your maternal grandfather's place. This matter was originally my fault."

Xi Qianyue sighed inwardly again—how touching was a mother's love.

In this environment, Zeng Shi dared to directly suggest divorce for her daughter, just so she could live a happy life.

"I won't divorce now, truly, I'm doing quite well. If I ever truly run into trouble, rest assured, I won't hide it from you—I'll come to you for advice."

Only then did Zeng Shi relax a little.

What mother-in-law wouldn't want her son-in-law to succeed? But seeing her daughter's current state of life, she would rather her son-in-law never amount to anything, just let her daughter keep the upper hand...

After the meal, Xi Qianyue returned to the marquis's residence. As she entered the courtyard, she found Yang Xingxian sitting in her parlor with a smile on his face.

Xi Qianyue found it baffling and scolded the maid right in front of him: "What's going on? How did you let irrelevant people in here?"

Yang Xingxian's face darkened—this wasn't how he'd imagined it!

Achang put on a fawning smile: "Young mistress, the young master has been waiting for you for quite some time. Will you be dining together?"