Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

Madam Pei lowered her eyes and clenched the handkerchief in her hand.

Fourth Sister gently touched her hand and whispered, "Mother, Sister Liu is a good person."

Finally, she raised her wine glass and said to Liu Wenying:

"Miss Liu, I was narrow-minded before. I toast you with this glass of wine."

Everyone was slightly surprised. Madam Pei was such a proud person that she would apologize and toast a junior in public.

Liu Wenying quickly stood up and picked up her wine glass: "Master and Madam, you flatter me."

The two drank together, finishing their cup in one gulp.

Fourth Sister's eyes sparkled, and she stood up as well.

"Sister Liu, I also salute you! If it weren't for you, Third Brother..."

As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears. "Anyway, thank you!"

Madam Pei watched quietly. Liu Wenying had taken care of her when she was ill, but she never expected that it would be Liu Wenying who saved the Pei family from collapse.

Now that the Pei family has been revitalized, she has become an honored guest, and even her arrogant daughter-in-law toasts her in public.

Madam Pei stood up

As soon as she stood up, no one in the entire hall dared to remain seated.

"Wenying, I have lived for decades and seen many people, but I have never seen anyone as courageous and kind-hearted as you."

"This cup of wine is for you, to thank you for saving Jun'er, to thank you for helping the Pei family, and even more so for your integrity."

Liu Wenying's eyes welled up with tears.

She raised her cup with both hands and bowed, saying, "Madam, you flatter Wenying."

After the banquet, the moonlight was as smooth as silk.

As the noise gradually subsided, the lanterns under the eaves twirled in the evening breeze, casting dappled light on the bluestone path.

Just as Xue Bi was about to leave the mansion, he saw a person standing under the wisteria trellis.

The man was dressed in a dark brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist. He was tall and straight, and it was Pei Dingxuan, who had just inherited the title of Duke of Yu.

"Young Master Xue, please wait."

Xue Bi paused, slightly surprised.

His interactions with Pei Dingxuan could be counted on one hand.

Xue Bi cupped his hands and tentatively asked, "Master Pei, no, you are now the Duke, what business do you have with me?"

Pei Dingxuan gestured for Xue Bi to come closer, and the two of them stood under the wisteria trellis that was in full bloom.

"His Majesty has bestowed upon you a thousand taels of gold; are you satisfied?"

Xue Bi raised an eyebrow: "I am naturally grateful for His Majesty's generous reward."

"But some things money can't buy. You have talent, and you shouldn't confine yourself to the countryside."

Xue Bi smiled and said, "There's no such thing as a free lunch. What does Your Excellency expect me to offer in exchange for such a high regard?"

A night breeze swept by, and wisteria petals fluttered down.

"Leave Wenying."

Xue Bi frowned. He suddenly realized something and glanced at the moon gate not far away.

There were shadowy figures there, like Pei Zeyu.

The two brothers, one openly discussed it, while the other secretly observed.

They're truly a family, united in their xenophobia; they've certainly put on a convincing act.

"What does Your Excellency mean by this?"

Pei Dingxuan took a step forward, the moonlight elongating his shadow.

"Young Master Xue, I know you and Wenying are in love, but you two are not suitable for each other."

Pei Dingxuan continued, his tone growing more serious, "Moreover, His Majesty appreciates your talent. If you wish to serve in the court, I can recommend you to gain experience in the provinces first. With your abilities, you will surely distinguish yourself within three years."

Xue Bi's heart stirred; he decided to become an official.

He had thought about it a million times.

The Xue family was once a family of officials, but due to choosing the wrong side, the family fell into decline, and the parents died in depression.

Over the years, how could he not harbor hatred in his heart? How could he not long for justice for the Xue family?

But... that old case involved a former minister from the late emperor's time.

Now, those people have either retired or passed away.

The remaining few of Xiao Chenlin's followers were either demoted or purged after the new emperor ascended the throne.

With hatred gone, it's time for him to fight for himself.

Now that a new dynasty has been established and everything is renewed, it is the perfect time for men to make their mark and achieve great things.

What is a thousand taels of gold? What he wants is for the Xue family to be innocent, and for his parents' spirits in heaven to rest in peace.

Xue Bi's tone softened, "What the Duke said makes sense, I..."

Before he could finish speaking, a charming and lively woman's laughter suddenly came from the other end of the courtyard.

"Hey! Luo Luo, slow down!"

"Ye'er, don't you dare steal your sister's sweet cake!"

Xue Bi looked in the direction of the sound.

Under the crabapple tree, two toddlers, about two or three years old, were playfully fighting.

The one in the pink shirt is Luo Luo, with two little pigtails, and she runs like a toddling little sparrow.

The one in the blue jacket is Ye'er, a chubby-cheeked boy. If he can't grab something, he plops down on the ground.

Beside the stone bench, Liu Wenying held Jichuan in her arms, with Wen Jingshu sitting beside her.

The moonlight fell perfectly on Wenying's face.

Today she wore a sky-blue dress with a moon-white gauze over it.

Perhaps it was from drinking a few glasses of fruit wine at the banquet, for her cheeks were flushed with a faint blush.

At this moment, she was looking at Luo Luo and the others, her eyebrows curving into gentle crescent moons.

Ji Chuan was fair-skinned and delicate, her little hands tightly gripping Wen Ying's clothes.

With his other hand, he reached out towards the two children playing over there, making little noises as if he wanted to join in the fun.

"Does Jichuan want to play too?"

Liu Wenying lifted Jichuan up a little so the child could see better, then turned her head and said something to Wen Jingshu.

Wen Jingshu covered her mouth and laughed.

She smiled too, the smile spreading from the corners of her lips to her entire face, even her eyes filled with starlight.

She felt as if she were draped in a soft veil, warm, bright, tranquil, and beautiful.

Xue Bi was mesmerized.

He recalled their first meeting; he was having a headache because of his mischievous children, and it was she who immediately came to his rescue.

In Zhuangzi's accounting room, he organized the accounts, and she practiced calligraphy. They lived in peace and harmony, just like the simple joys of life.

The household affairs were busy, often lasting until late at night. She would bring him a bowl of noodles and a soft couch that had been prepared for him.

Even those who walk alone in the pitch-black night long for the dawn.

Now his day has finally dawned.

"Young Master Xue?" Pei Dingxuan's voice pulled him back to reality.

Xue Bi turned his head, and Pei Dingxuan awaited his reply.

Not far away, the shadow behind the moon gate moved.

"I appreciate your kindness, Duke."

He cupped his hands and gave a proper salute.

"I'm just used to a leisurely life and can't stand the constraints of officialdom. The gold His Majesty has bestowed upon me is enough for me to buy a house in the capital, acquire a few acres of land, and live a carefree life."

Pei Dingxuan frowned slightly: "Are you really willing to accept this?"

Xue Bi looked up at the night sky, where the Milky Way shone brightly.

"My parents always taught me to look forward, and besides..."

My gaze involuntarily drifted back to the crabapple tree.

Liu Wenying was holding Jichuan's little hand and gently waving it towards Luoluo and Ye'er, softly saying, "Jichuan, play with your older sister and brother."

A gentle evening breeze blew by, ruffling the stray hairs at her temples.

Xue Bi withdrew his gaze and said frankly to Pei Dingxuan:

"Moreover, some people and matters are far more important than the Xue family's old case, and Mr. Xue is unwilling to leave the capital to serve as an official."

"In that case, I will not insist. However, if Young Master Xue changes his mind, he may come to my residence at any time."

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

Xue Bi cupped his hands in greeting again, but instead of heading out of the mansion, he walked towards where Liu Wenying was.

If his parents are watching from heaven, they would be pleased to see that he can let go of the past, protect the people he wants to protect, and live freely.

The purple petals that had fallen from her shoulder were scattered by the wind. Xue Bi came to Liu Wenying's side and blended into the harmonious scene.

…………