Young widow in her boudoir

When news of Pei Zhiheng and Su Yao's garden visit reached the Eastern Palace, Yin Qinrong indeed smashed her favorite glass crown adorned with twelve flower goddesses.

Yin Qinrong was originally the one who brought the two together, but she changed her mind halfway through. Su Yao had long coveted Pei Zhiheng, so she broke free from Yin Qinrong's control long ago.

The bond between Yin Qinrong and Su Yao, once so strong, has long since soured, leaving an awkward and subtle atmosphere.

But none of these storms reached the Green Wutong Courtyard in the backyard.

After Xie Rutang finished embroidering the handkerchief, she continued to paint with peace of mind. A weight was lifted from her heart, and she knew that Pei Zhiheng and the Crown Princess's love entanglement would no longer affect her.

She was unaware that Pei Zhiheng had lost a blanket last night; the man's desires were far stronger than she had imagined.

Xie Rutang's father-in-law had always been devoted to Taoist cultivation and had been in seclusion for a whole month before emerging from seclusion today. However, her father-in-law was already in poor health, and Xie Rutang dared not neglect the morning and evening greetings, fearing that her mother-in-law would find fault with her. So, in the afternoon, she went to the main room to serve her parents-in-law.

A faint fragrance of cinnamon wafted from the main room, mixed with the smell of medicine, which was somewhat unpleasant.

My father-in-law, dressed in a worn brown Taoist robe, looked even more serious than before his seclusion, his eyes filled with the weariness of someone who hadn't seen the sun in a long time. He was leaning against a large cushioned pillow, his figure quite bloated. His thick, fat fingers slowly turned a string of peach wood prayer beads.

The curtain was lifted by the maid.

Xie Rutang entered and bowed slightly, her appearance impeccable. "Your daughter-in-law greets father-in-law and mother-in-law. I have been thinking of you since I heard that you have finished your seclusion, so I have come to pay my respects."

Her father-in-law wasn't particularly warm towards her. "You're here, have a seat."

It was a big deal for her father-in-law to emerge from seclusion. Ye Wanyu had already been in the house to pay her respects. "Father-in-law, you have been in seclusion for a month. I wonder if your cultivation is going smoothly? I recently found a rare Taoist scripture. If you can use it, I will send it over another day."

In contrast, Xie Rutang appeared somewhat wooden. She stood there silently, like a magnolia quietly blooming in the corner. Ye Wanyu went up to flatter her, but she didn't say a word.

Ye Wanyu sneered inwardly; this sister-in-law was utterly ignorant.

When Shen Yuan was still alive, Xie Rutang didn't have to do these things because Shen Yuan doted on her and wouldn't even let her get wet when making soup.

But now?

Shen Yuan is long dead!

Did Xie Rutang really think she could still be pampered in the Shen family, not having to think about anything, with someone outside protecting her from the wind and rain?!

If she continues to be so dull-witted, she doesn't believe her in-laws won't get angry.

Ye Wanyu smiled, waiting to see what would happen next.

If Xie Rutang hadn't stolen her love and taken away her marriage to Shen Yuan, she would have been the first wife of the Shen family, instead of being forced to marry the cowardly Shen Wen.

Previously, whenever something happened to the Shen family, she, as the wife, had to be the first to clean up the mess. In the dead of night, she slept in the same bed with Shen Wen, fully clothed, but Ye Wanyu still felt lonely. She hated that she had married a man who knew nothing. What difference was there between her and being a widow?

At that time, she envied Xie Rutang, who was protected by her brother-in-law and only had to think about what jewelry to wear and what skirt to wear every day. Jealousy made her eyes red.

The mother-in-law's gaze immediately fell on Xie Rutang, her voice clearly audible throughout the room, "Look at Wanyu, how devoted she is. And you, what are you standing there for?!"

"Your father-in-law only emerged from a month-long seclusion. Such a momentous matter, yet he didn't utter a single comforting word. Now that Yuancheng is gone, you must take even better care of his parents on his behalf."

Seeing the gloating in her sister-in-law's eyes, Xie Rutang said calmly, "It was my oversight, not as thoughtful as my sister-in-law. I heard that my father-in-law was in seclusion and was exhausted, so I specially brought a bowl of American ginseng soup, which is very good for replenishing vital energy. I just kept it warm outside, and now I'll have the maid bring it in."

She knew that this was the occasion when Ye Wanyu would put on a show and claim credit. Since Ye Wanyu had offered the Taoist scriptures as a tribute, she made soup for her.

She stepped forward and lifted the lid of the soup bowl, and her father-in-law's expression softened.

The old lady was taken aback when she saw that she could come up with another filial gift so quickly. She paused for a moment, then said coldly, "It's good that you still remember to be filial, but don't just do it for show."

Ye Wanyu's expression remained unchanged.

Seeing her father-in-law being served soup by a maid and receiving a compliment, Xie Rutang finally loosened her clenched fingers.

After Shen Yuan left, Ye Wanyu targeted her at every opportunity, forcing her to be on guard every day. Fortunately, she made it through today safely.

At this moment, the curtain was lifted by a cold, white, and warm hand. Pei Zhiheng was still at the Shen family today, so he came over, while Su Yao had already returned to the Su family by carriage.

According to those below, Pei Zhiheng only stayed with Miss Su for a quarter of an hour before taking his leave on the grounds of having other business to attend to. Su Yao could not insist that he stay by her side any longer, lest she lose her composure as a young lady.

He had come to see Xie Rutang's father-in-law. He was dressed in a brocade robe, but not in his official robes today. He had shed his previous intimidating coldness. His phoenix eyes were narrow and long, and he looked as cold as an immortal. His wide sleeves fluttered in the wind, and his whole body exuded an air of nobility and power.

He came in and first greeted the two elders, then the two sisters-in-law. He didn't glance at Xie Rutang, but instead sat down.

The old lady watched Xie Rutang pour tea for her and her father-in-law. Her perpetually drooping lips gave her a harsh look, but at this moment, she smiled contentedly as she raised the corners of her lips.

Xie Rutang borrowed a child, but she was still the daughter-in-law of the Shen family and would obediently stay in the Shen family for the rest of her life. Pei Zhiheng obviously had no interest in Xie Rutang.

This is exactly what the old lady wants most. In this way, Xie Rutang will pose no threat to her and will still uphold the virtues of a wife. Her heart will still belong to her own son, so Xie Rutang will be willing to stay at home to serve her elders and take care of the children.

Even though Xie Rutang was dressed elegantly, the old lady wanted to set some rules for her. "Your father-in-law has not been feeling well lately. From now on, you, as his eldest daughter-in-law, will personally brew his medicine and deliver it to his room after it is ready."

Her tone left no room for negotiation.

Her father-in-law was old and difficult to take care of, and had a strange temper, often throwing things. Hearing this, Ye Wanyu, who was massaging her shoulders nearby, secretly rejoiced that she had almost been given this task. She had no desire to serve her father-in-law medicine.

Just then, Xie Rutang's father-in-law's several Taoist robes hadn't been washed yet, so the old lady had a maid bring them over.

"Rutang, you've come at the right time. Take these Taoist robes of your father-in-law back, wash them, dry them, and then bring them back."

Xie Rutang raised her head in disbelief.

This is an old custom passed down from ancient times. Whether it is a humble family or a prestigious family, a daughter-in-law must wash her parents-in-law's clothes and shoes. This is also a test to see if she is obedient. Only by doing this can a daughter-in-law appear to be filial and her reputation for virtue spread, earning praise from every family.

The maidservant had already handed the Taoist robes to her, but she did not take them, instead feeling a deep sense of humiliation.