Wei Luo glanced at Yin Hui, acknowledging that since he was the cause, pursuing his son’s fault wouldn’t be fair. He said indifferently, “When you’re in the palace, focus on your studies and avoid unnecessary concerns.”
Xiao Heng nodded respectfully. Wei Luo then proceeded to ask Xiao Xun questions. But because the young son was feeling a bit nervous, he got stuck twice.
At that moment, Wei Luo looked at Yin Hui again.
Although his wife didn’t continue to make excuses for their younger son, having already let their eldest son off, it wouldn’t be appropriate to criticize the younger one any further.
“Alright, let’s go back and rest.”
Xiao Heng and Xiao Xun relaxed, calling their sister to leave together.
Wei Luo followed Yin Hui to the backyard.
Yin Hui intended to continue sewing sachets, but considering the morning’s made-up excuse by Wei Luo that she heard from her daughter, she gave Wei Luo a glance, washed up, and lay down.
On the bed, Wei Luo hugged her and asked in a low voice, “Before dinner, were you overthinking?”
Yin Hui raised her eyebrows, saying, “What do you mean by overthinking?”
Wei Luo replied, “I casually asked about the location of my cousin’s house. But you said I cared about her.”
Yin Hui came to her senses and snorted, “I know you just asked casually. So, I said that to make your cousin happy, fearing she’d be scared by your cold demeanor and think you’re indifferent. Don’t worry about it.”
Wei Luo gazed into her eyes to ensure she genuinely felt that way and then said, “It’s been like this since she was a child. She should get used to it, and in the future, you don’t have to cover it up for me.”
Yin Hui responded, “Alright, I misjudged your cousin’s emotions for you. I handled it wrong.”
With a slight pout, Wei Luo pressed her lips lightly and added, “The mansion renovation wouldn’t be extensive, and my cousin can move out soon. You don’t need to bother yourself with it anymore.”
At that time, there will still be only five members of their family in the Shu Mansion.
The next day, Yin Hui took Wen Ruyue into the palace to express her gratitude.
Emperor Yongping had a busy schedule and couldn’t spare time to meet a County Lord, so the two went directly to Concubine Shun’s Xianfu Hall.
During the meeting, Concubine Shun and Wen Ruyue finally ceased their tears. Concubine Shun was greatly relieved that her niece now had a title and a mansion. Her main concern at this moment was Wen Ruyue’s health.
Indeed, Wei Luo had arranged for an Imperial Physician from the palace to examine Wen Ruyue. The Imperial Physician concurred with the mansion doctor’s assessment that Wen Ruyue was merely physically weak and could fully recover with three to five months of gradual adjustment. There were no serious issues.
Concubine Shun gave her daughter-in-law a complex look.
Yin Hui understood her mother-in-law’s concern about the offspring. She smiled and reassured her not to worry.
Concubine Shun felt completely relieved. Her niece was only twenty-five years old this year. With half a year of rest, she could remarry next year and have ample time to bear children.
“Regarding your mansion, did the Ministry of Industry mention when it will be repaired?” Concubine Shun inquired again.
Wen Ruyue replied with embarrassment, “They mentioned that it could be as early as mid-May. I will have to impose on my cousin and sister-in-law for more than half a month.”
Yin Hui smiled and responded, “Cousin, you are too kind. Half a month is nothing. I wish you could stay with us forever.”
Wen Ruyue felt a pang in her heart, noticing that aside from Xiao Ning, her cousin’s family didn’t seem very welcoming towards her. Regardless of what she did, she could only interact with her cousin during breakfast and dinner, when Yin Hui and Xiao Heng were also present. Moreover, her cousin didn’t seem particularly interested in spending much time with her.
Concubine Shun harbored no doubts about her daughter-in-law’s warmth. She treated her more affectionately and respectfully than her own son, without the airs of a wealthy lady.
“You can stay with your cousin and sister-in-law, so don’t think too much,” Concubine Shun reassured, patting her niece’s hand with a smile.
Wen Ruyue smiled.
—–
On the first day of May, Princess Gui successfully gave birth to the Emperor’s eleventh grandson.
On Xisan’s day, Yin Hui brought Xiao Ning to the Gui Mansion as a guest. Considering Wen Ruyue’s recent loss of her husband, it was expected that Yin Hui would bring her along; otherwise, it might raise eyebrows.
She arrived accompanied by the Eldest Princess and Ji Xianxian.
After stepping out of the carriage at the Gui Mansion, Ji Xianxian walked up to Yin Hui with a smirk, teasing, “Third Sister-in-law finally decided to grace us with her presence. I thought you’d prefer to stay in your mansion, entertaining that lovely and pitiful cousin girl.”
Yin Hui smiled in response, “The weather is warming up, and I wasn’t keen on going out at first. But could it be that the Second Sister-in-law has something exciting planned?”
Despite her irritation, she often indulged in shopping trips, all conveniently funded by the public account, much to Wei Yan’s annoyance.
“What’s all this about?” The Eldest Princess interjected.
Ji Xianxian hastily explained, “I was just saying that finally theThird Sister-in-law is willing to go out.”
The Princess glanced at Yin Hui, quietly acknowledging the fortunate circumstances of the Third Sister-in-law from a merchant family. The newcomer in her household might pose some trouble, particularly if Wen Ruyue, who was given a mansion by the palace, was to move out eventually. If not for Concubine Shun’s intervention, even if Wen Ruyue hadn’t become her housemate and continued residing in the Shu Palace, Yin Hui would have faced difficulties.
“Go in, we are probably the last ones to come,” the Eldest Princess said.
Yin Hui and Ji Xianxian both nodded.