The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity

Chapter 833 - 791: Courting Favor (Third Update)

The Princely Heir of the Western Marquis Mansion, Xu Shu, has been detained by the household guards of the Princess Qing Shui Mansion.

Speaking of this Eldest Princess, one must mention the late Emperor.

The Eldest Princess Qing Shui was the half-sister of the late Emperor. She once saved the drowning late Emperor when she was young, and after the late Emperor ascended to the throne, he cherished her deeply.

Unfortunately, this Eldest Princess had ill fortune, having married three husbands in succession who all met untimely deaths, and thus she gained a reputation for being a jinx to her husbands.

Her fourth husband, the current Prince Consort, was a businessman who had been previously married, but his first wife passed away early, leaving behind a son, Feng Chuan.

At that time, the Eldest Princess Qing Shui had no other choice but to become his second wife, and upon marrying in, she became an instant stepmother.

The life-saving grace from childhood was remembered by the late Emperor for a lifetime.

While the late Emperor was alive, besides receiving land entitlements, the Eldest Princess Qing Shui would also receive a considerable sum from the palace each year for her upkeep.

Whenever Prince Consort Feng faced financial difficulties or losses in his business, or when Feng Chuan incurred heavy gambling debts, it was always the Eldest Princess Qing Shui who provided support.

It could be said that the money she received each year supported the entire family.

However, due to the unsavory reputation of her youth and her position as a second wife to a businessman, the Eldest Princess Qing Shui kept a low profile for many years, never taking any initiative to make waves.

Who would have thought that someone who was always so low-key to the point of being almost non-existent would cause such an uproar the moment she stepped forward?

So why did it cause a stir?

It was said that one day Xu Shu drank while on patrol and violated the daughter-in-law of the Eldest Princess Qing Shui, who was Feng Chuan’s legitimate wife, Mrs. Li.

Feng Chuan found out about the incident and felt humiliated, so in a fit of anger, he had Xu Shu detained, threatening to report it to his stepmother, the Eldest Princess, and seek justice before Your Majesty.

...

Western Marquis Mansion.

Upon hearing the news, Song Fang turned pale with anxiety, "Impossible! My husband is not that kind of person; he would never do such a thing. Besides, it’s the national mourning period, and the common people are prohibited from drinking. Our mansion has always adhered to a vegetarian diet. He hadn’t been drinking, so how could he have been in a drunken state and taken liberties with Mrs. Feng?"

Xu Jia also couldn’t understand how her good-natured brother got involved with the Princess Qing Shui Mansion, the aunt of Your Majesty. Even if her brother was justified, if the Eldest Princess really went to the palace to seek justice, it would be hard for the Emperor not to side with her out of familial affection.

Should that truly happen, once her brother’s accusations were confirmed, not only would he lose his position at the Five Cities Military Department, but he might also lose even his title of Princely Heir, leaving his future in ruin.

Thinking of this, Xu Jia’s expression turned grim, "Sister-in-law, don’t worry just yet. I will send someone to investigate thoroughly. This matter happened too suddenly; there might be a misunderstanding that needs to be clarified first."

Song Fang, feeling lost and at her wit’s end, held Xu Jia’s hand with hopeful eyes upon hearing her reassurance. "Jiajia, please arrange for more people to investigate carefully. You must find a way to save your brother. Also, let’s keep this from Mother for now to prevent her from worrying; I will go back to my maternal home and ask my third brother for help. He is a teacher to Your Majesty, and if the Eldest Princess really lodges a complaint at court, having my third brother’s intervention might offer a chance for mediation. If worst comes to worst, I’ll seek the help of the Princess Guardian. She is the sister of the Eldest Princess Qing Shui; perhaps she could mediate and prevent the situation from worsening."

"I appreciate your efforts, Sister-in-law." Xu Jia sighed, feeling sorry that her sister-in-law was frequently running back to her maternal home for family matters. She wondered if they were displeased with these frequent visits. However, at this point, there seemed to be no recourse other than seeking help from various people. For this, she said, "I’ll take care of things at home. Rest assured, Sister-in-law, and be cautious on the road."

After comforting Song Fang for a while, Xu Jia stepped out of the room, dispatching the smart maids and servants from the mansion to gather information all over.

After a short while, the dispatched people returned, reporting that at Zhu Chao Street, many people saw Mrs. Feng in disheveled clothes, crying as she ran out of Shiban Alley, with the Young Master following behind.

Xu Jia frowned, "How can they conclude that my brother violated her just from that?"

One of the maids replied, "Mrs. Feng admitted it herself." She added, "But encountering the Princess Qing Shui Mansion, this matter might not be easy to resolve. The master is not at home; miss, what should we do?"

What to do? Naturally, find a way to uncover the truth and clear her brother’s name, rescuing him.

However, the servants mentioned that many people saw Mrs. Feng in a disheveled state running out of the alley.

Rumors are fiercer than tigers, spreading into ten different lurid versions when passed through ten mouths. The longer it drags on, the more unfavorable it is for her brother.

Xu Jia pondered over it but still couldn’t understand what benefit detaining her brother would bring to the Princess Qing Shui Mansion.

At this moment, her close maid, Mo Xiang, suggested, "Miss, why don’t we seek help from Master Yun?"

She always felt that Master Yun had a special regard for her miss, although she couldn’t quite pinpoint what was so special about it.

But Master Yun was indeed extraordinary; seeking his help would surely uncover the truth quickly.

Xu Jia, previously overwhelmed with urgency, had momentarily forgotten about Yun Huai.

But as soon as I thought about asking him, I didn’t know how to begin. I already owed him several favors before and hadn’t repaid them yet. Would he agree to help me again? Would he find me annoying?

After wrestling with her thoughts for a while, Xu Jia decided to just go anyway. After all, her brother’s reputation was important, and she couldn’t let the people from the Princess Qing Shui Mansion report the matter to the imperial court.

With this in mind, she took Mo Xiang and went to Yun Huai’s house on the back street, asking Mo Xiang to knock on the door.

After knocking for quite a while, no one came to open the door.

Mo Xiang hesitantly looked at Xu Jia, "Miss, it seems there’s no one home."

"Then forget it." Xu Jia told her to return, just as she was preparing to leave, when she turned and saw Yun Huai walking over with Yun Shisan, who was carrying a bamboo basket.

Upon seeing that ethereal figure, Xu Jia’s heart inexplicably began racing. She didn’t even know why she was flustered, and momentarily forgot the purpose of her visit.

"Are you looking for me?"

Yun Huai stopped in front of them, his gaze shifting to them.

Seeing that Xu Jia remained silent, Mo Xiang took the initiative to speak, "Our Young Master was detained by people from the Princess Qing Shui Mansion. It’s a mysterious affair, and my lady has come to ask Master Yun to help investigate the truth."

Mo Xiang’s voice pulled Xu Jia’s thoughts back to reality, and she nodded in agreement, "I have indeed come because of my brother’s matter."

Yun Huai listened, remained silent for a moment, then said three words, "Come inside."

Xu Jia: "...I’m in a hurry."

With her brother still detained at the Princess Mansion, how could she have the leisure to go in and sit?

Yun Huai turned, took the bamboo basket from Yun Shisan, and casually handed it to Xu Jia, speaking rather naturally, "Usually, when others ask for my help, they are extraordinarily attentive."

Xu Jia looked down to find that the bamboo basket contained a fresh fish and several seasonal vegetables.

Yun Huai went grocery shopping with Shisan???

Why did she suddenly feel like a deity had descended to earth?

Mo Xiang glanced at her lady, "How about I handle this for you?"

As she spoke, she reached out to take the bamboo basket.

Xu Jia was tempted to hand the task over to Mo Xiang to enjoy some leisure, but she felt a bit embarrassed. After all, she owed Yun Huai so many favors, making him a meal seemed reasonable?

Besides, it looked like Yun Huai hadn’t eaten yet.

Xu Jia carried the bamboo basket, followed Yun Huai into the house, and went straight to the kitchen, where she got Mo Xiang and the cook, Nanny Ji, to assist her. She rolled up her sleeves and began preparing a meal for Yun Huai.

Having not cooked for a long time, Xu Jia felt a bit rusty, but fortunately, her original culinary skills were still there. It didn’t take too long before she served the dishes on the table.

Yun Huai was already seated at the table, just waiting for her to serve the rice and hand over the chopsticks.

Having been a pampered lady for so many years, this was the first time Xu Jia was serving someone. Following Yun Huai’s suggestion, she put on a show of utmost diligence, serving the dishes while Yun Huai accepted the rice bowl and she stood by to serve more food.

When Yun Huai ate, he was exceptionally quiet, so much so that even the sound of chopsticks touching the bowl was nearly inaudible, let alone any chewing sounds.

Yun Shisan didn’t dare utter a single word, and Mo Xiang, being resourceful, kept as silent as a wooden stump, standing still and watching her lady serve as a maid.

While serving the dishes, Xu Jia suddenly glanced at Yun Huai out of the corner of her eye, feeling quite impressed.

Being able to dine with such grace in this shabby place was truly an unprecedented sight.

She must have been in a daze for too long because when she regained her senses, she found Yun Huai had already put down his bowl and chopsticks, the small bowl was spotless, not a grain of rice left, although he had only eaten half of the vegetables.

Xu Jia suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and asked him, "Is it that my cooking is so bad that Master Yun can hardly swallow it?"

Yun Shisan fetched some water, as Yun Huai leaned over the basin rack to wash his hands, and responded blandly, "I ate too fast earlier, couldn’t really taste it, maybe next time!"

Xu Jia: "..."