The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 580 - 547: Wifely Virtue (Part 2)

Inside that box were not ordinary books, but rare, unique, and lost works that many people spent fortunes and effort trying to acquire without success.

No amount of gold could buy them.

Even Tang Yuan himself was astounded by the few books in the box. He could hardly believe it and looked at Song Wei, "Mr. Song, are these books really a gift for my wife?"

Song Wei smiled, "At that time, because we didn’t collect everything, the gift for Miss Xu’s wedding was somewhat modest. Adding to it now should not be considered too late, right?"

"But this is... too valuable."

Tang Yuan came from a family of scholars; he understood the value of these books more than anyone. Among them were two books he had once expended considerable resources to search for but to no avail.

Never did he imagine that at this banquet of the Song family, not only would he see them, but the host would also freely give them to him, oh no, to the Xu Family.

Although Song Wei said these books were collected by Wen Wan to give to Xu Jia, many understood that the items in the box were probably Song Wei’s own collection. He borrowed his wife’s name to avoid suspicion.

"The second lady of the Tang Family is indeed lucky." Someone lamented, "Each of these rare books is a priceless treasure!"

Having just one book is enough to make a family somewhat famous, let alone having five in the box.

What immense friendship and face must one have for Minister Song to be so generous?

First, the mechanical beast, and then the rare books that many desire but cannot obtain.

It makes people jealous to the point of madness!

Actually, these books were not solely the collection of Song Wei; he only owned two. The rest were coaxed from Emperor Guangxi.

To boost Xu Jia’s prestige, Song Wei indeed invested heavily. Of course, it wasn’t without reason; he sought to secure comfort for his younger sister at the General Mansion in exchange.

Xu Shu wasn’t completely ignorant; he had heard of some lost rare books during his time studying at the Imperial College, and now seeing them, he was greatly impressed by Song Wei.

As the guests were abuzz with excitement, Xu Shu covered his mouth slightly and asked Song Wei, "Such valuable items, are you sure you want to give them to my sister?"

He added, "Since it’s just for prestige, gifting one or two would suffice. Giving so many all at once makes me somewhat embarrassed."

Song Wei replied in a low voice: "You don’t understand how enticing these rare books are to Old Sir Tang. Once he hears about today’s happenings, he will certainly rush back non-stop. The Tang family is deep, and for Miss Xu to remain safe, she must have the Old Sir’s protection; otherwise..."

Otherwise, she could not contend with the one elsewhere in the family.

It was a coincidence that Song Wei discovered the unusual relationship between Tang Yuan and his sister-in-law.

Although he did not know the details, with his intellect, it wasn’t hard to deduce the gist by connecting various events. This made Tang Yuan’s initial eagerness to marry Miss Xu worthy of suspicion.

Xu Shu didn’t understand and asked him, "What do you mean?"

Song Wei explained, "The Tang family is prosperous and their inner residence not as straightforward as yours. Isn’t it better to have another person protect her?"

"That’s true." Xu Shu agreed, nodding, "Today’s matter counts as me owing you a favor, and whatever you need in the future, just say it. I will not hesitate to oblige."

"No other requests." Song Wei took a small sip of his drink, "Just let my sister have fewer worries."

"Alright, as you command." Xu Shu laughed.

Song Wei looked at him coolly, "Don’t just say it in words."

"I couldn’t possibly deceive you, could I?" Xu Shu raised an eyebrow, "You are my brother-in-law, your words are an imperial edict."

...

With the rare books personally gifted by Song Wei, Xu Jia became thoroughly famous at the Song Mansion’s full-month banquet.

During the dispersal, Song Wei kept his word and instructed someone to pack the mechanical beast for Tang Yuan to take home.

Besides expressing gratitude, Tang Yuan didn’t know what else to say.

In his past life, there had been no such event. At that time, Xu Jia, who was still at the other side of the banquet, didn’t even know she had become the object of many people’s envy, jealousy, and resentment. It was only when she met up with Tang Yuan and heard about it that she remained in shock for a while and personally thanked Song Wei.

Not long after, the three left the Song Mansion. Tang Yong, having received the mechanical beast, was satisfied and uncharacteristically did not cause any mischief after getting on the carriage.

Xu Jia carefully cradled the box, leaned against the sidewall, and lightly dozed off.

It was Tang Yuan whose mind was most unsettled.

He had only known Song Wei as the brother-in-law from the General Mansion, never knowing Song Madam and Xu Family’s relationship was so deep. Not to mention today’s few books, enough to make Xu Family renowned.

Perhaps the Old Sir would even rush back if he heard the news.

With the madam supporting at the front and the Old Sir’s backing at the rear, Xu Family’s status in this home would only become more stable.

Thinking of this, Tang Yuan massaged his throbbing temple, suddenly feeling a sense of powerlessness. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

He didn’t know why everything was slipping out of his control. Originally, he married just to appease his mother and to pave the way for Qingyu.

But now, the wife he planned to be a puppet was becoming more vivid and distinct, as if the puppet had gained a soul, completely beyond his control.

With both harboring thoughts, neither spoke a word all the way back to the Tang Mansion.

After letting Tang Yong play with the mechanical beast himself, Tang Yuan, as promised, had a few servants move his belongings to the Zilan Courtyard.

When Xu Jia returned from the bath in the purification room, she saw Tang Yuan directing the attendants to arrange a writing desk.

It seemed he was genuinely planning to move in permanently.

Xu Jia furrowed her brows slightly without a trace, gathered her damp hair behind her, and asked, "Has Second Master decided to really move back?"

With servants around, Tang Yuan didn’t say much. Only after they set up the writing desk and left did he respond, "I had promised you at the Song Mansion."

Xu Jia: "Does she know what you are doing?"

Tang Yuan replied coldly, "I am fulfilling my promise to you. Don’t forget what you promised me, that’s enough. Other matters shouldn’t concern you."

Xu Jia chuckled lightly, "You can promise me offspring, but I can’t interfere with your feelings for another. If those words were from me to you, could you accept it as calmly as I do?"

Tang Yuan was shocked, "What did you say?"

Xu Jia indifferently remarked, "I can bear children for you, but my heart may harbor someone else. Sometimes I might even meet him occasionally, can you not interfere?"

Tang Yuan pointed angrily at her, "Xu Family, I warn you, you’d better not do anything to wrong me, otherwise according to family rules, you will meet the proper end without exception!"

Xu Jia smirked slightly, "What about your beloved one?"

"What?"

"You ask me to uphold the virtues of a chaste woman, but what about her? Does she abide by the precepts for women? Is she a paragon of chastity? Does she adhere to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues? If not, how dare you consider her? If she does, why don’t you dare bring her in?"

Upon hearing these words, Tang Yuan’s handsome face turned white.