The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 700 - 662: Recognizing as a Younger Sister (Part 1)
Yuanbao had something on his mind, so he tossed and turned all night without closing his eyes.
The next morning, taking advantage of Zhao Xi not being up yet, Yuanbao asked one of the women sweeping the courtyard to help him row a boat to Jiangyun Pavilion to find Xue Yinhuan.
Seeing him, Xue Yinhuan was very surprised, "Young Master Song, what brings you here?"
"I have a few words I want to say to you," Yuanbao said while rubbing his somewhat frozen hands, "I’m freezing; can I come in and sit for a while?"
Xue Yinhuan was momentarily distracted, then sent away the maids and women around her, and invited Yuanbao into the side room.
Yuanbao sat on the couch, took the hot tea that Xue Yinhuan handed him, and casually asked, "I heard that my sister is discussing marriage; how is it going?"
Xue Yinhuan sat down opposite him, smiled at his words, "Why bring this up suddenly?"
Yuanbao said, "Naturally, I’m asking because I care about you."
Xue Yinhuan lowered her eyelashes, "I’ve only met the person twice in total, don’t really know much about their character yet, so there’s no plan to decide for now."
Yuanbao took a sip of tea, "I’m here today to tell my sister some things, and also to ask you a favor."
Xue Yinhuan said, "Just say it, it’s no trouble."
Yuanbao considered for a moment, "Although His Highness is traveling to Jiangnan under the guise of going incognito to conduct a private inspection, the truth is, he has only come to recuperate. You’re perceptive; you must have already seen it yesterday that he’s seriously ill and cannot recover soon."
Xue Yinhuan thought of Zhao Xi’s frail appearance yesterday and asked, "Why did he end up like that?"
Yuanbao sighed and shook his head, and then the events that happened in the palace were relayed in detail.
Finally, he reminded her, "I only told you alone, in the Yun Family, you must not leak these words, otherwise if outsiders find out, it could be disastrous for His Highness."
Xue Yinhuan imagined many possibilities but had never expected that Zhao Xi’s drastic change in temperament was due to a bedroom maid.
No wonder, when she was a prospective concubine, the nanny said that there were many concubines in the palace and what they cherished the most was the first one.
The maid named Wan Qiu, although low in status, was the first person to awaken the Crown Prince, a thousand-year iron tree. After spending a night with him, she died terribly; the Crown Prince is not a heartless person, so he was distressed by this and even developed a shadow.
"Dear sister..."
Yuanbao’s voice brought Xue Yinhuan back from her thoughts.
"What?" she asked.
"I’ve told you the reason; now, I want to ask you a favor."
...
Zhao Xi had nightmares all night last night, waking Eunuch Sanbao several times.
Zhao Xi only slept at the fifth watch, and when he awoke, it was already bright outside.
Jingchun Pavilion faced the water; morning fog lingered, giving a chilly feel. After grooming, Zhao Xi draped a cloak and went outside to have breakfast, yet he did not see Yuanbao and asked about it.
Eunuch Sanbao replied, "He was nowhere to be seen early in the morning, likely captivated by some lovely young maid on the estate."
"Pah!"
Before Eunuch Sanbao finished speaking, Yuanbao’s indignant voice rang out from outside, "No wonder people outside say I flirt and leave affection everywhere; turns out it’s you, the little eunuch, gossiping behind my back. Be careful; one day I might cut out your tongue, and we’ll see where you’ll gossip then!"
Eunuch Sanbao, unconvinced, glared at him, "Can you say you didn’t go looking for a girl?"
Yuanbao couldn’t be bothered to respond, snorted, and sat down, seeing Zhao Xi’s poor complexion, his eyebrows knitted, "Your Highness didn’t sleep well again last night?"
Eunuch Sanbao immediately returned to a serious demeanor, sighing, "He dreamed all night; this illness, it’s uncertain when it will get better."
"This can’t go on," Yuanbao said, "Shouldn’t we light some sleep-aiding incense? You may not be used to it, but sleeping soundly outweighs having nightmares."
Eunuch Sanbao also chimed in, "Your Highness, should we light some incense tonight? We haven’t slept well on the boat, and if you aren’t well rested when we arrive at the Yun Family, the Emperor surely will punish the Yun Family for not taking good care."
Zhao Xi could only grunt in agreement.
Seeing this, Yuanbao finally smiled mischievously, "I have more good news."
"What good news?" Zhao Xi looked at him. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Yuanbao said, "I just went to Jiangyun Pavilion to ask Miss Xue about her marriage. She said she’s found a candidate and might soon settle the marriage. But she has no parents and, despite her maternal family’s backing, she lacks confidence and must wait until the mourning period ends to marry. She fears being bullied due to her age."
Saying this, he deliberately looked at Zhao Xi, "Does Your Highness remember your words about protecting her then?"
"Of course, I remember."
Yuanbao suggested, "Why not support her openly in this marriage so she can marry in grand style and even if there are some marital disagreements, they won’t mistreat her. Do you think that’s good?"
Zhao Xi looked puzzled, "How to support?"
"That’s simple!" Yuanbao said, "A daughter’s confidence in her husband’s home comes from her dowry; Your Highness isn’t short of money. You provide her with estates, shops, and land property, buy a garden for her dowry. Best if you recognize her as your sister. The dowry can be used up, but the status lasts a lifetime. With Your Highness’s protection, her future days will only get better."
Zhao Xi hesitated for a moment, "Recognize her as a sister?"
"Yes," Yuanbao reiterated confidently, "Recognize her as a sister. This way, it fulfills your guilt towards Chief Xue and fulfills your heartfelt protection towards Miss Xue."
Seeing Zhao Xi’s lack of reaction, Yuanbao suddenly softened his tone, "Your Highness, it’s my fault; I shouldn’t have said those words to you outside Anle Hall that day. Despite our different statuses, asking you that was inconsiderate. Please don’t think about those words anymore; get well soon, okay?"
Eunuch Sanbao listened in confusion, his brows furrowed tightly, "What did you say to our Little Lord again?"
Every time it’s like this: speaking without restraint, apologizing only after realizing the mistake. Is this amusing?
Eunuch Sanbao was genuinely angry, glaring at Yuanbao relentlessly.
Yuanbao clasped his hands, "I promise, this is the last time."
With Zhao Xi’s illness, Yuanbao was truly scared; he isn’t usually so unrestricted in front of others, except when facing Zhao Xi where words flow uncontrollably, likely due to former habits where Zhao Xi never blamed him.
Through this ordeal, he’ll really dare not speak lightly in front of him anymore.
So His Highness’s illness isn’t solely due to Wan Qiu but also because of Yuanbao?
Eunuch Sanbao was infuriated, "Who in the palace doesn’t treat our Little Lord as a treasure? Yet you’re always special, coming each time with an unguarded mouth and reckless words, annoying him. I see you’re here to collect debts; our Little Lord must’ve owed you in his past life to be repeatedly tormented by you!"
Yuanbao hung his head, knowing he was wrong, and didn’t retort.
Zhao Xi listened to the two arguing and suddenly chuckled softly.
Yuanbao immediately looked up, "Your Highness..."
Eunuch Sanbao was equally delighted, "Oh my, His Highness is amused by the servant!"
However, looking again at Zhao Xi’s face, there was no trace of laughter.
Yuanbao rolled his eyes, "If you agree, I’ll go to Jiangyun Pavilion again later to tell Miss Xue and make her happy too, shall I?"
"Okay," Zhao Xi nodded.
——
Thus Yuanbao went to Jiangyun Pavilion again, told Xue Yinhuan Zhao Xi’s meaning after which Xue Yinhuan sent Yuanbao away and went to see Yun Huai.
In Vermilion Bird Hall, Yun Huai glanced at the niece sitting below, with surprise crossing his face, "You say the Crown Prince wants to recognize you as a sister, personally adding to your dowry?"
"Yes," Xue Yinhuan held the teacup, somewhat absent-minded.
"And you agreed?"
"Yes." Another word, Xue Yinhuan’s thoughts gradually returned, and she looked up at Yun Huai on the throne, "Uncle, I’ve made up my mind, I’ll agree to the Cheng Family marriage."
Yun Huai felt thoroughly surprised.
The Cheng Family and the Yun Family have longstanding ties; Yun Huai appreciated Cheng Hong for his character and appearance, foresaw no one from the Cheng Family entering the court not bringing Xue Yinhuan back to the Capital, hence choosing this marriage for her.
The other party doesn’t fear waiting for Xue Yinhuan to finish mourning but needs to pass the first ceremony to settle the marriage lest accidents arise halfway.
