Yun Chu Ling

Chapter 113: Not Uncle Yun

Yun Chu felt drowsy after taking her medicine.

Liu Qianqian exited the room.

Seeing her come out, Yun Ze, who had been waiting in the courtyard, immediately approached: "Has Chu'er come to her senses?"

"Husband, you worry too much." Liu Qianqian spoke, "I see Chu'er never took that matter to heart at all. Do you think a woman being overly intimate with a man other than her husband constitutes a grave offense? Men can have three wives and four concubines, can refrain from entering their principal wife's chambers for a year. Chu'er did what she had to with Prince Pingxi to save her life. Even if something really happened, I don't believe she wronged the Xie family."

Yun Ze was dumbfounded.

His wife had always been gentle, virtuous, and well-educated. He never imagined he would hear such words from her.

Wait!

He spoke: "Madam, are you saying Xie Jingyu hasn't entered Chu'er's chambers for a year?"

Liu Qianqian nodded with a cold expression.

Some time ago, her mother-in-law accompanied Chu'er to see a divine physician for pulse diagnosis. After returning to the residence, her mother-in-law had been depressed. Upon asking, she learned that Chu'er and her husband hadn't shared a chamber for at least a year.

Chu'er worked tirelessly for the Xie family, raising so many illegitimate children. How dare Xie Jingyu, as her husband, humiliate his principal wife like this!

Yun Ze's expression wasn't any better.

For men to take concubines was natural, of course. Though he hadn't taken any concubines himself, that didn't mean he wasn't a man - he just saw no need.

No matter how many concubines one had in the rear courtyard, one shouldn't neglect the principal wife. Otherwise, what difference was there from favoring concubines over the wife?

"Husband, since Chu'er is injured this time, let's have her stay at home for a while longer." Liu Qianqian said slowly, "Let Xie Jingyu understand that without Chu'er, without the Yun family, his Xie family is nothing."

Yun Ze nodded: "As you say, Madam."

As the couple spoke, a servant came to report: "Master, Madam, the son-in-law has arrived."

The Yun family's son-in-law was naturally Xie Jingyu.

Yun Ze initially wanted to tell Xie Jingyu to get lost, but thinking of something, he said: "Take him to the study."

Xie Jingyu hadn't come alone; he brought Xie Shi'an with him.

Although the two families were related by marriage, the Xie family rarely visited the Yun residence, only coming during New Year's festivals or banquets.

Father and son sat waiting in the study for quite some time. The servants didn't even serve tea, leaving them sitting dryly. After about a quarter of an hour, Yun Ze finally arrived.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, brother-in-law." Yun Ze said with a smile, showing no signs of intentional difficulty. "Why has Shi'an come too? No classes at the academy today?"

Xie Shi'an stood up: "Mother is injured, I was worried and specially requested leave to see her."

"You're quite a filial child." Yun Ze said. "Your mother just fell asleep, better not disturb her rest. Jiang Ge'er has been quite playful with his studies recently. Shi'an, since you passed the Cultivated Talent examination at such a young age, let Jiang Ge'er learn from your experience."

Xie Shi'an nodded and turned to leave the study.

The smile disappeared from Yun Ze's face: "What tea does brother-in-law prefer? I'll have someone bring it."

Xie Jingyu's expression remained indifferent: "No need. I'll wait here for my wife to wake up and take her home."

In terms of official rank, he was fifth grade while Yun Ze was seventh grade. Even if Yun Ze couldn't formally bow to him, he should at least maintain proper decorum.

But he saw no respect whatsoever on Yun Ze's face - this was complete disregard for him."Whether Chuer returns to the Xie family is a matter we'll discuss later." Yun Ze spoke coldly. "Brother-in-law, since becoming the future father-in-law of Prince Anjing, your social engagements seem to have increased considerably. I've heard you've recently received many valuable gifts - coral basins, jade ruyi scepters, and some even appear to have delivered silver directly to your hands?"

Xie Jingyu's face changed dramatically. "Where did you hear this, elder brother?"

"You're Chuer's husband, so naturally I pay closer attention to you. A casual conversation with several officials from the Ministry of Revenue revealed quite a lot." Yun Ze shook his head. "If someone were to deliberately target you and thoroughly investigate you from inside out, then submit these matters to the Censorate - do you realize what the consequences would be?"

Xie Jingyu clenched his fists.

Throughout the imperial court, everyone operated this way - accepting gifts before handling affairs. This was the established convention, so why should he be singled out?

"What others do is none of my concern!" Yun Ze's voice grew colder. "But if you tarnish the century-old reputation of my Yun family, our first action will be to have Chuer divorce you!"

Xie Jingyu's face darkened, though he skillfully concealed his expression as he cupped his hands respectfully. "Elder brother's admonishment is justified. I won't repeat such mistakes."

"There will be no 'later'." Yun Ze shook his head. "Only after you've returned all previously accepted gifts will Chuer return to your Xie family! Minister Xie, I won't see you out."

Having said this, he turned and left.

Xie Jingyu picked up the teacup from the table, about to smash it on the ground, then remembered he was in the Yun residence and suppressed his rage.

Leaving the study, he rejoined Xie Shi'an, who asked, "Father, why do you look so troubled? Did uncle say something to you?"

Xie Jingyu said grimly, "Since the Emperor issued the marriage decree, many people have sent gifts seeking favors. I refused at first, but it created unpleasant situations, so I eventually accepted some. Your uncle found out and accused me of damaging the Yun family's reputation, demanding I return everything."

"Uncle isn't wrong." Xie Shi'an responded. "If Father wishes to advance further, you must be more cautious in such matters. You should return what needs to be returned."

Xie Jingyu pressed his lips together. "Those items have already been listed on Ping Jie'er's dowry inventory..."

"Father needn't worry about the dowry." Xie Shi'an considered briefly. "After Mother recovers, let her handle it."

As father and son conversed, they gradually reached the main gate of the Yun residence. Just as they were about to board their carriage, another carriage pulled up.

Before it fully stopped, a child in brocade clothing leaped out and went skipping into the Yun residence.

Immediately after, a man descended from the carriage - imposing and formidable in presence.

With just one glance, Xie Jingyu immediately pulled Xie Shi'an into a bow. "This humble official pays respects to Prince Pingxi. May Your Highness be well."

Chu Yi's gaze fell upon Xie Jingyu. He recognized him as that woman's husband, a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Revenue.

And the one beside him must be the legitimate eldest son registered under her name.

After a brief glance, he strode into the Yun residence.

Xie Jingyu raised his head, watching the guards respectfully escort Chu Yi inside, his emotions profoundly complicated.His father-in-law had not yet returned to the capital. Yun Manor had only Yun Ze as an official, merely of the seventh rank, yet he could make the Prince pay a personal visit—no wonder Yun Ze dared to lecture him so boldly.

Yun Ze had just had someone see Xie Jingyu off when a servant reported that Prince Pingxi and the Young Son had arrived.

Without delay, he immediately went to the study and had the finest tea and pastries served.

Before he could speak, Chu Hongyu eagerly said, "Uncle Yun, um..."

His mouth was covered, and Chu Yi said coldly, "Address him as Lord Yun."

Seeing the little one nod, he released his hand. Chu Hongyu corrected himself, "Lord Yun, how is Aunt Yun's injury? Can I go see Aunt Yun?"