Yun Chu Ling

Chapter 32: Keeping You for One Night

"Lord."

The maids in Sheng Residence curtsied in unison.

Xie Jingyu was thoroughly exhausted.

At court today, he had been impeached by the censors. The promotion to the fifth rank that had seemed within reach was now completely out of the question.

If the rumors spreading through the streets grew more intense, he might even face demotion...

Previously, the Yun family marriage alliance had silently supported him, but this time the Yuns showed no consideration for the Xie family's reputation. He found no support at court.

He left court dejected and went to Lord Yu's residence again, but this time Lord Yu wouldn't even let him through the gate. After waiting for several hours at the entrance, he finally accepted that Lord Yu had completely abandoned him, returning to the Xie residence like a stray dog.

Standing at the entrance of Sheng Residence, he looked at Ting Shuang and asked, "Has your mistress's condition improved?"

Ting Shuang lowered her eyes and replied, "The mistress appears recovered, but it's actually an illness of the heart. She lacks enthusiasm for anything."

Xie Jingyu removed his official hat.

How could he not know that Yun Chu's illness was of the heart?

But the child was already dead and properly buried. What was past should remain in the past—why cling to it so persistently?

Her illness had thrown the entire Xie household into turmoil.

He never realized how greatly the mistress of the household could influence a family.

He asked, "Is the mistress asleep?"

"The mistress retired to bed a quarter-hour ago," Ting Shuang answered. "If you have any matters, my lord, you may come earlier tomorrow."

Xie Jingyu said nothing more and turned to leave.

After leaving Sheng Residence, he spotted Xie Shi'an on the path.

Xie Shi'an was clearly waiting for him and bowed respectfully. "Father, the rumors in the city have reached the academy and likely the court as well. Were you impeached by certain parties at court today?"

Xie Jingyu looked at his eldest son with admiration.

This son only traveled between home and the Xie family academy, yet he could deduce the situation at court. Truly a natural talent.

He asked, "What are your thoughts?"

"The public discussion mainly focuses on two points. First, the burial of the twins from four years ago—this matter is settled, and the Xie family can only remain silent." Xie Shi'an spoke calmly. "Second, the rumors about Mother's illness are becoming increasingly exaggerated. With Old Madam's birthday banquet approaching soon, having Mother attend would naturally disprove the rumors about discord in the Xie household."

Xie Jingyu nodded. "Do you think your mother will attend the banquet?"

Xie Shi'an fell silent.

Having just suffered a great blow, would Mother cooperate to clear the Xie family's name? He wasn't certain.

Xie Jingyu sighed. "We must try regardless of uncertainty."

As father and son conversed, they gradually walked away.

Only when their voices faded completely did Yun Chu finally relax.

She looked at the child curled up in the blankets. "Come, I'll see you out of the residence now."

"I'm not going!"

Chu Hongyu suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his head against her chest in a stubborn display.

Yun Chu tried to persuade him. "Young Son, if you're not home late at night, you'll soon be discovered. Can you face Prince Pingxi's anger?"

She expected the child to be frightened, but instead, the little one raised his eyebrows triumphantly. "This evening, my father received an imperial order to suppress bandits and won't be in the capital for several days. I even found a child my age to impersonate me at the manor. Don't worry, no one will notice I'm missing."

Yun Chu: "..."She was completely at a loss for words.

Just then, the window was suddenly tapped lightly.

Before Yun Chu could rise to see what was happening, a pained cry came from outside the window.

"Where did this thief come from, sneaking around outside our mistress's window!"

It was Qiutong's voice.

Yun Chu glanced at the little child on the bed and saw the boy anxiously scrambling down, trying to push the window open.

She scooped the child up and tossed him into the bed curtains, raising her voice to say, "Qiutong, tie up the thief outside and send him to the authorities."

"No, you can't!" Chu Hongyu was so anxious he broke out in a sweat. "He's not a thief, he's my guard. His name is A Mao. Don't send him to the authorities."

Yun Chu deliberately put on a stern face. "Was the thief at the southeast side of the Xie residence earlier also your guard?"

The little boy's face fell. "There were people constantly patrolling back and forth at the Xie family's gate. I had no other choice but to have A Mao pretend to be a thief to lure them away. A Mao really didn't do anything bad."

Seeing his expression, Yun Chu's heart instantly softened.

She looked toward the window and said, "Qiutong, bring the person outside inside."

She got out of bed, put on her shoes and outer robe, then led the little boy out from the inner chamber.

Qiutong and Ting Shuang brought the guard inside together. When they saw there was suddenly a child in the room, their eyes nearly popped out of their heads.

Especially Qiutong, who knew martial arts—she hadn't detected anyone extra in her mistress's bedroom.

Yun Chu made a gesture, and Ting Shuang hurriedly closed the door.

"Mmph! Mmph!"

The guard's mouth was gagged, and he kept making noises.

Chu Hongyu rushed over and pulled the rag out of his mouth. "A Mao, are you alright?"

"This subordinate is fine." A Mao looked his young master over from head to toe, then said with lingering fear, "Young Son, are you alright?"

Qiutong was utterly astonished. "Mistress, what on earth is going on?"

Ting Shuang, however, had already recognized the child and was equally shocked. "Why is Prince Pingxi's Young Son in the mistress's bedroom?"

"While it's still dark and the residence is in chaos, Qiutong, escort these two out," Yun Chu said. "Make sure no one sees them."

If Xie Jingyu found out that Prince Pingxi's Young Son had come to the Xie family, he would likely try every means to use this child to get close to Prince Pingxi. She didn't want a child to become Xie Jingyu's tool for climbing the social ladder.

"I said I'm not leaving! I won't go!" Chu Hongyu scrambled onto Yun Chu, using all four limbs. "I want to stay here! I won't go, I just won't!"

Qiutong stepped forward, grabbed the child by the back of his collar, and lifted him up. "Young Son, although you're a child, you're still considered an outside male. It's improper for you to stay with our mistress. This servant will escort you back to the prince's residence."

"Waaah, I won't go!" The little boy kicked his legs wildly in the air. "I went through so much trouble to sneak out of the prince's residence, so much trouble to sneak into the Xie family. How can you send me away so soon? I'll never like you again! How awful! Waaah..."

A Mao chimed in, "A few days ago, when Young Son heard that Madam Xie was ill, he couldn't eat or sleep well and lost several pounds. He only managed to sneak out after the prince left the residence. Our Young Son has never had a mother's love since he was little. Please, Madam Xie, have pity on our Young Son..."

Yun Chu's heart clenched.

She took the wildly kicking child into her arms.She knew the Young Son of the Prince of Pacifying the West Manor was four years old, but compared to Xie Shiyun of the same age, he was far too thin, appearing more like a three-year-old child.

She said softly, "Then I'll allow you to stay here for one night. You must leave at daybreak, alright?"

The little one wiped away his tears and smiled, burying himself in her embrace.