Chapter 3: Unconscious   

And so, the matter of the marriage swap was decided. 

Everyone present had something to say, but no one dared to voice it aloud. 

The Marchioness, in particular, was torn. She had never been particularly fond of Xu Qingyi as a daughter-in-law, but her feelings toward Xie Yunzhi were even more hostile. 

Why should Xie Yunzhi, who was lying in a coma, get to take away what rightfully belonged to Xie Huaian? 

Yet, with Xie Huaian’s behavior being so disappointing, and her unwillingness to give up the grandson growing in Du Jinyun’s belly, she had no choice but to agree. 

“Mammas, gather some people and pack my belongings. I’ll move to Eldest Young Master’s courtyard,” Xu Qingyi said eagerly when she saw no one objecting. 

The maidservants and caretakers, who had been dismissed earlier, returned and, with a group of over ten people, began packing her things. The process went swiftly. 

The farce had reached its conclusion. The Old Madam, weary from the day’s events, sighed deeply and left to rest. 

The Marquis stayed behind. Looking at Xu Qingyi with a complicated expression, he finally said, “I’ll take you to Yunzhi’s courtyard.” 

“Thank you, Father,” Xu Qingyi replied obediently. 

Xie Yunzhi was still the heir apparent and resided in one of the finest courtyards in the Marquis’ estate, called Danhuai Courtyard, which symbolized serenity and detachment—much like his personality. 

The courtyard was not heavily staffed. 

Since the Eldest Young Master had fallen into a coma, only four trusted personal attendants had remained by his side, taking turns caring for him. These were Mo Yan, Guan Qi, Ming Yu, and Zi Xiao, the most loyal and capable people in Xie Yunzhi’s service before his injury. 

Tonight, it was Ming Yu and Zi Xiao’s turn to be on duty. They had just finished massaging the Eldest Young Master’s entire body. 

After lying bedridden for six months, the Eldest Young Master had become noticeably thinner. 

However, his features were still refined and handsome, and his muscles hadn’t withered severely. 

This state was entirely thanks to their relentless care. Day and night, they had worked tirelessly to ensure the Eldest Young Master didn’t waste away. 

What had just transpired in the main hall had yet to reach Danhuai Courtyard. 

So when the Marquis entered with Xu Qingyi in tow, the sight startled Ming Yu and Zi Xiao. 

Why had the Marquis brought a bride to Danhuai Courtyard? 

“Ming Yu, Zi Xiao, this is Miss Xu Qingyi, the second daughter of the Yong’an Marquis household,” the Marquis introduced. 

Ming Yu and Zi Xiao exchanged a look. Of course, they knew who she was—she was the Second Young Master’s wife. 

Before either could address her as “Second Young Madam,” the Marquis delivered a bombshell: “From today onward, she will be Yunzhi’s wife.” 

What?! 

Ming Yu and Zi Xiao froze in shock. 

“It’s a long story,” the Marquis said, his tone dismissive. “In any case, treat her with respect and do not neglect her. From now on, the Eldest Young Master’s wife will live in Danhuai Courtyard, and the daily affairs will be under her management.” 

Struggling to process this revelation, Ming Yu and Zi Xiao reluctantly responded, “Understood, Marquis.” 

The Marquis nodded in approval and turned to Xu Qingyi. “Qingyi, I know you are a good child. Since you’ve chosen Yunzhi, take good care of him from now on.” 

“Yes, Father.” Xu Qingyi lowered her gaze, her demeanor docile and obedient. 

“As for consummating the marriage…” the Marquis said gravely, “I hope you’re not just using this as a ploy to deceive me and the Old Madam. You should understand that we place great importance on Yunzhi’s lineage. Even without you, we would eventually find him a wife.” 

His words carried both a warning and an expectation, making it clear how crucial the matter of an heir was to the Marquis household.

Xu Qingyi understood the Marquis’ intentions—he expected her to fulfill her promise and not try to avoid the matter. 

“Yes,” she replied softly, her demeanor compliant and obedient. 

For a woman with no backing or special advantages in ancient society, navigating the inner workings of a powerful household was almost unbearably difficult. 

In her current situation, it seemed there was no other choice. 

After giving his instructions, the Marquis turned and left. 

The maidservants and attendants silently moved Xu Qingyi’s belongings into Danhuai Courtyard, the atmosphere devoid of any celebratory air. Instead, their actions were marked by carefulness and unease. 

It seemed they all understood what this relocation truly meant for Xu Qingyi. 

“Miss,” her personal maid Su Ye stepped forward, guilt written all over her face. “I failed you. I shouldn’t have left so easily earlier—it delayed your plans.” 

Xu Qingyi could see that Su Ye meant well. “It’s fine. It didn’t matter. Marrying the Eldest Young Master is even better.” 

The other maidservants and attendants looked like they wanted to say something but hesitated, including the worried and uneasy Mama Chang. 

Meanwhile, Ming Yu and Zi Xiao, the Eldest Young Master’s personal attendants, listened carefully, equally uneasy. The quiet and solitary Danhuai Courtyard had suddenly become much livelier with all the new arrivals, though whether this was good or bad remained uncertain. 

The Old Madam’s intention to find a wife for the Eldest Young Master was something Ming Yu and Zi Xiao had vaguely heard about, so they were somewhat mentally prepared. 

However, tonight’s sudden developments had caught them completely off guard, leaving them stunned despite any prior expectations. 

“Su Ye, take some people to prepare hot water. I want to bathe,” Xu Qingyi instructed. 

“Yes, Miss,” Su Ye replied promptly, taking others with her to make the necessary arrangements. 

The older attendants also busied themselves preparing everything needed for the bath. 

Xu Qingyi walked toward the inner chamber, intending to check on the Eldest Young Master. After a few steps, she paused and called back, “Ming Yu, Zi Xiao, would you please come over and tell me about the Eldest Young Master’s condition?” 

“We wouldn’t dare,” Ming Yu and Zi Xiao replied hastily, moving quickly to her side. 

As they approached, they couldn’t help but steal glances at Xu Qingyi. 

As the daughter of the Yong’an Marquis, she came from a household equal in standing to the Pingyang Marquis estate. Her appearance and demeanor were refined and elegant, befitting her status. However, her personality remained an open question. 

They had heard bits and pieces about the Second Young Master’s fiancée—she was said to be gentle and virtuous. 

But how had she suddenly become the Eldest Young Master’s wife instead? 

Could it be that the Marquis, in his love for his eldest son, had forcibly taken her from the Second Young Master? 

Considering the Marquis’ usual conduct, it was entirely plausible. 

Entering the inner chamber, Ming Yu adjusted the lamp, making the room brighter so that the Eldest Young Master’s wife could see more clearly. 

Although the Eldest Young Master had been in a coma for half a year, his features remained strikingly handsome. 

“Don’t worry, Madam,” Zi Xiao said, slightly nervous. “The Eldest Young Master is very clean, and there’s no medicinal smell on him.” 

Despite his assurance, Zi Xiao was still worried that Xu Qingyi might look down on the Eldest Young Master. 

“Alright.” Xu Qingyi showed no sign of fear as she calmly walked to the bedside and sat down. 

She looked carefully at the man before her. The novel’s description of a gallant and dashing general clad in fine robes and astride a warhorse had been no exaggeration. His sword-like brows extended to his temples, and his features were both refined and sharp. 

He had the kind of face one would remember at a single glance—stunning and unforgettable. 

Even in his current slightly emaciated state, his presence was undiminished. 

If he looked this good while unwell, it was almost impossible to imagine how breathtaking he must have been at his peak. 

This was the man who would be hers from now on. 

Xu Qingyi’s emotions were complicated. If Xie Yunzhi was truly as exceptional as the novel described, then… had she just struck gold? 

Otherwise, considering “Xu Qingyi’s” own standing, it seemed she wasn’t entirely worthy of the brilliant and unparalleled Eldest Young Master of the Marquis household. 

Reaching out, she lightly touched Xie Yunzhi’s cheek. The warmth beneath her fingertips reassured her. She then gently pinched his arm, feeling the firmness of his muscles, and said sincerely, “You’ve taken excellent care of the Eldest Young Master.” 

Seeing her unafraid, even smiling faintly, Ming Yu and Zi Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. 

“It’s our duty,” they said in unison. 

Still, they couldn’t help but wonder: was the new Eldest Young Master’s wife truly not upset about marrying someone in a coma? 

The answer was no—Xu Qingyi wasn’t upset at all. 

After all, the Eldest Young Master wasn’t going to remain unconscious forever, so what was there to be upset about? 

He would wake up. 

In the novel, however, Xie Yunzhi had only a short time after waking before he returned to the battlefield, where an infection from his wounds ultimately claimed his life. 

It was after Xie Yunzhi’s death that events took a dramatic turn. With the transition of power on the throne, the Marquis of Pingyang’s household fell from grace due to siding with the wrong faction. The new Emperor confiscated their assets and exiled the family, marking the beginning of Xie Huaian’s journey of growth as the male lead.

On the road to exile, Xie Huaian would meet the future Emperor, forging a sworn brotherhood. 

Meanwhile, the concubine Du Jinyun would shine brightly, earning the admiration of the entire Marquis household with her remarkable resilience and sheer luck. 

As for Xu Qingyi, the cannon-fodder legitimate wife, her fate in the story was devastating. Consumed by jealousy toward Du Jinyun, she offended Xie Huaian and was subjected to unimaginable torment—passed between countless men during the journey to exile. 

This was why Xu Qingyi was desperate to escape Xie Huaian. 

The male lead’s devotion was reserved solely for the female lead; toward others, he was merciless. 

Now, she had also offended Xie Huaian by disrupting his plans. 

He had wanted a compliant wife, someone he could control—originally her. But she had managed to escape that role. 

Fortunately, as long as she, as the elder sister-in-law, didn’t give him the chance to retaliate, she would be fine. 

Her future hinged on Xie Yunzhi. Once he woke up, she planned to nurse him back to health, ensuring his wounds didn’t become infected. Perhaps she could even develop penicillin or simply prevent him from returning to the battlefield altogether. 

The priority was keeping the Eldest Young Master alive—only then would she have true security. 

Putting her thoughts aside, Xu Qingyi said, “Tell me how to care for the Eldest Young Master. Tonight, I will personally attend to him.” 

Ming Yu and Zi Xiao froze for a moment, then blushed and lowered their heads. “Yes…” 

They began softly explaining the details of caring for the Eldest Young Master. 

For just one or two hours, it wasn’t too complicated—ensuring he was turned occasionally and kept comfortable. 

They reasoned that the Eldest Young Master’s wife likely wouldn’t truly share a bed with him until morning.