Chapter 28 What I Want to Send Is Not Flowers, but Olive Branches…

“Erlang.”

Wei Shi approached, first calling out to Xiao Xin, then gave Xu Rong an awkward smile, seemingly unsure how to address her or what to say.

Xu Rong suppressed her astonishment and greeted with a smile, “Hello, Concubine-mother. Please come in and sit.”

Wei Shi hurriedly declined, “No need. I just want to speak with Erlang for a moment.”

Understanding, Xu Rong turned to Xiao Xin, “Second Young Master, I’ll go in first.”

After Xiao Xin nodded, Xu Rong led the maids into the courtyard. Her expression remained composed, but inwardly, she was burning with curiosity—not about what Wei Shi and Xiao Xin would discuss, but purely about Wei Shi’s face.

If Xiao Shan and Wei Shi resembled each other so much that they were instantly recognizable, wouldn’t that make Ruan Yiniang practically Wei Shi’s twin?

What was Lord Xiao thinking?

Taking two concubines who looked so alike—his taste in being a scoundrel was remarkably consistent.

After signaling the maids to enter the house first, Xu Rong deliberately slowed her steps in the courtyard.

The yard was small, and just beyond the wall, Concubine Wei’s soft voice drifted over, “Erlang, I heard you provoked Sister Jiang from the kitchen?”

Xiao Xin responded bluntly, “Yes.”

“Why bother? I’ve always advised you not to offend them or stir up unnecessary trouble. A moment of satisfaction brings trouble later. I only wish for you to be safe and well—”

“I wasn’t well,” Xiao Xin retorted coldly. “Sister Jiang monopolized the kitchen, taking so much from our allocated portions. When I was sick, you couldn’t even get a bowl of steamed egg custard for me and came back crying in secret. Was that well?”

“…”

Wei Shi seemed at a loss for words.

Xiao Xin’s tone softened slightly, “Concubine-mother, stop living in constant fear. I’ve grown up. I know what I’m doing.”

After a pause, Wei Shi sighed softly, “Yes, you’ve grown up. You’re even married now.”

Xiao Xin didn’t respond to that, asking instead, “Was there anything else, Concubine-mother?”

Wei Shi likely shook her head but continued hesitantly, “The Second Young Mistress—I heard she has a bit of a temper. Have you two quarreled?”

“Concubine-mother, stop listening to gossip,” Xiao Xin said impatiently. “There’s nothing like that.”

“I’m not saying she’s bad,” Wei Shi quickly clarified. “I saw her once before—she was very proper. But as the eldest legitimate daughter at home, she’s naturally a bit pampered. With your stubborn and quick-tempered nature, you should yield to her more in the future. Don’t always glare at people.”

Xiao Xin listened silently this time before replying, “Understood.”

Wei Shi rambled on, “Erlang, you carry heavy burdens, but some things are in the past. This marriage is actually quite good. Don’t always oppose Lord Xiao and Madam—”

Xu Rong didn’t listen further and turned back toward the main hall.

She realized Wei Shi was a true saint—no matter how others bullied or humiliated her, she harbored no resentment or thoughts of revenge. She endured everything passively, not even voicing her suffering.

It was hard to judge whether such a temperament was good or bad. To outsiders, she seemed to suffer, but since she didn’t feel it herself, perhaps it wasn’t suffering. In such circumstances, she still maintained her undiminished beauty. Though there was a trace of timid melancholy between her brows, it wasn’t the mark of true hardship.

So, the question arises: Wei Shi, being Lord Xiao’s preferred type—still beautiful, gentle, and flawless in every way—how did she fall out of favor?

If one argues that Lord Xiao, like many men, simply prefers younger women, Xiao Shan appears to be around fifteen or sixteen. The age gap between Ruan Yiniang and Wei Shi is almost negligible, yet their circumstances are worlds apart.

“Miss.”

Xu Rong walked into the main hall, where Bai Fu and Xin Cheng both hurried forward to greet her, their eyes gleaming with curiosity. Xin Cheng, unable to hold back, blurted out, “Miss, how is it that Eldest Miss Xiao resembles Second Young Master’s concubine-mother?”

Bai Fu remained silent, but her gaze held the same question.

Xu Rong shook her head. “I don’t know.”

Xin Cheng was disappointed. “Ah?”

Xu Rong chuckled. “You’re new to this household, and so am I. Why should I know everything?”

“But you’re so clever, Miss. I thought you knew everything,” Xin Cheng replied sheepishly.

Bai Fu added, “They say Eldest Miss Xiao has always been frail and rarely appears in public. There’s never been any gossip about this before.”

Xu Rong nodded. That made sense. If Xiao Shan seldom went out, the concubine-mothers would do so even less—under Madam Xiao’s strict control, they likely never left at all. Women like Ruan Yiniang and Wei Shi were confined within high walls, their joys and sorrows hidden away. Whether favored or forgotten, to the outside world, they were merely ornaments adorning the family’s prestige.

With so few having seen them, naturally, few knew anything.

Xin Cheng fidgeted eagerly. “Second Young Master must know the reason.”

Xu Rong thought for a moment but shook her head again. “Don’t ask him.”

It concerned his birth mother—too sensitive a topic. Probing might come across as prying into his shame.

Both maids were obedient and quickly replied, “Yes.”

Xin Cheng stuck out her tongue. “Second Young Master is so cold. Even if you told me to ask, I wouldn’t dare.”

Xu Rong smiled. “No need to rush. When the time comes, we’ll find out.”

Living under the same roof, secrets might stay hidden from outsiders, but not for long within the household.

**

In the days that followed, Xiao Xin returned to the eastern chamber to study, while Xu Rong organized her dowry, maintaining a peaceful coexistence.

Xu Rong’s dowry was methodically sorted into the side rooms. Apart from the main hall, the courtyard had two small adjoining rooms and four side chambers. One small room served as a tea room, while Bai Fu and Xin Cheng occupied the other. The western side rooms housed Cai Die and Cui Ting in one, and Hong Liu and Qing Zao in another. The two eastern rooms were temporarily vacant, emptied to serve as storage.

Most of Xu Rong’s fabrics and utensils were kept here. Though there was a detailed inventory, the wedding day had been chaotic, and not everything might have been accounted for. She needed to verify the items by location for easier access later.

With little else to do, she wrapped herself in a fox-fur cloak, a hand warmer on her lap, and an account book in hand. Sitting by the door of the side room, she basked in the sun while watching the maids rummage through the chests.

The weather was pleasant that afternoon, the sunlight warm and soothing. Though Xu Rong had napped earlier, the gentle warmth soon made her drowsy again.

“Second Sister-in-law.”

The sudden call from outside startled her. For a moment, she didn’t realize it was meant for her. Turning in her chair, she looked toward the voice and then fully awakened. “Eldest Miss?”

The eldest daughter of the Xiao Family.

Xiao Shan entered with a young maid wearing double buns, her cheeks slightly flushed as she curtsied. “Second Sister-in-law, forgive my intrusion. I wished to visit, but I didn’t realize you were busy.”

Xu Rong fully regained her composure and stood up with a smile. “You’re too kind, Miss. I wasn’t busy at all—just watching the maids work to pass the time.”

Xin Cheng and Bai Fu hurried out from the side room upon hearing the voices. After paying their respects to Xiao Shan, they went to wash their hands and prepare tea and refreshments.

Xu Rong led Xiao Shan to the Warm Pavilion.

Once seated as host and guest, Xiao Shan surveyed her surroundings with restrained yet slightly surprised admiration, murmuring softly, “Second Sister-in-law has such a talent for arranging things. It looks completely different here.”

Most of the interior still retained the bridal chamber decor, dominated by festive shades of red, but subtle details had been added—like the red glazed flower vase on the side table by the kang, the white porcelain tea set on the kang table, scholarly accoutrements, and a glass screen—all items casually brought out during yesterday’s tidying.

This transformation lent the room a lived-in, homely vibrancy now that it was occupied. Of course, none of these additions were ordinary—what appeared casual was in fact quite luxurious, infusing the space with an air of wealth.

Xu Rong smiled in response. “Not at all, Miss. You’re the one with a way with words.”

Bai Fu entered carrying a teapot to pour the tea. Xiao Shan clearly recognized her as Xu Rong’s most trusted senior maid, different from the others, and half-rose in polite acknowledgment.

Her manners were impeccable. And there was no trace of the frustration she must have felt earlier at Madam Xiao’s place.

While pondering Xiao Shan’s purpose for visiting, Xu Rong subtly studied the young lady again.

Xiao Shan now held her teacup with graceful poise. Seen this way, the resemblance faded—in her natural state, Xiao Shan lacked Wei Shi’s timid demeanor. Her noble bearing in every gesture matched Chang Shuyin’s without inferiority.

This was a girl who had grown up cherished.

After taking two delicate sips of tea, Xiao Shan spoke again, first praising the red glazed flower vase on the table: “—Such a vivid, delightful glaze. But why is it left empty?”

Indeed, the vase held no flowers. Xu Rong smiled. “I haven’t come across suitable seasonal blooms, so I left it as is for now.”

The small courtyard only had one half-withered tree, and beyond its walls—she hadn’t yet had time to explore.

Xiao Shan’s eyes brightened. “My Concubine-mother’s courtyard has two plum trees in full bloom right now. If Second Sister-in-law wouldn’t mind, I could bring a branch tomorrow.”

Xu Rong’s mind stirred—this wasn’t just an offer of flowers, but an olive branch.

She accepted the floral gesture first. “Then I’ll thank you in advance, Sister.”

Xiao Shan visibly relaxed, her words now carrying a probing tone though her manner remained soft-spoken: “Had I known Second Sister-in-law was so amiable, I should have befriended you sooner. I’m often alone at home—I wonder if you’d mind me visiting more often.”

In the past, it likely wasn’t about whether she should, but whether she could—the original Xu Rong was betrothed to Xiao Lun, and anyone sensible would avoid close ties with the disfavored concubine-born daughter Madam Xiao disliked. Bai Fu’s feedback had indirectly confirmed this.

Xu Rong replied with a gentle smile, “What’s there to mind? You exaggerate, Sister.”

Yet she didn’t explicitly welcome frequent visits.

Xiao Shan caught the nuance, her fingers tightening briefly around the teacup before releasing it. “Second Sister-in-law, actually… I came because I have good news to share.”

Xu Rong assumed an attentive posture, ready to listen.

Xiao Shan said, “Yi Ge’er is ten years old now. Father has long been arranging to find him a tutor, but until recently, he hadn’t found a suitable one. Just a few days ago, we heard that there’s a Mr. Su at Qixia Academy in Yingtian Prefecture who is extremely learned. His only daughter is married in the capital, and as Mr. Su is getting older, he wishes to live near his daughter and son-in-law, so he came to the capital—”

Xiao Shan hadn’t intended to say so much, but as soon as she started, Xu Rong focused intently on her. Since she was using this as leverage, she found herself elaborating further: “Father visited Mr. Su yesterday. Mr. Su was very courteous, and Father learned that he intended to take on a disciple in the capital—both to pass on his knowledge and to have someone to rely on in his old age. Father made arrangements with him, and today he plans to take Yi Ge’er for an assessment.”

She finally finished speaking, and under her expectant gaze, Xu Rong nodded slowly.

Now everything made sense.

Madam Xiao’s reaction yesterday—she must have already noticed something, which was why she was so anxious about Lord Xiao’s whereabouts. Xiao Yi’s boasting this morning—he was indeed going to formally become a disciple.

There’s only one hereditary title to inherit, so those below Xiao Lun must rely on other talents. Compared to Xiao Xin, the favored one is different. At just ten years old, barely knowing a few characters, Lord Xiao has already secured a great scholar for him.

“Second sister-in-law.”

Xu Rong remained silent in thought, so Xiao Shan pressed on with a mix of urgency and pride, “I’ve heard that Second Brother has recently changed his ways and has been studying diligently behind closed doors.”

Xu Rong raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Xiao Shan waited several times for her to respond, but Xu Rong deliberately didn’t, forcing her to continue: “Second sister-in-law, don’t blame me for speaking bluntly, but the tutor at the family school is just going through the motions. Even after teaching Yi Ge’er for two years, he can’t keep up anymore. If Second Brother truly wants to study and advance his education, he should find a proper, learned tutor.”

Xu Rong nodded earnestly. “So the tutor at the family school isn’t good enough? Thank you for telling me, Eldest Sister. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Xiao Shan: “…”

She was getting impatient. After all this, her sister-in-law still wasn’t taking the bait—was she truly oblivious or just pretending?

“Second sister-in-law,” she could no longer hold back and revealed her true intentions, “You might not realize how rare a great scholar like Mr. Su is, let alone the chance for him to take on a final disciple. If Second Brother is willing, I can speak to Father and arrange for him to become Mr. Su’s disciple alongside Yi Ge’er.”

Xu Rong feigned surprise. “Is that possible? Didn’t Mr. Su only want to choose one disciple?”

Xiao Shan smiled smugly. “For others, it wouldn’t be possible. But for a family like ours, Mr. Su would surely show some courtesy. He agreed right away to assess Yi Ge’er, though that’s just a formality. Yi Ge’er has already mastered the *Analects*. The family tutor, afraid of holding him back, personally urged Father to seek a more renowned teacher.”

With that, she had finally revealed half of her intentions. As for the other half, Xu Rong had no intention of asking or listening—there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Xiao Shan wouldn’t have come so eagerly with such an enticing offer unless she stood to gain something significant.

She definitely had an ulterior motive—and it was surely no small matter.

Xu Rong smiled and picked up her teacup: “So that’s how it is. I wouldn’t have known if not for your explanation, elder sister. But I’ve just entered this household and many matters are still unclear to me. As for the second young master’s temperament, you naturally understand—I wouldn’t dare make decisions on his behalf. After I discuss this with him, if there’s anything we need from you, we’ll trouble you then.”

This was clearly a dismissal. Xiao Shan felt somewhat disappointed, but Xu Rong’s reasoning was sound—she truly had no grounds to bypass Xiao Xin and agree directly. Suppressing her feelings, Xiao Shan rose gracefully: “Second sister-in-law, if you manage to persuade second brother, feel free to come find me.”

She curtsied and took her leave.

Her maid silently followed. Once they’d passed through the courtyard gate, the maid glanced back anxiously and asked, “Miss, did she agree?”

Xiao Shan’s delicate features turned cold: “No.”

The maid worriedly said, “Ah? What shall we do then? Could it be the second young master—”

“It’s only a matter of time,” Xiao Shan interrupted, then smiled dismissively. “The benefits I offered are substantial. Second brother’s temperament is unpredictable—he might truly refuse them. But second sister-in-law is different.”

“As the legitimate eldest daughter forced to marry second brother, could she possibly resign herself to being the awkward wife of a son of a concubine? It doesn’t matter if second brother refuses—she’ll persuade him to agree.”

The maid sighed in relief: “That’s good then. This way, having accepted your favors, she’ll be on your side. It’ll be easier to ask for her help in the future, and she won’t be able to refuse.”

At this mention, Xiao Shan’s expression darkened again, responding with a quiet murmur.

The maid’s voice carried complaint and resentment: “Madam grows more unreasonable—keeping such a grown lady like you suppressed, forcing you and Concubine-mother to scheme for yourselves…”

Their voices gradually faded into the distance.

**

“I refuse.”

At the same time, Xiao Xin rejected outright.

Xu Rong stood by the curtain. This was her first time visiting the eastern chamber—a glance revealed a cold, spartan space with almost no decorations: a kang, wooden cabinets, and against the wall, a painted bookshelf where Xiao Xin sat. His sharp, handsome profile was made more severe by his furrowed brows, giving him an unapproachable air.

She nodded casually: “Understood. I’ll decline her tomorrow.”

This response was expected—Xiao Xin’s discord with Ruan Yiniang’s faction was obvious. Otherwise, Xiao Shan would have approached him directly. Even with their sparse and distant sibling interactions, they’d still be easier to talk to than her, who’d only entered the household two days ago.

Not wanting to disturb his studies, she turned to leave after delivering her message.

“Wait.”

Xiao Xin stopped her. After a pause, he asked, “Aren’t you going to ask why?”

Xu Rong turned back, amused: “Does the second young master wish to tell me?”

The moment she’d mentioned Xiao Shan’s request, Xiao Xin’s expression had turned icy—filled not just with rejection but wariness, and of course, anger. His reaction had been so pronounced that even if she were curious, she’d politely restrained herself.

Her smile was light and clear, her gaze gentle yet bright. Under her look, the storm of emotions in Xiao Xin’s heart inexplicably calmed. He exhaled softly, his brow relaxing.

He felt inclined to respond but hesitated, unsure where to begin.

Xu Rong had already nodded to him: “Second young master, I’ll take my leave now.”

The curtain lifted and fell.

Xiao Xin’s gaze fixed on the slightly trembling hem of the curtain. For some reason, that hint of hesitation turned into disappointment.

He stared for a moment longer before turning back and continuing to work at his desk.