Chapter 105: Protecting the Child

Xu Jun Ying, walking ahead, stopped and turned back. Wang Mama quickly gestured for Cui Xi and the other maids to stop as well. When Meinang approached her, Xu Jun Ying said, “You and Rulan have questioned those servants thoroughly, but surely the Second Madam and others have asked them too? Although you’re in charge of the household, this is a matter between husband and wife. There’s no need for you to interfere, let them resolve it themselves.”

Meinang nodded, “I understand.” Yet inwardly, she thought: “They call you the manager when they need you, but they don’t let you intervene when they want to be partial.” The marriage between Xu Jun Lang and his wife almost broke down, and it was clearly the scheming of the concubine, Xiang Rui. Yet, for Xu Jun Lang’s face, everyone pretended not to see it. The family rules only seem to apply when it comes to restraining the women who marry into the family.

Even in the dark, Meinang’s eyes shone with a hint of mocking laughter.

“What did you and Rulan just say to Jing Yu?” Xu Jun Ying asked.

After a moment of thought, Meinang decided to tell the truth: “Rulan told Jing Yu that Wei Ge’er is fine and that his fever has subsided. I told her that she was not at fault, that it was Second Master who misjudged and trusted the wrong person, and that Xiang Rui should be sent to the ancestral hall to kneel.”

Xu Jun Ying was taken aback. “How could you say that? If Jing Yu reacts to this, it’ll stir up more trouble. Jun Lang can’t take another scene, and the Second Madam will undoubtedly hold a grudge against you. And Grandmother… she’s too old to endure this turmoil.”

“Don’t worry. Bai Jing Yu is too exhausted to make a fuss,” Meinang replied, moving past him. “After questioning all the servants, everyone knows the truth. Jing Yu alone is blinded by anger, her feelings for Second Master run deep. She’s already lost his favor and fears being divorced. As a proud young lady from a distinguished family, she must consider her family’s reputation.”

Xu Jun Ying walked alongside her in silence before finally saying, “Jun Lang won’t divorce her. The Xu family has never had a woman divorced.”

Glancing back at the maids who had deliberately lagged behind, Meinang cautiously asked, “Marquis, is there a difference between divorce and being sent to a remote wing?”

Xu Jun Ying hesitated before responding, “Only those who are utterly lacking in virtue are sent away. Official records allow such women to be returned to their families, where they will be dealt with by their fathers or brothers. If it’s merely a matter of private family concerns, they may live separately in a secluded wing for life.”

Meinang took a deep breath and summoned her courage: “Marquis, with the wedding approaching and a new wife coming in, I…”

Xu Jun Ying paused. “You what?”

Under his piercing gaze in the dark, Meinang grew flustered and quickly changed her words. “I think the secluded courtyard is fine. I went to see it, and it’s really quite good.”

Xu Jun Ying replied coolly, “You’re the eldest daughter in law of the Xu family and a titled lady, that won’t change. Qing Hua Courtyard was where my parents lived, and I grew up there. Even when my current wife married in, she couldn’t stay there… even if there’s a new wife, there are plenty of courtyards nearby. Rest assured, Qing Hua Courtyard is your home.”

Grinding her teeth, Meinang protested, “That courtyard doesn’t suit me it has a pond, and it’s so damp that it’s freezing in winter.”

Xu Jun Ying continued walking. “Now it’s spring. When summer arrives, the lotus blossoms on the pond will fill the air with fragrance, and you won’t mind the pond at all.”

His response left Meinang feeling defeated. “It’s already a struggle to get through winter and spring who has time to play this out until summer?”

She nearly blurted out, “Xu Jun Ying, let’s separate! I promise I won’t reveal anything, I’ll take the secret to my grave…” Instead, she just took a deep breath, exhaled, and, disheartened, followed him toward Qing Hua Courtyard.

The issue couldn’t be resolved yet. Hoping that Xu Jun Ying would willingly let go was unrealistic. Memories of past events and his family’s honor would always haunt him, making him unlikely to trust her. Although she could swear her loyalty, it was too much of a risk to allow a woman who could bring him disgrace to roam free. She knew he would never willingly let her go.

Suddenly, someone hurried down the corridor with a lantern. It was Cui Si, bringing a cloak and umbrella, along with troubling news.

Heng Ge’er had caught a cold during the day and had developed a fever by evening, sleeping fitfully since.

Alarmed, Meinang asked, “Why didn’t anyone tell me he developed a fever in the evening?”

Cui Si explained, “The First Madam didn’t want to worry you. Two physicians examined him and said it was just a minor ailment that a dose of medicine could cure. However, because his cousin was present, and Lady Xia Lian had to stay by Heng Ge’er’s side, there was no chance to send word until now.”

Infuriated, Meinang hurried to Autumn Blossom Courtyard, disregarding Xu Jun Ying.

“Wait!” Xu Jun Ying stopped her. “If you rush over like this, no one will bring you news in the future.”

Meinang stopped, realizing the truth in his words. First Madam had been reluctant to let her get too close to Heng Ge’er. Knowing how close she was to him, First Madam deliberately withheld news of Heng Ge’er’s illness, worried Meinang would insist on staying by his side or even taking him with her. If she rushed over now, First Madam would be suspicious and, if she discovered Cui Si had reported the news, would certainly take action against her. It would be challenging to find another ally as loyal as Cui Si.

Seeing Meinang hesitate, Xu Jun Ying offered, “I’ll go. I’ll swing by after visiting Hui Fang Courtyard to check on Mother. If Heng Ge’er is fine, I won’t disturb you. If he’s not…”

Meinang interrupted, “No matter what, send someone to call me. When a child is sick, they want their mother.”

Xu Jun Ying fell silent, his face unreadable in the dim light. Uneasy, Meinang bit her lip. Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to say that in his presence, as it reminded him that Heng Ge’er was not his biological son. But she stayed firm, she had to care for Heng Ge’er, whatever the complexities of her relationship with Xu Jun Ying.

“Marquis, please, go check on him. Heng Ge’er is so young; he hardly sees us. Now that he’s sick, he needs his parents…” she said softly.

Xu Jun Ying finally relented, saying, “I’ll go ahead. Walk slowly, Bao Ju will come to update you shortly.”

Meinang nodded and walked slowly with her attendants, waiting for word. Before long, Bao Ju appeared and reported, “The Marquis said Heng Ge’er isn’t feeling well and is crying. Please come over to see him.”

Relieved, Meinang hurried to Autumn Blossom Courtyard, where Heng Ge’er’s weak voice echoed through the entrance. She saw her son in Madam Zheng’s arms, tear-streaked and clinging to his grandmother, who was weeping herself as she tried to comfort him.

“Heng Ge’er!” she called gently, and the boy stopped crying, stretching his arms toward her. Holding him close, she reassured Madam Zheng, “Mother, don’t worry. Children get fevers, he’ll be fine.”

After some coaxing, they prepared medicine, and Meinang ensured the room was well-ventilated, despite some resistance. The physicians’ knowledge mingled with Meinang’s practical insights from talking with other mothers, helping her nurse Heng Ge’er through the fever with care and experience. To Meinang, he was now her son in every way, and she would protect him fiercely as he grew up.