Ich denke an dich, wenn der Wind weht

Kapitel 104

“Now that I am a wife, I shouldn’t address you like that anymore.” Her beautiful face held a hint of mockery as she casually picked up a piece of crab meat and savored it. “Just call me Third Young Madam; it sounds better.”

Bai Fengge could no longer hold back and suddenly stood up, a tear rolling down her bright eyes as she stared straight at her.

"I also wish the Third Young Mistress a long and healthy life, and that she may always be as happy as she is today..."

"I have presumptuously agreed. I received much help from you in Yangzhou in the past. I am so glad to meet Miss Bai in my lifetime and have found my life partner. I am sure my husband and I will be overjoyed and offer you generous gifts."

Bai Fengge's face alternated between pale and flushed, her lips trembling violently. Unable to contain her resentment any longer, she staggered out, tears streaming down her face. Su Jinrong's expression changed upon hearing this, filled with indignation. "Sister-in-law, you've gone too far! You knew perfectly well…"

"Knowing she's been coveting Yunshu for a long time, just waiting for my death, how can she be so disrespectful?" Her indifferent tone was calm, her bright eyes revealing a chilling depth. "Is that what you mean, Second Sister-in-law?"

“I…” Su Jinrong’s face flushed red and then paled, and she was speechless for a moment. “My sister-in-law is often ill, so she is probably overthinking things. Feng Ge has no such intention. Besides, she is, after all, a young lady of the Bai family. It would be bad for the reputation of both families to damage the family’s long-standing friendship.”

“She is my second sister-in-law’s best friend, so our relationship is naturally different. But you and I are sisters-in-law, while she is just an outsider. There is a difference between insiders and outsiders. Second sister-in-law, don’t forget that you are not only the daughter of the Su family, but also the second young mistress of the Xie family.”

These words made Su Jinrong's face turn ashen. "What are you saying, sister-in-law? Are you accusing me of not knowing my place? In what way have I not been thinking of the Xie family? Yet I'm being accused of being biased and disloyal. Explain yourself clearly today, and let everyone here judge for themselves." If it weren't for the presence of her uncles, she would have almost burst into a tirade.

"It's best if there's no self." Jun Pianxian was too lazy to pay attention anymore and called out, "Frost Mirror."

A figure bowed in the corridor. "What are your orders, Miss?"

“I’m tired. Help me inside to rest. Have someone keep an eye on Bai Fengge to prevent her from playing any suicidal tricks. We don’t want this proud young lady from a prominent family to cause trouble in the Xie family and undermine Second Sister-in-law’s efforts to consider the bigger picture.”

The maid helped Xie Yunshu up, pushing his hand away. Glancing at the stunned Xie Qinglan and Xie Feilan, her slightly sarcastic tone softened, becoming more gentle.

"The wine is still warm, and the scenery is picturesque. Husband, fourth and fifth brothers, please continue drinking. Don't let me spoil the mood."

Author's Note: 555~~~~ Protest! Don't you dare attack me, even if I upset you all!

If you're going to throw something away, you can only throw away the hollow sponge bricks.

A certain Zi, with extremely poor psychological resilience, is crying her eyes out.

Distant worries

Bai Fengge ran around, Jun Pianqian entered the building, and Su Jinrong, embarrassed and annoyed, turned and left. Only the three brothers remained in the courtyard, and it finally became quiet.

They looked at each other in bewilderment, then Xie Yunshu broke into a smile and, with a hint of apology, poured another drink for his brother.

“These women…” Xie Feilan stared at the jade cup for a long time, then murmured with a sigh. “None of them are easy to deal with.”

Having witnessed a truly entertaining spectacle, Qinglan found it increasingly amusing as she recalled it, laughing so hard she couldn't straighten her back.

"Third sister-in-law is really something... Mother will have a good look at him tomorrow. Second brother will definitely be scolded until his ears burn after leaving the pharmacy."

"Second Brother should be out in about ten days, by which time Second Sister-in-law's anger should have subsided." Xie Yunshu rested his chin on his hand and drank, not particularly worried. "Mother won't say anything. Pianxian left things unsaid, so we won't find anything wrong with her."

"Who knows what my second sister-in-law says in private? She'll inevitably stir up trouble and gossip among the women. Doesn't my third brother care?"

"Things that shouldn't be heard can't enter this courtyard." Xie Yunshu didn't care at all. "Who cares about the rest? Pianxian won't take it to heart either."

"She's really arrogant," Xie Feilan scoffed. His reply was cold and unassuming, yet every word was sharp and cutting. "Did Third Brother tell Third Sister-in-law about that matter?"

Xie Yunshu shook his head, offering no explanation. Bai Fengge had no idea who she had offended, much less understand the countless ways one could die without a trace; truly angering her could lead to the complete annihilation of the Bai family of Hangzhou. The fact that everything was in disarray now didn't mean Pianxian had changed her ways; Xie Yunshu was well aware of this.

"That's why I say you should never mess with Third Sister-in-law." Qinglan stuck out her tongue. "She's even scarier than Dad." Family is the strongest support; enemies are the most dangerous opponents. He understood this a long time ago.

"Is Third Brother preventing women from entering the garden because he's worried about Third Sister-in-law's health, or is he afraid her sharp words will incite public anger?" Xie Feilan scoffed.

Xie Yunshu was slightly taken aback, then gradually smiled, his eyes filled with unrestrained pride. "If you saw her in Tianshan, you would know how wronged she was to have to compromise and maneuver. Her uncles, aunts, and other relatives at home may not have any ill intentions, but how could they possibly get along with someone with such different experiences and personalities? Not everyone has a mother's tolerance."

Xie Feilan disagreed. "Does Third Brother think he can protect her forever? Now that she's married into the family, she'll have to take over Mother's responsibilities sooner or later. She might as well get used to it early."

Xie Yunshu paused for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject. "What does Fourth Brother think of my courtyard?"

"Very good, elegant and refined, with excellent scenery; everyone who sees it will be envious."

"How about I give it to you?" Xie Yunshu asked casually, as if he were talking about something insignificant. "Since you're not going back to Quanzhou, would it be alright for you to stay here?"

Xie Feilan was startled and spilled half a cup of wine on his lapel.

Qinglan was also stunned, and asked timidly, "What do you mean, Third Brother?"

“As you can see, Pianxian can’t be as kind and patient as her mother, and her health won’t allow it. You left home at a young age and gained a lot of experience; you’re quick-witted and not confined to one place or time. Your father admires you and often praises you to me. It’s just right for you to come back and take over the Xie family’s responsibilities.” Clearly, Xie Yunshu had thought about it for a long time before offering his advice. “Don’t worry about Quanzhou; someone else will take care of things. Don’t you cherish your hometown? Staying here will also meet your family’s expectations.”

The courtyard was silent, save for the rustling of leaves turning and swirling.

"Third Brother... Where is Third Brother?!" Qinglan suddenly stood up and blurted out in alarm.

"Third Brother, you want to dump everything on me and just run away with your beautiful wife?" Xie Feilan said each word with a cold smile. "You got Hai Mingxiao and then abandoned your family and business, finding this whole family a burden and too talkative, getting in the way of your happy life together?" He grabbed Xie Yunshu's collar, his hair standing on end in anger. "Third Brother, do you even care about our parents? They tolerated your self-serving rule, protecting your wife like a treasure, indulging her aloofness and shunning her family, and in the end, you still weren't satisfied, just turning around and leaving? What do you think you are!"

"Fourth Brother!" Qinglan saw that her two brothers were about to come to blows when they got into a heated argument, so she quickly pulled Xie Feilan back. Her mind was in a complete mess.

"Qinglan, let go!" Xie Feilan roared. "Listen to the utter nonsense he's spouting!"

Despite being grabbed by the collar, Xie Yunshu neither flinched nor flinched, a hint of weariness and helplessness appearing on his face, his handsome features pale. Xie Feilan finally couldn't bring himself to hit him, and slammed his fist on the table in anger, his knuckles immediately drawing blood.

"I know I'm unfilial." After a long silence, Xie Yunshu's voice was extremely low. "I've let Father down, but I really can't do it."

"What can't you do? What in the family hasn't gone your way?" Xie Feilan sneered. "Do you expect the entire Xie family to kneel at her feet and beg for mercy?"

"I will not have any children," Xie Yunshu said calmly. "Even if I had Hai Mingxiao, she would not be able to endure the pain of childbirth, and I... dare not."

Qinglan was stunned. Xie Feilan was taken aback and unconsciously let go of her hand.

“I’m already relieved that she’s alive, but others won’t think that way. In a few years, there will inevitably be rumors. Father wants me to take over the family business, how can he allow me to be without an heir? Sooner or later, he’ll bring up the matter of taking a concubine.” Xie Yunshu gripped his wine cup tightly, his eyes shining with a terrifying intensity as he looked at his brother. “You don’t know how Pianxian’s mother died. I can’t make the same mistake and regret it for the rest of my life like Jun Ruoxia.”

"Third brother, you..."

"She entrusted everything to me," Xie Yunshu murmured, both as an explanation and as a deeply buried thought. "If I take a concubine, no matter the reason, it will be like stabbing her in the heart. Even if she doesn't hate me, she will never live on. At that time, even if I find the most precious medicine in the world... what's the point?"

"You should explain it to Father, perhaps..."

“It’s no use, Father…he’s hinted at it before.” Having thought about it a thousand times, Xie Yunshu took a deep breath. “Second Brother regularly reports on Pianxian’s illness in detail, and Father and I are both aware of it. His leniency and indulgence will only make it harder for her to speak up in the future, leaving her with no excuse.”

His fame spread throughout the land, his sword chilling the nine provinces. He should have been full of vigor and ambition, but he was torn between his beloved wife and his strict father... His outstanding elder brother could not hide his loneliness and desolation, and Xie Feilan was speechless with pity.

“Father is thinking of the Xie family, but Pianxian…” Xie Yunshu’s voice was slightly hoarse. “Pianxian can’t accept it… She can’t accept it, and neither can I.”

She wept for a long time, and Su Jinrong, who was outside the door trying to comfort her, knew she didn't want to see anyone and finally left helplessly. Every word she had just heard was like a knife to her heart, and the Xie family's tight security shattered all her hopes. Thinking of returning to Hangzhou to see her father and brothers' worried eyes, her heart felt as if it had been plunged into an icy spring, frozen solid.

Wiping away the tears on her cheeks, she took out a bolt of silk given to her by Madam Xie, tore it into a bundle, threw it over the roof beam, tied it into a tight knot, gritted her teeth, and stuck her neck through the knot. The stool beneath her feet overturned, and she instantly couldn't breathe. Blood rushed to her head, a violent headache felt like it was about to split open, and her vision went black and blurry.

Suddenly, she felt light, and after a while, she realized that she had fallen to the ground. Someone lifted her onto the bed, slapped her cheeks without any politeness, and after confirming that she was still alive, they let go of her and called for someone to take care of her.

"...This is really troublesome..."

Hearing these whispers in her dazed state, she was filled with rage, choked on her breath, and truly fainted.

She slept for a long time before finally waking up. She opened her eyes groggily, and the maidservant who was by her side immediately fed her some medicine. It was painful to swallow, and she only felt better after taking some honey. She let the maidservant help her lie down, her eyes fixed on the door. She didn't know how much time had passed when the figure etched in her heart finally appeared before her eyes. The maidservants all withdrew.

"Is Miss Bai alright?"

The man's voice was clear and melodious. She stared at him blankly, speechless, tears falling and soaking her pillow.

The man frowned slightly, standing at a distance without moving an inch. "Miss Bai, please take care of your health and rest quietly. Do not have any more suicidal thoughts. If something tragic happens, it will be too late to regret it in the afterlife."

"I..." Her voice, barely audible, lost its gentle grace, becoming hoarse and unpleasant. "...It would be better to die..." The frail beauty spoke with a sorrowful lament, her delicate brows furrowed like pear blossoms in the rain. "...Better than...becoming a laughingstock..."

"I apologize to Miss on behalf of my wife for what happened today." His deep eyes were calm and unwavering.

“…What wrong has the Third Young Master done?” She coughed lightly and gave a bitter smile. “…I…have wasted my life until now, my youth is fading, my father and brothers’ grievances…are all true, what the Third Young Mistress said is absolutely correct…there is no need for humility.”

The man did not answer.

After a moment of silence, tears welled up in her eyes again. "I just... envy... her good fortune, nothing more..."

"I don't know what merit or ability I have to be so fortunate as to have received your favor and kindness. I am deeply grateful, but my heart is set on my wife and I wish to grow old together with her. I am ashamed of not being able to live up to your deep affection, and I hope you will forgive me."

Pain and disappointment seemed to overflow from her tear-filled eyes. "...I understand, but...I can't control my feelings...I even...wouldn't mind being a mistress..."

The man took a half step back. "I am not fortunate enough to enjoy the blessings of having two wives, and I would never dare to wrong you, Miss."

She clenched her fists stiffly, gritting her teeth fiercely.

"...I only regret that we met too late...if only..."

“If it weren’t for her, I would have been buried in the Tianshan Mountains long ago.” He interrupted calmly, then continued, “I would have perished with the decaying grass, my dear siblings would be strangers in the Yellow Springs, and I would have no chance encounter with Miss in Hangzhou. I am so fortunate to have met her, to have won her heart and entrusted my life to her, it is a blessing I earned in my past life.”

He paused for a moment, then his expression suddenly turned cold.

"Therefore, I will not tolerate any attempt to influence or disrupt, no matter who it is or under what pretext." His words were icy and sharp. "No exceptions."

The double entendre of the warning seemed to see right through him; his handsome eyes were filled with murderous intent, and a chill ran down my spine for no reason.

"…I…" Recalling the constant, invisible vigilance she'd felt recently, her breath caught in her throat, and she couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine. She quickly retorted, "…I didn't…I…I absolutely did not say anything disrespectful to the Third Young Mistress…If the Third Young Master doesn't believe me, I can confront her…"

With a hint of unspoken sarcasm, Xie Yunshu said, “There’s no need for a confrontation. My wife isn’t a magnanimous person, and there are some things I don’t want her to worry about. If something happens to the Second Miss, I won’t be able to explain it to Uncle Bai and Brother Bai.”

"I... I really didn't offend anyone, Sister Jinrong can testify..." For the first time, he felt that the handsome face was terrifying.

"Second sister-in-law is sincere and trustworthy in her dealings with friends, but the Xie family cannot sit idly by and watch her be taken advantage of." She gave him a cold stare. "This parting may be our last. Miss, take care of yourself."

Bai Fengge was utterly desperate. Seeing him turn to leave, she couldn't hold back any longer. "What's so good about that witch? Just because she gave you a small favor back then? You're so devoted to her!"

Her steps faltered slightly. The man turned around, a sudden sneer appearing on his face. "May I ask, what is it about me that makes you so devoted, Miss? Is it for this insignificant appearance? Or this somewhat prestigious family background? Putting all that aside, if I were disgraced and penniless, would you even give me a second glance?"

Her lips moved, but she couldn't utter a single word.

Xie Yunshu smiled slightly. "She and I have only fallen into the demonic sect physically, but Miss has entered the demonic path in her heart. I hope you will be mindful and respect yourself, and stop making mistakes."

Vanity was the lure, and the bitter resentment of unfulfilled desires was the poison, all mixed with the torment of jealousy that drove him to madness. He remained wary and kept his distance; he absolutely refused to let a woman who was nothing but malice destroy the happiness he had worked so hard to achieve.

Too lazy to say anything more, Xie Yunshu gestured for the maid to go inside and take care of the child.

"Miss Bai is still a guest of the Xie family. Please take good care of yourself. I have already written to Brother Kunyu and he will arrive soon to welcome Miss Bai back to Hangzhou."

Night Pavilion

Two bowls of medicine were placed on a black lacquered tray, steaming hot.

Xie Yunshu held up the white jade cup and handed it over, then picked up the celadon bowl himself. Just as he was about to drink, she suddenly approached and hugged his broad shoulders from behind.

"Could you... not drink it?"

He put down the bowl and gently stroked his upturned nose. "How can I not drink? It's too difficult for me to hold you but not be able to touch you."

She bit her lip. "Long-term medication is never good."

“Drinking it only once every few days won’t cause any harm. You should trust Doctor Fu’s prescriptions,” he chuckled. “You’ve already drunk enough. I should take the medicine myself.”

"Or I could do it without medication, I..."