Chapter 267

Everyone has a selfish side, and Wang Xiu Jin was no exception. When his father gave him the manuscript, he never once considered sharing it with anyone else. He believed the manuscript far surpassed the textbooks written by the academy instructors, so he carefully put it away. Good things must be guarded with care; how could he let others lay eyes on it so casually?

After breakfast, Li Linfei hurried over. She watched her nephew eating his morning meal, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Wang Xiu Jin, who sat beside them. “Brother Xiu Jin, let me keep an eye on him,” she offered.

Seeing her eager expression, Wang Xiu Jin’s eyes curved into a gentle smile. “Then I’ll trouble you, little sister. Ya Chang’s medicine is already being prepared. It’ll be ready half an hour after his meal, so just make sure he drinks it. Don’t let him have any sweets.” He seriously relayed the necessary instructions, and Li Linfei listened intently, clenching her small fists in determination. Wang Xiu Jin suppressed a laugh and continued his instructions with a seriousness that was almost comical. In truth, he had also asked Nanny Li to help, as he wasn’t entirely confident in Li Linfei’s ability to care for Ya Chang alone. After all, she was an unmarried young lady who’d always been waited on by others.

After giving his instructions, Wang Xiu Jin straightened his clothes and gathered the items he needed for the shop. Li Linshan was also preparing to head to the military camp. Seeing her sister watching over Ya Chang, she nodded approvingly, then turned to Wang Xiu Jin. “Let’s go.”

As they stepped outside, they found Nanny Li waiting. Wang Xiu Jin asked her to go in and help, knowing that although Li Linfei was eager, she lacked experience. Nanny Li’s presence would ensure both the child and Li Linfei were well looked after.

Li Linshan glanced at Wang Xiu Jin. “If you’re so worried, why don’t you just say so?”

“With Nanny Li there, I’m not worried,” Wang Xiu Jin replied, shaking his head. “Let’s go. I need to visit the Fifth Prince first today. When I was at the workshop yesterday, I heard that the major works are nearly complete and he wants me to drop by.”

He had planned to visit the Fifth Prince in a few days, but with Li Linfei volunteering to look after Ya Chang, there was no reason to delay.

“I’ll see you there, then head to the camp.” Changing military designations was not something that could be resolved in a single meeting. It involved not just the Li family but several others as well. Ceding military command was no trivial matter, and not everyone could be as decisive as the Li family. There would be arguments ahead.

Wang Xiu Jin certainly didn’t refuse Li Linshan’s offer. They left the house together, and after Li Linshan dropped him off outside the sports field, she went on her way. Standing at the entrance, Wang Xiu Jin surveyed the nearly finished field. It already looked quite impressive.

He walked through the large gates, where workers bustled about, busy as bees. Instead of seeking out the Fifth Prince immediately, Wang Xiu Jin took a stroll around the site, choosing paths that wouldn’t get in the way. The place exceeded his expectations, already bearing the likeness of a modern stadium.

Soon, the overseer spotted him and invited him to see the Fifth Prince. Wang Xiu Jin followed him to the prince’s office in the main building—a place he hadn’t explored earlier. Inside, the rooms were still empty, doors yet to be installed, and no sign of decoration. Remembering the prince’s plans for the building, Wang Xiu Jin made a mental note to suggest that each room should be arranged with elegance.

Wang Xiu Jin spent the entire morning at the sports field. At noon, he dined with the Fifth Prince at a nearby restaurant. Sampling the establishment’s specialties, Wang Xiu Jin found the flavors remarkable and decided he would bring his son to try them once the boy’s health improved. Ya Chang could now eat a variety of foods, having inherited the Li family’s hearty appetite—a true little gourmet.

After parting with the Fifth Prince, Wang Xiu Jin stopped by his shop to give some instructions, then made his way to the Wang residence. At his shop, he caught wind of some gossip concerning the Song family. Curious whether it was true, he wanted to ask his mother directly. If the rumors were real, he’d have half a mind to march over and give Song Hongyi a sound beating—how dare he keep a mistress?

Lady Wang’s face darkened upon hearing the story, though she quickly reconsidered. Song Hongyi didn’t seem like that kind of man; besides, her daughter had never forbidden him from taking a concubine. It seemed unlikely he would keep a mistress outside the home. Matters like this needed to be clarified, so she sent her son on his way and, after readying herself, took her attendants to the Song residence.

After returning home, Wang Xiu Jin grew more uneasy the longer he thought about it. Whether the rumor was true or not, Song Hongyi deserved a beating. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire—if one’s conduct is proper, how could such gossip arise?

Li Linfei and Ya Chang kept sneaking glances at Wang Xiu Jin, whose stormy expression was truly intimidating. Ya Chang edged closer to Li Linfei, who gripped his tiny hand. Their uncle’s (or little father’s) demeanor was truly frightening.

Even after dinner, no news arrived from the Wang family, and Wang Xiu Jin grew increasingly unsettled. Could it really be that Song Hongyi was keeping a mistress? His sister was not one to be slighted—how could Song Hongyi treat her so? Clenching his fists, Wang Xiu Jin’s pent-up anger flared, and he was sorely tempted to storm over and thrash Song Hongyi on the spot.

“What’s wrong with you today?” Li Linshan took his hand. She had noticed his off mood ever since his return. Even the children seemed frightened by his demeanor, and if not for dinner being ready, she would have asked sooner.

“I overheard a few gossipmongers at the shop saying Song Hongyi has a mistress,” Wang Xiu Jin replied, his tone sharp.

“Song Hongyi, a mistress? Nonsense. Have you considered when he’d even have the time? He’s been busy with military drills, always at the camp," Li Linshan pointed out, not defending Song Hongyi out of loyalty, but simply stating the facts. “It’s just a rumor, yet you’re so upset. What if those gossips were trying to sow discord between our families on purpose?”

Her words quickly calmed Wang Xiu Jin. Yes, what if someone deliberately tried to provoke trouble? He slapped his forehead. “I was too rash.” He’d been so impulsive that he even went home and told his mother, who would inevitably visit the Song family.

“It's hard to keep calm when it concerns family. If it were about Linfei, I’d be just as agitated,” Li Linshan comforted him, patting his shoulder. “Who exactly started the rumor?”

“I need to return to the Wang house. I failed to control my temper and told Mother, so she’s gone to the Song family to ask,” Wang Xiu Jin said, immediately getting up to leave. Li Linshan didn’t stop him—on the contrary, she followed, asking Nanny Li to look after Ya Chang. She sensed the matter was more complex. Master Wang was neutral in court, sometimes leaning toward the military. If a rift developed with the Song family, would the Li family be next? And then, would Master Wang side with the civil officials?

When they arrived at the Wang residence, they found Wang Xiuyun sitting in the main hall with the children. Song Hongyi was there as well, and nobody looked upset. Wang Xiu Jin breathed a sigh of relief, realizing his own impulsiveness. Without any pretense, he asked directly, “Young Master Song, what’s this about a mistress?”

“Slander—utter slander!” Song Hongyi stood up at once. His brother-in-law was not someone to offend, and if he were truly angered, he could easily persuade Xiuyun to divorce him.

“Since it’s slander, I hope you’ll clear things up soon. Gossip spreads quickly and people will start to believe it,” Wang Xiu Jin said, exhaling. “I apologize for the misunderstanding.”

“You’re only concerned for Xiuyun. I understand,” Song Hongyi replied, returning the respectful gesture. He made a mental note to deal with the rumor swiftly. Someone was clearly stirring up trouble—either to drive a wedge between the Wang and Song families, or perhaps someone in the Song household was being unruly again.

After chatting for a while, Song Hongyi and Wang Xiuyun took the children and left. Master Wang called his youngest son into the study for a stern lecture. Wang Xiu Jin didn’t defend himself—he admitted his mistake. He was a father now, yet he had lost his usual composure. If only he had kept his head, his mother would never have made that unnecessary trip to the Song family. He was at fault, and as for those meddlesome gossips, he would not let them off lightly.

After an hour’s admonition, Wang Xiu Jin finally left the study, reflecting on his actions all the way home. As he walked back with Li Linshan, his mind was still churning. “This matter must be thoroughly investigated. Whether it’s an open or hidden plot, we must bring it to light.”

Li Linshan squeezed his hand. “Naturally. If it’s merely a problem within the Song family, they still need to be taught a lesson. If it keeps happening, we can’t just ignore it. But if it’s outsiders, whichever hand they use to meddle—well, that hand must be cut off.”

Wang Xiu Jin nodded. That was how it should be. They’d been too lenient with the Song family, which was why such foolishness kept happening. If outsiders dared provoke them, only a fierce response would keep them in line.

When the two returned home, Ya Chang had already been lulled to sleep. They tiptoed quietly, not wanting to wake the child, and leaned by his small bed, watching him sleep. No matter how long they looked, he was simply adorable. Only after a while did they change clothes and wash up.

They called Nanny Li to ask about the day. She recounted in detail all that the young lady and young master had done. “Miss took great care of Young Master—she watched the medicine being prepared and insisted on feeding him herself, not letting anyone else help.” She added a few more details, making both Wang Xiu Jin and Li Linshan nod approvingly.

“In the future, when we’re not home and Ya Chang doesn’t need to visit Father, we can leave him with my sister,” Wang Xiu Jin said with a smile, his earlier unease finally dissipating.

Author’s note: Is this silly author becoming a bit more diligent?