Chapter 189: The Successor Wife – 11

Over the next few days, Ren Xin found herself plunged into a world of misery. She insisted on having Jiaojiao accompany her as a study partner.

Ren Xin feigned a pitiful look. “Do you really have the heart to watch your mother face that stern Nanny all by herself?”

Jiaojiao replied emotionlessly, “I do!”

But Ren Xin didn’t care. Invoking her status as a mother, she forced Jiaojiao into action. “This is no longer up to you.”

And so, another victim was added to the ranks. Ren Xin finally felt a sense of balance; she was now the top student in their little study group.

As for who was in last place, she wouldn’t say.

Qiao Jiaojiao: “…” That was a dirty move!

Nanny Zhang seemed to take a real liking to Ren Xin. She even began providing Ren Xin with “advanced education”—specifically, how to please a man!

Ren Xin: “…” Respectfully declined!

Book Spirit Number One: “If she gives it to you, just take it. Don’t make a fuss. Don’t make the Nanny angry! Careful she doesn’t cook you up in a fit of rage.”

Ren Xin: “…” What kind of life is this!

When Qiao Ce returned home from the imperial court, he could sense the deep, ginseng-infused resentment radiating from Ren Xin.

Acting as if he hadn’t noticed, he chose a spot to twist the knife. “How are the studies going? Nanny Chen is already prepared. The moment Nanny Zhang leaves, she takes over!”

Ren Xin was horrified. Finally, she made a decision that went against all ancestral tradition. “Qiao Ce, how about we get a divorce!”

Qiao Ce was furious, and the consequences were grave. He turned to his son and daughter, who were currently eating, and said, “Do whatever you need to do in a moment. Do not disturb us. I have some matters to discuss with your mother.”

“I’m not going! Not even if you kill me!” Ren Xin talked back stubbornly.

The veins on Qiao Ce’s forehead bulged with anger. He snatched her up like a little chick and carried her back to their room.

Qiao Wuenci asked worriedly, “Sister, Mother will be alright, won’t she?”

Qiao Jiaojiao shared the same concern. “Will Mother get beaten?”

The two little ones spent the night in a state of anxious trepidation. Early the next morning, they ran to find Ren Xin, hoping she was still alive.

“Father, what did you do to Mother?”

Qiao Ce was sleeping when he was jolted awake by the shouting from behind the screen. He had no choice but to get up helplessly. His back was covered in scratch marks; even putting on his clothes was painful.

Ren Xin was still asleep, showing no signs of waking up anytime soon.

Once Qiao Ce was fully dressed, he went out to deal with Ren Xin’s little fan club.

“Your mother is fine. She’s just sleeping!”

Tears welled in Qiao Jiaojiao’s eyes. “Did you beat Mother to death?”

Qiao Wuenci was also heartbroken. “How could such a good mother die…”

Qiao Ce: “…” It’s only been a few days, and you’ve already learned Ren Xin’s way of spreading rumors?

Book Spirit Number One: “It’s hard to learn good habits, but picking up bad ones is lightning fast.”

Eventually, the two little ones entered the inner chamber. After confirming that Ren Xin was still breathing and was simply sleeping in, they finally relaxed.

Qiao Wuenci went to the academy, and Jiaojiao went to practice her calligraphy. Qiao Ce left to handle his affairs.

In the entire household, only Ren Xin remained asleep.

After her selfless display of throwing a tantrum last night, Qiao Ce had finally relented. He promised that once Nanny Zhang left, he wouldn’t bring in any more Nannies.

By the time Ren Xin woke up, it was already noon. Even though she hadn’t done a single thing all day, she felt she had worked hard enough.

But the thought of having to attend Nanny Zhang’s lessons gave her a massive headache!

Book Spirit Number One: “Shen Shen, why aren’t you smiling anymore? Are you just naturally someone who hates to laugh?”

Ren Xin: “…” Scram!

Jiaojiao was already waiting outside, playing cat’s cradle with Chunya.

Ren Xin suddenly had a craving for spicy strips.

Since she wanted them, she would make them. But she wasn’t willing to do the work herself, so she went to trouble the cook.

Just then, Nanny Zhang sent word that she had to leave the manor for the day. Lessons were canceled and would resume tomorrow.

Ren Xin’s joy was visible to the naked eye. It turned out she was naturally someone who loved to laugh!

She summoned the cook and gave him a detailed description of how to make spicy strips. She explained everything from the raw ingredients to the flavor profile, and even branched out into several other snacks.

The cook replied happily, “Just you wait and see, Madam!”