Chapter 76: Crown Prince’s Concubine – 4

The tea ceremony went off without a hitch. Old Madam Xie was a kind-hearted, gentle elder who treated Ren Xin with nothing but goodwill.

Even the little youngster sitting beside her observed Ren Xin with curious eyes.

Ren Xin was more than familiar with how to handle children. Before long, the two of them were playing together, even engaging in a bit of playful bickering.

It was precisely this behavior that made Old Madam Xie’s attitude toward Ren Xin even warmer.

Upon his return, Xie Liangchen had a smile on his face as he looked at the yawning Ren Xin. “Tired?”

Wasn’t that just stating the obvious? If she wasn’t tired, was she supposed to burst into song?

“Shall we rest together?”

“Aren’t you busy?” If you’re busy, then hurry up and get lost, I want to sleep!

“We’re newlyweds. Nothing is more important than you!”

Those words truly… disgusted Ren Xin.

“If you keep being this greasy, I’m going to start finding concubines for you!” Or I’ll just snip you off.

Xie Liangchen arched an eyebrow, asking in confusion, “You don’t like me like this? Don’t all women love sweet talk?”

Ren Xin shook her head. “While it’s true you’re very handsome, a man is at his most attractive when he keeps his mouth shut. Keep that in mind!”

Consider this a free lesson; she hoped it would be useful to him!

If he continued being this oily¹, she would eventually turn into a deep-fried ginseng, and that simply wouldn’t do!

Still feeling uneasy, Ren Xin continued her lecture. “Let me tell you, I’m not like other women. Other women seek out handsome men, family status, or prestige. I’m different. I’m not interested in any of that.”

“Oh? Then tell me, what is it you want from me?”

Ren Xin clapped her small hands together, explaining with some excitement, “There’s so much I want from you. First of all, I want your money—lots and lots of money. Then there’s the fact that your family is simple; Grandmother is wonderful, and the little youngster is adorable. But most importantly, I want you to not be home often. I’m much happier on my own. Hearing that, don’t you feel like quite a catch?”

Xie Liangchen: “…” Was it really okay to be this honest?

Xie Liangchen irritably scooped Ren Xin up. Ignoring the fact that it was still broad daylight, the smile at the corners of his mouth turned dangerous. “In that case, since I’m not home often, let’s not waste any time. You should give me the compensation I’m owed in full, don’t you think?”

Ren Xin wrapped her arms tightly around Xie Liangchen’s neck, trying her best to dissuade him. “If you ask me, there’s absolutely no need for this. You look a bit like a paper tiger². You’re still young; you should focus more on self-care.”

Xie Liangchen gritted his teeth. “I think it’s very necessary!”

And so, Ren Xin was forced into this and that. As if trying to prove his stamina, he worked with a frantic, almost insane diligence day and night.

She had come to the Xie Family to enjoy a life of luxury, not to be a courtesan. Could he not just let her go?

Even little Xie Qingfeng noticed Ren Xin’s haggard appearance. He asked with concern, “Little Aunt, are you alright? Should I ask the kitchen to stew some bird’s nest for you?”

Moved, Ren Xin pulled the boy into her arms. “Why couldn’t you grow up sooner? Then maybe I could have married you instead!”

Xie Qingfeng happily hugged Ren Xin back. He felt like this was what it felt like to be held by a mother. It was wonderful! But wait, what? Little Aunt wanted to marry him?

“That won’t work. Little Uncle would be sad.”

Ren Xin curled her lip. That brute, sad? Don’t make her laugh. She had roamed the mortal realm for so many years, only to be defeated by a mere man. It was truly ridiculous.

When news of Ren Xin wanting to marry someone else reached Old Madam Xie, she couldn’t help but burst out laughing. She then looked at Xie Liangchen teasingly.

“Liangchen, it seems you’ve been outdone by Qingfeng. Look, Xinxin doesn’t even want you anymore.”

Xie Liangchen’s face darkened. This woman clearly hadn’t been disciplined enough.

Old Madam Xie then turned serious as she instructed Xie Liangchen, “Tomorrow is Xinxin’s return visit to her parental home³, and you’ll also need to prepare to leave. Talk to Xinxin properly and don’t make her sad. Our Xie Family has treated her unfairly.”

Xie Liangchen fell silent for a moment before nodding, signaling that he understood.

Translator’s Notes