The Laid-back Life of a Stepmother

After confirming that her mother had been safely rescued, Wen Ye did not linger in the western courtyard. She still had to go to the main courtyard to have lunch with her aunt.

She was quite busy.

Wen Ye had no intention of keeping Xu Yuxuan either. She had already eaten her breakfast and lunch together. If Xu Yuxuan was to eat in her presence, she would have to watch him eat, which was not ideal.

However, before leaving, Xu Yuxuan said, "Mother, I will come to keep you company after lunch!" Wen Ye smiled and replied, "Then come over after your afternoon nap." With that assurance, Xu Yuxuan happily left.

After sending the child off, Wen Ye glanced at the sky and said to Yun Zhi, "Go and prepare, we're going out later." Having just eaten and not yet feeling hungry, it was the perfect time to go out and find some food. Yun Zhi hesitated and asked, "What about Young Master Xuyu?"

Wen Ye replied, "I only told him to come over in the afternoon, but I didn't promise that I would be here." Yun Zhi: "……" Her mistress was becoming increasingly adept at deceiving people.

Tao Zhi chuckled and said, "Let's go, Yun Zhi, following Lady Wen's orders is always right."

After all, it wasn't the first or second time that Young Master Xu had been stood up by their mistress. He must be used to it by now.

Yun Zhi was pulled away by Tao Zhi to prepare everything Wen Ye needed for going out.

Wen Ye casually picked up a book to read, and was deeply engrossed when suddenly a shadow fell over her.

Wen Ye closed the book and looked up, seeing a familiar face.

If it had been Yun Zhi or Tao Zhi, they certainly wouldn't have disturbed her while she was so engrossed in reading.

But what intrigued her even more was that Xu Yuejia today wasn't going to work?

Thinking this, she asked aloud, "Husband, didn't you go to the Court of State Ceremonial today?"

Xu Yuejia sat down to her right and poured himself a cup of tea.

Wen Ye suddenly felt thirsty and glanced a couple of times at the teacup in his hand.

Xu Yuejia paused, then pushed the teacup towards her and poured himself another one.

"Thank you, Husband."

Wen Ye took a sip from the cup and just as she set it down, she heard Xu Yuejia say, "I took a day off."

Wen Ye inwardly (tsk-tsked), and said, "That's rare. It doesn't seem like your style at all."

Xu Yuejia glanced at her silently, then said, "Do you really not know why I took the day off?"

Wen Ye quickly retorted, "How would it be related to me?"

The words had barely left her mouth when she suddenly remembered the previous night... cough cough, it did seem to be somewhat related, but it wasn't a big deal.

She didn't believe he was entirely 'forced' and didn't enjoy it at all.

Wen Ye changed her words and said instead, "Husband, you woke up late today because you were too indulgent. I am merely a devoted wife, wholeheartedly cooperating with my husband's wishes."

As she said this, she took out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve and covered her face slightly, pretending to be bashful.

This again.

Xu Yuejia had no choice but to say, "I misspoke."

Wen Ye immediately dropped the act, stuffed the handkerchief back into her sleeve, and said, "I'm going out later, you can have lunch on your own."

Xu Yuejia observed her behavior silently, remaining wordless for a long time, and finally only responded with a single word:

"Oh."

Wen Ye added, "Because of you, I ate breakfast late, and I'm still full now, so I thought I'd go out and stroll around to help with digestion."

As she spoke, Wen Ye suddenly had an idea and turned to look at him, saying, "Why don't you come with me?"

After all, it could get quite boring to shop alone for too long. She could invite some good friends to join her, but shopping was meant to relax her mood, and maintaining appearances in front of those noble ladies was tiring.

It would be better to invite Xu Yuejia, this quiet person, along. When she got bored, she could tease him a bit, have some fun, and it wouldn't matter much.

Wen Ye had also gotten to know Xu Yuejia's temperament quite well by now. As long as she didn't violate the Great Jin Laws, no matter what she did, Xu Yuejia would tolerate it a few more points because she was his wife.

In short, Xu Yuejia was actually quite easy to get along with, as long as one knew clearly where his boundaries were. However, Xu Yuejia lowered his eyes and said, "I still have some official duties to handle later." This was a refusal.

Wen Ye said "oh" (oh) in a manner that showed she was not surprised, but her expression changed immediately.

With an expression that said 'With my husband accompanying me, I feel very reassured', she said, "That's fine, official duties are important, but Xu Yuxuan said he would come over after lunch. Since you're here, I won't worry about Xu Yuxuan getting bored."

Xu Yuejia's gaze flickered slightly and he asked instead, "Where are you going?"

Wen Ye shared her plan, "First, I'll go to the West Market to look around and see if there's anything new. Then, around the right time, I've booked a spot at the Juxianlou. If you come along, I'll treat you."

Xu Yuejia then asked, "When are you leaving?"

Wen Ye glanced at Tao Zhi who had appeared at the door, "Right now."

Xu Yuejia immediately stood up and said, "Since you've sincerely invited me, how can I refuse?" Wen Ye probed, "What about your duties?" Xu Yuejia slightly moved his lips and said, "Not urgent."

Wen Ye raised her eyebrows slightly and inwardly sighed, Xu Yuxuan's influence was indeed great.

Wen Ye had been afraid of the heat her whole life. After coming here, the toughest part for her every year was this period.

However, although it was already summer, it hadn't reached the hottest days yet. Wen Ye wanted to take advantage of the time before the real heat came to go out once more. By the time it got really hot, no one would be able to convince her to leave the house.

She would stay indoors, hugging ice to get through the summer.

At this moment, she was extremely grateful that she had married into a noble household. If she had chosen the Shen family or the scholar family of Wu, by now, she wouldn't even be able to afford ice.

The carriage was a bit stuffy, so before leaving, Wen Ye had Tao Zhi prepare a basin of ice to place at her feet. The cool air rising made her feel comfortable.

The West Market and Juxianlou were in different directions. From the Duke's Mansion, it would take a while to go to the West Market first and then transfer to Juxianlou, about the time Xu Yuxuan would wake up from his afternoon nap.

The carriage soon arrived at the entrance of the West Market. To make it easier to move around, Wen Ye changed into a narrow-sleeved dress, and Xu Yuejia also took off his usual wide-sleeved robe.

He wore a tight-fitting green robe, which at first glance, gave off a martial air.

After getting off the carriage, Wen Ye strolled around while chatting with him, "Why did you choose the civil service examination route? As a son of the Duke's Mansion, shouldn't you follow the military path?"

The ancestors of the Duke's Mansion had all risen through military exploits, step by step, to reach their current status. According to Wen Ye's understanding, the children of the Xu's collateral branches still primarily followed the path of martial arts, then joined the military at the appropriate age to seek a future.

Xu Yuejia glanced at her and said, "How do you know I don't know martial arts?"

Wen Ye was surprised, "You do?"

She had thought Xu Yuejia was the anomaly in the Duke's Mansion. Xu Yuejia replied, "I know a little." Wen Ye didn't give up and asked, "A little is how much?"

Xu Yuejia explained quietly, "I was weak as a child, the doctor said I shouldn't practice martial arts, but learning some sword techniques could benefit physical health." Wen Ye understood. This meant he could do some techniques, but compared to real martial artists, his skills were just for show.

No wonder she had felt some abdominal muscles on him before, and was briefly puzzled about how someone who was always busy with official duties could have them. Now it seemed more reasonable.

Wen Ye then asked, "Do you still practice now?"

She kind of wanted to see it。

There were beautiful and ugly 'embroidered pillows' (figurative for pretentious skills). Maybe Xu Yuejia was the former.

Xu Yuejia glimpsed the thought in her eyes and immediately averted his gaze, saying, "Focus on shopping."

Wen Ye muttered, "Stingy."

Xu Yuejia: "……"@@novelbin@@

Not showing was fine. Wen Ye wasn't that interested. She was soon attracted by a cricket cage at a stall. Xu Yuejia was quickly forgotten.

After finishing the shopping at the West Market, lunchtime had already passed. Wen Ye suddenly remembered that Xu Yuejia hadn't eaten yet, so she immediately had Qiu Shi change course to Juxianlou.

Juxianlou was always crowded, and Wen Ye had booked a private room three days in advance.

In the private room, the shopkeeper had also put a basin of ice, which showed their business acumen. It was just the beginning of summer, yet they were generous enough to put out ice basins. Which other tavern could compete with it?

The private room and the newly launched plum wine at Juxianlou were booked together three days ago.

Juxianlou had its own rules. The plum wine, limited to two hundred jars a day, could be pre-ordered, but if the reservation was not honored within three days, the shopkeeper would resell the wine to others.

No exceptions.

The private room was near a window. After Wen Ye entered, she had the window opened. With the gentle breeze coming in and the ice basin chilling the room, she finally felt comfortable. She ordered a few light dishes for Xu Yuejia and had the plum wine she had pre-ordered brought to the table. Although it was called a jar, the jar itself was small, containing about a pound of wine from later generations. This kind of wine was not very intoxicating, and being fond of drinking, Wen Ye could finish a jar by herself. Considering that Xu Yuejia rarely drank, she had the waiter bring another pot of plum tea.

The plum wine was slightly thick and had a slightly sweet and sour aroma. When sipping it, the wine’s fragrance was soft. Wen Ye poured another glass for herself and then raised it toward Xu Yuejia, saying, “Husband, shall we clink glasses?” Xu Yuejia picked up the porcelain cup of plum tea by his side and gently clinked it with hers. His gaze then shifted to the cup in her hand, and finally, to her. Meeting his eyes, Wen Ye immediately assured him, “Don’t worry, Husband, this wine won’t get you drunk.”

No matter how strong a liquor was, she had tasted it.

This was just a fruit wine after all.

Moreover, plum wine was more suitable for women to drink. At least half of the plum wine sold here went to wealthy and influential ladies in the capital.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t replicate the plum wine from Ju Xianlou in her own residence. Something was always missing, otherwise, she wouldn’t have to travel a long distance just to enjoy a few cups of wine.

Wen Ye hadn’t ordered any dishes for herself, as she wasn’t hungry. However, the few dishes she had ordered for Xu Yuejia were hardly eaten by him, and most of them ended up in her stomach.

When the meal was almost finished, there were only about two more cups left in the jar of wine. Wen Ye poured herself a cup and left the remaining wine for Xu Yuejia, saying, “Husband, try some too.”

She added, “Just one cup, not too much.”

This was to prevent him from objecting beforehand.

How generous she was, inviting her husband to dinner and even to drink wine!

The prices at Ju Xianlou were not cheap, and she had reserved a private room, which was even more expensive. All these expenses came from her private savings. Outside, the bustling street vendors’ shouts could still be heard, and Wen Ye occasionally glanced out. This time, she suddenly spotted Captain Liao, who she had met once before, leading a few constables on the street.

They surrounded two men in the middle of the street.

One of the men seemed to have a higher rank, otherwise, Captain Liao and his men wouldn’t be so obedient to him. The man was currently kicking and cursing at the person who had fallen to the ground: “You dare run! You scoundrel!”

Since the private room was on the second floor, Wen Ye could see the scene clearly. Curious, she asked Xu Yuejia, “Husband, do you know this man?” Xu Yuejia turned his gaze toward the street. The man had stopped kicking and happened to look up, giving Xu Yuejia a clear view of his face.

Xu Yuejia replied, “He is Prince Wen.”

Recently, to keep Prince Wen from frequenting the palace, the Emperor had tasked Magistrate Wang of the Prefect of the Capital to assign Prince Wen a theft case to investigate. Now, after a month, it seemed the case had been solved.

Wen Ye expressed surprise, “That’s him?” Her tone suggested she was skeptical. Xu Yuejia asked, “Why couldn’t it be him?”

Wen ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‍Ye explained, “I’ve heard that Prince Wen is fond of wine and women. Turns out, he’s quite handsome.”

She had imagined him as a bloated figure.

“Handsome?” Xu Yuejia glanced at her and repeated the word.

Feeling the man’s peculiar gaze, Wen Ye quickly corrected herself, “Of course, handsomer than him, you are incomparable, Husband.” Flattery was her specialty.

Xu Yuejia didn’t respond, merely twitching the corner of his mouth.

After a moment, he called the waiter and said, “Bring another jar of plum wine.”

The waiter looked troubled, “I’m sorry, sir, our plum wine needs to be pre-ordered.” Xu Yuejia closed the window with a lift of his hand.

He didn’t mean to make trouble for the waiter but said, “I wish to speak with your manager.”

The waiter could tell that the two in front were not ordinary guests, so he immediately said, “Please wait a moment, esteemed guests. I’ll go get the manager.”

When the private room door closed again, Wen Ye spoke up, “Husband, didn’t you once say that drinking too much is not advisable?”

“You don’t like it?”

Wen Ye was immediately flattered, even finding it a bit eerie. She couldn’t help but think to herself, “Husband, did you get possessed?”

She hadn’t connected his behavior to her casual compliment earlier. Xu Yuejia wasn’t that shallow.

Xu Yuejia: “Children should not speak of strange powers and spirits.”

Wen Ye: “…”

She would rather believe in ghosts.

The manager of Ju Xianlou arrived quickly.

The manager was surnamed Qin.

Manager Qin entered with a friendly smile. The waiter might not recognize Xu Yuejia, but he did. Seeing Xu Yuejia, Manager Qin was even more courteous. He said, “Qin greets Mr. Xu.”

Xu Yuejia nodded slightly, “Manager Qin.”

Without Xu Yuejia asking further, Manager Qin immediately turned to the waiter and whispered, “Go bring another jar of plum wine for Mr. Xu.”

Having witnessed the entire interaction, Wen Ye thought to herself, power is truly a wonderful thing.

The new jar of plum wine was set on the table. Manager Qin tactfully said, “Then I won’t disturb Mr. Xu and Madam Xu during their meal.” After speaking, he quietly left the private room and personally closed the door.

Tao Zhi, who was guarding the door, was utterly useless at this moment.

Sipping the new wine, Wen Ye couldn’t help but shake her head and sigh, “Husband, you’ve changed.”

Xu Yuejia looked up, “You know me well?”

Wen Ye looked down at the wine in her cup and said, “At least, Husband, you’ve never used your power to oppress others before.”

Xu Yuejia replied, “Wasn’t Manager Qin the one who voluntarily provided the plum wine?”

“You’re being wasted in the Ministry of Justice, Husband,” Wen Ye bluntly said, “You should be in the Court of State Ceremonial. With you there during negotiations with foreign tribes, the Great Jin could surely gain more tributes.”

Xu Yuejia said, “The manager treats us courteously not because I am a Vice Minister of Justice, but because he fears the influence of the Duke’s Mansion.” Wen Ye placed her wine cup down and leaned slightly forward.

“So?”

Xu Yuejia, with an extremely frank expression, said, “So fundamentally, I didn’t use my own power to oppress him. The Duke’s mansion's influence made Manager Qin yield, and the Xu family’s Duke title is always inherited by the eldest son.”

Wen Ye was silent for a long time before shaking her head slightly, “You really are being wasted.”

Does your elder brother know you’ve been ‘tarnishing’ his reputation like this outside?