The Laid-back Life of a Stepmother

Madam Lu noticed that Wen Ye had recently lost some weight and remembered the Lin Garden Estate near Xiquan Mountain in the countryside. The place was surrounded by three mountains, with dense forests blocking the sun, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere—an ideal retreat for escaping the summer heat. While living there permanently wasn't feasible, staying for a little over a week seemed perfect, just enough to avoid the hottest days of summer.

Madam Lu wasn't comfortable letting Wen Ye go alone, but fortunately, she had attended all the necessary social events recently, and there were no pressing affairs at the manor. Taking the children along for a little vacation seemed like a good idea.

As for Duke Xu and Xu Yuejia, they weren't considered at all. Both had their official duties and couldn't be spared, and it was important to have someone at the manor to oversee things. Madam Lu even planned to leave Nanny Xi behind to prevent any troubles that might arise among the servants in her absence.

After Qingxue returned from the western courtyard, Madam Lu instructed servants to request a two-week leave from the tutors of Xu Jinglin and Xu Yuxuan. When Xu Jinglin learned over breakfast that he wouldn't need to attend classes for the next fortnight, he excitedly embraced Xu Yuxuan, who had just arrived at the main courtyard.

Xu Yuxuan struggled and said, "Second Brother, let me go~"

He could barely breathe.

Madam Lu quickly had the two separated and chided Xu Jinglin, "Why are you so reckless? Can't you see your little brother is uncomfortable?" Xu Jinglin scratched his head, realizing his mistake, and obediently apologized, "Xuan, I got carried away with excitement." Xu Yuxuan took a deep breath and shook his head, saying, "It's okay!" He knew his second brother meant no harm.

Earlier ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‍that morning, Qingxue had run into Nanny Ji at the western courtyard and casually mentioned Madam Lu's plans. Nanny Ji then brought Xu Yuxuan to the main courtyard to inquire about the details.

Upon learning that Madam Lu indeed planned to take the young master to Xiquan Mountain, Nanny Ji immediately said, "Then I'll go back and pack the young master's luggage."

Madam Lu nodded and said, "Go ahead, Xuan can stay here with me." Nanny Ji nodded in agreement, "Yes."

Xu Yuxuan didn't know where Xiquan Mountain was, but the thought of not having to attend classes made him very happy. Seeing the brothers beaming with joy, Madam Lu couldn't help but smile and asked, "Is going out to play that exciting?" The two brothers nodded in unison.

Xu Jinglin suddenly said, "It would be even better if Big Brother was with us." Xu Yuxuan also nodded, recalling how their eldest brother would tell stories while practicing swordplay.

Madam Lu nearly forgot that she had another son. Previously, she would receive a letter or two every few days, but it had been over half a month since her last communication with her eldest. She assumed he was adjusting well to life at the academy. She told her younger son, "Your eldest brother needs to focus on his studies. With me and your aunt accompanying you, isn't it better?" Xu Jinglin didn't dare disagree and simply nodded.

Xu Yuxuan spoke up, "Mother, are you coming too?"

Madam Lu turned her gaze toward him and, with her voice softening, replied, "Yes."

"What about Nanny?" Xu Yuxuan asked next.

Madam Lu nodded.

Xu Yuxuan continued, "Will Father be going?"

Madam Lu shook her head.

"What about Uncle Duke?" Xu Yuxuan inquired.

Madam Lu replied, "He won't be going either."

This time, Xu Yuxuan asked for a reason, "Why not?"

Madam Lu explained, "Your Uncle Duke is busy, so he won't join us this time."

Adults always seemed preoccupied. Xu Yuxuan sighed dramatically, saying, "Alright then."

Madam Lu chuckled at his mischievous nature and remarked, "What tricks have you been learning from your mother?"

Xu Yuxuan shook his head, "None at all."

Madam Lou scrutinized him for a moment before saying, "Your mother truly treasures you."

Having been the Duke's wife for so long, she could easily discern genuine affection from mere pretense.

Some things couldn't be judged by appearances alone.

Xu Yuxuan nodded in agreement, then suddenly leaned into Madam Lu's embrace, saying, "Auntie, you're wonderful too~"

Madam Lu smiled, gently stroking his cheek, and asked, "What did you have for breakfast, Xuan? Your mouth is so sweet."

Xu Yuxuan quickly shook his head, "I only had some porridge, no roast chicken."

Madam Lu: "......"

Where did that roast chicken come from?

---

In the evening, after Xu Yuejia returned to the manor, Wen Ye was still packing their belongings.

The trip would last for over a fortnight, so quite a few items needed to be prepared. However, they wouldn't need to bring too many attendants, as having Yun Zhi and Tao Zhi along seemed sufficient.

As for Xu Yuxuan, Madam Lu surely had a plan. And even if not, there was always Nanny Ji. Still occupied with selecting books from the shelf, Wen Ye was engrossed in her task.

Since they'd be traveling with Madam Lu, she didn't want to bring anything inappropriate—just a couple of interesting travel memoirs.

Xu Yuejia entered the study and noticed her scanning the shelves. Slowing his steps, he approached and asked, "Heading out for a trip, yet you're still carrying romance novels?"

Wen Ye shook her head, "No, I'm just looking for a couple of engaging travel memoirs to take along." She recalled purchasing some previously but couldn't find them now.

Xu Yuejia glanced at the overflowing shelf of 'Analects,' 'Three Character Classic,' and other texts, then said, "The travel memoirs aren't here."

As he spoke, he moved to another shelf, precisely retrieving the memoirs Wen Ye needed and handing them to her. Wen Ye accepted them and flipped through swiftly, confirming they were indeed the right books.

She exclaimed, "I forgot where I placed them! How did you remember?"

Turning back, she placed the two memoirs into a wooden box and declared, "Done!"

Suddenly, a breeze swept from behind her, instinctively causing her to turn around. She saw Xu Yuejia holding a fan she had left nearby, tenderly fanning her. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, and she asked, "You seem in a good mood today, Husband?"

Xu Yuejia replied, "No."

Wen Ye glanced at the delicate fan in his hands—an object that seemed out of place given his usual demeanor. She inquired, "Then, what is this about?"

Undue attention made her uneasy. Xu Yuejia gazed at her calmly, "Don't you find it familiar?"

Wen Ye paused, then fragments of indistinct memories emerged in her mind. So, a young lady from the fields had been gently fanning her during the nights? She had thought it was just a dream.

No, not a field maiden, but perhaps a gentleman from the fields...

"So, it was you?"

"Yes."

Wen Ye met Xu Yuejia's somewhat deeper gaze, and the words poised on her lips retreated, instead saying, "Even more beautiful now." Her tone was sincere.

Xu Yuejia: "......"

He quietly remarked, "Is that it?"

Wen Ye tentatively responded, "Keep it up?"

That was her honest thought at the moment. Having him fan her at night allowed her to sleep more comfortably indeed.

Xu Yuejia inhaled slightly agitated, then said, "Never mind."

Wen Ye tried to salvage the situation, "Your kind intentions, I understand."

Being fanned by one's husband during the night was rare. She meant what she said; she was just quicker with her words than her thoughts.

Back at her maiden home, she rarely acted this way. Evidently, life within Duke Xu's manor had made her too comfortable. However, Xu Yuejia did not delve deeper, accepting her response.

Real emotions could sometimes impair judgment, and his actions that past night were a testament to that. He had spent a considerable part of the day regaining his composure.

"I meant no offense," Xu Yuejia began after a lengthy pause, attempting to explain. "You don't need to feel pressured."@@novelbin@@

His words were equivocal, but Wen Ye still understood.

In truth, she would have preferred not to.

Such occurrences were beyond her contemplation.

Suddenly, one partner in their arrangement exhibited further intentions. Transitioning from a physical union to an emotional one amid their current dynamic was fraught with peril.

However, changing courses could be even more dangerous.

Wen Ye wasn't inclined to deceive Xu Yuejia. "I wouldn't feel stressed, but I'm afraid you might not accept it," she admitted boldly.

Xu Yuejia countered, "And how do you know that?"

Was he amenable to the shift? Encouraged, Wen Ye proposed, "Then, shall we proceed as usual?"

Step by step, adapting to unforeseen changes—after all, Madam Lu was part of the equation. Moreover, Xu Yuejia might reconsider on his own someday.

Xu Yuejia: "Agreed."

Today was an anomaly—likely due to insufficient calm on his part.

He wasn't overly ambitious by nature.

Despite Wen Ye's undeniably aloof nature, she couldn't help but notice subtle changes in Xu Yuejia following this unexpected revelation. Previously, she had never considered any sentiments beyond their practical relationship, crediting it all to his inherent decorum.

However, upon reflection, that was an oversimplification.

An awkward silence stretched between them until their eyes chanced to meet once again.

Xu Yuejia finally said, "I'll go wash up."

Wen Ye: "......"

She didn't actually intend anything of the sort.

Nonetheless, the rare initiative was appreciated in its own way.

★

Early the next morning, Xu Yuejia escorted the mother and son duo out of the estate. His gaze lingered until they boarded their sedan chair.

Duke Xu, lingering nearby, muttered to Madam Lu, "Having so few guards doesn't seem like enough, does it? Perhaps I should join you?"

Madam Lu dismissed his idea immediately, "That's plenty. Besides, Yuejia isn't coming, so it would be improper for you to tag along instead."

Reluctantly, Duke Xu backed down but said, "Make sure to return soon."

Wen Ye lifted the curtain and first cast a glance at Xu Yuejia, then urged Madam Lu, saying, "Sister-in-law." Xu Yuxuan's head popped up from behind, waving at Madam Lu enthusiastically, "Auntie, hurry up and come up~"

Seeing Xu Yuxuan calling for her, Madam Lu stopped chattering with Duke Xu about inconsequential matters. She said, "I know what I'm doing, no need to see me off." With the assistance of her maid, Madam Lu stepped into the carriage without turning back.

Duke Xu: "...

Wen Ye still held the curtain, leaning down to the child who had snuggled into her arms, "Quick, say goodbye to your father."

Only then did Xu Yuxuan wave at Xu Yuejia, his voice filled with excitement, "Father, we're leaving~"

Xu Yuejia responded with a soft "Hmm," then shifted his gaze to the person behind him, saying, "Be careful on the road."

Wen Ye replied, "Got it."

Xu Yuxuan chimed in: "Understood~"