The Laid-back Life of a Stepmother

So, Xu Yuxuan was taken by his father to relieve himself.

Wen Ye was very sleepy but still held on until Xu Yuejia returned with Xu Yuxuan. She said, "This way, there won't be any bed-wetting, right?" Xu Yuxuan was now mostly awake and clearly heard Wen Ye's words. He gave a small, discontented hum. Xu Yuejia's tone this time was more certain: "No, there won't be." Hearing this, Wen Ye finally let go and fell asleep.

Xu Yuxuan was placed back in the middle of the bed. He looked at Xu Yuejia, wanting to say something more. Xu Yuejia stopped him with words: "Don't disturb your mother; go to sleep." Xu Yuxuan changed his small protest to a barely audible "Hmph~."

The next day, Wen Ye woke up in a daze, feeling like there was something extra in her arms. She reached out and touched a pair of small feet.

Wen Ye: "... "

She reached further down and felt something softer, likely Xu Yuxuan's bottom. After a while, a series of childlike giggles came from the bed's foot end. Wen Ye finally opened her eyes and glanced towards the end of the bed, where she saw a child with one leg raised, turning direction and crawling clumsily towards her.

As he crawled, he called out, "Mother~"

Wen Ye suddenly didn't feel like being his mother anymore.

She ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍asked, "Where's your father?"

After much effort, Xu Yuxuan finally made it to Wen Ye's side and said, "He left~" Wen Ye also got up, lifted the gauze curtain, and called out. Tao Zhi and Nanny Ji came in together.

Xu Yuxuan's legs needed to be re-treated with medicine after a night's sleep. Nanny Ji carried him off the bed and then said to Wen Ye, "Madam, I'll take Young Master back to change the medicine." Wen Ye first smelled her hand and thankfully, there was no smell of feet.

Then she nodded, "Go ahead."

It was hot, so no extra clothes were needed. Nanny Ji carried Xu Yuxuan, still in his sleeping clothes, towards the western courtyard.

On the way, she asked, "Does Young Master need to relieve himself?"

Normally, Xu Yuxuan would go to the bathroom once after waking up. Surprisingly, this time Xu Yuxuan shook his head and said, "No, I won't go." Nanny Ji thought Xu Yuxuan was in a mood and gently persuaded, "Just once, okay?" Xu Yuxuan firmly expressed, "No," and said, "Father carried me to go!" Nanny Ji was surprised and quickly asked, "Young Master, you're not lying to Nanny, are you?"

Being someone who has studied for a while, Xu Yuxuan now knows how to count on his fingers.

He raised two fingers and said, "Two times!"

Nanny Ji: "Young Master went to the bathroom twice in the morning?"

Xu Yuxuan shook his head, "It was when I was sleeping and when I woke up."

Nanny Ji inwardly sighed: It seems Master Xu is quite capable of taking care of Young Master.

Xu Yuxuan waited for Nanny Ji to comment on his father's actions, but after waiting for a while, he turned to look and found he couldn't understand. It seemed Nanny was 'out of order' too.

Western Courtyard.

After washing and dressing, Wen Ye lay on a long couch, closing her eyes and asked Tao Zhi to massage her arms. Yesterday, she didn't feel anything, but after getting up this morning, she felt a dull ache in her arms. That Xu Yuxuan kid... should he lose some weight? Tao Zhi was about to go over when Xu Yuejia, who had suddenly returned, silently stopped her.

Xu Yuejia entered the inner room, sat on a small stool, placed Wen Ye's arm on his knee, and accurately massaged each critical point.

Wen Ye didn't know the person massaging her had changed to Xu Yuejia.

She only felt that today's Tao Zhi had a strong grip and the massage was more comfortable.

Wen Ye closed her eyes and enjoyed it. If it weren't for the heat, she might have returned to bed for a nap. Nearly two quarters of an hour later, Xu Yuejia suddenly asked, "Is it better now?"

Wen Ye was startled and turned her head in surprise, "Didn't you go to work?"

Xu Yuejia looked at her, "Who told you that?"

Wen Ye sat up and said, "Xu Yuxuan."

"I just went to the study. Today is a rest day."

Another rest day?

Wen Ye felt that he had quite a few rest days recently? Her right arm felt better, so she pulled it back and switched to the other one. Looking at Xu Yuejia's gaze, Wen Ye had no hesitation and urged him, "Continue."

Xu Yuejia: "........."

Wen Ye thought it through, since Xu Yuejia has some visible feelings for her now, why not enjoy it first. As for why she's not worried about what if Xu Yuejia changes his heart in the future.

Wen Ye's thinking is that the heart is the hardest thing to control. We'll talk about it if he really changes.

At worst, she'll lose a sleeping partner, but she still has her sister-in-law and enough old age savings.

Besides, a man who has opened up is indeed different. Before, he had never actively massaged her hands or shoulders.

Xu Yuxuan returned just before all the breakfast dishes were laid out.

Sitting between Wen Ye and Xu Yuejia, he was gnawing on a chicken leg.

Madam Lu believed that eating what would replenish what, so she had someone prepare chicken soup early in the morning.

Wen Ye ate a bowl of cold noodles with sesame sauce without chili. Watching Xu Yuxuan happily gnawing on his chicken leg, she suddenly said, "How about I make duck soup for you at lunch?"

Xu Yuxuan paused, his little mouth moved, "Duck?"

Wen Ye: "Yes, duck."

Xu Yuxuan shook his head, "I don't want to eat duck."

Wen Ye: "Then how about goose?"

"The one that bit you." She added. Xu Yuxuan nodded vigorously, seriously saying, "Eat!" He even dared to eat the other side, showing no signs of trauma, a slight raise of Wen Ye's brow, thinking inwardly.

But then she heard Xu Yuxuan say, "Eat a little, just the legs, don't kill it."

Wen Ye: "..."

You know how to eat.

A bit soft-hearted, but not much.

After half a month of raising, Xu Yuxuan's leg wounds had almost healed. The medicine was still applied, but now he wouldn't cry as he did before each time he got treated. The heat gradually subsided, and it was approaching the late summer and early autumn.

Xu Baili had not yet returned from Orchid City, so Xu Yuxuan didn't need to attend classes. Most of this time was spent in the western courtyard. However, as long as Xu Yuejia was not around, Wen Ye would take him to the main courtyard.

Madam Lu cherished him to no end. With her around, Xu Yuxuan would bother Wen Ye less and, more importantly, Wen Ye could hear many interesting and sensational stories from Madam Lu that were even more fascinating than what was written in novels. This day, Wen Ye woke up and, as usual, took the child (Xu Yuxuan) to the main courtyard.

Seeing the mother and child, Madam Lu immediately had her maidservants bring two plates of the favorite snacks of the two.

After sitting down, Wen Ye noticed Madam Lu holding a letter and asked, "Is it a letter from Jingrong?"

Madam Lu nodded, "Yes. If it weren't for Xu Yuxuan's teacher helping to send some clothes and food over, he probably wouldn't have remembered to write a letter back."

Wen Ye tasted a piece of osmanthus cake and said, "That's not what you were saying before, Sister-in-law."

Madam Lu said, "Before, I could receive several letters every three to five days. Now, I haven't received one in a month. I plan to go to Orchid City in a few days." There was less than a month and a half left until the Mid-Autumn Festival. From the Mid-Autumn Festival to the beginning of spring the following year, Madam Lu was the busiest.

The only time she could truly find a quiet moment was during the hottest days of summer.

Madam Lu wasn't worried that her eldest son's studies would decline at the Pine Mountain Academy, as his grades were just average even when he was studying at home.

She trusted the academy.

The matron and servant who were taking care of him in Orchid City had mentioned in their letter that everything was fine, except that the young master had been spending more money recently. A bit of money wasn't something Madam Lu cared about. She was afraid that her eldest son was spending this money on some bad habits. If she didn't go see for herself, she wouldn't feel at ease.@@novelbin@@

Madam Lu planned, "Let's wait a few more days, until I've arranged everything in the mansion."

At this point, Madam Lu suddenly looked at Wen Ye, "During my absence, the Duke's Mansion will be up to you. I'll leave Nanny Xi behind. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask her." Since Madam Lu was young, Nanny Xi had been by her side. From Ding'an Hou Mansion to the Duke's Mansion, over the years, Nanny Xi had been well-trained and wasn't someone to be trifled with.

Wen Ye suddenly didn't find the osmanthus cake so appealing anymore.

What did she mean by relying on her? Wen Ye hurriedly asked, "Sister-in-law, when do you plan to return?"

Madam Lu: "A round trip will take two days, so at least five days." She couldn't stay in Orchid City for too long either, with all the affairs of the mansion to attend to.

Wen Ye: "Five days..."

That meant she would have to manage the household for five days.

That wouldn't do.

Wen Ye thought for a while and said, "Why don't I replace Sister-in-law and go instead? Orchid City isn't that close, it takes a day to get there. I'm worried about Sister-in-law's health."

She spoke sincerely and emotionally.

Madam Lu hadn't considered this before. Letting Wen Ye go in her place, she paused and asked, "Aren't you afraid of being tired?"

Wen Ye shook her head, "Not afraid."

Tired for two days or five, six, seven, or eight days? She could still calculate that. Moreover, she had never been on a long trip in her life, so it could be considered a short vacation.

Wen Ye remembered reading in Xu Baili's autobiography and travel journal that he described the scenery of Orchid City. Compared to the prosperous Wan City, Orchid City was a place of picturesque beauty and poetic charm. Madam Lu hesitated, "Jingrong mentioned in his letters that he misses the dishes from the little kitchen in your courtyard."

Wen Ye immediately responded, "That's easy to fix. I'll bring Hongxing along too, so she can cook some delicious food for Jingrong. I heard that the dining hall at Pine Mountain Academy has just average food, and it's been nearly half a year. I'm sure Jingrong misses Hongxing's cooking."

Madam Lu was gradually persuaded. She thought for a moment and said, "I'll assign a few guards to accompany you. Once you arrive, send them to investigate whether Jingrong has developed any bad habits like gambling. Granny Jiang mentioned he's been spending quite a bit of money lately."

This was Madam Lu's only concern.

Wen Ye quickly agreed, "I'll make sure they thoroughly investigate."

Madam Lu felt a bit more at ease. She didn't like traveling far, and she didn't trust anyone else to go in her place. Wen Ye was the most suitable choice. Jingrong would listen to her, and most importantly, she was family and wouldn't deceive her.

This was exactly what Wen Ye wanted. She smiled and said, "I'll do as you say, Sister-in-law." Xu Yuxuan, who had been listening quietly the entire time, finally understood one thing—his mother was about to leave.

He quickly asked, "Mother, where are you going?"

Wen Ye turned to look at him and said, "I'm going to see your older brother Jingrong."

Xu Yuxuan then pointed to himself and asked, "What about me?"

Wen Ye replied, "Master Xu will be back soon. You'll stay home and study hard."

Xu Yuxuan: "What about Father?"

Wen Ye didn't even think before saying, "Your father will stay home with you." Xu Yuxuan no longer had any complaints. He nodded his head and said, "Okay~"

Hearing her mention Xu Yuejia, Madam Lu suddenly remembered something and said, "Almost forgot. Xu Yuejia's birthday is just over half a month away. Do you remember?"

To be honest, Wen Ye hadn't thought about it. When they exchanged birth certificates, she only glanced at it and didn't pay much attention. But in front of Madam Lu, how could she admit she didn't remember?

Wen Ye nodded, "Of course I remember. To be honest with you, Sister-in-law, part of the reason I'm going to Orchid City to see Jingrong is to find a special birthday present for my husband." She could fabricate on the spot without feeling the slightest bit guilty.

Seeing the harmony and warmth between the couple, Madam Lu was also pleased.

She said, "It's good that you have this intention. But don't be stingy with the money. The western courtyard earns a good income each month. If you need anything, just go to the accounting office and get it."

Wen Ye was certainly tempted, as she wouldn't have to spend her own savings. But she still said, "Using my husband's money to buy him a birthday present... wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

Madam Lu countered, "What's inappropriate about it? You're husband and wife—a couple is one, there's no 'you' and 'me'. Besides, Xu Yuejia receives a monthly stipend, and the household never misses a day of his allowance. That's more than enough for his needs. What's the point of leaving all that money in the treasury? You and Xu Yuxuan should use it."

Madam Lu had made her point clear, so Wen Ye had no reason to refuse. She obediently said, "Then I'll follow your advice, Sister-in-law."

That evening, when Xu Yuejia learned that Wen Ye would be leaving for Orchid City in three days, he didn't show much reaction. But based on Wen Ye's keen observation skills, she could tell his mood wasn't great.

Wen Ye explained, "I'm going in Sister-in-law's place. I'll only be gone for a few days."

Xu Yuejia didn't believe her. "Just a few days?" His gaze was piercing, as if he could see through her.

Wen Ye pulled Xu Yuxuan, who was munching on pastries, over and said, "I've already talked to Xu Yuxuan. While I'm away, he'll sleep with you."

Xu Yuxuan cooperated and said, "Don't be scared, Father. Xu Yuxuan will sleep with you~"

His mother had told him that his father got scared sleeping alone at night, so he needed to accompany him.

Xu Yuxuan didn't know what his father was scared of, but as his son, it was his duty to protect his father.

Xu Yuejia refused, "You go ahead. There's no need for him."

Xu Yuxuan understood and immediately pouted, turning half his body away from Xu Yuejia.

Wen Ye laughed and revealed, "Are you worried he'll wet the bed?" This time, Xu Yuxuan turned his entire body away, even ignoring Wen Ye.

Xu Yuejia glanced at his son, then his gaze returned to Wen Ye. He said, "Come back soon."

Wen Ye assured him, "I will." Even though she knew that the word "will" from her mouth wasn't very trustworthy, Xu Yuejia was willing to believe her.

At that moment, Wen Ye suddenly said, "I recall that your birthday is coming up soon."

Xu Yuejia: "Mmm." Still expressionless.

Wen Ye muttered softly, just loud enough for him to hear, "What kind of birthday present would be suitable?"

Xu Yuejia's eyes flickered slightly, and his expression visibly softened.