The Laid-back Life of a Stepmother

The doctor arrived quickly and after a thorough diagnosis, he discovered that Xu Baili's stomachache had nothing to do with kidney beans.

His stomachache was due to overeating, being old, and having trouble digesting.

Wen Ye heard this and for a moment, she didn't know what to say.

It truly is amazing what one can witness after living long enough.

Xu Baili refused to believe it, saying, "The last time I had a stomachache was because the kidney beans weren't cooked properly. This time feels almost exactly the same as that time."

"That was over twenty years ago," the cook who had been 'summoned' replied, "Back then, I was just in charge of washing vegetables in the kitchen."

Xu Baili turned his gaze to the young man beside the cook and said, "Then it must be because he didn't clean the vegetables properly."

Principal Xu couldn't stand it anymore and scolded, "I was wondering why the mooncakes my wife brought from home yesterday disappeared. Tell me, did you eat them?"

The only person who could freely enter his study and do such a thing was Xu Baili.

Xu Baili, relying on his old age, denied it, "What mooncakes? I don't know. Is my cousin trying to frame me now that I'm single?"

Wen Ye saw this and whispered to Xu Yuejia, "Why don't we step back a bit? Standing so close, I feel Principal Xu can't really express himself."

Xu Yuejia followed her gaze and nodded, agreeing, "Good idea."

Principal Xu, who had been eavesdropping nearby: "......"

Normally, wouldn't you choose to leave?

He glanced at the old man still lying on the stretcher, groaning in mock pain, and paused for a moment. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together.

"As long as you're okay, that's what matters," said the Principal's Wife, bringing over two cups of water, "You're not as young as you used to be, you know."

Xu Baili took the warm water, took a sip, and said, "It's good that you're reasonable, cousin. Cousin, you should learn from your wife."

Principal Xu was about to say a few more words when the Principal's Wife promptly stopped him, whispering, "Why are you arguing with your third brother? He's alone now, it's already very pitiful."

Principal Xu: "......"

I don't see it.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‍doctor prescribed some medicine for Xu Baili and then left.

After such an incident, Principal Xu felt less confident when facing Xu Yuejia.

He shared his idea with Xu Yuejia: "Previously, it was indeed an oversight by the academy. Next, we will build a new cafeteria on the side, hire new cooks, and prepare ordinary meals."

"The students can choose their favorite flavors."

Wen Ye heard this and thought, does that even need a choice?

Although Principal Xu's intention was good for the students, it was unnecessary to almost always add medicinal ingredients to every dish.

Xu Yuejia didn't say much, only concluding with, "Simply 'purifying the soul' is not suitable for all students. Principal Xu, as long as you understand that, it's good."

Principal Xu nodded.

He was also afraid of producing more 'Xu Baili's.

After lunch, Principal Xu continued to show everyone around the academy. When they passed by the northern library, Wen Ye asked, "Principal Xu, can only the students of Pine Mountain Academy borrow books from the library?"

Principal Xu replied, "In theory, yes."

Wen Ye 'oh'ed and then asked, "No exceptions?"

Principal Xu understood the implication in Wen Ye's words and kindly smiled, "What book does Madam Xu want to borrow?"

Wen Ye said seriously, "I heard from Jingrong that the library of Pine Mountain Academy is vast and extensive. Since childhood, I've loved reading, and after hearing Jingrong's description, I've been eager to see it for myself."

Her words were so serious that Xu Yuejia couldn't help but glance at her repeatedly.

Principal Xu, who had taught for a lifetime, loved the most motivated students. Wen Ye's attitude made him very pleased.

As the saying goes, 'rules are dead, but people are alive.' If it weren't for her, the incident at Cloud Pavilion might not have been uncovered.

From any angle, he shouldn't refuse.

So Principal Xu said, "If Madam Xu wants to borrow books, you can write down the name of your son in the borrowing record. When he returns to the academy, he can return the books then."

Wen Ye: "Thank you, Principal Xu."

Then she added, "Tao Zhi and the others can accompany me, my husband can go ahead and take care of his tasks."

Today, Xu Yuejia came to Pine Mountain Academy not just to accompany her but for more important matters.

Pine Mountain Academy was one of the three greatest academies in the Great Jin Dynasty, and although it wasn't under direct government control, with such a major incident occurring, no matter what decision the academy made next, there needed to be someone from the government present.

After all, these students would eventually take the imperial examinations to enter the government. Xu Yuejia's presence represented the emperor's stance.

Principal Xu understood this well, and regarding the cafeteria issue, he indeed was at fault.

Xu Yuejia didn't know why Wen Ye suddenly wanted to visit the library. Her preferences, he knew well.

Despite his doubts, he didn't want to expose her.

He even said, "Take your time choosing, I have much to discuss with Principal Xu."

Wen Ye nodded, "Okay."

Principal Xu also gently instructed his wife, "Madam Xu's visit, I'll leave it to you to entertain."

The Principal's Wife nodded, "Don't worry, leave it to me."

And so, Principal Xu invited Xu Yuejia to his study for a discussion, while Wen Ye was accompanied by the Principal's Wife into the library of Pine Mountain Academy.

Time flew, and by the time the couple left the academy, it was almost evening.

Principal Xu still wanted to invite them to dinner, but Xu Yuejia politely declined.

Only after getting into the carriage did Wen Ye finally relax and sigh, "Luckily, my husband didn't agree to Principal Xu's invitation."

Xu Yuejia was always mindful of another matter, and he asked, "What were you doing in the library today?"

Wen Ye, munching on the osmanthus cakes Tao Zhi had passed to her earlier, answered naturally, "Of course, borrowing books, what else could I be doing?"

Xu Yuejia looked at her, his tone very serious, "Were you borrowing them for your younger sister?"

Aside from that, he couldn't think of any reason for her to enter the library.

Wen Ye vaguely answered, "Sort of."

Xu Yuejia saw her admit it and said, "You should have discussed it with me beforehand."

Wen Ye didn't quite understand, "What do you mean, my husband?"

Xu Yuejia withdrew his gaze, "Pine Mountain Academy has many books. Without prior understanding, the books you borrowed might not be suitable for your younger sister."

"Husband, there's no need to worry. I did my homework beforehand," Wen Ye smiled.

"Oh?" Xu Yuejia suddenly asked again, "What books did you borrow?"

Wen Ye blinked, looking somewhat reluctant to talk about it.

Xu Yuejia understood and his gaze darkened slightly, "Can't you tell me?"

Wen Ye shook her head, "Of course not, they're just some books on saints and sages."

Her answer was perfunctory.

Xu Yuejia stared at her quietly for a while, eventually withdrawing his gaze and explaining his earlier words, "As long as you have a plan, I just didn't want you to borrow the wrong books."

Wen Ye nodded, "Husband, I understand your good intentions."

Hearing this, Xu Yuejia's gaze turned cold, and he didn't bring up the topic again.

The next day.

Today was Wen Ye's last day in Lan City, tomorrow she would leave with the escort of Prince Wen returning to the capital.

Having stayed in Lan City for over ten days, Wen Ye had selected many local specialties for Madam Lu and the others.

Today was the day to pay for them.

Yesterday at the academy, the Principal's Wife had recommended a herb shop, but Wen Ye politely declined.

Some dishes, one lifetime is enough to taste once.

Before leaving, Wen Ye stopped Xu Yuejia, who had just returned from Prefect Zhuo, and said, "Husband, don't you want to bring some gifts for Grand Elder Brother and Jinglin?"

Xu Yuejia stopped and asked, "What gifts?"

Wen Ye took a deep breath and said, "You've been in Lan City for so long, have you never thought of picking a few local specialties to take back?"

Xu Yuejia replied, "They don't lack anything."

Wen Ye understood, no wonder the children weren't very close to him.

"Feelings are maintained through give and take," Wen Ye decided to teach him well, "Whether they lack or not is one thing, whether you give or not, the difference is significant."

Xu Yuejia asked, "What's the difference?"

Wen Ye sighed and said, "Too much affection hidden in the heart occasionally needs to be expressed so that others can feel it."

Xu Yuejia stared at her for a moment, suddenly saying, "You seem to be very experienced?"

Wen Ye countered, "Husband, do you want to learn from my experience?"

Xu Yuejia didn't speak.

Wen Ye continued, "If my husband wants to learn, then follow me out, I'll teach you while we shop. I won't charge you much for the tuition fee, just two hundred and six taels and three coins."

She spoke in detail.

Xu Yuejia: "......"

In the end, no matter how Xu Yuejia felt about it, Wen Ye still received the two hundred and six taels and three coins as a teacher's fee before entering the specialty shop.

After buying the specialties, Wen Ye began to fulfill her role as a teacher and started instructing Xu Yuejia: "Between family members, the value of the gift is secondary; the thought behind it is most important."

Xu Yuejia paused, his gaze stopping: "Thought?"

It was clear he had never done such a thing before. After all, as the second son of a ducal household, he was of noble status, and it was always others trying to curry favor with him. Why would he ever need to humble himself to please others?

After sighing, Wen Ye asked him: "Will you catch rabbits, my lord?"

Xu Yuejia hesitated and replied: "I am somewhat familiar with it."

"Then I will take you somewhere," she said. "This method not only saves money but also particularly emphasizes your intentions."

An hour later, Wen Ye looked at the dozen gray rabbits she had driven out from their burrow and then glanced at the lone rabbit lying beneath Xu Yuejia's arrow. She sighed: "It seems you truly were just being modest."

She had thought his claim of "somewhat familiar" was an understatement.

Xu Yuejia tried to salvage his pride: "It has been a long time since I last practiced; I am a bit rusty."

Wen Ye immediately agreed: "I understand."

Xu Yuejia: "My elder brother has a small appetite; one rabbit will suffice."

Wen Ye suppressed her laughter and agreed: "You are right, my lord."

"Are you so happy about this?"

His words carried a hint of resignedness.@@novelbin@@

Wen Ye nodded honestly: "I had always thought you to be perfect, but today I found that even you have things you're not good at."

All in all, this was the second door that fate had closed for Xu Yuejia.

Xu Yuejia however said: "No one is perfect. I am not as good as you imagine."

Even though he said so, Wen Ye was well aware that if she had married someone else, she wouldn't be living such a carefree life now.

One should be grateful. At the very least, in words and deeds, one must make the other feel that their efforts have been reciprocated.

Wen Ye expressed her most genuine feelings at the moment: "I think you are very good, a perfect husband."

No matter what happens in the future, so far, Xu Yuejia has lived up to his words.

Xu Yuejia's gaze fell upon her. After holding his breath for a few moments, he asked: "Are you hiding something from me?"

The warm atmosphere was instantly shattered.

Wen Ye didn't know what to say for a moment. She suddenly wondered if she and Xu Yuejia had some kind of communication problem.

It was rare for her to be this serious. If she missed this opportunity, there might not be another one.