"Oh, is that so?" Yun Kexin was slightly taken aback as she looked at Third Madam, her harmless smile appearing glaringly bright to the Fu Family. "Mother is actually going to such lengths to personally take care of He Brother?!"
The Fu Family managed to squeeze out a smile and said, "Yes, as the legitimate wife of the Third House, it is natural that I cannot neglect the education of my children. Moreover, He Er is the only boy from our Third House, and as the Legal Wife, I must personally oversee his upbringing and care for him well."
While speaking gently and calmly, she harbored resentment inside, her Phoenix Eyes fixed on Yun Kexin's lips as if she could see through her thoughts and anticipate what Yun Kexin was about to say, waiting for the right moment.
Feng Yinxiao did not feel it was appropriate to interrupt; instead, she tightened her grip on Yun Kexin's hand, subtly reminding her to be cautious.
"Oh, Mother truly exemplifies the model of a virtuous wife and good mother," Yun Kexin smiled sweetly and said nonchalantly, "Kexin remembers that when I was young, you always took me with you. I never left your side, which led those who didn't know any better to think you were my biological mother—" Upon saying this, the Fu Family's face suddenly turned pale. This certainly did not escape Yun Kexin's notice. After a brief pause, she changed her tone and said, "Isn't that right? Mother treats me like a biological daughter; it's only natural for others to misunderstand. After all, the one who has been constantly present in my life is none other than your shadow..."
Fu Lianyin was infuriated by Yun Kexin's sarcastic remarks, glaring and biting her lip. However, recalling that she was now married and no longer part of the Yun Family, and that Yun Yang had promised not to let Yun Kexin get involved with matters concerning the Duke of E State Mansion, she suppressed her anger.
"It’s commendable that Kexin still remembers those little moments from the past," the Fu Family said while pinching her handkerchief to wipe her mouth and nose with one hand and pressing against her chest to show her emotion with the other. "It seems my efforts in raising you were not in vain. Kexin, now that you are Consort Jun of Duke of Yan's Residence, your status has changed completely. You must always keep your position in mind; do you understand? Mother says this for your own good."
Yun Kexin sneered internally: Was this a warning that she was no longer part of Duke of E State Mansion and had no right to "interfere" in Third House matters?
"Mother’s teachings are indeed wise," Yun Kexin replied with a calm and gentle smile. "Kexin will certainly remember them and know how to conduct myself. However, seeing that Mother has to take care of Xiao Er while also personally raising Eleventh Young Master makes me worry about your health." The Fu Family hurriedly wanted to retort, but Yun Kexin quickly explained, "You are the legitimate wife of Third House; there are so many matters for you to handle—"
"No, no, I am not tired," before Yun Kexin could finish speaking, Fu Lianyin hastily interjected as if she had taken the bait. "Xiao Er is already eight years old; he can play by himself just fine. With maids and a nursemaid around him, that's enough. He Er is only three years old; many things require Mother's presence; he needs to be taken care of personally." Realizing she had become a bit too eager, she paused briefly before softening her tone. "This is also for the sake of Third House's offspring; it is a Consort's duty to give it their all."
This statement seemed to have some effect; Zhou and Second Matriarch both showed approving expressions and nodded in agreement. Water Lily felt her heart tighten again after barely relaxing for a moment as she glanced anxiously at Yun Kexin, unsure of what her "countermeasure" would be.
Yun Yang was also in a difficult position: Eleventh Young Master was Water Lily's biological child; wanting to raise him herself was not wrong. However, as the legitimate wife holds greater status than others, Fu Family's actions were beyond reproach and even justified—Yun Kexin could see that Yun Yang was currently fixated on "etiquette" while forgetting about her circumstances after being adopted; it would be best for her adoptive father to be informed.
"Then it will be hard on Mother," Yun Kexin thought quickly but showed no sign of it on her face as she smiled and stepped forward to hold Yun He's hand. "He Er is good; can you lift your head up so Seventh Sister can see you?"
Yun He timidly raised his head but kept shrinking away from Yun Kexin's hand. He had completely lost the mischievousness and liveliness he had shown when asking Feng Yinxiao for Seal Red earlier and lowered his head after just one glance at her as if trying to avoid Yun Kexin's questioning gaze.
Yun Kexin frowned: Isn't this just like her past self? Because the only person constantly in front of her was Fu Lianyin, she only recognized “Mother” and did not acknowledge anyone else, dealing with unfamiliar people in a similarly “sneaky” manner. From Yun He, she saw the puppet of the Fu Family in this life, and her heart couldn't help but sound alarm bells.
“Eleventh Young Master has become even more handsome,” Yun Kexin said with a calm smile, praising him, “He resembles both Father and Concubine Water Lily.”
She intentionally avoided mentioning “Mother” to see Yun He's reaction. Sure enough, the previously somewhat “evasive” Yun He straightened his neck and said, “He Er is Mother's child, looks like Mother, and Mother is here.” He gestured towards the Fu Family.
Seeing this scene, Water Lily felt as if pierced by a thousand arrows, and Yun Kexin's heart sank suddenly, dropping to the depths. Unable to resist, she turned to glance at Mother, discovering that Yue Clan's face was as pale and bloodless as Water Lily's—Mother must have recalled various past events, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.
“Father, Mother,” Yun Kexin said expressionlessly in front of the Three Elders and Third Madam, “Kexin has returned today and feels a bit tired. I would like to go back to my room to rest for a while, is that alright?”
Upon hearing Yun He, Fu Lianyin's expression was not much better than that of Water Lily and Yue Clan. However, she felt guilty—because she usually treated Eleventh Young Master this way, thinking that with Yun Kexin's personality, she would definitely “get to the bottom of it.” She had prepared for a response but heard this sentence instead. Her expression lightened slightly as she seized the opportunity to say:
“Exactly, today is the day for our Seventh Aunt and Seventh Uncle’s return visit; it should be a joyful occasion. We must not let these trivial matters from the maternal family dampen our spirits,” the Fu Family turned to instruct the maids and Nursemaid gathered around, saying, “Hurry up and attend to Seventh Aunt and Seventh Uncle, let them rest.”
“Wait,” Yun Kexin smiled as she walked towards Yun Xiao, taking her hand and saying, “Xiao Er, it’s been a long time since you chatted with Seventh Sister. Would you like to go play at your sister's place?”
In an instant, Fu Lianyin widened her eyes, her vigilance reaching its peak. She shifted her position and said:
“Kexin, weren't you going to rest?” Then she winked at Yun Xiao, “Xiao Er, your sister has just returned from her visit and is tired; let them rest for a bit—”
“I don’t want to—” Yun Xiao held onto Yun Kexin's hand tightly, shaking her head with a pout, “It’s been so long since I had a secret chat with Seventh Sister. I want to go.”
With no intention of backing down, Fu Lianyin released Yun He, stepping forward to pull at Yun Xiao—
“Why aren’t you listening? Didn’t you hear that your sister just returned from her visit and is very tired? What are you playing for?” The tone of the Fu Family was very gentle, seemingly patient in their admonition but containing deep-seated fear as they said, “Let’s do it another time, okay? Be good, Xiao Er!
Her plan was to subtly influence Yun Xiao later, cutting off her friendship and communication with Yun Kexin. She feared that Yun Kexin would use Yun Xiao to do something detrimental to her, which had always been a concern for the Fu Family.
Yun Xiao hesitated, not daring to say "no," looking up at Fu Lianyin with tear-filled eyes, mumbling, "Mother, Xiao Er hasn't seen Seventh Sister in a long time, Mother—"
If she weren't her biological daughter, the Fu Family might have already slapped her—at eight years old, why couldn't she understand her mother's "good intentions"? How could she be so close to her sworn enemy without fearing being completely devoured?
"Mother, I just want to talk to Eighth Younger Sister; don't overthink it," Yun Kexin said, not revealing the frustration hidden behind Fu Lianyin's efforts to conceal it. She smiled and added, "Besides, she's not wrong; we haven't seen each other in a long time..."
"Madam, why not let Xiao Er go with Seventh Aunt? What are you worried about?" Yun Yang's deep voice came from afar.
Fu Lianyin had no choice but to force a few laughs and said, "Look at Master’s words; it's not a bad thing that Xiao Er likes Seventh Aunt. Didn't Consort just say that she understands Kexin's hard work all this time—"
"I know that," Yun Yang interrupted impatiently. "But didn't Kexin just express her desire to play with Xiao Er? Why are you still insisting? Just let Xiao Er go."
Fu Lianyin glanced at those around her: Zhou, Second Matriarch, all of them had expressions that read "unreasonable." She could only pat Yun Xiao's head and squeeze out a smile, saying:
"Xiao Er can go and spend more time with Seventh Sister. However, if your sister needs to rest, you must come back to Mother, understood?" Seeing Yun Xiao smile through her tears again, she casually added, "Why do you cry more as you grow older? It's just a small matter... Go on and come back to tell Mother and Father what fun things you did with Seventh Sister, okay?"
"Okay." Yun Xiao nodded eagerly.
Yun Kexin coldly listened and waited until Fu Lianyin finished before leisurely saying:
"Mother, then I'll take Xiao Er with me."
After speaking, Yun Kexin and Feng Yinxiao bid farewell to the Elders present and promised to return later for a chat. They took Yun Xiao under the guidance of the maids and nursemaids to the prepared bedroom.
Fu Lianyin watched as Yun Xiao followed Feng Yinxiao out of the hall, speculating countless possibilities in her mind. The only thing that brought her some comfort was that Yun Kexin had finally stopped interfering in Third House matters; at least she wasn't continuing to entangle herself in issues concerning Eleventh Young Master. This way, her future plans would proceed smoothly.
In the bedroom, Yun Xiao sat beside Yun Kexin and Feng Yinxiao, smiling as she looked at the couple, her eyes filled with endless envy.
"Seventh Sister, Seventh Brother-in-law, you truly are a perfect match, a talented man and a beautiful woman."
"Xiao Er is the real beauty," Yun Kexin said with a smile as she placed a piece of cake into Yun Xiao's mouth. "Do you remember? This lotus cake is your favorite."
"Yes, thank you for remembering, Seventh Sister," Yun Xiao replied, savoring the lotus cake as she chewed lightly. "Xiao Er loves pastries."
"There are many colorful and delicious pastries like this in Duke of Yan's Residence," Yun Kexin said with a smile. "If sister and Brother-in-law ever return to your family home, bring some back for Xiao Er... Also, Mother has to take Eleventh Brother and look after Xiao Er too; it must be very tiring. If there's a chance, Xiao Er can go play at Duke of Yan's Residence with sister and Brother-in-law, okay?"
Feng Yinxiao's gaze flickered; he had keenly sensed Yun Kexin's "meaning," and the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
"Sure! Xiao Er would love to go," Yun Xiao clapped her hands joyfully and said, "When will Seventh Sister take me?"
"That depends on Eighth Younger Sister's wishes," Yun Kexin replied gently. "But it's best to get Father's and Mother's consent first before sister and Brother-in-law can take you..."
Yun Xiao nodded and said, "Hmm, how about I ask Mother and Father when sister returns home?"
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