Son-in-Law, Go Sleep in the Bed

"Alright, then tell me directly if you need anything," Long Hong said.

"Mm."

"Eldest Young Master, you're back."

Just then, Xiao E returned from buying medicine and saw the two standing in the outer corridor, hurrying over.

Back in the courtyard, Xiao E quietly followed behind them.

Wenren Qingyi was chatting with Wenren Lingmeng about some interesting things she encountered on her journey south, a smile on her face.

Seeing Long Hong and Mu Zibai return, she shot Mu Zibai a look of pure animosity. Mu Zibai returned a blank stare, not giving her any pleasantries at all.

If Long Hong hadn't been there, Wenren Qingyi would probably have exploded in anger.

"Alright, Qingyi, it's time to go back. Don't disturb them here anymore." Long Hong pulled Wenren Qingyi, preparing to leave.

Mu Zibai said with a smile, "It's no trouble. You haven't seen Lingmeng in so long, why don't you stay for dinner today?"

Wenren Qingyi clearly wanted to, but before she could speak, Long Hong slapped her hand down and said, "No need. We haven't had a chance to see Father yet, so we won't disturb you."

With that, Long Hong pulled the reluctant Wenren Qingyi away.

Xiao E chuckled and said, "I'm guessing Third Miss must have made things difficult for the son-in-law, right?"

"Are you happy that it seems I was made to struggle?" Mu Zibai looked up at Xiao E.

"I'm just guessing. Although our Third Miss can be a bit willful, she has a simple nature. Son-in-law, please don't bully her," Xiao E said with a chuckle.

Mu Zibai asked curiously, "How do you know I bullied her?"

Xiao E smiled and said, "I watched Third Miss grow up. Although I'm five years older, I understand her very well. Today, Third Miss definitely suffered a loss at the son-in-law's hands."

Mu Zibai remained silent, merely rubbing Wenren Lingmeng's palm, massaging it.

Xiao E continued, "From my understanding of Third Miss, judging by her expression today, she'll probably make things difficult for you again in the future. Son-in-law, you need to be careful. She might even sic her dogs on you."

Sic her dogs on him?

He frowned. Was she that ruthless?

Seeing that Mu Zibai didn't speak, Xiao E didn't know if he had taken her words to heart. She continued, "Eldest Young Master is a martial man, but he has a good temper, is forthright, and enjoys making friends. From what I saw earlier, he seems to treat the son-in-law quite well. You could try to get closer to Eldest Young Master."

"Why are you telling me this?"

He looked up, staring at Xiao E, not understanding her intention in saying all this to him.

"Son-in-law will definitely have to interact with people in the manor in the future. It's good to know some things now for easier communication later, and it will be of great help to you."

Mu Zibai nodded slightly, silently taking it all in.

Xiao E continued, "If possible, perhaps Young Master could publish Dream of the Red Chamber and gain some literary fame. That way, you'd have a certain standing in the literary world in the future."

"I'll think about it."

For now, Mu Zibai was focused on grinding points. Grinding points was the most important thing.

Now, Xiao E's attitude towards him had changed dramatically. She now respected him, the son-in-law, from the bottom of her heart. And from these words…

It was clear that Xiao E was worried about Mu Zibai's future. Although Mu Zibai was now the son-in-law of the manor, his status and position were still too low. If things continued like this, he might not achieve much, which was why she had said all that. Xiao E naturally hoped Mu Zibai could achieve great things in the future. Even if he didn't shake the Capital City, with his talent, he could at least earn the reputation of a scholar.

Hearing this, Wenren Lingmeng also sighed softly, thinking to herself that Mu Zibai's literary talent was excellent, and he treated her exceptionally well. These past few days, immersed in Mu Zibai's care, she had lived in comfort and enjoyment, even becoming dependent on him. A thought that surprised her had even emerged— If only Mu Zibai could take care of me like this forever. But she had never considered Mu Zibai's perspective. Mu Zibai was talented and a scholar. What man didn't want to achieve great deeds? Mu Zibai must have wanted that too, right? Now, Mu Zibai was taking care of her day and night, putting everything into her, treating her so well, yet she had such shameful thoughts. She suddenly felt too selfish, like she was dragging Mu Zibai down. She felt immense self-reproach, but there was nothing she could do; her body was beyond her control.

At this moment, the sky gradually darkened.

Carrying Wenren Lingmeng back to the room and placing her on the bed, Mu Zibai stretched lazily, twisting his neck. He had been sitting all afternoon and needed to move around.

"Why doesn't Young Master get into bed and rest? I'll stand guard by the side," Xiao E suddenly said. She had wanted to say it for a long time but hadn't. She had already accepted Mu Zibai's status as the son-in-law in her heart. He and Miss were husband and wife; sleeping in the same bed was only natural. Even though Miss was in her current condition, it should be fine just for resting, right? Her main concern was Mu Zibai's physical condition. He was so thin, sitting on a small stool and leaning by the bedside, he definitely wouldn't sleep well.

Mu Zibai: "!"

As if struck by lightning from a clear sky, he looked at Xiao E in surprise, wondering if he had misheard.

Xiao E smiled and said, "Son-in-law, please get into bed and rest well. Don't overexert yourself. Xiao E will stand guard here and wake you if anything happens."

Mu Zibai took a deep breath, recalling the care he had given these past few days, and could only summarize it in four words: it was only natural.

Wenren Lingmeng: "!"

Wenren Lingmeng, who had been blaming herself, was suddenly shocked by Xiao E's words. What was this brat saying!

She was shocked, angry, and ashamed.

Wenren Lingmeng had already acknowledged Mu Zibai's identity in her heart and considered him her husband, but even so, she was still a little shy. How could they just... sleep together like this!

She had also imagined waking up next to Mu Zibai, but what he looked like was always a blur. He should be refined and gentle, right?

She had thought of many possibilities, but none like this!

Her heart was in a frenzy. This was so embarrassing! It was all Xiao E's fault for bringing this up. Didn't she know her young lady was still lying in bed!

This girl was getting bolder and bolder. She would definitely teach her a lesson when she woke up.

But, right now...

Feeling the quilt being lifted, Wenren Lingmeng became incredibly nervous.

Was he going to get into bed?

She also knew some things about men and women. True couples slept together and then did what couples do, after which they would have little babies.

All sorts of thoughts arose in Wenren Lingmeng's mind. She couldn't help but think about these things, and her heart was in chaos.

It felt like a little deer was running wild inside her chest.

Maybe he was just going to sleep. She knew that Mu Zibai had been sleeping by the bedside these past few days and must not have slept well. He was probably just coming up to rest. Why was she thinking so much?

He should get a good night's sleep too.