Chapter 22: Chapter The tense murmurs in the courtyard had barely settled when Old Madam Xi’s cane struck the ground once, a sharp, commanding sound that immediately cut through every lingering voice.
"Enough," she said firmly, her tone calm but carrying undeniable authority, "all of you, stop this discussion and return to your rooms. It is already deep into the night, and nothing more useful will come from arguing in circles."
No one dared to respond immediately, and even the louder voices gradually faded as the servants lowered their heads and stepped back.
Old Madam Xi’s gaze then shifted toward Xi Wenzhe, steady and unyielding.
"You," she said, "take care of your wife properly. Whether she is innocent or not will be decided in due time, not in this chaos. Do not let tonight’s confusion affect your judgment or your household."
Without waiting for agreement, she turned away with a final wave of her hand, already signaling the end of the matter, and slowly walked off with her attendants, her figure disappearing into the dim corridor light.
The remaining family members stood in uneasy silence for a moment longer before beginning to disperse, each carrying their own thoughts, doubts, and unanswered questions.
Lin Meiyun lingered slightly longer than the rest.
Her expression had softened, but there was still a trace of exhaustion in her eyes as she walked toward her son.
Xi Wenzhe turned to her, his expression still tense, though he did not speak first.
Lin Meiyun studied him for a brief moment before speaking quietly.
"No matter what you think right now," she said softly, "do not rush into conclusions. You saw what happened tonight with your own eyes, but even eyes can be misled when emotions are involved."
She paused slightly, then added in a lower voice,
"And also... do not treat your wife as someone who must always be watched. Whether she is strange or not, she is still part of this family now. Handle it properly, Wenzhe. Not with anger, and not with impulse."
Xi Wenzhe’s jaw tightened slightly, but he did not interrupt her.
Lin Meiyun sighed faintly, then reached up and adjusted his collar briefly, a rare gesture of maternal care amid the tension.
"Rest," she said at last, her voice softer now, "tomorrow will not be any less complicated than today."
With that, she turned and left as well, leaving Xi Wenzhe standing alone beneath the dim courtyard lanterns, his thoughts still heavy, still unsettled, and still unable to fully settle on any single truth from the night that had just passed.
Before he could leave, one of his right-hand men approached him quickly, bowing slightly.
"Young Master."
Xi Wenzhe turned his head slightly.
Without hesitation, he gave a direct order.
"Go to Li Mei’s quarters. Search her belongings. Especially her cupboards and personal storage. I want everything checked."
The subordinate’s expression sharpened slightly, but he did not question the order.
"Yes, Young Master."
He immediately turned and left without delay.
Xi Wenzhe stood still for a moment, his gaze lingering in the direction where Li Mei had been taken earlier for treatment.
Something about tonight still did not sit right with him.
Without another word, he turned and walked away from the courtyard, his robes moving quietly through the dim lantern light as he headed back toward his residence.
⸻
Su Yueqing was led through another corridor under the dim glow of lanterns.
The maid guiding her stopped in front of a large set of doors and carefully pushed them open.
Inside was Xi Wenzhe’s residence wa shave with many rooms.. and different houses.. there wa seven a beautiful fountain.
Then they took her to her own room.
The room was spacious, quiet, and far more refined than her previous quarters. Dark polished wood, elegant carvings, expensive silk drapes, and neatly arranged furnishings filled the space with a calm, restrained luxury that clearly belonged to the young master of the household.
Su Yueqing paused at the entrance for only a moment.
[So this is his room area.]
[Of course it’s nicer.]
[Even the air feels expensive.]
She stepped inside without much enthusiasm, glancing around as if evaluating a hotel she did not plan to stay in for long.
The maid lowered her head.
"Young Madam, your resting room has been prepared. If you need anything, please call for us."
Su Yueqing gave a small, tired nod.
"Mm."
The maid hesitated for a moment, then quietly withdrew, closing the doors behind her.
The moment silence returned, Su Yueqing exhaled slowly and loosened her shoulders.
[Finally.]
[No shouting. No fire. No accusations.]
[I can sleep.]
She walked further inside, only half-paying attention to her surroundings, until she reached the inner chamber where a large bed stood neatly arranged with dark, smooth bedding and thick blankets that looked far more comfortable than anything she had seen since arriving in this world.