May this scumbag husband, who favored his concubine over his wife, rest in peace.

If it were done with the rites for a principal wife, it would naturally take a lot of time, but the rites for a concubine would save a lot of effort.

All the formalities of marriage were omitted. Xie Qianjiao rode in a bridal sedan chair out of the back gate of the Marquis's mansion, pretended to walk around the mansion halfway, and then entered through the main gate, thus completing the ceremony.

From this point on, Xie Qianjiao's status changed from cousin to equal wife of the Marquis.

Wen Yuanshu did not deduct a single coin from the allotted amount. However, perhaps Xie Qianjiao had many complaints about the etiquette of a noble concubine, because she did not bow or offer tea to Wen Yuanshu on the second day after entering the house.

Wen Yuanshu didn't care at all.

It's best if they don't come.

She was looking at Pei Xi, who had finally gained some weight after nearly a month of recuperation, and felt a sense of relief.

She recognized two children. She hadn't seen one of them for a long time, but this one came over three times a day. After having a meal with her, he wouldn't leave immediately but would sit with her for a while longer.

As the days went by, Wen Yuanshu realized that raising children and supporting ancestors were not the same thing.

The mother and son sat down together at the dining table. Wen Yuanshu personally served him a bowl of soup and said, "You've been living here for a month now. Is there anything you're not used to?"

Pei Xi took the soup bowl with both hands and shook her head: "I'm used to it, Mother, don't worry about me."

His room was spacious, bright, and spotless, with fluffy and soft bedding; to him, it was like being in a fairyland.

Hearing this, Wen Yuanshu was relieved: "Uncle Zhou from Xinglin Hall will come to see you again in a few days. Are you afraid?"

For a child, drinking such bitter medicine is the worst thing that can happen.

Pei Xi shook his head: "I'm not afraid."

A hint of heartache appeared in Wen Yuanshu's eyes.

In her past life, when Pei Zhicheng occasionally had a headache or fever, asking him to take medicine was like killing him. He would not only scream at the top of his lungs, but also punch and kick him without restraint, preventing anyone from getting close. Wen Yuanshu didn't know how many times she was hit, and it hurt terribly.

Even now, thinking about it still gives Wen Yuanshu a headache.

Compared to Pei Zhicheng, Pei Xi is so sensible it's heartbreaking.

Wen Yuanshu didn't say anything more, but simply placed a scallion roll in Pei Xi's hand.

There are no rules about not speaking while eating or sleeping here.

A moment later, Wen Yuanshu asked, "Xi'er, do you want to study?"

Pei Xi paused, then her eyes lit up: "I want to!"

He's already eight years old; he should have started his education long ago.

The children in the Pei family's old house started their formal education at the age of six, going to school hand in hand, while he could only watch longingly, not even allowed to get close to the school.

Because of his lowly status, he was unworthy; if he got even slightly close, he would be chased away with a broom.

He was clearly a legitimate member of the Pei family, but because he had no parents, he was considered even lower than a servant.

ridiculous.

Pei Xi pursed her lips and lowered her head slightly.

Wen Yuanshu then said, "The Wen family has a clan school. If you want to study there, we'll go over in a bit."

Her father was also quite capable.

Born into a merchant family, he was a military commander, yet he found common ground with several renowned Confucian scholars, even persuading them to stay at the clan school to educate the descendants of the Wen family…

I really don't know how Wen Heng did it.

Thinking of her father, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, Wen Yuanshu felt a little sad.

In her previous life, it is said that Wen Heng died suddenly of illness on her way to the battlefield, and her brothers also died one after another after arriving on the battlefield.

With the men gone, the women took their place. In the end, except for her, the entire family was swallowed up by the sands of the northern frontier and never returned.

Wen Yuanshu took a breath, concealing the sadness on her face.

This matter is full of doubts, but fortunately, in this lifetime, nothing has happened yet, and there is still time.

Wen Yuanshu quickly finished her breakfast and then sent someone to invite Pei Zeyu.

She disliked Pei Zhicheng, and therefore could not tolerate being criticized because of him.

Moreover, she didn't intend to do everything herself as she had in her previous life.

Therefore, she had to let Pei Zeyu know everything related to Pei Zhicheng.

After all, although he wasn't her son, he was Pei Zeyu's. If he didn't care, who would?

However, quite some time passed, and Pei Zeyu still hadn't come over.

Wen Yuanshu was getting a little impatient.

She wanted to leave early to have lunch at her parents' house.

Looking one last time in the direction of the courtyard gate, Wen Yuanshu said, "Chunhua, go and count out the gifts first."

"Yes."

Chunhua had just left when Pei Zeyu finally arrived, albeit late.

He was still dressed in brocade robes, looking like a dignified gentleman, but a red mark on his neck was particularly noticeable, making it easy to guess who had done it.

Wen Yuanshu's gaze swept over the red mark and met Pei Zeyu's eyes.

Pei Zeyu looked at her and said, "Why did you call me over in such a hurry?"

For the past two weeks, Wen Yuanshu had acted out of character, pretending to be indifferent to him. Unexpectedly, the day after he took a concubine, she hurriedly sent someone to invite him.

Just as his sweetheart had said, Wen Yuanshu was playing hard to get.

He is really scheming.

Thinking of this, Pei Zeyu unconsciously raised his hand and gently touched the red mark on his neck.

Recalling Xie Qianjiao's possessive expression when she left him that red mark, Pei Zeyu's lips curled up slightly.

Wen Yuanshu didn't know why he was laughing for no reason, she just said, "Now that Miss Xie has entered the family, I think it's time to put the matter of the two children's early education on the agenda."

Pei Zeyu frowned slightly: "Zhicheng is only five years old, there's no need to be in such a hurry."

Wen Yuanshu sneered inwardly.

Pei Zhicheng wasn't in a hurry, but Pei Xi was.

She said calmly, "Logically speaking, the earlier the enlightenment, the better. Five years old is actually just right. If it's any later, you won't be able to catch up with others."

Pei Zeyu thought it made sense.

Pei Zhicheng will inherit the Marquis's mansion in the future, so it is certainly not a bad thing for him to start his education early.

Even he almost overlooked it, but Wen Yuanshu is very meticulous.

He looked at Wen Yuanshu with satisfaction and softened his voice, saying, "Then I'll listen to you."

Wen Yuanshu frowned almost imperceptibly: "But I have never been close to Pei Zhicheng. It would be better if you, Marquis, spoke to the child yourself."

Pei Zeyu nodded without saying a word.

After all, he is his own son, so naturally he has to care about him.

He stood up, but stopped abruptly as he took a step: "Jiaojiao wasn't feeling well today, that's why she didn't come to pay her respects. It wasn't intentional, so please don't take it to heart."

After all, Xie Qianjiao was in the wrong first. If Wen Yuanshu was intentionally being mean, Xie Qianjiao really wouldn't have anything to say.

Upon hearing this, Wen Yuanshu's expression immediately became somewhat strange.

Why is he explaining this to himself out of the blue?

However, Wen Yuanshu nodded: "It's alright."

Pei Zeyu nodded in relief and left.

Pei Xi quickly washed and dressed herself and came over.

After a long while, Pei Zeyu finally came out with a sullen face.

His anger was evident on his face, and the fury emanating from him was not to be underestimated.

He strode over and said in a deep voice, "Take... him with you."

After saying that, Pei Zeyu turned and left.

He strode back to Xunfeng Courtyard and, unusually, lost his temper at Xie Qianjiao, who was still standing up: "How did you raise your child?!"