coobybook Chapter 154 The Sinister Son's Sister-in-Law 29
Chapter 154 The Sinister Son's Sister-in-Law 29
Lady Hou's illness came on suddenly and violently, and even the doctors who came could not diagnose what was wrong with her.
Aside from the scary moment when I fainted at the beginning, everything else was fine.
After examining the patient, the doctor said that the condition was caused by stress and anxiety during this period, and advised the patient to rest and recuperate.
"Mother, please take a good rest. What will your husband do if you fall ill?" Xie Qingyu advised.
Even though her son was very important, Lady Hou knew that her health was not good enough to support her to travel around at this time.
"Don't waste your time here. You'd be better off going back to your parents' home and begging your father." The Lady Hou said irritably. She had been turned away too many times recently and was in a bad mood.
Now, seeing this daughter-in-law who can't help at all only makes me angrier.
Xie Qingyu flinched and did not answer.
Lady Hou didn't really expect her to be of any use when she returned to her parents' home; she knew from the time she married her that she wouldn't be of much help.
A daughter whose birth mother has passed away and who has a stepmother is practically no different from someone who has no maternal family.
Lady Hou had known this for a long time, but now she was beginning to regret it, wondering why she had married such a daughter-in-law.
Lady Hou now sees Xie Qingyu as completely incompetent, except for her obedience; she has no other redeeming qualities.
She couldn't recall at all that it was because, given similar circumstances, no one was willing to marry their daughter to Qin Lingrong, and she was determined to find Qin Lingrong a legitimate daughter from a prestigious family. It was only with great difficulty that she finally chose Xie Qingyu.
At the time, I was very satisfied; she came from a good family and was presentable enough to be shown off.
Apart from lacking family protection, everything else is pretty good.
At that time, I thought that Qin Lingrong would not be able to pursue an official career. As long as he inherited the Marquis's mansion, he would have a wife to manage his household.
Now that something has happened, Lady Hou is starting to complain that Xie Qingyu can't help.
However, Lady Hou did not expect that her illness would have some benefits. At least Prime Minister Wang heard about it and sent someone to tell her to take good care of herself during this time and not to cause any trouble, assuring her that Prime Minister Wang would take care of everything.
Now, even though she was sick, Lady Hou was happy.
Despite being turned away at every door these past few days, she's been so proactive, partly to find a way to save Qin Lingrong, and partly to set an example for her father.
Prime Minister Wang did indeed feel some pity for his daughter.
While Lady Hou was recuperating peacefully, she didn't forget to arrange for Gu Qinglian to go and thank Prime Minister Wang on her behalf, and to send some gifts over.
Gu Qinglian is finally free.
When she had nothing to do, Madam Hou was too lazy to see Xie Qingyu, especially since seeing her reminded her of what Xie Qingyu had said about Qin Lingrong's suffering in prison. So she simply told Xie Qingyu to go back and not serve her anymore.
Xie Qingyu hadn't expected that the Lady Hou's illness, instead of bothering her, would start causing trouble for the concubines in the back courtyard.
Perhaps it was because the Marquis was unhelpful in this matter and had not returned that the Marquis's wife harbored deep resentment towards him.
Since the Marquis wasn't coming back, the Marquis's wife decided to find ways to torment his concubines.
Let all these people come and take care of the sick.
Apart from Aunt Zhao, who was in poor health, everyone else had to serve her at her bedside, which was extremely distressing for them, and they couldn't complain.
Xie Qingyu heard about this even in her own courtyard, but there was nothing she could do, as the Marquis's wife was still in charge of the Marquis's mansion.
The only good thing about Lady Hou's tormenting these concubines was that it freed Gu Qinglian.
Gu Qinglian used the excuse of visiting her maternal grandfather to first go to see Qin Shenzhi.
Unfortunately, we didn't find it on the first day.
Qin Shenzhi was not on fixed duty. The duties of the Jinwu Guard were very varied, and Qin Shenzhi was one of the leaders. His whereabouts were even more unpredictable, and he spent very little time in the prison.
Although she wasn't found, fortunately, she had made quite a few public appearances recently, and some of her bodyguards said they would help pass on the message.
Whether it was because of the message from the Imperial Guards or not, Gu Qinglian learned of Qin Shenzhi's return the following afternoon.
When Qin Shenzhi returned from visiting the Lady of the Marquis, Gu Qinglian was already waiting for him in his courtyard.
"You're back!" Gu Qinglian, who had been sitting in the lobby waiting for him, immediately stood up when she saw Qin Shenzhi return, her face beaming with obvious joy.
Qin Shenzhi frowned imperceptibly, his face showing no extra expression, appearing somewhat indifferent.
Gu Qinglian, however, seemed oblivious to his indifference, her joy barely concealed in her voice.
"Did you need something from me?" Qin Shenzhi didn't go inside; he just stood in the courtyard and spoke to her.
Gu Qinglian was a little embarrassed and pointed to the food box she had brought on the table in the room. "Have you been too busy lately? I heard you came back tonight and probably haven't even had a meal. I brought you some food, all of which I made myself."
Qin Shenzhi glanced at the food box on the table, his brows remaining unchanged.
His gaze returned to Gu Qinglian, and he suddenly spoke, "My elder brother is having a very difficult time in prison."
Gu Qinglian's smile turned somewhat awkward. "Is that so? Well, he brought it on himself. If he hadn't done those things, he wouldn't be in this predicament now."
Qin Shenzhi's scrutiny was hidden in his eyes, and his doubts deepened. He continued to probe, "My mother has even persuaded Prime Minister Wang to help with this matter, so he should be able to come out soon."
Qin Shenzhi finished speaking with a hint of disappointment in his expression.
"Don't worry, he won't come out. You have faith in yourself," Gu Qinglian comforted her.
Qin Shenzhi almost instantly wanted to attack the person in front of him, but his fingers, which were hanging by his side, twitched slightly before he withdrew them after sensing something.
"I hope so, otherwise, there is only death ahead." Qin Shenzhi lowered his eyes, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Gu Qinglian then gently approached, "Just do it boldly. Your cousin deserves what he got. You will succeed."
After Gu Qinglian finished speaking, she looked at Qin Shenzhi with eyes full of trust and... flattery.
Anyone who sees this scene would find it a bit strange.
Why would a favored cousin look at the most insignificant illegitimate son in the mansion with such a fawning expression?
Qin Shenzhi suppressed the mockery and doubt in his eyes, "Miss Qinglian, you should go back first. It wouldn't be good for you if someone saw this."
Qin Shenzhi's words pleased Gu Qinglian greatly; he was thinking of her best interests.
"Then I'll head back now. I made this meal especially for you, so remember to eat it." Gu Qinglian hadn't brought any maids with her when she came, and now she was leaving alone.
Qin Shenzhi stood in the courtyard, watching her leave.
Even after she disappeared from sight, Qin Shenzhi remained in the courtyard, his gaze fixed on the old tree in the corner.
For a moment, the only sound in the courtyard was the wind rustling through the leaves.
"Looks like I've come at the wrong time, interrupting my second brother and cousin's good time again." Xie Qingyu, followed by Hongdou, said jokingly as they emerged from behind the tree.
For some reason, Qin Shenzhi felt guilty for a moment.