Chapter 18: People Must Grow

A Mother’s Outrage

‘When I heard you’d entered the palace, I immediately confronted your father, demanding to know what was going on. At first, he lied, saying you despised Wu Que and the Weiyuan Marquis Estate’s lack of prospects, so you… schemed to catch the Emperor’s eye. But I didn’t believe it. How could I not know my own daughter’s character?’

Yang Shi, usually so mild-mannered, had a trace of anger on her face as she spoke.

‘He refused to tell the truth, which only made me more suspicious. I threatened him with my life, and finally, he told me everything.’

At this, Yang Shi took Xie Jiu’s hand, her eyes full of heartache.

‘I’ve been married to your father for so many years. He never took a concubine, saying he was born a庶子 and struggled to become the head of the Xie family. He didn’t want his children to suffer as he did. He kept that promise, and I truly thought he was a good man.’

‘When your brother and you were born, he devoted himself to raising your brother and seemed to dote on you. I felt I’d married the right man. Even though he was strict and controlling, I had no complaints. But now I see—he never cared about heirs or concubines because his heart was always on himself, his power, and his interests. For those, he’d sacrifice anything!’

Yang Shi’s thoughts turned to her son, Xie Wei, who was away gaining experience in a distant post, and she gripped Xie Jiu’s hand tighter.

‘If your brother were here, he could’ve stopped your father. But ever since your wedding, he hasn’t returned… It’s my fault, I’m useless.’

A Brother’s Absence

Mention of her brother brought a gentle, jade-like figure to Xie Jiu’s mind, stirring a mix of nostalgia and emotion.

Back then, Xie Wei had insisted on taking his wife and children to take up a post in Lizhou, leaving the capital. Xie Jiu couldn’t understand it at the time.

So many fought to stay in the capital, yet Xie Wei chose to leave. For this, Xie Mingchen had been furious, but he couldn’t keep his son from going.

Xie Jiu had tried to persuade him too, but Xie Wei only said he didn’t want to live entirely under his father’s protection. He wanted to achieve something on his own, to earn his own merits. Xie Jiu admired her brother’s ambition.

At her wedding, Xie Wei had returned and said, ‘It’s good that you’re married.’

Now, thinking back, she realized he likely clashed with their father’s views and chose to leave out of无奈.

That comment about her marriage must have meant that, as a woman, she could leave the Xie family through marriage. But as a son, no matter how far or long he went, he’d always have to return.

Xie Jiu gave a bitter smile in her heart.

Even marriage hadn’t freed her. She’d fallen into a trap set by her husband and her family, costing her life once.

Now, reborn, though she’d preserved her life, she was still walking a path she hadn’t chosen willingly.

A Father’s Motive

‘Mother, Father sent you here to gauge the Emperor’s intentions, didn’t he?’ Xie Jiu pushed aside her thoughts and asked directly.

She no longer wanted to dwell on unchangeable pasts. The present was what mattered.

Yang Shi nodded. ‘You sent a message through Chunrong last time, and he acted as you instructed. The Emperor seemed pleased with his actions, but he’s still uneasy and wants your confirmation.’

Xie Jiu’s face flashed with a cold smile before she spoke.

‘Then tell him not to worry too much. The Emperor is treating me well now. I’ll speak on his behalf to change the Emperor’s view of him. But he needs to listen to me and cooperate fully.’

‘You’re really going to help him?’ Yang Shi frowned. ‘I’ve made up my mind. I’ll go back and tell him you’re angry and disappointed and refuse to help.’

‘Mother, you’re being naive. I already sent him a message before. He’s certain of my stance, which is why he sent you.’ Xie Jiu reminded her helplessly.

A Sheltered Life

Yang Shi had married Xie Mingchen when he was still a minor figure. Her family wasn’t prominent, only notable for her beauty. As the youngest daughter, she’d been pampered and lived a carefree life.

After marrying, Xie Mingchen didn’t take concubines or indulge in women. There were no in-laws to serve in her youth, and as Xie Mingchen rose to power in the Xie family, her status soared. No one dared to cross her, so she’d never had to scheme or struggle.

Even at her age, Yang Shi lacked cunning or guile, her temperament soft and gentle.

Thus, Xie Jiu didn’t expect her mother to come up with clever plans. She took charge, giving clear instructions.

Yang Shi listened, her face showing surprise. ‘Jiu’er, when did you learn such tactics?’

‘Mother, people always grow,’ Xie Jiu said seriously, looking at her. ‘And they must grow, or how can they protect themselves and those they care about?’

Her words struck Yang Shi’s heart. Her expression grew solemn, and she nodded, brows furrowed.

But she couldn’t help her concern. She gently touched Xie Jiu’s cheek. ‘Jiu’er, must you walk this path? Wu Que is no good, but being close to the Emperor is like living with a tiger—equally dangerous.’

Xie Jiu said nothing, only looking at her.

Yang Shi understood.

She sighed, saying no more.

A Mother’s Resolve

When Yang Shi left the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, her face was still heavy with worry. But she was powerless to change anything. The only way she could help Xie Jiu now was to follow her instructions.

Back at the Xie family, Yang Shi relayed everything Xie Jiu had told her to Xie Mingchen.

‘She really said that?’ Xie Mingchen’s sharp gaze fixed on Yang Shi.

Yang Shi nodded. ‘Yes, Jiu’er said she’s thought it through. The Wu family is doomed to fall. She’s married to Wu Que, and even if she divorces and escapes them, who would dare marry her? Only the Emperor. By entering the palace, the Emperor sees her as a Xie, not tied to the Wu family. To establish herself in the palace, she still needs her family’s support. She doesn’t blame you. Jiu’er said you raised her in luxury all these years, and she should do something for the family.’

Perhaps because her words aligned with Xie Mingchen’s beliefs, or because Yang Shi had always been honest and never lied to him, he smiled with satisfaction.

‘Good girl. All these years of raising her in comfort weren’t wasted.’

Yang Shi nodded, feigning relief. ‘Indeed, we’re a family. How could we truly turn against each other?’

‘Hm.’

Xie Mingchen nodded, but his face soon showed a calculating look.

‘But Jiu’er is a married woman. Though divorce and remarriage aren’t unheard of, I worry the Emperor, caught up in the novelty now, might not mind her past. In time, if he recalls it and takes issue, it’s fine if she has a title by then. But if she doesn’t, it could all come to nothing.’

‘What are you planning?’ Yang Shi’s heart grew wary, and she pressed him.

Xie Mingchen narrowed his eyes. ‘I didn’t dare send Xie girls to the palace before, fearing the Emperor wouldn’t accept them. Sending Jiu’er was safe because Wu Que handled it, keeping me clear. But now, with Jiu’er by the Emperor’s side, able to put in a word, it’ll be easier to send someone. I’m thinking of choosing a good girl from the clan to send to the palace.’

‘With family sisters to support each other, Jiu’er won’t be alone,’ Xie Mingchen said, turning the jade ring on his finger, his eyes full of scheming. ‘Talk to her about it next time. You two, mother and daughter, can discuss it more easily.’

He spoke as if he controlled everything, unaware of the deep anger hidden in Yang Shi’s eyes.

A Mother’s Fury

Back in her room, Yang Shi ordered the door closed. The gentleness on her face vanished, replaced by a fierce resolve she’d never shown before.

‘Jiu’er is already struggling, and he still schemes to use her, causing her more trouble. I won’t let him harm my daughter again!’