But now, with Xie Ruotong having cleared her name and acquired a higher status, and Xie Ruilin having tarnished her reputation and lost her dignity, he also worried that Xie Ruotong, relying on her greater authority, would target Xie Ruilin. That’s why he said what seemed like kind words, yet they carried an underlying threat.
He didn’t want to see it happen.
He didn’t want to see the things he dreaded come to be, so he spoke upfront.
After he finished speaking.
For some reason, he felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest at this moment.
He didn’t know what Xie Ruotong was thinking.
He didn’t know if she could accept it.
Song Yanqing took a deep breath; he also didn’t want to think further on it.
Caught between two women, it was impossible for him to be truly impartial.
Especially since he held no affection for Xie Ruotong.
To have done this much for her was probably already beyond the call of duty.
At this moment, he should pay more attention to Xie Ruilin, who was injured today.
When Song Yanqing left Xie Ruilin’s room, it was already nighttime.
Of course, he had offered comfort for a long while.
Xie Ruilin had been crying in the room until her eyes were swollen.
She wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t even drink water.
Chun Tao said that Xie Ruilin had thought several times of ending it all, which made him feel quite pained.
If only he could stand by Xie Ruilin’s side today...
In the end, for the sake of the Song Family’s reputation, and also not wanting to hurt Xie Ruotong, he chose to abandon Xie Ruilin.
Yet Xie Ruilin’s actions were indeed hard for him to accept.
He had always thought that Xie Ruilin was innocent.
If there was any trouble, she would approach him first.
But this time she hadn’t consulted him at all, choosing such a way that made him somewhat resentful towards Xie Ruilin. Even though Xie Ruilin explained that if she hadn’t exposed her sister’s identity in public, her grandmother would certainly have let the matter rot in everyone’s stomachs. She also admitted that she couldn’t let go of her grudge towards Xie Ruotong for stealing her marriage.
Song Yanqing understood her feelings.
But still couldn’t comprehend why she hadn’t discussed the matter with him.
Even if she didn’t want her grandmother to know, she should have at least given him notice.
However, seeing Xie Ruilin in such pain, he didn’t utter a word of rebuke.
He just kept comforting her.
Song Yanqing had wanted to visit Xie Ruilin’s courtyard to spend more time with her, especially since the incident had caused Xie Ruilin great harm, but as he approached the gate of the courtyard, he was stopped by several house servants who wouldn’t allow him inside.
Not wanting to cause unnecessary strife within the family, he had no choice but to leave and then went to Xie Ruotong’s courtyard.
Upon reaching Xie Ruotong’s courtyard, Qiao’er greeted him very enthusiastically.
You could tell she was extremely excited.
Whereas Xie Ruotong only wore a polite smile, without showing much warmth.
"Son-in-law, I have prepared the bathwater for you. You’ve been tired all day, taking a bath can help relieve your fatigue," Qiao’er quickly said.
"Alright," Song Yanqing agreed, "Mu Dong, assist me with my bath."
"Yes, Young Master," Mu Dong promptly followed Song Yanqing’s steps.
Song Yanqing went to bathe.
Meanwhile, Xie Ruotong also began to remove her makeup and take off some accessories.
When Song Yanqing returned from his bath, Xie Ruotong had finished her makeup removal.
"Where shall I sleep?" Song Yanqing asked Xie Ruotong.
"You should sleep on the bed; you have to attend the morning court session tomorrow, rest is more important."
"And what about you?" Song Yanqing asked. Official source is novelFirｅ.net
"I’ll have Qiao’er lay out a sleeping mat for me later."
Song Yanqing frowned.
"In the past when I was trafficked, I’ve slept everywhere," Xie Ruotong said indifferently, "so I can sleep well anywhere."
Song Yanqing wanted to say something.
But then he heard Xie Ruotong instructing Qiao’er, "Assist me in bathing."
"Yes, Miss," Qiao’er quickly echoed.
Song Yanqing watched their retreating figures, and the words "I’ll sleep on the sleeping mat" that reached his lips were swallowed back down.
Song Yanqing still lay down on the bed.
While staying over at Xie Ruotong’s place, the visit extended to a month, and now that he has to attend the early court and enter the Inner Cabinet to handle state affairs without error, rest is indeed very important.
Shortly after he lay down,
He saw Xie Ruotong appear in front of him after her bath, her long hair flowing, dressed in white.
At this moment, the room was dimly lit by candlelight.
Qiao’er efficiently laid out the sleeping mat, thinking also about how the last time at the Duke Mansion, the two of them had slept separately, but hadn’t they ended up together in the middle of the night anyway?
She figured tonight would surely be the same.
So she left quite cheerfully.
After the sleeping mat was ready, Xie Ruotong went to bed.