Reborn Lady

Chapter 111

Seeing Wei Luo deep in thought, Yin Hui’s heart raced, and she cautiously asked, “Do you have any intentions regarding my brother-in-law?” She couldn’t help but wonder why he had inquired about Jiang Weixiang being a county magistrate.

In response, Wei Luo gave her a look that made it clear her suggestion was far from the truth.

What kind of support was she talking about? The brothers held official positions in the royal family, appointed directly by their father, and the appointment of a county magistrate was a matter for the court. Was she suggesting that he should use his family connections to favor her cousin’s husband? Would he even involve his grandfather and father in such a matter?

Yin Hui was met with a direct gaze but found herself feeling relieved. She had no desire to involve Wei Luo in these matters. If the plan succeeded, Yin Rong and her husband would benefit, but she would owe Wei Luo a favor.

“Let’s have our meal. I remember that you like roasted meat buns. I bought some from the street on my way back,” Yin Hui said.

Wei Luo replied with a simple, “Yeah.”

The family of three gathered in the dining hall. Xiao Heng sat in his high chair, gazing at his parents before happily digging into his food.

After the meal, Wei Luo spent some time playing with his son. As evening fell, he asked the wet nurse to take the little one away.

Yin Hui sat in front of her dressing table, combing her hair. When Wei Luo entered, she instructed the maids to step aside, walked over to him and helped him change his clothes.

The familiar scent of floral dew wafted around him, and Wei Luo couldn’t help but notice her loose, alluring hair. Her lotus green undergarments peeked out from her neckline, fitting perfectly against her fair skin.

Whether in bright red or emerald green, the colors complemented her snow-like complexion.

Wei Luo held her hand and, as she looked up in surprise, said, “There’s no need for such formality.”

She used her little tricks quite often, but he could see through them with just one glance.

Yin Hui couldn’t help but fear Wei Luo’s icy demeanor, but that only fueled her anticipation of the warmth to come.

“Helping you change your clothes isn’t a formality,” she said, pretending not to understand, and she even held onto his hand.

Her subtle resistance transformed Wei Luo into a wolf, his desire unmistakable.

As Yin Hui’s consciousness teetered on the brink of surrender and she lacked the energy to devise further strategies, Wei Luo whispered in her ear, “Do you want something from me?”

Yin Hui vigorously shook her head.

Wei Luo continued, “Then why act so formal?”

Yin Hui clung to his shoulder, her eyes filled with a blur of emotions. “I’m just afraid that you’ll become angry and forbid me from going out again.”

Her motivation was simply fear.

Wei Luo’s throat tightened, and he responded, “I won’t.”

He wasn’t that petty.

In Xianghe County, at the Prefect County Government…

When Yin Hui departed from Yin’s Mansion in the morning, Yin Wen was still soundly asleep in the guest room at the county office’s backyard. The previous evening, he had indulged in too much wine at his younger sister’s wedding dinner, which led him to heed Jiang Wei’s suggestion to spend the night there.

Upon waking up, Yin Wen was plagued by a severe headache. His servant, Aji, came to his aid with a remedy for his hangover.

Yin Wen sipped from the bowl, massaged his throbbing temples, and inquired, “Have the newlyweds risen?”

Aji grinned and replied, “Yes, they have. They came to visit you together.” Yin Wen, after washing his face, proceeded to meet with the couple.

Jiang Wei was a broad and open-hearted person, while Yin Rong exuded a shy charm. They made a fine-looking pair.

As Jiang Wei was departing, Yin Wen leaned in close to Yin Rong and asked in a hushed tone, “How is he?”

Yin Rong hadn’t expected her brother to pose such a question, causing her cheeks to flush. She shot him a sidelong glance and then averted her gaze, refusing to respond.

Yin Wen persisted, “He waited until now to get married. I suspect it was for your benefit.”

Recalling how her parents and elder brothers had treated her as an outsider, Yin Rong retorted sarcastically, “For my benefit? So, if he falls ill, will my elder brother take me away?”

Yin Wen’s brow furrowed. “You’re already married, so act accordingly.”

Uninterested in further confrontation, Yin Rong simply nodded and walked away with an air of discontent.

Yin Wen breathed a sigh of relief. Despite everything, Yin Rong was his sister, and he didn’t wish for her to marry a mere showpiece (embroidered pillow) – someone who appeared beautiful but lacked practicality.

After bidding farewell, Yin Wen departed on horseback, with Aji and the two guards closely following him like shadows. Over the course of several miles, the quartet alternated between fast riding and brief rests. Along the way, they even encountered another bridal procession, with a grand red sedan chair swaying in the distance.

Aji quipped, “Master, the eldest lady and the second lady are both married now. When will you be taking a bride?”

Yin Wen was in no rush. At just nineteen years old, marriage would mean more people to look after him. Furthermore, his standards were high, and thus far, he had not encountered a woman who had truly piqued his interest, despite a few who had caught his eye.

Liao Qiuniang was among those who had caught Yin Wen’s attention.

Originally, Liao Qiuniang had the potential for success. However, Yin Hui had gone the extra mile by renting a house for the Liao family. With neighbors to look after her and a maid to cater to her needs, Liao Qiuniang had all the support she needed.

But the more unattainable it seemed, the more Yin Wen found himself drawn to her.

Upon returning to Pingcheng, Yin Wen deliberately paid a visit to Liao Qiuniang’s store for a leisurely stroll. Concealed within the bustling crowd, he observed Liao Qiuniang from a distance. She wore a colorful scarf and a pink apron as she attentively served the diners. Her delicate appearance made it hard to believe that she was the daughter of the formidable Liao Shisan.

Yin Wen squinted his eyes.

In truth, his interest in Liao Qiuniang was split equally between her and her father, Liao Shisan. When he contemplated the prospect of bringing Liao Qiuniang into his household, the thought that the young girl had been wronged and might still not dare to speak up filled him with an indescribable fervor. It was as if he were a tiger hunting beside a drowsy tiger.

A few days later, his guards reported to Yin Wen that the individual who had been shadowing him appeared to have halted their surveillance and vanished.

Yin Wen pondered this development.

He couldn’t fathom the identity of the person trying to monitor him. The Yin family’s business was vast, which meant they had undoubtedly ruffled the feathers of some merchants. However, with relatives in the Yan Palace, nobody would dare to openly confront him, and a mere ten people couldn’t take on his two well-trained guards.

In early June, Old Yin received an invitation card. A family friend residing in Bazhou was celebrating their birthday and had extended an invitation for drinks.

Before Old Yin departed, he entrusted the family business to Yin Wen, as per usual, relegating Yin Jingshan to overseeing some less significant stores.

Under the blazing sun, Yin Wen saw the old man off from Pingcheng. Anticipating his stay in Bazhou for a few days before his return, Yin Wen summoned Aji and provided discreet instructions.

After this lengthy wait, Liao Qiuniang had grown into a young woman, and Yin Wen was prepared to make his move.