You Stole My Husband, So I Seduced Your Son - Chapter 24

Ji Moyang forced a bitter smile. Who could he confide in about the anguish in his heart? He could only let them assume he was worried about the imperial examinations.

“I heard there’s a Daoist master at Fuyun Temple who sells all sorts of secret remedies,” Zu Hongyuan said. “Many students who can’t sleep from anxiety buy medicine from him. They say it’s incredibly effective.”

Lu Zhengwen interrupted Zu Hongyuan’s suggestion. “Traveling quacks peddle tiger-wolf medicine. It’s best not to try it.”

He then advised Ji Moyang, “Moyang, relax. You’re usually at the top of your class. Even if you don’t study for the next month, you’ll still pass with flying colors. There’s no need to worry so much.”

Seeing his classmates’ concern, Ji Moyang forced another smile. “I know. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine in a couple of days.”

It was just that incident. He couldn’t get over it. Perhaps in a few days, when everything had calmed down and Song Xuwan hadn’t been punished for it, he could finally find peace of mind and gradually forget the whole affair.

“That’s the spirit!” Xia Yongyan clapped Ji Moyang on the shoulder. “I did some calculations the other day. Even though only four of us came from the academy, three of us are guaranteed to pass. Don’t worry, you’re definitely one of them!”

The remark lightened the mood considerably. Zu Hongyuan teased, “You can tell fortunes now? Did Daoist Master Qinghong from the temple take you on as his prized disciple?”

“He’s just a charlatan selling fake medicine,” Ji Moyang retorted. “How could he be my master? Fortune-telling is a family tradition.”

Their banter finally lifted Ji Moyang’s spirits. Noticing the darkening sky, he bid farewell to his friends and returned to the Annex.

Back in his room, he avoided speaking to Min Rongxue, burying himself in his books.

Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice outside: “Is the wood here a bit rotten? Will it hold up in a heavy rain?”

“Madam, this room is unoccupied and empty. Master said we don’t need to worry about it for now; we’ll repair it if it breaks.”

Song Xuwan nodded. “Don’t slack off. If the Annex suffers any damage during a downpour and Master blames you, I won’t cover for you.”

Inside the room, Ji Moyang felt as if he’d been struck by lightning, his mind reeling in disbelief.

Song Xuwan had returned, and from her conversation with the servants, it was clear she’d been sent by Zhou Minghai to inspect the Annex’s safety.

Even as a man, he had been unable to eat or sleep for days after learning of this matter.

Song Xuwan, a young woman, not only had to endure her own inner turmoil but was also tasked by her husband to investigate the adulterer’s courtyard, checking on their food, clothing, shelter, and daily routines.

How utterly devastated she must be!

Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the air. Without thinking, he pushed open the door and saw several servants beating the nearby bushes with bamboo poles.

Song Xuwan stood trembling beside them, swaying on her feet.

“What’s wrong?” he asked instinctively, reaching out to steady her. Perhaps those who had shared intimate contact had lost their sense of boundaries regarding physical touch.

The moment his hand brushed against Song Xuwan’s body, he realized his carelessness.

Song Xuwan turned, her small face deathly pale and her body trembling violently. When she saw him, she recoiled in terror, as if he were more frightening than whatever lurked in the bushes.

Just then, Min Rongxue arrived, drawn by the commotion. Song Xuwan was quickly led away by her maid.

“What happened?” Min Rongxue asked.

“There was a snake earlier, Madam was quite startled.”

Min Rongxue’s panicked expression calmed, replaced by a hint of disdain. In the summer mountains, snakes, rodents, insects, and ants were common. Song Xuwan had been running around recklessly and then making a scene—truly behaving like an overly delicate flower.

“Didn’t we spread the repellent powder? How did a snake still get into the courtyard?” Min Rongxue asked, her tone sharp.

No one could explain such a thing. The servants remained silent, and Min Rongxue waved them away.

Seeing Ji Moyang still standing there, dazed, Min Rongxue’s anger flared anew.

“I saw you help Madam Song earlier,” she said before he could speak. “When you were younger, I only forbade you from speaking to or touching young ladies. But now that you’re older, you should understand the strict separation between men and women.

“This is the Capital, where social etiquette is rigid. Even though she’s your elder and surrounded by maids and servants, your impulsive act of assisting her was a breach of decorum. In a proper, rule-abiding household, Madam Song would likely have to kneel in the ancestral hall as punishment for your actions today.”

Ji Moyang’s face paled, then paled again. He retreated to his room in silence, recalling Lu Zhengwen’s words about women forced to take their own lives each year to preserve their family’s honor.

Originally, his brief assistance to Song Xuwan hadn’t been a grave matter. But considering he had slept with her, any hint of impropriety could lead to her ruin.

He tossed and turned, unable to sleep. If anyone must die, it should be me, he thought. How could I let a young woman bear the entire burden?

Perhaps at this very moment, Song Xuwan was lying in bed, silently sobbing, agonizing over the potential consequences.

The thought spurred Ji Moyang to action.

As if possessed, he slipped into Song Xuwan’s chamber. Hearing her restless movements in bed, he knew he had come at the right time. Another moment, and she might have considered taking her own life.

Song Xuwan, unable to sleep due to her failed attempts to seduce Ji Moyang, suddenly heard a voice: “Madam, it’s me.”

He’s here? Breaking in at night?

Song Xuwan’s excitement surged, making her want to strip bare and wait. Yet fearing she might appear too eager, she slowly sat up, feigning fear. “What are you doing here?”

“I don’t know how to make amends, Madam. I only want to tell you that I should bear all the blame. You’ve done nothing wrong. If anyone tries to punish you for this, expose me. I’ll take full responsibility.”

He certainly took responsibility. Judging by his words, Ji Moyang seemed to think she would be punished for this.

Song Xuwan probed, “But my reputation is already ruined. Even if you take responsibility, I should still face the consequences.”

“No, that won’t happen,” Ji Moyang suddenly insisted, his voice rising. “It’s all my fault. How could I let you be punished?”

Remembering he was here to comfort her, he softened his tone. “Rest assured, I won’t tell anyone about this. As long as no one discovers it, there will be no repercussions. I swear to guard this secret with my life. When I see you again, I’ll act as if nothing happened.”

“I will never allow any harm to come to your reputation, Madam.”

Huh? How am I supposed to use this to strike at Min Rongxue and Zhou Minghai now? Song Xuwan considered whether to jump out of bed and claim she was cold, needing a hug.

Then she heard the window close. Had he already left?

Unbelievable! He’s completely clueless!

Here she was, a vibrant beauty lying in bed, and this virile young man on the other side of the curtain was only concerned about her reputation.

Honestly! He needs a stronger dose of reality.