You Stole My Husband, So I Seduced Your Son - Chapter 66

Zhou Minghai was rendered speechless by Song Xuwan’s shamelessness. He waved his hand, indicating he wouldn’t argue further. Ji Moyang, however, spoke earnestly, “I will certainly live up to Madam’s expectations.”

Seeing her parents about to quarrel again, Ningning quickly joined in the commotion, “I also wish Brother Moyang becomes the Top Scholar!”

Liyue added softly, “I hope my brother becomes the Top Scholar too.”

Now Zhou Minghai didn’t know who to scold. He sighed, “Stay here at the restaurant. I’ll come over after seeing Moyang off.”

Up on the second floor, Song Xuwan, Ningning, and Liyue pushed open the windows and watched the crowd surge toward the Examination Compound in the distance.

Ji Moyang and Zhou Minghai, squeezed into the throng, soon disappeared from sight. Ningning suddenly exclaimed, “I heard that anyone caught bringing cheat sheets into the Examination Compound will be immediately expelled. I wanted to watch at the gate to see if anyone got caught, but we’re too far away to see anything!”

This reminded Song Xuwan that she should have prepared some cheat sheets for Ji Moyang. Ah, I’m still too kind-hearted to think of such underhanded tactics.

After sitting for a while, Min Rongxue rose. “The examination lasts nine days. There’s nothing for me to do here. I think I’ll return to the Annex today and visit Fuyun Temple daily to burn incense and pray for blessings.”

Song Xuwan deeply understood the simple wish of an elderly mother. She nodded and said, “Are you leaving right now? I’ll have the carriage take you back.”

Seeing Min Rongxue’s gaze fixed on Liyue, and noticing Liyue’s smile freeze on her face, Song Xuwan quickly stepped between them.

She smiled and said, “You’ve been busy praying these past few days. Why not leave Liyue here for a few days? She’s been in the Capital for so long but hasn’t had a chance to explore. I’ll take her around for a few days, and we can all go back together after Young Master Ji finishes his exams.”

Min Rongxue frowned, about to refuse, when Song Xuwan added, “I think Sister Min should stay too. There are temples in the city, making it easy to offer incense. Just wait until Master returns—he’ll definitely want you to stay.”

Min Rongxue, who had been about to speak, immediately swallowed her words at the mention of Zhou Minghai wanting her to stay. She forced a faint smile and said, “Liyue can be quite mischievous at times. I’m afraid…”

“Don’t worry,” Song Xuwan reassured her. “I can handle even Ningning’s mischief. Trust me, I’ll treat Liyue like my own child and won’t spoil her.”

Afraid that Zhou Minghai might return and try to persuade her to stay, Min Rongxue gave a few hurried instructions and immediately left the room.

Watching Min Rongxue’s hasty departure, Song Xuwan couldn’t help but feel Zhou Minghai didn’t deserve this. He had worshipped her like a goddess in his heart for over a decade, showering her with meticulous care for all those years, yet she couldn’t even bear to spend a few more days with him.

Zhou Minghai had truly failed as a person.

After Min Rongxue left, Song Xuwan immediately noticed the atmosphere in the room lighten. Ningning even jumped up, grabbed Liyue’s hand, and exclaimed with a smile, “Liyue-jie, where do you want to go? I don’t have school these days, so I can take you out to play!”

Song Xuwan chuckled and asked, “You don’t have school? Who gave you permission to skip?”

Ningning’s face immediately fell, and she mumbled, “I’m the hostess. Shouldn’t I make time to entertain our guest?”

“I can keep her company. You should stay home and focus on your studies.”

As soon as Song Xuwan finished speaking, Ningning looked like she was about to burst into tears. Just then, Zhou Minghai walked in, glanced around the room, and asked, “Where’s Madam Min?”

Seeing her daughter on the verge of tears, Song Xuwan sneered. “Sister Min plans to visit Fuyun Temple these next few days to pray for Young Master Ji’s blessings. Master, would you like to join us? We should pray for Xinglin’s blessings early. Our son isn’t particularly gifted, so it’s better to start praying a few years in advance than to scramble at the last minute.”

Zhou Minghai nearly blurted out “Good idea!” but then realized it might look odd to follow Madam Min out so soon after she left.

Especially after sitting down for a cup of tea, he felt Song Xuwan’s words were mocking him. He couldn’t think of a suitable retort and missed the perfect opportunity to respond.

Only then did he notice Ningning’s upset expression. He asked sternly, “What’s wrong?”

Ningning replied resentfully, “Mother’s taking Sister Liyue out to play, leaving me home alone to study.”

Hearing this, Zhou Minghai said flatly, “Your mother is right. Your studies are already lacking. If you keep slacking off like this, what skills will you have to show for yourself in the future?”

“Look at your sister Liyue—her calligraphy is excellent, and her embroidery rivals even the masters. Meanwhile, you spend your days thinking only about playing around. If you applied that same energy to your studies, no challenge would be insurmountable.”

This was Zhou Minghai’s consistent educational philosophy, so Song Xuwan wasn’t surprised by his words. She had only been teasing Ningning in the first place; there was no way she would actually leave her behind.

Seeing Ningning on the verge of tears after Zhou Minghai’s scolding, Song Xuwan quickly interjected with a smile, “I don’t take Sister Liyue out every day. Just this once, Master, please give Ningning a day off so she can join us?”

Liyue, realizing she had almost made Ningning cry by wanting to go out, quickly added her plea, “Lord Zhou, Madam is only taking me out because she knows I’ve never been to the Capital. Please give Ningning a day off too, so she can keep me company?”

Hearing Liyue’s plea softened Zhou Minghai’s expression considerably. It was rare for Liyue to visit the Capital, and the child deserved a chance to explore. He nodded. “Fine, one day it is. Make sure you keep Sister Liyue company.”

Then he suddenly added, “What can you even do in just one day? The Capital is vast. Some people could spend an entire day just browsing a silk shop!”

Song Xuwan understood the veiled jab. Zhou Minghai was deliberately mocking her. Whenever she sneaked out for secret rendezvous, she always used excuses like “visiting the silk shop” or “checking out the jewelry store,” disappearing for half the day each time.

She chuckled, “You’re right, a day isn’t enough. We’ll have to take our time exploring the Capital another time.”

But Min Rongxue doesn’t seem to enjoy crowds, Zhou Minghai thought. She probably won’t be taking Liyue out for casual strolls around the Capital again.

If I let Song Xuwan take Liyue out for a few more days, would I really leave Ningning alone at home? Even if I suggested it, Song Xuwan might not agree.

His expression shifted as he forced a smile. “Then let’s extend the trip! We’ll give Ningning a few extra days off so she can properly show her Sister Liyue around the Capital.”

Zhou Minghai felt like such a benevolent father. But as soon as the words left his mouth, Song Xuwan’s face darkened.

Ningning chimed in, “I don’t want to go. I’ll stay home and practice my calligraphy and embroidery. I’ve seen all the fun things in the Capital already. I don’t need to go.”

Now Zhou Minghai was truly irritated. “You’re the one who wanted to go in the first place! I agreed, and now you’re refusing? Have I spoiled you too much?”

“Has Father spoiled me? Would you have given me time off if it weren’t for wanting Sister Liyue to have more fun?”

Children are remarkably perceptive. Ningning’s words laid bare Zhou Minghai’s ulterior motives, instantly souring the mood in the room.