This was the second time Su Jin said her husband was truly wonderful, but the feelings it evoked were completely different. The first time only incited disgust and anger, while this time it aroused envy and jealousy.
Her husband was truly good!
It wasn't just that this female bandit had a sweet mouth like honey to coax people!
Third Madam's teeth ached with jealousy. She had been married to Third Master for over ten years, but when had he ever spent money so freely on her? Not even three thousand taels, let alone thirty thousand!
The female bandit had only been married into the family for a day, and Xie Jingchen had already spent more money on her than Third Master had on Third Madam in over a decade, making it impossible not to be jealous.
Then Third Master received two glaring stares in succession, feeling so frustrated that he didn't know how to react, except to share a bitter smile with Second Master, who shared his plight.
If there had been doubt about Xie Jingchen's earlier words, at this point, it was completely believed. If not for the ancestral injunctions from the Xie family to treat the female bandit well, why else would he be so blindly devoted, willingly spending money as if his mind had been taken?
Su Jin stood by, knowing that Xie Jingchen was only being so agreeable to save his own life. But she had to admit, that one word of 'good' was like a sugar cube, gently finding its way into her heart, and she felt sweet, almost dizzy, warmth spreading from her heart to her face.
Third Madam, unable to tolerate it, pointed out, "Chenchen knows it's good to care for his wife, but the debt belongs to the Dongxiang Marquis Mansion. A married daughter is like spilled water—how can Chenchen help repay Marquis Dongxiang's debts for you?"
Su Jin was speechless. Did these people not think before they spoke? These debts had been incurred for her marriage. If Dongxiang Marquis Mansion truly considered her like spilled water, would they have gone into debt to prepare such a grand dowry for her?
Su Jin didn't refute aloud, because there was really no need. She just blinked her eyes, looked at Xie Jingchen, and softly asked, "Husband, you're doing this willingly, right?"
"Yes."
The simple, straightforward affirmation was shockingly decisive.
Xie Jingchen wore a doting smile, but in his eyes was a probing gaze. This woman was cleverer than he'd imagined—ferocious when needed, soft when necessary, a balance of strength and gentleness. Without direct confrontation, she could make others seethe with just a few words.
Yet, despite her cleverness, she had rashly acted in public to seize him, placing herself in a precarious position.
Intelligent people doing reckless things—it had to be for some unavoidable reason, not just her claim to satisfy mutual needs.
Third Madam sat there, her mouth twist with anger, like throwing a punch that didn't connect and instead hurting herself internally.
Already feeling pressure in her chest, the female bandit added a gaze filled with the message, "My husband is willing to spend money on me. Why does it matter to you?" Third Madam felt a taste of blood rising in her throat.
Su Jin and Xie Jingchen seemed to have an agreement that suited both parties. She had nowhere to vent her anger and suppressed it with half a cup of tea.
Seeing Third Madam in such a state of anger, Second Madam's lips curled slightly. This time, Princess Nanzhang had miscalculated. This female bandit was not as ignorant as they thought nor as easy to manipulate.
Just one day in, she had already subdued the young master, who, although frail, was just as rebellious in nature as Old Master Xie—a hard person to tame.
The stagnant waters of the Duke Zhen Country Mansion needed stirring, and it was long overdue.
Second Madam glanced at Princess Nanzhang. When her gaze returned, she smiled, "I'm curious. How does Chenchen, at such a young age, have so much money? Where does it all come from?"
Where else could it come from, if not from Old Master Xie? Did his frail body really manage to earn thirty thousand taels on its own?
Third Madam pondered internally, her face showing a look of one keen to see how things would unfold.
Princess Nanzhang's face turned icy, her long nails dug into her flesh without her feeling the pain. How could a person's heart be so biased?
Eighteen years now—even a heart of stone would warm—what about him?!
Tears welled up in Princess Nanzhang's eyes; she bit her lip to keep them from flowing.
The oncoming skepticism opened Su Jin's eyes a bit wider. She thought it was well-known in the Duke Zhen Country Mansion that Xie Jingchen had money, but apparently not. If he'd kept it a secret, why agree to her so easily, so openly exposing himself?
Su Jin cast an apologetic glance at Xie Jingchen, then heard him coolly say, "The money isn't from Father."
It's actually not?
Third Madam didn't believe it and pressed further, "Then where did it come from?"
"Grandfather gave it to me."
Su Jin, "..."
Silently, Su Jin edged slightly to the side. If she confessed right now that her affection with Xie Jingchen was fake, would it be too late? Damn, this guy had a knack for pulling enmity his way; she had thought his survival instincts were strong when he first denied getting it from Old Master Xie...
He clearly had a death wish!
Everyone in the room, one by one, harbored hostility; he had incited collective fury.
Su Jin suddenly felt something was off. If it was truly Duke who gave it to him, he was essentially betraying the grandfather who doted on him the most. Xie Jingchen wouldn't do something so foolish…
Su Jin looked at Xie Jingchen, only to see him swaying. She quickly went to support him, worriedly asking, "Are you alright, Husband?"
Xie Jingchen leaned heavily on Su Jin, making it difficult for her to hold him up. She tried to signal him with her eyes to remind him not to overdo it.
Xie Jingchen met her gaze and returned it. He was ever obliging to her, yet she was ready to distance herself over a single sentence, which truly annoyed him.
"A little out of breath, I can't breathe properly," he struggled to say.
What could Su Jin do but help him catch his breath? He spoiled her so much—could she leave him unattended?
Once Xie Jingchen had caught his breath, others still fumed to the point of organ pain, yet dared not question him. If he fainted from rage again and Duke and Old Master Xie returned, no one could bear the consequences.
After catching his breath, Xie Jingchen continued, "I hadn't finished earlier. When Grandfather gave me the money, he said it was from my maternal grandfather, who had been holding it for me for fifteen years to prevent me from spending frivolously, hence only giving me ten thousand taels a year."
If someone beat this guy to death one day, Su Jin would not be surprised. His long inhale had even stirred Old Madam's ire, which she had eventually stifled back.
No matter how angry one is, they have to hold it back. He didn't fail to clarify—he just hadn't taken a breath properly.
It's money from his maternal grandfather. He can spend it however he pleases, and no one can control it.
Su Jin supported Xie Jingchen and said, "Husband, can you still manage, or should I help you back to rest?"
Xie Jingchen shook his head, "I'm fine."
Xie Jinchuan, the second son of Princess Nanzhang, approached Su Jin, offering her a greeting and calling her sister-in-law respectfully.
With him leading, the other young masters and ladies also came forward. Regardless of their dissatisfaction with Su Jin as their sister-in-law, they maintained a respectful façade, just barely making acquaintance.
The ceremonial tea sharing concluded, and Su Jin intended to take her leave. However, Princess Nanzhang signaled Xie Jinchuan and the others to withdraw, and the maids and old servants in the room also retreated.
Su Jin blinked in curiosity—what was going to happen?
Xie Jingchen shook his head, indicating he also had no clue.
A nanny approached Su Jin, holding a tray with a delicate tea bowl on it.
As she neared, a medicinal smell wafted over, followed by the sharp voice of Princess Nanzhang, "Drink this bowl of medicine."