Chapter 104: Becoming Familiar
At the mention of this, the smile on Qiu Rongrong’s face gradually faded. She no longer tried to hide her emotions in front of Wen Yao and said helplessly, “My husband says Yi’er is growing up and needs to be personally taught by him, so now even I rarely get to see him.”
Thinking about it made her irritated. He was clearly her son, and everything this household used came from her, yet she could barely see her own child.
Sometimes when she tried to visit him or bring him food, she would be turned away with various excuses. Only when they truly couldn’t refuse would they allow her a brief meeting. She hadn’t seen Yi’er for several days.
Wen Yao raised her brows. So the indoctrination had already begun. Children that young hadn’t formed their worldview yet—it was the perfect time to influence them.
A bold thought appeared in her mind. Was the Xie family using Xie Anyi to control Qiu Rongrong and, through her, the Qiu family? That would be quite calculating—even though she was his wife.
“Madam, may I ask something?” Wen Yao suddenly said.
Qiu Rongrong laughed softly. “Since you’ve said it like that, how can I refuse?”
Wen Yao studied her face. She was beautiful when she smiled, yet there was always a lingering sadness in her eyes, as if a thin mist covered what should have been brightness.
“You look very beautiful when you smile. You should smile more,” Wen Yao said bluntly, resting her chin in her hands.
Qiu Rongrong blushed and glared playfully. “You’re bold, teasing me like this.”
Then she asked, “You want to ask whether my husband has other children, don’t you?”
Wen Yao straightened up, her expression practically shouting, How did you know?
“You wrote it all over your face,” Qiu Rongrong laughed.
Embarrassed, Wen Yao rubbed her cheeks exaggeratedly. “Really? Really?”
“Stop rubbing—you’ll make them red,” Qiu Rongrong said, taking her hands. “It’s no secret. If you asked around, you’d know. He does have another son from his first wife, though he isn’t here.”
Only trusted servants from the Qiu family were present, so she spoke openly.
“The eldest young master is twelve. He was raised by the Old Madam and later sent to the clan school of the main Xie branch. The household only provides money for his expenses, and he rarely returns.”
Wen Yao nodded. That matched the original story—Xie Anyi had an older brother who benefited the most later on.
The Xie clan sent the elder son to the clan school with renowned teachers but kept the younger son close. Was it really love? Perhaps not.
Of course, Wen Yao didn’t say that aloud.
After a moment, she said gently, “Madam, a child’s growth needs more than a father. A mother’s companionship is just as important. The young master must depend on you greatly.”
Qiu Rongrong’s expression changed.
Her maid Qiao Yan spoke indignantly, “Miss, it’s not that Madam doesn’t want to be with him—it’s that the Master won’t allow—”
“Qiao Yan.” Qiu Rongrong stopped her sharply. The maid fell silent, her eyes full of concern.
Sensing the mood, Wen Yao didn’t continue. It was getting late—she had cooked, been paid, and her family was waiting.
“Madam, it’s getting late. I should head back. My father and the others are waiting.”
Qiu Rongrong signaled Qiao Yan, who returned with a purse.
“Take this. The Old Madam ate today; you deserve the reward.”
Wen Yao weighed it—it felt like twenty taels.
She pushed it back. “Madam already paid me.”
“That was wages. This is a reward,” Qiu Rongrong insisted, placing it back in her hands. “Think of it as a festival gift from an older sister. And I’m sure I’ll trouble you again.”
Wen Yao raised her brows. Well, if she insisted, she would accept it gladly. Twenty taels—enough for furniture money.
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony, Sister Qiu. Now I can buy my grandfather two more mu of land,” Wen Yao joked.
They looked at each other and burst out laughing.
With one calling the other sister and the other replying in kind, the distance between them quietly grew smaller.
