Chapter 34: The Original Wife Is Extravagant (1)

“You are nothing but a tool to bear my children. Don’t overstep your bounds.” Xue Ci fastened his buttons, his cold gaze fixed on the woman lying on the floor. Disdain and contempt flickered openly in his eyes.

Lin Wan Yin watched the man leave in sorrow, her eyes blank until the door slammed shut with force. Only then did her stunned gaze return to itself. Looking at her clothes scattered across the floor, the facade of strength finally cracked, and crystal tears fell.

Wan Yin, endure a little longer. Just a little longer, and the Lin family will be saved...

Jiang Residence.

Jiang Youyou reclined in a lounge chair in the courtyard, basking in the spring sunlight that felt warm and gentle on her body.

The maid Chun Yan approached cautiously, “Miss, Young Master Xue is here.”

“Mm.” Jiang Youyou responded languidly, then fell silent. Chun Yan glanced at her repeatedly, unsure what to do.

“A You, are you feeling well today?” The man’s voice arrived before he did.

“Stay away from me, your presence is suffocating.” Jiang Youyou pushed aside the silk fan covering her face, her gaze toward Xue Ci full of disdain.

Xue Ci’s posture stiffened for a moment, then his handsome features softened and his tone grew gentle. “What’s wrong? Who has upset my Youyou?”

“Before my nap, I read a storybook,” Jiang Youyou played with her fan. “There was a man who married into his beloved’s family, not for love but for their wealth and influence. He sought to climb high, eating from one bowl while eyeing another. Tell me, Xue, shouldn’t such a person die?”

Her voice was soft and frail, as always.

Xue Ci’s eyes flickered, but his face remained tender, his gaze toward Jiang Youyou filled with affection. “Yes, yes, whatever Youyou says is right.” He took the storybook from the stool, wind rifling its pages to reveal elegant handwriting.

His expression unreadable, Xue Ci set the book aside and looked at Jiang Youyou with deep emotion. “Your health is poor; don’t read things that upset you.”

“That’s true. Best to avoid what angers us.” Jiang Youyou’s expression was weary. She waved her hand at Xue Ci, “I’m tired. You may leave.”

“Youyou...” Xue Ci had more to say, but Jiang Youyou didn’t pause, turning and walking straight into her room.

“Sir, you should go. I’ll take care of Miss,” Chun Yan bowed to Xue Ci, then hurried after Jiang Youyou into the room.

In the vast courtyard, Xue Ci was left alone.

He glanced at the room with concern, then finally turned to leave.

A sharp slap broke the silence. Chun Yan, head tilted in disbelief, stared at her mistress—who showed no sign of fatigue—then quickly knelt. “Please spare me, Miss! I don’t know how I offended you. Please punish me!”

“Chun Yan, I am weak in body, not in mind. Do you understand?” Jiang Youyou delicately wiped her fingers with a handkerchief, her voice gentle.

“Miss, I don’t know what I’ve done wrong!” Panic flickered in Chun Yan’s eyes. She kept her head lowered, never daring to look up.

Miss shouldn’t know. She’d always hidden things so carefully. If Miss had known, she would have punished her long ago—not waited until today.

“Mufeng, take her out and sell her.” Jiang Youyou lowered her gaze. Truly, some never learn until the bitter end.

“Miss!” Hearing those words, Chun Yan’s eyes widened in terror. Before she could beg for mercy, a man appeared suddenly and covered her mouth. “Yes, Miss.”

Mufeng knocked her out and took her away, swift and efficient.

Jiang Youyou looked at the antique room, yawned lazily, and turned into the inner chamber.