Chapter 177

Inside the room, Mrs. Lu looked at Li Xia, who had stayed behind. "Did you knock Li Shan unconscious?"

"I was afraid she would scream and attract the guests' attention," Li Xia explained.

Mrs. Lu took Li Xia's hand and examined it closely. "Next time, don't do it yourself. Be careful not to soil your hands."

"Alright," Li Xia obediently agreed.

"I know you're capable. There are some things you don't tell me, and I don't ask. But remember one thing: no matter what, the Li family will always be your home, your support." Mrs. Lu's words made Li Xia nod firmly, indicating she understood.

Back in the Orchid Courtyard, Li Xia wiped the corner of her eye. Looking at the teardrop on her finger, she never thought there would be a day when she would cry because of Mrs. Lu's words.

Qiu Ling entered, "Miss, Cuihong has made arrangements." Fortunately, Cuihong had warned them about today's events. Cuihong no longer wanted to be a servant; she wanted her freedom.

Li Xia had Qiu Ling find people to pose as Cuihong's family and redeem her. She also asked Lu XuanNing to help obtain household registration for Cuihong and arrange for her to settle in Tenlipo.

On the third day after the wedding, when the bride returns to her maiden home, the Li family was waiting for Li Xin and Cao Fugui. The couple's sweet and affectionate atmosphere delighted everyone.

Mrs. Lu pulled Li Xin aside and asked about her situation in detail. She learned that Li Xin was doing well in the Cao family and had even met the Empress with Cao Fugui. The Empress had given them many rewards.

Mrs. Lu was happy for her daughter and couldn't stop advising Li Xin to live a good life and be considerate of her husband. As a mother, she always hoped for her child's happiness.

After leaving Mrs. Lu's quarters, Li Xia was waiting for Li Xin in the garden path. Li Xin came forward and held Li Xia's hand, with countless things she wanted to say. But considering Li Xia's personality, Li Xin swallowed her words.

"Has Cao Fugui bullied you?" It was evident that Li Xin was hiding something.

"No, he's been very good to me," Li Xin said, but Li Xia was still worried.

Back at the Chengen Marquis Residence, Li Xin had just sat down when Li Yu entered, "Hong Mei has been dealt with by the lady."

On Li Xin's first day in the Cao family, after paying respects to her in-laws, she returned to her quarters. Hong Mei, Cao Fugui's concubine, came to pay respects to the new mistress. She hinted that Cao Fugui had said he would elevate her to the status of a concubine after Li Xin entered the family.

Cao Fugui had been lectured by Lady Cao and realized he had hurt Li Xin in handling the Hong Mei situation. Aware of his mistake, Cao Fugui wanted to make amends. Li Xin had many jade ornaments among her jewelry, so Cao Fugui specially bought a pair of jade bracelets to please her.

Li Xin extended her hand, letting Cao Fugui put the bracelets on her. The green jade made Li Xin's hands appear even more fair and delicate.

"I love them. You're so good to me, husband," Li Xin said with a sweet smile.

Li Xin's happiness put Cao Fugui at ease. The couple seemed to return to their previous sweetness, but only Li Xin knew the truth of her feelings.

The day before leaving, Li Yao came to the Orchid Courtyard. "Sister, I'm sorry."

"Focus on your exams. Father and Big Brother will handle everything else." Li Xia placed a jade pendant for protection in Li Yao's hand.

Li Yao clutched the jade pendant tightly as he prepared to return to their hometown with Li Chou and Li Guang to prepare for the exams. This time, the three of them had undergone a significant change in attitude. Li Ming hadn't hidden the court situation from them, explaining how the Li family had become involved due to their marriage alliances. The family needed them to grow up and contribute.

Li Xia went to the Wang family to visit Xu Xinyue and Wang Hong. Now over two months old, Wang Hong had grown plump and fair. He liked Li Xia and wanted her to hold him as soon as he saw her.

Under Xu Xinyue's guidance, Li Xia picked up Wang Hong. The small, soft body made Li Xia afraid to move, fearing she might hurt him if she wasn't careful. She held him for a while before putting him down. Holding a baby was much more tiring than fighting someone.

Wang Hong wasn't happy about being put down and started to cry.

Xu Xinyue quietly soothed Wang Hong while Li Xia took out a rattle to cheer him up.

After the mother and son duo had lulled Wang Hong to sleep, they sat nearby, talking in low voices. Li Xia mainly told Xu Xinyue the details of Li Xin's wedding. With Wang Hong being so young and needing constant attention, Xu Xinyue hadn't been able to attend the wedding banquet at the Li Manor and had only sent gifts to congratulate them.

"May the Bodhisattva protect the young lady," Xu Xinyue finished speaking, pressing her palms together in prayer for the Bodhisattva to bless Li Xin with happiness.

Li Xia didn't believe in such Bodhisattva blessings. She thought happiness was something you held in your own hands. You had to work hard and strive for it yourself.

After discussing Li Xin's matter, Xu Xinyue asked about Lu XuanNing, "I heard that Lord Lu's leg condition has flared up again?"

"Mm, it has," Lu XuanNing replied. It wasn't actually his leg injury acting up; rather, Li Xia had been bored and challenged Lu XuanNing to a sparring match at night, going a bit too hard on him. This was something outsiders couldn't know about. So Lu XuanNing told others it was his old leg condition flaring up.