Chapter 150

Chapter 150

As scheduled, Yang Jingyuan and Zhong Liangyu returned. It wasn't their first time visiting the Tang residence, so they didn't think too much about it. After settling their luggage, they turned to leave with the others.

Along the way, Wang Chunhua kept fiddling with her clothes, tugging it left and right. She would occasionally tug at Dong Shan too, much to his annoyance. He brushed her hand away, "Stop fidgeting. How many times have you done that already?"

"I..." Wang Chunhua was at a loss for words, turning to cling onto Li Mingwei with a displeased look.

Li Mingwei could only reassure her again, "It's alright, Lord Tang is very amiable."

Seeing her still unpleased, Li Mingwei had no choice but to point discreetly at Yang Jingyuan and the others, comparing, "Sister, you look much more poised than them. If they're not afraid, what are you afraid of?"

Wang Chunhua thought about it and realized she was right. She had dressed up carefully today, so she should appear more composed than those who had just traveled.

Yang Jingyuan patted his own face, feeling he looked alright, and pointed at Zhong Liangyu, "Did you hear that? Sister-in-law said you don't look poised."

Zhong Liangyu glanced at him disdainfully, "Do you even know who she was referring to as sister-in-law?"

Li Mingwei felt awkward. She thought she had spoken softly enough, but these two did seem rather haggard. Perhaps they had stayed up reading?

Yang Jingyuan turned to ask her to judge, "Sister-in-law, who looks less poised?"

Without hesitation, Li Mingwei betrayed her own husband, pointing at Liu Yizhu, "Him, he looks the worst!"

Liu Yizhu opened his mouth to protest, but remembering he had offended her just yesterday, he could only nod reluctantly, "Yes, I look the worst."

Yang Jingyuan leaned on Zhong Liangyu's shoulder, laughing, only to be glared at fiercely by Liu Yizhu. He glared back unapologetically - it wasn't him who said it, why should he be bullied?

Tang Jue stood at the entrance, waving at them from afar before leading them inside, where Lord Tang and Lady Tang were already waiting.

Aside from Lord Tang's words of encouragement, it was just an ordinary meal. Li Mingwei noticed Wang Chunhua kept peeking behind the screen where Lord Tang was talking, unable to hold back her laughter and shaking her head.

Lady Tang, seated at the head of the table, smiled gently, "What's so funny?"

Wang Chunhua immediately gripped her clothes tightly and stammered, "Lady Tang, please excuse me. This... This is my first time meeting the County Lord."

"No need to worry. Once he finishes speaking, he will come over to greet you all."

Lady Tang's gaze fell on Li Mingwei as she raised her wine cup.

Li Mingwei understood and politely declined, "Please excuse me, Lady Tang. I cannot drink wine recently."

It was only then that Lady Tang remembered Li Mingwei was still nursing a child. She quickly had a maid replace it with plain water and apologized, "My apologies, I was forgetful."

Li Mingwei smiled and shook her head. Wang Chunhua hurriedly raised her own wine cup, "Then I shall toast Lady Tang."

"Very well."

Liu Yizhu explained, "No, I just wanted to sit alone for a bit, so I let her leave."

He was used to doing things himself and didn't find it inappropriate, unlike Li Mingwei who had grown up with a horde of maids and servants attending to her every need. He didn't know how they were supposed to behave and simply acted according to his own preferences.

"Then I'll leave too, so you can sit alone."

Sensing her displeasure in her tone, Liu Yizhu quickly held her back, "What's wrong?"

"Didn't you want to sit alone for a while? I don't want to disturb you."

"You're different from them." Liu Yizhu carefully pulled her back beside him and studied her expression, "Are you upset now?"

"No, I'm not." Li Mingwei leaned against his arm and puckered her lips at him to show she wasn't angry.

He hadn't yet grasped the concept of master and servant. What was the point of holding it against him?

Liu Yizhu tilted his head to look at her, "You don't mind the smell of wine on me now?"

"I do mind, but I can tolerate it."

Li Mingwei saw his still reddened eyes and spoke softly, "Husband..."

"Hmm?"

"Will you listen to me?"

"Have I ever not listened?"

"When you go to Chengzhou, you must get enough rest, understand? Even if you can't sleep, at least lie in bed and rest. Don't stay up all night reading - it'll damage your eyes." Li Mingwei pinched him in warning, "If you go blind, I won't want you anymore."

Liu Yizhu looked crestfallen, "You'd abandon your husband and child?"

"I won't abandon our child, he hasn't wronged me. But I'll abandon you."

"Alright." Liu Yizhu pursed his lips, pondering for a moment before asking, "Mingwei, if I don't perform well in the imperial examinations this time, will you not want me anymore?"

Li Mingwei inwardly cursed - she had hit his sore spot again. Trying to sound nonchalant, she said, "No, I won't. Only if you disobey me."

"Really?"

"Really, really." Li Mingwei took his hand and intertwined their fingers, softly reassuring him, "Don't overthink it. Just do your best."

"I'll wait for you to return."

No matter how you return, it's fine.