Powerful Minister Buddha like Sweet wife

 

Chapter 88: House

This time, they traveled by the carriage.Since Li shi was feeling unwell, she stayed behind along with Shu Lan and Zhongxing. Bosheng also remained home to focus on his studies.The rest of the family went out, taking two carriages—one for the men and the other for the women.Once settled in, Liu Tnagxi noticed Fu Yao looking around with curiosity, her eyes wide with wonder. Amused by her enthusiasm, Liu Tangxi lifted the carriage's curtain slightly, allowing her a better view of the world outside.She understood what Wei Laosan had in mind, so without delay, they headed straight to the restaurant.The establishment offered breakfast in the morning, and at that hour, there weren't many customers. The crowd typically grew larger after noon and during the evening.Liu Tangxi led everyone to the back kitchen for a quick look around. After they had seen enough, they quietly left.Next, they visited the furniture shop for a brief inspection before deciding to part ways.Wei Hanzhou took Wei lao San and his two elder brothers to visit the academy where Zhongxing and Bosheng will be studying. Meanwhile, Liu Tangxi accompanied Zhang shi and the other women, guiding the carriage through several of the capital's main thoroughfares.At first, the air was filled with excited murmurs and exclamations of awe, but by the time they were on their way back, a calm silence had fallen over the group."The capital is truly vast," Zhang shi marveled, her eyes wide with wonder. "I've never been to a place like this before.""Sister-in-law, I feel the same," Zhou shi chimed in. "I could never have imagined the capital would be like this. It's even more magnificent than I'd ever dreamed."Smiling, Liu Tnagxi reassured them, "It's only natural to feel this way since you've just arrived. In time, you'll become familiar with everything here."Both Zhang shi and Zhou shi exchanged smiles, their excitement barely concealed as they nodded in agreement.As lunchtime approached,they returned home. After spending the entire morning out and about, Liu Tnagxi was feeling quite exhausted and left the meal preparations to the kitchen staff.Just as the food was almost ready, Dong Sheng arrived with a message: Wei Hanzhou and the others had gone to inspect a house in the suburbs of the capital and wouldn't be back for lunch.Liu Tngxi hurried to pack some food for Dong Sheng to take to them.Hearing this, Li shi smiled knowingly and remarked, "Your father is always in a hurry. He's probably already made up his mind about buying a house, which is why the younger ones went along with him."Liu Tnagxi returned her smile and replied, "It's fortunate that Husband had a break today; otherwise, he wouldn't have had the time to accompany them."By the time evening rolled around, not only had Wei Hanzhou and the others returned, but they had also successfully purchased both a house and a plot of land.Liu Tnagxi was taken aback by how quickly everything had progressed.As she listened carefully to their account of the day's events, the pieces began to fall into place.It turned out that Wei Hanzhou had already scouted several properties beforehand, narrowing down the choices. He had also evaluated several plots of land in advance. This time, he simply took Wei lao San and the others to see the places he had already selected.With all the groundwork laid, the purchase was completed with impressive speed.Liu Tangxi couldn't help but admire Wei Hanzhou's foresight. He had anticipated what Wei lao San would want and had everything arranged ahead of time.He was truly remarkable, with an exceptional understanding of Wei lao San's needs."The place Han Zhou found is excellent," Wei lao San shared. "It's located in a village not far from the capital. The house was previously owned by a government official who sold it after leaving the capital. From there, it takes just over two quarters of an hour to reach the northern gate of the city. It's incredibly convenient. The land we bought is also nearby."Having secured both the house and the land, a sense of relief washed over everyone, and Liu Tangxi also noticed that Li shi's face now bore a smile of contentment."Is the house large?" Li shi asked, her eyes bright with anticipation."It's spacious enough," Wei lao San replied. "Though the yard isn't as big as the one back home, there are more rooms than we had in our old house."At this, Zhang shi and Zhou shi exchanged relieved looks. With their growing families, they had been concerned about space. The extra rooms were certainly a welcome addition."Oh? Is the yard small then? Will there be enough room to raise chickens?" Li shi inquired.Wei lao San nodded thoughtfully. "The yard may be smaller, but there's a small garden in the back, much like the one in our third son's house, though half its size. Since none of us are particularly keen on tending to a garden, I thought we could level it out, plant some vegetables, and build a chicken coop and a pigsty."Hearing this, Li shi visibly relaxed, her mind now at ease. Now she seemed eager to see the place for herself."I'll go and see it tomorrow," she declared with enthusiasm."That sounds like a plan," Wei lao San agreed. "We can all go together tomorrow and start tidying up."Zhang shi and Zhou shi appeared equally excited by the prospect."Yes, we'll go and help clean up tomorrow," Zhou shi added with a smile.Though the residence they currently occupied had been gifted by the emperor and was exquisitely furnished, both Zhang shi and Zhou shi often felt out of place there. They were always cautious in their movements and words, wary of making mistakes in front of the servants or breaking something valuable.The idea of moving into a home they had purchased themselves, where they could feel comfortable and at ease, was far more appealing.Once again, Liu Tnagxi couldn't help but silently marvel at Wei Laosan's thoughtfulness and diligence. Despite everything, he never took advantage of others and always worked hard for the family's benefit.After dinner, everyone gathered together for a chat. Liu Tnagxi could sense the air had lightened considerably, with a newfound ease among us.Wei Da Niu and Wei Erhu spoke at length about the house and land they had purchased, as well as the sights they had seen on the way. Zhang shi and Zhou shi recounted their adventures in the marketplace, with Fu Yao being the most animated, excitedly sharing every little detail.After some time, they all retired to their respective rooms.Wei Hanzhou had some work to tend to, so he headed to the study. By the time he returned, Liu Tangxi had already bathed and was reclining on the couch, reading a book.He seemed to be in high spirits, though his gaze lingered on her for a moment before he turned away and went to bathe.Later, when they turned off the lights and lay in bed, Liu Tangxi asked, "Do you think it will be difficult to renovate the garden? Should we have the servants and maidservants help tomorrow?"Wei Hanzhou turned toward her, wrapping an arm around her waist and said in a low voice. "There's no need.""But our parents and siblings are tired from the journey, and I worry they might not feel up to the task. It might be easier if we ask for help to get it done in a day."Just then, Wei Hanzhou sniffed lightly and asked, "Did you change the scent in your bath?"His sudden change of topic caught Liu Tangxi off guard, and she blinked in surprise. "Yes, I did. It's gardenia. Do you like it?"He sniffed again and smiled. "It smells lovely."Returning to the previous conversation, he added, "There isn't too much work to do. My parents seem eager to handle it themselves."as he stroked her waist slowly.Realizing his intentions, Liu Tangxi playfully pushed him away and chided, "You're too unfilial."Without missing a beat, Wei Hanzhou simply moved closer."You could have a few servants pitch in for some of the heavy lifting," he suggested."Alright," she replied softly.Then, before she could say more, she felt the warmth of his touch on her skin, and her body immediately tensed."Hey, I was trying to talk to you about something serious. What are you doing?"Without warning, Wei Hanzhou rolled over, pinning her beneath him. His gaze locked with her , and in a serious tone, he said, "Isn't this serious?"His shameless words made Liu Tangxi face flush crimson. Embarrassed, she stammered, "You... you're so cheeky!"His eyes softened as he leaned down to kiss her. "Mother probably thinks I'm not working hard enough," he murmured against her lips.Confused, Liu Tangxi blinked up at him. "Mother said something to you?"He grinned, his head nestled in the crook of her neck. His words came out in bits and pieces between kisses."Oh? So she's spoken to you as well?"She gently stroked his hair and whispered, "She... she might have hinted at it."Ever since Li shi arrived, Liu Tangxi had noticed her sneaking glances at her stomach. Even today, she had discreetly asked Momo Cheng whether I had missed my monthly cycle."Well, according to the old saying, 'There are three unfilial acts, and having no descendants is the greatest of them.' So, my dear wife, the most filial thing I can do is help you bear a child," Wei Hanzhou teased, echoing her earlier reprimand.Soon, the conversation was replaced by soft murmurs and laughter, until finally, the house fell silent once more.Liu Tangxi lay nestled in Wei Hanzhou's arms, gently toying with a strand of his hair. She looked up at him and asked softly, "Do you want a child?"Wei Hanzhou, his hands resting on Liu Tangxi's waist, took a moment to reflect before replying, "Do you wish for one, my dear?"Without a moment's hesitation, Liu Tangxi responded, her voice filled with warmth, "Yes, I do."Liu Tangxi had always had a deep affection for children. Furthermore, her love for Wei Hanzhou was profound. The thought of bearing a child with a shared lineage, a child that would carry both their blood, filled her with a sense of joy and fulfillment. It is ideal for boys to embody the virtues of Wei Hanzhou and for girls to take after Liu Tangxi.Liu Tangxi, imagining a miniature version of Wei Hanzhou with his Iconic characteristic seriousness, and couldn't help but chuckle."Huh?" Wei Hanzhou, sensing her amusement, glanced at her with a hint of curiosity."Oh, it's nothing," Liu Tangxi quickly replied, her smile fading. "By the way, do you prefer a son or a daughter?""Either is fine," Wei Hanzhou responded nonchalantly."It would be ideal to have both—a son and a daughter," Liu Tangxi suggested.Just like Bosheng and Shulan, or Fuyao and Zhongxing, having one of each would be wonderful."Well, I'll do my best," Wei Hanzhou said with a teasing tone.However, Liu Tangxi was not entirely reassured. A thought, inspired by the frequent comments of the Yin shi, suddenly crossed her mind. Yin shi had always speculated about her and Wei Hanzhou's relationship, either questioning their genuine affection or suggesting physical issues due to their lack of children after three years of marriage.Liu Tangxi knew that their delay was simply due to their extended time in completing their new home, but Yin shi's doubts started to gnaw at her.Considering Wei Hanzhou's diligent efforts over the past six months, with no contraceptive measures taken, she wondered why she hadn't yet become pregnant."Sometimes, hard work alone isn't enough," Liu Tangxi said, a serious note in her voice.She glanced at Wei Hanzhou with an odd expression.Wei Hanzhou, puzzled by her comment, awaited clarification."Or perhaps we should have a doctor examine us?" Liu Tangxi proposed.Wei Hanzhou's eyes narrowed slightly."Why do you question the doctor's expertise? Then why not visit a hospital yourself?" Liu Tangxi suggested further.Seeing Wei Hanzhou's bemused gaze, Liu Tangxi added, "Why are you looking at me like that? There's nothing wrong with me. The imperial doctor has examined me before. If there's an issue, it would likely be yours."This response unsettled Wei Hanzhou. He turned to her, his expression stern, and asked, "Do you suspect there's something wrong with me?"Liu Tangxi, intimidated by his cold demeanor, whispered, "It's not that there's a problem with you. It's just better to check early. If everything is fine, we can be assured."It seemed Liu Tangxi's curiosity had led her into an uncomfortable situation."Husband, I... I was wrong," she began to plead."What's wrong?" Wei Hanzhou asked, still maintaining his serious tone."Well, children are the fate of their parents. There's no issue with you; it's just that the time hasn't come yet," Liu Tangxi said with a rueful expression."Will you refrain from making such comments in the future?""Yes... I won't mention it again," Liu Tangxi promised.Despite her apology, she still faced consequences for her indiscretion.Liu Tangxi scolded Wei Hanzhou inwardly, frustrated by the situation.After her internal rant, she tried to alleviate her irritation by gently biting his arm.However, Wei Hanzhou's resilience prevented any significant effect, and his response was more teasing than punitive.Liu Tangxi, feeling exasperated, withdrew and turned away to sleep.Wei Hanzhou, still affectionate, held her close, and despite her initial resistance, she eventually succumbed to sleep.Early the next morning, Wei Hanzhou left for court.Although Liu Tangxi awoke, she chose to remain in bed, ignoring his departure and opting not to prepare breakfast.Understanding her fatigue from the previous night, Momo Cheng arranged for the kitchen to handle the morning meal.By the time Liu Tangxi got up, she found that most of the household was already active.After getting ready, she rubbed her sore back and prepared to join the others.Following breakfast, they all traveled to the house in the suburbs of the capital.The house, indeed spacious, was divided into two sections.The front part was square and structured. Upon entering, one encountered an entrance wall leading to a modest courtyard. Beyond this, there was a primary room with a traditional layout. On either side of the main room, symmetrical courtyards were adorned with three rooms each. The side yard was smaller, featuring only a tree and minimal other elements.Both Zhang shi and Zhou shi expressed their satisfaction with this arrangement, as it provided ample space for their family.The back section of the property was an irregularly shaped garden filled with flowers, plants, and trees, and lined with warm stone paths.As Wei Hanzhou had mentioned, while the garden was modest, it was functional. The tasks for the day involved clearing out the unnecessary plants, using the bricks to construct a pigpen and chicken coop, and preparing the soil for vegetable cultivation.Despite the manageable scope of work, it was still labor-intensive.Everyone rolled up their sleeves and began working.Liu Tangxi, determined to contribute, donned a cotton dress and prepared to assist.However, Li shi intervened, instructing her to rest instead."Third wife, don't exert yourself. Please, take a seat," Li shi said with a warm smile.Liu Tangxi was surprised and puzzled by this insistence."It's fine; I can handle some of the tasks," she protested."You really don't need to work. There are enough hands here. Just observe," Zhou shi also advised her.Reluctantly, Liu Tangxi complied and sat aside, sensing that Li shi's insistence was driven by more than just concern for her well-being.Li shi's demeanor was relaxed, and her gaze occasionally lingered on Liu Tangxi's abdomen, hinting at an underlying reason for her insistence.Was it possible that Wei Hanzhou had mentioned something to Li shi?As Liu Tangxi observed the workers, she noted that the work was progressing well.By evening, the previously charming garden was transformed into a more utilitarian space, a testament to the day's efforts.Liu Tangxi pondered how the original owner would feel about the garden's new state, given the investment made in its previous design.Since the house had been vacant for some time and could not be immediately lived in, everyone returned to the capital for the night.Upon their return, another carriage arrived, one that Liu Tangxi recognized as belonging to the neighboring house.Expecting it to pass by, she was surprised when it stopped at their door.The curtain lifted, revealing Mrs. Li."Greetings Mrs. Wei," Mrs. Li greeted.Liu Tangxi, recognizing her, responded, " Greetings Mrs. Li."Despite Huang Fucheng's surname being Huang, the two wives in his household were referred to by their respective surnames for clarity."Oh, with so many people, is this a gathering of Master Wei's relatives?" Mrs. Li's tone carried a hint of disdain.Liu Tangxi felt the underlying discomfort in Mrs. Li's words."No, they are my family," Liu Tangxi replied.Mrs. Li, unfamiliar with these individuals, viewed the scene with a mix of contempt and curiosity."Your house will indeed be lively," Mrs. Li remarked, her tone laced with schadenfreude.Liu Tangxi, already displeased with Mrs. Li's demeanor, was further irked by her condescension."Liveliness pales in comparison to your house, where disputes and trouble seem prevalent. In our home, we have both the elderly and children. I hope you and your family experience a more peaceful existence," Liu Tangxi retorted.Despite Wei Hanzhou's modest official position, his family's background lent him a certain status. However Liu Tangxi, not inclined to tolerate Mrs. Li's behavior as the eldest daughter of the Marquis Mansion, made her position clear.After delivering her response, Liu Tangxi turned and assisted Li shi into their house, ignoring Mrs. Li's presence.Although Mrs. Li felt slighted, she refrained from further confrontation, instead focusing on her own judgments about Liu Tangxi's situation.As she returned to her home.