TSLSILMH Ch 11

C11

 

Xie Shu slowly helped Yu Chuxi to his feet, and only when he was fully upright did Xie Shu prepare to let go.

But at that moment, Yu Chuxi’s body swayed slightly—likely from having knelt for too long, his legs had grown stiff and numb. Xie Shu immediately tightened his grip on his wrist, holding him firmly.

This time, Xie Shu did not loosen his hold again.

Seeing this, Yu Wanli cleared his throat somewhat disapprovingly, finally steering the conversation back to the point. He fixed his gaze on Xie Shu’s eyes and intensified his tone: “Xie Shu, I don’t care how you’ve been in the past, but can you promise me from now on that you will treat Xi’er well?”

Xie Shu did not avoid Yu Wanli’s gaze, yet he did not answer immediately.

In truth, Xie Shu could have easily used the same temporary ruse as before to get through today’s situation.

But for some unknown reason, Xie Shu had no intention of doing so.

And it wasn’t because of the old man’s penetrating eyes or his overwhelming pressure.

It was simply that, feeling the warmth in his palm where he held that hand, Xie Shu suddenly found himself unwilling, even unable, to let go.

But how could Xie Shu dare to make such a promise, binding his husband’s entire life to him?

After all, he was merely a wisp of a soul from another world; no one could say for certain why he had come here, or whether he would ever return.

He was not the true Xie Shu. Before coming to this era, Xie Shu had never imagined he would be with a man.

Even if that man was such a good husband.

Precisely because of this, Xie Shu wished for him a life of smooth sailing, happiness, and well-being. But Xie Shu himself could neither provide nor guarantee the life his husband desired.

How light a promise could be, and yet how heavy it also could be.

At this very moment, Xie Shu could neither make nor dare to make such a vow.

Seeing Xie Shu remain silent, Yu Wanli should have been very angry, but somehow, looking at Xie Shu’s quiet expression, he sensed a certain earnestness—as if he was genuinely pondering the question.

So Yu Wanli refrained from pressing further and quietly waited for his answer.

Yu Chuxi glanced sideways. His hand was gently held by the other, and that warmth was something he had just found surprising.

Until now, he had never known that physical contact could make someone yearn so deeply.

Looking at Xie Shu’s silent profile, Yu Chuxi’s heartbeat inexplicably quickened. He couldn’t help but wonder what exactly Xie Shu was hesitating about.

He clearly could have just brushed it off as before—after all, his father was powerless…

Or maybe he was truly contemplating this matter…

But then, Yu Chuxi’s fleeting joy was interrupted by another thought: or was he worried about the feelings in his heart?

In that instant, Yu Chuxi felt an indescribable restlessness and struggled a little in Xie Shu’s hand.

Sensing this, Xie Shu snapped back to awareness and instinctively tightened his grip, unwilling to let that jade-like touch slip away from his palm.

Then, something clicked for Xie Shu, and he spoke: “From now on, I will treat my husband with sincerity.”

This was the best answer Xie Shu could give at the moment.

Though he could not be a true husband to his lord in the fullest sense, at least he would not be like the person before, who caused his husband grievances.

Therefore, all he could promise was to treat him honestly.

Hearing Xie Shu say “with sincerity” instead of “with true heart,” Yu Wanli was not blind to the subtle difference in wording. Yet, in the end, he said nothing, merely nodding.

Yu Wanli was deeply aware that his days were numbered, but once he was gone, leaving Xi’er alone like this would be too harsh.

Hence, Yu Wanli did not want to push too hard and turn them into resentful foes. Even if they lacked genuine affection before, from now on, Yu Wanli hoped they could get along well. Likewise, he trusted that his child would not act so without reason.

So Xie Shu’s promise of sincerity was rare and precious.

He hoped this time the words would be kept.

For some reason, Yu Wanli, who should not have trusted his words so easily, still felt that Xie Shu was completely different from the person before.

Yu Chuxi was also very surprised; he had never expected to hear the words “true heart” from Xie Shu’s mouth.

Yet in that moment, he suddenly felt a strange hope: would Xie Shu continue to be this good in the days to come?

Yu Wanli’s health was poor, and he was already weary, so after hearing Xie Shu’s promise, he no longer spoke.

He closed his tired eyes and let the two leave.

After stepping outside and walking a few paces, Xie Shu suddenly remembered he was still holding Yu Chuxi’s hand.

Though it had been unavoidable just now, to continue holding it now felt somewhat disrespectful.

Hurriedly, Xie Shu loosened his grip on his husband’s hand. As expected, Yu Chuxi’s expression was not very pleased.

Yu Chuxi looked at Xie Shu with some displeasure. Just contact with him, and yet this was how difficult it was? As soon as they were out the door, the hand was thrown away.

And to say he would treat him better from now on—was this how he treated him?

Actually, Yu Chuxi knew his feelings were unreasonable. They were not in that kind of relationship after all; it was only that earlier, Xie Shu’s behavior had been so confusing…

Thinking this, Yu Chuxi’s heart suddenly sank. Originally, he had wanted to test the other, but now, he found himself understanding the person before him even less.

At that moment, a gentle voice spoke from beside them, its tone charming, and the eyes that met his were warm and kind: “My lord, forgive me for any offense just now.”

Xie Shu did not know how to soothe his husband’s displeasure, but previous experience told him that saying something nice probably wouldn’t be wrong. Before he could say more, Yu Chuxi hummed softly, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips.

When that person had lowered his brows to look at him just now, Yu Chuxi suddenly thought, whatever, he wasn’t really one to hold grudges or blame him.

From now on, it was fine for them to be like this.

Only, for a moment, Yu Chuxi felt a little reluctant.

Seeing his husband smile, Xie Shu couldn’t help but smile slightly too. He had known since before that his husband was easy to please.

Then Yu Chuxi remembered something else and said, “By the way, you went out of the mansion today? Second Uncle must have bribed the gatekeeper. After learning this, he took the chance to cause trouble.”

Hearing this, Xie Shu understood. No wonder Yu Wanchun questioned him earlier about living apart from Yu Chuxi—probably because he had left the mansion, but his husband was unaware…

So Xie Shu explained, “My health has recovered now, so I wanted to go outside for a walk. I didn’t expect to trouble you, my lord.”

Yu Chuxi looked into Xie Shu’s eyes. He didn’t know if the words were true or false, but he wanted to trust him this once.

His heart stirred, and with a half-smile said, “It’s not really troublesome. Second Uncle didn’t gain any advantage today, but he certainly won’t give up in the future; he’ll keep an eye on you. I do have a way to settle this once and for all—want to know?”

notes:

• “Xi’er” (息儿) is a familiar, affectionate nickname for Yu Chuxi, often used by family or close ones.

• “Second Uncle” (二叔) refers to Yu Chuxi’s uncle—specifically, the second brother of Yu Wanli’s generation—who seems to be a source of trouble here.

• The subtle difference between “以真心待郎君” (treat my husband with sincerity) and “真心” (true heart) reflects a nuanced hesitation—Xie Shu promises honesty and sincerity but stops short of the deeper, wholehearted devotion.