Although Madam Xie spoke those words with a smile, Song Yulian knew she could not defy her.
As a proper concubine, she had to obey any command from the matriarch.
Moreover, she herself had requested to serve Madam Xie.
"Yes, this concubine will do as Madam says." Song Yulian curtsied, bowing low.
Madam Xie nodded with satisfaction. "Then why haven't you left yet?"
Song Yulian withdrew with Madam Xie's head maid.
"Mother, you doing this..." Qin Tingxue hesitated.
Madam Xie patted her hand. "I know what you're worried about."
After a pause, Madam Xie spoke unhurriedly, "Your father-in-law, he fancies himself a romantic and indeed likes beautiful women. But fortunately, he is reasonable and values mutual consent. If both parties are willing, it's a beautiful thing."
"Indeed, if Song Yiniang looked normal, and she admired your father-in-law, perhaps your father-in-law would be willing to take her in."
"It's a pity that Old Master Ye's side used the wrong method."
Qin Tingxue understood Madam Xie's meaning, but she was still subtly worried.
Although they were both men of the Xie family, she knew her father-in-law was not like Xie Chen.
Song Yulian had some cunning, and with her youth, she looked down on her. Her mother-in-law might suffer losses in the future.
"I know you're thinking of me, but as long as A Chen and you are well together, I, who am half in the grave, have nothing to worry about. To put it mildly, if your father-in-law is foolish, then let him be. His age is here, what kind of trouble can he stir up?"
"If such a day truly comes, then if I磋磨磋磨 her now, I won't feel so choked up later."
Qin Tingxue was surprised that Madam Xie was so open-minded, but then she thought about it and felt she made a lot of sense.
She then said, "Your daughter-in-law and A Chen are both your strength."
"A Chen is different from his father. He is a good one. Now that you two are together, live well in the future," Madam Xie said. "Although it might be too early for me to say this, I hope that you and A Chen..."
Qin Tingxue understood Madam Xie's meaning.
She wasn't shy either. After agreeing to Xie Chen, she had thought about her future with him.
Although Xie Chen had expressed that he didn't care about having children.
However, from his attitude towards Sui An, it could be seen that he liked children.
Therefore, Qin Tingxue was willing to have children for Xie Chen in her heart.
It was just that she didn't know if she could achieve her wish at her current age.
"Mother, what you've said, I've thought about it. I will do my best," Qin Tingxue said.
"At my age, I've come to terms with everything. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Back then, when A Chen insisted on not marrying, I thought he would be alone for life. Now that you're with him, I'm very satisfied," Madam Xie said. "Your health is still the top priority."
Qin Tingxue was very touched. She could distinguish between sincerity and fakeness.
Madam Xie's affection for her was genuine, stemming from her love for Xie Chen.
When she returned to her own courtyard, Xie Chen was already waiting.
"Why did you come back so early today?" Qin Tingxue let him pull her to sit on the couch.
"Of course, I missed you," Xie Chen said with a smile.
Qin Tingxue gave him a playful glare. "How old are you, and you're still so improper."
"No matter how old I am, it's my first time marrying a wife. What, am I not allowed to keep my wife in my heart at all times?"
Qin Tingxue's face flushed slightly, and she changed the subject. "Why didn't you go to Mother's courtyard when you came back?"
"Now, Mother's eyes only have you, her daughter-in-law. I won't go to bother her," Xie Chen said. "You just spend more time with Mother for me."