Even though it's important to work hard and earn a living after starting a family, doing housework all day every day can be exhausting. As a caring wife, how could Jewel let her husband get so tired from house chores that he becomes dull and worn out?
Besides, her husband was so diligent—if he focused only on housework, she worried he might start ignoring her in the future…
Jewel had to find a way to free his hands from these chores. Since it was possible to hire or buy a servant here, she decided she'd find someone who could cook and handle all the housework.
While thinking about this, Jewel got dressed. Today, she would be accompanying her husband back to his family's home—she couldn't embarrass him. She picked a new outfit she had just bought yesterday and slowly got dressed.
It was a deep blue outfit that made her look taller and even more beautiful. Jewel was very pleased with how she looked in the mirror.
Next, she picked out a light blue men's outfit for Xavi. She had chosen many outfits for him yesterday but thought this one suited him the best.
Her delicate and handsome little husband looked even more graceful in this color, like a beautiful flower after the rain. Anyone who saw him would praise him as "a gentleman as refined as jade."
After preparing the clothes, Jewel packed a big bundle of things. She took some fine fabric she bought yesterday, a small bag of high-quality rice, and a few eggs she had collected in a wooden bowl.
She figured this was enough. Normally, when people visit their in-laws, they might bring a piece of fabric or some rice wine, but rarely such good rice and eggs.
Regular families didn't usually buy high-quality rice—it was too expensive. For the same price, they could get a lot more regular rice. Eggs were also saved to sell at the market for money, not given away so easily. Jewel wouldn't have minded bringing more, but she didn't want to stand out too much and make people feel like she didn't fit in.
Then she remembered something and took five taels of silver from the money pouch in her cabinet. She wrapped it carefully in a handkerchief and tucked it into her sleeve.
If Xavi's family truly cared about him, she was willing to use some of her silver to help them through tough times. But if they didn't treat him sincerely, she wouldn't offer the money. She didn't want to be taken advantage of or help ungrateful people.
Whether to help or not—she'd wait and see how the Xavi's family treated him first.
…
While Jewel was walking around the main room packing, Xavi was in the kitchen, looking completely stunned.
He had just heard the sound of someone cooking and rushed over, only to find that it was Jewel's father. The moment he entered, Jewel's father looked at him with surprise and asked,
"Xavi, why are you up so early? Why didn't you sleep a bit more? Come here, let me see if you're feeling okay. I made you some brown sugar porridge—drink a little later, it's good for your body."
He was worried that the newlyweds had consummated their marriage last night, and that Xavi might not feel well today. So, he had gotten up early and made some porridge to help Xavi recover and feel better.
Xavi couldn't believe it. He just stood there, staring at Jewel's father—no, "Dad"—because Jewel's father had just called himself "Dad" in front of him. And he even said "my child" like he did when talking to Jewel…
Xavi's nose started to feel a little stuffy, and his heart was filled with warmth and gratitude. He felt so lucky—he must have done something good in a past life to meet such a kind father-in-law in this one.
He had rushed over because he was afraid he'd be scolded for not cooking, and he was ready to quietly take the blame. But instead, he was met with care and kindness. Jewel's father didn't get angry at all. He even made sweet porridge to help him recover.
"Thank you, fa—" Xavi paused, then corrected himself. "Thank you, Dad."
"Dad, let's cook together," he said sweetly.
"Okay. I know you're a good child," Jewel's father replied with a smile.
Hearing Xavi call him "Dad" made him really happy. He told himself he'd treat this thoughtful and well-mannered son-in-law even better from now on.
In this world, when a man marries out, he basically leaves behind his old life. How his future goes depends on how his wife's family treats him. Jewel's father decided to give the acceptance and love that Xavi may never have received from his own family. If he didn't care for his own son-in-law, who would?
…
Jewel had just about finished packing the big bundle. Meanwhile, Xavi and her father—no, Dad—had finished making breakfast.
Xavi called Jewel to eat, and she responded and walked to the kitchen.
At the table, the hot, sweet porridge and warm meat buns were a welcome sight—finally, no more cold wild vegetables. The meal warmed their bellies and their hearts.
After breakfast, Xavi stayed behind to wash the dishes, while Jewel went with her father to talk about visiting Xavi's family.
"Dad, I'm planning to visit Xavi's home today. We've been married for several days now. It's time I paid a proper visit to his parents and got to know them."
"You haven't met his family yet—it's about time," her father said. "But his mother's husband, He Shi, doesn't seem like someone easy to deal with. Be careful around him, Jewel."
"I understand, Dad."
Jewel thought she should find time to talk to Xavi about his family more, just to avoid any awkward situations later.
After leaving her father's room, she met Xavi coming out of the kitchen, and the two of them headed back into the main room.
"Xavi, I picked out this outfit for you. Since we're visiting your family today, let's both wear the new clothes we bought yesterday," she said, handing him the light blue robe. "I've packed everything we need. After you get changed, we'll have a drink of water and head out."
Xavi looked at her—tall, elegant, beautiful in her dark blue outfit—and felt so happy. Such a wonderful person was his wife!
"Okay~"
He took the clothes into the inner room and soon came out again.
The curtain lifted slightly, and his slender fingers appeared first. Then, with bright eyes and a charming smile, the lovely boy slowly stepped into Jewel's sight.
Jewel had to admit—her husband looked absolutely stunning.
How could anyone not love such a cheerful and adorable boy?
She decided then and there that she'd buy him more nice clothes in the future. If she could see this beautiful person wearing different outfits every day, wouldn't that be the best sight to enjoy?
Xavi really loved the light blue outfit she picked. Seeing the admiration in her eyes made him feel shy, but also very sweet inside.