A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 150

Chapter 150

Wen Yu had just returned home when Old Madam Wen sent Song Mama to deliver a message.

“Old Madam says she’s taking a few of the young ladies out tomorrow. Eldest Daughter has matters to attend to, so it will have to be arranged later.”

Wen Yu smiled and asked, “Which family are we visiting, and what gifts should we prepare?”

“To Master Wen’s superior, the Wang family. Old Madam says the young ladies don’t need to prepare any specific gifts. If you find someone you get along with, you can interact with them later at your own discretion.”

Wen Yu nodded. “Alright then.”

Yuan Xi Jun was currently speaking with Old Madam Wen. “Sister-in-law, if you’re willing, you can take over the kitchen first. You’ve managed the household for many years, so you definitely know everyone’s tastes better.”

Old Madam Wen nodded. “It’s heartwarming that you have this intention. Getting along well with Wu Shi is a sign of a prosperous family. I’ll talk to her about it later… From what I’ve seen these past few days, you’ve handled everything very well. Wen Huan’s grace and competence in handling matters are also due to your influence.”

“Thank you for your praise, Mother. Huanhuan is indeed excellent!”

“I heard Eldest Son mention something when I arrived. Does Wen Huan have a potential marriage prospect?”

Yuan Xi Jun’s smile remained unchanged. “Ever since we arrived in the capital, there have been many proposals. They all seem promising. The day after tomorrow is the Emperor’s birthday celebration, and our family has received an invitation for two attendees. Your Excellency also requested another invitation for two more. At such a grand event, there will be many young men. If the opportunity arises, I’ll need you to help us keep an eye out!”

Old Madam Wen felt a pang of unease but nodded. “Four people… Then it will be the two of us, along with Wen Yu and Wen Huan?”

“Mother, it’s not that I’m unwilling. Eldest Daughter’s marriage is already settled, so she would only be going to watch the festivities. Wen Jiao is also almost of age. She still has a bit of a childish demeanor, so it would be beneficial for her to experience such an event and mature a little!”

“Yes, you have a point. Huanhuan and Jiao’er’s schedules are tight. Will it be held in the palace?”

“It’s on the outskirts of the imperial palace. There’s a grand hall and a polo field. We’ll just follow their instructions and pay our respects. Then we can find acquaintances to chat with.”

It would probably be similar to the event at Prince Wu’s residence, so Old Madam Wen wasn’t flustered. “What preparations do we need to make?”

“We belong to an ordinary family, so we won’t be placed in the front. Therefore, there’s no need to be nervous. Your usual attire is perfectly fine. There are designated areas for everything, so there won’t be any mistakes.”

Old Madam nodded. She wasn’t inexperienced in such matters.

“Tomorrow, we’re going to Lord Wang’s residence. Old Madam Wang is very easy to get along with. Her two daughters are good friends with Huan’er. I’ve prepared gifts for you, Mother. Please take a look later. You can use them if they’re suitable, or if you have something else in mind, that’s fine too. The New Year gifts are all ready.”

“Alright.” Old Madam had also heard her son mention the Wang family.

“Mother, please tell Eldest Daughter to go as well tomorrow. It wouldn’t be appropriate for her not to show up if they know she’s here!”

“Someone has already informed her!”

“Then I’ll go attend to my duties first. Mother, please talk to Sister-in-law. If she’s willing, she can take over the kitchen for this New Year.”

“Alright.”

Yuan Xi Jun left, and Song Mama returned. “Old Madam, I’ve informed Eldest Daughter!”

“What did she say?”

“Eldest Daughter said alright and even asked if she needed to bring a gift!”

“Hmph, now she knows how to behave.”

“Old Madam, our Eldest Daughter understands everything. It just depends on whether she wants to do it or not!”

“This girl… Just now, when I asked Yuan Shi about Wen Huan’s matter, it turned out that Eldest Son said they were quite interested in the Li family, and he’s very satisfied. But from what Yuan Shi said just now… it seems…”

“Old Madam, wasn’t it because Eldest Daughter’s marriage wasn’t settled before?”

“Yes. That’s what I’m worried about. Wen Yu… to be honest, she seems good on the surface, but we don’t know what’s really inside. However, if we let Yuan Shi and Wen Huan’s ambitions get inflated and they insist on finding someone better than Wen Yu, then we’ll be shooting ourselves in the foot!”

“It would be great if we could find someone like that!”

“How easy is that?! We don’t know how far the Li family’s proposal has progressed. I hope it won’t be like last time, where we offended someone!”

The next day, Old Madam Wen took the female members of the Wen family out.

Wen Su and Wen Wan squeezed into Wen Yu’s carriage.

Wen Su asked, “Eldest Sister, are you going to the Emperor’s birthday celebration tomorrow? It’s a grand event!”

Wen Yu had been busy running around with Xiao Ji and Laba these past few days, so she was unaware of this matter. “They haven’t mentioned it to me yet, so I probably won’t be going, right?”

Wen Wan curled her lip. “Wen Jiao is going! Didn’t you see her smile? Her mouth practically split open!”

“I haven’t been paying attention these past two days. Is it that fun?”

“Of course it’s fun! We get to see the Emperor, the princes and princesses, the nobility! What’s the point of us coming to the capital? Isn’t it to broaden our horizons?”

“That’s true!” Wen Yu thought about it. She didn’t mention this to Madam Qi yesterday… It wouldn’t be bad to go and have a look.

How to find a way…

As they were talking, they arrived at the Wang residence.

Madam Wang, along with her daughters Wang Ruxin and Wang Ruyi, came to welcome them at the second gate.

The Wang family’s residence was similar in size to the Wen family’s.

This made Wen Wan, who had come to broaden her horizons, feel a little disappointed. She whispered to Wen Yu, “Isn’t this Uncle’s superior? Why is their residence not as grand as ours?!”

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“Although my father’s official position isn’t high, the Wen family has a solid foundation, and the Song family helps out. The capital isn’t all about splendor and extravagance, you know.”

Wen Wan thought to herself: In the future, I might not even be able to marry into such a family. She couldn’t help but feel disheartened.

As they walked inside, the Wang sisters couldn’t help but steal glances at Wen Yu.

Wen Huan noticed this and felt hatred in her heart, but she didn’t show it on her face.

After entering the main hall, Old Madam Wen and Old Madam Wang greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries.

Then, the young ladies paid their respects to the old madams, and the two elders presented them with meeting gifts.

Old Madam Wang shook her head and sighed. “Elder Sister, how did your daughters grow to be so beautiful?! They’re truly stunning! I was already amazed when I saw Wen Huan. Now that everyone is here, they all look the same! Especially this Eldest Daughter!”

She looked at Wen Yu, who smiled gracefully.

“She has both beauty and grace! She’s considered top-notch even in the entire capital!”

Wang Ruxin exclaimed, “Grandmother, you like them so much, why don’t we swap ourselves with the Wen sisters?!”

Wang Ruyi also nodded. “Let Old Madam Wen raise us, and maybe we’ll become beautiful too!”

“Are you saying that Grandmother didn’t raise us well?!”

“If you think we’re not pretty, we’ll say it’s because you didn’t raise us well. While Old Madam Wen is here, you should quickly learn from her. What do they eat every day?!”

“Do you think we’re piglets?!”

Everyone laughed.

Old Madam Wang even specifically called Wen Yu over and examined her carefully, her eyes filled with admiration.

Then she said, “I heard about your marriage arrangements. The Qi family is a good family. Old Madam Qi is known in our circle for her compassionate heart. If anyone has any difficulties and seeks her help, she will definitely lend a hand! She’s also very good at comforting people. If you have any troubles in your heart, tell her about it, and you’ll feel much better. You’re blessed!”

This was the first time Wen Yu had heard about how others perceived Old Madam Qi. Thinking back to Madam Qi’s sorrow when she mentioned her,

Wen Yu couldn’t help but think to herself: This Old Madam Qi is truly a remarkable figure!

Old Madam Wen was also quite eloquent in social settings, and the two old madams started chatting.

Madam Wang and Yuan Xi Jun were discussing tomorrow’s event.

The Wang sisters and the Wen daughters went to a side hall to chat.

The Wang sisters were clearly very curious about Wen Yu and inquired about her hobbies, where she got her clothes made, and other things within acceptable boundaries.

Wen Yu was secretly delighted: Hmm, potential customers.

Then Wang Ruyi said in bewilderment, “At first, we thought Wen Huan was the eldest daughter of the Wen family!”

She didn’t say this to stir up trouble; she was genuinely confused.

Wen Yu smiled and said, “I’ve been living with my grandmother since birth, while Second Sister has always been with our father and mother at their official posts. It’s only here in the capital that we’ve spent more time together.”

Wen Huan also nodded. “We’re all used to it now, but it still feels a bit awkward to call her Elder Sister!”

Wang Ruxin also nodded. “It seems like Huanhuan is more like the elder sister…”

Wen Huan’s heart skipped a beat, but she was now very good at controlling her emotions. “That’s why I always say I’m the eldest in the family!”

Everyone laughed, not understanding the underlying meaning.

The topic shifted again.

Wang Ruyi whispered to Wen Yu, “My brother has met Fifth Young Master Qi and said that Pan An and Song Yu must have looked like him…” She even imitated her brother shaking his head.

Wen Yu quite liked this girl’s personality and couldn’t help but smile.

“Wow, Wen Yu, you’re also so beautiful. Let me think, who in the capital can compare to you… Hey, Wang Ruxin, tell me, who in the capital is as beautiful as Wen Yu?”

Wang Ruxin looked at Wen Yu and blinked. “Liu Wan and County Princess Yongning from Princess Zhengyang’s residence?”

“What kind of taste do you have?” Wang Ruyi was dissatisfied but didn’t explain why.

Wen Huan and Wen Yu were not treated coldly like they were at home, but instead acted like harmonious sisters…

Wen Jiao couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh.

Wen Wan, who was more scheming, showed no reaction and joined the conversation with her gentle and soft voice.

Wen Su, watching this, couldn’t help but admire Wen Yu and Wen Huan’s acting skills.

I want to celebrate the holidays, not write…