A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 158

Chapter 158

Old Madam Wen appeared slightly embarrassed.

She thought to herself: It’s said that children from prestigious families like Qi Wu are impeccable in social situations…

Then she recalled the last time, when Madam Qi unceremoniously drove their entire family out of Zanquan Mountain Estate…

A forceful and straightforward approach!

It seems that Qi Wu takes after her.

Alright! She found herself a way out: “Your mother is so thoughtful! My family is indeed extremely busy. We have guests coming and relatives to visit. Hearing Madam Qi say that, I feel relieved. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to arrange things properly and would offend both sides!”

Wen Yu admired her grandmother’s ability to adapt and advance or retreat. It’s not for nothing that she has achieved her current status!

Yuan Shi looked at her daughter: Wen Huan’s gaze towards Qi Wu was somewhat infatuated…

Alas, why did they both choose to wear such similar outfits today!?

It would be troublesome if her daughter’s feelings were stirred up!

They chatted for a while longer, mainly with Old Madam Wen asking questions and Qi Wu giving brief answers.

They warmly invited him to stay for a meal, but Qi Wu politely declined.

He got up to take his leave…

He glanced at Wen Yu, appearing somewhat hesitant. It seemed like he had something to say to her.

Who is Old Madam Wen?!

She quickly provided a way out: “Eldest, your mother has something to discuss with you. Let Yu’er see Fifth Young Master Qi off, alright?!”

Wen Qian, for some unknown reason, actually hesitated.

Yuan Shi looked at Wen Qian’s demeanor; he was already treating him like his own son-in-law!

Indeed! With such a fine son-in-law, wouldn’t he cherish him dearly?

Yuan Shi clearly sensed that her heart was growing distant from her husband!

Wen Feng laughed and said: “We have many family matters to attend to, Fifth Young Master Qi, please don’t mind. Yu’er, quickly see Fifth Young Master Qi off!”

Thus, Qi Wu was satisfied and bowed slightly.

Wen Yu stepped forward gracefully, gestured with a “please” motion, and led the way out.

Watching the two leave, Wen Huan felt like her person had been snatched away by Wen Yu!

Wen Jiao glanced over and deliberately said: “Oh my, Second Sister’s attire, what a coincidence! Those who don’t know might think Fifth Young Master Qi is…”

Wen Su quickly tugged at Wen Jiao’s sleeve, stopping her from continuing.

Old Madam Wen’s face darkened: “What nonsense are you talking about!”

Wen Yu stepped outside and, as they walked, looked at Qi Wu with a critical eye.

Qi Wu was confused. What’s wrong with her? What’s wrong with me?

He stretched out his arms and looked at himself, then glanced down. “What’s wrong?”

“Your clothes, they look so fresh and clean,” Wen Yu said with a hint of sourness in her voice.

She remembered, this man loves to wear white!

Qi Wu was very straightforward: “Mother sent them over and told me to wear them. She said I should wear these clothes quickly. Once the shop opens, we’ll make new ones at the shop, to support our own business.”

Upon hearing this, Wen Yu burst into laughter: This mother-in-law is so adorable, she wants to be her own best customer…

Qi Wu, seeing her smile, was momentarily captivated. She is truly beautiful…

“I heard you stole the show at the Emperor’s birthday feast?!”

“I just won a polo match; it wasn’t that big of a deal!”

“Do you regret getting engaged to me?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re so popular; I heard many princesses are still unmarried!”

“What does their marital status have to do with me?” Qi Wu’s mind truly couldn’t grasp the implication.

Sigh, forget it. I forgot how dull he is.

“Did you have something you wanted to tell me?”

“Mother said that when we visit my maternal family, we might encounter my grandmother and eldest sister-in-law. She wants you to be mindful. Grandmother has a good reputation, so if something happens and you get dragged into it, others will only blame you. Eldest sister-in-law, she’s competitive. Mother said… you just handle it as you see fit.”

Wen Yu chuckled inwardly. It seems this eldest sister-in-law doesn’t hold a high position in her mother-in-law’s heart!

“Alright, I understand. Tell Madam, for now, we’re only engaged. If I encounter Old Madam Qi or eldest sister-in-law, I’ll simply greet them. We won’t have much interaction.”

“Alright.”

“What did my father talk to you about?” Wen Yu was curious.

“Nothing much; he wanted to test my knowledge.”

“What?!” Wen Yu was puzzled…

“That day, before the Emperor, I saw Lord Wen! But we didn’t speak…”

“You mean, the Emperor saw my father?!”

“Yes, the Emperor inquired about my engagement and summoned Lord Wen. Lord Wen said he became a Jinshi at the age of twenty, had served in several locations, and so on…”

Wen Yu thought to herself: Why haven’t we heard about this at home?

Is he hiding it?!

Why?

This father of hers is selfish and self-serving, but not incompetent. A Jinshi at twenty, having served in several places over the years, with outstanding achievements in his official career.

If he caught the Emperor’s attention, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to rise step by step in the future.

Then she recalled the conversation between Yuan Shi and Wen Huan that Laba had overheard…

✿✿✿

It seems things are not looking good…

“What are you thinking about?”

The Wen residence wasn’t large. As they talked, they had already reached the front.

“Nothing much. Are you happy with the place the Emperor has assigned you to?”

“Very much.”

“Then, if I need to find you for something, can I still go to the teahouse?”

“Yes. Be careful and try not to attract too much attention.”

“I understand.”

“Also…” Qi Wu hesitated for a moment. “If you end up in the Eastern Palace, well…”

“What is it?”

“The Crown Prince, he has a bit of an odd temperament, but he’s a good person. If he does anything, don’t be angry…”

“Are you serving the Crown Prince?” Wen Yu asked in a low voice.

“Yes. Just keep it to yourself.”

So that’s how it is…

Qing He and Xiao Ji followed Wen Yu at a distance of about seven or eight steps.

Xiao Ji accompanied her diligently.

While Qing He, in this moment, made a decision about her future: she wanted to become his woman.

That night, lying in bed, Wen Huan stared at the canopy above.

No, I can’t let her marry this man.

Even if it means my own rise to prominence, I absolutely cannot let her marry him!

✿✿✿

Qin Lianyue hadn’t left the house these past few days.

While the palace was bustling with activity, their courtyard remained exceptionally quiet.

She had initially thought Jiang Er would visit, but he sent word that he had been injured while playing polo. His mother wouldn’t allow him to leave the house, so he could only come in a couple of days.

Fortunately, it wasn’t too boring, as Madam Liu, the mistress of the house they were staying in, came to visit.

After they met and took their seats.

Madam Liu immediately asked: “Sister Du, I remember my husband mentioning that Madam Qi, Cui Shi, is your relative, right?”

Du Liu was startled and blinked rapidly: What does she mean?

Qin Lianyue’s face drained of color. However, because her complexion was already fair, no one noticed the change.

Du Liu reacted quickly and said with a smile: “My mother and Madam Qi’s mother were distant cousins. We can call them relatives, but they’re not that close.”

“Oh, I was wondering why she never visited. Well, then I have nothing to regret.”

“What, what do you mean?!”

“Fifth Young Master Qi, he was quite the sensation at the Emperor’s birthday feast the other day! My husband and son were both mesmerized! They couldn’t stop talking about it when they got back! Then we heard that he had only recently gotten engaged.

At first, I was filled with regret! You’re Madam Qi’s relative; how come I didn’t seize the opportunity through you?! Oh, my husband sighed and lamented, saying that if we had a son or a son-in-law like that… I was so restless, I just had to come gossip with you about it!”

Du Liu quickly glanced at her daughter. Oh no, she’s crying…

She quickly pulled Madam Liu aside. “I love gossip. Sister, look, I got these potted flowers from the flower farmer. I was planning to let them settle for a couple of days and choose some vibrant ones to send to you, but now that you’re here, come, let’s look at them while we chat.” She led Madam Liu away and gave A Qin a meaningful look.

As expected, Madam Liu’s attention was diverted. “These flowers are beautiful! I bought some too, but they’re not as nice as yours!”

“So, you mean Fifth Young Master Qi is good at polo?”

“Indeed! My husband said he was flying all over the field. The key is, he’s so handsome! Even the Emperor called him over and chatted with him for a while! He even mentioned his great-granduncle, someone called Yu Lang. He said Qi Wu has a bit of that man’s charm, and so now, Yu Lang’s name is being passed around!”

“Fifth Young Master Qi, he used to attend school at my house!” Du Liu knew she couldn’t hide it any longer and revealed the truth.

“Ah?! Is that true? Is he handsome?”

“As a child, he was like a golden boy. When he first came to school, I arranged his meals and accommodation. Later, when he grew older, I didn’t have many opportunities to see him…”

“Oh my, you really missed out…” Madam Liu blurted out, then realized it was inappropriate and quickly stopped. “I want to take this potted flower with me… It would match well with the ones I have.”

A Qin went over, intending to help Qin Lianyue leave.

But she refused!

She wiped her tears, but as soon as she wiped away the old ones, new ones welled up.

“Miss, don’t let anyone see you like this.” A Qin was afraid something would happen and she would be punished by Madam Liu, so she pleaded with her as she pulled her away…

Qin Lianyue was being incredibly stubborn and, with a forceful tug, ignored her!

A Qin was utterly exasperated!

She really wanted to drag her out and ask: If you knew it would come to this, why did you do it in the first place?!