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A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 181

Chapter 181

Chapter 181: The Earl Arrives

Upon seeing the letter of appointment, Zhang Jiangqing decided to stay.

However, he didn’t agree at that time. Instead, he spent two days solidifying his mindset.

Therefore, when he sat in front of his mother and uncle, he didn’t display a hesitant or unsure attitude, but rather one of determination and composure.

Madam Zhang was quite surprised and looked at her elder brother.

Zhang’s uncle said, “You handle things calmly and methodically. Since you’ve told us, you must have weighed your options. It seems that this is a good thing for both you and the Zhang family. Your uncle supports you and will write to your father to explain this matter.”

Madam Zhang, however, was concerned about something else. “Son, if you stay in the capital, what about your marriage?”

Zhang Jiangqing said, “In a year, after I’ve settled down, I’ll propose marriage.”

His mother understood his feelings for Wen Yu. Although he was open-minded and wouldn’t do anything rash, she was afraid he might be delaying things for too long: “But…”

“Mother, trust me to handle things properly!”

Madam Zhang had no choice but to nod.

✿✿✿

With nothing to do, Wei Xiangyu took a carriage to stroll around the shops. On her way home, the carriage happened to pass by Song Shang’s residence.

On a whim, she asked the driver to circle around Song’s house.

As they approached the Song residence, she lifted a corner of the carriage window to look out.

She saw a group of people gathered around the main gate of the Song residence, gesturing and pointing. Someone was standing on the gatehouse, and the original low-key plaque with the words “Song Residence” had been removed.

A new plaque was being installed, covered with a red cloth, the inscription hidden from view.

Curious, she sent someone to inquire after returning home.

Then she heard the news: “I heard that the master of the house has been granted the title of Earl Loyal and Diligent. The whole family is moving to the capital to live here. They are installing a new plaque…”

After hearing this, Wei Shi was stunned for a long while. “Good for him! I was with him for years, and he remained a commoner. It made me lose face when I went out to socialize.

He divorced me, and now he has an official title!

No! He must have been planning this all along. He never told me…”

“He succeeded, kept the news secret, and kicked me out first?!

That bastard! I really… hate him!

She felt agitated and couldn’t calm down. She paced around the room for a long time, poured herself a cup of wine, and drank it down.

Back then, because of Yang Xiangdong’s support and promises, she resolutely left the Song family.

Perhaps they were both impulsive at the time.

After arriving in the capital, they discovered things weren’t that simple.

Yang Xiangdong was too deeply influenced by Grand Secretary Li’s family.

He couldn’t leave rashly, or his future would be ruined.

But if he had no future, he wouldn’t be any better than Song Shang! What was the point of being with him?!

He didn’t say much, but she knew he was trying to find a solution. But how long would it take?

She touched her smooth face: “Time flies, and beauty fades…”

Song Shang cast her aside, and now he was living such a good life!

Why him?!

She drank cup after cup of wine, crying and laughing intermittently… lost in her emotions, unable to break free.

When Yang Xiangdong arrived in the evening, she was already drunk.

She told him the story in a rambling manner: “I hate him so much! Never mind the other things, you must avenge me! Otherwise, I really can’t bear it!”

Wei Shi pulled him, tugged at him, tears streaming down her face, talking incessantly.

Such a beautiful and proud woman, reduced to this by Song Shang! Yang Xiangdong felt deeply sorry for her and kept comforting her, promising to find a way.

The two drew closer, their actions intimate. Wei Shi leaned against his chest.

Yang Xiangdong had been holding back for a long time, and this time he couldn’t control himself anymore.

He embraced her passionately… And Wei Shi, whether it was the alcohol, the fear of loneliness, or genuine affection, no longer held back.

The two of them finally consummated their relationship…

✿✿✿

With things settled, Zhang Jiangqing didn’t waste any time. He asked Wen Yu to take him to meet Qi Wu.

Qi Wu spoke concisely, neither overly friendly nor aloof.

This made Zhang Jiangqing feel comfortable…

To be honest, he sometimes didn’t know how to face this guy who had snatched away his “sweetheart.”

But the more he interacted with him, the more he felt this person was not bad.

Ah Yu was better off with him than with himself!

Zhang Jiangqing suddenly saw the light and let go of the past, his mood brightening. Well, he had only been in the capital for a few days, his household affairs not yet settled, and he had already taken up his post.

But Madam Zhang thought to herself: “We came to the capital to celebrate a happy occasion, but we still have to leave.

We are leaving, where will my foolish son live?

The Zhang family wasn’t wealthy. They couldn’t afford this spacious courtyard. Besides, Zhang Jiangqing had just started his new job, how much money could he have? Even the servants who looked after the courtyard needed to be subsidized by him.

At this moment, Wen Yu arrived and suggested that Zhang Jiangqing stay in Yan Zhu’s courtyard so they could look after each other.

But Zhang Jiangqing had his eye on the small courtyard where Li Jiang and his family lived. It was close to his workplace and also close to Wen Yu. There happened to be two empty rooms in the courtyard, which would be perfect for him and his servant.

Madam Zhang went to see the small courtyard. It wasn’t big. But because Xiao Ji Niang also lived there, it was kept quite clean.

She was quite satisfied!

She had risen from humble beginnings with her husband. Although she hadn’t suffered much, she had experienced different ways of life.

As long as it was peaceful and safe, it was fine.

But Wen Yu felt a bit guilty. After all, he was the son of a magistrate, living in that small room…

Zhang Jiangqing laughed. “This is already very good. I asked my colleagues around today, and not many people like me have it this good! I can occasionally borrow a donkey to ride, and I can go to Yan Zhu’s place for meals. Life is good!”

Seizing the opportunity, Wen Yu asked Madam Zhang if there was any way for the Zhang family to move to the capital!

Madam Zhang’s heart was truly moved. Originally, she had been content living far away from the capital, where things were more relaxed.

But this time, both her brother’s son and her eldest son were going to participate in the spring imperial examination. If they were lucky enough to pass and become officials, they would also need to find jobs.

✿✿✿

Jiangqing wasn’t going back.

That girl Jinqing was now living at Wen Yu’s house, causing trouble with a group of other girls, thinking she was so capable!

It seemed like my brother was also worried about Weiqing being in the capital alone.

Why not…

“In that case, I’ll write to your Uncle Zhang! And here, let’s try to find someone…”

“Yes, Yu’er, help us find someone too!”

“Such a young girl, thinking she’s so capable!”

✿✿✿

Song Shang entered the capital very discreetly. He didn’t even tell the Wen family.

After settling his mother and daughter, he met with his subordinates. Within half a day, everything was arranged.

He also secretly met with several important contacts, offering gifts and bribes.

Then, he went straight to Wen Yu’s shop.

The shop was still bustling with activity. Although there were no major issues, unexpected problems arose every day.

Sometimes, a small oversight could cause a day’s delay.

It left everyone feeling frustrated and exhausted.

Wen Yu and the other women were all wearing conical hats and veils, their expressions hidden. But in reality, their faces were grim.

The foreman across from them had a simple, honest smile. It was unclear whether he didn’t understand, was incompetent, was trying to take advantage of the situation to ask for more money, or wanted to substitute his own materials… In any case, things were progressing with difficulty.

Wen Yu suppressed her anger.

Even Master Qing’s voice had risen a few pitches!

Steward Li made all sorts of threats, but they had little effect.

At this moment, Song Shang arrived like a godsend.

He smiled nonchalantly, with an air of amusement. “Oh my, Cousin Ah Yu, what a grand scene, what a grand project!”

Wen Yu turned around and was genuinely surprised. “Fifth Brother!? Why are you here?”

Song Shang said with a grin, “Don’t you know? The Earl Loyal and Diligent has come to express his gratitude for the Emperor’s grace!”

“Of course I know, the Earl has arrived! Long live the Earl!”

Song Shang laughed heartily. “Doesn’t your cousin have style?!” He flicked his sleeve.

“The fabric is really good!”

“Hmph! The Emperor is busy with state affairs, how could he have time to see you?” Wen Yu couldn’t stand his smugness.

“Just me alone, of course he wouldn’t have time. But he bestowed titles on six people at once!”

Wen Yu whispered, “Oh my, the Emperor must have been overjoyed to see you all! One title cost… how much?”

Song Shang gestured with his fingers.

“Fifty thousand?”

Song Shang rolled his eyes. “Your thinking is too small!”

“Five hundred thousand?”

Song Shang nodded.

“Heavens! Heavens! Six titles would be… ” Wen Yu calculated, “Three million… Tsk tsk, the Emperor should just forget about everything else and sell titles!”

“Don’t talk nonsense!” Song Shang’s face darkened.

Wen Yu giggled. “Fifth Brother, let me introduce you.”

“Madam, this is my Fifth Cousin Song, now… the Earl Loyal and Diligent!”

Madam Qi had also heard that the Emperor sold… “bestowed” several titles, earning a considerable sum. So she was in a good mood lately.

“Madam Qi!”

“Earl Song!” Madam Qi addressed Song Shang, teasing Wen Yu.

Wen Yu burst into laughter.

“You little rascal! Are you making fun of me?”

“I wouldn’t dare. I was just wondering if the Earl has any gifts for this occasion!”

“Plenty of gifts! But judging by the progress here, you wouldn’t have time to receive them!” Song Shang said with a look of disdain.

Wen Yu sighed. “It’s so frustrating. I don’t even know what the problem is! There’s something new every day!”

“Want to know?”

Wen Yu’s eyes lit up. “Cousin, please come and save the day! My head is about to explode!”

“Didn’t I tell you not to rush, wait for me to arrive? You wouldn’t listen!”

“Yes, yes, yes, I’ll listen to you. Master Qing, Steward Li, tell my cousin about it. Madam, I’m thirsty, let’s go have some tea.”

Madam Qi was also tired of the situation and quickly agreed. “Alright!”

“Cousin, Zhu Zhu is making snacks at home. I’ll go get some for you. Don’t worry, chat with them slowly!”

Song Shang thought to himself: “What do you mean chat slowly? What does this have to do with me?!”

You said you would give me shares, but you haven’t mentioned it again!

Why am I the one stepping in?

He had a lot to say, but he couldn’t ask in front of Madam Qi.

Sigh, I owe you.

He waved his hand. “Go on, go on!”


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(🇨🇳)A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart

🇨🇳)A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart

国公夫人她人美心黑
Score 8.6
Status: Ongoing Author: Released: 2023 Native Language: Chinese
In the capital's elite social circles, rumors abound about Wen Yu's ruthlessness. Even the Emperor, upon hearing these tales, has repeatedly nodded in agreement! Wen Yu, upon learning of this, responded with a cold smile: From a young age, her mother was murdered, her grandmother showed no affection, and her father offered no love. She was the target of envy and constantly schemed against. After much hardship, she finally secured a good husband, only to find her marital home a chaotic mess! Should she play the innocent fool? If so, would a husband of exceptional talent and beauty, intelligent and considerate children, a devoted mother-in-law, and the title of Duchess simply fall from the sky?! In her past life, the Duchess met a miserable end! Our protagonist first sets her sights on the male lead, unceremoniously claiming him as her own. After marriage, she employs every tactic imaginable: throwing herself into his arms, playing hard to get, alternating between gentle affection and playful dominance, expressing care while subtly tormenting… From then on, the exceptionally handsome, ruthless, yet capable Fifth Young Master Qi, whose emotional intelligence borders on naive innocence, is repeatedly berated by the Emperor, who points a finger at him and scolds, "You spineless fool! What kind of life is this?! Divorce her immediately! Don't be afraid, I will support you!" Fifth Young Master Qi blushes slightly: Actually, this life… isn't so bad… This story portrays a strong female lead who makes every effort to achieve happiness. *** Overlooked and undervalued, Wen Yu, the legitimate daughter of the Wen family, endures a life of quiet suffering. On her fifteenth birthday, tragedy strikes, setting in motion a chain of events that culminates in her agonizing death. Miraculously reborn, Wen Yu returns to the day it all began, armed with the bitter memories of her past life and a steely resolve to change her fate. This time, she won't be a pawn in her family's games. She will reclaim what is rightfully hers, expose the hypocrisy and cruelty of those who wronged her, and forge a new path for herself. But as she navigates the treacherous landscape of family politics and builds her own power, she must confront not only her past enemies but also the unexpected attention of powerful figures who see her as a valuable asset in their own games. Will Wen Yu succumb to her thirst for revenge, or can she find a way to break free from the cycle of pain and create a different future for herself?

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