A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 109

Chapter 109

Afterward, things went smoothly.

Mr. Tian had Xiao Ji place the wine securely on the table and stand beside it, guarding it.

He only kept his eyes on Wen Yu, not letting her wander near the table.

For the rest, he only nodded.

Zhang Jiangqing’s subordinate and Li Jiang wrote up the documents and handed over the redemption silver.

That Mr. Tian didn’t ask for much, but Wen Yu still paid double and made a request to him to keep silent. She didn’t want others to know about this matter for the time being.

No matter what she said, Mr. Tian only nodded randomly, signed and sealed the document, then hurriedly had someone help Master Qing out, considering the matter settled.

Master Qing had been tied up for a long time and couldn’t walk properly. Xiao Ji half-carried her out the door.

Wen Yu gave each of Zhang Jiangqing’s subordinates a generous reward.

Zhang Jiangqing initially didn’t want them to accept it, but seeing the brothers smilingly take it, he didn’t say anything more.

✿✿✿

Once in the carriage, Master Qing looked at Wen Yu, unable to speak, tears streaming down her face.

Wen Yu saw a frightening, deep purple strangulation mark on her neck…

Returning directly to Yan Zhu’s courtyard, Wen Yu thought: “This courtyard is really well rented!”

Seeing them arrive, Yan Zhu was particularly happy and bustled about.

As soon as Master Qing entered the room, she knelt on the ground, “Thank you, Miss Wen, for saving my life!” Her voice was hoarse, completely devoid of her usual calmness.

Wen Yu quickly helped her up, “We’ve met and are fated. Master Qing, there’s no need for this.”

“From now on, I am your servant, at your disposal!”

“We’ll talk about that later. The priority now is for you to rest well. This courtyard is where Yan Zhu lives. It’s just right that you’ve come, to keep her company.”

“…” Master Qing nodded.

“I’ve entrusted your deed of sale to Young Master Zhang, to see if he can get you civilian status, but it will be a while before we get any news. Also, the letter you asked me to deliver last time has been sent. There’s a reply, but I didn’t bring it with me. I’ll give it to you next time I come.”

“Sob…” Master Qing wept openly. Tears she hadn’t shed in so many years flowed freely. “Miss, my real name is Bai Yuqing. From now on, I will follow you and serve you wholeheartedly.”

“Time will tell, we’ll get along gradually! Zhu Zhu, Master Qing has been frightened, you need to take care of her these few days.”

Yan Zhu said: “Okay! It’s so good that Master Qing can live here!”

Wen Yu said: “I’ve been out for a long time today and have to go back. Master Qing, please wash up and rest! Both you and Zhu Zhu, don’t go out. If you need anything, ask Xiao Ji Niang to handle it.”

“Okay!”

Sitting in the carriage home, Wen Yu was very satisfied.

Things were going so smoothly, Master Qing was in her hands!

She would let her cultivate some manpower first, then ask Song Shang for the silver. Once in the capital, she could go all out!

A good marriage, good manpower, with silver, then… everything would be as she wished.

✿✿✿

Just as she arrived home, the servant at the door said enthusiastically, “Oh, Eldest Miss, you’re back. The Qi family sent someone over, Old Madam is receiving them, she asked you to go over immediately upon your return.”

Someone from the Qi family?

Wen Yu went directly to Old Madam’s room.

Indeed, the grandma by Madam Qi’s side was there.

Wen Yu paid her respects according to etiquette.

Old Madam Wen asked with a kind smile, “Did you go out with Moqing?”

“Yes, Grandmother. I had some matters to discuss with Moqing.”

“Madam Qi has arrived, she just sent Mama Cui with two carts of mountain goods!”

Wen Yu nodded: “Mama Cui has worked hard.”

“Eldest Miss Wen!” Mama Cui had a smile on her face, as if the previous unpleasantness with Old Madam Wen had never happened.

Old Madam Wen felt she was quite versatile, but others could handle things well too.

✿✿✿

Mama Cui said with a smile: “I was just telling your grandmother that the Qi family doesn’t have a residence here and has booked rooms in an inn in the east of the city. Fourth Master and Fifth Master are both out on business these two days. It’s uncertain when they’ll be back! Madam said she would like to invite Eldest Miss Wen over for a chat when you’re free. Our young miss also keeps clamoring to see you! I wonder if Old Madam could make it convenient?”

“Madam Qi is unfamiliar with this place, the Wen family should naturally offer more care. It’s Yu’er’s honor to accompany her elders. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask, Madam Qi.”

“Yes!” Th grandma agreed with a smile.

“My maiden name is Song, and I have two small restaurants here. The food they make is quite unique. If Madam Qi has time, let’s arrange a time to go and try it out!”

“Old Madam Wen, you’re so thoughtful, I’ll report back to Madam!”

After a few more polite exchanges, Mama Cui took her leave.

Old Madam Wen said to Wen Yu, “Strictly speaking, since the two families are in the process of arranging a marriage, there’s no reason for you to visit and accompany them. However, the Qi family is a guest from afar, and they treated us exceptionally well when we went to Zanquan Mountain Estate. You… go if you wish. Just remember, be neither humble nor arrogant, be generous and poised!”

“I will heed your teachings, Grandmother.”

“Go on then!” Old Madam Wen watched her retreating figure and smiled wryly.

That Zhang Moqing girl, steady, capable… her father, a schoolteacher, quite arrogant, even students travel hundreds of miles to study under him.

Even Feng Ge’er from our Wen family wouldn’t qualify…

The two of them as sisters-in-law, looking after each other, could quickly establish themselves in the Qi family…

Wen Yu’s fate… once it starts going well, there’s no stopping it! Sigh…

Upon returning to her room, Wen Yu had Xiao Ji go tell Yan Zhu to make some snacks to bring along when they visited Yuanyuan.

✿✿✿

In the inn, Madam Qi’s face lit up with a smile when she saw Yuanyuan run out and bring back two flowers she had picked.

Wen Yu stepped forward and bowed, “I feel bad that Madam had to face embarrassment because of me.”

Madam Qi reached out her hand, Wen Yu stepped forward, and Madam Qi took her small hand, saying softly, “It seems like nothing now. As the saying goes, ‘good things come to those who wait!'”

She looked Wen Yu up and down with satisfaction, making Wen Yu blush.

“Hahahaha, I didn’t expect that your Xiao Wu had serious intentions mixed in, isn’t this fate?”

“Fifth Young Master has been gone for a few days, is there still no news?”

The appropriate concern pleased Madam Qi, “No news yet. But rest assured, he’s very reliable in his work! Come, sit down!”

As the two chatted, Yan Zhu played with Yuanyuan nearby.

She had made rabbit-shaped red bean and osmanthus rice cakes. Yuanyuan loved them, but she insisted that they were all Tuan Tuan （the rabbit） and couldn’t be eaten.

The two argued endlessly over this.

Madam Qi looked at the few snacks on the table: “Did you two make all this?”

“These were made by Yan Zhu. I’m pretty good at making osmanthus cake, but I can’t compare to her in other things. She can make anything delicious after just one look and one taste. She often comes up with new things, all very delicious.”

“Hmm, this girl is skillful and beautiful!”

Yan Zhu was very serious in her argument with Yuanyuan, not giving in. Yuanyuan couldn’t win the argument, but she wouldn’t compromise easily, and she wasn’t angry either…

Wen Yu briefly told Madam Qi about Yan Zhu’s background.

Madam Qi was deeply moved, “You didn’t treat her as a servant, but as a close sister, this shows that both of you are kind and righteous people. Hmm… in the future, I’ll find a way to find her a good family!”

Overjoyed, Wen Yu stood up and bowed, “Thank you, Madam!”

“Sit down! My family is from the military, I know many outstanding men, and they don’t have so many demands about social status! Yan Zhu is both beautiful and talented, she’ll definitely have a good marriage!”

The two drank tea, ate snacks, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Suddenly, there was commotion at the inn’s entrance. A moment later, someone came in and said, “Madam, a young miss is at the door, claiming to be Magistrate Zhang’s daughter, looking for Miss Wen…”

A girl’s voice called out, “Sister Yu! Sister Yu, are you here?” The voice was anxious and sharp.