A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 142

Chapter 142: Odds and Ends

Yuan Shi’s argument with her husband ended abruptly.

Wen Yu, accompanied by her servant girl, strutted out the door.

Wen Qian went to work, leaving Yuan Shi and Wen Huan, mother and daughter, sitting face to face.

“Mother, Wen Yu is so arrogant!”

Although Wen Huan was filled with anger and resentment, her tone remained calm, her emotions restrained.

She noticed that Wen Yu had changed again since she entered the household.

Every movement seemed a beat slower. Her manners were impeccable, yet she exuded an air of aloofness and indifference.

It was as if she were already the Marchioness, using her attitude to convey a message louder than words:

I have the best marriage!

I have the highest status!

Ugh!

But Wen Huan could see Wen Wan fawning over her. Even the stingy and pragmatic Wen Su talked to her more than usual.

Even the inexplicably arrogant Wen Jiao kept comparing herself to Wen Yu endlessly!

Wen Huan’s composure, which she had spent six months cultivating, was on the verge of crumbling…

“Indeed, Huan’er, she has something to be proud of!” Yuan Shi was also pragmatic.

“But since things have come to this, don’t panic. I have someone following her. I’ve heard some things, but nothing substantial. Let’s wait and see if we can find anything else to use against her…”

“Mother, does father regret what he did before now that he sees she has a bright future? Is he trying to mend their relationship?”

Yuan Shi said coldly, “It’s very likely! It’s human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm. Even your father is not immune.”

This was the second time the couple had a conflict.

The first time was minor, and afterward, they both tried to repair the relationship.

This time was different. Neither Wen Qian nor Yuan Shi mentioned it again…

In fact, Wen Qian thought that since his mother hadn’t said anything and Wen Yu was indeed difficult to control, he would let her be.

But Yuan Shi thought her husband wanted to mend the relationship because Wen Yu’s good marriage was beneficial to him.

Could she stop this?

Therefore, this was a misunderstanding that was deepening because no one tried to resolve it.

“Mother, yesterday, I heard the County Princess Shucheng mention the fiancée of Prince Wu’s Heir Apparent. That Miss He is Grand Secretary He’s granddaughter. I heard she’s not even considered average-looking, rather ugly. I think Princess Wu might be looking for Wen Yu because she chose such a plain woman as her son’s principal wife. She’s seeking some beauty as compensation!”

“Hmm. Princes and imperial grandsons choose their wives based on status. Grand Secretary He holds considerable power!”

“I also heard there’s a vacant consort position… Maybe it’s intended for someone like Wen Yu…”

“You mean…”

“Do you think I have a chance?”

“Of course, it would be wonderful if you could! But I’m afraid it won’t be easy for us to reach that level. Wen Yu’s situation was a stroke of luck, not because she’s truly stunning. Blame your grandmother for this!”

They had agreed! Yuan Shi was still upset about it…

But Wen Huan seemed to have moved on. “It all depends on our efforts… We’ll try. If Heaven truly doesn’t give us a chance, there’s nothing to regret.”

Thinking of Wen Yu’s appearance, Wen Huan’s expression involuntarily changed…

✿✿✿

At Prince Wu’s Residence, Princess Wu finished her tasks, and her subordinate reported back.

She was startled after hearing the report: “Miss Wen is engaged to the Qi family? When did this happen?”

“Right after the Heavenly Dragon Temple Dharma Assembly.”

“…Which Qi son?”

“Fifth Young Master Qi…”

“Oh…” She had seen that young man with her own eyes. At that time, her vision blurred, and her heart skipped a beat!

He was definitely someone she would have regretted not marrying had she met him sooner!

“But Fifth Qi is a legitimate son of the Qi family! How can it be? The two families are too far apart in status. She wouldn’t even be qualified to be a consort! I originally thought: since we met at the millennial celebration, it was a good omen, and I wanted to give her a decent position. I didn’t expect…”

Ah, my judgment is truly excellent, but I was just one step late!

If Wen Yu was engaged to an ordinary family, I could still scheme a bit. But being a consort is impossible now; she can only be a concubine.

But she’s engaged to the Qi family… This is difficult.

Oh dear, how do I explain this to my son!

This was the first time he ever asked for something like this!

After much hesitation, she had no choice but to send someone to Prince Yongqing and explain the situation.

Prince Yongqing was extremely disappointed!

It wouldn’t have mattered if he hadn’t taken a fancy to her, but she had caught his eye, and now it was impossible.

He paced back and forth, cursing under his breath:

Fifth Qi, Fifth Qi, you’re already so handsome yourself, why do you need a beautiful wife? Aren’t you afraid of divine retribution!

Prince Yongqing believed he had some friendship with Fifth Qi. Moreover, he should try to win over someone like him.

Forget it, forget it! Don’t think about it anymore.

But my heart… It hurts so much!

Wait, there was another girl at the time, right? Surely I can get at least one of them?!

I’ll investigate myself!

…

Madam Qi made an appointment with Wen Yu to meet at the shop the day after tomorrow.

Since she had to give it up, she would do it readily.

That’s how I, Cui Fengying, am.

As for Xu Shi… Although I didn’t want Qi Xiao to marry her at the time, once she entered the household, I didn’t intend to treat her like this.

Wasn’t it her own doing, step by step?

She wanted what was mine and refused to show me any respect. Even worse, she instigated Qi Xiao to oppose me!

✿✿✿

Is there any woman more foolish than her?!

I just heard that when Qi Xiao went back yesterday, Xu Shi still hadn’t learned her lesson and kept making a fuss, demanding that he coax her.

In the end, Qi Xiao lost his temper and stormed out.

Do whatever you want!

I’ll pretend I don’t know anything!

Someone from outside reported: “Madam, Old Madam requests your presence.”

Hmph, she never misses a beat!

Madam Qi looked in the mirror. Good, she didn’t need to dress up specially. She took her servant girl and went.

Before she even entered, she heard laughter from inside.

“Old Madam, Madam has arrived!”

“Quickly, invite her in!” This was Tan Shi’s voice.

When Madam Qi entered, oh my, her husband, Qi Hua and his wife Wang Shi, Qi Yu, Qi Xiao and Xu Shi, Little Mao’er, were all there.

Qi Xiao’s eldest daughter, Ru Bao’er, was nestled beside Tan Shi…

The atmosphere was joyous, a picture of family harmony.

I’m an outsider…

It seems Qi Xiao and Xu Shi have reconciled. They were sitting close together, smiling, who knows what they were talking about!

“Mother, General!” Madam Qi calmly bowed.

Tan Shi smiled: “Fengying is here! Come, sit down!”

Qi Youyi grunted in response.

The sons, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters greeted Madam Qi.

Madam Qi nodded. Seeing Wang Shi, she specifically asked, “How is your mother?”

Wang Shi walked over, speaking softly and gently: “I came back late yesterday and didn’t have time to pay my respects. My mother is a bit better, but the doctor said yesterday that she needs to be very strict with her diet. My mother loves to eat; she almost cried when she heard the list of things she can’t have!”

Madam Qi shook her head and laughed: “There’s no helping it. Try to make the things she can eat more appealing! When she gets better, she can have those things again.”

“Yes, I’ll relay your words to my mother.”

Wang Shi came from a good family and had a generous dowry. She was proper in her actions and words, and she spoke slowly and softly.

Much better than Xu Shi’s aggressiveness.

Xu Shi, standing beside her husband, knew that he had tensed up the moment his mother entered.

Now, seeing how Madam Qi talked to Wang Shi, so gentle and proper, much better than how she treated her, she became angry again. Usually, she would have made some sarcastic remarks.

But with her father-in-law present and having just reconciled with her husband, she held back.

Tan Shi’s eyes flickered, and she smiled: “The Marquis won’t be back for New Year’s, but we should still celebrate. My kumquat trees have borne a lot of fruit. Choose a day, invite some friends and family, and let me show off!”

Qi Youyi smiled: “Mother’s skill in growing flowers is the best in the capital! I and… went to see them, and the trees are laden with orange fruit. It’s definitely something to show off!”

He wanted to say he and Concubine Xiu Yun went to see them.

But when the words reached his lips, he changed them. Who knows if he did it on purpose!

Madam Qi remained impassive: If you went with Xiu Yun, just say it openly. Who cares?

A grown man acting like this, truly inheriting the old lady’s tricks.

Xu Shi also chimed in, flattering the Marchioness: “Grandmother, you must show off soon! The other day, I saw Little Mao’er taking Ru Bao’er to pick and eat them! If you don’t show off, they’ll eat them all!”

“Really?! I didn’t even notice! No, no, we must have someone watch them! Little Mao, Ru Ru, my precious, you can’t eat any more!”

Everyone laughed again.

“You all know, right? Our Fourth and Fifth have both gotten engaged!”

Madam Qi looked at Tan Shi, wanting to hear what she had to say.

Tan Shi continued to smile: “It’s a pity Fourth’s in-laws aren’t in the capital; otherwise, sending them two pots of kumquats would be a good omen! Fengying, you know where the Wen family lives, right? These next few days, have… Eh? Where’s Fifth?!”

Madam Qi saw the smiles on several faces fade…

I glanced at the comments before going to bed yesterday and was met by the bug-catching squad.

I spent ages correcting, sweating profusely. So many mistakes!

Thank you, my dear readers.

I’ll be more careful in the future.

“It’s a pity Fourth’s in-laws aren’t in the capital; otherwise, sending them two pots of kumquats would be a good omen! Fengying, you know where the Wen family lives, right? These next few days, have… Eh? Where’s Fifth?!”

There are several hidden meanings in that sentence:

1. Fourth Qi’s in-laws are from a remote and insignificant place.

2. Tan Shi is generous and magnanimous, willing to win over her grandson’s in-laws for his sake.

3. The Wen family is nameless and insignificant in the capital, with no known address.

4. Fifth knows his father is back in the capital, yet he’s nowhere to be seen.

Her cunning is like the stars in the sky. I’m afraid some readers might not have understood, so I’ll explain it further, hehe.