A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Unexpected

Chun Hui returned to her room and reported to her young mistress about what she had encountered at Wen Yu’s courtyard.

Wen Jiao was stunned when she heard it. “Did Wen Yu say that? Oh my god! What is she trying to do?” She stood up abruptly. “I’ll go ask her myself!”

Her maid Qiu Shui quickly stopped her. “Miss, wait!”

Wen Jiao glared at her. “What?!”

“Miss, Eldest Miss… is probably feeling emboldened now that Master is back. It’s only for a few days, why do you need to bother with her right now?”

“Hah! Elder Uncle is back, but what does it have to do with her?” Wen Jiao had long known Wen Yu’s place in her uncle’s heart.

“Miss, you still have to give Elder Uncle and Madam some face. If you cause a scene now, Elder Uncle and Madam…”

“Don’t worry! They won’t side with her!” Wen Jiao said arrogantly.

“They won’t! But why bother? Once we’re in the capital, we’ll have to rely on Elder Uncle and Madam for a lot of things!” Their social standing depended on Elder Uncle, and their social circles depended on Madam…

“Hehe, how do you know that me causing a scene wouldn’t actually help Madam? Maybe I’d be doing her a favor?” Wen Jiao had a malicious smile on her face.

“What I meant is, don’t cause any trouble before our Young Master’s wedding. After all, Master will be leaving in a couple of days. We can deal with her anytime, right?”

“Hmph… Fine. Since Elder Brother is getting married, I’ll tolerate her for now.”

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The next day, Old Madam sent someone to summon Wen Qian, wanting to speak with Wen Yu.

Yuan Shi’s belongings hadn’t been unpacked yet, and they didn’t know the whole situation. What was there to talk about now?

Wen Qian was a bit troubled.

However, Old Madam said that guests would start arriving soon, and some things should be made clear before Old Master returned.

Wen Qian thought: That’s true. Let’s have the talk then. As for those properties, heh, if I can’t even handle a young girl, how can I have the face to be an official in the capital?

So, dressed in a light silk and linen robe, holding a folding fan, he slowly walked towards his mother’s room.

✿✿✿

Being summoned by the two heads of the family for a talk, this was something that had never happened in her previous life.

Wen Yu calmed her emotions and sat down gracefully.

Looking at the beautiful and dignified Wen Yu before them, Old Madam and Wen Qian felt a mix of emotions.

It felt like matters that had been left behind many years ago had come back to them.

Old Madam had even forgotten what that deceased daughter-in-law looked like. But she could be sure that she definitely wasn’t as good-looking as Wen Yu.

Her vague impression was of someone respectful and gentle, a bit naive, easily understood, and seemingly lacking in ability.

But Wen Yu in front of them didn’t show any disrespect or aloofness.

However, there was a feeling that she was very, very distant. This calm and indifferent demeanor was somewhat like her eldest son… Some things were in the blood, present from birth, and couldn’t be cultivated later on, right!

If it weren’t for all the mess, she would have strived for a good future for such a beautiful and well-mannered eldest granddaughter, which would benefit the Wen family greatly!

Alas, Old Madam sighed inwardly, composed herself, and asked with a smile, “I heard from your father that your uncle is back?”

“Yes, Grandmother.” Wen Yu nodded gently.

“So, is the Chen family alright now?”

“They were pardoned and returned. They’re alright now.”

“Oh, is everyone in the family safe?!”

Old Madam’s overly kind attitude left Wen Yu a bit confused.

“Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. They suffered a lot, but they are all doing well.”

“Alas, being able to return safely is a blessing…” Old Madam reminisced and sighed. “Wen Yu, for so many years, our family hasn’t contacted your uncle or helped him. It’s really… The matters involving the Chen family were too complicated and too dangerous.

Our family has dozens of mouths to feed, we couldn’t afford any risks! Your father mentioned sending messages, money, or pulling some strings several times, but I stopped him every time. Your uncle must resent the Wen family, right!?”

“Grandmother, my uncle told me: the Chen family’s misfortune has nothing to do with the Wen family. How could he blame us?! Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is human nature. As you said: the Wen family has dozens of people, we can’t take risks. He understands.” Wen Yu’s eyes reddened, looking moved and sincere.

Who wouldn’t know how to act?!

“That’s true. But he came back and didn’t seek out your grandfather, your father, or me, but he contacted you. It seems he still resents the Wen family.” Old Madam smiled bitterly.

“Grandmother, my uncle truly doesn’t blame the Wen family for this. It’s just… he said that my mother’s bones were barely cold when my father welcomed a new wife into the family. How could any brother still maintain a proper relationship with such in-laws?!”

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“Wen Yu!” Wen Qian scolded with a frown.

Wen Yu remained silent but didn’t apologize.

Wen Qian said coldly: “I own up to this matter. After your mother joined our family, your grandmother and I never mistreated her. She died during childbirth, but the living still have to carry on.

Our family had gone through turmoil, and life was tough. Even now, things aren’t as peaceful and prosperous as others think! The family needs stability, I need to focus on my studies and career, and I need to continue the family line. Where is the time for grieving and mourning?!

Before your mother married me, she knew my personality! So, you and your uncle, just give it a rest! Don’t try to find fault with me on this.”

He was truly righteous and dignified!

If she didn’t know the truth, she would have believed him! Wen Yu desperately suppressed her rising anger.

He could commit such a vile act and then fabricate excuses with such an air of righteousness. He was truly shameless!

“Father… You get so agitated whenever this topic is brought up, there’s no need for that! You think your actions are justified, but my uncle thinks his views are right! It’s just different perspectives and feelings.”

Wen Qian wanted to say more, but Old Madam raised her hand. “Alright! Yu’er, how did you meet your uncle?” She steered the conversation back on track.

“I was visiting Ah Fang’s house, and my uncle found me there.”

“What did he tell you?”

“He only talked about their life there and their plans for the future. They just came back, and their situation is truly difficult. I gave all my jewelry and money to my uncle and took the initiative to mention my mother’s dowry.”

“Then why didn’t you tell Grandmother?”

Wen Yu lowered her head and remained silent.

“Wen Yu, this is not a small matter. How could you, a young girl, just go meet him and make decisions?!”

“Grandmother…”

Old Madam raised her hand: “If this gets out, everyone will think the Chen family is being unreasonable! You made promises, and if your grandmother and father don’t agree, it won’t happen! Even if this goes to court in the capital, the Wen family will be justified!” Old Madam was very serious.

“Yes, Grandmother.” Wen Yu had no choice but to lower her head. “I admit, I was not thoughtful enough in handling this matter. However, Grandmother, I also discussed this with Father yesterday. Logically, my uncle has the right to request the return of a portion of my mother’s dowry.”

“That is also a matter for the adults of the two families to discuss. My Wen family will not embezzle a daughter-in-law’s dowry. But it’s unheard of for a young girl to handle this!” Old Madam said.

She was right. Wen Yu played the sympathy card, her eyes reddening and tears welling up. “The Chen family suffered misfortune, and my mother passed away. My uncle was exiled thousands of miles away, enduring hardships and suffering, how much he must have suffered. Being able to bring his family back is all he could do. Grandmother, you haven’t seen him, he’s aged terribly, with white hair all over his head. His back is so bent from pain, he looks like he’s from a different generation compared to Father…” When she saw her uncle, even though she was mentally prepared, she was still deeply shocked.

At this moment, she didn’t feel particularly sad, but tears flowed involuntarily. “At this point, for my uncle to come and discuss this with you and Father… I really feel for him. So, even though it was inappropriate, I did it. I just hope he can recover, and not…”

Old Madam was surprised again. This girl could have such feelings for her impoverished uncle whom she had never met… Alas! She felt a pang of jealousy.

Wen Qian looked at her silently, not saying a word.

“Alright, enough of that. Now that the Chen family is cleared of charges, the Wen family can help your uncle.” Grandmother set the tone. “For matters of career and studies, go to your father. As for lodging, money, and people, Grandmother can arrange everything! Tell your uncle, even though your mother is gone, you are still here! Our two families are in-laws, there’s no need to be so formal!”

Wen Yu was even more surprised…

“Also… I recall you have cousins. If your aunt is willing, send your cousins and your little niece over! Let them stay at the Wen family for a while and get along with you sisters. Life must have been hard for them over there, and they might not have received proper education. Our family has hired etiquette instructors, let them catch up on everything. It will only be beneficial for their future.”

Grandmother was so enthusiastic and practical, Wen Yu didn’t know how to respond for a moment, only carefully saying: “My uncle is indeed facing difficulties after returning. However, he’s currently staying with a friend, not here.”

Old Madam glanced at her eldest son.

“Oh, is that so? Living under someone else’s roof is not a long-term solution. If your uncle really doesn’t want to trouble our family… after receiving your mother’s dowry, if you wish to help them settle down, that’s your filial piety. Your grandmother and grandfather won’t stop you.”

So, it’s settled?!

Wen Qian was also surprised and looked at his mother.

“However, everything should be within reason. Family is there to lend a hand when needed. Their future path is their own to walk.” Old Madam was sincere and reasonable.

“Yes, Grandmother is wise and farsighted! I’ve learned a lot.” Wen Yu replied.

“Eldest, take a look at these lists and prepare the items when you get back.” Old Madam handed the lists Wen Yu gave her to her son.