A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 24

Chapter 24: A “Beauty” Appears

Wen Yu felt a bit distracted during lunch.

The love and hate of her past life were too tragic; many events were stirred by these two people she was about to meet.

Could she really face them calmly?

What should she do with them now?

To be honest, her current situation hadn’t improved much. Under the premise of having intentions but not yet being confident, she didn’t want to see them.

While she was dawdling in her room, Old Madam Wen specifically sent someone to call her: “Old Madam says: Let the young ladies come over after they are ready.”

She couldn’t help but sigh: In the past, this kind of thing wouldn’t have required a special summons! She didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.

She was still wearing the same clothes and jewelry from the morning. Entering the main hall, she saw that everyone had basically arrived. Moreover, her younger sisters had all dressed up again.

Wen Huan had changed into an orange-red dress. She looked great in such bright colors, making her skin appear fairer, her personality brighter, and adding an air of elegance.

Yuan Xi Jun had also changed! She wore a light gray Xiang silk skirt. Afraid that it would be too plain in front of Old Madam Wen, she added a silver-embroidered half-sleeved jacket. Her whole persona was tranquil and leisurely, like a refined lady of leisure.

Old Madam Wen saw this and, recalling her attire in the morning, snorted inwardly: Eldest really likes her pretentious style!

Wu Shi, who stood beside them, had a very ordinary appearance and somewhat rough skin. As long as she dressed up, it gave people a feeling of trying too hard, making her appear rustic, old-fashioned, and tacky.

Wu Shi understood this herself. Moreover, as the mistress responsible for household management, she couldn’t dress too frivolously. So, her usual attire was always proper and conservative.

She didn’t marry her husband based on her looks!

Everyone in the room waited for a while.

Hearing laughter outside, they saw Nurse Song accompanying a beautiful woman as they walked in.

Wen Yu’s heart couldn’t help but pound wildly, her back and palms sweating. Her eyes revealed a fear and ruthlessness that she herself wasn’t aware of.

Wei Xiang Yu!

This woman looked to be in her early twenties, but in reality, she was already twenty-five.

Her smooth, jet-black hair was styled in a beautiful updo.

She had thin, arched eyebrows and bright eyes, slightly sanpaku, naturally carrying a hint of arrogance, which also added a touch of charm and allure to her.

Her makeup was rather heavy.

That was because… Wei Shi was beautiful, but her only flaw was that her skin wasn’t considered fair.

She was very conscious of this! She wouldn’t leave the house every day without applying a thick layer of powder.

She wore a dark green eight-panel pleated fragrant silk gauze skirt, and a purple Shu brocade short jacket with a phoenix tail pattern woven into it. The weaving technique and pattern were something everyone had never seen before. Her purple waist pouch was decorated with pearls and seashells.

Her clothes were made of heavy fabric with bold, contrasting colors. Even the tips of her shoes peeking out from under her skirt matched the color of her waist pouch.

In comparison, it was obvious that her attire was several levels above that of the Wen family women…

Indeed… this was Wei Xiang Yu, Fifth Cousin’s wife! She really knew how to dress.

Her original six points of beauty were elevated to nine points by her clothes and accessories! Wen Yu pinched her hand hard, and only when it hurt did she calm down.

She observed this woman from the perspective of a bystander.

As Wei Shi entered, she paused slightly, pursed her lips, and then walked gracefully with small, even steps. Her upper body was straight, and her skirt swayed gently.

The dark green shoes with purple trim on her feet only revealed the tips of her toes.

The girls exclaimed in awe, “Ah! Sister-in-law is so beautiful!” Everyone’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

Yuan Xi Jun also sighed inwardly: There are actually such women in the world… She discreetly glanced at Wen Huan and saw that although her daughter also appreciated Wei Shi’s beauty, she didn’t gape like the other girls, her eyes darting around, not knowing where to look!

She nodded approvingly! Her daughter was well-taught.

It was just clothing; there was no need to make a fuss. No matter how well one dressed, the added points were limited, and sometimes even deducted… Being too obsessed with it would lead one astray.

She then turned to look at Wen Yu and saw that Wen Yu’s face was extremely calm, the corners of her lips slightly upturned, as if carrying a hint of mockery…

“?” She felt even more puzzled. Why did this girl have such an expression?

Wei Shi had already reached Old Madam Wen and curtsied gently.

“Aunt! How are you?!” Her voice was sweet and slightly affected, but it wasn’t annoying at all; it even elicited a bit of mindless adoration.

Because she valued Song Shang, Old Madam Wen was also full of enthusiasm for Wei Shi.

“Oh, Xiangxiang, you’ve finally arrived! These girls have been looking forward to seeing you every day! They said they wanted to see your new clothes and makeup!”

“Aunt, why are you teasing Xiang Yu like a child?” Wei Shi stood there with a confident smile. Everyone felt like she was radiating light.

“How could it be teasing?! What you’re wearing is… Song brocade?” Old Madam Wen looked at it carefully.

Although local silk was also produced, such thick, intricately woven, well-dyed, and lustrous silk was rare.

“Yes! It’s from Huang’s Weaving and Spinning. This is the only piece, and it was gifted to Fifth Master. Fifth Master asked Xiang Yu to make it into a garment to see how it looked. So, even if Old Madam likes it, Xiang Yu can’t share it with the sisters! However, I heard that it should be available on the market in half a year.”

Song Shang had shares in Huang’s Weaving and Spinning.

Hehehehehe… still so fond of flaunting their love! Wen Yu could actually laugh. She couldn’t help but affirm herself: being able to stay so calm was a good thing.

“Haha! After you’ve worn it, even something bad would look good! But it would be difficult for others to wear it with the same grace!” Old Madam Wen’s compliment was appropriate. “Every time I see you, I feel like you’re a painting! Huh? Where’s Ah Shang?” She was more concerned about him.

“My husband was stopped in the front yard by Uncle and the younger brothers. They said they had important matters to discuss. He’s anxious to see you, but he can’t get away!”

“Hahahaha! Let them men chat first! How is your mother-in-law? Huh, did you bring the child?”

✿✿✿

Wei Shi only had one daughter, who was four years old now.

“Han Jie’er is staying home with Mother. Mother brought you a gift. Han Jie’er… has a bit of a runny nose, so I didn’t bring her.”

“Oh! Children do need extra care. A few days ago, someone sent over some Digestive Pills from Tongheren Pharmacy in the capital. They can be eaten as snacks. Take some back for her when you leave!”

“Thank you for your concern, Aunt!” She greeted Eldest Madam and Second Madam and then addressed the girls: “Sisters…”

The girls had already stood up and curtsied to her.

Wen Yu also slowly stood up, slowly curtsied, and then sat back down.

“Oh, is this Huan Jie’er?! You’re home?” As Eldest Uncle’s most beloved daughter, Wen Huan was given extra attention by Wei Shi.

Wen Huan stood there with a bright smile, looking poised and elegant. “Cousin-in-law! Huan’er is back! How are Cousin and Cousin-in-law?!”

“We’re all doing well! We’re all doing well! My, how time flies, you’ve become a young lady!”

Wei Shi’s voice and actions were somewhat affected. Although everyone suspected she might be putting on an act, it didn’t feel out of place!

Wen Yu recalled her past life. Wei Shi came from a noble family, was beautiful and talented, and full of charm. She held a considerable amount of respect in front of Song Shang.

Especially since although Song Shang had a reputation for being a playboy, not many of his affairs made it home.

Especially since even though she didn’t give birth to a son, Song Shang never gave her a cold shoulder nor took a concubine. This was no small matter for Song Shang! Madam Song was so anxious that she practically lived at the temple, burning incense!

Wei Shi had always believed that she was exceptional and skillful, fully capable of controlling her husband!

So, when Song Shang brought Wen Yu into the household with great fanfare, Wei Shi almost coughed up blood; she really fell seriously ill!

After recovering, she became very good at acting, putting on a magnanimous mistress facade in front of Song Shang.

But behind his back, she was mean and petty, mistreating Wen Yu in terms of food and necessities.

But she… did have the ability. After a series of manipulations, even a strong and righteous woman like Madam Song treated Wen Yu coldly.

Not to mention others.

Wen Yu had never been properly guided since she was a child and had no idea what to do when faced with problems. She also felt uneasy about being involved in her cousin and cousin-in-law’s marriage. Even when she was wronged and humiliated, she never told her cousin.

In the end… she was harmed by Wei Xiang Yu while seven months pregnant.

She still remembered that bloody, wet fetus…

What terrible sins had she committed to have to endure all that…

Recalling her despair, hatred, pain, and fear back then, she couldn’t help but tremble slightly. She sighed softly, closed her eyes, and told herself: That was the past, a dream.

In this life, she had the ability to change everything!

While Wen Yu was reminiscing, the women in the room had already discussed topics like clothing and jewelry.

“In a few months, I’ll also be going to the capital! A nephew is getting married, and he’s marrying the eldest daughter of Imperial Tutor Jiang. I have to attend the ceremony!”

“Oh? That’s a good marriage, isn’t it?!” Old Madam Wen had something in mind and quickly inquired.

Wei Shi briefly explained the various relationships involved.

Then she said, “Old Madam, my husband has the gift for you. He said he’ll personally deliver it later. He’s keeping it a secret from me and won’t let me see it!”

Everyone chatted playfully.

Wen Yu listened silently, indifferent like an outsider. She turned her head and saw a servant woman standing by the door.

Ordinary looks, neat attire, a simple smile. Judging from her appearance, she was an ordinary servant woman, “Li Rui’s wife.”

In her past life, Wei Shi wanted to harm her unborn child. Actually, after drinking the first dose of medicine, Wen Yu felt something was wrong and refused to drink any more.

It was this woman who pinched her neck and forced the medicine down her throat.

Later, Song Shang personally beat her to death!

Wei Shi had become the center of attention. Every few questions asked, she would answer softly and slowly, feeling quite pleased with herself… Suddenly, she saw the young woman sitting over there.

Her clothes were elegant, her posture dignified, as quiet as a painting.

Her hair was as black as charcoal, and her small face was as white and radiant as fine porcelain.

Her eyelids drooped slightly, her long lashes covering her eyes.

She wore no makeup on her face, even her lips were a natural pale pink.

One must know that not only the girls present, but even Old Madam Wen, and even the maids and servants, would apply some lipstick.

And that girl had a completely bare face!

Plain clothes, simple silver hairpins. The person and the attire complemented each other, and amidst the silk and jewels, she didn’t appear shabby at all. Clean and pure, she completely overshadowed Eldest Aunt’s elegance.

This is… Wei Shi’s heart skipped a beat, and she narrowed her eyes.

“Oh, Aunt.” She pointed her slender finger at Wen Yu. “What a serene beauty, who is she?!”

Have a great weekend! 3,000-word update.