A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 75

Chapter 75: There Are Always Accidents

Wen Yu was so frightened that she cried out “Ah!”, her hairs standing on end.

Turning her head to look…… 

Wei Shi? 

She saw Wei Shi, dressed in a purple wide-sleeved shirt and a gray underskirt, a very proper noblewoman. But her eyes flashed with a fierce light, tightly gripping Wen Yu’s arm.  

“Surprised?!” Her tone was frivolous.  

Wen Yu was so scared that she almost peed her pants. She was immediately annoyed. She fiercely flung her arm, shaking off Wei Shi’s hand. Wei Shi’s long nails ached from the force. “If you have something to say, say it. What’s with the grabbing?” 

“It’s broad daylight, and we’re in a temple. What are you afraid of? Did you do something wrong again?!” Wei Shi looked at her, wishing she could tear her apart.  

She had been sent back to her parents’ home by her husband.  

She didn’t know what he had said to her brothers, but their faces were grim, though they said nothing.  

Her sisters-in-law were even more indifferent, insinuating that she didn’t know how good she had it, that the Song family was ungrateful…and even blaming her for causing trouble for the family and making things difficult for their children.  

Wei Shi was so angry: they didn’t even consider how many benefits they had reaped from her marriage to the Song family!

Only her mother genuinely worried for her. Afraid of people gossiping about her staying at her parents’ home, she pretended to be ill, claiming Wei Shi had returned to care for her.  

Her mother didn’t even come to this Dharma assembly.  

She came with her sisters-in-law, hoping to find an opportunity to apologize to her mother-in-law and ask her to persuade Song Shang. Song Shang would definitely listen to his mother!

As a result, Madam Song was very gentle with her, expressing her understanding and advising her not to worry. She also promised to persuade her son. However, Wei Shi felt that her mother-in-law was just politely being noncommittal, her attitude completely different from before.  

The matter remained unresolved, and her heart was burning with anxiety. But she never expected to see this bitch here!

Their masks had long been torn off, so Wen Yu didn’t bother being polite to her anymore. “This is a sacred Buddhist ground, bathed in Buddha’s light. Anyone standing here would reflect on their own wrongdoings. The Buddha keeps a record of everything! Good deeds are rewarded, evil deeds are punished. Everyone will face their reckoning.” 

Wei Shi suddenly felt a pang of guilt. She couldn’t help but think of the Ruyi that her husband had mentioned.  

Actually, there was another one. Her husband had so many affairs that he probably didn’t notice. There was a girl named Lianxiang. Before she married in, Lianxiang was the one who made her husband’s underwear and socks.  

After their marriage, she naturally found the girl an eyesore and casually arranged a marriage for her.  

She didn’t know that the girl had a fiancé.  

Lianxiang came to her to explain, but at that time, she was particularly annoyed with the girl and didn’t listen at all. She had people drag Lianxiang away, and as a result, the girl actually committed suicide… 

While she was lost in thought, she heard Wen Yu ask, “Eh? Cousin-in-law, you, aren’t you back at your parents’ home?” 

“…” How dare she bring it up?! 

Wei Shi immediately shook off her previous guilt. “Ha, I am the Song family’s daughter-in-law. Even if some lowly bitch tries to sow discord, how could my mother-in-law and husband truly hold it against me? I am Song Shang’s principal wife, carried in by an eight-bearer sedan chair. If anyone wants to dispose of me, they’ll have to see if the Wei family agrees!” 

“Cousin-in-law is mighty!” Wen Yu praised insincerely, then asked, “Eh, why didn’t Fifth Cousin come with you to worship Buddha?” 

“He has his own things to do! Are you still looking for him? Hehe, do you want me to carry you…” 

At this moment, someone passed by and noticed something seemed amiss between them.  

“Wei Xiangyu!” Wen Yu addressed her directly by name, “I think you only have a superficial air of intelligence. You dress so impeccably, yet you can never escape the confines of worldly concerns. You always rely on your husband and your family for your position and glory. If it were me…no matter who my husband is, if I tell him to go east, he wouldn’t dare go west!” 

“How dare you say such shameless things?!” 

“Cousin-in-law, we’ve known each other for several years, and I can’t bear to see you in such a predicament. Allow me to relay to you some of the gossip and advice people have about you? Instead of dressing so extravagantly and guarding against other women both inside and outside the home, it’s better to give birth to a son yourself… 

They say that’s the right path! Even if you’re capable enough to ensure that even the mosquitoes biting your cousin aren’t female, if you don’t have a son, everything is in vain. Oh dear, I’m just a young girl. I don’t even know if they’re right!” 

After speaking, she lifted her chin and flicked her sleeve, perfectly mimicking Wei Shi’s usual mannerisms. “You better worship Buddha properly and offer more incense oil, okay?!” 

People actually said that about her? Wei Shi stood there, stunned… 

Wen Yu went straight to the largest hall in the temple. The floor was covered with cushions, and it was filled with women listening to scriptures.  

She entered quietly and sat down near the entrance.  

She wanted to see if Madam Qi was there, her eyes scanning the crowd, but still, she was nowhere to be found… 

She had no choice but to pretend to listen attentively. The monk’s chanting was long and drawn out…After listening for a while, her restless heart finally calmed down.  

She never expected to encounter something like this.  

That maid, did he silence her? 

Fortunately, she was quick-witted and lucky. Otherwise, her life would have been over today. 

After a while, the chanting ended. Everyone stood up, and those in the aisle moved to the sides to make way. The noblewomen at the front prepared to leave.

✿✿✿ 

Leading the way was Princess Wu.  

Wen Yu had met her two years ago.  

Princess Wu had a round face with smooth, radiant skin. Her eyebrows were meticulously shaped, and her eyes were peaceful, like apricot kernels.  

In terms of appearance, she wasn’t particularly striking, and her temperament wasn’t unique.  

However, she possessed an innate aura of nobility, undeniable and absolute.  

She was dressed appropriately, her movements slow and dignified. She moved slowly towards the exit, nodding to the women who bowed to her, occasionally exchanging a few words.  

Reaching the middle of the hall, Princess Wu’s voice grew louder. “Heavenly Dragon Temple’s millennial anniversary, this event is truly grand. People have come from many provinces, even from the capital. We, as locals, must do our best to fulfill our duties as hosts.” 

“Indeed, indeed! I heard that Prince Wu has prepared numerous activities.” 

“The Emperor has even dispatched officials from the Ministry of Rites to participate!” 

“This is the biggest event in our region!” 

Wen Yu stood by the door, hidden in the crowd, thinking about the Prince Wu she had just seen, feeling a little nervous.  

The Princess greeted people as she approached, but her eyes fell on Wen Yu, and she stopped.  

Several people nearby hurriedly bowed to the Princess. “Greetings, Your Highness!” 

“Oh, Hengyi, look at this girl. She’s quite pretty!” Princess Wu said to a lady beside her.  

The lady quickly parted the crowd and pulled Wen Yu to the front. “Oh! Your Highness has such sharp eyes, discovering a treasure hidden in the back. She’s such a lovely young girl! Whose daughter are you?” 

Wen Yu was surprised to be discovered even while hiding at the back. “Greetings, Your Highness, ladies.” She bowed first. “In reply to your question, I am Wen Yu, from the Wen family of Jiangzhou. My father is Wen Qian, the newly appointed Vice Minister of Revenue.” 

She appeared composed and graceful, the image of a well-bred young lady from a good family.  

“Hmm, the Wen family?! I’ve heard of them. A good family, a good girl!” Princess Wu smiled gently and exited.  

This comment was quite favorable.  

This scene happened to be witnessed by Old Madam Wen from the side. After most of the crowd had dispersed, she approached Wen Yu and nodded. “Your responses before Her Highness were quite appropriate.” 

Wen Yu bowed. “It’s all thanks to Grandmother’s guidance.” 

After leaving, Princess Wu whispered to someone beside her, “Send an invitation to the Wen family.” 

The lady nodded in agreement. She knew the Princess was looking for a suitable candidate for a consort for her eldest son.  

The Princess had given birth to three daughters before finally having a son with Prince Wu. Although there were illegitimate sons, the Princess’s legitimate son’s position as the heir apparent was unshakable.  

Having just reached marriageable age, his principal wife had been chosen by the Prince and approved by the Emperor.  

She would arrive in the capital in half a year and their wedding would be held early next year.  

The Princess had met the girl before. Her family background was indeed excellent, but her appearance was extremely ordinary.  

Princess Wu felt sorry for her son and was probably looking for some stunning beauties to compensate.  

✿✿✿ 

Wei Shi walked listlessly to a secluded spot. She thought about those people who had showered her with admiration and compliments in her presence but secretly gossiped about and belittled her.  

Indeed, no matter how much she dressed up like a celestial fairy, she was ultimately a joke.  

Unable to bear it any longer, she started to weep miserably.  

“Is that Xiangyu inside?!” A man passed by and happened to see her.