A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 83

Chapter 83

The next morning was the official day of the Heavenly Dragon Temple Dharma Assembly.

Old Madam Wen had been very busy recently and hadn’t had time to lecture her granddaughters.

On a day like this, she had to give them some instructions early in the morning. They should eat something filling, but drink less, so as not to inconvenience themselves later. As for clothing…

Old Madam looked at her granddaughters, and at first glance, she only saw Wen Yu…

She was wearing a short green jacket and a matching pleated skirt, with a white silk high-collared shirt underneath. She held a thin linen shawl in her left hand, and a small folding fan and a green gauze face veil in her right.

Her beautiful hair was tied up in a bun on top of her head, with a set of French enamel hairpins around it, which seemed to be something left by Chen Shi. Her hair was tied tightly and wouldn’t easily come loose…

She wore shoes with straps tied directly to her ankles…

From head to toe, she was well-covered and practical, yet still exuded a sense of romantic charm.

Who did she learn this from?! Old Madam felt a slight sinking in her heart.

She then looked at Wen Jiao, who was dressed appropriately, but her shoes…

“Jiao’er, there will be many people today, you should wear a pair of shoes that stay on your feet, so they don’t get stepped on.”

Wen Jiao had finally managed to put together her outfit, and after secretly comparing herself, she believed she looked much more impressive than Wen Yu… so she was reluctant to change. “Grandmother, my shoes stay on my feet just fine, don’t worry!”

Old Madam had other things on her mind and didn’t pursue it further. “All of you be careful. There will be many people today, including dignitaries, don’t cause any trouble!”

The streets were bustling with activity, but everything was orderly.

The carriages couldn’t go past a certain distance from Heavenly Dragon Temple, so the Wen family got off and walked the rest of the way. Each family knew their designated location in advance, and upon arrival, they headed straight for it.

Today’s arrangement was basically based on status and influence. Those with higher positions were closest to the main hall, and the others were arranged outwards accordingly.

Ordinary commoners had to wait outside the temple gates.

They would only be allowed in after the important rituals were completed.

The monks, dressed in their finest robes, lined up in neat rows.

They were all clean, radiant, and full of energy.

Abbot Xingkong, the head monk, put on an air of profound and unfathomable enlightenment. The attending monks scurried back and forth, busy with various tasks.

The Song family must have donated a considerable amount of incense, as their position was quite close to the front, just outside the main hall, even better than the Wen family’s position!

Wen Yu craned her neck to look and vaguely saw Madam Song and Song Shang, but not Wei Shi… Huh, why didn’t she take this opportunity to get close to them today?

As she was watching, Madam Qi entered. When she passed by the Wen family, she glanced at Wen Yu with an expressionless face but a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Wen Yu wondered again, where was he? Why was he nowhere to be seen all day?

Prince Wu’s procession arrived, and the monks, along with the notable officials present, went to greet him.

On a day like this, there was no need for grand formalities, just standing respectfully on both sides.

The procession was impressive, with over a hundred people entering the temple grounds.

Prince Wu walked under a canopy, with a cinnabar mole between his eyebrows, dressed in his prince’s attire, striding slowly with an extraordinary aura.

Beside him was the middle-aged Princess Wu, with thin eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and delicate skin. Also dressed in her formal attire, she followed behind Prince Wu, every step measured and graceful, her posture dignified.

Behind them followed two scholars, and then officials.

The last group was led by a young man of seventeen or eighteen, of average height, with a ruddy, round face and a constant smile. His appearance was unremarkable. He wore a brocade robe and a silver crown, holding a fan in front of him with one hand and the other behind his back, exuding confidence and flamboyance.

Behind him followed a dozen teenagers, including the grandson of the Song garrison commander, who seemed to be a social butterfly, with a cheerful smile on his face and a relaxed demeanor.

At the very end of the crowd was unexpectedly Qi Wu…

Shortly after his appearance, a few gasps of surprise from young women could be heard from the surrounding crowd, but they were quickly suppressed.

Wen Yu thought excitedly: Ha, they must have been stunned by the sight of this Fifth Young Master Qi.

Truly, “Like jade among mortals, a peerless young lord.”

Sigh, in the end, who knows who will be the lucky one.

She watched as he walked past with an indifferent expression, his gaze straight ahead, his demeanor aloof. He carried himself with such swagger, even more so than Prince Wu’s heir apparent…

Sigh, she sighed again.

Although she had made active efforts to cultivate a good relationship with Madam Qi, it was merely a desperate attempt, hoping against hope. There was no other way, the gap between the two families was too great.

Even though she was considered good-looking, there were plenty of beautiful women out there! Moreover, for families like theirs, marriage wasn’t based on looks!

That Princess Wu was quite ordinary-looking.

“Behind every great man, there is a mediocre wife”… That’s what they say!

Besides, with Qi Wulang’s looks, why would he care about a woman’s appearance?!

Amitabha… Wen Yu pressed her palms together and bowed towards the main hall, but she didn’t even know what she was praying for…

After Prince Wu and his entourage entered the hall, a while later, the bells and chimes rang, the drums boomed, and the auspicious time had arrived.

The monks began to chant scriptures in unison, and huge incense sticks were lit. For a time, smoke billowed up from Heavenly Dragon Temple.

Everyone in the courtyard knelt down, bowed their heads, and chanted along with the monks.

Wen Yu wasn’t that devout. Her big eyes darted around, but she couldn’t see anything.

The process was quite elaborate, with each step meticulously carried out.

✿✿✿

Finally, the abbot and several senior monks entered the hall, along with Prince Wu, to unveil the red velvet cloth covering the giant Buddha statue.

The golden Buddha was revealed, shining solemnly and majestically under the light of the candles inside.

After a long while, it was finally over.

Everyone stood up, their legs and backs aching.

It was quite lively at this point. Although no one was speaking loudly, the sheer number of people created a bustling atmosphere.

Evidently, Prince Wu was no longer in the main hall, and everyone could go and burn incense.

At this time, the Wen and Song families were squeezed together as they headed towards the main hall.

As expected, Wen Jiao’s shoe got stepped on… It was a chaotic scene, and her face flushed bright red.

However, this wasn’t uncommon, so no one laughed at her.

In short, after a flurry of activity, everyone finished their business and returned home exhausted.

As soon as they arrived home, Old Madam Wen received an invitation. Prince Wu was hosting a luncheon at “Orange Garden,” his villa, the next day, and the Wen family was invited to attend.

Old Madam Wen held the invitation with both hands, her mouth stretched into a wide grin, and before she could finish smiling…

An invitation from the Qi family arrived!

The messenger said that Madam Qi was afraid the family would head back home after the ceremony, so she sent the invitation in advance.

Then, upon hearing that Old Madam Wen was going to Orange Garden for the luncheon, the messenger smiled and said that their madam would also be attending.

Afterwards, Old Madam Wen held the two invitations, looking at them alternately, sighing: The Wen family was indeed climbing step by step, ascending the ladder of high society!

She hurriedly summoned Wen Feng, showed him the invitations, and discussed the details.

Wen Feng was naturally delighted. He only held a minor official title, with no real power or financial benefits.

This time, if they could get close to Prince Wu and the Qi family, there would be countless unexpected advantages.

After talking for a while, Old Madam finally remembered to recount the incident where Princess Wu had specifically spoken to Wen Yu.

Wen Feng had been dreaming of using the girls in the family to climb up to Prince Wu’s residence, and upon hearing this, he was overjoyed.

“Mother, is this true? If it could happen, it would be wonderful!”

But Old Madam hesitated, saying: “It’s not necessarily a good thing. You know the whole story. That girl Wen Yu, she used to be inconspicuous, but now she’s a shrewd one. If she harbors any resentment in her heart… If she has a good day, not only will we not benefit, but we might even invite trouble!”

“Mother, you’re being silly!”

“What are you saying?!” Old Madam glared at him.

Wen Feng smiled sheepishly, pressing his palms together. “Please forgive me, Mother. What I mean is, for women in this world, although marrying well is paramount, which of those who married well doesn’t rely on their maternal family for support? Not to mention others, just look at Princess Wu. You saw her today, how does she look? Barely average.

But her father and brothers are all high-ranking officials in the court, holding real power to support her. So, even though her legitimate son has several elder half-brothers born to concubines, the position of heir apparent can’t escape him!

Wen Yu, let’s not even talk about marrying into such a family, even if she were to marry into the small and insignificant families you had in mind before, she would still need her father and me, her uncle, to support her. If she were to suffer any grievances in her husband’s family, who would stand up for her? Wouldn’t it be us?! She can’t possibly not understand this? As long as we’re alive and well, her husband’s family has to treat her with care!”

Hearing this, Old Madam agreed: “Ah, all those years, I was caught up with your father, so I neglected that girl. Now it seems like such a pity! I should have nurtured her earlier!”

“Don’t worry, Mother! To be honest, we’re just using her as a stepping stone. We can’t expect her to be useful forever! I didn’t agree with your previous approach. As the saying goes, ‘make the most of everything’! All the Wen girls, including Wen Jiao, should bring honor to the Wen family!” Wen Feng declared with an air of entitlement.

Old Madam nodded in agreement, but then said: “…Although what you say makes sense, she can’t escape my control! If she gets out of hand, and the Wen family can’t leverage her, I’d rather she fail!”

“Of course, who would do pointless work?” Wen Feng crossed his legs.

“Hmm… I’ll observe for a while longer!”

“Hehe, Mother, we’re surrounded by good fortune. I don’t know how the Qi family is in the capital, but locally, the hot springs at their Zanquan Mountain Estate are fantastic! They have quite a few properties. And their mines are something our family can’t compare to!”

“I know, I know. If we can establish a good relationship with Madam Qi here, once we enter the capital, it will open doors for us immediately! Amitabha, thanks to the blessings of Heavenly Dragon Temple!”

The two of them discussed in detail, and Old Madam then sent word to the girls to prepare their outfits for tomorrow, as she would inspect them.

The other girls were busy getting ready.

Qing He also found her clothes, planning to iron them after the other girls were done.

Xiao Ji was quite clumsy in this regard and felt a little uneasy. “Sigh, if only Zhu Zhu were here. She’s so good at this!”

Wen Yu chuckled. “Your mistress is just going to observe, she doesn’t want to stand out in front of others. Just make sure it’s presentable.” She was feeling a little disheartened…

Qing He said: “Our mistress’s talent is such that she outshines everyone even without dressing up.”

Xiao Ji nodded vigorously. “Of course.”

At this moment, Wen Yu smugly agreed!

Little did she know that at Orange Garden, she would encounter the most beautiful woman she had ever seen in her life.

3,000 words update.