A Beautiful Duchess with a Dark Heart – Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Zanquan Mountain Estate was located halfway up Yunmeng Mountain.

To get up there, you first had to cross the mountain ridge in front.

The Qi family had specially repaired the road for this return trip. Although it was a bit steep when crossing the mountain ridge, it was not difficult to walk. Fourth Master Qi had arranged people at the foot of the mountain to guide the guests up the mountain.

Walking up the mountain road, everyone opened the carriage curtains and swayed along the beautiful scenery until they reached the gatehouse of the Qi family.

A female steward was already waiting, smiling and greeting them.

“Old Madam Wen, I am Steward Wang. Madam sent me to serve you and the young ladies.”

“Oh, Steward Wang! We’ll have to trouble you. Your Madam is truly thoughtful.”

“This is what I should do. I’m just afraid you’re not used to walking the mountain road! The courtyard arranged for you is very close. Please follow me!”

After entering the gatehouse, there was a long stretch of bluestone paved road.

“This mountain estate is truly prosperous.” Old Madam Wen praised sincerely.

There were restaurants and shops on both sides, clean and tidy. There were not too many or too few people, it was quite artistic.

Steward Wang introduced as they walked: “Wealthy families built courtyards here to escape the summer heat and come for hot springs in the winter.”

“There is morning mist every day, the nearby mountains and distant waters are half hidden, extremely beautiful.”

“The mist disperses at sunrise, you can see it if you go further up.”

“The Qi family has a hot spring villa that is open to the public. The fees are not low, but if you want to come, you have to queue up!”

Old Madam Wen couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, this kind of heritage was something the Wen family could only dream of.

Steward Wang added: “It’s cold in the mountains in the morning and evening! Old Madam and the young ladies are precious, you need to dress more warmly. Especially cloaks, those are essential.”

“It really is cooler than our place. Before, I did ask the young ladies to prepare thick clothes.”

Wen Yu looked at the prosperous Zanquan Mountain Estate and Yan Zhu with her eyes shining, but she was thinking: Even if Father got promoted, the Wen family still wouldn’t be qualified to be the Qi family’s honored guest!

Madam Qi invited the Wen family, nothing more than wanting to take this opportunity to thank herself for saving Yuanyuan.

The marriage of the two young masters hasn’t been announced yet, maybe she also intends to look for a match among the guests this time…

Sigh, there are many things I can’t control!

Not long after, they arrived at the courtyard where the Wen family would be staying.

Wen Yu didn’t need anyone to help her, she jumped out of the carriage herself and looked around… The small town under the sun had exquisite buildings, quiet and peaceful.

As she was looking around, she suddenly saw a figure flash behind the huge rock opposite, engraved with “Zanquan Mountain Estate”.

When she looked carefully again, there was no one there.

“Ah Yu, come quickly.” Yan Zhu called out softly.

The courtyard where the Wen family stayed faced the street in front and the mountain at the back.

Through the courtyard gate, she could see a two-story building inside.

Wen Jiao cheered, ignoring everything else, she stepped into the courtyard and then rushed towards the second floor. She wanted to choose the best room.

“My Madam said that you have had a long journey, please rest for a while. The evening banquet is arranged at the Falling Plum Pavilion. We’ll go a little early, the guests can chat for a while, I will accompany Old Madam there. If there’s anything missing in the rooms, just send someone to tell me.”

“Such thoughtful arrangements!” Old Madam Wen was truly flattered. They were neither relatives nor friends, this kind of hospitality was truly an honor for the Wen family. Her eldest son’s promotion really did bring many benefits…

Wu Shi followed behind Old Madam, also looking around. Her gaze swept over Yan Zhu who was standing beside Wen Yu and she suddenly froze.

Wen Yu had her own carriage and without Old Madam’s consent, she brought Yan Zhu, Xiao Ji, and Xiang Shu.

“Who is that?” Wu Shi hurriedly asked the maid in a low voice.

The maid knew: “Madam, that’s the maid called Hong Dou beside Eldest Miss… I heard she changed her name recently…”

Wu Shi rolled her eyes, “I think I remember, Wen Yu said there was a maid beside her who was no longer a slave, is it her?”

“It should be her…”

Wu Shi narrowed her eyes, a fierce light flashing within, “If she’s not a slave, how can she still stay by Wen Yu’s side? Remind me, when we go back, drive her out.” She broke out in a cold sweat, such beauty, her husband actually hadn’t noticed…

She had no more thoughts for anything else, her eyes constantly sizing up Yan Zhu.

✿✿✿

Hidden behind the huge rock were Qi Si and Qi Wu.

After the Wen family went inside, Qi Si laughed and said: “Which one is Eldest Miss Wen? Just now, two stunning beauties got off the carriage! Which one is it, tell me quickly!”

Qi Wu’s face turned even paler, he had been dragged there by his fourth brother, half pulled and half carried.

Straightening his clothes that had been messed up by Qi Si, he lost his temper: “We were almost seen! What were you thinking?! Does it matter if she’s good-looking or not? What stunning beauty, she’s just a little bit better than… others.”

“Tsk, just a little bit? Your taste is truly terrible… Tell me which one it is and I’ll let you go!”

Qi Wu pursed his lips and didn’t speak.

Qi Si winked: “The tall one or the short one? One like spring orchids, one like summer flowers, tsk tsk tsk, with either one, Fifth Brother, you would have immense good fortune!”

“Is it polite for you to comment on others like that?” Qi Wu glared at Qi Si hatefully.

“You tell me and I’ll stop commenting! Hurry up, hurry up…” Qi Si acted shamelessly.

✿✿✿

“Hmph!”

That big cloak covered her body, revealing only a head of beautiful hair and a small, snow-white face.

She really wasn’t bad looking…

But, she jumped when she got off the carriage!

He couldn’t help but think of his delicate and fragile cousin Lian Yue, who needed maids to help her even when walking.

But she, walked lightly and quickly… The cloak fluttered, like a butterfly…

Hmph.

Although she looked… passable…

But, she wasn’t gentle! On the street, she dared to save Yuanyuan from the hands of bandits! How courageous she must be!?

“Which one is it?! ” Qi Si was so anxious he paced around.

“The tall one!” Qi Wu said impatiently.

“Ah, Fifth Brother, Eldest Miss Wen’s height is considered tall among women. A perfect match for you!” Qi Si felt he was much more imposing than his Fifth Brother, but unfortunately not as tall, which was a great pity…

“What perfect match! As long as she makes Mother happy, it’s fine!” Qi Wu mumbled.

“Hehehehehe…” Qi Si looked at him, laughing until he bent over.

✿✿✿

Wen Jiao wandered around the second floor for a long time and chose the best room, Old Madam and Wu Shi chose rooms on the first floor.

There were many rooms, the Wen family couldn’t fill them all. Wen Yu chose the furthest one, which had a view of the mountain at the back.

Although she brought Yan Zhu, she didn’t ask for an extra room, planning to share a bed with Yan Zhu.

The journey was indeed tiring, after the bed was made, neither of them went out, they just lay down.

Wen Jiao was full of energy and wanted to take her maid out to play, but Wu Shi saw her, “Jiao Jiao, don’t go out!”

Wen Jiao was unhappy.

“We have to meet Madam Qi in the evening, and after we enter the capital, if you can frequent the Qi family, it will be immensely beneficial. So, save your energy, dress up well, and make a good impression on Madam Qi.”

After hearing this, Wen Jiao thought her mother made sense and decided to go back to her room.

However, she saw Wen Su coming downstairs, also with her maid. She had seen a vendor selling mutton soup outside while in the carriage and planned to have a bowl.

Wu Shi stopped her and repeated what she had just said.

Wen Su disagreed: “Mother, it’s better to let things happen naturally, pushing too hard won’t make a sale!”

“What nonsense are you talking about?!” Wu Shi was so angry, she really disliked this daughter, her words were never pleasant.

As a result, Wen Jiao went back to sleep and Wen Su went out to have soup.

…………

In the evening, before the sun had set, the Wen family dressed up and came out.

Wu Shi saw that Wen Yu had actually brought Yan Zhu, and Yan Zhu was dressed neatly, looking even more beautiful.

Her anger suddenly erupted: “Wen Yu, is she going to the banquet with us?!”

Yan Zhu was originally cheerful, but seeing Wu Shi like this, she knew it was inappropriate and wanted to step back.

Wen Yu gently pulled her, “Second Aunt, I’m just taking her over there to have a look, she won’t be eating with us.”

“You should at least act like a proper young lady, letting the elders in the family talk about you outside, do you still want any face?!”

Old Madam Wen came out, in a good mood, but she heard Wu Shi’s harsh words, this situation was really rare, she felt puzzled and looked at Yan Zhu.

Oh my, this is…

Nurse Song beside her whispered, “Old Madam, this is Hong Dou from Eldest Miss’s room, I heard she’s now called Yan Zhu. Eldest Miss said she’s the companion First Madam found for her, not a maid.”

“Not a maid?”

“Yes, I’ve asked the people around Second Madam, there’s indeed no contract of service for her. When First Madam first entered the household, there was a pregnant woman by her side. Later, First Madam… and that woman also passed away not long after.”

Mentioning the past, Old Madam Wen’s heart sank. Seeing Steward Wang approaching with a smile, she said: “Alright, stop talking. Let’s go over first.”

Wu Shi was stopped by her mother-in-law, feeling even more annoyed. She glared at Wen Yu fiercely… and turned away.

Wen Jiao glared at Wen Yu discontentedly.

Wen Wan was gloating, smiling with her lips pursed.

Wen Su rolled her eyes: “So what if she goes? Yan Zhu isn’t ugly!

What’s the big deal!