The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 114
Wen Suying had gone to look for her jade pendant, so Wen Suning walked back. On the road, she walked very slowly, originally intending to wait for her. But after a long while without seeing her catch up, she stopped caring.
When she returned to her seat, Madam Wei had already left. The seat beside Wen Shuse had changed to another noble lady, Madam Yu, wife of the Assistant Editorial Secretary.
Wen Shuse had heard the news from Wen Huai and asked Madam Yu, “How is Fourth Young Lady now?”
“Many thanks to Young Madam for still remembering her. She is well.”
Originally, the wedding had been set for last month, but because they encountered the national mourning period, it had been changed to the beginning of spring next year. The husband’s family’s young master had grown up together with the Fourth Young Lady. In earlier years, he had been serving outside by imperial order and had only been transferred back before the New Year. To this day, he has still not married. After hearing that the Fourth Young Lady had divorced, he immediately came to propose. He did not mind that the Fourth Young Lady had been married before or had a child. He had visited the Yu family several times. In words and manner, he was attentive and thoughtful. He seemed to be someone who treated her with true sincerity.
Thinking of how her elder brother’s first case after taking office had been Fourth Young Lady Yu’s, and how it had ended that way, with him nearly shedding tears, Wen Shuse could not help smiling. “If Fourth Young Lady can be happy, my elder brother should be at ease too.”
Speaking of this, Madam Yu sighed. “For a time, she failed to judge a person clearly, and it caused her to suffer bitterly. After returning from Fengcheng, she told me and her father that at that time, she was alone in a strange land with no one to rely on. Only Third Young Master Wen stood on her side. This kindness, she has always remembered in her heart…”
Wen Suning walked in.
Madam Yu’s words were interrupted. Turning back and seeing that it was Wen Suning, her expression became gentle, and she greeted her with a smile. “This must be the Eldest Young Lady Wen?”
Madam Yu had heard from Fourth Young Lady that when the Wen family was in Fengcheng, they had always had a virtuous reputation. Among the households that had gone to the Wen family to discuss marriage a few days ago, there had also been the Yu family.
Madam Yu had originally thought that since there was a fate with the Wen family, they might add kinship to affection. But judging from the matchmaker’s words, it seemed the Wen family’s eldest branch had not been interested.
Although Master Yu’s corruption case had been settled and his innocence proven, even if he returned to his post, he was still only an Assistant Editorial Secretary. Eldest Master Wen, however, was Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works. It was understandable that they might look down on the Yu family.
Though the match was off, goodwill remained. After Madam Yu greeted her courteously, Wen Suning also politely returned the greeting. Naturally, she also recognized Madam Yu. But whether in household status or in the young master’s ability, the Yu family could not compare to the Wei family.
A marriage that had once brushed past her and nearly become real had suddenly flown away, and so it had become a regret, making her even more attached to it. How could she lower her eyes and look beneath that now?
Wen Suning and Wen Suying had gone out together, but now only Wen Suning had returned. Seeing no Third Young Lady, Concubine Xue asked in confusion, “Where is Third Young Lady?”
Wen Suning was puzzled too. She was only picking up a jade pendant; how had she still not returned after so long? She turned her head and was about to look behind when she saw Third Young Lady Wen lift the curtain and walk in. The one who returned was not only the Third Young Lady. Wen Huai had also come.
Neither of their faces looked very good, especially Wen Huai’s. His face was already somewhat dark, and once his expression sank, the bit of fairness he had regained during this period seemed to have been wasted again. But after his body grew sturdier, his entire person had become much more rugged. This dark face, the more one looked at it, the more pleasing it seemed.
Seeing that expression on his face, Wen Shuse did not understand what had happened. Wen Huai, however, already understood clearly in his heart. Wei Yun had merely wanted to take a shortcut to the maple grove in the rear garden and had accidentally reached the rockery. He, Wen Huai, was the true person the Yang family had been waiting for to enter the rockery.
At first, he had heard a servant pass on a message saying the Eldest Young Master had obtained a painting. Because he did not know whether it was authentic and had specially brought it today, he wanted Wen Huai to go to the side room behind the rockery to appraise it. Eldest Young Master had indeed once mentioned this matter to him at Mixian Tower, so he had not suspected it. If not for Third Younger Sister today, he truly would have fallen into the trap.
The Yang family wanted to bind itself to the Xie family through him. He could understand that. But such methods made one look down on them. After all, he had once been an official. Although the days had been short, righteousness still remained. He disdained continuing to circle around with such a family.
He had originally planned to send Third Younger Sister back to the seats, say a word to Wen Shuse, and then leave. Seeing outsiders present, he first suppressed the anger in his heart and bent slightly to nod to them.
“This must be Third Young Master Wen?” Madam Yu had heard Fourth Young Lady mention that Third Young Master Wen of the Wen family was quite good-looking, with only one point: he was a little dark. The person before her was exactly as she had described.
Seeing his puzzled expression, Madam Yu introduced herself. “The Yu family of the Assistant Editorial Secretary. Back in Fengcheng, Young Master’s kindness toward our Fourth Young Lady, our family has not yet had time to thank Third Young Master.”
Wen Huai froze. He had not expected her to be Madam Yu and quickly said, “I am ashamed. It was only my duty. It is not worth mentioning. And I was not able to help much… Please convey my best wishes to the Fourth Lady.”
Madam Yu nodded and also saw that the expressions of the few people did not look right. Something must have happened. She did not stay long and smiled. “Another day, I will have a modest feast prepared. I hope Young Master Wen honors us with your presence.”
“Madam Yu is too courteous.” Wen Huai bowed again.
Once she left, the dark heaviness on Wen Huai’s face also faded somewhat. Before the others could ask, he said to Wen Shuse and Eldest Young Master Wen, “Elder Brother and Sisters, enjoy yourselves. I have matters to attend to, so I will leave first.”
He had only just arrived, and he was leaving?
Before Wen Shuse could react, Wen Huai turned and walked out. The only person who knew what had happened was the Third Young Lady.
—
After Madam Yu returned, she glanced at Young Master Yu and said regretfully, “I saw Eldest Young Lady. She is beautiful, but her gaze is cold and aloof, too proud for our family.”
Young Master Yu smiled. “Marriage depends on fate. Mother need not feel troubled.”
Madam Yu thought of Third Young Master Wen’s expression just now and was certain in her heart that something had happened. For a place like this and the purpose behind it, everyone understood in their hearts. She turned and asked Young Master Yu, “Where is Sixth Young Lady?”
“She went to the rear garden. She should be back soon.”
—
After Wen Huai left the seats, he hurried toward the gate. There was a pile of matters waiting at the restaurant, and he had wasted half a day for nothing…
His steps grew faster and faster. After descending from the arched bridge, he had just turned a corner when he collided head-on with a young lady.
The young lady froze. “Little Brother.”
Wen Huai also recognized her and stopped. “Sixth Young Lady.”
That day, Sixth Young Lady Yu had lost her purse and had no money to pay the bill. She had asked Wen Huai to “advance” the payment for her. She had indeed kept her word, personally coming that evening to return the silver.
But even now, she still did not know his identity. Meeting him here, she was shocked and puzzled. “You… why are you here?”
Wen Huai’s gaze flickered slightly, and he smiled. “My master was invited today, so I followed along.”
He glanced at the red leaves she had picked up in her hand, four or five pieces, as large as a palm, lightly pressed beneath her thumb. He could not tell whether it was the vivid red maple leaves setting off that hand until it looked white as jade, or that slender jade hand making the maple leaves look alive. His heart stirred. He asked softly, “Does Sixth Young Lady like maple leaves?”
Sixth Young Lady looked at the few maple leaves she had casually picked up, then raised her head to glance at the blue sky above. The sunlight was dazzling, and she instinctively lifted her hand to shield her eyes. The maple leaves in her hand fell over her brows and eyes, casting a gauzy red glow over her fair face, gorgeous as a painting.
Wen Huai forgot to move his gaze away.
Sixth Young Lady curved her lips and smiled at him. “White clouds and red leaves drifting at leisure, who would not like them?”
Wen Huai smiled and made way for her.
Only after the Sixth Young Lady passed by him did he lift his foot to leave. He had taken only a few steps when Sixth Young Lady suddenly turned back and called him, “Little Brother.”
Wen Huai turned back.
Most of the Sixth Young Lady’s body was hidden behind the stone pier. Only her head peeked out as she asked, “Does your restaurant still have stir-fried clams?”
Wen Huai smiled. “Yes.”
“In a few days, I would like to go to Mixian Tower. Could Little Brother help me reserve a seat?”
“All right.”
Sixth Young Lady seemed to have more to say. Her gaze lowered, and her face looked a little embarrassed, flushing slightly. Wen Huai was not anxious either. He stood there waiting for her to speak.
After hesitating for a while, Sixth Young Lady asked in a small voice, “Then… will there be a discount the day after tomorrow?”
The day after tomorrow was Mother’s birthday. Mother loved clams, but unfortunately, she herself was short of money, and Father’s salary was also limited…
But clams had always been in short supply. How could they possibly be discounted? Realizing she had spoken out of turn, she hurriedly said, “It is fine even without a discount. Please, Little Brother, be sure to reserve one portion for me.”
“Yes.”
Sixth Young Lady froze, not knowing which question he was answering.
Wen Huai smiled. “There is a discount.”
—
Once Wen Huai left, and after hearing Third Young Lady explain the whole matter, Wen Shuse could no longer stay either. The polo had not yet begun, but she left. Seeing that the situation was not right, how could Concubine Xue still sit there? Even Wen Huai, the eldest brother-in-law of Xie, had been schemed against and nearly fallen into a trap. What about the two young ladies of the Wen family?
With a pale face, she sighed. “Sure enough, there are many bad people outside. Let us go back.”
Wen Suying immediately stood.
Wen Suning did not move.
Having been suppressed by Eldest Madam all these years, it was not only Wen Suying who feared them. Concubine Xue was also somewhat intimidated by this Eldest Young Lady. “Does Eldest Young Lady still wish to stay? If you wish to stay, then… then let us sit a little longer.”
Before she finished speaking, Wen Suning abruptly stood. “Let us go.”
Concubine Xue let out a breath of relief.
Eldest Young Master Wen had gone to the field at this time. Concubine Xue instructed the servant, “Tell Eldest Young Master that I am feeling unwell and will take the two young ladies back first. Let him enjoy himself slowly.”
After giving the instructions, the two young ladies had already left their seats.
Wen Suning glanced at Wen Suying beside her. She truly had not expected that Wen Suying would lie to her, and even less expected that the person the Yang family intended to harm was Third Brother.
If not for Wen Suying’s compassion, Third Brother would probably have fallen into the trap today. Seeing Wen Suying lower her head, not daring to look at her, Wen Suning said, “You saved Third Brother and became a meritorious person. What is there for you to be unable to lift your head about?”
“Eldest Sister…”
“If something happens in the future, just tell me the truth. Do not lie to me again.” With Wen Shuse as a precedent, she increasingly could not tolerate others deceiving her.
“I understand.”
Wen Suying stuck out her tongue behind her back and thought inwardly: if she had told the truth, would Eldest Sister have let her go back?
This trip could be considered wasted.
The Wen family left almost as soon as they arrived, and the news quickly reached other ears. Others did not know what had happened, but Madam Wei’s side knew clearly.
After hearing Wei Yun finish speaking, Madam Wei’s face sank. So angry that she threw the teacup in her hand onto the small table, she scolded, “This family’s way of doing things is becoming more and more crooked. To actually give birth to such filthy thoughts, have they forgotten what happened to the Yuan family?”
Suppressing her anger, she said to Wei Yun, “Call your eldest uncle over. I would like to ask whether he knew about this matter. Whether your grandfather knew.”
There was no need for Wei Yun to go call him. Eldest Young Master came himself.
As soon as he reached the seats, his forehead was covered in sweat. Immediately, he asked Wei Yun, “Where is Wen Huai?”
Wei Yun ignored him.
Eldest Young Master anxiously struck his own hand. “I truly did not know about this matter. Tell me, if that girl really took a liking to him, we could have just found a matchmaker and gone to his door. With this commotion, where is my Yang family supposed to put its face?”
Madam Wei let out a cold laugh. “Hmph. So now you intend to place all the blame on one young girl? Can she bear it? She is also your maternal aunt’s child, your cousin!”
Eldest Young Master nodded again and again. “Aunt is right. I was muddled. How could Cousin possibly do such a filthy thing? It must be the servants by her side. In order to help her climb upward, they came up with this rotten idea…”
Madam Wei closed her eyes, utterly disappointed. She no longer wanted to stay. Rising, she said to Eldest Young Master, “No matter whose idea it was, go tell your mother not to close all paths for the Yang family.”
After getting into the carriage, Madam Wei’s anger still had not faded. She said to Wei Yun, “That eldest uncle of yours has a heart higher than the sky. The military merits and reputation your maternal grandfather fought for on the battlefield will sooner or later be exhausted by his tossing.”
Previously, things had still been all right. Once the late Emperor died and the Yang family failed to obtain the position of Empress Dowager, every one of them went mad.
Though Wei Yun also found it contemptible, he did not speak.
“Fortunately, Third Young Lady Wen stopped it in time. Otherwise, from now on, I would have no face to see Third Young Madam again.”
Madam Wei glanced at him and suddenly asked, “Did you see Eldest Young Lady?”