After teaching Xu Yuejia how to play "Kitten Fishing" for four consecutive nights, Wen Ye finally managed to send him back to his study.
No one would have guessed that Xu Yuejia, who stayed in the western courtyard every night, was merely playing cards with her under the quilt, nothing more.
Wen Ye stretched out her limbs, lying on the bed in a "big" shape, sighing softly.
She couldn't blame herself for being harsh to such a beauty; it was simply that she wasn't used to sharing a bed with someone else.
Wen Ye had a peculiar habit: when sleeping alone, she could roll from the head of the bed to the foot, but as soon as someone else joined her, she would unconsciously restrain herself, occupying only the small space she had before falling asleep. By the next morning, she would feel as if some unknown spirit had drained her energy during the night.
Being a light sleeper, this made her even more sleep-deprived.
Remembering that she had to wake up early this morning, Wen Ye didn't stay up late reading novels last night and blew out the candle at the beginning of the hour of Hai (around 9 PM).
When she woke up at the hour of Mao (around 5 AM), Wen Ye lingered in bed for almost half an hour before reluctantly sitting up.
Yun Zhi had been waiting outside for quite some time. When she noticed movement behind the bed curtains, she approached and lifted them, saying, "Madam, you're accompanying Madam Lu to Changnan Marquis Mansion for a banquet today."
Wen Ye nodded and replied, "I haven't forgotten."
Over the past few days, Madam Lu had briefed her on the general situation of Changnan Marquis Mansion. Xu Yuejia's father had a younger sister who married into the Jiang Family. At that time, the Jiang Family's patriarch was still alive, but they had no noble title, only holding a fourth-rank position in the court. Xu Yuejia's aunt had married the second son of the Jiang Family.
Xu Yuejia's grandfather had chosen the Jiang Family's second son for his character and integrity, and because his younger daughter had a gentler personality compared to her elder sister. Thus, he selected the Jiang Family, which, though not of high status, had promising descendants.
Time proved Xu Yuejia's grandfather right. After the second son of the Jiang Family abandoned scholarly pursuits for the military, he distinguished himself in several key battles, eventually earning the title of Changnan Marquis through decades of service.
Today, Wen Ye and Madam Lu were attending the full-month banquet of this aunt's eldest grandson.
Since both the Xu and Jiang families had risen through military achievements, they shared many common views in court matters. Thus, despite the passing of Xu Family's elders, the relationship between the two families remained close.
Therefore, apart from Xu Yuejia, who was occupied with official duties, Duke Xu would also attend.
They decided not to bring any children, as the day's star was a child, and Madam Lu was concerned that bringing the children might cause a disturbance.
Thus, Madam Lu left Nanny Xian behind to look after the children, taking only Qingxue and Bai Mei with her.
After a simple breakfast, Wen Ye, accompanied by Yun Zhi and Tao Zhi, brought the prepared gifts for the full-month celebration and headed to the main courtyard.
By the time they left the main courtyard, it was already two quarters of an hour later.
Madam Lu, worried that Wen Ye might not remember everything, pulled her into her own sedan chair before setting off.
As a result, Duke Xu had no choice but to ride a horse.
Changnan Marquis Mansion was just two streets away from the Duke's residence, so the journey wasn't long.
Madam Lu barely spoke a few words during the ride before the sedan chair came to a stop.
Before stepping out, Madam Lu asked one last time, "Do you remember everything?"
Wen Ye smiled and nodded. "I've memorized everything you told me, Sister-in-law."
Wen Ye understood that Madam Lu was looking out for her. Today wasn't just about attending a banquet; it was also her first public appearance since her marriage.
It was about her future reputation among the noble ladies' circles.
It must be said that the ancient people's ability to gossip and spread rumors was no less impressive than in the modern era of rapid information dissemination.
If anything happened to Wen Ye at the full-month banquet of Changnan Marquis's eldest grandson, even if it wasn't embarrassing, it would undoubtedly spread throughout the upper circles of the capital by the next day.
Madam Lu and Wen Ye arrived relatively early. The Changnan Marquis and his wife, Xu Yuejia's uncle and aunt, came out to greet them.
Time had been kind to the beauty. The Xu Family's genes were excellent, and the now-grandmotherly Marchioness of Changnan had gentle features. Even dressed in dark-colored robes, she didn't look the least bit old.
Duke Xu was led into the front courtyard by the Changnan Marquis.
Aunt Xu smiled at Madam Lu and said, "We've been looking forward to your arrival."
Then her gaze shifted to Wen Ye beside her, her gentle eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny. "This must be Ye'er. Truly lovely and charming."
Wen Ye curtsied and greeted Aunt Xu in the manner Madam Lu had taught her, saying, "Your niece-in-law greets Aunt."
Her every gesture was impeccable, her voice soft and obedient, yet with a touch of dignified composure.
In truth, Aunt Xu had only seen Wen Ye once before, at Xu Yuejia's wedding, and even then, it was through a red veil, leaving only a vague impression of her face.
Aunt Xu knew little about Wen Ye, the Wen Family's daughter. When her nephew's marriage to her was finalized, she had been momentarily surprised and even returned to the Duke's residence to inquire about the situation.
Madam Lu had only told her that Wen Ye was her nephew's own choice.
She hadn't said much else.
Thus, Aunt Xu was quite curious about Wen Ye. She knew her second nephew to some extent; he was a cold and indifferent man. Even her own son sometimes remarked that his cousin was too rigid and impartial in official matters.
/
And so, under Aunt Xu's frequent scrutiny, Wen Ye calmly entered Changnan Marquis Mansion.
Aunt Xu had two sons and two daughters in her lifetime.
Her eldest son, Jiang Duo, was twenty-one. He had passed the provincial examination last year, gotten married, and now had a son born this year.
Her second son, Jiang Rui, had just turned fifteen and was still studying at Pine Mountain Academy in Orchid City. He would return home in half a month when the academy went on break.
Her eldest daughter had unfortunately passed away in childhood, while her youngest daughter was only three years older than Madam Lu's eldest son.
Because of the loss of her eldest daughter, Aunt Xu doted on her youngest child.
Both of Aunt Xu's sons had pursued scholarly paths, which left the Changnan Marquis with some lingering regret.
Aunt Xu led Madam Lu and Wen Ye to the main courtyard, where all the attending ladies were gathered.
When they arrived, the courtyard was already filled with people, mostly relatives of the Jiang Family and the family of Aunt Xu's eldest son's wife.
Madam Lu knew most of them. Although she was of a younger generation, her rank was the highest present, so many of the ladies greeted her warmly.
However, towards Wen Ye, who held no official title and had no reputation for virtue, their attitude was much cooler.
Firstly, because her family background was modest, and it was said that she had been previously engaged. Yet, she had somehow managed to marry into the Duke's residence.
If it had been someone from a more prominent family, people might not have been so envious, but it was Wen Ye—a mere daughter of a third-rank official's concubine, far removed from the political center.
Such situations inevitably invited comparisons. If even a concubine's daughter could achieve this, those from families above the Wen Family couldn't help but harbor expectations.
And Wen Ye naturally became the biggest obstacle to those expectations.
However, no one made their feelings too obvious, as Madam Lu was still present.
Wen Ye sensed the disparity in their attitudes, but she had long since learned to find joy in her own way. In fact, this situation was exactly what she hoped for.
After all, who would want to be the constant center of attention when all they desired was to live a carefree life?
Wen Ye only needed to nod, smile, and greet people when Madam Lu introduced her, ensuring no one could find fault with her.
However, there were always those who lacked tact and enjoyed venting their frustrations at someone else's banquet.
After Wen Ye had finished greeting the elders present, a lady with a rather harsh expression sitting near the upper seat spoke up in a shrill voice, "I was initially puzzled as to why the Xu Family's nephew married a concubine's daughter. But after seeing you today, I finally understand the reason."
Her tone and expression all but spelled out the words "seductress" and "temptress" on Wen Ye's face.
Yet, objectively speaking, Wen Ye's appearance was far from that of a seductress.
The other ladies' gazes turned to Wen Ye, some with pity, others with concealed disdain, gleefully watching the drama unfold.
The pity was because being targeted by that lady would likely cost Wen Ye dearly before she could extricate herself.
Aunt Xu's face instantly turned cold. Her usually gentle demeanor now became stern as she shot a sharp glance at the harsh-faced lady and said, "Today is Brother Cheng's full-month banquet. As a sister-in-law, I hope you can watch your words!"
Lady Li, the wife of the Jiang Family's eldest son, showed no signs of restraint. She sneered and retorted, "Yes, now that you're the Marchioness, you look down on us poor relatives. I didn't say anything, yet you're so angry. Are you deliberately trying to antagonize me, your sister-in-law?"
Years ago, the Jiang Family's eldest son had entered the court through the imperial examination, while the second son, though not academically inclined, had shown great talent in martial arts and had a good character. Twenty years later, the eldest son was only a fourth-rank official, while the second son had earned a hereditary marquisate.
This made Lady Li, who had once taken pride in her husband and looked down on Aunt Xu, a noblewoman from the Duke Xu's household who had married her martial uncle, feel utterly resentful.
To make matters worse, Aunt Xu's two sons were far more accomplished than Lady Li's own children, and over the years, the relationship between Lady Li and Aunt Xu had deteriorated steadily.
However, today was the full-month celebration of Aunt Xu's grandson, and despite her reluctance, Aunt Xu had no choice but to invite Lady Li.
Yet, Aunt Xu hadn't expected Lady Li to be so tactless, openly targeting her niece-in-law, Wen Ye, in front of everyone.
In response to Lady Li's provocation, Aunt Xu retorted bluntly, "Since you've already guessed, Sister-in-law, there's no need to say more."
Lady Li, momentarily silenced, shifted her gaze to Wen Ye and said, "I see our new niece-in-law seems to agree with what I just said."
This was clearly an attempt to force Wen Ye to take a stand.
Madam Lu had remained silent all this while, and the ladies present couldn't quite gauge the nature of her relationship with her sister-in-law, so they too held their tongues.
As for Wen Ye, who had initially hoped to enjoy the drama but ended up being dragged into it, she realized that such spectacles weren't meant for casual observers.
After a brief pause, Wen Ye suddenly smiled, meeting Lady Li's gaze with a clear, bright expression that seemed to carry a hint of sincerity and… friendliness?
The sharp-eyed ladies present wondered if they were seeing things.
But Wen Ye's response soon clarified matters.
In an innocent tone, Wen Ye said, "On the way to the Marquis Mansion, Sister-in-law, fearing that I might be nervous meeting Aunt Xu for the first time, told me all about the family's temperament. She said that the two younger cousins are pure-hearted and diligent, Cousin Sister Qiong is lively and carefree, and Cousin-in-law is well-educated, gentle, and refined. As for Aunt Xu, she is the kindest of all.
Unfortunately, the Duke Xu's residence is too close to the Marquis Mansion, so Sister-in-law only had time to tell me about Aunt Xu before we arrived.
But as they say, husband and wife are one. After meeting Aunt Xu, who truly lives up to her reputation of being warm and kind, I can only imagine that Uncle Jiang, whom I haven't yet met, must also be an amiable elder."
Wen Ye seemed to have said something, yet nothing at all.
Madam Lu, after hearing Wen Ye's long speech, allowed a faint smile to curl her lips.
The ladies present, all sharp-witted, could easily read between the lines. On the surface, Wen Ye was praising the family of the Changnan Marquis Mansion, but in reality, she was subtly criticizing the upbringing of the Jiang Family's eldest branch, as evidenced by Lady Li's behavior.
Wen Ye then deftly turned the conversation, posing a question back to Lady Li: "Lady Jiang, what do you think?"
Lady Li's face turned pale, then flushed with anger.
The old saying goes, "Don't hit a smiling face." No matter how aggrieved Lady Li felt, she had no choice but to swallow her frustration.
Aunt Xu, surprised but amused, smiled and said, "Ladies, please forgive my niece-in-law. She's always been a bit straightforward and naive. Who else would praise their own family so openly in front of others?"
One of the ladies, who had earlier shown sympathy for Wen Ye, turned to Aunt Xu and said, "I think your niece-in-law is quite lovely—well-mannered and sweet."
Wen Ye, the picture of 'well-mannered and sweet,' smiled gently at her.
Finally, Madam Lu spoke up: "Lady Wang is right. My sister-in-law is too pure-hearted, which is why I always worry she might be taken advantage of when we go out. Fortunately, today's gathering is filled with kind souls. If my Ye'er has caused any offense, I hope you ladies will be understanding."
This was Madam Lu's way of telling everyone that if Wen Ye had inadvertently upset them, they would simply have to bear it.
Lady Li: "…"
With Lady Li's presence casting a shadow over the main hall, Aunt Xu was eager to leave. After briefly explaining the situation to the other ladies, she led Wen Ye and Madam Lu to her daughter-in-law's courtyard, wanting to see the baby before the banquet began.
On the way, Aunt Xu glanced at Wen Ye several times before finally saying, "Zitan has good taste."
Wen Ye: "…" She wished Aunt Xu had just complimented her directly.
Aunt Xu's daughter-in-law was from the Wen Family, the eldest granddaughter of Old Minister Wen, the Minister of Rites. The Wen Family was known for their upright and scholarly reputation, and Aunt Xu had taken great care in selecting this match.
For this full-month celebration, Old Lady Wen, Madam Wen, and the younger members of the Wen Family in the capital had all come.
When Wen Ye and Madam Lu entered with Aunt Xu, Old Lady Wen and Madam Wen were gathered around the bed, chatting with their granddaughter/daughter.
Aunt Xu introduced them: "Mother Wen, Madam Wen, these are my two nieces-in-law from my maternal family. They've come to see Brother Cheng."
Old Lady Wen turned around with a warm smile and said, "So this is the Duchess of Xu."
Madam Wen bowed slightly to Madam Lu: "Lady Zhang greets the Duchess."
Wen Ye, standing beside Madam Lu, returned the gesture with a curtsy.
Madam Lu said, "Madam Wen, there's no need to be so formal. I'm just here to see my little nephew."
As she spoke, she glanced to the side, and Qingmei, who had been following behind, stepped forward with a brocade box. Wen Ye, noticing this, signaled to Yun Zhi.
Both maids held similar brocade boxes, and Madam Lu continued, "These are the full-month gifts from me and my sister-in-law for our nephew."
Aunt Xu, who had always been close to Madam Lu, didn't stand on ceremony and smilingly had the maids accept the gifts.
Madam Wen, seeing Madam Lu's regard for her son-in-law's family, smiled and said, "You really shouldn't have gone to such trouble, Duchess."
The conversation flowed naturally from there, and Madam Lu began chatting with Madam Wen.
Meanwhile, Wen Ye quietly slipped over to Old Lady Wen's side.
Old Lady Wen, who had no airs about her, smiled kindly when she saw Wen Ye approach.
Faced with an elder who exuded warmth, Wen Ye responded with respect and friendliness.
Wen Ye glanced at the baby cradled in Lady Wen's arms and remarked, "He's so tiny."
Lady Wen and Old Lady Wen exchanged amused glances and chuckled. Lady Wen said, "He's only just a month old, of course he's small."
Old Lady Wen added, "Babies grow so quickly. The next time you see him, he'll be completely different."
Lady Wen had a maid bring a stool for Wen Ye to sit on.
Now seated beside Old Lady Wen, Wen Ye's hands rested lightly on her knees, and she subtly gestured with her fingers. The baby might look small, but if one had to give birth to something that size, it was still too big.
The three of them chatted for a while, with Lady Wen's gentle yet steady demeanor shining through. Her gaze toward Wen Ye was filled with goodwill.
Wen Ye had never had many friends in her life. Her relationships with her elder sisters, both the legitimate and the illegitimate ones, were lukewarm at best. She was close to her younger sister, Wen Ran, but the age gap of over a decade and their differing personalities—one lazy, the other ambitious—meant they rarely spent time together.
Now, however, Wen Ye found herself quite taken with Lady Wen.
"By the way, Cousin-in-law," Wen Ye suddenly remembered something and leaned in to whisper to Lady Wen, "Inside the full-month gift I gave Brother Cheng, there's a small brocade box. That's for you."
Lady Wen looked surprised and puzzled. "For me?"
Old Lady Wen also showed a hint of curiosity.
Wen Ye nodded. "Being a mother isn't easy. Today isn't just Brother Cheng's full-month celebration; it's also a milestone for you."
As she spoke, she reached out and gently touched the baby's sleeping face in the swaddle, adding, "Brother Cheng is experiencing being a son for the first time, but you're also experiencing being a mother for the first time."
Wen Ye admired every woman who had the courage to become a mother.
And she sincerely hoped that in becoming mothers, they wouldn't lose sight of themselves.
Lady Wen's eyes welled up with tears. Logically, she should have been overjoyed to have given birth to the Marquis Mansion's first grandson, but for some reason, ever since the baby's arrival, she had felt a strange unease as everyone's attention shifted to her son.
Even though her mother-in-law and husband had never neglected her.
Lady Wen didn't understand why she felt this way. After all, she had been eagerly anticipating this child's arrival.
Lately, she had often reflected on whether she was being too selfish.
But now, Wen Ye's words had unexpectedly soothed her recent anxieties.
Old Lady Wen, realizing their oversight, quickly took her granddaughter's hand and said, "You've worked hard raising Brother Cheng."
Lady Wen choked back a sob. "Grandmother…"
*
On the way back to the Duke Xu's residence after the full-month banquet, Madam Lu smiled gently in the carriage and said, "You really surprised me today."
Wen Ye, feigning innocence, replied, "Sister-in-law, did I?"
Madam Lu, exasperated yet curious, asked, "Did you always act this way with your mother back in the Wen Family?"
Wen Ye answered candidly, "My mother has a good temper. She never held grudges against us children."
Madam Lu: "…" More like she had grown used to being exasperated.
But recalling the twisted expression on Lady Li's face earlier, Madam Lu couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
This sister-in-law of hers was peculiar, yet somehow, she seemed to suit Madam Lu's temperament perfectly.
For the first time in over twenty years, Madam Lu encountered something like this, and it gave her a rather novel feeling.
After a moment of thought, she added, "Your second brother is still young but has already risen to the rank of third-grade official. In the future, when you attend banquets, you might encounter ladies even more troublesome than Lady Li of the Jiang Family. Don’t be afraid, and don’t back down. The way you handled yourself today was just right."
Wen Ye was about to nod in agreement when the carriage they were riding in suddenly came to a halt without any warning.
She quickly reached out to steady Madam Lu.
The coachman promptly apologized through the carriage curtain.
Madam Lu didn’t blame him, as such an abrupt stop likely meant something had happened outside.
She lifted the curtain on one side, and Wen Ye followed her gaze, catching a glimpse of what seemed to be a group of officers?
Qingxue, who had been riding in the rear carriage, had already stepped out and gone to the front to inquire about the situation.
After a short while, Qingxue returned to the carriage and reported, "Madam, it’s the officers from the Capital Prefecture Office. They’re apprehending a criminal."
Madam Lu immediately asked, "Did you find out who they’re arresting?"
Ordinary criminals wouldn’t warrant such a large-scale operation.
Qingxue replied, "It seems to be the eldest son of the Jiang Family, Young Master Jiang Duo."
She paused for a moment before adding, "Also, I think I saw Second Master Xu Yuejia there."
Wen Ye: "..." Could it really be such a coincidence?