Outside the Duke Shun Mansion, two carriages were parked, evidently on Ning Suxuan’s orders. She preferred quiet; after Yu Tingwan finished her buns, she boarded the carriage at the front with Nanny Ru’s assistance.
Yu Tingwan blinked, clattered over to the carriage at the back, enjoying the freedom without anyone’s supervision.
This ti, besides Nanny Ru, the remaining escorts were mbers of the Wei Family Army dressed in plain clothes. The wheels turned, heading towards the city gate.
Inside the carriage, a subtle incense lingered.
Ning Suxuan sat upright, her back straight, her hands resting on her knees, maintaining the sa posture throughout the journey.
This was the most standard sitting posture for noblewon of prominent families, scrutinized by all without fault.
But maintaining such composure both in public and in private, as if without life or breath, must be exhausting.
Nanny Ru brewed tea, saying, "I think the Heir’s wife is an interesting person."
Ning Suxuan replied coldly, "Is that so?"
Nanny Ru, having served her since childhood, spoke with little reserve due to their bond.
"Indeed."
"Her words sounded like love talk. If she were a man, it would be considered oily and flirtatious. Yet, she’s a woman, and a daughter-in-law, which makes it quite amusing."
Ning Suxuan remained indifferent: "You think she’s joking?"
The words were more sincere than anyone else’s.
Nanny Ru: ???
What on earth, are they really planning to act on those words?
She was startled: "This... this..."
Ning Suxuan closed her eyes: "Currently, because of Gui Zhi’s return, Shangjing is in an uproar. Discussions and rewards for the border battle have been put off due to his incident, dragging on for a while. I estimate the palace will host a banquet in so days."
Firstly, to welco Wei Zhao and let him shine before the civil and military officials; secondly, to reward rits and encourage Military Generals.
Thirdly...
Emperor Ying will proclaim in this way that he values Wei Zhao, the Duke Shun Mansion, and the descendants of those who have assisted emperors for generations.
Nanny Ru whispered, "Are you worried the Heir’s wife might embarrass herself at the palace? Becoming a laughing stock?"
If she hadn’t t Yu Tingwan, Ning Suxuan indeed might worry.
But...
Ning Suxuan said nothing more.
She closed her eyes again.
This Yu Family woman truly had no fear. Not to ntion palace banquets, future interactions with won from various mansions were inevitable. If she spoke without restraint, she’d only bring trouble upon herself.
It depends on whether she has the wit.
The streets were bustling, with the cries of traders echoing all around.
It was unlike the small Ze County.
Yu Tingwan slightly lifted a curtain to peek outside, finding everything novel.
After passing through the city gates, they continued west along the official road.
Changdu Temple was bustling with devotees; along the way, many carriages headed in that direction.
There were also many walking commoners.
The temple was located at the mountaintop, with steps of bluestone slabs winding upward. For the resting pilgrims, tea stalls and pavilions were set up along the way.
Buddhist chants lingered, the bells resonated distantly.
After disembarking from the carriage, Yu Tingwan and Ning Suxuan reunited, looking up at the lofty mountain.
"Milady, the Grand Tutor Mansion’s carriage was seen ahead,"
Nanny Ru respectfully supported Ning Suxuan.
"Every year, Princess Jiasan cos to the temple to transcribe scriptures on Miss Gu’s birthday and stays for a few nights. It is said to bring blessings to Miss Gu."
"You and Princess Jiasan haven’t seen each other for a long ti; since we’ve t today, why not go and see her?"
The Duke Shun Mansion and the Grand Tutor Mansion have always been on good terms.
Ning Suxuan only replied faintly.
But then she thought of sothing and looked towards Yu Tingwan.
"You should co along too."
Yu Tingwan: ...
In a mont of hesitation, Ning Suxuan squinted: "You don’t want to go?"
Yu Tingwan softly said: "A little."
Ning Suxuan looked at her silently, her aura quite penetrating.
Yu Tingwan: "The Imperial Tutor’s Wife is of high status; I’m afraid..."
Ning Suxuan tugged a bit on her lips, interrupting: "You’re not afraid of ."
If she’s not afraid of her proper mother-in-law, why fear an outsider?
This excuse doesn’t hold before Ning Suxuan.
Yu Tingwan: ...
No.
She didn’t finish her sentence.
She wanted to say she’s afraid Princess Jiasan would question her existence."
Nanny Ru laughed: "Princess Jiasan has so temper, but you’re going with the Mistress, and with the connection to the Heir, she won’t trouble you."
Yu Tingwan: "But..."
She murmured: "I’m afraid of troubling her instead."
Her presence might disrupt the harmony and joy of the Gu Family.
Ning Suxuan: ???
Nanny Ru: ???
Yu Tingwan softly: "But there’s no harm in eting, it’ll happen sooner or later."
She wouldn’t be affected, after all.
She’s still a wife of the Wei Family, she couldn’t possibly move into the Gu Family, could she?
Ning Suxuan: "I heard you ran into Jiasan at the Jinluo Pavilion and had so conflict?"
She didn’t intend to accuse her purposely.
If she wanted to accuse, she would’ve punished Yu Tingwan upon getting the news. Rather, Yu Tingwan’s reaction was odd.
"You have a big issue with the Gu Family’s Lady."
"The two mansions have always been on good terms; since you’re junior, jewelry is nothing but a transient object. Even if you didn’t yield, the attitude should be magnanimous."
In the future, you’ll see each other often. Even if you have issues, it shouldn’t show on your face.
This Yu Family mber is still too young after all.
Where does she understand in Shangjing that even bitter enemies must wear formal smiles when eting?
Yu Tingwan looked at Ning Suxuan with clear eyes: "The sea snail pearl is indeed a transient object, but if soone robs it, I won’t be happy."
If unhappy, I’ll beat your son.
"I didn’t snatch or seize it, but picked it up first, there’s no wrong."
Yu Tingwan appeared innocent: "As for whether the two families will always maintain good relations, it’s hard to say in the future."
This concerns her, she needs to tell her mother-in-law.
But in Nanny Ru’s ears, it was defiance.
She took a deep breath, oh my god!
Tan Jiang quickly stepped forward: "Mistress, it’s not the madam’s fault, really due to circumstances."
Yu Tingwan nodded.
She was indeed not wrong!
Tan Jiang: "Shunzi revealed to the subordinates that Mr. He, He Yushi, at Ze County, showed the madam excessive favoritism."
"Back then, while the General was still recovering, Mr. He visited several tis."
Isn’t this just blatant covet? What else could it be!
Too much bullying!
Even Tan Jiang was fuming upon hearing it.
"Mr. He is Princess Jiasan’s brother, it’s understandable if the madam doesn’t want any connection with them."
Yu Tingwan: ???
Nanny Ru: !!!
No wonder!
She felt the Heir’s wife was wronged!
Ning Suxuan didn’t ntion seeing Jiasan again, retracting her gaze coldly: "Let’s go."
With a clear mind, she climbed the steps.
Yu Tingwan replied, following a few steps behind Ning Suxuan.
Ahead, the Wei Family Army opened the path, followed by another group behind.
When they appeared, the nearby climbing commoners couldn’t help but cast curious glances, but quickly turned away, whispering.
"Who are these noble figures now, such pomp and circumstance?"
Soone glanced out of the corner of their eye: "Outsiders, perhaps? What does this amount to? Here is where the emperor resides, officials are everywhere, only a dozen or so servants, just yesterday the old madam from a fourth-rank official’s mansion ca by, with more than thirty people accompanying her."
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