Chapter 16 Part 1: War
Sure enough, Lin Wei Xi smiled when she heard this, playing with the crystal clear white jade chess pieces which almost exuding warmth within her fingers, and asked: "What kind of gameplay is this, I have never heard of it before."
Ning Fu who served on the side answered: "This is a new method that our Shizi Consort has come up with. It is easy and interesting. Many young masters and misses in the Duke mansion like it."
Lin Wei Xi smiled and did not speak. Seeing her eyes focused on the chess piece, Gao Ran gently added: "This is my dowry. It is called black and white warm jade chess. It is made from warm jade. Whenever it is taken out, it will be radiant and warm. It will protect the body after a long time."
Ning Fu thought Lin Wei Xi didn't know what warm jade was, so she said quickly: "Miss Lin hasn't seen this kind of jade before? This is not ordinary jade. Even in the capital, there are no market for warm jade because it's too difficult to find. But in Shizi Consort's dowry, it is nothing more than an ordinary dowry."
"Ning Fu." Gao Ran slightly reproached her, "Giving more dowry is the elders' love, this is my grandmother cherishing me. How is it when it comes from your mouth it sounds like boasting?" After finished speaking, Gao Ran looked at Lin Wei Xi and nodded a little embarrassed: "Let Miss Lin laughed. Miss Lin please don't take to mind, even if precious, if not practical it's merely a worldly possession. Let's play chess."
Lin Wei Xi looked at the chess pieces in her hand and smiled meaningfully: "Shizi Consort is really open-minded."
Wasn't she really open-minded? A year ago, this was Lin Wei Xi's things.
This was Lin Wei Xi's dowry before, and Gao Ran's maid just then hurriedly explained it to Lin Wei Xi. It was so ridiculous, made her teeth itchy from laughing.
Lin Wei Xi knew that after her death, her dowry would have to be redistributed by Duke Yingguo Mansion. She even acquiesced to this possibility in her heart. But when the result was really revealed in front of her, Lin Wei Xi found that she still couldn't let go.
Not only these chess pieces in front of her, Lin Wei Xi raised her eyes, and the surrounding gold and silver decorations, the porcelains, and even the sandalwood furniture on display all had a sense of familiarity.
Lin Wei Xi hurriedly retracted her gaze, if she looked at it again she would be furious. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's face stiff, Gao Ran thought that Lin Wei Xi was frightened by her wealthy family background. She looked down in her heart. She smiled graciously and said: "This Ning Fu always run her mouth, often she just said some nonsense, Miss Lin doesn't have to mind, she doesn't have any bad intentions."
"If she can't control her own mouth, then she should be punished. If she still doesn't know how to speak, then you can sell her to a slave trader." Lin Wei Xi originally felt uncomfortable, when she heard Gao Ran's words, she immediately explodes. She looked at Gao Ran impatiently, her voice still carries fragileness, but what she said was unforgiving, "The maid does not discipline well, but makes too many excuses to other people. Why should I excuse you? Your dog bites people, don't you need to put her down?"
Wan Xing let out a "pfft", but hurriedly shrank her shoulders and lowered her head after seeing the sight of others. Even so, people could see that her shoulders shaking slightly.
Wan Xing was bought directly from outside, so she was inevitably worse in the big scene. Wan Yue had experienced in the big house before, so she was much calmer than Wan Xing, even if she really wanted to laugh, she had to hold back.
Ning Fu was embarrassed by Lin Wei Xi's words, and with Wan Xing laughing behind, her eyes became red immediately. Ning Fu and the other dowry maids stared at Lin Wei Xi angrily, and Gao Ran felt faceless when she was criticized by others in front of many servants.
Tao Mama and a few others were glowering, Gao Ran glanced back, her eyes moved slightly, and she still said with a good temper: "Ning Fu is straightforward, only said what was on her mind, not like those people that have a crooked heart. She is not malicious, I'm afraid Miss Lin may have misunderstood her."
"What does Shizi Consort mean? Do you mean by being outspoken, so there is no malice? I am also very straightforward, Shizi Consort are you not happy? Moreover who is this with crooked hearts in Shizi Consort's words referring to?"
Lin Wei Xi did not wait for Gao Ran to reply after speaking, and the courtyard was abnormally silent at this time. Lin Wei Xi paused for a moment, suddenly became alerted.
Gao Ran, this listless person, came up with her skill again! Lin Wei Xi was always like this before she was reborn. It was obvious that the other party said something plausible first. After provoking Lin Wei Xi's temper, Gao Ran began to pretend to be dumb and wronged. At this time, it must happen that an elder or brothers passed by!
Lin Wei Xi felt suffocated and turned back, she saw Gu Cheng Yao standing not far away. What's worse, Gu Hui Yan was also standing in front of him.
Gao Ran had already stood up at this time, and graciously bowed to Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao, looking gentle and generous, while Lin Wei Xi looked aggressive, and seemed unable to recognize other people's good intentions.
Lin Wei Xi stood up coldly, saluted hard, her heart was so angry it wanted to explode. Gu Cheng Yao kept frowning, only to be patient with Lin Wei Xi as she was a guest.
Compared to the unhappy Gu Cheng Yao, Gu Hui Yan's face was much calmer, people couldn't see what he was thinking at all. Gu Hui Yan led people to come closer, and the maids on both sides gave way. Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran both bowed their heads and lightly called, "Wangye."
Gu Hui Yan glanced across the chessboard, did not show joy or anger, only asking casually: "Are you playing chess?"
Gao Ran rushed to speak, "Yes. This daughter-in-law often plays a new style of chess with my brothers and sisters at home. I was talking about this new style of game with Miss Lin, and didn't notice that Wangye and Shizi. Please Wangye, forgive me."
Lin Wei Xi snorted inwardly. She did not know how many similar scenes she had seen like now. Gao Ran took the initiative to cover it up with chess, as a result, Lin Wei Xi's reputation for making trouble for no reason and not knowing what was good or bad became more solid.
Gu Hui Yan acted like he really believes Gao Ran and Lin Wei Xi talking about chess. He smiled and asked, "Oh? I don't know how to play this new style of chess. What is it like?"
Gao Ran said the gomoku game again. Gu Hui Yan smiled after hearing this, there was interest in his eyes: "The first player to have five pieces line up win. This method is new."
"Let my father laugh." Gao Ran pursed her lips and chuckled, and Tao mama next to her added immediately, "Wangye, this gomoku, our lady came up with the gameplay herself."
The smile in Gu Hui Yan's eyes deepened: "It's rare. Since you two want to play, there is no need to delay, you just continue."
Chapter 16 Part 2: War
Gao Ran smiled slightly, tilted her head inquiringly at Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi restrained her stomach full of fire, her eyes glowed brightly, and even her voice was choking: "I'll go down, afraid you will not succeed?"
After hearing this, Gao Ran frowned, and nodded apologetically to Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao, then stretched out her hand to signal Lin Wei Xi to take a seat first.
Lin Wei Xi sat down directly with a cold face. When Gu Hui Yan saw it, an imperceptible smile flashed across his eyes.
Gao Ran sat on the opposite side while holding a bright black stone between her fingers and said: "Miss Lin played for the first time. I have the advantage. It's better for me to yield three stones for Miss Lin."
"No need to bother, if you really want to yield, why don't you give the first four moves for me as well?" Lin Wei Xi looked unhappy, and her tone as if she had eaten chili. She looked at Gao Ran's face and raised her eyebrows lightly: "Why, unwilling? Then stop putting on an act, even if you are not tired, I'm the one that tired."
"Miss Lin!" Gu Cheng Yao unable to put up with it any longer, could not help but gave a warning tone. These words of his poked a big trouble. Lin Wei Xi turned her head, her eyes almost spouting flames: "What are you shouting to me for? I didn't talk to you!"
When Lin Wei Xi said this her eyes were bright, vivid and powerful, the whole exquisite hibiscus face1, that didn't resemble a real person, really came alive. It could only be said that a beauty is a beauty. Even if she twisted words and force logic, the opposite could not really be angry. Moreover, Lin Wei Xi had a weak body. Such a delicate beauty was glaring and put on a tyrannical appearance, putting it on other people it would look coquettish.
Gu Cheng Yao was choked into speechlessness. Gu Hui Yan did not hold his smile, tilted his head while smiling, and said: "Chess is the way of a noble people, pay attention to virtue."
Lin Wei Xi barely held back her temper, and Gao Ran, who was sitting on the opposite side of the chessboard, subtly gave birth to a sense of being neglected. Her mind felt cold, this was not the effect she wanted to achieve. Gao Ran hurriedly spoke, drawing everyone's attention back to herself: "Miss Lin, I will move first, you let me win2."
Gao Ran was full of confidence. Chess was her shortcoming, but when it comes to gomoku and checkers, how could these ancient people compare to her? Gao Ran intended to show off her ability in front of her husband and Yan Wang, also to let everyone see who was the 'Miss Perfect' with inner qualities and self-cultivation, and who was the empty straw bag with only beauty and no brain.
Gao Ran was still imagining whether her chess posture was graceful, and whether her eyebrows showed the beauty of a serious woman, she was fine-tuning her angle, and suddenly saw Lin Wei Xi put the chess piece between her fingers into the chess box.
Gao Ran was slightly taken aback, what had Lin Wei Xi done? She was a little displeased: "What happened?"
Gu Cheng Yao frowned and didn't speak. Instead, Gu Hui Yan smiled lightly, and gestured at the chessboard with his eyes: "She wins."
Lin Wei Xi win? Gao Ran was shocked, impossible! They played gomoku, how could an ancient person win?
Gao Ran hurriedly went to look at the chessboard and found that, as Yan Wang said, Lin Wei Xi had already joined the five stones first, and Gao Ran who was immersed with her thoughts about whether her posture was beautiful enough, didn't even notice.
Wan Xing and Wan Yue watched from behind. The two of them actually didn't understand, but if Yan Wang said that their miss won, there would never be a mistake. Wan Xing immediately clapped her hands happily: "Miss only played for the first time just now, but she wins against Shizi Consort who came up this gameplay? Miss is really amazing."
Gao Ran's face went red all of a sudden. Since she "invented" Gomoku at the age of eight, relying on the cheap rules she had never lost. This time she was really careless, and she lost so much face. Gao Ran learned from it painfully, withdrew the unnecessary thoughts, and played the second game with Lin Wei Xi wholeheartedly.
However, this time Gao Ran did not hold on for long before she was easily taken down by Lin Wei Xi.
Gao Ran completely stunned, facing the crowd she smiled awkwardly, stroking the loose hair on her temple, and said: "Miss Lin is really intelligent, quickly realized that I was absent-minded, let everyone laughed"
Gao Ran vaguely hinted that she was deliberately letting Lin Wei Xi win, Lin Wei Xi snorted disdainfully. She thought no one was paying attention, but Gu Hui Yan was actually watching.
Gu Hui Yan tilted his head and coughed lightly, hiding the smile on his lips. Gu Cheng Yao actually noticed Lin Wei Xi's small movements, he was a little embarrassed, and then saw Yan Wang actually smiled, Gu Cheng Yao was shocked beyond words.
For some reason, Gu Cheng Yao suddenly had a very subtle feeling.
After Gao Ran forcibly regained her respect, she straightened her expression and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Three wins in five games. Miss Lin, please."
Gao Ran faintly revealed that she just yield to Lin Wei Xi before and now she was serious. Gao Ran put on the previous life's attitude of preparing for an exam and stared at the chessboard intently. Her reputation and face were on the line, she could not lose.
The third game was full of gunpowder from the beginning, Gao Ran was eager to win, and Lin Wei Xi also changed her previous style and became extremely aggressive, only offense and not defense. At first, Gao Ran wanted to take advantage of Lin Wei Xi's eager attack and chaotic moves to size an opportunity and score a victory, but she soon discovered the phrase "offense is the best defense" was correct. She was tired to contain Lin Wei Xi, and her pieces arrangement was a mess, and when she was run around all over the place, Lin Wei Xi won without a word.
Lin Wei Xi put the white chess piece between her fingers on the board, and smiled at Gao Ran, with a somewhat unapologetic triumphed looks: "Three wins in five rounds, you are welcome."
Gao Ran was dumbfounded before she realized Lin Wei Xi's words "You are welcome" was the answer to her remarks "You let me win" at the start.
Gao Ran felt unprecedented shame... and aggrieved. She never expected that she, a transmigrated woman, would lose playing a modern game with an ancient girl. And so before Gao Ran really thoughts that she would win and was talking big, now... after living in both lives for so many years, it was not an exaggeration to discover for the first time she wanted to drill herself to the ground.
Especially with Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao were still watching, Gao Ran sat awkwardly on the spot, unable to stand up. Seeing this, her maid hurriedly said: "The spring cold is chilling, and the wind is strong today. Was Shizi Consort stimulated by the cold?"
Gao Ran raised her hand to her forehead when she heard this, "Maybe, since I woke up this morning, I was a little distracted, always remember things wrong."
Gu Cheng Yao saw this, so he had to go over to hold Gao Ran's arm, and thoughtfully said: "Since you are not feeling well, go back quickly, the garden is windy, be careful of the cold."
Gao Ran gratefully looked at him, her expression tender and soft as water. Lin Wei Xi got up slowly, looked at Gao Ran as if she was seriously ill, weakly being helped away. Gu Hui Yan still stood where he was, watching Lin Wei Xi's expression, and asked amusedly: "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing." Lin Wei Xi said very heavily, enunciating words by words, "The wind is strong, I have a headache."
Gu Cheng Yao had not gone far paused when he heard this sentence, and then heard Gu Hui Yan's melodious laugh behind him. Even though the sound was very soft, the joy in it was true: "Since you got a headache, hurry up go back and take a rest."
1 Metaphor for beautiful faces.↩
2 Polite words to say after winning a game. (TN: but why she said it before she won?!)↩
Chapter 17 Part 1: Dowry
Lin Wei Xi didn't have a good face all the way, and when she returned to her room, Wan Xing couldn't hold back her excitement anymore. She quickly pulled Lin Wei Xi's sleeve and said, "Miss, you're so amazing! That was your first time playing chess, but able to beat Shizi Consort until she doesn't have energy to turn things around."
After she heard this, Lin Wei Xi's complexion improved, indifferently said: "It's not that difficult. The first time playing it may be disadvantage because of the rules, but it's actually very easy after getting familiar with it. It's much simpler than the proper chess technique. If you two like it, I can teach you."
"Really? Thank you Miss!"
Wan Xing almost jumped up happily, Wan Yue was more steady, but smiled after hearing this. Lin Wei Xi looked at these two lively maids who had not been wore out theirs humanity by the high gate compound, and smiled unconsciously.
She was too far away from this simple happiness.
Lin Wei Xi remembers that in her previous life, she recited thousand character classic at the age of three, went to school at the age of five, and began to learn the four arts (guqin, chess, calligraphy and poetry) at the age of six. A six-year-old child couldn't sit still, let her learn all this, the effect one could imagined. Then a year later, Gao Ran suddenly changed her temperament from her former self. Not only her manner of speak, but she also recognized words and learned guqin much faster than Lin Wei Xi. With such a strong contrast, Lin Wei Xi felt more and more unpleasant. She was scared, so she began to study more seriously.
It was a pity that Lin Wei Xi, a real child, could not compare to the adult in Gao Ran's shell. In class, the master still prefers Gao Ran and frequently praises her by name. The grandmother, father, and brothers in the family slowly but surely changed their attitude. That feeling was really terrifying, watching what was originally hers being taken away, and the loved ones who loved her liked another person more, and she didn't even know what she had to do to stop it.
It seemed that overnight, the family love and friendship that belong to Gao Xi were taken away by Gao Ran, the only one left was her mother Wei shi and her identity as eldest granddaughter.
Of course she was afraid. Sometimes people who were tougher actually more vulnerable. Unfortunately, Lin Wei Xi was this kind of person. In order to regain the attention of her loved ones, and to preserve the dignity as di eldest sister, she began to work harder in private. At school, Gao Ran could master new things in a stick of incense. Lin Wei Xi couldn't do it. On the surface she didn't care, but after returning to her yard, she tried desperately to make up for it, spending double the time to catch up with her lag in class. However, even if she worked so hard, she didn't dare to let anyone knows, Gao Ran could do it easily, but she had to spend a lot of work in private. How could such a thing be known?
She was too headstrong, she would rather smash the silver teeth to invigorate the blood, and never show in front of outsiders how much effort she had done.
When she was ten years old her mother died because of accidental miscarriage, Grand Princess Shoukang was furious and took her to the princess mansion. After that, she lived in the princess mansion for almost a year, and finally escaped from Gao Ran's shadow.
The ten years old Gao Xi really regarded Gao Ran as an insurmountable opponent. It was not until later when she saw the heavenly book she finally understand that Gao Ran was not naturally intelligent. Gao Ran just wore a young shell, with a twenty-six-year-old mind, among six-year-old children she was like a fish in the water. When the peers were six years old, Gao Ran had obvious advantages, but when they reached sixteen or seventeen, the gap was very small.
Lin Wei Xi was growing, but Gao Ran was stagnated. Gao Ran immersed in the false prosperity brought by the age benefit, while ignoring the truth from ancient times, like rowing a boat upstream, if you stop moving forward you will fall back. But Gao Xi since she was a child had worked harder than her peers because of her powerful shu younger sister.
In her previous life, Lin Wei Xi had learned gomoku and checkers in private, and after listened to it once she could also remember Gao Ran's novel song, but Gao Ran did not lay a solid foundation for her four arts.
For Lin Wei Xi, who had a solid foundation in chess, gomoku was not difficult. She understood after practicing two games in private. But for Gao Ran, once deprived of the advanced stuff that modern times brought to her, she had nothing else.
To catch somebody off guard was a powerful method to win, but a general who could only rely on surprise attack, sooner or later he would die from his laziness and arrogance. Gao Ran put too much on superstitious skills, and neglects true strength. Like today's scene, even if Gao Ran tried her best, she couldn't beat Lin Wei Xi, who had already mastered gomoku.
Before Lin Wei Xi playing, she didn't expect that she would win three rounds in a row, completely crushing her opponent. It was also when she was holding the white jade chess piece that Lin Wei Xi suddenly realized that the insurmountable peak that had brought her endless pressure at the age of ten had collapsed. Gao Ran could no longer be Lin Wei Xi's opponent, except in men and women's affair.
Gu Cheng Yao was simply the fatal wound in Lin Wei Xi's heart. She loved, hated, resented and even abandoned herself before she was reborn, but Gu Cheng Yao just didn't love her, what could she do? Following the journey to the capital, Lin Wei Xi for the first time in her life got along with outside male for a long period of time. With Zhou Mao Cheng and other reticent soldier silently took care of her, Lin Wei Xi felt that perhaps she might not be so bad, maybe it was Gu Cheng Yao who was blind.
When Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Cheng Yao now, the strong love and hatred when she reborn were gone. Now she just wants to see him not living well. If possible, Lin Wei Xi would like to run a few step on him herself.
Today, Lin Wei Xi looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar Yan Wang Mansion, and Jingdan Garden which almost exactly the same as her previous marriage courtyard, and realized that she finally reconciled with her past. Lin Wei Xi and Gao Xi had truly merged into one person.
Wan Xing and Wan Yue had been chatting for a long time, and found that Lin Wei Xi hadn't spoken for a while. The two of them asked strangely: "Miss, what's the matter with you?"
"Nothing." Lin Wei Xi stood up and walked to the window, pushed open the delicately carved red painted window frame, looked at the vibrant spring outside the house, her lips lightly rise forming a smile, "I'm just thinking, maybe it's time to find Grand Princess and propose to move in with her."
Even though there was still unwillingness in her heart, but in the end people still need to move forward. Yan Wang Mansion was her past, her ex-husband Gu Cheng Yao and shu younger sister Gao Ran, their love stories would make them tossed each other, Lin Wei Xi should start her new life.
Wan Xing was shocked when she heard this: "Miss Lin, do you want to move? Did someone bully you? Miss, if you feel aggrieved, let's go to Yan Wang. How can you move out?"
"No." Lin Wei Xi said, "I have no relations with Yan Wang Mansion, and if we always live here eventually will cast a bad name. Yan Wang is polite and righteous, considerately letting us treat the mansion as our own place, but we can't really take it for granted."
Wan Xing still wanted to say something, but was held back by Wan Yue. She said: "Miss, this worried slave understands. It's just that... Miss only met Grand Princess not too long ago, to propose to live in the princess mansion. Isn't it a bit too presumptuous?"
Lin Wei Xi stared blankly, she almost forgot that her surname was Lin now. She still regarded Grand Princess Shoukang as her grandmother in her heart, but for Princess Shoukang, Lin Wei Xi was just a junior who somewhat had a close karma with her. It was very rude to want hurriedly move in to the princess mansion when they barely met.
Lin Wei Xi rubbed her forehead with a headache: "Forget it, this matter has to be discussed for a long time. Today's words are all swallowed in your stomach, you are not allowed to say it outside, you understand?"
Wan Xing and Wan Yue hurriedly bowed their heads, "Yes."
Chapter 17 Part 2: Dowry
Lin Wei Xi's plan to move to her grandmother's place was stranded, and she could only continue to live in Yan Wang Mansion. Lin Wei Xi even moved on to the idea of buying a house in the capital. It doesn't need to be big, a small three entry was enough. Lin Wei Xi over here was still thinking, and after a few days on the other side, Gao Ran's inexplicable headache could be said to getting better. What happened that day was also lightly revealed, Gao Ran was still the kind and generous Shizi Consort.
Lin Wei Xi had already determined to let Gao Ran passed, but Gao Ran refused. Her hostility towards Lin Wei Xi grew deeper, because Lin Wei Xi embarrassed her, Gao Ran had to find other ways to make up for it.
One morning, Gao Ran invited Lin Wei Xi to her courtyard again. Lin Wei Xi was extremely fed up, but she gave Gu Hui Yan face and didn't want to be too ugly with his daughter-in-law at Yan Wang Mansion, so she resisted her disgust.
Not long after Lin Wei Xi sat down, she saw Ning Fu brought a gilded rabbit-shaped incense burner from outside. The carving was exquisite and the base even inlaid with fine rubies.
Whether the materials or craftsmanship, it was an incomparable treasure.
Lin Wei Xi's eyes hurt when she saw this rabbit-shaped incense burner. Gao Ran put the incense burner on the high table, deliberately slowly lifted the lid, lit the scented stick, and said to Lin Wei Xi: "I am used to light fragrance at home. I'm not accustomed to the smell of agarwood in the mansion. This is the thousand-step incense from the shop under my name. It is the latest fragrance this year. Is it alright for you to smell it, Miss Lin?"
Lin Wei Xi didn't even look at it, and said coldly, "The guest follows the host, you can burn it if you want."
At this time, Tao mama came out from the inner room with a delicate and complicatedly carved lacquer box in her hand, her expression seemed anxious: "Where did Shizi Consort's filigree golden sapphire buyao1 go? A complete set of sapphire head ornament, why is this one missing?"
Inside and outside the house the maids respond one after another, after a while, this gorgeous buyao was finally found, Lin Wei Xi personally watched them put the buyao into the lacquer box. The luminous gems and glided shells on the lacquer box complemented each other, it hurt people's eyes.
Lin Wei Xi didn't know what to say. If Gao Ran wanted to scare her away with her family background, she should change a set of fine porcelain tea sets calmly. Showing off gold and silver jewelry, what is this?
But Tao mama was still incessantly chattering in her ears, saying that this sets of head ornament was especially given to Gao Ran by Duke Yingguo madam, how much Shizi and the old lady (furen) valued Gao Ran and so on. Lin Wei Xi couldn't bear it, and asked carelessly: "Since the Duke Mansion put this kind of importance to Shizi Consort, why I haven't seen your house madam (taitai) come and talk to Shizi Consort in the past few days?"
Tao mama chattering stopped all of sudden, even Gao Ran's expression was stagnant.
Madam (taitai) and grandma (nainai) were common addresses in large families. The grandchildren generation married women usually called it grandma (nainai), and mother-in-law's generation usually called madam (taitai). Only in the household that was granted honorable title, can you call it "lady" (furen).
But obviously, no matter if it was madam (taitai) or lady (furen), these titles have nothing to do with the concubine room.
Lin Wei Xi didn't plan to wait for an answer. She looked at the rabbit-shaped incense burner that was spitting incense, and gave a second blow: "This incense burner is made into a rabbit shape, I guess it's a novelty. Are you born in the year of rabbit?"
Gao Ran's expression was obviously embarrassed. Gao Ran was born in the year of dragon, she was one year younger than Gao Xi. The rabbit-shaped incense burner used to belong to Gao Xi, obviously, it was aimed for Gao Xi when it was created.
The people in the room became quiet all of a sudden. Lin Wei Xi was very satisfied. With a smile on her lips, she issued a third blow: "I really envy the Shizi Consort who has ready-made gold and silver wares. In the future, I need to melt and forge new jewelry. Although my dad left me all the land deeds, Jin Shu Iron Deed, and court awards, these gold and silver wares were made under the supervision of the Ministry of Rites and had a special stamp on them. If I want to use gold, I can only go buy outside."
Gao Ran inherited part of Gao Xi's dowry, followed by subsidies from her father and grandmother. It was true that she was rich, but could a dowry from the Duke Mansion was that the same as inheriting the entire Marquis Mansion's property?
Lin Wei Xi was satisfied to see these group of people shut up. Did they actually want to compare wealth with her?
Lin Wei Xi didn't want to care about these people, but they insisted for her to call them out. These people if they were not scolded would they feel uncomfortable?
Gao Ran of course couldn't sit down here anymore, Lin Wei Xi sarcastically went back to her house. But as soon as she sat down, the expression on her face changed.
"Miss?"
Lin Wei Xi called Wan Xing over, and whispered in her ear, "You go out to inquire about Gao Ran's dowry. You don't have to ask about it, just pick up what you can while chatting."
Wan Xing quickly took her orders and left. Lin Wei Xi looked at the delicate white porcelain vase on the pear-wood table, still angry till her teeth itchy.
No, Lin Wei Xi was still a normal human being. She was definitely determined to turn everything over and restart her life again, but seeing Gao Ran's righteously occupied Lin Wei Xi's property, she was so angry that she wanted to poison Gao Ran.
Enough is enough, in the end what is the dowry mean?
1 Dangling women's hair ornament.↩
T/N:
I'm so confuse about the taitai and furen things. I'm sorry if it confused you too. Both means married women but from what I read taitai is more informal, and in ancient times furen is for titled married women.
In the story Tao mama was talking about the furen of duke mansion aka Gao Ran's grandmother. But I think Lin Wei Xi asked about Gao Ran's mother who is neither a taitai or a furen because she is a concubine.
Chapter 18 Part 1: Net Worth
After Wan Xing inquired about it for several days, Lin Wei Xi finally pieced together the truth about the dowry.
Last year Gao Xi died of illness, and Yan Wang Mansion had a flourishing business, naturally they would not be greedy for their daughter-in-law's dowry, so Gao Xi's dowry was hand over to Duke Yingguo Mansion intact. And the Duke Yingguo Mansion's idea of remarrying a girl with the surname Gao came in, with a very generous dowry. Later, Duke Yingguo Shizi and Gu Cheng Yao reached an agreement to let Gao Ran married in as the second wife. The Duke Yingguo Mansion was overjoyed. At that time, to won over Gao Ran they transferred all of Gao Xi's dowry to Gao Ran, and also set aside some silver as protection money for Gao Ran.
Gao Xi was the eldest di granddaughter of Duke Mansion so her dowry was very considerable, and she also her mother Wei shi's only child. Wei shi's dowry plus the dowry prepared by Duke Yingguo Mansion, and the private subsidy by Grand Princess Shou Kang, Gao Xi's net worth could well be imagined.
Later, Gao Xi died of illness without having any children. If the married daughter had no children, the dowry must be returned to the parent's family. At that time, Gao Ran's re-marriage was already firmly established. If Duke Yingguo Madam wanted to win over the in-laws of Yan Wang Mansion, then Gao Ran's attitude was very important. Duke Yingguo Madam was bleeding heavily and transferred most of Gao Xi's dowry to Gao Ran, adding another four new sets of head ornaments and jewelry. However, Gao Xi's dowry was still contains Wei shi's stuffs. If it was an ordinary daughter-in-law, Duke Yingguo Madam, the mother-in-law, could directly call the shots, but Wei shi was a princess's daughter, which made it a bit tricky.
Wei shi has been dead for many years, she only had one daughter under her knees, so all Wei shi's dowry should be inherited by Gao Xi, and her family had no right to recover it. The trouble was Gao Xi also passed away at a young age, and she did not leave any descendants. Duke Yingguo Mansion was very anxious when handling Gao Xi's estate. Although Grand Princess Shou Kang had no successors over the years, and the family was in decline, but as long as Princess Shou Kang still alive for one day, she would still be an imperial family, the grandaunt of the current emperor. The decline of the Princess Shou Kang Mansion was the imperial family's own business. If outsiders dare not to give face to the princess, then they would be at odds with the imperial clan.
Duke Yingguo Mansion still had scruples about this senior princess, and could only politely passed the words to the princess mansion, asking how the Grand Princess Shou Kang would handle Gao Xi's and even Wei shi's dowry.
Grand Princess Shou Kang had enjoyed the imperial worship for a lifetime. When she opened her own account, she didn't have to suffer from her mother-in-law and sister-in-law opinions. Her property was nothing but a worldly possessions, and she was not obsess with it. Although the princess mansion where Shou Kang lives now bears her title, after she dies, the princess mansion would be taken back by the imperial clan and would be awarded to another princess after they repair it. It had nothing to do with fuma's family. Grand Princess Shou Kang did not have a son, and the huge family property would be returned to the national treasury after death, so the dowry of the married daughter was not as important as in the ordinary family.
If this was an ordinary shu daughter, after Gao Xi's death, Wei shi's dowry would be inherited by the shu daughter, even if she had no relation with Wei shi and Grand Princess Shou Kang. But Gao Ran was the daughter of the Han shi, the culprit who killed Wei shi in the first place, how could Princess Shou Kang let this nest of sluts took such a big advantage? After receiving the letter, Grand Princess Shou Kang sneered, immediately ignored the faces of her in-laws, and ordered the mansion steward to go to Duke Yingguo Mansion. The Duke Mansion planned to give Gao Ran how much dowry she didn't care, but Wei shi's things and what she prepared for her granddaughter Gao Xi, even a small melon seed had to be return.
After many years, the princess mansion took back the dowry of their married daughter, this face-slapping was too heavy. The high gate households valued face the most. In this way, Grand Princess Shou Kang in front of the entire capital threw Duke Yinggo Mansion's face to the ground and step on it. Duke Yingguo madam was furious, but who made the other has surname 'Gu'. Duke Yingguo madam suffered terribly but she did not dare to do anything to Grand Princess Shou Kang except privately scolded a few sentences in front of her son and daughter-in-law. Now that the in-laws of the two houses had become enemies, Duke Yingguo madam also had a cold face, secretly spread about those uncommon things in the princess mansion. They were the dignified Duke Yingguo Mansion. How could the Gao family not able to afford a dowry when married off their daughters?
So Gao Ran's dowry was the part prepared by Duke Yingguo Mansion for Gao Xi's dowry. After that, some four-season clothes and gold and silver jewelry were added. Of course, these dowries was not bad, but to put it in the capital, it was only an ordinary noble daughter level. The capital noble family were as many as dogs, and there were numerous women who had superior family background. Gao Xi's dowry was sky-high in the eyes of ordinary people, but in front of women of the same class it was just so-so.
Wei shi was the only daughter, and Gao Xi was also the only daughter. The accumulation of dowries for three generations could not be underestimated, and Gao Ran did not have the financial support of her mother's family. The dowry prepared by Duke Yingguo Mansion was actually mediocre. After all, Duke Yingguo Mansion's descendants were many. Even if Gao Ran married high, she was also no more than a married daughter. Could she compare with the duke mansion's son and grandson? However, if Gao Ran gets the financial power of her husband's house in Yan Wang Mansion, it was another matter. No matter how deep the family background was, don't compared it with imperial family's riches and honor. The day when they could be compared was probably the day when the family would be cleanly cut.
Lin Wei Xi breathed a sigh of relief when she learned that the dowry of her mother Wei shi and the land deed that her grandmother privately subsidized for her had been taken back by the Princess Mansion. That's good, the dowry given to her by Duke Yingguo Mansion was the private property of the Gao family, and if they were willing to transfer it to Gao Ran, Lin Wei Xi had nothing to say, and didn't care much. However, the relics of her mother Wei shi no matter what couldn't be tainted by Gao Ran.
His mother's relics and grandmother's things did not fall into Gao Ran's hands. Lin Wei Xi was extremely happy. For a few days, the people she met felt her joyful spirit. She even looked at Gao Ran with kindness in her eyes. It seems that what Gao Ran got was far inferior from what she had originally. Lin Wei Xi showed deep regret on the outside but in fact extremely happy.
Now thinking about Gao Ran showing off wealth a few days ago, Lin Wei Xi felt more and more ridiculous. During evening meal Lin Wei Xi looked at Gao Ran with an inexplicable smile, from time to time Gao Ran took a glance at her, Lin Wei Xi deliberately did not conceal her actions. Gao Ran felt a little upset for some reason, even Gu Cheng Yao glanced at Lin Wei Xi strangely.
Halfway through the meal, Lin Wei Xi basically no longer moved her chopsticks, just poking her own rice. After Gu Hui Yan stopped, she immediately put the chopsticks down. Because she somewhat put the chopsticks too quickly, Gu Hui Yan looked over to her: "Eat well, don't laugh foolishly."
Lin Wei Xi was dissatisfied with this sentence: "What foolish laugh?"
When all the servants in the room heard this they were shocked dumbly, even Gu Cheng Yao was surprised. Miss Lin was a very special existence in the mansion. No matter who they offended still could not offend Miss Lin.
Chapter 18 Part 2: Net Worth
Sure enough, Gu Hui Yan didn't care when he heard this kind of contradiction. Instead, he changed the topic and talked about another thing: "You will remove the mourning clothes in May. There is not much time left. Are all relevant things ready?"
Lin Wei Xi pursed her lip, she did not answer, rather looked at Gu Hui Yan: "I must remove the mourning clothes in Yan Wang Mansion?"
Gu Yan Hui gently looked at her: "Otherwise?"
The people on the side who were listening could not stand it, Yan Wang took the initiative to arrange Miss Lin's filial piety matters, but Lin Wei Xi actually showed reluctance? Gao Ran's expression wasn't very good at this time. Lin Wei Xi rather too pretentious, and Yan Wang was also too much, why spoiling this kind of hypocritical and pretentious woman? But Gu Hui Yan mentioned this, and Gu Cheng Yao, who was sitting next to her, had no objection. Gao Ran just smiled and agreed: "Coming out from filial piety period is a major event. Miss Lin can remove the mourning clothes in Yan Wang Mansion, truly has a fate with the mansion. I have never manage a filial piety matter before. If there is an unsatisfactory place, please ask Miss Lin for understanding."
Gao Ran buried the nail in her words secretly. It was a polite sentence. Who knows what kind of answer Lin Wei Xi would give, "Since Shizi Consort has never arrange weddings and funerals matters, so let's forget it. Getting rid the mourning clothes is not major event anyway, I can arrange it myself, there is no need for Shizi Consort to learn now."
The scene was suddenly become awkward, Gao Ran did not expect her polite words would be analyze and criticized by Lin Wei Xi, her mouth stiffened, and could only justify herself: "Although I am young, I have been guided by my grandmother and elders at home and have handled some major events. Since Miss Lin lives in the mansion, you are our distinguished guest, the matter of removing mourning clothes, how can we let you, a guest, prepare it yourself?"
"What's wrong, I'm the only one left in the Lin family. If I didn't meet His Highness Yan Wang, what can't I do by myself?" Speaking until here, Lin Wei Xi glanced to the side, she dared to choke Gao Ran face to face, but did not dare to brush Gu Hui Yan's face. To speak frankly, the right to decide this matter was still in Gu Hui Yan's hand. Seeing Gu Hui Yan's calm expression, Lin Wei Xi felt the invisible pressure and hurriedly said some flattery words: "I have a fate with His Highness Yan Wang. It's not because of the fate with Yan Wang Mansion. It makes no sense to ask Yan Wang Mansion to help me remove the mourning clothes. His Highness, don't you think so?"
"Why is it makes no sense?" Gu Hui Yan looked amiably at Lin Wei Xi, but the words that came out were completely different "Is there a difference in your eyes between Yan Wang Mansion and I?"
"Of course there is a difference. Yan Wang is you, but Yan Wang Mansion is a family conferred by the court. If other people in the mansion instigate me, I will certainly ignore it, but if it is you Yan Wang, as long as you ask, I will offer my life in sacrifice. Without hesitation."
Gu Hui Yan finally laughed and glanced at Lin Wei Xi lightly: "You can talk."
Lin Wei Xi knew when she heard it there is still hope: "Then the matter is decided like this?"
"It's up to you."
Lin Wei Xi immediately smiled, in the end still did not forget to turn to Gao Ran's direction: "Although the guest usually comply with the host, but it is better not to inconvenience you. Shizi Consort does not have to worry about learning. His Highness has agreed. I will handle it myself."
At this time still not forget to bring him up, Gu Hui Yan felt helpless and funny. This little girl's mind was too far away from him. Gu Hui Yan used to being surrounded by blood-stained military reports or cold court struggles. Suddenly, a little girl pulls him into scheming his own children. It was as if he also infected by another person world's firework. Although thin and shallow, but this feelings was not bad.
Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao sat together, and when Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gao Ran, Gu Cheng Yao naturally saw it clearly. Both his upbringing and childhood experience tell him that he should like gentle and generous women, and Gu Cheng Yao has also thought so for so many years. Lin Wei Xi was the opposite from the female virtues that he expected. Gu Cheng Yao originally thought he would fed up, but when he really encountered Lin Wei Xi's undisguised provocation, he found that he was not impatient, but calm and faintly helpless. It's like... indulging.
Gu Cheng Yao was taken aback by his own thoughts, and immediately laughed at himself, what foolish though he was thinking, Gao Ran is his fated person that he search before. It was just because of his father's face, that he tolerated Lin Wei Xi in every possible way.
The two male masters showed an indulging attitude towards Lin Wei Xi, Gao Ran immediately became unhappy. She believed in her heart that Lin Wei Xi was deliberate, deliberately went the other way to attract Gu Cheng Yao's attention, and then further pretended to be pitiful in front of Gu Cheng Yao. Gao Ran was so angry that her liver hurts, in her heart she became more determined to quickly make Lin Wei Xi move out. Yan Wang's Mansion could only have her as the mistress, and could not tolerate a second mistress.
The matter of Lin Wei Xi's mourning clothes removal finalized like that. Gu Hui Yan said that Lin Wei Xi was allowed to handle it on her own, but later he send some people to help her. Lin Wei Xi showed some reluctances, but Gu Hui Yan said, "This is my personal name that send over some manpower. Didn't you say that you don't want to accept the help of the Yan Wang Mansion, but you won't reject Yan Wang."
Okay, Lin Wei Xi obediently shut her mouth.
On the third day of May, Lin Wei Xi took off her white mourning clothes and took off the fine white flowers on her hair. The three years of father's filial piety officially ended. Even so, Lin Wei Xi remembered the kindness of Lin Yong and the original body, she did not put on bright red clothes, but still attired herself with plain color.
Grand Princess Shou Kang also paid close attention to Lin Wei Xi's mourning clothes removal. Just by chance it would be the Dragon Boat Festival not long after. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager were going to Xiyuan to watch the dragon boat race, accompanied by the imperial family members and court officials. Grand Princess Shou Kang had sent Lin Wei Xi new clothes and new jewelry early on, she was ready to dress Lin Wei Xi up, and then led her out to formally introduce her to the ladies and wives of the capital.
Lin Wei Xi looked at the Yun brocade dress and sighed, but couldn't bear to disappoint her grandmother, so she followed the wishes of Grand Princess Shou Kang and dressed up grandly.
How could Lin Wei Xi think that Grand Princess Shou Kang had the idea of finding her a potential husband at this time.
Chapter 19 Part 1: Family
On the fifth day of May, the servants of the Yan Wang Mansion had started moving around since dawn. Today the emperor set up a dragon boat in Xiyuan (west park), and Yan Wang Mansion was the highlight of the accompanying list. Afterwards there would be a series of activities such as the Dragon Boat Festival feast and the sacrifice of the five poisons in the palace. Afraid that Yan Wang need to go out at the earliest time.
Seeing that the whole day there would no times to rest, since early in the morning the servants of the mansion already stretched their nerves. The calamus hanging screens and other things in the mansion were arranged yesterday. Early this morning, the carriage for the womenfolk stopped at the second gate. Nowadays, high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital traveled with arrogance, but Yan Wang had been in the army for many years, he long ago already developed iron-like rules, how could he take a sedan chair? Not only Gu Hui Yan, even Gu Cheng Yao, who grew up in the capital, was not allowed to riding arrogantly no matter how far he went.
Gu Mingda was holding Zhaoxue1, standing outside the Chui Hua Gate like a post, Zhaoxue puffed his nose. Gu Hui Yan wore a dragon imperial robe with a first-grade Qinwang jade belt tied around his waist, standing with his hands in front of him. Gu Cheng Yao also changed into corresponding imperial clan clothing, but his specifications were one level lower than Gu Hui Yan's in all aspects. Didn't know if it's because of the reduction in patterns, obviously the same color, Gu Cheng Yao wore a Qinwang Shizi clothes, he clearly an elegant noble son, but once standing next to Gu Hui Yan, he was immediately suppressed and completely lack power to compete. People passing through the Chu Hua Gate could see Yan Wang at first sight, and they could only see Yan Wang. They hold their breath and bow their heads, did not dare to rise.
Gu Hui Yan was waiting outside Chu Hua Gate, the carriage behind him was ready, just waiting for the womenfolk inside to leave. Normally Gu Hui Yan would not wait exceeding half a cup of tea from the time of issuing order to the departure of the whole army. He ruled the army extremely strictly, and it was absolutely impossible for people not showed up when the time is up. No one below dared to let Gu Hui Yan wait. But the capital was different from his fief, and person he was waiting for was also different from the strictly obedience soldiers.
All the men and horses stood quietly. Unknown who was the first to make a sound, it was like a stone being thrown into the middle of the lake. The quiet and solemn corridor immediately came alive: "Miss Lin is here."
Lin Wei Xi accompanied by Wan Xing and Wan Yue arrived at the second gate, she saw the outside scene through the gate, she was startled, immediately quickened her pace: "Your Highness, you have already arrived? Since you have arrived, why didn't you go in and call me? It's my fault to make you wait."
Lin Wei Xi walked across the streak of morning light, and the vermilion pillars and the white morning ray became her background. Gu Hui Yan took a second look at this scene. Lin Wei Xi today wore a white silk top and silvery red horse-face skirt, around the knees were embroidered with large jewel-like flowers with silver thread, and on her hair was a simple hairpin that was covered with fine crystals, which slightly reflected the broken light as she walked. The facial features were more and more beautiful, unlike a real person. When she was still in her mourning period she used to dress plainly, and her beauty already stunning enough. Now she put on a magnificent dress, and the whole person simply like it had a built-in soft focus, which naturally attracts attention.
(TN: the author break historical genre's wall here lol)
No matter who was passing by, they always had to look back and look again when they ran into her. Everyone had their own opinions about beauty, but for Lin Wei Xi's kind of bloomed to the utmost beauty, even if they didn't say anything, their eyes still revealed their most honest thoughts. Some beauties were like tea, weak but delicate. Some beauties were like peony, magnificent but silly. And Lin Wei Xi was probably a rough ruby polished to the extreme. You can dislike her, but you cannot say that she is not good-looking.
From the moment Lin Wei Xi showed up, everyone present uncontrollably cast their eyes on her. When she walked these eyes followed her secretly. Until Lin Wei Xi stood in front of Gu Hui Yan, the men present then looked away nonchalantly.
Gu Hui Yan also silently complimented. Before, he knew Lin Wei Xi was good-looking, but he would get used to it after seeing the same face every day. He also paid more attention to Lin Wei Xi's noisy character. At this moment, Lin Wei Xi dressed up and her essence was finely crafted, immediately showed its powerful lethality.
But Gu Hui Yan only exclaimed in his heart, and that was it. Women with different shapes, each with its own beauty, in any case he already experienced many strong wind and big waves. Even if Lin Wei Xi was so beautiful, except for the first moment of surprise, it was difficult to shake Gu Hui Yan's mind afterwards. Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything, and signaled Lin Wei Xi to enter the carriage behind: "It's okay, get in the car."
Lin Wei Xi didn't pay much attention to the surrounding. She sincerely felt apologetic: "To make you wait is very rude of me. Have you waited for long? Why didn't you let people go in and call me, I thought it's not ready outside..."
"It's okay." Looking at Lin Wei Xi's guilty and beautifully contoured eyes, who could get angry, not to mention Gu Hui Yan would never blame Lin Wei Xi. After he finished speaking, seeing Lin Wei Xi still couldn't let go, he smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, they should wait for you. Get in the carriage first."
Lin Wei Xi was originally ashamed, but couldn't help chuckle when she heard this. This smile was like a gem reflecting colorful luster under the sun, which made people dizzy. After Gu Hui Yan said this, Lin Wei Xi's heart really relaxed a lot. She looked away from Gu Hui Yan, stepped back slightly, and saluted to Gu Cheng Yao and Gu Mingda who followed behind. After she greeted them in a unified manner, she took her maid to get in the carriage.
Gu Cheng Yao was a little impatient at first, but seeing Lin Wei Xi appear stunningly, immediately that little impatience gone without a trace. Later, Lin Wei Xi ran towards Yan Wang, Gu Cheng Yao had a strange feeling for some reason. After Lin Wei Xi and his father had finished speaking, Lin Wei Xi finally turned her gaze to the back. After a hasty greeting, she turned away. Gu Cheng Yao felt very subtle in his heart. With so many of them waiting outside, could Lin Wei Xi only see Yan Wang?
1 Zhaoxue means shining snow, Gu Hui Yan's horse.↩
Chapter 19 Part 2: Family
When Lin Wei Xi got in the carriage, she saw Gao Ran was already seated. Seeing Lin Wei Xi getting in, Gao Ran pursed her lips and smiled lightly: "Why Miss Lin just coming now? Does it take too much time to get ready?"
Lin Wei Xi was very indifferent to Gao Ran's attitude, deliberately said the wrong time, this Gao Ran had the nerve to do such a thing. Lin Wei Xi chuckled softly, holding her clothes and sat, then carefully pressed the skirt folds one by one: "I didn't know that Shizi Consort actually can predict the future, to come one stick of an incense early. I really thank you."
Gao Ran laughed and said, "Miss Lin is polite. What my father dislikes the most is being late, so Miss Lin shouldn't do this in the future."
Lin Wei Xi snorted softly, too lazy to care about her. The carriage shook for a moment, and then grumbled forward, and no one spoke in the car for a while. Gao Ran was secretly proud to lower Lin Wei Xi's impression points in front of everyone, but she didn't know that it was her behavior that made Lin Wei Xi had a grand entrance.
The world always didn't need reason in front of beauties.
The carriage of Yan Wang Mansion drove out of the mansion, and all the people along the way when they saw this, whether officials or pedestrians, everyone gave way. After arriving at the palace gate, the eunuch dressed in yellow saw the familiar figure and waited at the door from a distance. Even Lin Wei Xi's carriage also received great treatments.
Gao Ran got out of the carriage first, followed by Lin Wei Xi. When the eunuch who led the way saw Lin Wei Xi, he glanced in surprise, then lowered his gaze, his courteous and respectful attitude was just right: "Pay respect to Shizi Consort, pay respect to noble person. The two noble person please follow this slave to this side."
Xiyuan was located to the west of the palace, next to Forbidden City, surrounded by water, which could be regarded as an imperial private water garden. Today's dragon boat race was set up in Xiyuan, and the family members of the Yan Wang Mansion immediately caused a great sensation. Grand Princess Shoukang arrived early this morning. Upon hearing the announcement from the palace maid, her eyes immediately turned to the voice.
As Shizi Consort of Yan Wang, Gao Ran was surrounded by many people as soon as she appeared. It said that the new Shizi Consort was very much loved by the Shizi as she entered the door, this however was not the end of it. Gao Ran who was born as shu daughter originally was nothing, became Shizi Consort this heavy identity. Backed by Duke Yingguo Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion these two heavy patron, Gao Ran's status increased several steps. The noble madams who once only nodded indifferently to Gao Ran have all changed from the past, now they were incredibly enthusiastic towards Gao Ran. Gao Ran was proud in her heart, she smiled reservedly, and greeted all the ladies one by one, with an upper class young lady imposing manner.
The ladies enthusiastically approached Gao Ran. Lin Wei Xi didn't like being too close to people, so she stepped back. She was avoiding the crowd, and a voice suddenly came to her ear: "Duke Yingguo Mansion has arrived."
The world around Lin Wei Xi seemed to be emptied out in an instant. She stood there for a while, and the voice in her ear gradually returned to being noisy. She turned her head slowly and saw not far away the fluttering of elegant skirt, and the jingling of jewelry. The people from Duke Yingguo Mansion held hands with familiar madams and young ladies, amiably asked about each other situation. A maid next to Duke Yingguo madam saw Gao Ran and quickly smiled and said, "Shizi Consort is also here."
"Grandma is here." Everyone in the Gao family smiled and greeted Gao Ran. Duke Yingguo madam held Gao Ran's hand. Pulling her to say something to the people around her, Gao Ran's reply made Duke Yingguo madam laughed, even the wrinkle in the corner of her eyes were squeezed out. The grandparent was compassionate, the grandchildren was filial, who would not admire such a happy and prosperous family picture.
Even Lin Wei Xi smiled at this scene. What a loving picture of twenty-four filial peity1. Gao Ran had married, her brother was the only son of the Duke Yingguo Shizi, the children had this kind of future prospect, Han shi was rising in Duke Yingguo Mansion, heard that she already helped managing the household of Shizi's courtyard. There was no wife in the main house, and the husband intended to make his son the heir. Han shi now bears the name of a concubine, but she was no different from the wife of the house.
Now, who will remember Wei Shi and Gao Xi? Although Wei shi was noble, it's an indisputable fact that Princess Shoukang's Mansion was going downhill.
It was something that people have known for a long time, but Lin Wei Xi still feels sad at this moment.
The familiar voices behind them were still talking and laughing, Lin Wei Xi did not stop, and left without looking back.
Duke Yingguo madam was surrounded by her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, and she was still holding the best-married granddaughter in her hand. It was reasonable to say that she was a perfectly blessed person. But at this moment, her heart jumped suddenly. She looked up and saw a woman wearing a silvery red dress walking away from them. She obviously had a slender and outstanding back, but didn't know why it somehow revealed a decisiveness. Duke Yingguo madam's heart inexplicably sped up, as if at this moment, something important was leaving her, and her proud family, descendants, wealth, and the originally glorious future, from this moment on had become flowers in a mirror and the moon reflected on the lake2, become unknown.
"Grandma?"
Duke Yingguo madam returned to her senses and saw Gao Ran worriedly looking at her. Duke Yingguo madam smiled, secretly mocking her old age, why worry about personal gains and losses. Her granddaughter had climbed up to Yan Wang Mansion, and she also gained the love of Yan Wang Shizi. Her precious son cared more and more of the family, so she turned a blind eye to Han shi this concubine. Everything was going in a good direction. Duke Yingguo Mansion had a strong presence on the outside and harmonious inside. The bright future of the duke mansion could be seen with naked eye. How could she gave birth to such baseless speculations.
TN: This chapter is on the shorter side, so I release both part today. As for why I still cut it into two and not put it as 1 chapter, it's for symmetry hahaha...
1 Twenty-four filial piety exemplars is classic Confucian text on filial piety from Yuan dynasty, it compiles 24 stories of filial son in ancient china.↩
2 It's a metaphor for an illusory scene.↩
Chapter 20 Part 1: Stunning
The corner of Gao Ran's eyes swept over Lin Wei Xi's "lonely" departure, she laughed in her heart, and suddenly exclaimed "Ah", revealing a little anxiety: "Look at my memory. I was busy talking to grandmother, I left the other person by herself. Where's Miss Lin? Before I go out, I promised my father to take good care of Miss Lin today. She comes out for the first time I'm afraid she is shy with strangers."
A quick-mouthed madam couldn't help asking, "Miss Lin? who is this? '
"A daughter of my father's old friend. She is also pitiful, lost both of her parents and has no one to rely on, father took pity of her lonely hardship, brought her to the mansion to stay."
The madams there at once understand, the daughter of an old friend who lived relying on somebody else's charity, an orphan, and the life experience was pitiful. These madam-in-charge chuckled and said to Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort is indeed attentive and kind, always remember the daughter of an old friend."
Marquis Zhongyong Lin Yong in the powerful capital city was like throwing a stone to a drifting river, right away drowned without a sound. Why would these ladies and wives with eyes higher than the sky still remember who Marquis Zhongyong was. They would not think in this direction when they heard the surname Lin. They really thought this was like a miserable and pitiful female younger cousin character.
Duke Yingguo madam overthrown this idea. Her no longer young eyes were indifferent, and her tone both light and scrutinizing: "Is this the orphan that Yan Wang brought back some time ago? It is not easy for you to marry into the mansion. The most important thing is to have an heir, you don't have to worry too much about other stuffs."
Duke Yingguo madam didn't care much about this orphan girl. A nominal marquis's daughter, who had no vision and knowledge, just casually find a place and then walked away, not even saying a sentence. Obviously, Duke Yingguo madam would think this way because she had never seen Lin Wei Xi, nor had she been to Yan Wang Mansion.
Gao Ran said this originally to show her benevolence and capability, but she was embarrassed by Duke Yingguo madam. Gao Ran secretly scolded Duke Yingguo madam as feudal relics, but she and this cheap grandmother were just close on the surface anyway, she didn't treat Duke Yingguo Mansion as her home, so she just put on her face.
Gao Ran thought this way and said, "This Miss Lin has a very pitiful background. Both her parents have died and she has no uncles or relatives. She has been staying at her aunt's house before. Later, when Wangye saw her alone, he took her to the mansion. I was loved by my grandmother and father since I was born. I didn't know that there was such a poor person in the world. When I saw Miss Lin, I felt more and more grateful to my family. Being able to have my grandmother's protection is the heaven granted me a favor, so I even more want to support Miss Lin a little bit, if the Buddha sees it, it might accumulate blessings for my grandmother and younger brother."
After the words were said Duke Yingguo madam repeatedly called her good child, the surrounding madam also praise Gao Ran for her filial piety. Gao Ran pursed her lips and smiled. After refusing a couple of times, she turned to asked Ning Fu gently and softly: "What about Miss Lin, why is she disappeared? It just so happens that all the madam are here. I want to introduce Miss Lin to my grandmother and the madams."
Gao Ran remembered her past life. When she was looking for a relationship she tried to mix into a rich second-generation party, a Miss Perfect classmate who took her to the banquet, introduced her to others in this way. Gao Ran was anxious and happy at that time, thinking that she was accepted by that social class. Until today, the same scene has happened to her. Gao Ran didn't know what was accepted by the other social class. When introduced like that, it was kind of condescending charity.
Gao Ran looked around but didn't find Lin Wei Xi. Seeing her like this, the surroundings ladies and wives also looked around: "Xiyuan is an imperial forbidden garden, why running around..."
They were looking around, and suddenly a voice came from behind: "The dragon boat hasn't started yet, what are you looking for?"
When everyone turned around, they all laughed when they saw the person who came: "Old ancestors, greetings1."
The people of Duke Yingguo was embarrassed, but still followed to say hello to Grand Princess Shou Kang: "Peace for Grand Princess."
Grand Princess Shou Kang walked slowly with the help of others. She was smiling, although there are traces of years on her face, she was much more energetic than before, and the whole person looks full of vitality, as if several years younger. She smiled and asked: "Seeing from far way how lively you are talking. Who are you talking about?"
Gao Ran wanted to answer quickly, but was intercepted by another quick-mouthed young lady: "Shizi Consort is talking about how two days ago His Highness Yan Wang brought back this woman, I heard that both of her parents have died and she is staying in the mansion. Shizi Consort is very sympathetic to this woman. We are complimenting her filial piety."
"Oh?" Princess Shou Kang gave Gao Ran a cold look, with an undisguised mockery in her eyes, "If I did not recognize this Lin girl and listened to the description of Shizi Consort, I would have thought that Yan Wang had brought another person back."
It's a well-known secret that Grand Princess Shou Kang and Gao Ran of Duke Yingguo Mansion did not get along with each other, but no one expected that Princess Shou Kang would not give face in such a big scene like today. Everyone's laughter froze, Gao Ran was highly sought after in the capital, but she couldn't speak in front of Grand Princess Shou Kang. Princess Shou Kang was Gao Ran's nominal maternal grandmother, and Gao Ran had no qualifications to speak up.
Duke Yingguo madam's face sank. She and Princess Shou Kang were the same generation old noblewomen. If Shou Kang had not been a princess, how could Duke Yingguo madam who had good children and grandchildren fear her. However, having said that, the identity of the princess was not a joke. The Duke Yingguo madam was not happy, but she didn't show it on the surface, turned around and try to mediate: "The third girl is sincere, what is the matter with the princess, to take her anger with the third girl?"
Princess Shou Kang sneered while ignoring her, she turned around and showed a benevolent looks, patted the hand of the person beside her lovingly, and said: "Since you are talking about her, then I will show you my newly recognized granddaughter, Sister Xi."
When they heard this name, many familiar madams were stunned, Sister Xi? They looked at the woman next to Grand Princess Shou Kang and found that this young girl was beautiful and dazzling. Although they had never seen her before, she obviously was not the eldest lady Gao Xi from the Duke Yingguo Mansion.
Lin Wei Xi took a step forward and greeted everyone in a smooth flow: "Madams, greetings."
Seeing everyone's doubts, Grand Princess Shou Kang smiled and said, "This child was brought by Yan Wang. The first time I saw her I feel a connection with her, like she is no different from my own granddaughter. Also don't know what's wrong, I haven't seen each other for a few days, feels like separate for a few years. Just now I call her away as soon as I saw her. Sister Xi is well mannered, she said she cannot leave without giving notice. So I took her to talk to Shizi Consort, she will follow me for a while, and there was no need for the Shizi Consort to 'supposedly' take care of her."
1 Wanfu that translated as thousands blessing is salutations done by women.↩
Chapter 20 Part 2: Stunning
The relatives of officials and nobilities in the capital gave Gao Ran a face, but Grand Princess Shou Kang obviously did not need to do that. Having her face ridiculed in front of everyone by Grand Princess Shou Kang, Gao Ran was very frustrated and said: "It's a good thing that maternal grandmother and Miss Lin hit it off with each other. I originally with good intention want to let some of these madams meet Miss Lin. I didn't expect to be misunderstood by grandmother."
"Good intention? Sister Xi doesn't need your good intention." Princess Shou Kang snorted coldly, and said, "She lost her parents when she was young is not fake, but her father was named Marquis Zhongyong by the court. There are thousand hectares of fertile land under her name, wherever she want to place her home it will be easy. Just two days ago Yan Wang said to me that Sister Xi only temporary lives in the mansion, how when it came from your mouth it become so ugly? "
Grand Princess was lecturing the younger generation, many madams quietly raised their eyebrows, and bowed their head with a subtle smile, without interjecting. Duke Yingguo madam could not stand idly by and watch, frowning: "The third girl obviously had well-intention, I'm afraid Grand Princess is bias, looked at it incorrectly and what it this Sister Xi, how can call her this name?"
Duke Yingguo madam was shocked when she heard Sister Xi. If she didn't know that it was impossible, she thought Grand Princess Shou Kang was calling Gao Xi.
How can call her this name? Lin Wei Xi was sad when she heard her former grandmother could say such a thing, and the smile on her face also became lonely: "This little girl's name is Wei Xi, from childhood my father have called me Sister Xi. Listen to Duke Yingguo madam's means, is my name inappropriate? But this is what my father leave behind. Now that father has passed away, for other child, how can the name be changed?"
"Change what name? She has a ghost in her heart, and still want to manage other people's names?" Shou Kang unhappily glanced at Duke Yingguo madam, her tone was bad "Marquis Zhongyong gave his life for the country. He is a loyal and brave man drafted by the emperor and First Assistant. Now has only this drop of blood remains in the Lin family, Duke madam put away your domineering style! This martyr's daughter is not someone you can bully."
Duke Yingguo madam's face was ashen, to had a reputation for bullying orphans, widow or elderly was already offensive, and if the other party is a martyr's child, if one was not careful they could even be impeached. Duke Yingguo Mansion was indeed gaining momentum, but it was mostly stained with the light of Yan Wang Mansion, their in-law. The Gao family's influence in the court was very mediocre. Duke Yingguo madam was tensed for half a day, still did not dare to take a risk with her son's career, could only put on a soft expression, and said: "I just heard the name familiar, mentioned it without thinking it through. How did Miss Lin understand it to change the name? Just last year I was the white hair that send off the black hair, and Sister Xi was only seventeen. In my heart was still mourning, when I heard the familiar name I became distracted."
Lin Wei Xi looked down, her eyes turned disdainful and sad. Duke Yingguo madam actually used the dead as a shield. It was so funny, she was attacked by her grandmother with her own death face to face.
Seeing this, the madam standing next to her hurriedly mediated: "It's all done, it's all a misunderstanding, just let it go. This girl is good-looking, this is the first time I have seen this kind of beauty."
Lin Wei Xi's mood was ups and downs, when she saw this she just pretended to be shy and bowed her head to cover up the strong resentment and anger in her eyes. Grand Princess Shou Kang didn't want to be unpleasant on such a good day, besides she was still in the palace, so she followed up with a smile: "Sister Xi just came out of filial piety the day before yesterday, she just appear and move around now, for the first time to show her face, making you laugh."
"What did the princess say?" The madams looked at Lin Wei Xi, their eyes flashed eagerly. It turned out to be the daughter of Marquis Zhongyong, who was very hot in the capital some time ago. They didn't expect that she was this beautiful and easy to talk, even obtain the acknowledgement of Grand Princess, which is amazing. Listening to Gao Ran's narrative just now, they really thought it was a shameless refugee.
Grand Princess Shou Kang patted Lin Wei Xi's hand affectionately, and yelled at the crowd: "You can't despise her just because she has no relatives. Later, when she marries, I will emptied out the bottom of my box for her, to keep up the appearances."
Of course, everyone laughed and said flatteries, and the madams who had a son at home was already active. Although Lin Wei Xi's background was not high, but they unable to resist the other's generous dowry. She carried the whole assets of Marquis Mansion and had the Grand princess add to the trousseau, and her looks was like this... if someday took her back to marry the name Lin's family loyal and brave was also a very useful bargaining chip.
Seeing that Grand Princess Shou Kang had achieved her goal, she smiled, leaving a few polite words and took Lin Wei Xi away. From start to finish, Grand Princess Shou Kang didn't acknowledge Gao Ran, she and Duke Yingguo Mansion didn't even bother to pretend to have a face.
Gao Ran forced a smile. After they left, a madam complained without thinking to Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort really! You said so modestly. I really thought this was just an ordinary girl. Marquis Zhongyong's daughter, this status is still very good, but she has no relatives, which is a bit of a disadvantage. However, she looks good, and these flaws are nothing."
Gao Ran heard this her expression was very cold, and another madam also added a sentence: "Isn't it? How many people I have met in the capital for so many years, this is the first time I have seen such an attractive person. Exquisite and honest youth, so young! Hey, Shizi Consort what's wrong with you?"
Gao Ran turned her head and smiled gently: "It's nothing, thinking of Shizi's instructions before leaving the house, I was a little distracted."
When Gu Cheng Yao was mentioned, these madams immediately put down Lin Wei Xi and talked about Yan Wang Mansion enthusiastically. Gao Ran put the focus on herself again, and lightly hummed in her heart. Gao Ran intended to lower Lin Wei Xi's first appearance, as long as the first impression of these madams were destroyed, Lin Wei Xi would not marry a good person in the future. However, she did not expect that Lin Wei Xi would have caught up with Grand Princess Shou Kang so soon, and Princess Shou Kang was willing to come forward to introduce Lin Wei Xi. To enter the social circle the first introducer was the most important, if not for the support of Princess Shou Kang, how these eyes higher than the sky officials and noble madams could smoothly accept Lin Wei Xi this threatening beauty from poor family?
Gao Ran had prepared for a long time, but now she got such result, she felt extremely stifled in her heart.
Grand Princess Shou Kang enthusiastically led Lin Wei Xi to meet all titled personage. Although Lin Wei Xi already knew these people, she still took the kindness of her grandmother and graciously greeted the ladies and madam all the way. It took a lot of effort to finish this lap. If it weren't for Princess Shou Kang's lacks of energy, she would have introduce Lin Wei Xi to Empress Dowager Qian.
Lin Wei Xi and the servants of the Princess Mansion persuaded Princess Shou Kang to sit down in the palace. After they sit the dragon boat race was about to start soon. Empress Dowager Qian took the womenfolk to the special table. It was difficult for the court womenfolk to have amusements. This kind of dragon boat race was already a rarely seen grand occasion. Everyone was in high spirits. Although Lin Wei Xi was not too curious, but there were many people in the stands. She was afraid something wrong happened, so she was tense and carefully supported Princess Shou Kang.
It was also due to Lin Wei Xi's nervousness, did not know which family's child was blocked from sight, he was impatient and reached out to push the people in front of him. The woman standing in the front could not have thought that someone would push her from behind, she could not prevent herself from being hit hard on the waist. She was currently pregnant, her figure was unstable and almost fell into the water. Lin Wei Xi's eyes saw something amiss, quickly reached out to pull. The woman cried out in alarm and fell forward, Lin Wei Xi grabbed her hand, and pulled her from danger. The woman was not too old, after passing through this accident she was so scared out of her mind, Lin Wei Xi was so also very frightened. She was very angry, calmly asked the child who pushed: "Whose child are you? Actually do this kind of thing."