Chapter 163
Wei Yuewu was just about to cause trouble for Wei Yuejiao. Now that Wei Yuejiao had taken the initiative to provoke her, how could she let her go? She smiled coldly and said, “Third Elder Sister, did you mean that I had pretended to be in pain?”
“You’ve clearly exaggerated a bit just now.” Wei Yuejiao was unwilling to be suppressed by Wei Yuewu whom she despised, and she choked back angrily.
“I have always been in bad health, and Third Elder Sister also said that I had a congenital disease. I was also injured on the mountain and hasn’t recovered yet. If Third Elder Sister doesn’t believe me, you can ask Grandmother. Third Elder Sister, you wouldn’t have doubt about what Grandmother says, right?” Wei Yuewu sneered in her heart, but her expression remained unchanged as she said indifferently.
She wasn’t here today to pretend to be good sisters with Wei Yuejiao.
“How dared you! I’m your Third Elder Sister.” Wei Yuejiao’s face turned pale with anger, and her lips trembled slightly. In the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang, nobody had confronted her like this before.
“Grandmother asked you to apologize to me.” Wei Yuewu smiled.
“You… you are just an exiled girl, how dare you talk to me like this?” Wei Yuejiao sneered.
Wei Yuewu’s expression turned cold. She had been waiting for Wei Yuejiao to speak those words. “Exile? Is Third Elder Sister talking about me? So that’s why you have been targeting me since you entered the mansion today. Is it because I am my father’s legitimate daughter and you are just the daughter born by a concubine?”
The difference between legitimate daughters and concubine-born daughters had always been a knot in Wei Yuejiao’s heart. Even though she had always lived as a legitimate daughter and the people around her had never treated her as a concubine-born daughter, this kind of concern for identity carved in the depth of her bones would not be dispelled by people’s indifference to her identity.
Besides, Concubine Dong had kept telling her the difference between wife-born and concubine-born children all day long.
Wei Yuejiao was so angry that she couldn’t even speak. She had always been domineering. In the mansion, she didn’t even care about Wei Yan, the eldest legitimate daughter of the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang. How could she care about Wei Yuewu? Her lungs almost exploded with anger. She reached out her hand, trying to slap Wei Yuewu in the face fiercely. She angrily scolded, “Your mother was already dead, and my mother is about to become the wife. I am the real legitimate daughter. You are just an abandoned girl. What right do you have to talk about wife-born and concubine-born daughters in front of me?”
However, before her hand touched Wei Yuewu’s delicate face, she was grabbed by Jin Ling and swung so fiercely that she almost fell to the ground.
“Enough!” The Madam Dowager slapped heavily on the table, and her expression became even worse.
“Grandmother!” Wei Yuejiao had always been doted on by the Madam Dowager like the apple of the eye. She had never been repeatedly scolded by the Madam Dowager like this, and tears immediately fell down her cheeks.
Such an expression, coupled with her aggrieved appearance, truly made people feel pitiful for her!
“Grandmother, is Concubine Dong going to become my father’s wife?” Wei Yuewu asked with a surprised look on her face. She frowned slightly and turned to Wei Yuejiao. “Third Elder Sister, whether Concubine Dong would be elevated to the position of wife, my mother was still my father’s legitimate wife. Why did you keep addressing her as ‘your mother’? Could it be that in your heart, only Concubine Dong is your mother, and my mother is not your mother?”
Whatever Wei Yuejiao said would be a mistake, and the more she said, the more mistakes she would make!
Wei Yuewu had been pressing on to achieve this result. She was destined to be an enemy of Concubine Dong and Wei Yuejiao, so there was no need for her to feign harmony with the two of them. She believed that Concubine Dong, whom she had not yet met, must be an expert in acting. Therefore, she had to eliminate the possibility of their acting from the roots.
The wife of a family was the mother of all the children, whether they were born by her or other concubines of her husband. By comparison, the sons and daughters born by a concubine addressed their own mother as concubine rather than mother. This was a rule that everyone had to abide by.
Wei Yuejiao had always lived at the border, and she always regarded herself as a legitimate daughter. She had always addressed Concubine Dong as mother. Every year when they came to the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang, the Madam Dowager did not say anything about that, nor did anyone else. Moreover, the Madam Dowager doted on Wei Yuejiao so much that even Wei Yan could not compete with her. Who would dare to say anything about Wei Yuejiao who disregarded the rule concerning the difference between wife-born and concubine-born children?
“Yuejiao, apologize to Yuewu.” A sharp light flashed in the Madam Dowager’s eyes. Concubine Dong was just a concubine, and Wei Yuejiao was the daughter of a concubine. This was something everyone knew. In terms of identity, Wei Yuewu was nobler than Wei Yuejiao. No one could deny it.
This was a fact that she much acknowledged, no matter how much dissatisfied she was with Wei Yuewu’s mother.
“Grandmother, why didn’t you love Yuejiao and protected that girl?” Wei Yuejiao stamped her feet, tears streaming down her face.
“She’s your younger sister, and she’s the only daughter born by your mother.” The Madam Dowager said word by word with a cold face. She had to say these words. Otherwise, rumors would be spread that the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang disregarded the rule concerning the difference between wife-born and concubine-born children, which would be enough to make all the other aristocratic families look down on the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang.
This could also be considered an acknowledgement of Wei Yuewu’s status in the mansion, but at the same time, it also pointed out Wei Yuejiao’s identity.
Wei Yuejiao had just entered the mansion today. She had mustered all her strength to play tough with Wei Yuewu on their first encounter. She didn’t expect that not only did she fail to achieve her aim, she also lost face. She was so angry that she almost vomited blood. But now, she remembered Concubine Dong’s instructions. She bit her lips and forced herself to eat the humble pie.
“Yes… grandmother!” She said in a wronged tone. She was surely much smarter than Wei Yan, and after being scolded by the Madam Dowager, she understood the situation well.
Although she was secretly so angry that she wanted to tear Wei Yuewu apart, she didn’t dare to reveal any sign of hatred on her face. Concubine Dong had said that she must please her grandmother after entering the capital this time so that she could become the legitimate Marquise Hua Yang. In that case, Wei Yuejiao would also become a legitimate daughter of the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang.
After that, she would teach this cheap girl a good lesson.
“Sixth Younger Sister, I… I’m sorry. I’ve been living at the border with father. I’m used to acting unrestrained. If I said anything wrong, please forgive me, Sixth Younger Sister.” As she spoke, there were two tears hanging at the corners of her eyes. She looked extremely weak, completely different from her arrogant appearance a moment ago.
Wei Yuewu smiled faintly as she observed Wei Yuejiao’s expression. As expected, Wei Yuejiao was different from Wei Yan who had always lived in the capital. She was adaptable to circumstances and knew when to concede. She did everything so naturally, but in reality, her previous behaviors clearly showed that she was a vicious and scheming person. If Wei Yuejiao was such a person, what about Concubine Dong…
It was said that Concubine Dong, who was originally going to enter the capital along with Wei Yuejiao, delayed her trip on the ground that she needed to accompany her father, Marquis Hua Yang. Well, Concubine Dong really knew how to behave properly like a noble lady!
“Third Elder Sister, as long as you respect my mother, I naturally won’t mind.” Wei Yuewu smiled and said meaningfully.
Wei Yuejiao’s expression changed slightly when she heard this, and the hatred in her eyes became even more intense…
Apparently, in terms of status, Wei Yuewu’s gain was Concubine Dong’s loss. How could Wei Yuejiao, who had always regarded herself as a legitimate daughter, swallow the insult?
However, with the less just learnt, Wei Yuejiao knew that if she continued to argue about this topic at this time, she would only suffer losses.
“Younger sisters, I brought some gifts to you. How about I sending them to you later?” Wei Yuejiao didn’t want to look at Wei Yuewu anymore. A stiff smile appeared on her face as she changed the topic in an unnatural manner.
Wei Qiufu smiled gently as she expressed her thanks. Wei Qiuju bowed hurriedly, whereas Wei Yuewu tilted her body sideways to make a salute. However, after the incident that had just happened, no one really thought that the two of them had no grudges against each other.
Moreover, Wei Yuewu’s words a moment ago clearly indicated that the reason why she was so angry was because Wei Yuejiao looked down on her mother.
Because of this reason, even the Madam Dowager could not force the two of them to shake hands and make peace. The current emperor was a strong advocate of benevolence and filial piety. Wei Yuejiao had indeed humiliated Wei Yuewu’s mother. If rumors about today’s incident were to spread, not only would Wei Yuejiao lose her reputation, but even the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang would be considered indecent.
This was also the reason why the Madam Dowager had to stand by Wei Yuewu’s side.
Therefore, the lunch was concluded without the expected enthusiastic and joyful atmosphere.
Although Wei Yuejiao kept currying favor with the Madam Dowager, no one echoed her. Therefore, she was unable to continue her play alone. Wei Qiufu was still calm and indifferent as she had been. Wei Qiuju did not show any sign of enthusiasm as she used to do. As for Wei Yuewu, although she had a smile on her face, it was only for the sake of politeness.
Having witnessed the scene just now, everyone knew that the two sisters of the first branch couldn’t become reconciled.
Wei Yuewu was called to the side by the Madam Dowager after lunch, who said a few words about Jing Wenyan. She vaguely expressed the idea that there was no need to be too intimate with Miss Jing.
Wei Yuewu understood that the Madam Dowager was afraid of causing trouble and she nodded in agreement.
Afterwards, she brought Jing Wenyan with her to the Lotus Courtyard where she lived.
The maids served tea and retreated to the side.
“Is there anything I can do for Miss Jing?” Wei Yuewu drank the tea and put it aside. She came straight to the point with a bright smile.
The Madam Dowager might believe Jing Wenyan’s excuse. However, Wei Yuewu would in no way buy it.
“There have been rumors that Sixth Miss Wei was neither talented nor good-looking. It turned out that rumors were really misleading.” Jing Wenyan also put down the teacup in her hand and wiped the corners of her lips with a handkerchief.
“Rumors are not necessarily misleading. Miss Jing is indeed as beautiful as the rumors described.” Wei Yuewu looked at Jing Wenyan and said with pretended annoyance.
Unlike her case, the people in the capital unanimously praised this eldest young lady of the Jing State.
“Sixth Miss Wei is indeed a wonderful person!” Jing Wenyan faintly clasped her hands and smiled. Then, she changed the subject. “Actually, I came to see Sixth Miss Wei because of the Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan State.”
“On my way back to the capital, the Heir-apparent of Yan saved my life. However, there are etiquettes that men and women must observe in their interactions. I have planned to wait for my father’s arrival at the capital before thanking His Heir-apparent with generous gifts.” Wei Yuewu smiled lightly and quietly distanced herself from Yan Huaijing.
In the plum forest, she saw the two of Jing Wenyan and Yan Huaijing. This meant that Jing Wenyan knew Yan Huaijing. Therefore, she did not understand why this eldest young lady of Jing State visited her.
“Sixth Miss Wei, don’t you think the Heir-apparent of Yan is peerlessly handsome?” After hearing Wei Yuewu’s well-worded reply, Jing Wenyan knew she was a cautious and well-educated lady. She frowned and went straight to the point.
She did not believe that this Sixth Miss Wei, who was rumored to be close to Yan Huaijing, would remain indifferent.
“So what?” Wei Yuewu raised her eyebrows and asked with a smile.
Actually, these words really reflected Wei Yuewu’s current mood. She really didn’t think that Yan Huaijing’s handsome appearance had anything to do with her. This heir-apparent was a beautiful and cunning fox, and every time she was alone with him, she would be extremely cautious and frightened.
“I heard that Sixth Miss Wei and Heir-apparent of Yan have a close relationship, and the mothers of you two were also bosom friends. With the Heir-apparent of Yan’s appearance and status, even if a princess marries him, it is not too much of a compliment to him. Is Sixth Miss Wei really not anxious?” Jing Wenyan’s gaze swept across Wei Yuewu’s face and said calmly.
According to the intelligence she had, Yan Huaijing, who had never treated anyone with a friendly eye, had actually treated this Sixth Miss Wei with much concern in front of her. This was enough to make Jing Wenyan value this thin and weak little girl in front of her.
This was also an important reason why she had thought about it for a long time before paying a visit to Wei Yuewu. She had never seen any woman who was valued by Yan Huaijing…
“What does that have to do with me?” Wei Yuewu tilted her head, as if she did not understand the meaning behind Jing Wenyan’s words.
“When I was in the Palace, I heard from the senior palace maid serving Her Majesty that Her Majesty wanted to marry the Fourth Princess to the Heir-apparent of Yan. This is also an important marriage of alliance between the capital and the Yan State. Everyone can see the benefit of this marriage for both the capital and the Yan State.”
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