Chapter 133: Apology

Chapter 133

Apology

The Chen family struggled through the banquet, barely able to enjoy the food. Only Chen Yuelan, who still harbored a sense of pride, kept a composed face, pretending not to feel anything. However, the conversation at their table only made the situation worse. Ma Furen, who had been part of the earlier conversation and personally heard what Chen Yuelan had said, couldn’t resist commenting when she heard the Hou announce Nie Shuang as the new mistress of the household.

"Young Miss Chen, didn’t you just say that the Hou Manor refused to accept their daughter-in-law? Yet here he is, appointing her to manage the entire household."

Chen Yuelan’s expression soured, but her mother discreetly nudged her under the table as a warning. Master Chen, who overheard the comment, was alarmed. He hadn’t expected his daughter to make such careless remarks.

"Ma Furen, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Yuelan was referring to events of the past. Now they’ve reconciled, and it’s evident how much the Hou cherishes both his daughter-in-law and grandchildren."

Chen Yuelan’s mother quickly tried to smooth things over, but Ma Furen wasn’t easily placated.

"Everyone heard it clearly. Young Miss Chen said that even though she gave birth to triplets, she’s still not fully accepted into the family."

Master Chen responded swiftly, clasping his hands together and speaking earnestly to Ma Furen.

"I didn’t raise my daughter well. I humbly ask Ma Furen to show me some mercy and not spread this further."

Seeing Master Chen personally take responsibility, Ma Furen’s stance softened somewhat. However, she still cast a sharp glance at Chen Yuelan, who sat stiffly, acting as if nothing had happened.

"It’s not up to me, Master Chen. Her words were heard by many, and by now, I’m sure they’ve spread throughout the banquet. Otherwise, why would the Hou suddenly announce his daughter-in-law as the mistress of the household?"

Chen Yifang shared the same thought but felt a sting of shame upon hearing Ma Furen voice it. He could only offer his agreement before turning his attention back to his meal, avoiding further conversation. The rest of the guests at the table chatted cheerfully, paying no attention to the silent trio of father, mother, and daughter. As the banquet came to an end and the guests began to leave, Master Chen and his wife lingered. Seeing her parents’ expressions, Chen Yuelan realized the severity of the situation she had caused. Fear began to creep in, and she reached out to hold her mother’s hand.

"Mother."

Chen Furen glanced down at her daughter’s hand and sighed. The Chen couple had a child when they were not young. They had raised her to never feel inferior to anyone, but they had not anticipated that she would grow up to be so proud and unable to accept defeat.

"When your father gives you instructions in a moment, just follow them. If you remain stubborn, things will only get worse."

Chen Furen advised her daughter before leaning in to quietly confer with her husband.

Princess An Le had already left, as none of the guests dared to leave while she was still present. The Chen family waited until the Hou had bid farewell to the last guest before approaching him.

"The Hou,"

Master Chen called out, his voice tinged with embarrassment, though he was compelled to swallow his pride for the sake of his daughter. The Hou turned to face him, his expression cold.

"What is it?"

"I’d like to have a word with you, if you’re available today."

They all knew what Chen Yifang wanted to discuss. The Hou glanced at Nie Shuang and Song Ren before turning to his friend and saying,

"Let’s continue this conversation in the study. My daughter-in-law and Second Son, you should join us as well."

Hearing the Hou call for Nie Shuang to accompany them soured Chen Yuelan’s expression. As they walked to the study, she bit her lip in frustration. Once inside, the Hou sat at the head of the room. Master Chen sat on the cushion to the left with his wife and daughter beside him, while Nie Shuang and Song Ren sat to the right. A maid poured tea for everyone and then exited. Seeing that no one else was speaking, Master Chen took the initiative.

"I must sincerely apologize for today. This is all my fault for not raising my daughter properly. She spoke words that have brought dishonor to the Hou Manor."

Chen Yuelan, seeing her father apologized, kept her head down and avoided looking at anyone.

"Yifang, we are getting older. How much longer can we worry about our children? When you asked me to allow Yuelan to marry Qilin as his principal wife previously, I agreed out of respect for our long friendship. Yet, for the past two years, Qilin has not returned to the Hou Manor even once. I’ve hardly had the chance to see my grandchildren. I’ve done my best to honor your request..."

"I understand, and I’m very grateful to you, Brother Yan." Since they were speaking privately, Master Chen used the familiar name for the Hou. "I still feel guilty for causing tension between you and Qilin."

"Let’s leave the past in the past. The one I owe the most to is my daughter-in-law. I tried to give her husband to another and forced her away from Qilin. Now, even after she’s returned, rumors continue to tarnish her reputation."

Nie Shuang had been quietly listening, observing how the conversation circled around without directly addressing the issue. She could easily guess that Chen Yuelan must have spoken carelessly, stirring up trouble. She wasn’t concerned about the gossip; she had three children to look after, and today’s events had already left her feeling exhausted. Although it might be seen as rude, she decided to cut the conversation short.

"If this is about me, I hold no grudges. You can continue your discussion, but I must excuse myself to check on the children."

Chen Furen secretly felt relieved, thinking that with Nie Shuang gone, her daughter wouldn’t be too humiliated. However, Chen Yuelan, who had been sitting quietly with her head down, suddenly muttered under her breath,

"So rude!"

Chen Furen was startled and immediately reached out to cover her daughter’s mouth, but the words had already been spoken, like water spilled that couldn’t be retrieved. Nie Shuang hadn’t intended to take offense, but upon hearing Chen Yuelan’s remark, she decided to stay. She had graciously offered an exit, but the other party refused it.

"Oh! What do you mean by rude? Is it about how you and your family have to stay after the banquet to apologize? Young Miss Chen, how old are you now? You cause trouble and leave your parents to clean up after you. Don’t you feel ashamed? Very well then, since you’re so quick to point fingers, I’ll stay and hear exactly what’s going on."

When Nie Shuang sat back down, the faces of Chen Yuelan’s parents turned grim. With just a few sharp sentences, Nie Shuang had left them both speechless. If it weren’t for their family status, they knew that Chen Yuelan couldn’t match her in any way. The Hou’s eldest daughter-in-law was certainly not someone to be trifled with.

Chen Yuelan, unable to control her anger, pointed her finger and shouted at the woman she saw as merely a merchant’s daughter.

“You’re the one being rude! Can’t you see the Hou and my father are speaking? Who gave you the right to interrupt?!”

Nie Shuang sipped her tea, letting Chen Yuelan’s words hang in the air, allowing everyone to fully absorb her tone and language. Anyone could judge whether Chen Yuelan’s behavior was befitting a noblewoman. Chen Furen felt heartache at her daughter’s inability to restrain her temper, falling so easily into provocation and failing to read the situation. Master Chen had no choice but to intervene—again.

“Kneel!”

He bellowed at his daughter. Chen Yuelan couldn’t believe her ears. Her parents had always taught her that her knees were as valuable as gold, and now her father was demanding she kneel for someone else?

“Father! But she did interrupt your conversation.”

“Shut your mouth!”

Master Chen snapped in embarrassment. How could his daughter be so foolish? Was she here to apologize or to teach others manners? She couldn’t even discern that much. If they didn’t show proper remorse today, the marriage proposal might not go through.

The Hou turned his face away, unable to bear watching such an awkward scene. How could Chen Yuelan be so clueless, behaving like an untrained woman?

Chen Yuelan looked at her father in confusion, but she refused to obey. With Nie Shuang’s gaze fixed on her, she would not allow herself to lose face. Chen Furen reached out to hold her daughter’s hand, urging her to follow her father’s command. Just then, someone no one expected to speak, Song Ren, broke the silence.

“Don’t force her. If she doesn’t want to do it, then let it be.”

Nie Shuang turned to look at the second brother. While she knew he was kind-hearted, if he continued to indulge someone like Chen Yuelan, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Even Chen Yuelan was surprised that Song Ren would speak on her behalf. Her eyes glowed with gratitude. She hadn’t thought that when everyone had abandoned her, even her own parents, Song Ren would still stand by her. How had she overlooked him all this time?

Song Ren then addressed Master Chen and his wife. “I must apologize to both of you. This matter directly involves me. If I were to marry Yuelan in the future, I fear that incidents like today’s would continue without end. Please do not blame my father. This is my decision. The marriage between Yuelan and myself will not happen.”