Chapter 150: The Wen Family Banquet

Chapter 150

The Wen Family Banquet

The weather had been pleasant lately, so people often hosted festive gatherings. After the banquet at the Han family, Chen Yuelan lost interest in attending any more social events. To say she was afraid wouldn’t be wrong. After spreading rumors, she finally had time to think about her actions. At first, she felt satisfied, but now anxiety crept in, making her worry about the consequences. However, it was too late for regrets.

Among the nobles and wealthy merchants of the capital, rumors spread quickly that the daughter-in-law of the Song family wasn’t just of low birth but also behaved disgracefully, ignoring her husband who risked his life on the battlefield. The fact that she was pregnant made people even more certain that the rumors were true. They believed that Nie Ran’s daughter was carrying someone else’s child, not General Song’s. When Nie Ran heard this rumor, he was furious.

"Young Miss Chen again? Wasn’t she the one who wanted to marry the General and almost caused a rift in their marriage before? Nie Shuang had to live in Huangjing for two years, and during that time, General Song often visited her and their children. How could the child not be his?"

Gao Shi feigned ignorance, offering soothing words to her husband, but inside, she was pleased. Young Miss Chen wasn’t very clever. This matter could easily be traced back to her, and yet she remained unaware that she herself was being used. Even if the rumor reached her, Gao Shi believed she could handle it. But as for that detested concubine’s daughter, she would be ruined. Whether the rumor was true or not, most people had already made up their minds. Perhaps even the General himself would doubt Nie Shuang and lose his affection for her.

“Don’t be too upset, dear husband. Once General Song returns, the baseless rumors will fade. Nie Shuang hasn’t even come out to refute them, has she?”

“Hah! If she came out to defend herself, people would believe it even more. Such vile thoughts, if the General didn’t love and trust Shuang Shuang, no matter what she did, even if she jumped into the Yellow River, she wouldn’t be able to clear her name. But how did Young Miss Chen find out that Nie Shuang went to Huangjing? Weren’t both the General and Hou keeping that a secret?”

Gao Shi’s face fell slightly. If the Hou Manor had kept the secret well, it must have been someone from Nie’s mansion who leaked it.

“The Hou Manor is enormous. It wouldn’t be surprising if a loose-tongued servant let something slip, would it? Don’t dwell on it too much, dear husband.”

Nie Ran didn’t respond. He merely turned as if to leave the room.

“It’s almost time for dinner. Where are you going?”

“If you’re hungry, eat first. I’m going to the Fu Yong Quarters for a while.”

With that, he left. The Fu Yong Quarters belonged to Xiao Yi Niang, located far from the main quarters but just as lavishly decorated. Hearing her husband’s words, Gao Shi’s face twisted with jealousy.

"Yu Zhuang..." Nie Ran called without looking back, "Do you remember the agreement we made fifteen years ago? If you keep your promise, your position will remain secure. If not..."

He left the sentence unfinished, letting Gao Shi fill in the rest herself.

Nie Ran had been gone for some time, but Gao Shi still stood there, trembling.

Fifteen years had passed... Yet she was still in the same place, never receiving his love, only the status he granted. Once the fear subsided, Gao Shi wept bitterly.

Today marked the grand birthday celebration of Elder Wen Furen, the elderly mother of the Minister of Finance. With the status of Master Wen, many high-ranking officials from the royal court were attending. Princess An Le was somewhat familiar with him, so it was not surprising that she gifted a traditional opera performance for the event. This year, Elder Wen Furen was turning seventy, so Master Wen spared no expense in organizing a magnificent celebration. He was close with the Yong An Hou Manor, both father and son, so naturally, the Hou was invited. In the past, the Hou would have declined such social events. However, ever since the birth of his triplet grandchildren, the Hou had been making more appearances at social gatherings. Whenever the elderly gathered to talk about their grandchildren, the Hou would chime in and boast about his triplet grandchildren. It had become well-known, but no one minded—after all, it was only natural for the elderly to be doting on their grandchildren.

When the invitation from Master Wen arrived, the Hou turned to Xu Shi and said,

"Furen, let’s bring the grandchildren along to Elder Wen Furen’s celebration. Many of my old friends will be there, and last time they all mentioned wanting to see our grandchildren. If you’re worried about the children misbehaving, we can have Nie Shuang come along too. What do you think?"

Xu Shi gave him an exasperated look. The Hou had become a habitual braggart when it came to his grandchildren, and now his daughter-in-law was being pulled into the mix.

"She’s already seven months pregnant. Wouldn’t it be better for her to rest at home? And you should boast less about the children."

The Hou laughed at his wife’s mild scolding. Ever since the grandchildren were born, the two had become closer, with the Hou in a much better mood, often teasing his wife—something he rarely did when he was more withdrawn and serious.

"Let’s ask our daughter-in-law first. She’s been cooped up in the manor. Perhaps she might enjoy getting out for a change."

Xu Shi didn’t object. In truth, she also wanted to bring the children as well. How could other noblewomen compete? None of them had grandchildren as adorable as hers, and on top of that, she had three! Bringing them to the banquet would be a source of great pride.

When Nie Shuang heard Xu Shi mention the banquet, she agreed. Princess An Le had already sent word earlier that the opera she commissioned would be performed at Elder Wen Furen’s birthday celebration. Nie Shuang wasn’t sure if Chen Yuelan would attend the event, but she was curious to see how the audience would react to the opera. Since Princess An Le wouldn’t be attending, she’d surely want to hear all about it from Nie Shuang later.

Once Nie Shuang agreed, the two elders were delighted. They quickly accepted the invitation and informed the Wen Manor how many people from their household would be attending, then busied themselves finding colorful outfits for the children. Nie Shuang could only smile. Weren’t the clothes supposed to reflect the status of the Hou and Elder Furen? Yet they seemed to think the children were more important.

On the day of the banquet, the guests from the Hou Manor arrived as a large group. With three young children in tow, their wet nurses and maids followed in a long procession. Master Wen himself came out to greet the Hou. Besides the Hou’s birthday celebration that had been held at the manor last month, this was the first major event the Hou had attended in a long time. Despite using a cane, the Hou stood tall, still exuding the grandeur of a former great General. Knowing how much the Hou adored his grandchildren, Master Wen showered them with compliments, making the Hou beam with pride. He then led the Hou and the children to their seats.

Nie Shuang followed Xu Shi to greet the female host, leaving the children with the Hou, accompanied by Xiao Tong and the wet nurses to look after them. The Hou could proudly show off his grandchildren as much as he pleased, and if the children became fussy, they could always be brought back to her. Today, the three little mischief-makers were dressed in new red outfits to bring good fortune as they offered their blessings to Elder Wen Furen. Whoever saw them couldn’t help but admire their charm. Elder Wen Furen laughed heartily upon seeing the three chubby children with their identical faces. They were like symbols of prosperity and growth, with their plump bodies and fair skin—an auspicious sight indeed. Add to that their rosy cheeks and adorably cute faces, and they were irresistible. Bao Bao seemed used to taking the lead as the eldest brother. People constantly asked to hold him, and he didn’t mind at all. Full of energy, the little boy seemed to enjoy making funny faces at the ladies, causing laughter wherever he went. Bao Bao finally felt he was getting the attention he deserved as Da Ge.

The person most proud of all was, of course, the Hou. Who else could boast of having such intelligent and adorable triplet grandchildren? Xiao Hua Hua became sleepy, so the Hou had her taken back to her mother. He held Bei Bei on his lap, and the little boy sat quietly, his back straight, mirroring his grandfather’s posture. Everyone admired him, saying he had the demeanor of a young gentleman even at such a tender age. Bei Bei didn’t care about the attention, but the Hou was full of pride.

"By the way, when will Qilin return?"

One of the Hou’s friends asked. The conversation fell quiet for a moment, and the Hou immediately sensed something was off.

"The northern battle has ended. Sorting things out there shouldn’t take long. He should be back within a month,"

The Hou replied in a somber tone. It seemed he had been too joyful, and someone had grown envious.

"Oh, it’s good he’ll be back soon. He can sort things out here. The longer rumors like this are left unchecked, the more damage they cause."

"What rumors? If they concern the Hou Manor, how could I not know? Those who spread such rumors only wish ill upon others."

Having been confronted, the friend snorted in displeasure but said nothing more. The others quickly shifted the conversation to keep the mood light. The Hou discreetly whispered instructions to one of his trusted aides before joining the conversation as though nothing had happened.

(End of Volume 2. Please continue with The Daring Lady Boss, Volume 3.)