Chapter 197: Yielding to Please
The weather gradually warmed, and Wen Mingqian sat under the eaves embroidering.
Madam Wei arrived with Gong Bao’an. Wen Mingqian quickly stood up with a smile, “I was wondering why I kept missing the needle just now. It turns out a guest has arrived.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, so of course I missed you. Bao’an has mentioned you many times, always wanting to visit you. Since I had nothing to do today, I brought him along,” Madam Wei said with a smile. “Is this clothes for Changan?”
“You’ve grown so much in just a few months, Bao’an. Come inside quickly. I have freshly made chestnut cakes, and you always liked them, didn’t you?” Wen Mingqian naturally took the child’s hand and walked into the room.
Gong Bao’an was a little reserved at first, but then he pursed his lips and smiled, “Mother Wen, why aren’t you living at home anymore? Are you going back? I… I miss you very much.”
He hadn’t spent much time with Wen Mingqian, but ever since his biological mother, Consort Song, died, his father had been cold to him.
During that period, it was Wen Mingqian who had been taking care of him, never showing any disdain or impatience.
Gong Changan had also treated him very well, never bullying him.
Children this young naturally depended on their mothers. After his own mother passed away, he naturally wanted to rely on Wen Mingqian.
But good times didn’t last long. Wen Mingqian suddenly left the Gong Family. He didn’t understand what divorce meant, only that the person who treated him well was gone.
“Mother Wen chose to leave herself,” Wen Mingqian said, handing him a piece of cake. “I heard you’re a good student. When Brother Changan returns, you two can play together again.”
Mentioning Gong Changan, Gong Bao’an’s face lit up. “Really? When I mention Brother Changan at the academy, everyone is envious.”
At this moment, Sang Er entered from outside. After greeting Madam Wei, she said to Gong Bao’an, “Fifth Young Master, why don’t you come out and play with me for a while! This courtyard is quite large!”
After they left, Madam Wei said, “Yun Ying gave birth the other day. It’s a daughter, fair and lovely, so adorable! Fang’s wife is virtuous and has been taking excellent care of her.”
“Yun Ying told me she liked daughters back then, and now her wish has been granted. I was telling Sang Er these days that I guessed she was about to give birth.” Wen Mingqian was very happy to hear this and turned to take a sachet from a box. “This is a golden lock I prepared for the child long ago. Sister, please take it back to her for me.”
Madam Wei knew that since Wen Mingqian had left the Gong Family, she would never set foot in it again. She reached out and took the item, saying, “Certainly, I will deliver it.”
She continued, “I haven’t been able to sleep these past few days, tossing and turning. I’m afraid living in this nunnery isn’t a long-term solution for you.
I heard about what happened at the Zhou Family a few days ago. It’s a pity I wasn’t there that day. It sounds so terrifying; you must make plans!”
“Thank you for your concern, Sister. I’m actually fine living here,” Wen Mingqian smiled. “Even if I don’t live here, if someone insists on spreading rumors about me, there’s nothing I can do. The Reverend Mothers and Masters here are all people of peaceful minds, and living here has saved me a lot of trouble.”
“Mingqian, the Grand Princess now appreciates you. Why don’t you go to her? I believe she would likely agree if you sincerely requested it,” Madam Wei said. “If you could truly stay by the Grand Princess’s side, no one would dare to speak ill of you.”
“The Grand Princess is cultivating in seclusion on Bowang Mountain, precisely to distance herself from the mortal world. How could I bear to disturb her?” Wen Mingqian shook her head. “In any case, this chapter has passed. We’ll talk about it later!”
Hearing her say this, Madam Wei didn’t press further and changed the subject.
The two chatted about family matters for a long time. After Gong Bao’an returned and ate a few more pieces of cake, Madam Wei got up to take her leave.
“Madam Wen, do you still recognize this old woman?” Not long after Madam Wei left, an old woman arrived with two maids.
“How could I not recognize you? Aren’t you Granny Xia from the Yunyang Marquis Mansion?” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “Could the east wind have blown you here?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dare. Madam Wen truly has a silver tongue; everything you say is so pleasant to hear.” This Granny Xia was a manager in the inner chambers of the Yunyang Marquis Mansion and a companion to the Marchioness of Yunyang, Madam Liu. She held more prestige than the legitimate masters of ordinary families.
Wen Mingqian smiled and offered her a seat. Granny Xia declined, saying, “Old woman, I am here on my mistress’s orders to invite Madam to our mansion for a chat. Ever since she used the face cream you made, our Madam has been radiant and absolutely loves it.”
“I estimate that the Madam’s supply is almost used up. I just made new batches these past few days,” Wen Mingqian replied with a smile. “I’ll bring them to you right away. The Madam is busy, so I won’t disturb her.”
“Our Madam specifically instructed that you must come in person. Please don’t be polite, Madam. If you’re not busy now, why not take our carriage? It’s still early!”
“In that case, please wait a moment, Mama. I’ll change my clothes and be ready,” Wen Mingqian agreed.
Madam Liu was eager to see her, so there must be something else.
Upon arriving at the Yunyang Marquis Mansion and meeting Madam Liu, Wen Mingqian paid her respects and said, “It’s been a month, and Madam is even more radiant.”
“This is all thanks to you,” Madam Liu said, smiling as she took Wen Mingqian’s hand. “I originally had some freckles on my face, but ever since I started using your face cream, they’ve faded to the point of being almost invisible, and my complexion is much fairer than before. I’m so happy! I’ve had them make several new outfits for me. I used to be hesitant to wear clothes of certain colors, but now I don’t have to worry.”
“I’ve made new batches, slightly different from the last. If Madam wants to see faster results, you can apply a slightly thicker layer after cleansing your face each night before bed. You’ll surely have a complexion like a hibiscus flower when you wake up the next day.” Wen Mingqian wasn’t exaggerating; her formulated face creams and medicated powders were almost tailored to each individual, precisely prescribing the right medicine.
“Before, everyone praised your abilities. Only after trying it myself did I truly believe it,” Madam Liu’s smile never faded. She was a woman who greatly valued her appearance, so how could she not be happy with such a wonderful product?
“How can I thank you? You are truly a remarkable woman,” Madam Liu, who was also known for her sweet words, said. “Let me tell you! I mentioned you to my aunt a few days ago, and she also said she wants to meet you!”
The aunt Madam Liu was referring to was none other than Princess Consort Zhao.
This was also Wen Mingqian’s intention in accommodating her.
However, Wen Mingqian’s face showed no sign of joy. Instead, she said with considerable hesitation, “Madam, your intentions are naturally good, but I am a little worried…”
“Worried about what?” Madam Liu asked. “You don’t need to be afraid. My aunt is the most approachable person.”
“I naturally know that the Princess Consort is extremely magnanimous, but I fear some rumors…” Wen Mingqian trailed off.
“Hmph! What are you worried about? It’s that crazy girl from the Liu Family!” Madam Liu chuckled. “Who would take her words seriously? Rumors are not to be believed. I’ve always trusted my own eyes. I know you, and I know you would never do such a thing.”
From Madam Liu’s perspective, she would be unable to do without the treasures Wen Mingqian made in the future.
Although Liu Huanchun came from a noble background, she offered no benefit to Madam Liu.
And she wasn’t the only one who thought this way. There were too many noble ladies who couldn’t do without Wen Mingqian. None of them wanted anything to happen to Wen Mingqian, as it would be like slapping their own faces.
