MSBCH Chapter 12

Posted by April Fox, ? Views, Released on December 11, 2024

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Looking at the invitation to the Huīlíng Princess’s flower-viewing banquet, Qin Rongxī clicked his tongue. “You plan to go?”

“Of course, why not?”

Although she wasn’t yet sure what the Huīlíng Princess’s intentions were in inviting her, after all, the Marquis of Yong’an’s family was a small, insignificant noble in the capital.

If Wen Congyan never made any major accomplishments, the family’s title could be further stripped until there was nothing left.

Wen Ninghan had not spent much time in the capital either. Back then, she was young, rarely leaving the compound, and had no acquaintances in the city, nor any social circles of her own.

The Huīlíng Princess’s flower-viewing banquet, however, was a good opportunity to start.

Qin Rongxī curled his lips. “So you’re really planning to stay in the capital for a while?”

He reached out to flip through the invitation, but was immediately struck by the strong fragrance, making him sneeze several times in quick succession, his face full of disdain.

“This invitation… seems like it can’t be shared with others?”

Wen Ninghan smiled and said, “It’s not that you can’t bring anyone. So, does Seventh Brother want to go too?”

“I was actually thinking of going with you,” Qin Rongxī replied, “But I can’t shake the feeling that you’re hiding some bad intention behind that smile. It looks like the banquet might not be a good one. If that’s the case, why would you still want to go?”

“It’s not a bad banquet,” Wen Ninghan responded, “Haven’t you heard anything about the Huīlíng Princess these past few days?”

Qin Rongxī honestly shook his head.

Wen Ninghan continued, “The Huīlíng Princess is quite a remarkable person. She is the eldest daughter of Prince Cheng, but she grew up in the palace, greatly favored by His Majesty. Her favorite pastime is traveling around, and she often hosts banquets under various guises at either the Princess’s residence or royal villas. She invites the noble ladies and young misses of the capital, as well as young masters and talented youths. At these flower banquets, they drink, watch performances, and engage in poetry and wordplay.”

Qin Rongxī: “…”

He thought he understood, but at the same time, he wasn’t entirely sure.

“With your character, appearance, and the halo of your background, Seventh Brother, you must be quite the popular figure at a flower banquet like this.”

In the capital, when noble families are considering marriage for their daughters, it’s not just about choosing a family with higher or stronger standing.

Families like the Qins, with their wealth as the richest in Jiangnan, are also highly sought after. After all, it’s difficult to marry a legitimate daughter to a merchant family, but who doesn’t have a few concubine-born daughters?

Not to mention, the Qin family is no ordinary merchant family.

Upon hearing Wen Ninghan’s words, Qin Rongxī immediately jumped in place, stepping back several paces as if the action could physically distance him from the terrifying scenario she had just described.

“What kind of flower banquet is this? It’s clearly a matchmaking event!”

Qin Rongxī had seen such gatherings back in Yancheng, but at that time, he was younger and not yet the center of attention, so he overheard quite a bit of discussion about him or his family from the corners.

Starting a family and establishing a career seemed like things far off for someone of Qin Rongxī’s age, and he couldn’t even begin to imagine them.

Especially with most of the older brothers at home avoiding such topics, Qin Rongxī had learned to steer clear of them as well.

His upbringing had taught him that not only should one keep themselves untarnished in public, but one should never make promises lightly.

As a member of the Qin family, he was also a target of many people’s ambitions. As Wen Ninghan put it, boys also need to protect themselves.

Ah, thinking too far ahead.

“I won’t go to this flower banquet. Xiao Jiu, don’t forget to take Qing Tuan with you. Qing Tuan, make sure you protect your young miss, got it? I still have some things to take care of, so I’ll head out now. I’ll come find you to hang out in a couple of days.”

Qin Rongxī left without even giving Wen Ninghan a chance to say goodbye, disappearing in an instant.

Qing Tuan, whose expression was usually indifferent, couldn’t help but show a hint of amusement. “Seventh Young Master has almost turned the Marquis’ residence into his own backyard.”

He came and went so freely that even Qing Tuan couldn’t help but feel a little speechless.

Wen Ninghan chuckled. “Seventh Brother has always been like this. The Marquis’ residence doesn’t exactly stop him.”

Qing Tuan furrowed his brows. “I always get the feeling the Marquis’ residence doesn’t have good intentions.”

Wen Ninghan shook her head. “Maybe it’s not the Marquis’ residence itself, but…” She raised her hand and pointed toward the outside. “These tactics don’t seem like the Marquis’ style.”

They seemed more like Su Yiniang’s methods, small-minded and petty.

Qing Tuan, however, disagreed. “Miss, this Marquis is no simple man.”

Perhaps he couldn’t bring himself to do such “shameful” things, but Su Yiniang was a useful tool, a blade in his hand.

Over the years, her actions couldn’t have escaped Wen Congyan’s notice, and in fact, there were many instances where it was clear that he had quietly pushed things along behind the scenes.

Qing Tuan’s investigation left her feeling uneasy.

“It’s fine, as long as he still cares about his reputation, he won’t be invincible.”

Though Wen Ninghan appeared unconcerned, Qing Tuan couldn’t help but worry. No matter how unremarkable Wen Congyan was, he was still Wen Ninghan’s father.

If he wanted to force her to do something, or if he had schemes on her, as the legitimate daughter of the Marquis’ residence, she truly couldn’t refuse.

Wen Ninghan was aware of this too. The leverage she had over Wen Congyan was still insufficient, which is why she was so eager to find a proper backing.

In this world, where power is everything, the greatest support could only be the Emperor himself.

And the next emperor.

So, this time, she truly wanted to attend the Huīlíng Princess’s flower banquet because, as far as she knew, the princess had a good relationship with the crown prince.

But she didn’t expect that someone else would be more eager to attend the flower banquet than she was.

“Miss!”

When Zhixin came in, pouting, her face clearly showed that she was upset.

Qingtuan, looking at Zhixin’s expression, couldn’t help but feel worried. When would Zhixin learn to hide her emotions? In the capital, wearing her feelings on her face like that could cause trouble for the young miss!

It’s no wonder that the Seventh Young Master reminded Qingtuan to follow Wen Ninghan when he leaves, instead of Zhixin.

“Alright, Zhixin, if you keep making that face all the time, I won’t take you out in the future.”

Although Wen Ninghan is confident she can protect Zhixin, this is the capital. If unnecessary trouble is caused, it will ultimately fall on the Marquis’ household, and she is more concerned about how it will affect the Qin family, far away in Jiangnan.

Zhixin immediately adjusts her expression. “Miss, the Second Young Lady is asking to see you outside.”

These past few days, Zhixin has managed the courtyard quite well. At least, no one can enter the courtyard freely without being announced, unlike the recently returned Wen Ningshuang, who can only stand at the gate, waiting for the servant’s announcement.

Wen Ningshuang managed to keep her expression composed, but the young maid beside her couldn’t hide her displeasure, “Miss, look at them! The way they act, so proud of themselves. It’s only been a short while since they returned to the Marquis’ residence, and already they no longer respect the Miss!”

It was merely a secluded courtyard, and only after Su Yiniang learned that Wen Ninghan was returning did she reluctantly come out to rest.

In truth, the area outside the courtyard still felt bleak and desolate, and Yunwen held this place in disdain. Naturally, she also looked down on the so-called legitimate eldest daughter and felt it was unfair to her own young mistress.

“Enough, Yunwen.” Wen Ningshuang lowered her eyes, her expression soft. With her slender figure and delicate waist, dressed in a blue robe and white skirt, she resembled a fairy descending from the clouds, evoking a desire to cradle her gently in one’s hands.

“After all, she is the legitimate eldest daughter, the true daughter of the Marquis’ household. It’s only fitting that she be treated this way.”

Wen Ningshuang didn’t think there was any problem with waiting a little longer at the door. In fact, she felt this was the proper way things should be done at the Marquis’ residence.

Unfortunately, she was not the legitimate daughter, and her chance to become the legitimate heir had been taken away by the late Marquis’ wife.

At times, Wen Ningshuang couldn’t help but feel resentment toward Su Yiniang and her father, wondering why she had ended up in this situation.

She couldn’t help but recall the last time, when she had humbled herself before the Third Princess just to attend the Hui Ling Princess’ flower banquet. What did she get in return? More humiliation at the banquet.

It was because she wasn’t the legitimate daughter, but a concubine’s illegitimate child.

Wen Ningshuang’s long, soft eyelashes fluttered gently, and her delicate, fragile appearance made her even more endearing.

At that moment, Yunwen’s heart swelled with protective feelings, wanting to guard her young mistress well.

“But, Miss, things like delivering gifts should be left to the maidservants. Why does Miss have to go personally?”

Wen Ningshuang smiled softly, a gentle glow lighting up her delicate face. “It’s been some time since my sister returned, but I was away with the old madam at Jin Yang Temple. I haven’t had the chance to visit my sister yet, so I should go pay my respects.”

Yunwen’s face showed displeasure. “You’re still saying that! The message had already been sent saying you were returning to the capital, but Miss, you stayed with the matriach for so long without anyone returning. If it wasn’t for worrying about delaying the matriach’s time for incense offering, you’d have stayed with her at Jin Yang Temple. Yet, the moment you left, she returned right after! It’s hard to say she didn’t do it on purpose!”

Wen Ningshuang’s delicate, cherry blossom-like pink lips gently pressed together, thinking to herself, even if it was intentional, what could she do about it?

Seeing the worried expression between Wen Ningshuang’s brows, Yunwen gritted her teeth and said, “Miss, don’t be afraid. Now you have the Fifth Prince as your backing…”

“Watch your words!” Wen Ning Shuang’s voice rang out in warning just as Zhi Xin reached the courtyard gate.

“Second Miss, please.”

Wen Ning Shuang didn’t come alone. In addition to her personal maid, Yun Wen, she was followed by several young servant girls, each carrying or holding trays and boxes of various sizes. It was clear there was no shortage of items.

As Wen Ning Shuang followed Zhi Xin into the courtyard, her eyes landed on Wen Ning Han, who was reclining leisurely on a small couch, enjoying life without the slightest sign of being affected by her arrival.

The budding allure in her features is already apparent, hinting at the breathtaking beauty she would grow into in the future.

Wen Ning Shuang knew well that her own features were rather plain—delicate but lacking vibrancy.

She could only enhance her appearance by embracing a soft and elegant style, entirely different from Wen Ning Han’s strikingly bold and captivating charm.

On her own, she might still be considered a delicate beauty, with a charm uniquely her own. However, when placed next to Wen Ning Han, she would inevitably be overshadowed.

Wen Ning Han’s radiance would steal all attention, drawing every gaze, even from those who claimed not to care, the moment she appeared.

Just like Yun Wen. Just like Wen Ning Shuang herself. Their eyes couldn’t help but linger on Wen Ning Han’s face, stirring complex emotions within.

For a moment, Wen Ning Shuang began to question the purpose of her visit. Was it truly necessary?

“Shuang’er greets Elder Sister.” Wen Ning Shuang stepped forward and gracefully bowed, her slender waist so delicate it seemed as if a slight force could snap it. Wen Ning Han couldn’t help but glance at her for a moment.

Wen Ning Han thought to herself, ‘She’s about my age, isn’t she? Maintaining such a figure… I wonder how many years it’s been since she had a full meal.’

Propping her chin in her hand, Wen Ning Han looked at Wen Ning Shuang with a calm and leisurely demeanor, her bright eyes fixed on her. Yet, the words that left her lips were anything but friendly: “Shuang’er…”

Come to think of it, Wen Ning Shuang is the same age as her, but the two had never met before this.

Back then, she had been too young and was confined to the courtyard by her mother, with no chance to meet anyone.

Meanwhile, Wen Ning Shuang, as Su Yiniang’s treasured darling, was naturally kept away from this courtyard as well.

“Elder Sister?”

Wen Ning Han waved her hand dismissively. “Wait a moment. That ‘Elder Sister’—I don’t think I deserve it. If I’m not mistaken, Shuang’er, you’re about a day or half a day older than me, aren’t you? So why are you calling me ‘Elder Sister’? Doesn’t that seem a little unreasonable?”

Wen Ning Shuang: !!!