In fact, when Wen Ninghan received the flower viewing invitation from the Huailing Princess’s residence, she had already thought that such an opportunity would not be missed by Wen Ningshuang, given her character.
The seemingly gentle and delicate girl was actually very strong. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have become a named cannon fodder character in the original plot, repeatedly causing trouble for the male and female leads. Naturally, she had some tricks up her sleeve.
Although Wen Ninghan had never expected to get along with Wen Ningshuang in the future, and had no intention of becoming enemies with her unless necessary, she had no interest at all in the Wen family or the marquis’ residence.
Once she got the dowry her mother had left behind and claimed the justice she deserved, whether the Wen family survived or fell, whether it thrived or descended, would have nothing to do with her.
As for the old matriarch’s suggestion—or rather, her command—the two of them didn’t seem too surprised, but Wen Ningshuang’s expression was more complicated.
“Grandmother, it’s not easy for my sister to have received an invitation from the Princess’s residence, so I won’t go and cause any trouble.”
The smile on the old matriarch’s face slowly faded, and her features grew even more defined, the aura of authority growing heavier.
“Why would it be causing trouble? As the eldest sister, it is only right that she takes you along to the flower-viewing banquet. Besides, she just returned to the capital, and she hasn’t even gotten familiar with the city yet. You said yourself that you would help her get acquainted. Who is to say who will be taking care of whom?”
“But—”
“There’s no ‘but.’ After all these years in the capital, you know very well what the Princess’s flower-viewing banquet represents. She may not know, but can you claim you don’t?”
Wen Ningshuang hesitated and said, “Although that may be true, but…” She looked toward Wen Ninghan, unsure.
The old matriarch was displeased. “What are you looking at her for? This is for her own good. Do you think she would object? If you don’t accompany her, how will she even find the door to the Princess’s residence? And in this capital, how many influential officials does she know? She’s never been out in the world, doesn’t know anyone, and won’t even know how to greet people properly. That’s what will offend others and bring trouble to the marquis’s house.”
At this point, the old matriarch began to feel that the timing of the flower-viewing invitation was not ideal.
Wen Ninghan had just returned, and she hadn’t been trained in or taught the proper etiquette of the marquis’s house.
Sending her to the Princess’s flower-viewing banquet just like that, without any preparation, the chances of embarrassing herself were far too high.
The old matriarch had already started to seriously consider the possibility of not allowing Wen Ninghan to go out at all.
After all, the reasoning was ready-made. Wen Ninghan had just returned to the capital, and had been raised in Jiangnan where the Qin family was a merchant family.
Naturally, her manners would be different from those in the capital. She still needed time to familiarize herself with the proper rules at home. Externally, they could just say that she had been traveling and was not in good health.
It is truly rare to receive an invitation to the Princess’s flower-viewing gathering.
The old madam knows well that Princess Huiling despises concubines and mistresses the most.
The reason the princess grew up in the palace was that the Prince Cheng’s residence was too chaotic!
Now that the invitation has landed in Wen Ninghan’s hands, it naturally presents a rare opportunity for Wen Ningshuang as well.
If they were to give it up just like that, who knows if there would ever be another chance?
The previously indifferent expression in the old madam’s eyes suddenly showed a trace of disdain. Was it directed at Wen Ninghan, Wen Ningshuang, or perhaps both?
Wen Ninghan continued to smile: It seems that the relationship between the old madam and Wen Ningshuang isn’t as good as I thought!
Their acting skills were quite impressive. After all, the harmonious and cheerful scene earlier had seemed genuine, and she had even enjoyed watching it from the sidelines.
However, after the grandmother and granddaughter voiced their opinions, it became clear that neither of them had bothered to ask for hers.
Especially the old matriarch—it was evident she had never considered that Wen Ninghan might refuse.
As for Wen Ningshuang, she was looking at her with such sincerity and worry, as if she were genuinely afraid of causing her trouble.
“Rest assured, Old Madam. I will still need Ning Shuang’s guidance at the flower banquet. However, as for going shopping, it won’t be necessary for now. After all, Jiangnan is quite far from the capital, and the long journey has been exhausting. I’ll need a few days to rest,” Wen Ninghan said with a gentle and understanding demeanor.
Seeing her so sensible and well-behaved, the old matriarch nodded in satisfaction. “Not going out is fine too. If you need anything, have the shops deliver it. You can take your time choosing from the comfort of the residence. When is the flower banquet?”
“The day after tomorrow, on the 15th. The weather will be clear and crisp, and the County Princess’s Chrysanthemum Garden will be in full bloom, fragrant and delightful,” Wen Ninghan replied.
“The day after tomorrow? That’s rather tight,” the old matriarch remarked. “Shuang’er, make sure to tell her more about the customs and events in the capital so she doesn’t embarrass the Marquis’s residence at the flower banquet. Hua Mama, give orders for the people from Jinyi Workshop to bring over some ready-made garments…”
As she spoke, the old matriarch glanced at the clothes Wen Ninghan was wearing. She had initially intended to show a look of disdain, but upon closer inspection, her pupils involuntarily trembled.
“Is that Wan Yun Sha?”
Although the saying ‘A thousand gold pieces can’t buy even a foot of Wan Yun Sha’ might be a bit exaggerated, the fabric is incredibly rare.
The supply from Jinyi Workshop is extremely limited, and even with silver in hand, it’s not always possible to purchase it.
Wen Ninghan’s seemingly unremarkable cyan cross-collar gauze dress was actually made entirely of Wan Yun Sha! For most people, obtaining even a single foot of this rare fabric was a near-impossible feat.
How many bolts of cloth would it have taken to craft an entire outfit like this?
The old madam was completely stunned.
Wen Ningshuang, however, still didn’t understand why the old madam’s expression had suddenly changed.
Although she knew Wan Yun Sha was rare, Wen Ningshuang had only thought the dress’s color, texture, and craftsmanship were exceptionally refined and beautiful.
It had never crossed her mind that the entire dress could be made of Wan Yun Sha.
Though understated in appearance, it exuded unparalleled luxury.
The old madam’s fingers tightened slightly around her prayer beads as a memory surfaced—back when Qin Xi had first married into the family, she had repeatedly challenged the old matriarch’s understanding of wealth, showing her what being the richest family in Jiangnan truly meant.
After Qin Xi’s death, Wen Ninghan had been taken back by the Qin family, and life in the Marquis’s residence seemed to quiet down, with no significant changes to their way of living.
But now, with Wen Ninghan’s return, just one glance at her was enough for the old matriarch to realize how astonishingly extravagant the true wealth of the richest family could be.
If Wen Ninghan knew what the old matriarch is thinking, she would certainly protest loudly, insisting that she had no idea just how extraordinary Wan Yun Sha was.
She knew it was expensive, of course—after all, it was a specialty of the Qin family’s business. But even with the high cost, in the Qin family’s eyes, it was used at cost price?
Moreover, Wan Yun Sha is soft, breathable, and skin-friendly, yet not transparent. In the hot summer months, wearing numerous layers of clothing, Wan Yun Sha is practically a necessity for comfort.
It is also Wen Ninghan’s favorite fabric, which is why, over the years, most of her clothes had been made from it.
If the old madam knew that most of Wen Ninghan’s trunk was filled with Wan Yun Sha, she might just pass out from the shock.
Even the maids didn’t think there is anything unusual about Wen Ninghan wearing Wan Yun Sha. If their young lady liked it, then that is what made it valuable—no matter how expensive the fabric.
It is unexpected when, after her hesitation and surprise, the old matriarch finally spoke out directly, “Han girl1‘Wen Ninghan’ but more intimate, is this—Wan Yun Sha?”
Wen Ninghan was slightly taken aback, nodding in response, “Yes.”
But what on earth is this odd nickname—“Han girl”? Ever since they had met, the old matriarch had only referred to her as “she,” not even mentioning her name, as if it is something to be avoided.
