But now she is calling her “Han girl” just because she recognized what she is wearing?
It seemed that she had underestimated the influence of Wan Yun Sha.
After all, ever since she had returned, she had been wearing Wan Yun Sha, and no one in the Marquis’s residence had shown any surprise.
So, she had thought that while it might be expensive, it wasn’t significantly different from other fabrics.
So, the result was that no one had recognized it before?
Wen Ningshuang’s face was also filled with shock.
Only now did she realize that under the shifting light, what she had originally thought was an unremarkable cyan gauze dress is actually reflecting different layers of light, revealing distinct patterns on the hem.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a hidden landscape painting!
Wen Ningshuang prided herself on having seen many things, but she had never encountered Wan Yun Sha like this!
Because of this, when they first met, she hadn’t recognized it at all—of course, at that time, her attention had not been on Wen Ninghan’s clothing.
Wen Ninghan felt it is probably best to explain, “This is still Wan Yun Sha, but to be precise, it’s called Xiu Shui Wan Yun Sha. It’s this year’s new product.”
This year’s new product.
So, before they even knew that Wan Yun Sha had a new release, Wen Ninghan is already wearing a new garment made from the new fabric?
Wen Ningshuang suddenly had a bold guess, “So… Jinyi Workshop…”
Wen Ninghan nodded with complete ease, “Yes, Jinyi Workshop is a Qin family business.”
So it is perfectly normal for her to have the new garment made from Wan Yun Sha right away?
As for the Xiu Shui Wan Yun Sha, it was her idea, and it took Jinyi Workshop several years of effort to successfully develop it. She decided it is better not to share that with anyone.
Wen Ninghan is worried that if the old matriarch got too excited, she might faint, and that responsibility is one she couldn’t take on.
Just the mention that Jinyi Workshop was a Qin family business is enough to make the old madam’s expression turn ashen.
Although she had long known that the Qin family is the richest and most powerful, she hadn’t realized that in recent years, with the introduction of Wan Yun Sha, Jinyi Workshop had become such a prominent name.
Just with the profit generated from Wan Yun Sha alone, Jinyi Workshop would benefit for generations as long as there were no other competitors. But in just a few years, there was already a new product?
Seeing the texture and effect of Wen Ninghan’s Xiu Shui Wan Yun Sha, which is clearly superior to the previous Wan Yun Sha, and with its understated yet luxurious appearance, it is clear that even the self-proclaimed scholarly elite would be more inclined to appreciate it.
Wen Ningshuang instantly realized this—previously, Wan Yun Sha had mainly been popular among women, but with Xiu Shui Wan Yun Sha, it seemed to be appealing to men as well!
With the topic of Wan Yun Sha settled, mainly because the old matriarch is overwhelmed by her shock and had lost her composure, she waved her hand, signaling for Wen Ninghan and the others to leave.
The old madam wasn’t worried about winning over Wen Ninghan because she is confident in the capabilities of Wen Ningshuang—something she knew well.
As they left Wangshu Courtyard, Wen Ninghan suddenly turned to Wen Ningshuang and asked,
“Do you really want to go to that flower banquet?”
Sister, you might not know—The Princess is highly favored by the Emperor, and the Princess’s residence was personally granted by the Emperor.
The Princess herself is a model for the noble ladies in the capital.
Attending the Princess’s flower banquet is not only a sign of her favor but also a significant opportunity for the noble daughters of the capital.
Wen Ningshuang could also tell that Wen Ninghan isn’t a woman of many words.
Although she seemed to be smiling pleasantly and without much temperament, her speech and actions showed a strong character—she isn’t easily fooled.
Besides, the County Princess’s matters weren’t secrets. Wen Ninghan had just returned to the capital, so she needed some time to gather information.
“Not just an opportunity to socialize and network among the noble ladies, but…”
Wen Ningshuang’s fair, delicate face flushed slightly as she spoke.
Wen Ninghan: “…”
What was going on here? One moment they were discussing normally, and now Wen Ningshuang was suddenly embarrassed and blushing—had they said something that would need to be toned down?
Wen Ningshuang cleared her throat and spoke softly, “The flower banquet at the County Princess’s residence typically isn’t just for the ladies. It also invites young, noble men from the capital—poets, scholars, those skilled in painting and composing—who showcase their talents…”
Wen Ninghan didn’t understand why Wen Ningshuang was using such a bashful, almost reluctant expression to say something she had heard about before. Was there something she didn’t know?
After Wen Ningshuang struggled to get it out, she was undone by Wen Ninghan’s clean, seemingly clueless gaze—an expression that suggested she truly had no idea what was being talked about.
But Wen Ninghan’s next sentence shattered all of Wen Ningshuang’s composure.
“So you’re saying that the Princess’s flower banquet is more like a matchmaking event organized by the capital?”
Wen Ningshuang: !!!
She hadn’t expected it to be said so directly!
By their side, only their most trusted maids were following—Wen Ninghan’s attendant was Qingtuan, while Wen Ningshuang’s was Yunwen.
Wen Ningshuang was so shocked she nearly lost her footing, and Yunwen looked at Wen Ninghan with wide, speechless eyes.
As for Qingtuan, even though she had known her mistress’s personality for a long time, seeing Wen Ninghan speak so boldly still made her want to cover her face and retreat to a corner as if she hadn’t heard anything.
Wen Ningshuang took a deep breath and quickly regained her composure, her cheeks still tinged with the lingering redness of embarrassment.
She hesitated, then said, “Sister, if you put it that way… well, it’s probably true…”
Even though everyone thought it was true, no one had been so straightforward about it before.
“Just remember, Sister, you mustn’t say that kind of thing in front of outsiders.”
Wen Ninghan raised an eyebrow, noncommittal, and changed the subject, “So you really want to go to the County Princess’s matchmaking banquet…”
“Older sister!”
“Oh, the flower banquet,” Wen Ninghan shrugged casually, “Is it because you’re looking for a suitable husband?”
As soon as those words were out, Wen Ningshuang’s face wasn’t just lightly flushed—it was bright red. “Sister, you can’t say things like that…”
“Alright, alright, I get it—can’t say that kind of thing in front of outsiders. But there aren’t any outsiders here, are there? I was just curious, with how the old madam spoils you and how long Aunt Su1Su Yiniang has been managing the household, hasn’t she found you a suitable husband?”
Even if there isn’t one, there should at least be a direction in your heart, right?
Don’t think I don’t know—according to the current storyline, the Fifth Prince should already be making his presence felt at the Marquis’s residence, at least connecting with Wen Ningshuang.
That’s where all the young girl’s thoughts seem to be these days, isn’t it?
But why would Wen Ningshuang risk being ridiculed by insisting on going to the County Princess’s flower banquet?
Some things Wen Ningshuang couldn’t bring herself to say as directly as Wen Ninghan could.
She carefully explained, “The flower banquet at the County Princess’s attracts young noblewomen and talented gentlemen. Going to see and experience that is incredibly beneficial for us. If we can make connections, it’s a lifelong advantage. But not everyone goes there with the intention of…”
Wen Ningshuang couldn’t quite say “matchmaking.”
Wen Ninghan thoughtfully considered it—she could understand where Wen Ningshuang was coming from.
Previously, Wen Chongyan had only one daughter, Wen Ningshuang, so naturally, he hoped she could make a name for herself in the noblewoman’s circle. Having connections with influential people was still valuable.
And with the Fifth Prince’s interests, he too hoped Wen Ningshuang could network more, especially considering that the County Princess, who enjoys the Emperor’s favor, was always a key figure to gain favor with.
Wen Ninghan also knew that the County Princess had always been a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince’s faction.
Even after the Crown Prince’s early death, the County Princess had no intention of backing any other prince.
Instead, she had turned to ally with the sickly heir to the Marquis of Ding’s title, planning to support the Crown Prince’s bloodline to take the throne.
Even if it was just to see the County Princess herself, Wen Ninghan would still go to the flower banquet.
“Then you should really take a good look. If you find someone you like, you can tell me—I’ll keep an eye out for you.”
Wen Ningshuang: !!!
This topic isn’t going to be avoided, is it!