After Transmigrating into a Book, I Was Entangled by the Paranoid Eldest Princess - Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Before leaving the mansion, Wen Chenqing decided to pay a visit to her biological mother.

Since the spring of the 17th year of the Yankang era, when she left the Wen residence for the villa in the suburbs, she and Liu Qinyun had met very few times in the past two or three years, though they kept in touch through occasional letters.

Seeing her again this time, Wen Chenqing was able to act much more naturally than before. She smiled at her younger sister, Wen Zhichun, who had run out in excitement, ruffled her hair, and looked up to call out to the woman walking briskly toward her: “Mother.”

Liu Qinyun’s eyes were filled with joy; she restrained herself, casting a careful, lingering look over Wen Chenqing.

“Have you finished talking with your grandmother?”

Wen Chenqing smiled and nodded: “Before leaving, I wanted to come and see you and my sister.”

She took Wen Zhichun’s hand and followed Liu Qinyun into the main room. During their chat, Wen Zhichun would occasionally ask curiously about her experiences outside, and Wen Chenqing answered each one patiently. Liu Qinyun watched the two sisters interacting with such closeness and harmony, and under the guise of sipping tea, she hid the mist gathering in her eyes.

Two years ago, when she learned of her eldest daughter’s actions at the Marquis of Cheng’en’s residence, Liu Qinyun had been filled with confusion and despair. Her daughter had dared to strike out at a legitimate daughter; the family would certainly not tolerate her. When her eldest daughter was sent to the villa, she had been powerless to intervene, and for a fleeting moment, she had felt that perhaps it was for the best. Her daughter had a small heart and narrow temperament; away from the capital, she wouldn’t be able to cause any catastrophic trouble. She might not lead a life of great wealth, but the Wen family would not truly abandon her, allowing her to live a peaceful, mundane life.

But what Liu Qinyun hadn’t expected was that after going through this, her daughter’s temperament had changed so drastically. When the mansion mentioned that she had passed the provincial examination and become a juren, Liu Qinyun found it hard to believe. It wasn’t until the Matriarch sent word for her to write a letter urging her eldest daughter to return to the mansion that Liu Qinyun truly dared to believe it.

Seeing her younger daughter pulling her sister to ask question after question without pause, Liu Qinyun smilingly interrupted: “Chun’er, let your sister rest and drink some tea.”

Wen Zhichun immediately offered the tea: “Sister, please moisten your throat. It’s my fault for pestering you for so long.”

“It’s fine,” Wen Chenqing said, taking a large gulp, “You mentioned you are studying as well. How far have you gotten?”

Wen Zhichun looked at the elder sister she admired so deeply, her eyes brightening as her crisp voice chirped away once more. After nearly half an hour, Liu Qinyun looked at the sky outside and gently interrupted their chat: “The day is growing late, Chun’er. Your sister should be heading back.”

Wen Zhichun was disappointed: “Sister, now that you’re back, aren’t you going to live with us?”

Liu Qinyun said, “Your sister needs to focus on preparing for the examination; she can encourage her fellow students while living outside. Besides, don’t you like going out? With your sister living outside, won’t you have another place to visit later on?” Seeing Wen Zhichun persuaded, Liu Qinyun smiled.

Wen Chenqing saw that she hadn’t said a word about the Matriarch’s arrangements—that she should persuade her to move back—so she feigned ignorance and said naturally: “Mother, I shall take my leave now.”

Liu Qinyun nodded, holding Wen Zhichun’s hand as she walked her out: “Be careful on the road.”

Waiting outside, Yinxing immediately said: “Madam, rest assured, Yinxing will take good care of Miss!”

“With you by her side, I am at peace,” Liu Qinyun said with a kind attitude, “You have worked hard these past two years, Yinxing.”

Having been praised, Yinxing hurriedly replied: “It’s not hard at all, not hard at all. Miss treats me very well; it’s all my duty.”

Wen Chenqing said: “Alright, Mother, you go back inside; we are leaving.” After waving at Wen Zhichun, Wen Chenqing turned and left with Yinxing.

After walking only a few steps past the small courtyard, they suddenly saw Wen Shiyuan approaching with her maid.

“Second Sister.”

Wen Chenqing stopped: “Eldest Sister.”

Seeing the eldest daughter, Yinxing unconsciously held her breath, her body slightly tense. Wen Shiyuan looked at Wen Chenqing, who appeared calm and detached, and felt a subtle complexity. In the past, she knew this sister didn’t like her and often did foolish things trying to compete with her. But seeing herself as an elder sister, and noting that they were both daughters of the Wen clan whose fates were linked—if one suffered, the other would lose—Wen Shiyuan had mostly maintained a tolerant attitude.

That was until they attended the banquet for the Marquis’s daughter, where Wen Chenqing had attempted to push her into the water. Her ruthless, reckless actions had nearly shattered the sisterly bond in Wen Shiyuan’s heart. But now—she looked at her second sister and was astonished to find that the impulsive restlessness and hostility of the past were completely gone.

“I heard Second Sister insists on renting a place outside. Have you truly made up your mind?”

Wen Chenqing nodded: “Yes, I have already made an agreement with my friends.”

Wen Shiyuan didn’t understand her choice. She frowned slightly: “But if you were in the mansion, we could prepare together, and Father could arrange—”

Wen Chenqing looked at her with clear, piercing eyes and interrupted with an apologetic tone: “Eldest Sister, I did some very excessive things to you in the past. It was truly my mistake. I haven’t apologized to you for so long; it is my failing.”

This belated apology left Wen Shiyuan stunned. Then, she revealed a faint smile and shook her head: “You made a mistake and were already punished. If you are refusing to move back because of the past, I want to say that I truly do not hold it against you.”

Wen Shiyuan did not consider herself a petty person. She wouldn’t be narrow-mindedly jealous just because the sister who had once harmed her had now achieved academic success. She admitted that her sister, having changed her ways, was truly outstanding, but as someone nurtured by the family since childhood, Wen Shiyuan also had confidence in her own strength. Moreover, they were both members of the Wen family; once they entered officialdom, they would naturally have to support each other to bring honor to the family name.

Wen Chenqing also shook her head: “Eldest Sister, I have grown accustomed to life outside. Perhaps the outside world is more suitable for me?”

Wen Shiyuan looked into her candid eyes; there was nothing murky there, and as she spoke, a self-deprecating smile even played on her lips. “Since your mind is made up, I will not force you.” She softened her tone, “But we are family, after all. If you need anything while outside, just send someone back for it, or write to me.”

After finishing, Wen Shiyuan added: “For the Spring Banquet in three days, we shall go together. I have had someone prepare a few things for you; take them back with you now.” She tilted her head, signaling for the person behind her to present the items.

Wen Chenqing thanked her sincerely: “Thank you, Eldest Sister.”

Yinxing stepped forward to receive them. Once they had left, the maid beside Wen Shiyuan couldn’t help but speak: “Miss, Second Miss really has changed a lot.”

Wen Shiyuan said lightheartedly: “Second Sister has perhaps grown up. Is that not a good thing? In the future, when we both enter officialdom, there will be a relative in the bureaucratic world whom I can trust and rely upon.”

The maid, Zhutao, said: “Miss is right.”

“However, Miss, will Master Pei be attending the Princess of Xuan’s Spring Banquet?”

Wen Shiyuan tapped her arm lightly, her brows raising: “How many times must I tell you? Do not mention his name within the mansion.”

Zhutao hurriedly said: “I was wrong, I was wrong, Miss.”

Seeing her signify that she truly remembered, Wen Shiyuan relaxed her brows. Yet, thinking of Pei Huaici, the corners of her lips curled into an involuntary smile.

On the other side, it was already dark when Wen Chenqing and Yinxing returned to the place rented with Lu Mingjuan. They had spent the last year asking around and inspecting several places, finally agreeing on this spot—secluded amidst the bustle, perfect for studying.

Hearing the commotion, Lu Mingjuan came out, but only caught the sight of the carriage tracks as it departed. She said: “I thought you wouldn’t be coming back today.”

Wen Chenqing walked in with her, placing the package on the stone table in the courtyard. She showed a hint of fatigue from her travels, but her tone was light: “How could that be? Studying with you is the most relaxing; of course I had to come back.”

Lu Mingjuan was drawn to the exquisite package on the table: “This is?”

“A gift from my eldest sister. I am to attend a banquet with her in three days; these are the clothes she prepared for me.”

“A banquet?” Lu Mingjuan nudged Wen Chenqing’s elbow, teasing: “Truly the young lady of a prominent family. You’ve only just returned to the capital and are already attending banquets.”

Wen Chenqing gave her a side-eye.

Lu Mingjuan: “What are you looking at me for? Let me tell you, don’t you dare act like you’re suffering when you’ve gained an advantage. I’m just a ‘stinky outsider,’ and I’d actually like to attend to network, but look at who actually knows me?”

Wen Chenqing was amused by her feigned sour tone: “It’s not as if no one invited you; you were the one who refused yourself.”

Lu Mingjuan waved her hand: “Forget it, forget it. Those poetry gatherings and tea parties—better off without them. As an outsider with a merchant background, I can’t compare to the aristocratic children of the capital. It’s better to calm down and focus on preparing for the exam. Once the Metropolitan Examination is over and everything is settled, and I have a real position of merit, then I can talk about networking; I’ll have more confidence then.”

Wen Chenqing listened quietly and sighed. Lu Mingjuan patted her shoulder: “Good sister, I know you feel the same. But it seems you can’t push this banquet away, so just go honestly and keep a low profile.”

Wen Chenqing looked out at the heavy night sky, her fingers stroking the package containing the clothing: “Naturally, I will be keeping a low profile.”

The two chatted for a moment longer until they had to go to sleep. Just before parting, Lu Mingjuan looked at her with concern: “After going home, have your thoughts changed?”

Wen Chenqing knew what she was asking. Once, when they were chatting, they mentioned their future aspirations. Lu Mingjuan had left her hometown and rushed to the capital specifically to earn a career and make a name for herself there. Wen Chenqing was different—she wanted to be a provincial official, far away from the capital.

Wen Chenqing nodded. Lu Mingjuan watched her: “I get the feeling your family thinks quite highly of you; will they agree?” Although she didn’t know exactly which family Wen Chenqing came from, the details of their time together made Lu Mingjuan vaguely suspect that her family was among the power-brokers of the capital. For a background like hers, a provincial appointment was generally seen as inferior to a capital position.

Wen Chenqing’s eyes were clear as she said calmly: “They will agree.”

After the Metropolitan Examination, Wen Shiyuan would certainly stay at the center of power in the capital to gain experience. If she proposed wanting to leave the capital at the right time, it would perfectly complement her eldest sister. Weighing the pros and cons, a family that valued overall interests would naturally help her achieve the results she wanted. They had no reason to block her.

“Fine,” Lu Mingjuan said with a smile, “Then I’ll wish you success in advance.”