After Transmigrating into a Book, I Was Entangled by the Paranoid Eldest Princess - Chapter 35

Chapter 35

After confirming the examination results, Wen Chenqing returned home and enjoyed a long, guilt-free sleep. Upon waking naturally, she discovered that someone from the Wen residence had arrived.

Glancing at Yinxing, Wen Chenqing looked at the man who had been hovering near the courtyard entrance. After sifting through her memories, she recognized him as a servant who served Wen Huayuan.

Seeing that the Second Miss had finally appeared—after Yinxing had sternly ordered him to keep his mouth shut to avoid waking her—Guan Da bowed, his face wreathed in smiles: “Congratulations to the Second Miss on passing the examination! As soon as the Master heard the good news, he immediately sent me to offer his congratulations. He also invites you to return to the manor when you are free, so that the family may celebrate this achievement together.”

Wen Chenqing listened to these polite, flattering words. After a moment of contemplation, she offered a gentle, faint smile: “I appreciate the trouble you’ve taken to come, Steward Guan. Please wait a moment; I will change my clothes and return with you.”

Hearing this, Guan Da’s smile widened further, and he replied repeatedly: “I shall wait outside for you, Second Miss.” He had been waiting half the day already; a little more time to change clothes was nothing.

Returning inside, Wen Chenqing looked at Lu Mingjuan, who was waiting for her with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and said: “I apologize. Did the people in the courtyard disturb your rest?”

Lu Mingjuan popped a piece of candied fruit into her mouth and shook her head while chewing: “Not at all. Yinxing was very considerate of you; she ordered them not to make a sound. By the way, will you be back for dinner tonight?”

Wen Chenqing thought for a moment: “Probably not. Let’s postpone the celebration until tomorrow.”

“Alright.” Lu Mingjuan nodded, her gaze sweeping over Wen Chenqing as she added with a smile: “I hope I’ll be waiting for your good news as well.”

Wen Chenqing froze, immediately understanding that Lu Mingjuan had guessed why she agreed to return to the Wen manor. She gave Lu Mingjuan a smile and nodded.

Once Wen Chenqing and Yinxing arrived at the Wen residence, Guan Da led them straight to Wen Huayuan’s courtyard. Outside the study, Wen Chenqing gestured for Yinxing to wait outside before entering with Guan Da.

The study was filled with the lingering scent of sandalwood. Upon entering, Wen Chenqing immediately saw Wen Huayuan sitting in the seat of honor, with Wen Shiyuan by his side.

“Father, Eldest Sister.” Wen Chenqing bowed in greeting.

“Chenqing is here, sit.” Wen Huayuan pointed to the seat below, his gaze sweeping over both daughters with obvious satisfaction: “In this Metropolitan Examination, neither of you has failed my expectations. Shiyuan took second place in the first rank, and Chenqing ranked fifth. Two sisters shining together, it is truly a rare and glorious event for our Wen clan!”

Hearing the pride in her father’s voice, Wen Shiyuan offered a slight smile: “Second Sister has always been diligent lately; achieving this result is only natural.” In her mind, the impression of the “old” Wen Chenqing had gradually faded. Seeing the hardworking Second Sister she was today brought Wen Shiyuan a sense of relief. They were sisters, after all; entering the bureaucracy together meant they could be each other’s support. Despite a fleeting, complex feeling of having her own brilliance diluted, she felt no jealousy.

Wen Chenqing lowered her head modestly: “I still have much to learn from Eldest Sister.”

Wen Huayuan was delighted to see his daughters getting along so harmoniously, showing mutual respect. Once, he had believed that only his legitimate daughter, Shiyuan, was outstanding. He had never expected that his illegitimate daughter, Chenqing, would also have the heart to repent and strive for improvement. Having two such brilliant successors in the next generation filled him with gratification.

His expression turned more somber: “However, since the results were posted, there have been some unsettling rumors circulating outside. Since you both ranked highly, you must be even more cautious and guarded in your words and actions during this period. Do not get involved in these controversies.”

Having served as an official for years, how could he fail to see that the public outcry at the posting of the results was targeted? He wondered what stormy winds would blow through the court tomorrow. Pushing those thoughts aside, he looked at Wen Chenqing and said, “Chenqing, you live outside now. While it is quiet, it is not as secure as being at home. Why not move back into the manor? It would spare your mother and me from worrying.”

Wen Chenqing lifted her eyes. She knew full well that while he might harbor genuine concern for his promising daughter, he also wanted to bring her back under the family’s control.

“Thank you for your concern, Father. However, when I rented my current residence, I decided to live with a classmate and friend until the Palace Examination concluded. I do not wish to be a person who breaks promises and violates trust, nor do I want to invite gossip suggesting the daughters of the Wen family lack decorum or treat others with disrespect.”

Wen Huayuan’s brow furrowed. He had, of course, investigated who this “classmate” was—merely the daughter of a tea merchant from the south.

“Your friendship is important, but you must know how to distinguish the primary from the secondary,” Wen Huayuan said coldly. “Since it is a shared rental, simply compensate her with some silver. As a daughter of the Wen family, why must you live long-term with the daughter of a merchant?”

To Wen Huayuan, Lu Mingjuan—who had placed fourth in the Metropolitan Examination, crushing a legion of noble-born sons—was nothing more than a merchant’s daughter. Hearing the arrogance of the aristocratic clan toward those from humble origins, Wen Chenqing’s eyebrows twitched.

Wen Shiyuan added with a tone of persuasion: “Second Sister, Father is right. It is not that the family wants you to break your word, but your status is fundamentally different from that classmate. Your daily habits and standards of conduct are not the same; should any friction arise from living together, it would be regrettable.”

Wen Chenqing fell silent under this double pressure. This arrogance etched into their bones… judging people not by ability, but by birth. Even though Lu Mingjuan’s rank surpassed most noble sons, in their eyes, she was still just “the merchant’s daughter.” Wen Chenqing realized that while she had ranked lower than Lu Mingjuan, both her father and sister looked down on her friend.

Nevertheless, she held her ground.

“Thank you, Father and Eldest Sister, for your concern, but I admire her talent and character. If I were to distance myself because of social standing, would I not be someone who fawns on the powerful and ignores the humble? I hope Father will grant me this.”

Wen Huayuan stared at her for a long moment, surprised by the hidden stubbornness and sense of self she possessed.

“Very well. That classmate of yours is considered talented. If you insist, then stay.” He reasoned that since the girl was gifted, having Wen Chenqing associate with her was, in a way, keeping her close to the Wen family, which could serve as an asset later.

“Thank you, Father.”

Wen Chenqing expressed her gratitude, though she felt restless inside. In essence, as long as she wasn’t financially independent—or, in other words, as long as the Wen family had funded her upbringing—they would always have the leverage to control her. She prayed that the Palace Examination would end quickly so she could strive for an appointment outside the capital. She had researched the records; it was quite common for top-tier candidates to be sent to provincial posts to accumulate practical administrative experience.

Wen Huayuan steered the conversation back to business: “The Palace Examination is imminent; you must give it your all. Especially the policy essay—be exceptionally meticulous, and do not lose your composure before the throne.” His gaze, filled with expectation and gravity, swept over them: “After the Palace Examination, your careers will be set. Whether you remain in the capital or consider marriage, everything must be carefully weighed. With the reputation you both currently enjoy, many families have already begun sending feelers to probe our intentions.”

By the end, Wen Huayuan even held a faint smile.

Wen Chenqing: “?”

She had expected to discuss official business; it never crossed her mind that this “business” would include arranged marriages. I have absolutely no desire for a match made by others.

Beside her, Wen Shiyuan’s posture stiffened imperceptibly when marriage was mentioned. She felt her father’s gaze linger on her for a long time before he slowly shifted it away. Wen Shiyuan let out a quiet sigh of relief; her father’s hesitation meant he hadn’t decided on her case yet.

Wen Huayuan continued: “Chenqing, although you are illegitimate, now that you have earned a title, you must not be treated lightly. The son of the Vice Minister of Personnel, raised under the name of his primary mother, is of a similar age to you. Although he has not entered the bureaucracy through the examination, he assists his family in managing domestic affairs; he is steady and would be a perfect match for you.”

Wen Chenqing: “…”

Oh, my head hurts.

She looked up, meeting Wen Huayuan’s gaze with resolute eyes, her voice clear and steady: “I am grateful for Father’s concern and planning for me. However…”

Wen Huayuan suddenly had a bad premonition.

“…However, I love women. That young master of the Ji family and I are simply not a match.”

Wen Huayuan stared at Wen Chenqing, as if he had heard something incomprehensible: “What did you say?!”

Even Wen Shiyuan could not help but let go of her own worries to stare at her.

Assuming he hadn’t heard clearly, Wen Chenqing raised her voice: “I love women, so I am not compatible with that young master of the Ji family.”

“—Nonsense!” Wen Huayuan immediately roared, his face darkening. “If you marry, the harmony of yin and yang is the proper path! What kind of degenerate talk is this?!”

Wen Huayuan was furious, but Wen Chenqing was not frightened in the slightest. She even sensed an undercurrent in his reaction—it seemed he wasn’t really angry that she loved women, but rather that she used it as an excuse to reject marriage. The “standard” was actually quite flexible: he didn’t care what she did in private, as long as she went through the motions of a “proper” marriage on the surface.

She put on a look of “sudden realization” and said with a troubled air: “But Father, I have no feelings for men whatsoever. Furthermore, I am a free-spirited person and do not wish to suffer. If you force this, we will only become a pair of resentful spouses, and instead of a happy union, we will end up as enemies.”

Wen Huayuan’s mind involuntarily flashed to a future where his second daughter doted on concubines and ignored her legal husband, leading to a household in chaos, with Minister Ji coming to him every day with a dark face to lodge complaints. He looked at Wen Chenqing’s righteous expression and flicked his sleeve: “Utterly absurd!”

Yet, his resolve was clearly shaken.

Wen Chenqing lowered her head, the corners of her lips curling slightly where neither of them could see.

Suddenly, she heard Wen Huayuan ask with deep suspicion: “You have consistently refused to move back into the manor—is it because of that classmate of yours—”

“…”

“Achoo—” Lu Mingjuan, sitting in their courtyard happily sipping the tea sent by the Wen family, sneezed, then felt a chill run down her spine. Strange, she thought, the sun hasn’t set yet. Why does it feel like there’s an icy draft behind me?