Chapter 36 Instigation
Wen originally wanted to stay with Zheng Xiulan for a few days, and also leave Wen Yanghou out for a few days to make him feel a little insecure.
However, Zheng Xiulan and Qiao Muyang did not want her to stay here any longer. If it weren't for the darkness, they would have sent her back to the Wenyang Marquis's residence right now!
Leaving aside her living expenses here, Qiao Muyang didn't want to take on any responsibility for her difficult personality.
However, considering himself a gentleman of impeccable character, there were certain things he couldn't say. This is where Zheng Xiulan's silver tongue came in handy.
“Aunt, think about it carefully. We had nothing going on before, so how did my cousin and uncle know that you were secretly helping us? Besides, Yun Jinglan was in charge of the accounts, and this happened right before her little girl’s one-month celebration.”
Even Zheng Xiulan, who lived in the east of the city, had heard about the Wen Yang Marquis's youngest daughter's full-moon celebration; she said it was incredibly lavish. Thinking about how she herself had been treated like trash and thrown out of the Wen Yang Marquis's mansion made her furious!
She was even more skilled with words, and in no time she had belittled Yun Jinglan to the point of being worthless. The "upright gentleman" Qiao Muyang even just sat there quietly listening to his mother slander others.
Wen didn't notice anything unusual at all; in fact, he listened even more attentively.
"You mean Yun Jinglan was involved? Did she tell Yao'er about it?"
Guided by Zheng Xiulan, Wen felt that all the problems stemmed from Yun Jinglan, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt something was wrong.
As if suddenly enlightened, she slammed her hand on the table and stood up excitedly: "I knew the Marquis was fine before I left this afternoon, so why did he get angry at me when he came back from the palace? It turns out that this bitch was trying to sow discord between me and the Marquis!"
She and Zheng Xiulan shared a common hatred for Yun Jinglan, regarding her as an enemy, and even dragged Xiao Qiujiu into it.
"This child is my nemesis; I haven't had a single peaceful day since she was born!"
Seeing that the time was right, Zheng Xiulan immediately said, "Aunt, if you leave the Marquis's Mansion now, won't that give Yun Jinglan an opportunity? When those people who return to the Marquis's Mansion are all won over by Yun Jinglan, what will you do in the future!"
Ms. Wen felt that Zheng Xiulan's words made a lot of sense, and immediately decided to go home as soon as possible.
Zheng Xiulan understood the principle of giving a slap followed by a sweet treat, and quickly grabbed Wen's arm: "Aunt, it's so late, why are you going back? Stay here tonight. Have a bowl of hot dumplings tomorrow before you go out!"
Hearing this, Madam Wen felt relieved and patted Zheng Xiulan's hand: "You are such a thoughtful and filial child. It's just that your cousin is so blind to have fallen for that woman Yun Jinglan!"
Zheng Xiulan clung to Wen Shi, nestling against her. This display of weakness gave Wen Shi a great sense of satisfaction. "Xiulan comes from a humble background and is a widow. It's understandable that my cousin dislikes her."
Qiao Muyang, who had been silent until now, immediately spoke up: "Mother, do not belittle yourself. When I pass the imperial examination and earn an official title for you, let's see who in the capital will look down on you!"
Zheng Xiulan was deeply moved, and Wen Shi repeatedly praised her.
"Mu Yang is ambitious. You should study hard and support your mother after you pass the high school entrance exam!"
Upon hearing this, Qiao Muyang's face showed a slight hint of difficulty. It was truly remarkable that he had managed to find an angle from which Wen Shi could get a clear view.
Madam Wen was exceptionally fond of this grand-nephew, and seeing this, she hurriedly asked, "Muyang, have you encountered any difficulties? You can tell me. This old woman still has some ability to help you."
Zheng Xiulan was overjoyed: "Aunt, you don't know, my Muyang copies books for his classmates every day to earn money. It's all my fault as a useless mother. If Aunt could help Muyang..."
Qiao Muyang scolded Zheng Xiulan: "What are you talking about, mother? Muyang has both hands and feet, how can he let his elderly aunt worry!"
He tried to persuade Wen Shi, saying, "Grandma, don't listen to my mother's nonsense. I'm a grown man, I have hands and feet, I won't starve. Besides, I do well in my studies, so it won't interfere with my education."
The mother and son talked and talked, saying everything they had to say, which brought tears to Ms. Wen's eyes.
"Muyang, focus on your studies, I'll take care of everything! Since you call me your great-aunt, then treat me as your own grandmother. We're not going to stand on ceremony!"
Qiao Muyang: "Grandmother!"
Mrs. Wen exclaimed with delight, "Oh! Good, good, my dear grandson!"
Ms. Wen was afraid that she would be stripped of her power in the household after returning home, just as Zheng Xiulan had said, and she didn't sleep well all night.
When it was just dawn, she woke up Zheng's mother and son and cooked a bowl of dumplings for her.
A sweet-talking remark Zheng Xiulan casually made to make her happy has become a reality.
Not only that, but after the meal, they also had to take her home.
After a whole morning of trouble, when they finally arrived at the Marquis of Wenyang's residence, they were sent back without even getting a sip of water.
The gatekeeper lowered his head, not daring to look the old lady in the eye, and repeated the Marquis's instructions: "Old lady, the Marquis said that the house in the east of the city is also his own, so you can stay here with peace of mind. Your things will be delivered to you in a little while."
Shivering in the cold wind, Lady Wen disregarded the stares of the passersby and, despite her status, tried to attack the gatekeeper: "You wicked servant! I am the Lady of Wenyang Marquis! How dare you refuse me entry!"
The servant looked troubled: "Madam, this is what the Marquis ordered."
This servant's job is really damn hard. This couple is so old, and when they argue, they still take it out on him.
The servant dared not resist, and on the first day of the new year, he was slapped hard across the face by the old lady of his own household.
The loud slap made those around gasp.
"Ouch! How could she just hit someone like that!"
"Haven't you heard? She's the Lady of Wenyang Marquis. Does she need a reason to discipline her own servants?"
"Come on, it's New Year's Day, why is the wife of Marquis Wenyang not staying home and feeling comfortable instead of going out and making a fuss?"
"Exactly! I've never heard of someone not being able to get into their own home!"
Mrs. Wen's face flushed red, and she couldn't explain to others that she had angered her husband last night and was kicked out. She could only put all her resentment on Yun Jinglan.
It must have been this woman who instigated it!
But she didn't even consider how Yun Jinglan had the ability to influence her father-in-law's thoughts.
The news of Wen's outburst quickly reached the ears of Marquis Wenyang.
He heard as soon as he woke up today that the eldest son had dragged the third son out to practice martial arts. He was so shocked that he was afraid his youngest son would be tortured to death, so he rushed to the training ground.
He had intended to stop him, but Su Junyao silenced him with just one sentence.
"Chiu-chiu said her third uncle is very active and lives a long life!"
Su Wenqi felt wronged; his older brother would even tell such a lie just to torment him!
However, Marquis Wen Yang raised his eyebrows in praise and made the task a little more difficult for him.
What was supposed to be a harmonious training session was disrupted by the servant's intrusion.
"My lord, you should go outside and take a look. The old lady and Miss Biao and her son are arguing, and there are quite a few people around."
Marquis Wenyang's heart sank. These three really knew how to cause him trouble. They were unhappy that the censor wouldn't impeach him during the New Year!
(End of this chapter)
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