Chapter 116 The Scholar Who Favored His Concubine and Destroyed His Wife (Part 8) Carrying on Pure Love to the End…
In terms of cunning and scheming, Liu Xinhui is naturally no match for even one-tenth of Madam Liu's. If she had listened to Madam Liu's heartfelt words a few days ago, she wouldn't have subtly made things difficult for Liu Wanyao in front of Master Liu today.
Liu Xinhui stared at Liu Wanyao's pretty profile, then suddenly covered her mouth and chuckled, "What's wrong, little sister? I just gave you a piece of red bean pastry, why are you blushing? Are you so shy about your new marriage, sitting next to your husband?"
She deliberately dragged out the last syllable, each word laced with barbs, her words dripping with sarcasm.
Although Master Liu also looked down on Liu Wanyao, who came from a humble background, she was now the second young lady of the Liu family. With Hui'er being so sarcastic, wouldn't she offend both of them? His brows furrowed instantly, and he had just said "Hui'er" when Madam Liu, who was standing to the side, beat him to it and slammed her teacup down.
"Hui'er! Today is the day your sister and her husband return to their parents' home, a joyous occasion for the entire Liu family. Why are you saying all this? Quickly try this Eight Treasure Duck. It's a new dish that Mama Fang recently learned. It's flavorful, tender, and tastes delicious."
Upon hearing this, Liu Xinhui turned her head away. At this moment, Madam Liu's gaze towards her carried a subtle warning, as if to say: Today, you'd better behave yourself!
Liu Xinhui sensed that her mother was angry. Despite her resentment, she could only suppress it and obediently picked up a piece of duck meat and put it in her mouth.
After the atmosphere in the hall warmed up again, Steward Zhong of the Liu family walked in with a happy face and hurried steps, holding an exquisite gold-powdered invitation in his hand, which shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
"Master, Madam! This is an invitation from the magistrate's residence, saying that Young Master Wang has invited our young lady to attend the Morning Pear Poetry Gathering at Baohua Temple tomorrow!" Steward Zhong said with a smile.
"Really?" Liu Xinhui suddenly stood up, took the invitation and read it carefully, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes.
She deliberately waved the invitation in her hand in front of Liu Wanyao and said with a coquettish smile, "Sister, the pear blossoms at Baohua Temple are in full bloom right now. It's quite remarkable that Young Master Wang has such a clever idea. I would like to take you with me, but this invitation only invites me. Besides, you are not literate, so it would be boring to take you."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce pulled Liu Wanyao closer to his side, his gaze sweeping coldly over Liu Xinhui. He said slowly and deliberately, "Participating in poetry gatherings and composing poems is an elegant affair, but there are always some who use the guise of being cultured to actually be mean-spirited." He paused, noticing Liu Xinhui's unpleasant expression, and continued, "The Chaoli Poetry Gathering is a gathering of famous scholars and gentlemen. When you go, Miss, please carefully consider your words and phrases, lest people laugh at the Liu family's eldest daughter for being a boorish person pretending to be refined."
Liu Xinhui's fingertips dug tightly into the post. Although she looked down on Song Ce, she would never allow Song Ce to look down on her.
"Brother-in-law, that's an interesting remark. But if we're talking about talent and ability, there's someone else in this hall! Right, sister?" Liu Xinhui's lips curled into a malicious smile as she quickly walked to Liu Wanyao's side, seemingly affectionately putting her arm around her shoulder, and said with a smile, "Sister, you're so lucky. Your brother-in-law is protecting you like this. You must be quite proud of yourself!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Wanyao raised her eyes, her gaze clear as water: "I am also happy for you, sister, that you have received an invitation from a good man."
Liu Xinhui gave a cold laugh, leaned close to Liu Wanyao's ear, and whispered, each word like a knife: "Some people, even if they wear fine silks and satins, can't erase the baseness in their bones. A wild girl who doesn't even know who her own parents are, does she deserve to be called my sister?"
She deliberately emphasized the words "wild girl," her warm breath brushing against Liu Wanyao's neck, raising goosebumps on her skin.
Song Ce noticed Liu Wanyao's unusual behavior and immediately pulled her behind him to block Liu Xinhui's contemptuous gaze. He said coldly, "With such a sharp tongue, Miss, you would be better off spending some time on the poetry gathering at the Pear Blossom Festival to avoid embarrassing yourself in public and damaging the reputation of your household."
His words were extremely impolite, and Liu Xinhui's face changed drastically. Just as she was about to lash out, Madam Liu grabbed her wrist and said in a deep voice with an unyielding anger, "Hui'er, it's getting late. You should go back to your courtyard and prepare for tomorrow's poetry gathering. Don't keep Young Master Wang waiting."
Liu Xinhui was pulled back a little by Madam Liu, and staggered backward. She glared at Liu Wanyao with resentment before reluctantly turning around and leaving with Madam Liu.
Song Ce smiled faintly and bowed to Master Liu: "Father-in-law, it's getting late. Yao'er and I have been bothering you for a long time today, so we'll take our leave now."
Seeing the cold expression on Song Ce's face, Master Liu coughed lightly and waved his hand, saying, "Alright, then I won't keep you any longer. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just send someone to the manor to inform me."
"Thank you, father-in-law."
On the other side, Madam Liu led Liu Xinhui all the way back to Xueying Courtyard. As soon as they entered the courtyard, she instructed Caiyu and Fangshu to quickly go and guard the gate.
When only the mother and daughter remained in the room, Madam Liu grasped Liu Xinhui's hand, her tone full of disappointment: "Hui'er, that girl has already married in your place, and you will be able to marry the magistrate's son as you wish. This is clearly a win-win situation, so why do you always make things difficult for her?"
"Mother! I just can't stand seeing that lowly maid living well! Even if it's something I don't want, I absolutely won't let that lowly maid take it away!" Liu Xinhui said bitterly, biting her lower lip.
"You brat, are you trying to drive your mother to her death?" Madam Liu took a deep breath and patiently advised, "Back then, you looked down on Song Ce, thinking he was worthless, so your father and I gave in to your wishes and randomly found a maid to take your place in this marriage. Now you're jealous of how well he's doing. What, do you still want to marry that Song Ce?"
"Mother, what are you saying? How could I possibly be interested in that poor, pedantic scholar? Apart from his useless appearance, how can he compare to Young Master Wang?" Liu Xinhui said in surprise.
"Then why do you neither like him nor want anyone else to have him? I really don't understand you," Madam Liu sighed.
"Mother." Liu Xinhui's eyes suddenly reddened. She nestled into Madam Liu's arms and said in a muffled voice, "It's not that I'm clinging to him, but Mother has always told me that I am the only child in our Liu family, born to enjoy a life of happiness. But now, that lowly maid's name is also registered under Mother's name. Why is that? She is living so well now, she must have used underhanded means to secretly steal my good fortune!"
"Silly girl." Madam Liu was both amused and exasperated upon hearing this. She raised her hand to stroke Liu Xinhui's long hair and coaxed her softly, "Writing down her name is just a temporary measure. Once you marry into the Wang family, you can naturally erase her name from the Liu family genealogy."
"Is this true?" Liu Xinhui's eyes lit up, and she hurriedly grabbed Madam Liu's hand to ask.
“Of course it’s true. Once that girl’s name is erased, she will become a nameless, unregistered refugee. What will she have to compete with you then?” Madam Liu said with a slight smile.
"Good, that's wonderful! Mother, you're the best to me. I'll listen to you from now on," Liu Xinhui said sweetly, shaking Madam Liu's arm.
"You..."
On one side, inside Xueying Courtyard, the mother and daughter were enjoying a warm and harmonious time, while on the other side, Song Ce led Liu Wanyao out of the Liu residence. At this moment, the aroma of sugar paintings mingled with the shouts of vendors on the street, creating a lively atmosphere.
Liu Wanyao took the rabbit candy figurine from Song Ce and forced a smile. Liu Xinhui's humiliating words still echoed in her ears, causing her to unconsciously tighten her grip on Song Ce's hand.
Song Ce noticed her unusual behavior and immediately stopped, saying gently, "My wife, don't worry about those hurtful words. In my heart, you are intelligent and kind, far surpassing others by a thousand times. No one in the world can compare to you."
Liu Wanyao raised her head, tears welling in her eyes. Seeing this, Song Ce sighed softly, gently stroked her hair, and then pulled her into his arms.
"Husband...husband? Someone, someone is watching..." Liu Wanyao's voice was barely audible, and her face instantly turned bright red with embarrassment.
"It's alright, we are a loving couple who have been properly married. Let them look if they want." Song Ce paused, then whispered, "My wife, shall we go to Baohua Temple together tomorrow?"
Liu Wanyao peeked out from his embrace in surprise, and hesitated, "But...but isn't the poetry gathering only open to invitations? Is it appropriate for us to go without one?"
Song Ce smiled slightly and said gently, "The teacher sent an invitation yesterday at noon, so my husband and I can naturally go."
"Hmm..." Liu Wanyao leaned on his shoulder, a secret expectation rising in her heart.
The next morning, as dawn broke, Song Ce and Liu Wanyao set off by carriage. The carriage swayed and rattled for about an hour before they arrived at Baohua Temple.
The Morning Pear Poetry Gathering was held in the Pear Garden of Baohua Temple. The garden was filled with pear trees, their blossoms like snow, and at its edge met the Ji River. A gentle breeze stirred, causing the pear blossoms to sway, creating a dreamlike scene. Just then, the melodious sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments drifted from a small pavilion in the garden, a sound and a scene as beautiful as a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Although Liu Xinhui often went out with her close friends, this was the first time she had ever attended a poetry gathering that brought together almost all the literati, scholars, and wealthy and powerful people of Qizhou County.
"Young Master Wang, this poetry gathering is so lively today! I even saw Master Li just now. If it weren't for Young Master Wang's invitation, I don't know when I would have been able to come and witness it!" Liu Xin Hui said sweetly with a smile in her eyes.
She was beautiful and charming, and she was trying to flatter him. Wang Hechuan was quite pleased with himself, but he raised his hand to help her up, saying with a reserved expression, "Sister Liu is too kind. It is my honor to invite Sister Liu to travel with me here."
As they were talking, Wang Hechuan caught a glimpse of several scholars looking in their direction out of the corner of his eye. He straightened his back and said gently, "Sister Liu, the pear blossoms are in full bloom. Why don't we go in and enjoy them for a while..." Before he could finish speaking, Liu Xinhui suddenly took a half step back and bumped straight into his shoulder.
Following her gaze, Wang Hechuan saw a green-canopied carriage parked not far away. The curtain was lifted, and a man in blue was carefully helping a beautiful woman in a light green dress get out of the carriage.
The woman had a graceful figure and a beautiful face, and was in no way inferior to Liu Xinhui.
"Sister Liu, do you know these two people?" Wang Hechuan asked in a low voice.
“I…I certainly recognize her.” Liu Xinhui’s expression changed slightly. She bit her lip and forced a smile. “That girl was the adopted daughter that my mother arranged for a while ago, so she’s now considered my sister. My mother has always been kind-hearted. Seeing that she was all alone and helpless, she took her back to the manor and went to great lengths to find her a good marriage. But she…she…”
At this point, Liu Xinhui seemed unwilling to say more, looking weak and aggrieved. Seeing her unpleasant expression, Wang Hechuan frowned slightly and looked at the beautiful couple not far away.
Wang Hechuan's gaze lingered on the two of them for a moment, a scrutinizing look unconsciously creeping into his eyes. He asked, "Your mother is kind-hearted, but is there something wrong with your sister? What did she do to cause you such distress?"
Liu Xinhui gently shook her head, raised her hand to cover the corner of her lips with a handkerchief, and said sadly, "Enough, enough, talking about it will only cause more trouble. Let's not mention her. Young Master Wang, let's hurry up and go into the garden to enjoy ourselves, so as not to spoil your mood."
Seeing her like this, Wang Hechuan had some doubts, but he didn't press her further. He could only reply, "Yes, Sister Liu is right. Let's go in then."
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Author's Note: I'm so sorry (smoothly kneeling on the ground). There was a problem with the experimental data today, so I really didn't have time to write. I'm typing now and will catch up later. [crying][crying][crying]
It's been added! [Cracking face][Calyx cat head][Loud-eared rabbit head]
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