Chapter 1115: The Tenderness of Prince Xiao (Twenty-Seven)
The Yan family came in person to deliver New Year gifts. The steward did not dare to delay. As soon as the people left, he hurried to the Qian Mansion and told Master Wang about it.
Compared with the Yan family and the Qian family, the Yan family is naturally more important.
Master Wang could no longer sit still and said goodbye to Master Qian with a smile.
When the steward reported, Lord Qian was standing next to them. When he heard that the Yan family had actually sent a New Year gift to the Wang family, and that it was the steward nanny beside Madam Yan San who came in person, the smile on his face became even more cordial.
It was somewhat impolite for the guests to return home early, but Lord Qian was not unhappy at all. He kept saying that he would send a notice to the Wang family again when there was a party in the mansion next time.
In the backyard, Mrs. Qian, who received the news, didn't think twice and directly dropped off the other guests and personally sent Mrs. Wang to the Chuihua Gate.
The Qian girl became even closer with the eldest and second Wang girls, and they were like good sisters. When they parted, both sides made an appointment to play together again in a couple of days.
Watching the Wang family's carriage drive away, Madam Qian put away the smile on her face and sneered, "The Wang family's etiquette is really not up to par."
As soon as they heard that the Yan family had sent New Year gifts, they hurried back. Doesn't this clearly show that they think their family is inferior to the Yan family?
Although this is true, any smart and polite person would pretend to do something, unlike the Wang family who are so impatient.
The Qian family girl also curled her lips: "Mother, why should we make friends with the Wang family? Lord Wang is just a fifth-rank official who has just arrived in Beijing."
Madam Qian said quietly, "Although the Wang family is not very good, they can still get close to the Yan family. Your father has always wanted to be transferred to the Ministry of Revenue. If our family can use the Wang and Yan families to establish a relationship, your father's position will be transferred."
Hearing this, the Qian family girl sighed and said, "Since this is the case, I will have to be patient and deal with the two sisters from the Wang family."
Mrs. Qian patted Miss Qian's hand and said, "Good girl, thank you for your hard work."
Then, the mother and daughter went back to the backyard together.
On the other side, Master Wang kept urging the coachman to hurry up, his face full of anxiety, and he couldn't wait to know what the Yan family had said when they came to the mansion.
Compared with the eagerness and anticipation of the Wang family father and son, the Wang family mother and daughter were somewhat silent.
The Yan family came again, and the mother, daughter and her two children were both eager to see them and unwilling to see them, and their mood was very complicated.
Soon, Mr. Wang and others returned to the Wang residence. As soon as they came back, they went straight to the old lady's room.
When Mrs. Wang saw her son and daughter-in-law coming back so soon, she knew that they had already known about the visitor from the Yan family. She glanced at the nanny beside her and asked her to tell Ye Yueying not to come here for the time being.
After entering the house, Master Wang couldn't wait to ask, "Mother, I heard that the Yan family sent someone to give us a New Year's gift?"
Madam Wang glanced at her son and asked instead, "You went to someone's house to listen to a play, but why did you come back without even having dinner?"
Master Wang: "I heard that someone from the Yan family has come. There is no one at home, so my son must come back early."
Madam Wang snorted coldly, "Are Yingying and I not human beings?" Then she shook her head and said, "The capital is under the rule of the emperor. People here value rules and etiquette. You, the Yan family, have already gone back. Even if you come back after dinner, what will it delay you for?"
With her son's condition, even if Yingying really has some great fortune in the future, she wouldn't dare ask her for help.
The son-in-law was right. Her son was not capable of standing firm. If he really gained power, it would not be a happy thing but a disaster.
Master Wang was choked and looked a little embarrassed.
Seeing that his father hadn't gotten to the point, Young Master Wang had no choice but to speak up: "Grandmother, did the visitor from the Yan family say anything?"
Madam Wang's attitude towards her grandson became much better: "Mrs. Yan San is here to give you New Year gifts and to see Yingying."
Master Wang: "Nothing else?"
Madam Wang was annoyed: "What else?"
Master Wang frowned immediately: "My son thought..."
Madam Wang interrupted, "What did you expect? I understand your intentions, but I advise you to keep them to yourself. The capital is a shady place, and it's not something a fifth-rank official like you can handle."
Master Wang didn't like what he heard: "Mother, do you look down on your son so much?" After saying that, he stood up and left the room angrily.
Mrs. Wang was no longer surprised by her son's behavior. In recent years, her son had become less and less willing to listen to advice.
Fortunately, the Wang family has no connections in the capital, so even if their son makes trouble, he won't make any waves.
Young Master Wang quickly apologized to Old Madam Wang, but she waved her hand nonchalantly.
At this time, Madam Wang spoke up: "Mother, where is the New Year gift from the Yan family?"
Madam Wang glanced at her and asked the maid to bring out the food: "You can share it. I've been busy for half a day, I need to rest."
Seeing that there were only so few things, Madam Wang immediately asked, "Is the Yan family's annual gift just a little food?"
Mrs. Wang ignored him, propped up her head, closed her eyes and rested.
Mrs. Wang wanted to ask more, but was stopped by Mr. Wang.
"Mother, let's not disturb Grandma's rest."
After the eldest son said this, no matter how dissatisfied Mrs. Wang was, she had no choice but to take her things and leave the house.
As soon as they left the house, Madam Wang spoke up: "The Yan family is Princess Weiyuan's family, how could their New Year's gift be so shabby? Your grandmother must have given the good things to Yueying. No, I have to go find her and get them back."
Young Master Wang quickly grabbed the person and asked anxiously, "Mother, why did the Yan family send New Year gifts to our family?"
Mrs. Wang choked. Why? It was because of Ye Yueying at that time.
Seeing that his mother understood what he meant, Young Master Wang continued, "Our family's relationship with the Yan family is all because of my cousin, so it's only natural for Grandmother to give the New Year gift to my cousin. Mother, please don't make a fuss."
It was a big mistake not to bring my cousin to the Qian family today. Now I can't have any more conflicts with my cousin.
Miss Wang Er couldn't bear to see Master Wang protecting Ye Yueying, so she curled her lips and said, "Brother, the Yan family is just here to give us a New Year's gift. I think we shouldn't take it too seriously, or we'll end up disappointed again."
Young Master Wang was silent. Yes, these two days are the peak period for family gatherings. If the Yan family really values his cousin, why don’t they invite them to be their guests?
Seeing her words were effective, Miss Wang continued, "The Ye family has no one left. What can Ye Yueying do with only one person? Perhaps the Yan family sent the invitation last time and the New Year gift this time just to show off and gain a good reputation."
Young Master Wang thought for a moment and looked at Madam Wang: "Even so, we should still take better care of our cousin before the Crown Prince summons us."
Mrs. Wang was a little reluctant, but she still knew the importance of the matter and nodded: "Okay, I understand this matter."
Because the Yan family came again, the Wang family's attitude towards Ye Yueying became much better, and the Wang family celebrated the New Year in harmony.
On the third day of the New Year, Mrs. Qian came to visit with Miss Qian.
Mrs. Wang, Miss Wang Da and Miss Wang Er welcomed the two of them warmly.
When the guests came, Mrs. Wang asked Ye Yueying to meet Mrs. Qian and Miss Qian, but Ye Yueying came back soon.
Looking at the pearl earrings in Ye Yueying's hand, Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "Is this a meeting gift from Madam Qian?"
Ye Yueying nodded and showed the earrings to Mrs. Wang.
Madam Wang took a look and said with a smile, "Although this pearl is not top quality, it is not bad. There are three girls in the mansion, so Madam Qian is quite generous."
Ye Yueying smiled faintly and said nothing, but Xuehua beside her spoke up: "Isn't it generous? The eldest and second daughters each received a pearl necklace."
A necklace uses many more pearls than earrings. When Mrs. Wang heard this, her face suddenly became a little ugly.
Ye Yueying quickly comforted her: "Grandma, don't be angry. I'm just an orphan living in the Wang family. It's understandable that Madam Qian is like this."
Madam Wang shook her head and sighed, "It's just a little jewelry. I'm not angry about it. I'm angry that your uncle and aunt don't know people well!"
"She's an official's wife after all. It's just a piece of jewelry for a young lady, it doesn't cost much, but she insists on treating her differently. It's obvious that Madam Qian is a very calculative person and wouldn't allow anyone to take advantage of her."
"I used to be quite happy that your uncle had made friends, but now I don't think the Qian family is anyone worth making close friends with."
Ye Yueying thought of the scrutinizing look in Mrs. Qian's eyes when she looked at her, and also of Miss Qian, who seemed innocent but actually spoke inquiring questions in every sentence. She deeply agreed with her grandmother's point of view.
However, her aunt and two cousins are not easy to deal with either, and it is hard to say who will suffer in the end.
She also realized that the Wang family and the Qian family were friends with the intention of taking advantage of each other.
The capital city is so big, but my uncle happened to meet Lord Qian. This is really a bit like what the book says: birds of a feather flock together.
People who like to delve into calculations always attract the same people.
In the main courtyard, Miss Qian was whispering to Miss Wang, the eldest and second. "Do you know that in two days, on the sixth day of the first lunar month, Princess Chun'an will be hosting a banquet for the ladies of the capital at the Princess's Mansion? She's already handing out invitations everywhere."
Miss Wang looked puzzled: "Princess Chun'an?"
Miss Qian knew that the Wang family had just arrived in Beijing and didn't know many things, so she quickly introduced the famous Princess Chun'an.
"Princess Chun'an is the only daughter of Prince Weiyuan and Princess Weiyuan. Her brother is the youngest prince, and her younger brother is the youngest duke. With her background, there are only a handful of ladies in the entire capital who can surpass her."
Miss Wang Er was surprised. "Isn't the princess the emperor's daughter? Can the prince's daughter also be called a princess?"
Miss Qian gave Miss Wang Er a look of surprise: "Why not? In the capital, as long as you can gain the emperor's favor, nothing is impossible."
"That Princess Chun'an is truly incredibly lucky. Not only has she caught the Emperor's eye and won his favor, but her parents are also both incredibly powerful people."
"Not to mention King Weiyuan, who guarded the border and drove out the Hu people, his achievements are unparalleled. Even Princess Weiyuan has made great contributions to the country, and the high-yield grain varieties she cultivated are now distributed throughout Daxia."
"When I get together with the girls from other families, everyone always mentions this princess, and everyone is envious."
As he spoke, his face showed envy and yearning.
"Over the years, Princess Chun'an has been taken on tours all over Daxia by Prince Weiyuan and Princess Weiyuan, and she rarely returns to the capital. This is the first time a banquet has been held at the Princess's residence."
As he said this, he smiled mysteriously.
"Why do all the ladies in the capital want to attend Princess Chun'an's banquet?"
Miss Wang Da and Miss Wang Er looked at each other and asked in unison, "Why?"
A hint of shyness and excitement appeared on Miss Qian's face. "Because she has two brothers who are both very talented and handsome, and they are still unengaged."
"All the sons of wealthy families get married at the age of seventeen or eighteen, but Young Prince Xiao has already reached adulthood two years ago, and his marriage has yet to be finalized."
"I think the prince and princess must be anxious, so they returned to the capital. Princess Chun'an held a banquet this time, and everyone is saying that it is very likely that the prince and princess are going to find a marriage partner for the young prince Xiao. The young prince is seventeen this year, so maybe he will also look for one."
Hearing this, the eyes of Miss Wang Da and Miss Wang Er began to flicker.
"Why!"
Miss Qian sighed, a look of regret on her face: "What a pity, a family like ours has no chance to attend the banquet at the Princess's Mansion."
Miss Wang Da and Miss Wang Er also looked regretful.
Miss Qian glanced at the two men's expressions, remained silent for a moment, and then tentatively asked about the main purpose of coming to the Wang family today: "Isn't your family related to the Yan family? The Yan family girl must go. Don't you have any other options?"
Miss Wang Da and Miss Wang Er looked at each other and shook their heads.
Seeing this, Miss Qian's face fell. She said, what can the Wang family do? It's a good thing that she got up and went out early this morning.
After finding out what she wanted to know, Miss Qian returned to Mrs. Qian and whispered the news she had found out.
After learning that the Wang family had no way to communicate with the Yan family, Mrs. Qian didn't want to waste time anymore and said goodbye with her daughter.
However, before the mother and daughter left the alley where Wang's house was located in the carriage, they saw the princess's carriage parked in front of the gate of Wang's house.
"Mother, Madam Wang and her two daughters are deceiving us. They clearly have connections!"
Miss Qian was a little furious.
Mrs. Qian thought about it and immediately ordered the carriage to turn around. This time, even if it meant sacrificing her reputation, she was determined to get her daughter the opportunity to go to the princess's mansion.
She once heard someone say by chance that Prince Weiyuan and Princess Weiyuan did not consider family background when choosing a daughter-in-law, but only considered whether the young prince and the young duke liked them.
Although my daughter is a little spoiled, she is also very innocent and presentable.
If she gets the chance, she might be noticed by a young prince or duke.
At the same time, the mother and daughter of the Wang family excitedly welcomed the servants of the princess's mansion into the gate. Before they had time to go to the main courtyard, they saw Mrs. Qian and her daughter coming back.
Thinking that her family might still need the Qian family's help in the future, Mrs. Wang hesitated for a moment, but still smiled and let the two into the house.
As soon as she entered the room, Mrs. Qian bowed to Mrs. Wang in a slightly exaggerated manner, and her attitude was much better than when she came in the morning.
Even Miss Qian was very affectionate and kept calling Miss Wang Da and Miss Wang Er "sisters".
A moment ago, the Wang family relied more on the Qian family, but at this moment, the two sides have switched.
Seeing Mrs. Qian and Miss Qian trying to please each other with their apologetic smiles, the vanity of the three Wang family members, mother and daughter, was greatly satisfied.
Mrs. Wang was a little nervous about receiving the servants from the princess's mansion. Mrs. Qian noticed it and considerately helped to smooth things over and liven up the atmosphere.
After a few pleasantries, the maid from the princess's residence asked, "Madam Wang, I wonder if Miss Ye is here? My princess wants to invite her to the Lantern Festival on the sixth day of the first lunar month, and we're here to deliver a message."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the room breathed hard.
Madam Wang calmed herself down and said with a smile, "Yueying is taking care of her grandmother. Wait a moment, Madam. I'll send someone to call Yueying over."
As he spoke, he looked directly at the gold-rimmed invitation in the nanny's hand.
The meaning is self-evident, she just wants the nanny to give her the invitation.
Unfortunately, having remembered the experience of Ye Yueying not attending the banquet last time, the nanny at the princess's mansion had no intention of giving the invitation to Madam Wang at all. She was going to hand it directly to Ye Yueying later, so she calmly picked up the tea and started drinking it.
Seeing this, Mrs. Wang's face became a little stiff, and Mrs. Qian beside her couldn't help but frowned.
Soon, Ye Yueying came over.
When the nanny saw her, she was not as nonchalant as she was when she saw Madam Wang. She quickly stood up and saluted: "This servant greets the young lady. I hope the young lady is well."
Seeing the different treatment of the servants in the princess's mansion, Mrs. Qian's heart suddenly skipped a beat. Thinking of the gift she had given before, she felt extremely regretful.
Ye Yueying politely returned the greeting: "Thank you, Ma'am."
The nanny handed over the invitation with both hands: "My princess specifically instructed me to personally deliver it to you. Last time, you were unable to go to the Yan family to see the plum blossoms, which made many people feel very sorry. This time, we must not make any mistakes."
Upon hearing this, Ye Yueying's heart moved. As expected, she was right. The nanny who had come with her to deliver the New Year gift was indeed someone from the palace. She took the invitation calmly and said with a faint smile, "Yueying will definitely attend on time."
The nanny bowed again and said, "The invitation has been delivered. I will take my leave now. I will look forward to your visit on the sixth day of the first lunar month."
Ye Yueying nodded, and also just sent the person to the gate of the courtyard, and then prepared to turn around and go back to the old lady's courtyard.
Seeing that she was about to leave, Mrs. Qian immediately stepped forward to stop her: "Miss Ye"
Ye Yueying frowned and took two steps back: "What do you mean, Madam Qian?"
Madam Qian smiled awkwardly, "Miss Ye, you are going to the princess's mansion to attend the banquet."
Ye Yueying interrupted Madam Qian before she finished speaking: "This matter has nothing to do with Madam Qian."
Seeing Ye Yueying's cold attitude, Miss Qian was fed up and immediately stood up and said, "Why are you like this? My mother just gave you a gift."
Ye Yueying frowned: "Miss Qian means that you want to take back the gift?" Without waiting for Mrs. Qian and Miss Qian to speak, Ye Yueying took the pair of pearl earrings from Xuehua.
"It just so happens that I don't really like accepting things from outsiders. If Miss Qian wants to take it back, then just take it back." After saying that, he put it in Miss Qian's hands without saying anything.
Looking at the earrings in her hand, Miss Qian said anxiously, "That's not what I meant."
"Whatever!"
Ye Yueying knew what the mother and daughter were up to, and was too lazy to bother with such insignificant people, so she started to leave.
Mrs. Qian looked at Mrs. Wang for help.
Madam Wang then spoke: "Yueying, Madam Qian is a guest, what is your attitude?"
Perhaps because she was used to scolding and criticizing, Mrs. Wang still acted like an elder when she needed help from Ye Yueying.
Ye Yueying turned around and looked at Madam Wang: "Aunt, they are your guests, not mine." Without saying anything else, she left.
Looking at Ye Yueying walking away, Mrs. Wang was extremely angry, while Mrs. Qian had a gloomy look on her face.
What a mistake! The master's information was wrong. The Yan family was not in contact with the Wang family, but with the cousin who was living in the Wang family!
Mrs. Qian looked at Mrs. Wang with some annoyance, who was still complaining. It was hateful that Mrs. Wang must not be telling the truth as the master, otherwise the master would not have made such a big mistake, and she would not have taken this cousin so seriously.
In the next two days, Mrs. Qian came to Wang's house every day, wanting to see Ye Yueying and persuade her to take her daughter to the princess's mansion, but unfortunately she didn't even get to see her.
On the afternoon of the fifth day, seeing that his wife had not yet settled the matter, Lord Qian had no choice but to go to see Master Wang in person.
Master Wang is having a headache right now. His ungrateful niece has married into a wealthy family and doesn't even want to take care of her two cousins. He is trying to think of a solution.
When he saw Lord Qian, he started to criticize Ye Yueying.
The more Lord Qian listened, the heavier his heart became. The relationship between people is mutual. Lord Wang was so dissatisfied with Miss Ye, so it can be inferred that Miss Ye must not have much affection for the Wang family.
Alas, is the opportunity that has been obtained going to be lost like this?
"Brother Wang, a banquet at the Princess's Mansion is a rare occasion, and it concerns the children's future. In my humble opinion, you should bow your head first. Miss Ye is a junior, and a girl, after all. Maybe she will agree if she softens her heart."
Master Wang shook his head: "Brother Qian, you don't know, my niece is very hard-hearted."
Lord Qian tried to persuade him a few more times, but to no avail.
How could Mr. Wang, who considers himself an elder, allow himself to be servile to the younger generation?
"I don't believe it. I can't take care of a maid." Master Wang felt that he had lost face in front of his friends, and immediately went to the old lady's yard in a rage.
Ye Yueying knew that her uncle and aunt would not keep quiet, so she was not surprised to see Master Wang walk into her room with an angry face.
Master Wang didn't waste any words and said directly in a commanding tone: "You must bring your two cousins and Miss Qian to the banquet at the Princess's Mansion tomorrow."
Ye Yueying looked at her uncle calmly: "What if I don't?"
Master Wang's face darkened: "If you dare not agree, don't ever enter the gate of my Wang family again in the future."
Ye Yueying was silent.
When Master Wang saw this, he immediately raised his eyebrows, and a smile of triumph flashed across his eyes. How could an orphan girl really turn the world upside down?
Ye Yueying: "Uncle, don't you have any affection for me at all? Even for my mother's sake."
Master Wang's expression faltered for a moment, but he quickly said firmly, "As long as you behave yourself, your uncle's house will still be yours."
A hint of self-mockery appeared on Ye Yueying's face, and then her expression turned cold. "Uncle, I can bring my two cousins, but Miss Qian can't." Seeing that Master Wang wanted to speak, he interrupted directly, "Uncle, there is no room for discussion on this matter."
Master Wang frowned, looked at Ye Yueying's face which did not allow any further explanation, and after thinking about it, he compromised. The Crown Prince had not met her yet, so he let this girl run rampant for two days.
When Master Wang turned around, Ye Yueying spoke again: "Uncle, the Ye family was destroyed, and you took me in. I am grateful in my heart, but I have already repaid this gratitude."
Master Wang frowned and turned around, immediately meeting Ye Yueying's expressionless gaze. This gaze made him feel very uncomfortable. He ignored her and left with a flick of his sleeves.
Humph, what an ignorant fellow! Now in this world, she only has him as her family. Do you really want to sever ties with them?
Three updates together!
(End of this chapter)
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