Seeing Jiang Mingwei's sincere expression and respectful attitude, Zhou couldn't find fault with her for a long time, but she didn't want to lose face like this.
He snorted coldly and glared at her.
“I’ve never seen you show any particular sentimentality before, but now that we have guests, you’ve suddenly decided to put on an act! Fine, wear it then, it’s what you’re supposed to do. Get out of here and take good care of the guests.”
"If I find out which lady you've offended, I'll hold you accountable!"
Jiang Mingwei silently rolled her eyes in her mind.
Even after leaving Zhou's side, he couldn't help but mutter curses under his breath.
What is this, damned old witch!
If she hadn't stopped me from leaving, I would have been free to roam the world long ago.
But when she encounters ladies and young women, Jiang Mingwei immediately puts on a smiling face to greet them.
According to the original owner's memories, she could recognize about 80-90% of the people who came, and they were all just superficially distant and polite to her, without much emotion.
Jiang Mingwei knew that they looked down on her to some extent.
Not only because the original owner's husband died on the battlefield, but also because of Wei Jing, and because of her arrogant and domineering nature, which she had committed all sorts of evil deeds.
As a result, many noble ladies harbored resentment towards her, not only disliking her but also not wanting to have much interaction with her.
As more and more guests arrived, Jiang Mingwei exchanged pleasantries and then sat in a corner, trying to hide herself and not wanting to be recognized.
She naturally didn't see Lu Yun, dressed in a scarlet dress, rushing past her in a flurry.
Unlike Jiang Mingwei's leisurely pace, Lu Yun has been extremely busy these past few days since taking over the household management.
While it is indeed possible to profit from it, it is too exhausting; it's like treating people like workhorses!
Today, she started preparing before dawn, striving for perfection in every aspect. She was so exhausted that she almost fainted, yet she still had to dress up in a presentable manner to avoid losing face.
"Old...aunt."
Upon arriving at the main hall, Lu Yun was about to address Zhou Shi when she noticed someone sitting next to her, so she quickly changed her form of address.
Seeing Lu Yun in her crimson brocade dress today, shimmering with golden light under the morning sun, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Suddenly, she remembered what Jiang Mingwei had just said, and her smile vanished instantly, her face turning ashen.
Yes, her son is still in mourning!
As a mother, it's understandable that she should dress nicely to maintain appearances. Even Jiang Mingwei dressed so plainly, so why should Lu Yun, an unmarried mistress, dress so flamboyantly, especially in such bright colors?
With guests still in the room, Zhou hesitated to speak, and instead asked in a low voice what had happened.
Seeing that there were people in the hall, Lu Yun was extremely embarrassed.
To avoid being ridiculed by others, her identity today is not Wei Zhi's mistress, but Zhou's distant niece, who helps her manage the entire Duke's mansion.
In order to maintain her control over the household, Lu Yun had no choice but to accept this humiliating status, which is why she changed her address to "aunt."
But looking at all the women in the hall, she suddenly felt inexplicably guilty...
"Yes... there are some small matters. Could you please come over, Aunt? I'd like to explain in detail."
After hesitating for a moment, Zhou nodded and stood up, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes. She then followed Lu Yun to the side hall.
"Mother, the people in the manor have heard that the Grand Princess will arrive in about an hour."
"The princes ahead are being entertained by the second young master, so we're not in a hurry. But we must go and greet the eldest princess; otherwise, it would be against etiquette."
"Of course, just call me when the time comes. However..."
After enduring it all, Zhou looked Lu Yun up and down, her heart filled with disgust.
"Look at you, what kind of outfit are you dressed like! Although today is the General's Mansion's housewarming celebration, what does it have to do with you?"
"Your husband's body is barely cold, and you're already dressed in red and green. Aren't you afraid that your husband will curse you in the dead of night as a shameless harlot who dared to do such a thing behind his back? It's truly disgraceful."
Lu Yun was taken aback and looked down at her clothes.
She was a bit too glamorous, but it made her face look like a peach blossom. Along the way, many people praised her for being extremely beautiful today.
How did it come to be seen as shamelessness in Zhou's eyes?
"Madam, while I am saddened by Wei Lang's death, one must always look forward. Besides, today is such a joyous occasion. I may wear mourning clothes, but I fear it might frighten others!"
"Since it's a happy day, we should naturally be happier. Why do you say that?"
As Lu Yun spoke, her face was full of grievance and sadness.
But Zhou Shi didn't buy it at all, and surprisingly started praising Jiang Mingwei.
"Who says you can't look presentable if you dress simply? Jiang Mingwei is dressed much better than you today!"
"You were born out of wedlock, and your clothes are absolutely hideous. You should spend more time learning from Jiang Mingwei instead of embarrassing me in the General's Mansion. Now get out of here!"
As Zhou spoke, she waved her hand, clearly indicating that she did not want to continue the conversation.
They didn't see at all just how terrible Lu Yun's expression was...
The more she looked at her clothes, the more irritating they seemed to her.
Such a vibrant and beautiful crimson color, at this moment, pierced Lu Yun's eyes like needles, making her feel wronged and in pain.
So what if she wants to dress brightly?
She had never seen such a grand banquet at the border!
Today, I've certainly broadened my horizons.
But just as Lu Yun stepped down the stairs, a casual glance revealed Jiang Mingwei sitting alone in a corner of the guest area, eating by herself.
Her eyes gleamed with obvious amazement. Suddenly, she recalled Zhou's words and understood why she had praised Jiang Mingwei so highly!
Amidst the blooming flowers, Jiang Mingwei sat in a corner drinking tea. The moment she raised her teacup, her flowing skirt, like a cloud, plummeted down as if she were sinking into a soft cloud.
One glance is enough to leave a lasting impression.
Lu Yun stood on the steps, staring blankly for a long time, but her eyes suddenly turned incredibly sinister.
"Just you wait, Jiang Mingwei. First you disrespected me and made things difficult for me, and now you've come up with this vicious scheme to try and steal my thunder?"
"You're really giving me too much credit. I'm the one who hosted this banquet today, so naturally everyone has to do as I say!"
As she was muttering and cursing to herself, a shrill voice reached the ears of the guests in the courtyard.
"The Grand Princess has arrived!"
Upon hearing this, everyone craned their necks to look towards the entrance of the garden.
Zhou was also in a state of great confusion. She hurriedly came out of the house and waited at the gate of the courtyard with her body hunched over.
Lu Yun and Jiang Mingwei also stepped forward one after another, after all, as the host family, they should kowtow to the Grand Princess.
Seeing Jiang Mingwei rush over, Lu Yun curled her lips into a cold smile.
Very well, the show is about to begin.
She wanted to know if Jiang Mingwei had always considered herself smart and looked down on her.
It's just a pity that she will soon die without a burial place!
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