Things unfolded exactly as Wen Ning had expected. Although the Duke’s household was displeased that Wen Zheng had swapped a legitimate daughter for a concubine-born one, they could only accept it—after all, their son’s unruly temperament left them little choice.
Both Wen Ning and Wen Qing began preparing for marriage, and the Wen residence grew lively.
Wen Ning’s match was considered a “high marriage,” yet the Duke’s household did not even allow the heir to appear during the betrothal discussions, sending only the steward.
By contrast, Song Yan seemed far more attentive. Every few days, he sent Wen Qing gifts. Though not costly, they were full of thought. Madam Xu noticed, and her dissatisfaction with Song Yan eased considerably.
Song Yan’s frequent visits to the Wen household meant that, even though Wen Ning wished to avoid him, she inevitably ran into him.
One afternoon, Wen Ning was on her way to pay respects to Madam Xu when she suddenly encountered Song Yan. She wanted to slip away, but it was too late. She had no choice but to greet him politely.
Just as she turned to leave, Song Yan called out: “Miss Wen Ning, please wait.”
She looked at him curiously. His hesitant expression was not what one would expect toward his future sister-in-law. In her past life, he had despised her to the bone.
Wen Ning studied him calmly, wondering what trick he meant to play.
“This matter was not my intention,” Song Yan blurted after a pause. To outsiders, the words might have seemed meaningless. But Wen Ning, who had been his wife for a lifetime, understood him better than anyone. She paused, then said softly: “I once heard that Young Master Song has a distant cousin, Su Rong, about the same age as Qing’er…”
At this, Song Yan’s face changed drastically. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Wen Ning’s lips curved into a dimpled smile. She was naturally sweet-looking, and with that gentle smile, she appeared all the more delicate and charming.
“Young Master Song, I wish you and my sister Qing’er a long and happy union.” And silently, she added: *May you and Su Rong—hypocrite and dog—be bound forever.*
“Next time we meet, you’ll already be my brother-in-law.”
Song Yan stood before Wen Ning, who smiled sweetly, and suddenly understood.
This seemingly docile young girl did not wish to marry him. She knew of his past, yet she would not stand in the way of his marriage to Wen Qing.
Was she behaving this way to marry into the Duke’s household? But did she not know… about the young heir of the Shen family?
Gazing at her delicate beauty, Song Yan suddenly said: “Miss Wen, all this scheming—is it to wed into the Duke’s household? But do you know, your future husband is at this very moment lodging in another girl’s chambers…”
“Silence.” Wen Ning’s cheeks flushed with anger; rare for her, she rebuked him sharply. “Master Song, mind your dignity. My affairs are none of your concern. And let me offer you a word of counsel: a man should hold mountains and rivers in his heart, not gossip like a marketplace woman!”
Song Yan’s face turned red, then pale. At last, he spat out one harsh line: “Ungrateful girl—you will regret this one day.”
Wen Ning cast him a look of disdain, flicked her sleeve, and left. Her deepest regret was marrying him in her past life. In this life, her greatest wish was to stay far away from Song Yan. Whether he rose to high office or remained mediocre, he would have nothing to do with her.
When the day for betrothal gifts arrived, the two sisters’ weddings drew near, and the gifts naturally came in succession.
At first, Madam Xu thought Shen Zhou rather discourteous. But once she saw the betrothal offerings from both families, her heart grew uneasy.
Though Wen Ning was not highly valued, the Duke’s household was a century-old noble clan, with wealth and strict propriety. Their gifts flowed in like a river, leaving Madam Xu both envious and resentful.
By contrast, the Song family were mere peasants. On the day of betrothal, Song Yan brought only a few boxes of pastries and two chickens.
Madam Xu nearly fainted from rage. She hinted to Wen Qing more than once, but the girl seemed bewitched—insisting she would marry no one but Song Yan, even boasting he would one day be a top scholar, ennobled and exalted.
Madam Xu looked at the two chickens, then listened to Wen Qing’s lofty dreams. Uneasy, she added much of her own private savings to the dowry list.
On the eve of the wedding, Madam Xu summoned Wen Ning. She had always looked down on Wen Ning—the cautious illegitimate daughter who had grown up under her hand, never daring to speak loudly. But now, seeing the girl’s features maturing, her bright eyes and rosy lips, Madam Xu’s heart gave a jolt. The words she had meant to use to suppress her vanished. “Ning’er, you and your sister grew up together. As your mother, I hope that no matter what happens in the future, you two will watch over and support each other.”
Wen Ning lowered her head. In her past life, Madam Xu had not spoken so kindly—she had told her not to disturb Wen Qing.
Wen Ning answered obediently. She knew such talk of sisterly affection was false; self-interest was the only truth.
Though the Shen family’s status guaranteed her dowry would not be meager, a few pleasing words could earn her extra benefits. She did not mind flattering Madam Xu—money was money, and the more the better.
Seeing her docile demeanor, Madam Xu hesitated, then removed a bracelet from her wrist and gave it to her.
Wen Ning accepted it with delight.
Compared to Wen Ning’s calm acceptance, her maid Xiao Tao was anxious. Xiao Tao had grown up with her, left behind by her late mother, and was now her only companion. “Miss, I heard the young heir’s mistress is no ordinary woman. She’s a courtesan of Baihua House, said to be the daughter of a disgraced official. They say she sells her art, not her body, and all of the capital knows she belongs to the young heir…”
Wen Ning nodded lightly. She already knew. The woman’s name was Qiao Yanxin, sister to Shen Zhou’s close friend, and her place in his heart was extraordinary.
Wen Ning sighed. Since Shen Zhou and Qiao Yanxin were already like mandarin ducks in love, why should she play the part of the stick that breaks them apart?
After all, Shen Zhou was reckless enough to elope if pressed. As long as he remained, her position as his wife would be secure. She was not marrying to compete with the mistress for favor. She only wished to live peacefully as the heir’s wife. So long as the mistress did not cross her, Wen Ning would never make trouble for her.