Chapter 1594: Chapter 1594: Acting Arrogantly

Tea house, Chang Xhong’s face was not looking good. As the discussion grew louder, Chang Xhong stood up with a cold expression, holding a teacup as he walked out of the private room.

Mu Fan and Jiang Zhu exchanged a glance, wondering how their uncle could remain calm. Look at what everyone was saying; was the Magistrate Anhe someone they could discuss so casually?

“Bang.”

The sound of a teacup shattering echoed, silencing the lounge, and everyone looked up toward the second floor.

Chang Xhong leaned on the railing with both hands, “My hand slipped.”

The shopkeeper’s face turned white as he hurried forward, “Young Master Zhou, I’ll replace it with a new teacup right away.”

Chang Xhong glanced around, clicked his tongue twice, and waved his hand, “No need, it’s getting late, I should be heading home.”

After a pause, he added, “But I’ve had my eyes opened today.”

The shopkeeper was sweating profusely; some people exude such charisma that ignorance truly breeds fearlessness. Was Zhou Residence someone they could discuss at will? And daring to discuss Magistrate Anhe’s engagement, hah.

The few who had been chatting the loudest earlier were suddenly scared, noticing now that there was no one left around them, they were more conspicuous.

Chang Xhong never looked at the few who were gossiping, he left the tea house and boarded the carriage to leave the Hou Residence directly.

It was only when the Hou Residence’s carriage was far away that people in the tea house started talking again, but they dared not continue discussing Zhou Residence.

Once home, Chang Xhong spoke with his mother, “It’s not that I look down on poor scholars, I’m disgusted with their lack of morals. Is a girl’s engagement something to be discussed in public? If not for fear of the Imperial Censor reporting my father, I would have wanted to be domineering today.”

Zhulan said, “You’ve already intimidated them enough. It’s alright, don’t be angry.”

Over the years, she had seen many demons; her anger was fleeting and quickly dissipated. After a few days, no one would be talking about it anymore.

Chang Xhong was no longer angry, “Mother, Yu Wen has become the new Magistrate Anhe, her engagement can’t be taken lightly.”

He was worried that anyone might dare to come and scheme Yu Wen’s engagement.

Zhulan replied, “Yu Wen is still young, so there’s no rush. Give it a few years, Yu Wen has the standing to wait, you don’t need to worry.”

Chang Xhong felt relieved after hearing that, “That’s good.”

In the following days, Yu Wen remained the center of attention in the capital. The Hou Residence hosted a banquet for Yu Wen, and she received many gifts.

The Zhou Residence wasn’t affected much, but the biggest change was for Yu Wen. With the title came responsibility; Yu Wen couldn’t continue being lazy, at least not for a month or two, and she had many social engagements to attend, having received quite a few invitations.

On this day, Zhulan watched Yu Wen change clothes and jewelry in the fourth house and smiled, “I thought I’d never see Yu Wen be diligent in my lifetime.”

A set of clothes, and this girl showed no impatience.

Su Xuan was herself someone who loved beauty. Her daughter looked good, and she always wanted to dress her up, but her daughter hadn’t cooperated since childhood, now she could finally make her skills known, “Mother, I’ve carefully selected these, do you think they look good?”

Zhulan nodded sincerely, “They look good; the clothes you chose all suit Yu Wen’s temperament. Tomorrow, the capital will hear of Magistrate Anhe’s beauty.”

Su Xuan felt proud, what mother wouldn’t want to boast about her child, “It’s the first time Yu Wen is attending a banquet as the Magistrate Anhe, she definitely shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Yu Wen looked at herself in the mirror, “Mother, is this outfit too extravagant?”

Su Xuan said, “I think it looks great.”

Zhulan also chimed in, “It’s beautiful.”

Yu Wen smiled upon hearing that, “Then I’ll go with this set.”

Su Xuan happily helped her daughter change out of her clothes, “Tomorrow, I’ll select some more jewelry for you. You’ve received a lot of invitations, but your jewelry is too little.”

Zhulan was speechless, her eyes landed on the vanity table, which was piled with new accessories. Su Xuan worried Yu Wen would be underestimated as Magistrate, being overly anxious, completely forgetting that Yu Wen wasn’t just the Magistrate Anhe.

Zhulan could understand; Su Xuan must have thought about her past, which couldn’t be erased. Seeing Yu Wen patiently listening to her daughter-in-law’s advice, Zhulan smiled knowingly, Yu Wen was so obedient, showing concern for her mother!

Su Xuan sat down next to her mother-in-law after finishing, “Mother, are you going to the banquet at Qin Prince Residence tomorrow?”

Zhulan shook her head, “I won’t be going, you should take Yu Wen along.”

This time Xue Han, as the aunt, was organizing the snow appreciation banquet especially for Yu Wen, inviting many female guests. She was the center of attention these days, and Su Xuan had to make an appearance.

Qin Prince Residence rarely hosted banquets, but this time it was arranged especially for Magistrate Anhe. This showed Qin Prince Residence’s importance in the matter and served as a warning to some unaware individuals. The recent scheming against Yu Wen left Xue Han angry.

The next day at Qin Prince Residence, Su Xuan and Yu Wen arrived early; they were today’s main attraction.

Xue Han came out and, upon not seeing her mother, was somewhat disappointed, “Mother isn’t here?”

Su Xuan replied, “Yes.”

Xue Han’s disappointment was momentary, “Sister-in-law, Yu Wen, let’s go to the warm room.”

Lin Xi came over to her cousin, “Cousin Anhe, you can’t be lazy this time.”

Yu Wen nudged Lin Xi, “You’re so happy because I’m being diligent?”

Lin Xi whispered, “I overheard father and mother talking. A lot of the female guests today are here with ulterior motives, and cousin can probably guess those motives.”

Yu Wen said, “Aren’t you afraid aunt will find out you eavesdropped?”

Lin Xi shushed, “It’s a secret.”

Yu Wen shook her head helplessly, her cousin was only lively around them; in public, she maintained the identity of a royal mansion’s legitimate daughter, always smiling in a distant way. This girl didn’t have it easy, surrounded by scheming people from a young age, constantly guarding against outsiders.

In the warm room, Yu Wen admired the flowers and arrangements inside, once again feeling that her uncle treated her aunt very well.

At Princess Qin’s banquet, Princess Qi and Princess Chu arrived first, rarely joined by Princess Liang. Princess Liang had been low profile in the capital alongside Prince Liang, yet she attended in person, indicating Princess Qin’s considerable influence.

Anhe greeted them, “Greetings, Princesses.”

Princess Qi and the others didn’t know much about the fifth young lady of Zhou, but upon seeing her today, Princess Qi’s eyes lit up. The demeanor and posture truly befitting a legitimate daughter of Zhou Residence, even if not well-known, she was outstanding.

Yu Wen knew the princesses were observing her, allowing them to scrutinize her. Upon hearing her name, she nodded with a smile.

Very soon, more female guests arrived, and though the warm room at Qin Prince Residence was quite large, Anhe was the protagonist today. She wasn’t mingled with the other young ladies but stayed by her aunt’s side, introduced by her aunt.

Old Madam Shangguan watched the outstanding and elegant fifth young lady of Zhou, gripping her cup slightly tighter. The old lady’s discomfort was noted by many, aware of the rumors surrounding the fifth young lady.

Princess Qi and Princess Chu exchanged glances, today the fifth young lady was handling everything exceptionally well, leaving the Shangguan family apprehensive; fortunately, the rumors were just rumors.

Princess Qin’s invitations were rare, desired by many, thus the Wen family naturally participated.

Wen Ling tried to diminish her presence as much as possible, fearing Yu Wen might retaliate against her. Reflecting on past encounters, she had caused Yu Wen troubles several times and couldn’t believe Yu Wen wouldn’t retaliate.

However, when Yu Wen walked past her as if not seeing her, not giving her even a glance!

Yu Wen truly didn’t notice Wen Ling; all her thoughts were with her mother, who was surrounded by people.