“Chapter 231: Dignity”

"Chapter 231: Dignity"

"'May I ask, which household's lady are you from?'"

"Lin Yunwan carried herself with notable poise, prompting Madam Chen to become cautious. She signaled to a maid to have the housekeeper inquire."

"Nurse Lu and Cuiqin stood in the front, not even glancing at the housekeeper from the Xingguo Duke's mansion."

"It was very quiet in front of the pavilion."

"Lin Yunwan’s gentle and soft voice was quite clear. She disregarded Madam Chen and spoke to Lady Chang, 'Madam, some things heard might be deceptive. It's better to see them with your own eyes.'"

"Lady Chang certainly knew this was a battle of deities."

"She feared the woman seated above might be a young daughter-in-law from a noble or royal household, no less prestigious than the Xingguo Duke's family."

"But concerned about her daughter's marriage, she couldn't afford to care about that now."

"Lady Chang took a respectful step forward, asking, 'May I know what the lady means?'"

"Lin Yunwan still remained out of sight."

"Behind her servant, she spoke slowly, 'I was resting in the pavilion and unintentionally overheard your conversation. I've always heard that the descendants of the Lin family of Qingliu are of exceptional character, and that young master of the Lin family is even more outstanding among them.'"

"'Yet, from the words of the lady beside you, he was portrayed as a coward in examinations and of poor character, which I find quite puzzling.'"

"'However...'"

"Lin Yunwan paused slightly, then continued, 'The provincial examination is less than two months away. Surely, that young master won't be afraid to attend again. Just wait three more months for the examination results, and wouldn’t the truth become clear? Why rely on others' misleading words here?'"

"Her voice carried far, like music from the heavens."

"Lady Chang already felt a favorable impression."

"'This...'"

"She looked at Madam Chen with uncertainty."

"Just waiting three more months would reveal whether Lin Yunyi truly has genuine talent or is just a pretender. The truth would be out!"

"Why was Madam Chen so eager to speak ill of Lin Yunyi at this moment?"

"Lady Chang also calmed down."

"She berated herself for being blinded by ignorance, for a matter that would be resolved in just three months, why should she listen to Madam Chen!"

"She had her own eyes to see, couldn't she judge for herself!"

"Madam Chen hadn't expected such eloquence from this young woman!"

"She said to Lady Chang with an embarrassed tone, 'I meant well. If you think I have ill intentions, feel free to disregard my words!'"

"Pretending to be angry, she immediately turned to leave."

"Lady Chang was somewhat at a loss, initially wanting to pull her back, but then hesitating inwardly."

"After all, it was just a chance encounter, not a longstanding friendship!"

"'Let's return to the mansion.'"

"Inside the pavilion, Lin Yunwan stood up, setting down her teacup, and her servants all began to move."

"Both Madam Chen and Lady Chang stopped, turning to look at Lin Yunwan."

"However, with Lin Yunwan wearing a veil and her servants closely surrounding her, they couldn’t catch a glimpse of her."

"As she descended the mountain, a corner of her luxurious skirt fluttered into view."

"Madam Chen’s face darkened."

"Back at the temple, she vented her anger to her servants, 'Go ask the reception monk of the Red Elephant Temple who that young lady visiting today was, how dare she disregard me like that!'"

"'Yes.'"

Mother went to ask the guest receptionist, who then inquired with the abbot.

Finally, the guest receptionist came out with a reply, "Patron, I apologize, but the abbot said this lady did not send a notice in advance. She knocked on our door unexpectedly, and we don't know which noble's household she belongs to."

Mother was shrewd and knew it was impossible for the Red Elephant Temple to let someone in without knowing their identity, for fear of offending their Xingguo Duke's residence!

Hearing this, she sensed trouble brewing.

She quickly returned and informed Mrs. Chen, "The abbot refuses to reveal the identity, mentioning only that she is a noble."

Mrs. Chen grew even angrier, "I want to see what kind of noble this is, that even my Xingguo Duke's residence must yield to her!"

She was determined to uncover the identity of this person!

Mother hastily said, "Madam, this lady has disrupted the task assigned by Miss. How should I report back to Miss?"

Mrs. Chen was also worried about this.

Her daughter, who had suffered so much since childhood, the legitimate daughter of the Duke's residence, had sadly become just a concubine!

Mrs. Chen, wiping her tears, said, "It's my fault, I have failed this child."

Her eyes fierce with anger, she declared, "It's one thing if the Chang family doesn't believe me, but does she dare to offend the Xingguo Duke's residence? After she leaves here today, I doubt she will dare to engage with the Lin family or speak ill of my residence."

"Just tell Miss that the matter has been settled."

Mother felt uneasy, "…Yes."

Could this really be considered as having been settled?

Mrs. Chang, who had left the Red Elephant Temple from the back mountain earlier, was about to leave the temple and hadn't yet boarded her carriage when she was stopped.

"Mrs. Chang, pardon the disturbance. I am the eldest legitimate son of the Wuding Marquis."

Lu Zheng dismounted his horse and intercepted Mrs. Chang.

Mrs. Chang was startled, relieved only by her age; otherwise, being stopped by a man in this manner could have led to unforeseen circumstances.

Acknowledging his respect for her seniority, she replied with poise, "Master Lu, what brings you here?"

Lu Zheng bowed and said, "I have come on behalf of the Lin family..."

He glanced around and whispered, "May I have a word in private?"

Mrs. Chang's heart sank as she stepped aside to listen to Lu Zheng.

"Please speak, Master Lu."

Lu Zheng inquired, "Madam, did you encounter Mrs. Chen from the Xingguo Duke's residence at the Red Elephant Temple today?"

Mrs. Chang's brow twitched.

How did everyone come to know about her visit today!

She asked indifferently, "Yes, what about it?"

Lu Zheng smiled meaningfully and queried, "She was ostensibly trying to facilitate your daughter's marriage with the young master of the Lin family, but didn't she also speak ill of Yun Yi?"

Mrs. Chang felt a sinking despair.

How has this matter become common knowledge!

Suddenly, she recalled something and, pointing at Lu Zheng, said, "I remember now... you... Your Wuding Marquis' residence married the legitimate sister of Lin family's young master..."

"Indeed."

Lu Zheng spoke with a strained voice, managing a bitter smile, "I'm not afraid to share our family's shame. A concubine in my residence, closely related to Mrs. Chen... She disdained my wife's maternal Lin family and hence invited Mrs. Chen from the Xingguo Duke's residence to sabotage Yun Yi's marriage prospects."

Mrs. Chang's eyes widened in shock.

How could he reveal such significant family secrets to her so candidly!

Clutching her chest, she pressed her lips tightly together before finally managing to utter, "Is everything you're telling me the truth?"

Lu Zheng nodded solemnly, "Yun Yi is an excellent young man, talented and handsome. Raised by the Lin family, he excels in both literary and martial arts. He's preparing for the imperial examinations in two months. You might want to wait until the results are out to see how worthy Yun Yi is of your trust."

"I would not have disclosed our family matters if it weren't for the risk of jeopardizing Yun Yi's marriage."

"Whatever Mrs. Chen has said, please don't take it at face value."

Mrs. Chang's mind was in utter turmoil!

What a mess this all was!

She scoffed coldly, "You all are really something!"

"My daughter and the young master of the Lin family... there's not even the slightest hint of a match yet! And here you are, taking turns to persuade me – a duchess, a young noble lady, and now the eldest son of a marquis. Oh! I don't know who to believe!"

Even a clay figure has a point of anger.

Mrs. Chang knew she couldn't afford to offend them, but couldn't she still keep her distance?

She departed briskly, "Our Chang family is not a match for the Lin family."

But Lu Zheng was taken aback.

He stopped Mrs. Chang, asking, "Which noble lady?"

Mrs. Chang replied irritably, "I don't know her! I didn't even see her face. Your Wuding Marquis' residence should recognize her, right? Young, distinguished, with a pleasant voice. She spoke in a similar manner to you, advocating strongly for that young master Lin."

"She too had just left the temple and couldn't have gone far!"

"Farewell, Master Lu."

Before Mrs. Chang could board her carriage, Lu Zheng had already vanished on horseback.

Clutching the reins tightly, a voice in his heart urged him to hurry and follow.

Who is she?

Who is that woman? Who else would care as much about Yun Yi's marriage as he did?