Chapter 593: Completely Dumbfounded

Chapter 593: Completely Dumbfounded

Lady Lu had thought about the matter but knew it had to be brought up privately with Duke Yuwen, and subtly at that. It couldn’t be so bluntly and suddenly thrown into the open.

So she was caught in a bind—unable to admit or deny it. Fortunately, her mind worked quickly, and she swiftly shifted the responsibility onto the Shen family.

"Duke Yuwen, I did hear Madam Fang mention Miss Shen’s marriage to me before. She approached me herself, and I had no idea what it was about. Who would have thought it was for this matter!"

Even if this matter were taken to the extreme, it was Madam Fang who had come to her. If anyone were to be blamed, it should be her first!

Lady Lu looked genuinely sincere: "Miss Shen, it was only after you left the Shen family that I learned about your strained relationship with them. I never gave it another thought. At most, I thought if there was a suitable match in the family, we could bring you in. Otherwise, how pitiful it would be for you to be alone outside."

Su Youyue watched the old lady’s dramatic display without comment. She saw right through Lady Lu’s intentions, but today she was a guest, and after hearing Xie Yuan’s words, she was in a good mood and didn’t plan to engage too much with her.

"So that’s the story. Don’t worry, Lady Lu, I’m not bothered. The Shen family has no say in my marriage."

"Good, good..." Seeing she wasn’t pressing the issue, Lady Lu relaxed. However, when she glanced at Duke Yuwen’s expression, she saw that his face was still dark. She hastily sat down and grumbled, "Fang Li’s been completely spoiled by his folks. Duke Yuwen, rest assured, I’ll see to it he’s properly disciplined when I get back."

Lady Lu was a troublemaker, and with the backing of the Yuwen family, she held considerable sway in the Lu family. The Fang family also fawned over her. Since she had spoken, Fang Li would undoubtedly face punishment when he returned.

Duke Yuwen’s expression only then softened slightly. Seeing this, Lady Lu felt a bit more at ease. Just as she was about to sit down, Duke Yuwen’s face suddenly darkened again, causing her half-settled heart to leap into her throat.

What now?

Following Duke Yuwen’s gaze, Lady Lu saw Helian Lin.

Although Helian Lin and Yuwen Jing were sitting close together, the two were worlds apart at that moment. Yuwen Jing’s expression was not great, but his emotions were laid bare on his face. He had always been like this—joy was joy, anger was anger—his expressions and inner feelings were perfectly aligned, making him easy to read.

Helian Lin, however, wore a mask, hiding his expression. Yet, an icy silence surrounded him, as if the frigid winds of the far north had frozen into a deadly chill before him. He had this natural ability—silent, not even a glance, yet he could make others feel suffocated.

Indeed, while one Shen Nan had been appeased, there was still an enraged Helian Lin to deal with.

Lady Lu’s head spun, and she nearly jumped out of her seat.

This Helian Lin, usually so composed, was apparently just acting. At the sight of a woman, he lost his cool and started babbling.

Fang Li would face discipline when he returned, and this young man wouldn’t get off easy either. Let’s see how Princess Pingyang deals with him when he gets back.

But when Helian Lin suddenly stood, his imposing figure and icy aura overwhelmed Lady Lu, startling her stiff. Her chaotic thoughts froze, and she could only gape at him.

"The room’s too stuffy. I’m going for a walk." With that, the man coldly stood up and left.

"Brother Helian, wait for me." Yuwen Jing also got up to chase after him. Halfway there, he seemed to remember something and turned back, asking tentatively, "Miss Shen, would you like to join us?"

Su Youyue, having caught Helian Lin’s eye, was thinking of an excuse to leave. Hearing this, she immediately stood up and followed, leaving the Yuwen family members in the room exchanging bewildered looks.

With only family left, the Yuwen family relaxed, and their thoughts could no longer be contained.

"Aunt, what you did today was really not proper. Miss Shen is a strong-willed person. Even when her parents treated her poorly, she decisively left home. How could you think she would let others dictate her marriage?" The second daughter-in-law of the Yuwen family, seeing an opportunity to criticize the aunt, immediately stepped forward.

Dou Shi, who had endured Lady Lu for years, also complained, "Fang Li was far too impulsive. How could he casually speak of Helian Lin like that? Now that Helian Lin has also spoken impulsively, what if Princess Pingyang blames the Yuwen family? Aunt, you should stop bringing him here in the future."

Normally, these two daughters-in-law would never dare to criticize Lady Lu in front of Duke Yuwen. Today, seeing Duke Yuwen’s anger, they finally spoke up.

Compared to Lady Lu’s usual scolding, their words were not harsh, but Lady Lu found them extremely unpleasant and sneered repeatedly.

"Fine, fine. Now all of you are stepping over me. I just wanted to arrange a marriage. Who knew she was so high and mighty, only eyeing the nobility! Besides, it was the Shen family who approached me, not the other way around. I only considered it because I felt sorry for Duke Yuwen, living alone all these years. If you don’t feel for my brother, I do!"

At this point, she had already offended everyone, yet she still acted so self-righteous, nearly infuriating the two daughters-in-law of the Duke's household.

Did she really think they didn’t grasp her intention to arrange a remarriage for the Duke?

Anyone with half a brain could see she was just trying to cling to the Duke!

"What business is it of yours if Miss Shen is interested in noble suitors? Who are you to comment?"

Duke Yuwen suddenly slammed the table, startling Lady Lu into silence.

The rest of the Duke's household exchanged glances, inwardly pleased.

After all, Miss Shen was a guest. Who were they to meddle in her marriage?

Even if Lady Lu truly intended to match her with Fang Li, it was their place to propose and seek her hand, humbly, not arrogantly.

Duke Yuwen was truly furious. Although he had invited Miss Shen as a guest and held a noble status, Miss Shen also had her own merits, possessing many musical scores. Duke Yuwen felt he should be the one courting her favor, hence treating her as an honored guest today.

Now, not only had they offended her, but they were also badmouthing her behind her back!

The more Duke Yuwen dwelled on it, the angrier he grew. Memories of all the mischief Lady Lu had caused in the Duke's residence over the years flooded his mind. After taking a couple of deep breaths, he abruptly stood up: "Someone, escort Lady Lu back to her residence!"

"Duke Yuwen!" Lady Lu never expected that Duke Yuwen would actually expel her from the Duke's residence. In an instant, she was utterly speechless.