Chapter 379: Why Did They Call My Daughter Back Again?

Chapter 379: Why Did They Call My Daughter Back Again?

Marchioness of Jiangtai also smiled until her eyes crinkled.

But at this moment, Dowager Marchioness Weibei frowned and looked around: "Not to mention the concubine's daughter, I remember there are two daughters from the main wife in your household? Where is the other one?"

Marchioness of Jiangtai's smile froze, and she cautiously observed Dowager Marchioness Weibei's expression, managing a strained smile: "...Madam, my eldest daughter had a prior engagement and went out. Later, I will have her visit your residence to apologize."

Dowager Marchioness Weibei's expression turned cold: "No need. It was sudden of me to visit. However, my visit today is related to your eldest daughter, so I will wait here."

Marchioness of Jiangtai hid her inner turmoil and managed a smile: "She is just a young girl, how could we let you wait... Isn't that bringing her bad luck? Whatever you need to discuss with her, you can tell me."

Dowager Marchioness Weibei, who was notoriously short-tempered, responded with an "Oh," and said indifferently: "So, Marchioness of Jiangtai means that it is my fault for wanting to see a young girl from your household during my visit?"

Marchioness of Jiangtai went pale and quickly forced a smile: "Not at all, not at all, I was just worried that you might get bored waiting..."

Dowager Marchioness Weibei snorted through her nose.

Marchioness of Jiangtai felt extremely awkward but dared not offend Dowager Marchioness Weibei—their declining marquisate, with no power or influence, was probably even less significant than a prefectural magistrate. How could they dare to confront the powerful and flourishing Marquisate of Weibei?

She hurriedly instructed the servants to go out and bring Miss Cen back.

Dowager Marchioness Weibei sat there, closing her eyes, appearing to rest.

Marchioness of Jiangtai felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.

Cen Yuehua was secretly fuming with anger, her handkerchief almost twisted into a knot.

How was she inferior to that stiff and unyielding Cen Yueyi?!

The atmosphere in the main hall grew increasingly stifling.

Marchioness of Jiangtai had no choice but to change the subject to Xingxing. She forced a smile: "...Isn't this the young Miss Yu from General of the Western Garrison's household? We met a few days ago at the Vice Minister of War's residence, do you remember?"

Xingxing had already exchanged greetings with Marchioness of Jiangtai earlier, but at that time, Marchioness of Jiangtai was solely focused on trying to please Dowager Marchioness Weibei and barely paid attention to Xingxing, nodding perfunctorily in response to her greeting.

Although Xingxing didn't mind much, Dowager Marchioness Weibei was quite displeased. Now, she was ignoring Marchioness of Jiangtai, partly to vent her displeasure on behalf of Xingxing.

Now, Marchioness of Jiangtai acted as if she had just noticed Xingxing, showing her a lot of concern, asking what tea she liked to drink and instructing the maid to bring some pastries from the kitchen.

One might think Marchioness of Jiangtai adored Xingxing!

Xingxing was actually a bit embarrassed, but she kept her composure, politely responding to Marchioness of Jiangtai's attentiveness and thanking her for her kindness.

Since Li Chunhua had rejected the marriage proposal from the Vice Minister of War's wife a few days ago, Cen Yuehua had returned in a burst of anger and was initially unwilling to engage with Xingxing. But now, with the awkward atmosphere in the hall and wanting to know the relationship between Xingxing and Dowager Marchioness Weibei, she acted affectionately and sat beside Xingxing, making small talk: "Sister Yu, I heard you were brought to the capital by General Yu from elsewhere. Counting the days, you've been in the capital for a while now, are you getting used to it?"

Xingxing glanced at Cen Yuehua and nodded: "Thank you for your concern, sister. My elders and brothers have been very caring, so I am quite accustomed."

Cen Yuehua, acting as if they were close, took Xingxing's hand: "Don't be polite with me. I know the capital very well. Since you're new here, if you want to go anywhere, just call me to accompany you."

Xingxing, with her small hand held by Cen Yuehua, felt uncomfortable, only thinking about how to withdraw her hand.

Cen Yuehua seemed oblivious to Xingxing's resistance and continued to act warmly, gently inquiring about how Xingxing and Dowager Marchioness Weibei had met.

Xingxing felt increasingly uncomfortable with such obviously manipulative social interactions.

At that moment, Dowager Marchioness Weibei suddenly spoke: "Xingxing, come here."

Xingxing felt relieved and took the opportunity to free her hand from Cen Yuehua, hurrying to Dowager Marchioness Weibei's side.

Dowager Marchioness Weibei seated Xingxing in the spot closest to her and personally wiped her hands with a handkerchief.

Cen Yuehua’s expression froze slightly.

Dowager Marchioness Weibei remarked coolly, "...Second Miss Cen, weren’t you curious about how I came to know Xingxing? I can tell you, Xingxing saved my life."

Cen Yuehua’s face flushed and paled in turns.

Marchioness of Jiangtai interjected with a strained smile to ease the tension, "...Miss Yu, at such a young age, actually saved the Dowager Marchioness’s life. It seems the two of you share a special bond."

Dowager Marchioness Weibei thought Marchioness of Jiangtai had finally spoken something pleasing and nodded in approval.

Marchioness of Jiangtai perked up, sensing she had struck a chord with Dowager Marchioness Weibei.

Just as she was about to say more, a servant entered to announce Miss Cen’s return.

Marchioness of Jiangtai feigned delight, "...Have Miss Cen come in at once. It’s terribly rude to keep the Dowager Marchioness waiting."

As Cen Yueyi entered, she was briefly taken aback to see Xingxing.

Following proper etiquette, she would naturally first greet the elders in the room.

But Xingxing shot her a glance, urging her to focus on Marchioness of Jiangtai.

Cen Yueyi hesitated, recognizing the familiar look on her stepmother’s face—one that clearly indicated she was about to shift the blame for something onto her.

Cen Yueyi straightened her posture and promptly replied, "...Mother, didn’t you tell me to go to my maternal grandparents’ house to deliver some tonics? Why did you have someone call me back?"

Marchioness of Jiangtai paled!

This girl had always been so meticulous about propriety. As long as she exerted her authority as an elder, the girl would never speak out of turn.

What was happening today? Where was her usual decorum?! Why was she speaking up so boldly?!

How could she expose this in front of Dowager Marchioness Weibei?!

Marchioness of Jiangtai was utterly flustered!

Cen Yuehua opened her mouth to protest, but Cen Yueyi had already bowed gracefully to Dowager Marchioness Weibei and greeted her, "...Greetings, Dowager Marchioness. Yueyi is late and has kept you waiting. It’s my fault."

But by now, everyone knew that Cen Yueyi’s words of taking responsibility were merely a show of her magnanimity!

Marchioness of Jiangtai was seething, her teeth grinding audibly!

That wretched girl!