Chapter 13: Mockery

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Wen Qiao rarely entered Wen Congqing’s study. In her previous life, it was because Wen Congqing despised her and forbade her from approaching the study; in this life, it was simply because she hadn’t had the chance. Now, due to matters concerning Wen Qi, she could enter openly and without restraint. Wen Qiao sighed inwardly—Wen Qi must have reaped countless benefits in her past life thanks to her identity. Normally, as a rustic girl just brought back from the countryside, who would pay any heed to her? Let alone receive so many rewards.

“Daughter greets father.”

Wen Qiao’s appearance carried a strong, heroic air; her feigned fragility only made her seem genuinely respectful, which was neither unpleasant nor surprising.

For a fleeting moment, Wen Congqing recalled how, in his youth, he had been determined to marry Princess Changle. An inexplicable feeling stirred in his heart, a vague sense of guilt toward the mother and daughter. His tone softened considerably as he spoke to Wen Qiao.

“Hm, it’s your first day at school today. Are you used to it? If there’s anything you don’t understand, come back and ask me—I’ll teach you.”

Wen Qiao glanced at him oddly, then replied, “I heard Father went to the palace today. Uncle said you wanted Seventh Sister to study with me. When Uncle asked, I agreed. But Seventh Sister must learn the rules well, so she doesn’t offend any nobles.”

Hearing this, Wen Congqing’s face flushed repeatedly, a mix of shame and embarrassment.

Just moments ago, he had felt guilty. Now, hearing Wen Qiao call Xiao Zheng “Uncle,” he realized this was with Xiao Zheng’s approval; otherwise, Wen Qiao would have been punished long ago. Moreover, he had intended to keep the matter secret from Wen Qiao until Wen Qi could officially enter the palace. But now that Wen Qiao knew, it felt as though she was basking in his glow, making him resentful and humiliated as if she outshone his own daughter.

Wen Qi’s insistence on entering the palace was based on fear that Wen Qiao, fresh from the countryside and ignorant of etiquette, might offend nobles. Wen Qiao’s words now made Wen Congqing’s face burn with embarrassment, leaving him at a loss for what to say.

However, Wen Qiao was now favored by both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Considering the benefits she could bring to the Hou residence, Wen Congqing would not treat her badly, though inwardly he still felt uneasy.

“Hm, I understand. I’ll send someone to inform Qi Qi later. You’ve had a long day; go rest. In future, these matters can be handled by others—you don’t need to come yourself.”

Wen Congqing’s words were somewhat perfunctory. Wen Qiao, with a sly tone, replied, “Daughter has few capable people around her. The two maids granted by the Empress Dowager are often busy with chores, and the courtyard hasn’t been arranged yet. Doing those tasks is more exhausting than me going myself.”

Listen to this: it’s because you didn’t arrange help that I have to come myself. If you had handled this clearly from the start, how could I have needed to make the trip? You don’t want to see me, and I don’t want to see you either!

Wen Qiao sneered inwardly but showed no trace of it on her face.

Wen Congqing paused, as if suddenly recalling the matter. After a moment, he replied, “Hm, your father has been busy with social engagements these past two days and hasn’t told your mother. Perhaps your mother has been preoccupied with accounts and forgot. You may go now. I’ll tell your mother to arrange the needed personnel for you as soon as possible.”

Seeing Wen Congqing’s unpleasant expression, Wen Qiao felt much better. She nodded and left. Shortly after, treasures selected from Xiao Zheng’s private treasury were quietly delivered, attracting little attention this time.

Soon, Wen Congqing sent someone to inform Wen Qi.

“Seventh Miss, the Marquis asked me to tell you that today he petitioned the Emperor for grace. The Emperor has just sent word agreeing to your studying in the palace. However, the Marquis suggests hiring two governesses to teach you etiquette, to avoid any mistakes once you enter the palace.”

The attendant, the longest-serving servant by Wen Congqing’s side, spoke carefully, never mentioning that the news came from Wen Qiao—making it seem entirely the Marquis’s doing.

Wen Congqing felt that telling Wen Qi directly would make him lose face as a father, and he wanted to avoid upsetting Wen Qi with the truth. This opportunity to enter the palace was hard-won; if Wen Qi threw a tantrum and refused to go, it would all be for nothing.

But Wen Congqing’s worries were unnecessary. Wen Qi cared little who had arranged it—she only knew she could enter the palace, and that was all that mattered. Besides, she had already hinted to Wen Zehan, who had even threatened Wen Qiao over this.

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Wen Zehan hadn’t been seen these past two days; no one knew what he was busy with.

Wen Qi thought to herself that since Wen Qiao was doing well, she should find something for her to do. But she couldn’t visit her personally anymore—Wen Qiao’s standing in Wen Congqing’s heart was too high now. If she angered Wen Congqing again, who knew if she’d be punished.

So, she both disliked Wen Qiao and didn’t want to expose herself—naturally thinking of the most foolish Wen Zehan. After all, Wen Zehan was Li Yanlan’s biological son. If anything happened, Li Yanlan would plead with Wen Congqing on his behalf. At worst, Wen Congqing wouldn’t abandon his legitimate son; he would cover for Wen Zehan.

Although Wen Congqing had been disappointed in Wen Zehan these past days, it was only temporary. For him, the heir of the Hou residence had to be Wen Zehan.

It was fortunate that Princess Changle had given birth to a daughter, not a son. Had it been a son, Wen Congqing wouldn’t have had the final say over the heir. Though he favored Wen Zehan, Princess Changle’s royal status meant her child would naturally inherit the title, rather than a son from a concubine.

Besides, there were Xiao Zheng and the Empress Dowager—just as Xiao Zheng had forced Wen Congqing to marry Princess Changle, he could not resist otherwise.

Though he benefited from it, Wen Congqing couldn’t remember Princess Changle’s kindness; he only remembered his disdain for her.

Wen Qi was overjoyed to enter the palace to study. After calming herself, she went to Wen Zehan’s courtyard.

Because of his reckless words in public, Wen Zehan was under house arrest. Li Yanlan, concerned about his pride, kept it quiet, so Wen Qi had to wait a long time before seeing him.

“Third Brother, what’s wrong? You look so haggard after two days—I think you’ve lost weight,” Wen Qi said, feigning concern as she approached.

In truth, though under house arrest, Wen Zehan was well-fed and cared for; Li Yanlan controlled the household’s affairs and would never mistreat her own son. Wen Congqing was unaware; he intended for Wen Zehan to reflect and thus forbade comfort. But Li Yanlan secretly sent food. If Wen Zehan looked thinner, it was only Wen Qi’s acting.

On the contrary, unable to leave the courtyard, Wen Zehan ate and slept all day and had even gained some weight.

“It’s all that rustic Wen Qiao’s fault! If she hadn’t caused such a scene at the gate that day, I wouldn’t hate her more, nor would I have said the wrong thing and been punished. Wen Qiao is a jinx—since she came back, I’ve been unlucky. I must find a way to deal with her, so she doesn’t think entering the palace makes her untouchable. She was born into the Hou residence and will die tied to it. How could the Emperor and Empress Dowager interfere in our family affairs?!” Wen Zehan spat harsh words freely. Wen Qi lowered her head, curling her lips.

Her acting was flawless—tears flowing at will. This trick had caused Wen Qiao much trouble in the past life.

If not for her skill in shaping her image, Wen Zehan wouldn’t have been so enamored with her and kept talking to her like this.

“Nonsense! You’re the best girl in the world. How could I blame you? If Wen Qiao hadn’t come back suddenly, this would all have been yours!” Wen Qi said more fake words, finally making Wen Zehan angrier, which satisfied her.

Soon, while Wen Congqing was out drinking again, Wen Zehan sneaked out and headed straight to Wen Qiao’s courtyard.

Wen Qiao’s courtyard was mostly prepared, though still somewhat bare. Clearly, Li Yanlan didn’t want to give Wen Qiao too many good things, which pleased Wen Zehan somewhat.

Wen Qiao had just finished washing and was reading at the table when the door was suddenly kicked open with a bang. Hua Ping and Dai Qiao tried to stop him but failed. Wen Qiao, hearing the commotion outside, remained unmoved, sitting by the table engrossed in her book as if in her own world.

Hua Ping and Dai Qiao were furious, their faces turning green at Wen Zehan’s blatant intrusion.

“Third Young Master, no matter how urgent, you should have informed us! You and Miss are grown; barging in like this is inappropriate!” Dai Qiao, quick-tempered, spoke with evident displeasure.

Wen Zehan ignored Dai Qiao and looked around the room.

“Dai Qiao is right. Third Brother, no matter how urgent, you should have sent word. If Father and Mother knew, they’d surely reprimand you. What urgent matter brings you here at this hour?”

“Hmph.” Wen Zehan sneered coldly, a forced smile on his lips. “The entire Hou residence will be mine someday. Do I need to tell you where I go? You’re just a rustic girl picked up from the countryside. It’s only Father’s kindness that brought you back. If it were me, you’d be better off dead outside.”

Hua Ping’s face darkened further at Wen Zehan’s words.

“Third Young Master, be careful! Miss is the biological daughter of Princess Changle, of noble birth—a true golden branch and jade leaf.”

Facing Hua Ping, Wen Zehan felt somewhat guilty and dared not speak further. After all, she was a palace maid from the Empress Dowager’s quarters. He feared that if he said anything improper, she might report him to the palace again.

He hadn’t expected that the Empress Dowager had sent these two specifically to serve Wen Qiao. Naturally, the Empress Dowager would know if anything happened to Wen Qiao. Perhaps he thought Wen Qiao’s presence not only overshadowed Wen Qi but also caused these maids to give up promising futures, hindering their own advancement. So, he felt confident bullying Wen Qiao would have no consequences.

Seeing his cowardice toward servants but arrogance toward her, Wen Qiao found it amusing.

If he was so meek with servants, who had given him the courage to speak harshly and order around the bloodline left by a princess?

“Third Brother, when I first entered the palace for Grandmother’s birthday banquet, I already told you—I’m your sister, even your full sister. We share Father’s blood. Even if not from the same mother, by blood we should be closer. I don’t know what spell Wen Qi has cast on you to make you care for her so much. I won’t say more about that, but the sun is setting outside, and you barged into my chamber at this hour without a word. Surely you owe me an explanation?”

Always feigning frailty, Wen Zehan truly thought she was easy to bully. If she didn’t reveal her claws at the right time, he would only become worse.

Now, even Wen Congqing dared not speak to her as harshly as before. Was Wen Zehan truly foolish, or was Wen Congqing simply too trusting of his son, never warning him? Did Wen Qiao hold the highest position in the Hou residence now?