AWB Chapter 135 White Lotus
Chapter 135 White Lotus
Since you are a concubine, you should follow the etiquette and not ride in the same car with the wife. This is the rule and also a respect.
Therefore, Ling Zhiyun could only accept this loneliness silently and boarded another carriage with slightly simple decorations.
Just as Fu Yansheng was about to lift the curtain and step into the gorgeous carriage that Ling Mo was taking back, a subtle but urgent call came from the direction of Ling Zhiyun, like a willow swaying in the spring breeze, fragile but enough to attract attention.
"What's the matter?" Fu Yansheng became suspicious and walked towards Ling Zhiyun eagerly, his eyes full of concern.
Ling Mohui glanced coldly at Ling Zhiyun's figure through the thin curtain, with an imperceptible sneer on her lips.
In her opinion, only a simple-minded Fu Yansheng would believe such a trick.
"It's time for us to set off!" Ling Mohui's voice was filled with unquestionable coldness. It was obvious that she did not want to ride in the same car with Fu Yansheng, so as not to aggravate the discomfort and restraint in her heart.
Fu Yansheng looked at Ling Mohui's gradually receding back, a hint of helplessness flashed across his brows, and then he turned around and boarded the long-awaited carriage with Ling Zhiyun, who looked apologetic.
"Yan Sheng, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault for spraining my ankle."
Ling Zhiyun's voice was gentle but apologetic, and there was a plea for help in her eyes.
"Maybe my sister is unwilling to accept it. You have to comfort her later." Ling Zhiyun suggested softly, her tone full of understanding.
Fu Yansheng nodded gently and said in a gentle and elegant manner: "It's okay, you don't need to worry too much."
When the carriage slowly stopped in front of the Jin Mansion, the scene before them was astonishing.
There was a constant stream of cars and dignitaries in front of the mansion, because Jin Chengyuan, the new dignitary, was not only talented, but also his sister was the queen of the dynasty, and he was the king's brother-in-law and at the right age to get married, so naturally there were many people proposing marriage to him.
Surprisingly, the Jin family finally chose the less powerful Zhongqin Marquis' Mansion as their marriage partner, a move that undoubtedly gave rise to all kinds of speculation.
There were constant whispers around: "It is said that the daughter of the loyal and diligent mansion does not like to study, and only knows how to play and have fun all day long!"
"That's true. Such a bohemian woman is really not worthy of Master Meng!"
"What exactly does the Jin family have in mind to accept such an informal daughter-in-law?"
"There are even rumors that Yuan Fangfang had an ambiguous relationship with a mysterious man!"
While everyone was discussing, Ling Mohui sat in a corner, seemingly relaxed and at ease, but actually speaking sharply: "Today is the auspicious day for our two families to get together, why don't you talk about something auspicious? Why don't you share something with me?"
Ling Mohui's reputation had already spread throughout the capital. In addition, she had an outgoing personality and everyone knew that she had a close relationship with Yuan Fangfang, so no one dared to offend her easily.
For a moment, there was an awkward silence.
Seeing this, Ling Mohui slowly picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said with a hint of teasing in her voice: "Why, are you all quiet all of a sudden? Keep going!"
Under pressure, everyone changed the topic and began to deliberately look for new topics to talk about...
"I heard that the Fu family has taken in a new concubine, but we haven't even congratulated our sister-in-law yet. How rude!"
"Congratulations! Double happiness has come to the Fu family!"
These words seem to be flattering on the surface, but they are actually sharp and can only cause trouble for people.
"Hey, it's such a nice day, why doesn't the new concubine show up?"
"Sister-in-law is so magnanimous, I admire her!"
"I think the Prime Minister will take good care of this new concubine, right?"
Every word from everyone was like a needle, piercing the sensitive spots.
I thought Ling Mohui would be angry about this, but unexpectedly, not only did she not show any anger, but she calmly called Ling Zhiyun over.
"Sister, the ladies are just wanting to meet you!" Ling Mo replied with a barely perceptible smile.
Ling Zhiyun's heart moved. She knew very well that this was a rare opportunity that would allow her to further integrate into this circle.
There was a flash of determination in her eyes, and then the corners of her mouth rose, showing just the right amount of gentleness and humility.
"Ladies, Zhiyun is here to greet you!" Her voice was as clear and pleasant as the sound of a spring, accompanied by a slight bow, and her manners were extremely elegant.
Seeing this, Ling Mohui withdrew at the right time, stood up, and said in a variety of ways, "You guys chat slowly, I still have to go greet other VIPs!"
These words seemed polite on the surface, but they were actually sharp. The implication was clearly that the people present were likened to idle people who needed the company of concubines. An invisible provocation filled the air, causing the faces of the ladies to twist slightly and anger to burn in their eyes.
The ladies looked at each other, their eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness, and then they all turned to Ling Zhiyun, as if she was the source of all the unhappiness.
"A concubine wants to be on equal footing with us!" A lady in gorgeous clothes snorted coldly, her voice sharp and piercing.
"That's right! The man who stole my sister dared to do it so openly! It's really shameful!"
Another lady interjected, her words full of contempt.
After saying that, they all stood up, leaving Ling Zhiyun alone, sitting there alone, her face as pale as paper, with both anger and humiliation in her eyes.
……
After Ling Mohui had a pleasant conversation with Madam Jin, she was respectfully led by a servant and slowly walked into the inner courtyard along the winding path.
At this time, Yuan Fangfang was sitting by the window bored, staring at the flowers and plants in the courtyard. Ling Mohui's arrival was like a ray of light, instantly lighting up her world.
However, Ling Mohui was still thinking about the disturbance just now. She gently reminded: "Although the Jin Mansion is a new noble family, the rules are strict. Fangfang, you must be extra careful in what you say and do in the future."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Fangfang frowned slightly, "Did the rumors outside reach your ears?"
Ling Mo answered honestly. After all, truth cannot be hidden, especially among such well-informed nobles.
"Has the Jin family also heard about this?" Ling Mohui asked with a hint of worry between her brows.
Yuan Fangfang nodded gently, with a helpless smile: "Of course they know, but the Jin family is powerful because of their relationship with the queen, but they are also bound by tradition. Jin Chengyuan's marriage cannot be too prominent, so as not to cause criticism."
It has always been a taboo for foreign relatives to interfere in government affairs. Although the Jin family prospered because of this, it also fell into a subtle estrangement from the gentry.
Although the Earl of Zhongqin's Mansion is no longer glorious, it is still an old aristocratic family with profound heritage. The combination of the two families is undoubtedly a dual consideration of politics and interests.
As for Yuan Fangfang's reputation issue, in the eyes of the Jin family, it is nothing but insignificant dust compared to the long-term development of the family.
"No matter who talks behind my back, I have a clear conscience. Under the engagement, I always kept a proper distance from him and never brought shame to the family." Yuan Fangfang said in a firm tone, her face brimming with confidence.