frightfiction Chapter 15 Being a concubine
Chapter 15 Being a concubine
When Wen Jiayue woke up from her nap, Ruyi whispered something in her ear.
"Madam, the Third Miss has already entered the manor. Would you like to see her now?"
Wen Jiayue asked, "Where is she now?"
Out of trust, she never inquired about what Wen Ruohuan had done in the Marquis's mansion. As long as she didn't cause trouble, she was free to go wherever she wanted.
However, she must know everything about her movements for the rest of her life.
Ruyi had already sent people to keep an eye on things, and upon hearing this, she said angrily, "The Third Miss is picking osmanthus flowers outside the study, saying she wants to brew a jar of osmanthus wine."
She initially thought the lady's guess was absurd. The third young lady looked innocent and lovely, how could she possibly have any improper thoughts about the Marquis?
But as soon as she entered the mansion, she went to pick osmanthus flowers near the study, and Ruyi felt more and more that something was wrong.
There are many osmanthus trees planted in the main courtyard, all of which are blooming equally profusely, but the third young lady only goes to the vicinity of the study. Could it be that the osmanthus outside the study is more fragrant?
Thinking of this, Ruyi frowned and said, "Madam, why don't you find an excuse to let the Third Miss return to the Wen residence? I'm really worried that she will be detrimental to your relationship with the Marquis."
Wen Jiayue smiled faintly: "What's there to worry about? Let her come over."
The person who can truly affect the couple's relationship has not yet appeared, but Wen Ruohuan is the most important link in the chain.
Without Wen Ruohuan, it would have taken Li Zhilan quite some effort to kill her.
Seeing that Ruyi's expression was still somewhat unpleasant, Wen Jiayue instructed, "When you see the Third Miss later, don't give yourself away."
Ruyi immediately composed herself, thinking to herself that the lady was very composed.
Since giving birth to her daughter, the lady has become increasingly calm and composed, more and more like a true lady of a marquis's household.
She curtsied and said, "I understand, I'll go right away."
Watching Ruyi leave, Wen Jiayue withdrew her gaze, looked down at her daughter An Tian's sleeping face, and her heart softened.
The candles burst open, and even the crackling sound seemed gentle; she felt only a sense of peace and tranquility.
Wen Jiayue lowered her head and kissed her daughter's face, when suddenly there was a commotion outside.
She frowned slightly, glanced at Zhao Zhao who also had a furrowed brow, and raised her voice to ask, "Who's making a scene?"
It was quiet outside when Ruyi and her wet nurse came in.
Ruyi explained, "Madam, just now the wet nurse stopped me and asked why I haven't been allowed to take care of Miss these past few days. She felt uneasy."
The wet nurse apologized with trepidation.
Wen Jiayue didn't even look at her, and said in a low voice, "I have my reasons for not letting you take care of Miss. If you feel ashamed to receive your monthly allowance for nothing, then go and ask the old lady for your resignation."
Although she originally intended to have the wet nurse take care of Zhao Zhao during the day, Wen Jiayue did not trust her, so she gradually began to do everything herself.
Even if she couldn't take care of the child herself and had to leave it to the wet nurse, she would have Ruyi keep an eye on things.
The wet nurse was stunned for a moment, and stammered, "Madam, you...you're working so hard, while I'm just sitting around doing nothing. How can that be right..."
She genuinely didn't understand and felt uneasy, so after holding back for two days, she couldn't help but ask.
“I’m happy to,” Wen Jiayue said impatiently. “If you say another word, you’ll be fined a month’s salary.”
The wet nurse immediately shut her mouth and left sheepishly.
Wen Jiayue looked at Ruyi and instructed, "She is not allowed to come in again in the future."
The sight of her wet nurse reminded her of the time she was given the tranquilizer, and she felt a pang of unease.
Ruyi didn't quite understand where the lady's hostility towards the wet nurse came from, but she still obediently replied, "Yes."
"If there are no other instructions, this servant will go to find the Third Miss."
Before long, Wen Ruohuan came over carrying a basket of osmanthus flowers.
She resembled Zhang Shi. Although she had just come of age, no matter how innocent and charming she appeared, or how pretty and delicate she dressed, she couldn't suppress the allure in her eyes.
Moreover, Wen Ruohuan wished she could wear all the precious hairpins in her hair, which made her look extremely disjointed.
Wen Jiayue's gaze shifted downwards, landing on the golden osmanthus blossoms.
The sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms quickly dissipated much of the milky aroma that filled the room.
Her vision dimmed slightly as she suddenly recalled the scene before her death, and her hatred for Wen Ruohuan almost became uncontrollable.
Wen Jiayue clenched her fingers tightly and asked with a smile, "Why did you suddenly go to pick osmanthus flowers?"
Wen Ruohuan wiped the sweat from her forehead and spoke with a smile.
"I want to brew a jar of osmanthus wine so that my sister and brother-in-law can drink it together after my sister finishes her postpartum confinement."
Listen to how understanding she is.
She was probably thinking about drinking with her brother-in-law.
Wen Jiayue concealed the cold smile on her lips and said gently, "Huan'er, you're so kind. I'm looking forward to drinking the wine you brewed yourself."
"No problem, Huan'er will definitely brew the wine well!"
Wen Jiayue suddenly asked, "By the way, where did you pick the osmanthus flowers?"
Wen Ruohuan's smile froze for a moment before she spoke with a grin.
“I picked them near the study,” she asked innocently. “Sister, is it forbidden to go there?”
“You can go when the Marquis isn’t here,” Wen Jiayue paused, then smiled, “but I’m curious, why do you insist on going over there to pick them?”
Wen Ruohuan nervously licked her lips.
"Before I knew it, I had walked into the study. I originally wanted to go somewhere else, but since it was my brother-in-law's study, I certainly couldn't go in."
"But then I thought, the wine made from osmanthus blossoms that have absorbed the fragrance of ink and paper might taste even better, so I picked a basketful."
Wen Jiayue became increasingly alarmed as she listened. She truly hadn't expected that Wen Ruohuan's skill in lying had reached such a high level.
In just a few breaths, they can concoct a flawless reason without blushing or skipping a beat.
If she hadn't already known that Wen Ruohuan had inappropriate feelings for Shen Fuhan, she would have believed her after hearing this explanation.
Wen Jiayue suppressed the surprise in her eyes and said calmly, "So that's how it is."
Fearing she would ask too many questions, Wen Ruohuan immediately changed the subject.
"Sister, why did you call me here in such a hurry?"
"It's not a big deal, it's just that your brother-in-law... I'm a little overwhelmed..."
Wen Jiayue deliberately spoke ambiguously, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Upon hearing the words "brother-in-law," Wen Ruohuan became curious. Seeing that she didn't speak, she became as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
But I didn't want to rush her; I just hoped she would continue talking.
Wen Jiayue had piqued her interest to a fault before letting out a soft sigh.
"Fine, just enjoy yourself at the Marquis's residence. I'm not going to say anything more."
Wen Ruohuan then said, "What is it? Tell me quickly, sister."
“It’s not a good thing for you either,” Wen Jiayue still didn’t say, “You’re so young, how could I bear to let you do this?”
She deliberately steered the conversation in the direction Wen Ruohuan was hoping for, and Wen Ruohuan fell for it, her heart beating a little faster upon hearing it.
Brother-in-law...my sister is not up to the task...she's too young...it's not a good thing...
Wen Ruohuan had already pieced together a story about Wen Jiayue asking her to become her brother-in-law's concubine, but she was too embarrassed to mention it.
But she was willing, extremely willing!
To reassure Wen Jiayue, Wen Ruohuan said firmly, "Sister, just tell me. No matter what it is, I will definitely help you."
Once is never enough, twice is never enough, and Wen Jiayue felt that it was about time before she spoke.
“Since I married into the Marquis’s mansion, I have never missed my daily morning and evening greetings. But recently, I’ve been struggling with postpartum care and I feel like I haven’t been filial enough to the old lady. Although your brother-in-law doesn’t say it, I think he feels the same way.”
Wen Ruohuan's smile had already become stiff.
Wen Jiayue pretended not to know, took her hand, and said earnestly, "Since Huan'er is so willing to do this filial duty for her sister, let's start tonight."