tallest building

Chapter 165 The Old Man's Intention

On this day, Wen Mingqian received a letter from Gong Chang'an.

“Young Master is so clever; he sent the letter to the Feng family,” Sang Er said happily. “He must have guessed that by the time the letter arrives, we will most likely no longer be living at the Gong family.”

“They arrived at the academy on the fifth day of the eleventh lunar month, and they must have gotten to know each other by now,” Wen Mingqian said while reading the letter. “Chang’an also said that Zhang Ma was very popular there, and everyone loved her cooking.”

"Of course, Zhang Ma's cooking skills are probably no worse than those of the imperial chefs," Sang Er said. "They are indeed excellent."

"Sigh, I really miss them." Wen Mingqian sighed. "I can bear it if I don't bring it up, but once I do, I can't let it go."

“Mother, don’t worry. As long as we’re both doing well, that’s all that matters. Now that we have nothing else to do, why don’t I get some paper and pen so you can write them a reply?” Sang Er said.

“Alright,” Wen Mingqian said, “I’ve already written two letters, and I imagine they’ve received them by now.”

Wen Mingqian spread out the paper, picked up his pen, and was about to write a reply when Ao Shuang came in and said, "I came from the front and saw a lot of people surrounding Master Huixin. One of them was dressed like a lady from a wealthy family. Could it be that she's here to cause trouble?"

“Master Jingxu has been meditating and not receiving guests these past few days. Masters Jing’an and Jinghe are both busy and ill, respectively. Let’s go to the front and check on them!” Wen Mingqian said, still worried.

As he spoke, he led Sang Er and Ao Shuang to the front, where they saw a number of people surrounding Hui Xin. Although there was no argument, Hui Xin was clearly embarrassed.

They wanted to get away but couldn't.

Wen Mingqian then stepped forward and said, "Master Huixin, I just came from over there. Abbess Jing'an wants you to come over!"

Huixin was overjoyed and quickly said, "These benefactors are from the Fengxian Marquis's mansion and have come to the temple to offer incense. I am a new nun and am not very familiar with these matters, so please ask my master or senior sisters to come instead!"

After saying that, he turned and left.

Wen Mingqian also realized that the person in the lead was not a lady, but just a respectable housekeeper in their Marquis's mansion. He had met her before at the Jiangxia Marquis's mansion, and her surname seemed to be Tang.

When Madam Tang saw Wen Mingqian, she also came up with a smile to greet him, saying, "I didn't know I would meet Madam Wen here, I'm so sorry."

Wen Mingqian knew she was lying through her teeth. The reason Cui Baozhu became a nun was because of the second young master of their family.
Given Leng's personality, she would probably have already sold herself there, otherwise why would they come to such a desolate place to offer incense?
It's clear that his real intention wasn't what he was looking for.

However, since the other party treated her with courtesy, she continued the act and said with a smile, "Yes, what a coincidence. Since Madam Tang has come to offer incense, I won't keep you from your business."

"No rush, no rush. Actually, we came here on the orders of the madam to comfort Miss Cui," said Mama Tang. "It's a pity that she left the mortal world at such a young age; it's such a shame."

Even at this point, Mrs. Tang was still pretending to be a good person.

Wen Mingqian didn't expose her, but instead went along with her tone and said, "Yes, everyone knows that your family is the most compassionate towards the poor and weak."

Mrs. Tang smiled and responded a few times, then turned to Sang Er beside her and asked, "This young lady looks unfamiliar; I've never seen her before."

“She is my maid, young and playful, so I haven’t taken her out much before,” Wen Mingqian said. “I have other matters to attend to, please excuse me.” He turned and went back, while Mama Tang stared intently at Sang Er, looking her up and down.

Sang Er felt uncomfortable under her gaze and couldn't help but frown.

"That old woman looks at people like she's glued her eyes to them," Sang Er said unhappily on the way back. "It's a good thing she's a woman; if she were a man, I wouldn't have been able to hold back my anger."

"It's all because my sister is so beautiful," Aoshuang said, covering her mouth with a smile. "No matter the age or gender, everyone who sees her can't take their eyes off her."

Ao Shuang wasn't exaggerating; in fact, during the first few days after she arrived, she couldn't help but stare at Sang Er, thinking that she was beautiful in every way, even more beautiful than in paintings.

"You little brat, you're making fun of me instead." Sang Er gritted her teeth and made a move to grab Ao Shuang.

Aoshuang, of course, didn't want to be caught, so she ran while laughing. She ran ahead, and Sang Er chased after her. The two of them playfully bickered and quickly moved on from the matter.

They all thought the people from the Fengxian Marquis's mansion were after Huixin, but no one expected that Tang Mama's eyes were actually on Sang Er.

Meanwhile, after burning incense, Tang's mother and the others went back.

Upon returning to the manor, he reported to the Marquis and his wife: "This old servant saw that girl today, and she is indeed an exceptional beauty."

"Oh, there really is?" The Marquis laughed upon hearing this.

Madam Lu was somewhat displeased: "What, you're so happy? You'll probably be reluctant to give it away after you see the real person, won't you?"

"What are you saying? It's not even close to being settled yet! Besides, it was already agreed that she would be given to the King of Chu." Marquis Fengxian was quite helpless. His wife was already nearly fifty years old, but she was still as jealous as a vinegar jar.

"I wonder who came up with this idea with such a wicked mind. You sent a beauty to the King of Chu. What will happen if the Queen finds out?" Madam Lu asked.

"Why not just find a way to keep her from finding out? Arranging a separate residence is a piece of cake, isn't it? Besides, as long as the Prince is satisfied, I don't believe anyone would dare to go to the Princess and tell her, unless they're tired of living." Marquis Fengxian was fearless. "Moreover, the Prince has more than one extramarital residence. Do you think the Princess doesn't know? She's just turning a blind eye. Who would bother to investigate?"

"Hmph, anyway, all crows are black, you men are all the same." Madam Lu scoffed. "If it weren't for my son's future, I wouldn't bother with your sordid affairs!"

"Do you think I did this willingly? It's only because I need something from you," said Marquis Fengxian. "Speaking of which, it would be better if you handled this matter. Talk to that woman surnamed Wen and ask her to sell this girl to us. She can set the price, as long as she doesn't go too far."

“It’s no big deal for me to talk to them,” Madam Lu said. “But if they don’t agree, I won’t care about the rest.”

“Just tell her. If she’s understanding, we won’t hold the Cui family’s affairs against her,” said Marquis Fengxian. “But if she refuses, then I’ll have to settle all the old and new scores with her.”

Anyway, she's already left the Gong family. A woman without her husband's family's protection and with her own family not around, I don't believe she can still do anything."

Marquis Fengxian never took Wen Mingqian seriously, thinking that what abilities a divorced woman could possibly have.
If she doesn't appreciate kind words, then you have to teach her a lesson.