tallest building

Chapter 166 Rejected

Two days later, Lady Fengxian personally visited Wen Mingqian at Wuqiu Nunnery.

Wen Mingqian couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. Sang Er also said, "Could it be that Madam Lu came here to interrogate us? I was wondering why the Cui family hadn't made a sound since they went back. It seems they went to call for reinforcements."

"Let's see what she says when she comes in," Wen Mingqian said calmly, "so we can figure out what she's up to."

When Madam Lu entered, she was very friendly. Wen Mingqian offered her tea: "I didn't know you were coming, Madam. I have nothing to offer you, only a cup of tea. Please don't mind."

"Having known that Madam Wen is such a refined person, even a commoner like me feels a bit less vulgar here," Madam Lu said with a smile. "This tea smells extraordinary, how could I dare to complain?"

Seeing that she spoke politely, Wen Mingqian felt that she probably didn't come to interrogate him, but since he didn't have much to say to her, he simply asked, "May I ask what brings you here to see me today, Madam?"

“Mrs. Wen is straightforward, so I won’t beat around the bush either,” said Madam Lu, putting down her teacup. “I’ve come today to ask you for a favor.”

"Oh? Is there anything you need my help with, Madam?" Wen Mingqian's brow twitched, sensing something was amiss.

"My lady knows our family; we only have two sons and no daughters. In truth, I desperately want a daughter," Madam Lu said, recounting the words she had prepared beforehand. "In addition, I've been suffering from various ailments lately, and things haven't been going well at home. So I consulted a fortune teller, who said that I should adopt a daughter I like and raise her by my side."

Originally, I planned to adopt the second young lady of the Cui family, but for some reason, she left home and became a nun. It breaks my heart!
I went to speak with that wise man, but he said the daughter I wanted to adopt was right here. I said that the girl had already become a nun, severing all worldly desires and emotions; how could I possibly adopt her?

The wise man said, "Your daughter is in this place, but she's not the one who has become a nun. If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself; you're sure to meet her."

I was half-believing and half-doubting, but I didn't know what to say, so I sent my mother, Mrs. Tang, over to take a look.

Who would have thought that when Madam Tang returned home, she was overjoyed and told me that she had indeed met an extremely beautiful young girl, the very one beside you, my lady. When I came here today and saw her, I felt an instant connection with her, as if we were mother and daughter in a past life. I just want to recognize her as soon as possible. I wonder if you, my lady, would be willing to part with her?" Madam Lu glanced at Sang Er and said.

Sang Er was startled and almost dropped the teapot in her hand.

Madam Lu's words were quite shrewd. They covered up the fact that they had forced Cui Baozhu in the past, and they also implied that Wen Mingqian had encouraged Cui Baozhu to become a nun. However, she did so in a subtle and humble manner.

"We will never mistreat her. If you'd allow me to adopt her as a goddaughter, I'll treat her like my own. Our relationship will naturally become even closer," Madam Lu continued. "Of course, we won't mistreat you either. We know you spent a fortune buying this girl, and her food, drink, and clothing have cost a lot. Just name your price, and we'll pay whatever it takes. You've done us a great favor, isn't that alright?"

If Wen Mingqian didn't agree after all this, it would seem rather unreasonable.

Sang Er looked at Wen Mingqian anxiously. She didn't believe Madam Lu's nonsense at all! How could someone who raised her son like that have any kindness?
If you deceive yourself, who knows what heinous things you might do!

Wen Mingqian gave her a reassuring look and slowly said, "So that's how it is. Actually, although my wife and I are not very close, I know that you are a good person."

"It's her good fortune that you've taken a liking to this girl. If you had said this two or three months earlier, I would have agreed without hesitation. Unfortunately, it's a bit late now, Madam."

Upon hearing this, Madam Lu's expression changed drastically. She asked, "What do you mean by that, Madam? What do you mean by too early or too late?" "It's like this," Wen Mingqian replied calmly, "as you've seen, this girl is loved by everyone." Compared to Madam Lu's changing expression, Wen Mingqian remained composed. "Two months ago, the Princess took a liking to her at first sight and wanted to keep her by her side. However, she thought she was still a bit young and didn't quite understand etiquette. So, she was placed under my care for another half a year to train her, and after that, she served the Princess for many years."

That's why I told Madam that you're a little late."

In fact, Wen Mingqian was not lying. She had long seen that the Princess liked Sang Er very much, so she planned to place Sang Er next to the Princess in the future.

With such a powerful backer, she no longer worried about anyone coveting her beauty and causing her harm.

Madam Lu never expected Wen Mingqian to bring up the Eldest Princess, someone she couldn't afford to offend.

All the things I had planned to say turned out to be unspeakable.

Wen Mingqian noticed her embarrassment and smoothed things over, saying, "I feel really bad that you made such a wasted trip, Madam. Actually, with your status and position, it would be a piece of cake for you to find a goddaughter. Countless daughters would be eagerly waiting for that opportunity! Please put in some more effort and look for a suitable candidate!"

"Since that's the case, what else is there to say? All my efforts have been wasted." Madam Lu said listlessly, "Let's talk about the future later!"

He stood up as he spoke.

"I'll see Madam out." Wen Mingqian stood up as well. "Please take your time, Madam."

After seeing Madam Lu off, Huixin rushed over and asked, "Madam Wen, did she come to cause you any trouble?"

"No, we've already seen him off properly, haven't we?" Wen Mingqian smiled at her. "Your clothes are a bit thin. I have a plain-colored padded jacket that I haven't worn yet. I'll have Sang Er find it for you!"

“You don’t know, do you? She came for me.” Sang’er then briefly told Huixin what Madam Lu had said.

Upon hearing this, Huixin immediately shook her head: "Don't believe her. She definitely has ill intentions."

“I know she has ill intentions, but we can’t see what she’s planning right now,” Wen Mingqian said. “I hope this ends here and there won’t be any further developments.”

Madam Lu returned home, seething with anger. She had barely entered the house and hadn't even had time to change her clothes when Madam Leng arrived.

"I heard that Madam went to Wuqiu Nunnery. Did you see Wen Mingqian?" Madam Leng asked with a smile.

"You're quick to report," Madam Lu sneered, clearly annoyed with her. "You've been humiliated today; it's truly disheartening."

"What does Madam wish to do?" Madam Leng feigned ignorance of the details. "Perhaps I can offer some advice."

“No one can help me,” said Madam Lu. “I originally wanted to buy the maidservant by her side, but she actually brought up the Princess, so I can’t say anything more.”