Chapter 33: Invitations - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 33: Invitations
"The Wei family is marrying off their daughter. It's probably going to be finalized in these few days."
"Oh? I haven't heard about this."
"I just returned to the Wang Mansion a few days ago and heard my mother mention it privately. It's said that the Ninth Prince made great contributions in quelling the rebellion and received rewards from the Emperor, including the title of Prince and a mansion. The Wei Noble Consort also received many favors in the palace and even managed the power of the six palaces granted by the Emperor. With such power and influence, it's only natural to add some joy to the family. After all, the Crown Prince's consort is pregnant again, and it might be the Emperor's legitimate grandson. On the other hand, the Ninth Prince doesn't even have an official consort. How can the Wei Noble Consort not be anxious?"
Bai Lin, the eldest maternal aunt, spoke with an understanding tone, clearly aware of the Wei family's calculations.
Marriage between the granddaughter and the grandson of relatives would solidify the Wei family's power, especially if the Ninth Prince rose to power.
During the conversation, Lin Mama came in with a gold-plated invitation in her hand.
"Madam, the Wei family has sent an invitation. They invite Madam and the young ladies to their mansion in three days to enjoy the snow and have a feast."
The invitation had arrived!
Bai Lin and Princess Wen Yi exchanged glances. It seemed that the snow-viewing feast was arranged at just the right time, probably to announce the good news directly at the banquet.
"Understood. Send someone to inform the Third Madam and the Second Miss in the neighboring courtyard, and let them prepare as well. Since they want to climb higher branches, let's see if the Wei family's guests include members of the royal family. At that time, we'll see if she can manage to elevate herself to the level of a prince's consort!"
Bai Lin's expression was somewhat uneasy, but she didn't say much. After leaving the invitation, Lin Mama respectfully left.
It was Bai Lin who held the invitation in her hand. After making some harsh remarks, her face showed no satisfaction, but instead a bitter smile appeared on her lips.
Feng Jinyao was puzzled and asked, "What's wrong with Aunt-in-law?"
Princess Wen Yi, aware of the situation, understood Bai Lin's inner frustration and tried to comfort her.
"After the New Year, they will naturally return to Qiongzhou. Aunt-in-law will have to endure these few days."
"How can I endure it? Those mother and daughter keep boasting about the Bai family everywhere they go, and even shamelessly make such remarks. If I were the senior Madam, I would have punished them with a good beating long ago, instead of treating them so kindly."
Speaking was Bai Siruo, who had just entered, her face full of anger. Whenever she mentioned her third aunt and cousin, she felt extremely annoyed!
"Don't talk nonsense! How can you, a junior, speak ill of your elders in private!"
Princess Wen Yi reprimanded her, but she saw Bai Siruo biting her lower lip, her face twisted into a frown, looking less cute.
Feng Jinyao hurriedly stepped forward to comfort them both.
"Let's discuss this later. Don't make our aunts unhappy."
After hearing her words, Bai Siruo's anger subsided, and she sincerely apologized to her elder aunt.
"Get up, get up quickly. Sister-in-law, what are you scolding Siruo for? What did she do wrong? If you don't care for her, just give her to me as my daughter, I will love her dearly."
With that, she waved at Bai Siruo and motioned for her to come closer.
Pushing the food box on the table, she said, "I know you like the cherry pancakes from the Chen family and the Sichuan milk candy. I had Lin Mama buy them specially for you. They're still warm, so you and Ah Yao go eat them on the side, I'll talk to your mother about something else."
Like coaxing a child, her eyes were full of affection.
Bai Siruo nodded. Since she also had a lot to say to Feng Jinyao, she pulled her to the neighboring room.
After the two left, Bai Lin, the eldest maternal aunt, spoke privately with Princess Wen Yi.
"I've been observing these days, and our third sister-in-law and second niece have high ambitions. Our Lin family doesn't look favorably upon them. You, in the Prince Kang's mansion, have been thinking about it, but be careful with your maternal family nephews. If they get entangled with them, it will be troublesome."
Bai Lin spoke with a grim expression, but upon closer inspection, tears welled up in her eyes.
Princess Wen Yi also sighed and lamented.
A few days ago, that Shen family used the Bai family's name to attend a banquet at the Duke Zhengguo's residence.
After three rounds of wine, intentionally or not, perhaps under the influence of alcohol, she commented on the young lords from the Eastern Capital.
In order to please the Prince Kang's consort, she even tried to sow discord between Bai Lin and Princess Wen Yi.
She said that after marrying into the Bai Mansion, she only cared about wielding power and neglected her duties as a wife. She even envied Madam Bai's position as the legitimate wife, and didn't allow any concubines in her husband's quarters.
As a result, Bai Lin remained childless at her age.
Even in the backyard, she often clashed with Princess Wen Yi, resulting in Princess Wen Yi having only one daughter for many years. Not only did she criticize Bai Lin, but she also indirectly brought up her painful past.
Bai Lin's nephew couldn't bear to hear this and stepped forward to defend his own family.
However, he was not a match for the Shen family, and after several arguments, not only did he fail to protect his aunt's reputation, but he also implicated himself.
Taking advantage of the situation, the Shen family insinuated to others that Bai Lin's nephew had ulterior motives towards his own niece, implying that he was like a toad wanting to eat swan meat.
This made Bai Lin unable to get out of bed for several days due to anger.
The Prince Kang's consort sent a message, leaving Princess Wen Yi dumbfounded.
This third sister-in-law really didn't know when to stop. After inquiring around the Eastern Capital, she spread rumors about her good relationship with her sister-in-law. However, Bai Lin and Madam Wen Yi had been sisters-in-law for many years and had a good relationship. Where did the conflicts come from?
"Don't worry, Sister-in-law, my mother has already chosen marriages for those few children. Only Mu Qian remains unmarried. Now the family intends to keep him in the Jingji Office as an official. He came today to bother you, asking for help from your maternal family brother. "
"Just tell him the matter in a few words."
As soon as she finished speaking, Bai Lin suddenly exclaimed, put away her previous sorrow, and asked with a hint of teasing.
"Tell me honestly, do you have other thoughts about your nephew?"
Although she only said half of the sentence,
her teasing thoughts couldn't be hidden in her eyes.
As they were family, Princess Wen Yi didn't hide much.
"Well, I think this nephew is quite good. With his older brother in charge, the burden of the Prince Kang's mansion won't fall on him. If Siruo marries over there, she will just be a leisurely second wife. My eldest brother and sister-in-law are also kind people. Plus, my mother has always loved Siruo, so I'm not worried that she will be mistreated in her husband's family."
A mother's loving heart is visible to the gods.
Bai Lin also felt good after hearing this.
She had no sons or daughters, and for so many years, there was only Bai Siruo, a niece, in the mansion. Naturally, she cherished her.
Although she wasn't spoiled, she hadn't seen many dirty tricks in the backyard.
If she really married into a complicated family, life would probably be difficult.
Therefore, marrying back to the Prince Kang's mansion was a good choice, not only to strengthen family ties but also to ensure her lifelong stability.
Thinking of this, Bai Lin said solemnly.
"Sister-in-law, rest assured, nephew's character is also heard to be good. He's a good child. I'll talk to my elder brother about it. The Jingji Office is different from other places. It's based on real abilities. If he's really capable, he won't be overlooked."
Princess Wen Yi nodded. Her elder sister-in-law's words touched her heart.
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