lerbook Chapter 531 - 523: Thoughts
Chapter 531 - 523: Thoughts
Feng Yufu resented Wu Xueya, a sentiment inherited from Wu Xueqin. Years ago, she treated Wu Xueqin as a friend, confided in her, only for Wu Xueqin to expose her affair with Wu Chuhao. Without Wu Xueqin’s meddling, despite her feelings for Wu Chuhao, she wouldn’t have acted on them.
Now, facing these consequences, although discontent and resentful inside, she could do nothing about it. Her family disowned her, and the Wu Mansion blamed her for implicating the Royal Family.
Yet, considering the status of the Feng Mansion, the Wu Family dared not act overtly. Feng Yufu, pampered since childhood, couldn’t tolerate such treatment, becoming sharply transformed from a once calm and peaceful person.
Wu Xueya was equally unsatisfied, feeling her family hadn’t supported her, and was mocked by Feng Yufu. She lunged instantaneously, but Feng Yufu’s servants were prepared, blocking her instantly, preventing Wu Xueya from touching anyone.
With a mocking smile, Feng Yufu said, "You better take care of yourself now, I’m curious how father-in-law will deal with you. The trouble you’ve caused these days has offended both the Royal Family and Dingyuan Marquis Mansion. You know very well the state of the Wu Mansion, so don’t stop your antics."
Having said that, Feng Yufu walked away, pleased.
Wu Xueya watched her retreating figure, gritting her teeth in hatred, unable to get close due to the servants blocking her.
Only after Feng Yufu left did Wu Xueya proceed to the front courtyard, asking her maid along the way, "Did you find out? What happened?"
"Couldn’t find out exactly, but heard someone was beaten."
"Beaten? Who was beaten?" Wu Xueya hardly paid attention.
"The master." The young maid softly replied.
Wu Xueya halted abruptly, realizing her father, upon being beaten, immediately called for her in the study, fearing it surely related to her.
Previously unconcerned, Wu Xueya now hesitated, "It’s hard to say, I’m feeling a bit unwell, better not go. Go to the study and convey a message."
The young maid dared not argue, and obediently went to the study.
Wu Xueya dared not linger in the mansion, nor returned to the rear courtyard, but left directly. So when Mr. Wu Sr., furious, stormed into the rear courtyard, there was no trace of Wu Xueya.
Mr. Wu Sr., with resentful vexation, went to Mrs. Wu, who fearfully endured his reprimands without retorting, crying only after he left in anger.
Then, she called for her son, Wu Linhao, who was no longer the naïve youth of yesteryears, but now weary and unsmiling. Mrs. Wu poured out her grievances to him, finding comfort in her heart, and ceased once relieved.
Wu Chuhao never interrupted his mother’s complaints, only speaking after she stopped, "Mother, if nothing else, I shall return now."
Mrs. Wu wore a displeased look, "And your wife, restless every day, I don’t know what she’s up to. When you have time, look after her, don’t spend all your days in the concubine’s courtyard."
Wu Chuhao remained silent, only nodding in response before departing.
Arriving at the main courtyard, Wu Chuhao hesitated briefly before entering. The maids in the courtyard were slightly startled but moved forward to greet him, despite their surprise.
"What’s your mistress doing?" Wu Chuhao stood in the courtyard without proceeding further.
One servant quickly stepped forward to answer, "Madam has gone out on business."
Wu Chuhao furrowed his brow, "Your mistress goes out quite often these days, doesn’t she?"
"It’s for helping at the Crown Prince Mansion for the wedding, everyone in the mansion knows." That was common knowledge.
Wu Chuhao sneered, "It’s only the Crown Prince’s wedding, and she’s marrying a distant cousin as a concubine, what could be so busy?"
The servants dared not respond to such remarks.
Wu Chuhao didn’t expect them to reply, swung his sleeve, and strode off.
The servants in the courtyard breathed a sigh of relief.
While Feng Yufu arrived at the Crown Prince Mansion, today was the wedding day of the Crown Prince. Observing the bustling mansion, her heart twisted tightly, pondering if without her past schemes and Wu Xueqin’s acquaintance, could this scene have been hers?
Ushered into the back courtyard, Feng Yufu saw Lin Youning, heavily pregnant, surrounded by noble family madams, whose favor she still commanded despite a tarnished reputation in the Capital. Feng Yufu recalled those disdainful of Lin Youning all those years ago, now unfolding in unexpected fortune’s reversal.
Reminded by her maid, Feng Yufu returned from her thoughts and approached. The madams’ gazes varied upon seeing her, yet mostly scrutinizing—aware of her ordeal in the Wu Mansion, they naturally wondered about her response.
Feng Yuxue too understood their covert scrutiny, thus kept her expression neutral, exchanged polite greetings, and was then led by a servant to the bridal chamber.
The Feng Mansion’s entry this time, enabled by Master Feng as the Crown Prince’s mentor, was merely a distant relative’s daughter, just a concubine entering alongside the Crown Princess Consort, illustrating stark contrasts.
Feng Yufu rarely interacted with this distant cousin, perceiving her as dependent on the Feng Mansion’s status. Yet taking what she once discarded now, despite its lowness, commanded more respect than herself.
"Sister, you’ve come, please have a seat." Feng Xiaoyu, a gentle and delicate lady, greeted.
Feng Yufu maintained her former dignity, "You sit, today is your special day. I’m here to check on you, though you’re a concubine here, as long as you behave, the Crown Prince won’t neglect you. He’s gentle and considerate."
Feng Yufu’s demeanor assumed that of a household mistress reprimanding a newly indiscreet concubine, the servants in the room merely glanced without vocalizing, knowing the newcomer was just a concubine.
Feng Xiaoyu was unaffected, acknowledging with a smile. Feng Yufu, witnessing her composure, didn’t know what more to say, envious yet helpless, left after a short while.
Exiting the courtyard, she inquired from a Crown Prince Mansion servant, "Where’s the Crown Prince?"