MSBCH Chapter 13.2

She simply thought of her as a little girl, motherless and incapable of causing any trouble. Even if the Qin family had taken her in, so what? She was still just a girl raised by merchants.

The matriach didn’t think much of Wen Ning Han at all. To be honest, Jinyang Temple was only half a day’s journey from the capital. If the matriarch truly wanted to see Wen Ning Han, as Wen Ning Shuang had said, even if she couldn’t return immediately, it wouldn’t make sense for there to be no word from her for half a month after Wen Ning Han’s return home.

And these gifts, only now being delivered by Wen Ning Shuang?

The excuse of a long journey, catching a cold, and then lying down as soon as she got back? Wen Ning Han wouldn’t buy any of it. The matriach probably hadn’t even considered meeting her at all.

Wen Ning Han couldn’t help but wonder what Wen Ning Shuang’s intentions were in bringing her to see the matriach, especially with all the bustle and activity surrounding her.

This was the first time Wen Ning Han had come to Wangshu Courtyard, but Wen Ning Shuang is clearly familiar with the place. As soon as they reached the courtyard gate, she smiled and called out, “Mama Hua, it’s me, Ning Shuang. I’ve come with Elder Sister to pay our respects to the Old Madam. Is she awake? Is she feeling well? Has she had her lunch?”

Wen Ning Shuang’s series of questions showed that she truly cared about the matriach’s well-being.

Mama Hua smiled warmly as she approached, gently supporting Wen Ning Shuang’s arm. Her gaze floated over Wen Ning Han’s face as she greeted them. "Greetings, Eldest Miss, Second Miss. Second Miss, you’ve been thinking of the matriach! She’s been asking about you. She woke up less than an hour ago, but hasn’t eaten much of her lunch. I was just thinking about how to coax her into taking her medicine, but now that Second Miss is here, I can relax."

The matriach, being older, had developed some childish temperaments, and it was only Wen Ning Shuang who could coax her into taking her medicine.

Mama Hua spoke the truth, but her words subtly revealed the matriach’s special regard for Wen Ning Shuang.

What did it matter if one was a concubine’s daughter? As long as one had them matriach’s favor, life in the marquis' household could be comfortable.

As for Wen Ning Han—her expression remained indifferent, as if there was nothing unusual about the situation, and nothing had caught her attention.

Mama Hua furrowed her brow. Unfortunately, they had already reached the door, so she couldn’t say more.

The curtain at the door was lifted, and the matriarch’s most favored maid, Jin Xiu, stepped out with a smile. “I heard your voice from far away, Mama Hua. It’s always Second Miss who cares the most for the matriach. She didn’t even say she would rest a little longer, yet she’s still the best. Otherwise, I’d be worrying about how to coax the matriarch into drinking more of her soup medicine!”

“Jin Xiu, you flatter me,” Wen Ning Shuang chuckled, shaking her head. “I’ve already rested well. I’ve been with Elder Sister in her courtyard, and she’s been keeping me company the whole time. I just noticed the time and was worried about the old madam drinking her medicine, so I came over with Elder Sister to pay our respects.”

“Eldest Miss.” Jin Xiu was quick to greet Wen Ning Han and smoothly led them into the room. “The matriarch has been waiting for the misses!”

Her warm and familiar tone made everything feel harmonious.

“Matriach, Eldest Miss and Second Miss have come to pay their respects,” Jin Xiu announced as they entered the main hall, walking around the screen.

There, sitting gracefully in a chair, was the Matriach of the Wen family, Wen Lao Furen. She was holding a tea cup, carefully scraping off the foam with the lid, her movements deliberate and slow. Of course, whether there was actually foam or not didn’t matter. what is important is that her posture had to be perfectly executed.

It gave off an air of dignity and authority, creating a sense of pressure.

As for who was meant to feel pressured, Wen Ning Han knew full well—it could only be her. It seemed the matriach truly disliked her. But it didn’t matter. her visit today was just a formality. Since it was clear the matriach had no affection for her, there likely wouldn’t be many future encounters.

As long as her face was saved in the process, that is enough. For now, there is no deep animosity. As long as the matriarch didn’t come looking for trouble, she had no reason to make things difficult with an elderly woman.

Seeing Wen Ning Shuang address the matriarch with endless endearments, calling her "old madam" over and over, the once stern and dignified elderly woman’s expression softened, and she appeared as warm and kind as a grandmother. However, not a single glance was directed at Wen Ning Han. Instead, Wen Ning Shuang occasionally tried to steer the conversation toward Wen Ning Han or bring her into the discussion.

Unfortunately, neither the matriarch nor Wen Ning Han were particularly cooperative. After two or three attempts, Wen Ning Shuang grew helpless and could only gently shake the matriarch’s arm, saying, “Old Madam... It’s not easy for my sister to return. I heard she hasn’t gone out since she came back. I was thinking, maybe tomorrow I could take her out for a walk. I hope you’ll grant your approval.”

Although the Great Yan Dynasty doesn't strictly limit women's travel, as the daughter of the Marquis of Yong'an and an unmarried lady, it is still necessary to inform the household before going out. While the management of the household is technically in the hands of Madam Su, the matriarch, in practice, is still the one officially in charge. After all, it would not sound good if it were known that a concubine was managing the household of a prestigious marquisate.

Therefore, every time Wen Ningshuang wanted to go out, she would first seek the matriarch's approval.

The old matriarch gently patted Wen Ningshuang's head, her words full of tender affection: "You've just returned to the estate, and after such a long journey, why not rest properly instead of rushing out?"

As she spoke, the old matriarch cast a subtle glance at Wen Ninghan: "Your sister is grown up now, does she still need you to accompany her?"

Wen Ningshuang smiled and said, "I'm not tired, Grandma! Also, my sister just received an invitation from the Princess's Residence for a flower viewing. She should prepare well. But I’m worried that she’s unfamiliar with the shops in the capital since she just returned, so I thought I could accompany her to buy a few things."

The old matriarch’s gaze flickered briefly, and she asked, “An invitation for a flower viewing? From the Princess of Huiling’s residence?”

Wen Ningshuang nodded and smiled. “Yes, sister just returned and has already received an invitation to the flower viewing at the Huiling Princess's residence.”

The old matriarch paused for a moment, as if she didn't detect anything unusual from Wen Ningshuang’s face. However, she hadn’t forgotten that Wen Ningshuang had gone through so much to attend a similar event at the Huiling Princess's residence before, only to end up humiliated. Now, Wen Ninghan, who had just returned for a few days, had already received an invitation.

Not to mention why the Huiling Princess would send an invitation to Wen Ninghan, but how did the Huiling Princess even know that Wen Ninghan had returned?

In the days when the old matriarch was at Jinyang Temple, praying devoutly, news from the capital had reached her. Hua Momo and the others had briefly mentioned Wen Ninghan, but the old matriarch had shown no interest and had clearly stated that she didn't want to hear about Wen Ninghan’s matters.

As a result, she didn't know the specific details, such as Wen Ninghan’s dramatic return to the marquis' residence, her confrontation with Su Yiniang in the courtyard, or that she had received an invitation to the Huiling Princess’s flower-viewing event.

However, Wen Ningshuang knew quite a lot. Even though she had just returned to the marquis' residence and had supposedly not had time to rest, after seeing the Old Matriach settled, she immediately packed her things and went to the Arc Light Courtyard to reconnect with Wen Ninghan.

She was quite busy.

In the moment of silence, the Old Matriach spoke in a tone that was neither sharp nor harsh, "That’s good. When is the flower viewing banquet? Prepare well, and take Ningshuang with you. She can give you some advice."

Wen Ninghan: Oh dear.