Chapter 604 - 610

“Everyone knows the principle, but it’s not so easy to put it into action. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter, for I have my own desires, even if…”

Chen Li didn’t finish her sentence, but Su Wenyue understood her meaning and didn’t say anything more. Even knowing what Chen Li’s fate had been in her previous life, Chen Li still chose that path. Their friendship was only so deep, and since Chen Li was fixated on those things, any persuasion from her would have been futile.

Chen Li was nonetheless grateful for Su Wenyue’s few caring reminders. She wasn’t an ungrateful person, nor was she oblivious to the logic in Su Wenyue’s words. However, being deeply entangled, what could she do other than continue on? Not to mention that she had developed feelings for Liu Xiu; even if that were not the case, she was already aboard this ship with no turning back. The situation was irreversible. Living in this era, just because she was a woman, life was already difficult, and her behavior was at odds with the cultural norms. Although these people outwardly treated her with respect, internally, they likely harbored nothing but fear, contempt, and dislike for her. Even if they didn’t show it, Chen Li could sense it. Yet, Su Wenyue’s words seemed to come from a place of sincerity, making them a rare treasure in Chen Li’s heart.

Su Wenyue had no idea that her casual reminder would elicit gratitude from Chen Li, a serendipitous gain. After all, even though Chen Li would eventually fall from grace, becoming a scapegoat, she had once been a formidable figure. In the imperial harem, even Yin Lihua had to avoid her sharpness.

The main character had arrived. The City Lord’s wife, supporting the Madam, entered enthusiastically, greeting Yin Lihua, Su Wenyue, and the others with warm hospitality.

As the only daughter of the City Lord Mansion, Liu Xinru followed behind her mother, dressed splendidly, emanating the elegance of a young lady from a noble family, utterly ignoring the presence of Yin Lihua and Chen Li.

Liu Xinru had her own considerations. Since she held intentions toward Liu Xiu, being excessively accommodating or yielding in her demeanor towards Yin Lihua, Liu Xiu’s wife, would make others believe she was showing weakness. This was not a perception she was willing to allow.

Although Liu Xinru adored Liu Xiu and was optimistic about his future, as the legitimate daughter of the City Lord Mansion, she wouldn’t demean herself to become a mere concubine. Moreover, Liu Xiu was already married, so her conflict with Yin Lihua was irreconcilable. There was no need to be overly friendly with Yin Lihua from the start.@@novelbin@@

Liu Xinru’s attitude was bolstered by the support of Liu Wenyong, who valued Liu Xiu and believed he had potential. He wanted to win Liu Xiu over, and marriage was the most effective way to do so. Otherwise, Liu Xinru wouldn’t have indulged her feelings for Liu Xiu, knowing he had a wife.

Liu Xinru was cold towards Yin Lihua but not towards Su Wenyue. As the wife of Han Yu, who was a valued subordinate of Liu Xiu, akin to his right-hand man, Liu Xinru intended to win her over. Even if she couldn’t get Su Wenyue on her side, the least she could do was not offend Han Yu’s beloved wife.

“I have long heard of Madam Han’s unparalleled beauty and virtuous character. Today, seeing you in person, you indeed stand out from the ordinary,” Liu Xinru said with a smile, the intention to ingratiate herself quite apparent. The majority of the ladies present, wanting to please the City Lord’s wife, complimented Liu Xinru constantly, heaping praises and flatteries upon Su Wenyue wave after wave.

“Miss Liu flatters me,” Su Wenyue replied with a serene smile, not feeling elated or vain from everyone’s compliments and praises. If this had been her from her previous life, perhaps she would have felt superior and boastful, but now, finding herself in this situation, she found it uninteresting. People only understand after experiencing life what is significant and what is merely vanity. These people who compliment her when she is in favor would likely change their tune if she were to fall from grace.

Such an unflappable response from Su Wenyue won the favor and agreement of some of the ladies present. Those who attended the Flower Viewing Banquet were not merely there for leisure. Apart from showing face to the City Lord’s wife, they were also there to gather information to help their husbands make decisions. Sometimes, the dynamics of the inner court could reveal a lot that couldn’t be seen from the outside, making social interactions within the inner court a profound art in themselves.

In Peicheng, the City Lord Mansion was considered the most influential, but there were various other local forces. While these forces might not compare to the City Lord Mansion, they were still significant powers to be reckoned with. Not everyone was aligned with the City Lord, so even though Liu Wenyong had made his stance regarding Liu Xiu and Han Yu clear, there were still those opposed, with many adopting a wait-and-see approach, pondering whether Liu Xiu and Han Yu were worth their support.

Liu Xiu and Han Yu were well-known not only for their external reputations but also for their apparent capabilities, which demanded serious consideration. Yet, these were only aspects visible on the surface. The behavior within the inner court also reflected many underlying truths, and the demeanor of Yin Lihua and Su Wenyue had already provided the ladies with much food for thought.

Those with a bit of insight were well aware of the City Lord’s calculations, but with Yin Lihua not being an ordinary wife, whether the City Lord would get his way was still uncertain. They didn’t want to get involved and risk offending someone, potentially causing trouble. Yet, fostering good relations with Su Wenyue didn’t carry the same concerns.

Prior to arriving, Su Wenyue had received a hint from Han Yu. She responded to the overtures from these ladies, paying particular attention to a few from the City Lord Mansion and the main players among Peicheng’s ladies. She aimed to amass as much useful information as possible to assist Han Yu.

Of course, not everyone shared these thoughts, and there were discordant voices. Just as Liu Xinru had begun to praise Su Wenyue, someone openly contradicted her.

“Sister, I must disagree. Madame Han is indeed as lovely as a flower, but as for being ‘virtuous and well-behaved,’ I fear that description doesn’t quite fit her. Everyone knows how jealous General Han’s wife is, monopolizing General Han all to herself, with not even a single concubine in the backyard, the epitome of a jealous wife, hardly worthy of ‘virtuous and well-behaved.’ Sister, please don’t make such amusing jokes, hehe!” A woman, also dressed brightly but in the style of a matron, said with a laugh, her tone blatantly mocking.

The place fell silent, as all eyes turned to this outspoken young lady who disrespected the only legitimate daughter of the City Lord Mansion and insulted Madam Han. She was none other than the City Lord Mansion’s Second Young Lady, Mrs. Shao.

Although the City Lord’s second son, Liu Xuan, was not the legitimate heir, he was highly regarded by the City Lord and adept at winning people over, wielding considerable influence in Peicheng. He had married Mrs. Shao, a Socialite Lady from Peicheng.

With a formidable husband and a powerful mother’s family, Mrs. Shao was full of confidence. She was known for her boldness and sometimes even the City Lord’s wife had to handle her with caution. Peicheng likely had no one but her daring to speak such words at this moment. That the speaker was Mrs. Shao didn’t surprise anyone, but with the City Lord Mansion having shown its stance, it was unclear why Mrs. Shao targeted Su Wenyue in such a manner.

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