Chapter 23

Shen Wei heard the voice and looked up, seeing Huo Feiguang half-lying on a tree trunk. She paused for a moment, then smiled softly, “Why should I be angry? They can say whatever they like, but it won’t change anything for me.” After saying this, she shifted her gaze back to the river, then added casually, “Besides, what good is getting angry? It only gives others more to laugh at.”

After finishing her words, she remained silent.

Not far away, the scene at Zhanghua Palace was still bustling, which made the area around them feel even more peaceful.

After a while, Shen Wei raised her eyes again and looked at Huo Feiguang. Her appearance, illuminated by the lanterns, seemed even more carefree than usual. She looked at Huo Feiguang and asked with a smile, “Do you care about what they say, Princess?”

Huo Feiguang raised her eyebrows at the question, then nimbly jumped off the tree, her movements as smooth as flowing water. Due to her stature, she lowered her eyes slightly to look at Shen Wei. After a while, she spoke, “You’re much more interesting now.”

After speaking, she too looked toward the lively scene at Zhanghua Palace and said, “You’re right. These worldly opinions are just fleeting. Why bother with them?”

She finished speaking and then turned to Shen Wei with a rare smile. The lanterns on the tree swayed gently in the evening breeze, and the two women beneath the tree exchanged a smile.

—-

A few days later, at Xishan Temple.

Shen Wei sat quietly in the carriage, holding a tea cup. When the carriage gradually stopped, she heard Lu Qihuai’s voice outside, “Mother, we’ve arrived.”

She softly responded with an “mm” to acknowledge him.

She placed the tea cup on the tea table, then raised her hand to be helped down from the carriage by Mo Qi.

Today was neither the first nor fifteenth day of the month, and since it was still early, there weren’t many people coming to the temple to pray. Shen Wei looked around and found that Xishan Temple seemed quieter than the last time she had visited. Without giving it much thought, she allowed Mo Qi to assist her as they proceeded forward.

She had come to the temple today because of Lu Qihuai.

Yesterday, Lu Qihuai had passed Mr. Yang’s exam and officially joined the Yang family’s clan academy. Madame Xie, feeling it was a joyous occasion, intended to come to the temple to give thanks. However, she had caught a cold the night before, and the family doctor advised her to rest. Therefore, this matter fell to Shen Wei.

As they reached the entrance of Xishan Temple, a guest monk came to greet them. The monk recognized the emblem of the Rongguo Duke’s residence hanging outside their carriage. Normally, they would have been welcomed in immediately, but today, the monk appeared somewhat hesitant. After performing a respectful greeting, he spoke, “Today, we have a distinguished guest in the temple, so it may not be convenient for you to enter.”

Hearing this, Shen Wei furrowed her brows.

The Rongguo Duke’s residence was one of the most prestigious families in Bianliang. There were very few families more noble than theirs. Before she could fully consider this, Lu Qihuai spoke, “In that case, Mother, let’s go back. There’s no major urgency.”

Shen Wei nodded in agreement. She was about to ask Mo Qi to give the prepared donation to the monk when another figure appeared. It was a well-dressed maid. She respectfully greeted Shen Wei, then spoke with courtesy, “Greetings, Madam Rongguo Duke. My master invites you to enter.”

Seeing the maid, Shen Wei understood immediately.

She had seen this maid by the side of Princess Qinghe before, so it was clear who the “master” inside was. Understanding this, Shen Wei nodded and then said to Lu Qihuai, “You go ahead and make the donation in the main hall. I’ll join you after I’ve met with the guest.”

Lu Qihuai responded respectfully, “Yes, Mother.”

Here is the revised translation without the Chinese words and parentheses:

Shen Wei saw this and said no more, letting Mo Qi assist her as they walked forward with the maid.

Behind them, Lu Qihuai waited until they passed the small path before straightening his posture. He looked in the direction they were leaving, his gaze deep. But in just a moment, he returned to his usual expression and walked towards the main hall.

—-

The maid in front led the way without saying much. When they reached a bamboo forest, she stopped, turned, and respectfully said to Shen Wei: “Madam, the mistress is ahead. Please go in.”

Shen Wei lifted her eyes and looked ahead. Not far away, a woman in plain clothes was sitting with her back to them on a stone chair. It was Zhao Wan, the Princess of Qinghe, whom she had met previously in the palace.

Shen Wei did not speak, merely withdrew her hand from Mo Qi’s arm and walked alone towards the woman.

Zhao Wan did not turn around when she heard footsteps behind her. Holding a wine cup in her hand, she waited for the footsteps to approach and then spoke, “You’re here.”

“Yes, Shen Shi greets you.” Shen Wei said, giving a respectful bow.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wan put down the wine cup and turned to look at Shen Wei. Remembering the words Feiguang had mentioned to her recently, she scrutinized Shen Wei carefully. She had seen this Madam Rongguo Gong before, and she was indeed quite memorable.

This woman, Shen Wei, although having lost her parents at a young age, had great fortune. She had smoothly risen to become the wife of the Rongguo Duke, and not only did she have a loving marriage, but even her mother-in-law doted on her greatly. At such a young age, she enjoyed wealth and honor that many could never hope to attain.

But now…

This had led to such an incident.

Originally, Zhao Wan thought that with Shen Wei’s temperament, there would be many troubles, but to her surprise, she was calm and composed, even speaking with such words. It was rare to see.

Zhao Wan thought about this and averted her gaze.

She poured two cups of wine and said, “Sit down, if you’re able to drink, have a cup with me.”

Shen Wei thanked her, then stood and sat across from Zhao Wan. The fragrance of the wine was light, likely plum wine. Shen Wei didn’t speak, only picked up the cup and took a sip. The wine was not strong, but since she wasn’t much of a drinker, she only tasted a little and put the cup down. Looking at the woman opposite her, Shen Wei smiled and said, “I’m not accustomed to drinking this.”

Zhao Wan didn’t respond but nodded, continuing to drink from her cup.

The bamboo forest was quiet.

As Shen Wei looked at Zhao Wan, she couldn’t help but find it strange. The Princess of Qinghe seemed to be someone who had won at life. Her brother was the emperor, her husband was the Minister of the Ministry of War and a son of the King of the Southwest, powerful and influential. The couple had a loving relationship, and even their daughter had been made Princess Changping at a young age.

Given this, what was the reason for Zhao Wan drinking alone here today?

Being good at reading people, Shen Wei could tell that the princess wasn’t in a good mood, but since the princess didn’t speak, she didn’t press the matter.

They both sat there, one drinking and the other holding her cup, neither saying a word.

After a couple of moments, Zhao Wan put down her wine cup. She looked at Shen Wei, who had been silent, and smiled. “I should return now. In a few days, it’s my daughter’s birthday banquet. If you’re free, please come by…”

After saying this, she added, “Feiguang mentioned you to me and spoke highly of you.”

Shen Wei smiled and replied, “It’s the princess’s kindness. I’m just an ordinary person…”

While speaking, she stood up and added, “Since my husband has just left, it might be inappropriate for me to visit at this time.”

In the aristocratic families, these matters were important, and since the birthday was a joyous occasion, her visit might seem impolite.

Zhao Wan heard this and didn’t say anything more. Though she didn’t mind, she had only casually invited her, and if Shen Wei wished to come, she would welcome her. If not, she wouldn’t insist.

The two of them walked out with the maid’s assistance. When they exited the bamboo forest and stepped onto the main path, Lu Qihuai came to meet them.

Lu Qihuai saw Shen Wei and hurried a few steps forward. When he reached her, he saluted and respectfully called out, “Mother.”

Shen Wei stopped and said to him, “Xuan Yue, this is Princess Qinghe. Shouldn’t you greet her?”

Lu Qihuai quickly responded, “Yes,” and respectfully bowed to Zhao Wan, saying, “Greetings, Princess Qinghe.”

The matter of Lu Bu Wei’s illegitimate son had already spread in the city about a month ago. Now, seeing him in person, Zhao Wan looked at him. With his head slightly lowered, she could only see half of his face. She furrowed her brows and carefully observed him, then said, “Lift your head.”

As soon as she spoke, Lu Qihuai raised his head. His expression was normal, with no change.

But the calmness on Zhao Wan’s face suddenly turned pale when she saw him. She took a step back and, with shock in her voice, exclaimed, “You… You are the eldest son of the Duke?”