Chapter 78 – Did I Dig Up Your Ancestral Grave or Eat Your Family’s Rice?

Hearing that mocking voice, without even turning her head, Xia Tian knew who it was.

Who else could it be but the arrogant, sharp-tongued, unreasonable Miss Hu, Hu Mengyao?

“You really have some nerve, daring to come to the Wen Yibo Mansion? Don’t you know that Wen Jiejie can’t stand you?” Hu Mengyao began shouting from a few steps away, as if afraid others couldn’t hear her.

As expected, after she shouted, everyone around them started looking over, with a few even whispering among themselves.

Xia Tian, feeling irritated, thought to herself, This is really annoying, especially during the New Year!

“You think I wanted to come here? If Wen Jiejie hadn’t sent me an invitation, I wouldn’t have bothered!” Xia Tian retorted.

“Hmph, stop flattering yourself. Wen Jiejie invited you? During the New Year, you’re not afraid of bringing bad luck!” Hu Mengyao said disdainfully.

“Exactly. I don’t know what Wen Dajie is thinking. Seeing some people really brings bad luck. Maybe this whole New Year will be ruined,” Xia Tian said, mimicking Hu Mengyao’s tone, looking her up and down as she spoke.

Furious, Hu Mengyao stormed forward, pointing her finger at Xia Tian. “Who are you calling unlucky?”

“Whoever gets mad is the one I’m talking about!” Xia Tian said casually, crossing her legs and watching Hu Mengyao fume with a smug expression.

“You! Sharp-tongued little thing.” Hu Mengyao looked around and asked others, “Where is Wen Jiejie? Someone throws this shameless woman out!”

“Miss Hu is really impressive! She’s even calling the shots here in the Wen Yibo Mansion!” Xia Tian said, giving her a thumbs up.

Some people who didn’t know Xia Tian quietly asked, “Who is this person? How dare she talk to Miss Hu like that?”

Hu Mengyao’s domineering attitude and arrogance were well known among the young ladies, as her father was the Minister of War, making her feel like she was above others.

Her words were always sharp, and because she had close relationships with the famous Wen Dajie and the Fourth Miss of the Huwei General’s household, she looked down on everyone else.

“This is the farming girl who married the heir of the Wu’an Marquis Mansion, Shen Nian, the one who won first place at the Ice-Skating Festival,” someone who knew Xia Tian whispered to those who didn’t.

“Oh, so it’s her!”

“No wonder Hu Mengyao is causing trouble for her. She’s standing up for Wen Jin!”

“But what does Wen Jin have to do with it?” someone asked, puzzled.

“Hey, don’t you know? Miss Wen has liked Shen Dajie since childhood. So… well…” The person raised their chin in Xia Tian’s direction.

“Ah, I get it!” The listeners nodded knowingly with mysterious smiles.

Xia Tian rolled her eyes, feeling exasperated by the gossip.

She couldn’t understand what Wen Dajie was thinking. Did she send out invitations just to let these people come and make fun of her?

She had been sitting for quite a while now, but still hadn’t seen Wen Dajie.

“Meiyao.” Hu Mengyao, blowing on her mustache and glaring, was approached by Lin Siyu.

“Xiaoyu, you’re here,” Hu Mengyao greeted when she saw Lin Siyu, turning to greet her.

“Yes, where is Wen Dajie?” Lin Siyu immediately began looking around for Wen Jin.

As expected, they were good friends.

Lin Siyu glanced around and saw Xia Tian sitting in a corner, looking surprised. “Mrs. Shen is also here?”

“Lin Xianjia,” Xia Tian nodded politely as a greeting.

Hu Mengyao saw Lin Siyu actually greeting this annoying woman and immediately grabbed her arm, frowning. “Why are you still talking to her? Don’t you know she’s…?”

“It’s just a greeting. Besides, she hasn’t done anything to provoke us, right?” Lin Siyu explained quietly.

“No, which side are you on? How could you help her? This woman almost made me explode with anger earlier!” Hu Mengyao said, frustrated.

“I’m not helping her! Don’t worry, I’m definitely on Wen Dajie’s side!” Lin Siyu quickly reassured her, and when she saw Hu Mengyao’s expression soften, she pulled her away. “Come on, let’s go find Wen Dajie.”

Once Hu Mengyao was dragged away, Xia Tian didn’t think much of it and turned to chat with Ning Xue.

After witnessing the commotion, the other girls scattered, each finding their own friends to talk to.

Feeling bored, Xia Tian was about to leave when someone informed her that the performance had begun, so she followed the crowd to watch.

The play being performed was “The Eight Immortals Celebrate the Birthday,” a lively and festive scene. Xia Tian found a suitable spot to sit and began to watch the performance.

Before the play had finished, Wen Dajie finally appeared.

Other young ladies stood up to greet her, but Xia Tian remained seated, her eyes fixed on the stage.

After a while, Wen Jin walked over and sat next to her.

Xia Tian maintained a serious expression, not even glancing at her.

“Miss Xia, do you enjoy watching plays?” Wen Jin asked politely.

“Not really, I just enjoy the excitement,” Xia Tian replied with an expressionless face.

“Hmph, you probably don’t understand, right?” Hu Mengyao sneered from the side.

Xia Tian immediately turned around and glared coldly at Hu Mengyao. “I’m wondering, did I dig up your family’s ancestral grave or eat your rice? Why do you keep chasing after me?”

“So what if I do? Who are you calling a dog?” Hu Mengyao realized Xia Tian was insulting her, and she raised her hand, about to make a move.

Before she could, Lin Siyu, who had been standing behind her, quickly grabbed her hand.

Xia Tian stood up and coldly addressed Wen Jin, “Miss Wen, is this how you treat guests at your mansion?”

Wen Jin’s face turned awkward, and she quickly explained, “No, no, Miss Xia, don’t misunderstand. I invited you here today because I need to discuss something with you.”

“Let’s talk here. There are fewer people, and it’s safer,” Xia Tian said without hesitation, rejecting the offer to move.

“Are you giving me face now? Miss Wen invited you to her courtyard…” Hu Mengyao couldn’t help but mock again, but Wen Jin quickly interrupted her.

“Meiyao, stop talking. Miss Xia is my guest, and I really need to speak with her,” Wen Jin stopped Hu Mengyao, then turned to Xia Tian with a sincere expression. “Miss Xia, I really have something important to discuss with you. It’s not convenient here.”

Seeing Wen Jin’s sincerity, Xia Tian nodded in agreement.

Wen Jin smiled slightly and turned to lead the way.

Hu Mengyao saw that Xia Tian was about to go with Wen Jin and grabbed Lin Siyu, intending to follow.

Wen Jin paused and gently told Hu Mengyao, “Meiyao, you and Siyu stay here. I’ll be back after talking to Miss Xia.” She then gave Lin Siyu a look. “Siyu, stay with Meiyao.”

“Okay, Miss Wen, you go ahead. Meiyao and I will wait here for you,” Lin Siyu said, stepping forward to block Hu Mengyao and waving to Wen Jin.

Wen Jin nodded and continued leading Xia Tian to her courtyard.