Chapter 69: The Wen Family

It was the day to visit the Wen family. Tong Mingyu selected a nearly new pink dress with hibiscus patterns for her daughter. The front hem was adorned with lively embroidered cats chasing butterflies. Xiao Yao’s dark hair was styled in a simple bun, with just two ribbons as accessories. Her feet were shod in pink embroidered shoes embedded with pearls, making her look delicate and charming.

Tong Mingyu pulled her daughter close, carefully examining her from head to toe, and nodded in satisfaction. Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder if this attire and style would meet Nanny Ruan’s standards. Tong Mingyu was confident that no other child in the official families she had encountered could surpass her daughter Ping An in appearance.

Over the past few days, Tong Mingyu’s emotions were a whirlwind of anticipation and anxiety. Though she heeded her husband’s advice and didn’t share her concerns with her daughter, she couldn’t help tormenting herself. One moment, she imagined Nanny Ruan selecting her daughter and teaching her various skills. The next moment, she worried that Ping An’s image might not exude the gentle and serene temperament older, experienced nannies often favored.

This back-and-forth anxiety gnawed at her. Tong Mingyu felt she was on the verge of collapse if there wasn’t a resolution soon.

Hand in hand, the mother and daughter exited the house and climbed into the waiting carriage. Along the way, they sat in silence. Tong Mingyu was lost in thought, while Xiao Yao assumed it was just another ordinary visit.

Neither spoke nor asked questions, and the carriage was enveloped in an eerie quiet. Soon, they arrived outside the Wen family’s grand gates.

Xiying and Xiwei, the maidservants, lifted the curtain for their mistress. Stepping out of the carriage, Tong Mingyu felt an unexpected calm. Whether or not her daughter caught Nanny Ruan’s eye, Ping An was her unique and cherished treasure.

Waiting at the door were the Wen family’s steward and Ping An’s eldest cousin-in-law, Mrs. Zhou, who promptly came forward to greet them.

“Greetings, Madam Xiao.”
“Greetings, Aunt.”
“Please rise. We’re all family; no need for such formalities.”
“Greetings, Cousin-in-law. Greetings, Nanny.”
“Ping An is growing more beautiful by the day. Cousin-in-law feels embarrassed standing next to you,” Mrs. Zhou teased as she affectionately cupped Xiao Yao’s face. Her skin was soft and smooth, like a freshly peeled egg, making it irresistible.

Xiao Yao inwardly sighed but maintained a polite smile. It was frustrating to endure such familiarity while pretending to be pleased.

She couldn’t help but wonder if her seemingly refined elder cousin knew his wife had a peculiar fondness for children—particularly to such an inappropriate extent. Looking at Mrs. Zhou’s glowing eyes, Xiao Yao resigned herself to being the proverbial lamb to the slaughter.

A sedan chair awaited near the flower gate. Seated inside, Xiao Yao admired the scenery of the famed scholar’s estate through a small window.

The courtyard, corridors, rock gardens, and ancient trees all exuded a sense of timeless elegance. Each couplet and plaque seemed to transport one into a sea of scholarly refinement.

The Wen family’s patriarch, a former Grand Tutor, had cultivated a household that reflected his learned legacy. The current family head, Wen Zhiqiao, was a renowned scholar with many disciples, while his wife, Mrs. Jiang, was the niece of the imperial Jiang Dowager Consort, connecting them to Nanny Ruan.

By the time they arrived at the main hall, many guests were already seated. Wen’s matriarch appeared to be in her fifties, exuding an air of grace and dignity. Beside her sat a woman in her forties, elegant and poised, every gesture exuding artistic charm. Dressed in a simple yet luxurious gown, she wore a silver hairpin and carried herself with a tranquil, slightly aloof demeanor. This was none other than Nanny Ruan, now highly sought after by many noble families in the capital.

Several daughters-in-law were seated below, with granddaughters-in-law standing attentively behind them.

Tong Mingyu greeted the Wen matriarch, exchanged pleasantries with the Wen daughters-in-law, and then looked toward Xiao Yao. She thought to herself: “Ping An, it’s up to you now.”

With a gentle smile, Xiao Yao approached the Wen matriarch and performed a respectful bow. “Ping An greets the Wen family’s grandmother.”

The Wen matriarch glanced at Nanny Ruan, who remained calm and focused on her tea, before turning back to Xiao Yao with a warm smile. She beckoned Xiao Yao closer, saying affectionately, “You little rascal! It’s been days since you last visited. Even if you don’t miss me, don’t you miss your aunt?”

“I do! I miss you and my aunt very much, which is why I came today,” Xiao Yao replied, her smile brightening.

“You’re such a sweet talker. Come closer and let your grandmother see if your mouth is coated with honey,” the Wen matriarch joked, using this opportunity to subtly allow Nanny Ruan to observe Xiao Yao more closely.

“We lack a young girl like you in our household. Why don’t you stay here today and keep your grandmother and aunt company?” the Wen matriarch said, holding Xiao Yao’s hand and studying her carefully. Aside from slightly sparse hair, which could easily be remedied, Xiao Yao appeared flawless.

“But Madam, if we make such plans, won’t we need to consult General Xiao and Minister Tong first?” teased the Wen family’s eldest daughter-in-law.

“So, little one, tell me—why haven’t you gone to live with your maternal grandparents?”

“Because I can’t bear to part from my paternal grandparents, mother, and father. During the day, I’ll often visit my maternal grandparents, but at night, I want to stay with my paternal grandparents and parents,” Xiao Yao replied sweetly.

“Madam Xiao, your daughter is truly a gem,” complimented the Wen family’s second daughter-in-law.

“You’re too kind. This child has a knack for flattery,” Tong Mingyu replied modestly.

At this moment, Nanny Ruan, who had been observing silently, finally spoke, her tone calm yet probing. “Young lady, do you know why you’re here today?”

Xiao Yao, having noticed the elegant woman beside the Wen matriarch, was intrigued by her demeanor. However, without an introduction, she had only greeted her briefly. Hearing the question, Xiao Yao respectfully approached, performing another bow.

“Ping An greets Nanny Ruan,” she said earnestly, her expression serene yet devoid of ulterior motives, as if she were simply following etiquette.

“Why do you think you’re here today?” Nanny Ruan asked again, her gaze unwavering.

“To visit the Wen family’s grandmother, aunts, and cousins,” Xiao Yao replied, puzzled by the question. She cast a questioning glance at the Wen matriarch, seeking clarification.