Chapter 13

Not only was Jingyi Wen surprised, but Chen Mo was also momentarily stunned. Just moments ago, he had felt a sense of relief in front of Heng Bai, only to be immediately tasked with going to handle something alongside him. Yet, he could only follow orders. Carefully putting away the documents, he nodded and said, "Alright, boss, I'll go right away."

After Chen Mo left, Jingyi Wen glanced at the man by her side and asked, "Is this about the Wen family?"

If it weren't related to their family, there would be no need for notarization or for Heng Bai to get involved. But what exactly was going on?

Jinnan Xie responded, "Let's go to the front hall first."

Meeting the elders was indeed more important at the moment. Jingyi Wen didn't press further and softly replied, "Alright."

The front hall was some distance away. As they walked, it took a while before they drew near, and they could hear the chatter and laughter inside.

Several elders had come to the house, but Patriarch Xie had only one son, Jihang Xie, and his generation included only one brother. Both sides had only one son each, so there were not many people who could speak with authority.

"Sister-in-law, haven't you always complained about having too few girls in the family, with no one to accompany you in flower arranging and tea appreciation? I've heard the wives of the Jinnan branch are the best at it. From now on, your daughter-in-law can come to the old residence more often to keep you company. Otherwise, Jinnan not having time for the young ladies would leave them bored."

The speaker was Wen Xin, the wife of Jinnan Xie's uncle. They had only one son, Yao Xie, whom she doted on like the apple of her eye. In the past, seeing Jinnan's lack of interest in the family business, she even considered having her own son succeed the family legacy.

Later, when Jinnan returned to the family enterprise and Patriarch Xie warned him several times both openly and covertly, she realized her hopes were slim and gave up. Yet she still couldn't help but occasionally utter bitter remarks, feeling that the Xie family had reserved the best for Jinnan alone.

Even Jingyi Wen was first noticed by her, intending to make her her son's wife, but the patriarch had already taken the lead.

She blamed herself for never making her intentions clear in front of the family. When the patriarch came to propose, she couldn't stop him and had to watch helplessly as the perfect daughter-in-law slipped away to another family.

Wen Xin's words implied that Jinnan was insensitive, which was a pity for such a good girl as Jingyi Wen. Shen Zhengci picked up on this but did not refute it, replying with little interest, "That depends on whether the girl wants to come. I don't want to be the villain and cause resentment."

Wen Xin quickly responded, "What can she do if she doesn't come to keep you company? Of course, she'll come."

"When did aunt start acting like a worm in someone else's belly?"

Jinnan, bringing Jingyi Wen to the doorway, overheard their exchange and spoke coldly.

Shen Zhengci's expression remained unchanged. She glanced at the two lightly, then lowered her head to sip her tea.

Wen Xin, a bit embarrassed, said, "Aunt, I was just speaking casually. If you don't want your daughter-in-law to come often, we all understand."

This implied she believed Jinnan was unwilling to let Jingyi visit. Jinnan had just arrived and not expressed any opinion, yet was already being blamed—a testament to this elder's skill in the art of language.

Jingyi Wen quietly observed.

Jinnan was accustomed to his aunt's hostility and never took her sarcastic remarks to heart, as long as they did not involve Jingyi. But he saw the girl beside him hold herself with grace and step forward, politely nodding her head, "Mother, Aunt."

Shen Zhengci put down her tea, responding with a neutral "Hmm."

In contrast, Wen Xin immediately smiled and stood up, taking Jingyi's hand warmly. Anyone unaware might think she was Jingyi's mother-in-law. She said with a hint of sarcasm, "You’re truly beautiful. No wonder the patriarch picked you at first sight and insisted you marry his precious grandson."

The words dripped with envy.

Jingyi Wen smiled gently, allowing her to hold her hand, and softly said, "Whether the elders call me over or not, Jinnan and I are naturally happy to come and fulfill our filial duties. There’s no question of reluctance. Aunt, you were joking just now."

Wen Xin’s smile stiffened briefly but quickly recovered as she replied, "It was just nonsense from me. You too, you actually took it to heart."

"As long as aunt doesn’t mind my offense."

"How could I?" Wen Xin frowned. "I was worried my nonsense earlier might upset you."

Jingyi Wen smiled, "You said it was a joke, so how could I take it seriously?"

Wen Xin forced a smile.

In these gatherings with various elders, Jingyi Wen was adept and quickly gained the upper hand.

After last night’s wedding banquet, Jinnan understood her abilities but hadn’t expected that on her very first day at the old residence, his aunt would slander him and she would dare to speak to the elders like that.

Such gossip was trivial to him, but Jingyi was seriously defending him.

As the preferred daughter-in-law in the esteemed social circle of Nancheng, he had always assumed Jingyi was obedient and compliant before the elders, never speaking back or defying anyone. It turned out she occasionally showed a bit of a claw.

Looking at the girl’s clear and delicate face, Jinnan smiled faintly, as if amused.

"Alright, alright, no need to stand," Wen Xin pulled Jingyi down to sit. "Xiaoyi, you really should stop standing for so long."

Jingyi Wen did not refuse. Her eyes carried a smile, her manners always refined and impeccable.

As this little scene wrapped up, Shen Zhengci finally spoke with weight, "Xiaoyi, you met all the elders in the house at yesterday’s wedding. I won’t introduce you one by one now. I just wanted you to come and chat with us a bit, then we’ll have lunch."

Jingyi Wen nodded, "Understood."

Everyone present was tactful and would not speak rashly, except for Wen Xin who was less reserved.

---

After understanding Jinnan’s attitude toward Jingyi, the remaining elders gradually started talking to her, fulfilling their duties with patient inquiries and lavish praise.

Jingyi responded earnestly to each and accepted red envelopes accordingly.

When the time was right, Shen Zhengci invited everyone to move to the backyard to watch the opera.

The backyard was mainly for the womenfolk. Jinnan found it boring to join, and by chance, Jihang Xie had just returned from the company. With some time before lunch, the two men went to the study to discuss business.

---

In the backyard pavilion, Jingyi sat beside Shen Zhengci, with Wen Xin next to her. A servant brought fresh tea sets. After cleansing her hands, Jingyi began warming the pot and cups with practiced ease.

The girl’s eyes were cast downward; her tea-making movements were expert, her slender, fair fingers moving naturally. The whole process flowed smoothly, a delight to behold.

Though Wen Xin could also make tea, she was envious of Jingyi’s finesse. Gazing at the girl’s graceful and delicate face, she lamented not having fought harder for her son’s future.

Jingyi served each of them a cup of tea; a subtle fragrance filled the air. Nearby, the melodious opera played. Shen Zhengci sipped her tea, then looked at Jingyi with approving eyes. "Do you like tea?"

Jingyi replied, "My maternal grandfather liked tea, so I learned a bit."

Wen Xin exclaimed, "You call that ‘a bit’? Then my skills are just beginner’s level. Xiaoyi, don’t be so modest."

With the aroma, color, and Jingyi’s fluid technique, it was clear she had mastered the essence of tea-making.

Could that be just ‘a bit’?

Jingyi smiled shyly, "Aunt, you flatter me."

To a refined young lady like Jingyi, a considerate and warm partner would be fitting. A couple in harmony, sharing music and literature over tea—not married to a cold and aloof man like Jinnan.

What a pity.

Wen Xin thought to herself.

If it were her son, he would at least be considerate and cherish a delicate flower.

"You should remember to come to Aunt if you need anything," Wen Xin said, her gaze softening with sympathy, "Aunt will surely stand up for you."

Jingyi’s lips curved slightly as she lowered her eyes to pour herself some tea. Suddenly, a lively young girl came running over, smiling brightly, followed by another pretty and refined girl.

Jingyi’s expression remained unchanged, still bearing a faint smile.

However, upon seeing Jingyi, Bao Ning Shen’s smile swiftly faded. She sat on Shen Zhengci’s other side, half-pouting, "Second Aunt, my mother said she’s busy and won’t be coming, so I came with Sister Zhiyu."

Bao Ning had just started her first year of university and had just turned eighteen. She was immature but good at making others happy, so Shen Zhengci doted on her.

"Your presence is enough."

Shen Zhengci smiled, then turned to Lin Zhiyu with a cooler tone, "Zhiyu, come sit down. Xiaoyi’s tea is quite good, have a taste."

"Okay," Lin Zhiyu answered softly, stealing a glance at Jingyi.

Since their engagement was arranged, this was her first time meeting Jingyi. She had always known Jingyi as a famed socialite of Nancheng, but seeing her in person made her realize the public praise was but a fraction of her true charm.

Her exquisite beauty, transcendent aura, and consistently dignified composure were not forced but ingrained through upbringing.

Such a girl easily made others feel inferior.

Though her mind swirled with thoughts, it was only for a moment. Lin Zhiyu withdrew her gaze, just as Bao Ning, unable to contain herself, tugged her into a chair.

"Sister Zhiyu, sit down quickly."

Everyone except Jingyi knew Lin Zhiyu had once been engaged to Jinnan. Seeing her arrive caused mixed reactions.

Shen Zhengci remained relatively calm, assuming the two were strangers, and introduced, "Bao Ning, this is your sister-in-law."

Jingyi smiled warmly and greeted politely, "Hello, Bao Ning."

Surrounded by elders, Jingyi couldn’t afford to be petulant, so Bao Ning reluctantly responded, "Sister-in-law."

"Zhiyu, this is..." Shen Zhengci hesitated briefly, then said, "Xiaoyi is Jinnan’s wife and a few years younger than you. Call her whatever you like."

Lin Zhiyu nodded, "Alright, Aunt Shen."

Though Jingyi didn’t know the details, she sensed from everyone’s reactions that something was amiss.

It seemed Zhiyu’s arrival changed the atmosphere.

Wen Xin looked at Jingyi, her smile tinged with meaning, "Xiaoyi, Zhiyu is the granddaughter of our patriarch’s comrade-in-arms. She grew up by his side and is like a sibling to Jinnan."

Jingyi appeared not to notice the subtlety in Wen Xin’s eyes, her smile just right, voice gentle and courteous, "Sister Zhiyu."

Lin Zhiyu smiled in return, "Xiaoyi."

Bao Ning inwardly snorted.

---

"Would you like some tea?" Jingyi asked politely as she began brewing more.

Though she took the initiative in making tea, her demeanor was neither flattering nor showy. Her calm, elegant posture conveyed refinement, humility, and courtesy.

She first poured a cup for Lin Zhiyu.

Lin Zhiyu responded with a smile, "Thank you."

Bao Ning, sitting across from Jingyi, hesitated to take the tea. Jingyi, noticing this, naturally extended the cup in a casual tone, "The tea is a bit hot."

Bao Ning looked at the cup steaming in Jingyi’s hands, reluctant to accept it.

In that moment of hesitation, Shen Zhengci frowned. Bao Ning noticed and, though unwilling, muttered "Thank you" and reached out.

Her movements were careless, and she didn’t look properly, so she missed the cup slightly.

The cup wobbled dangerously, about to spill onto Bao Ning.

Quick as a flash, Jingyi stood and caught the cup, but the scalding tea overflowed, and the back of her slender, pale hand instantly reddened.

Servants hurried over to take the cup.

Bao Ning was startled, "I..."

Lin Zhiyu also stood, alarmed. She instinctively wanted to check on Jingyi, but seeing Bao Ning still shaken and Shen Zhengci and Wen Xin already moving forward with concern, she stayed put and gently patted Bao Ning’s shoulder.

"It’s alright."

Wen Xin looked at Jingyi’s reddened hand, both pitying and helpless, "How did this happen?"

Jingyi didn’t actually feel much pain. To comfort the frightened Bao Ning, she offered a soft smile, "It’s nothing."

Her hand was especially fair, so the burn looked alarming. Shen Zhengci frowned and instructed a servant, "Take the young madam to be treated."

The servant quickly came forward, applying a cool, damp towel soaked in cold water to Jingyi’s hand. After hesitating briefly, Jingyi allowed them to take her away.

Once they were out of sight, Shen Zhengci turned to Bao Ning with displeasure, her tone less gentle than before, "Bao Ning, how could you be so careless?"

Bao Ning bit her lip and whispered, "I... I didn’t mean to."

Shen Zhengci could tell Bao Ning disliked Jingyi but recognized her as a daughter-in-law and naturally didn’t want anyone to deliberately make things hard for her.

Especially not in her presence.

Wasn’t that a slap in the face?

"You’ll apologize later."

"I..." Bao Ning felt wronged. She hadn’t intended to mishandle the cup.

Counting the time her cousin caught her in Nancheng, this was already the second apology she owed Jingyi. Deep down, she didn’t want to apologize at all.

---

Though Jingyi and Jinnan would not stay at the old residence that night, Shen Zhengci had still prepared Jinnan’s bedroom, thinking that if Jingyi wished to rest, she would have a place.

The servant was about to take Jingyi there to treat her injury and let her change clothes, as her clothes had become quite wet from the spilled tea.

But halfway there, they ran into Jinnan, who had just left the study and seemed headed to the backyard opera stage.

Seeing Jingyi, Jinnan was surprised.

Jingyi hadn’t expected to meet him there and paused, "Jinnan?"

Next, Jinnan’s sharp eyes caught sight of the wet towel on her hand. His brows furrowed deeply, and he strode over, lifting the towel to reveal her reddened skin. His voice was steady, "How did this happen?"

Jingyi smiled lightly and brushed it off, "It’s nothing. Just a little scald from the tea."

Jinnan didn’t press further. With a cold expression, he took her other hand and headed back.

Jingyi was momentarily stunned but quickly asked, "Where are we going?"

Jinnan didn’t answer and continued walking ahead.

Watching his cold figure, Jingyi said nothing more and silently allowed herself to be led, the servants following behind.

After a minute or two, they arrived at a spacious men’s bedroom furnished entirely with solid wood. The layout was simple, the style high-end but fresh and elegant, not at all old-fashioned.

Sensing the clean, crisp atmosphere inside, Jingyi instantly guessed whose room it was.

"Jinnan, actually I..." she began, but before she could finish, Jinnan turned to the servant behind him, frowning, his voice sharp and cold, "Where’s the medical kit?"