Chapter 406 - 398: Surprise
The issue with the craftsmen remains unresolved, and as noon approached, Wang Wen heard Wu Xueqin’s designs on flood disaster prevention and was filled with many questions, as he needed to find a way to record these ideas, organize them, and present them to the Holy Emperor. Thus, he found a place to have lunch with Wu Xueqin, asking her quietly about the areas he couldn’t understand.
Each time he heard Wu Xueqin explain the principles, his admiration for the woman before him grew severalfold. Although he knew the Holy Emperor granted Wu Xueqin the title of Lady, he hadn’t thought much of it before. But now, after getting to know her, he realized the extent of Wu Xueqin’s talent.
He felt pity for Wu Xueqin, thinking that if she hadn’t been born as a concubine’s daughter, with such talents, how could the Wu Mansion have abandoned her?
Wu Xueqin noticed the sympathy in his eyes and, after thinking it over, couldn’t help but laugh. Her sudden laughter bewildered Wang Wen.
Wu Xueqin chuckled for quite some time before stopping, "I’ve heard that Mr. Wang married the second young lady from the Dong Mansion. People in the Capital know the second young lady of the Dong Mansion is close to the Madam of the East Mansion. Now that the second young lady has had a miscarriage, I wonder how she’s doing? Mr. Wang runs about all day; surely the second young lady must have opinions about him?"
Wu Xueqin naturally understood the ways of the Capital, especially regarding Lin Youning’s affairs, which she knew even better.
Wang Wen was somewhat unwilling to discuss his wife when Wu Xueqin broached the subject, but responded politely, "She is currently recovering her health. As a man, naturally I can’t stay in the boudoir all day."
Wu Xueqin nodded, internally dismissing it, and thought ancient men were quite chauvinistic, yet she envied Lin Yongning for finding a man like Dingyuan Marquis who genuinely cared for and was devoted to her.
Though now living splendidly, honored with the title of Lady by the Holy Emperor, her days still seemed aimless, leaving her wondering why she lived.
"Mr. Wu, are you troubled?" Wang Wen asked the dazed woman.
Wu Xueqin didn’t hide her feelings, "Outsiders see my splendid life, granted the status of Lady by the Holy Emperor, yet as a woman, who doesn’t wish to have a family and teach children? I’m pondering when I might meet a man worthy of entrusting my life to."
"I heard a young man from the Zhou Mansion is considering marrying Mr. Wu. With such interest, surely there must be someone who meets Mr. Wu’s standards. Why worry over this?" Wang Wen politely advised.
Wu Xueqin laughed, "Mr. Wang, you’re a wise man. Right now, the Eldest Prince is openly at odds with the Crown Prince. Everyone in the Capital knows. The Eldest Prince is trying to win me over, but I, though a woman, refuse to get involved. I’m already content with the Emperor’s attention. Regarding family life, I’d rather find a man who stays home all the time. You all seem to think men should be outside and women should remain inside. If I reverse this, will anyone agree?"
Wang Wen was shocked by Wu Xueqin’s idea, finding it startling. Though he wanted to say more, he refrained since it wasn’t his household’s affair.
"Mr. Wang is fortunate to have married a good wife. Everyone in the Capital longs to associate with the young lady and the Madam of East Mansion, but few can impress the Madam of East Mansion, and the second young lady is one of them. In the future, East Mansion won’t ignore Mr. Wang when issues arise," Wu Xueqin casually mentioned, as the waiter brought their dishes, she gracefully started to eat.
Wang Wen sat there unsure how to start eating. Raised with etiquette, he had only dined with family or later his wife Dong Boyun.
Now, for the first time, he dined with an unrelated woman.
Luckily, in a private room without outside eyes, Wang Wen felt more relaxed.
Lin Youning was dining nearby. Also in a private room, with her guards and maids downstairs, no one noticed them.
Though the restaurant had private rooms, the partitions were wooden, so louder speech could be overheard.
Voices next door became audible, "Do you think this is true? Prince Xian Mansion intends to marry a lady from the Duke Mansion. Yet I recall there are no unmarried ladies left there."
"Furthermore, Prince Xian is quite old now. The heir had his descendants cut off. Despite Prince Xian’s age, he must bring in a wife to continue the lineage. How could the Duke Mansion lack women? Don’t forget, there was Mrs. Kong from the Gu Mansion, who was also from the Duke Mansion."
"What? Prince Xian Mansion plans to marry a divorced woman? How could they do such a thing?"
"Why not? The Gu Mansion offended Prince Xian. When the Gu Mansion cast her aside, Prince Xian Mansion naturally elevates her, confronting the Gu Mansion. Any woman can bear children, despite Prince Xian’s age, what type of beauty can’t he find? It’s also a chance to humiliate the Gu Mansion. Plus, the Duke Mansion cut ties with the Gu Mansion. The Duke Mansion and the Sage Mansion united against the Gu Mansion. We outsiders just enjoy the spectacle."
Later, laughter ensued, and the topic shifted elsewhere, discussing Prince Xian’s heir visiting brothels, tormenting the women with perverse acts.
Now, anyone in a brothel dreads seeing Prince Xian’s heir as he brings headaches; Prince Xian can’t control him, Princess Xian pities her son, crying daily. It’s said her health declined, now bedridden.
With such issues in Prince Xian Mansion, no wonder Prince Xian plans to bring someone into their household.
Lin Youning didn’t expect to hear such gossip after going out, especially about Kong Tianru entering Prince Xian Mansion.