A Good Country Wife

Chen Ruyu had invited Lin Yue over just to make things difficult for her. She had already spoken ill of Lin Yue to Zhang Peilan, and since their parents had forbidden her from mistreating that peasant woman, Zhang Peilan had nothing to hold her back. She could embarrass the peasant woman without being blamed by her parents—so today’s display by Zhang Peilan was mainly orchestrated by Chen Ruyu.

Listening to Zhang Peilan demeaning Lin Yue brought immense satisfaction to Chen Ruyu’s heart. She had no intention of speaking up for Lin Yue, although she had invited her. Wasn’t this scene exactly what she wanted? If the Lin Family couldn’t handle it, they better leave quickly; otherwise, there was more humiliation to come if they stayed.

The two cousins from the Jiang Family had already shown signs of irritation on their faces, but Chen’s aunt was very composed. She remained nonchalant as if unaffected by Zhang Peilan’s words; however, the smile on her face had become increasingly stiff. She felt great discontent with the Chen Mansion’s behavior, and being entrusted by the Family Head to be there, they couldn’t stand idly by as Lin Yue was treated this way. Regardless of the reason, they had to step forward.

Qing Xue had always been sharp-tongued, not waiting for Chen’s aunt or Peilan to say anything, she launched an attack on Zhang Peilan, "Look who’s talking! Speaking so sharply and bitingly, it’s clear that you lack good upbringing—it seems the Zhang Family, a household on the decline, can no longer afford a proper governess. How else could they raise their legitimate daughter to be like this, utterly lacking manners!"

"You, Qing Xue, dare to scorn our Zhang Family like this! Do you really think the Jiang Family is so remarkable? Besides, you’re just a cousin from a collateral branch of the Jiang Family, who, by sheer luck, was raised in the main household. When it comes down to it, you’re not a true lady of the family. I wonder where you got the courage to come out and make a fool of yourself!"

The Jiang Family members and the legitimate daughter of the Zhang Family were at loggerheads. A few were staunchly on the side of the Jiang Family, while the majority were neutral or indifferent, simply enjoying the drama. This affair was certainly more interesting than the poetry gathering, providing a rare spectacle.

Lady Chen initially thought that even if there were past grudges between the Jiang and Zhang families, given that they were guests in another’s residence, they wouldn’t go too far—at most, they’d exchange a few sarcastic remarks. She hadn’t anticipated them to stir up such a commotion, to the point where things threatened to escalate out of control. This was happening in her household, and if things went awry, she definitely couldn’t expect any good to come from it. Not to mention others, even her lord would blame her, thinking she couldn’t even manage such a small matter, which could lead to her losing her butler authority.

"Miss Zhang, Miss Jiang, it’s all my fault for not arranging things properly, but with so many people here, it doesn’t look good to argue too fiercely. Please spare me the embarrassment and stop fighting; damaging the harmony would be regrettable, wouldn’t it?" Lady Chen pleaded earnestly, fearing they might start a commotion without considering the occasion and regretted not being more mindful of the enmity between the Jiang and Zhang families, having invited them both. Now it was clear her status wasn’t high enough to command their respect.