Chapter 1214 - 123 Dong Tian (Second Watch)
Lady Jiang was also acquainted with Wu Hanyu. The Chen and Wu families had not gotten along in Jiangnan, and this competition for Imperial Merchant status had completely torn off the facade of civility. Now that Chen Leyao was participating in Red Smoke Pavilion’s selection, Wu Hanyu coincidentally also joined. If it was a coincidence, who would believe it?
"Hmph," Lady Jiang sneered disdainfully, "you said it yourself, she’s just a decorative pillow—what is there to worry about? Others may not know, but don’t you? Despite hailing from the Wu Family, Wu Hanyu is still just a daughter of a concubine; she has two older brothers born from the principal wife. Just in terms of social standing, she can’t compare to you, let alone in other aspects."
Chen Leyao’s anger somewhat subsided, and she flopped back into her chair, "It’s true in principle, but Wu Hanyu’s embroidery skills are well-known throughout Jiangnan, and certainly not mediocre. How could she become second in the Capital city? Has everyone here lost their dexterity?"
Lady Jiang let out a laugh and said, "If someone with Wu Hanyu’s skills could get second place, it’s not that the people of the Capital are inept; it’s that the Wu Family must have pulled some strings. However, the final round is in just a few days, and then the truth will come to light, won’t it?"
After giving her daughter a reassuring look, Lady Jiang turned her attention back to the slip of paper, contempt rising in her heart, "Ruochu, did you write this? It’s clear you are born of a concubine; even your handwriting is this crude!"
Hearing her mother speak so, Chen Leyao also noticed the handwriting on the paper, clicking her tongue in disapproval. After all, their Chen family was a major household in Jiangnan. Even a concubine’s son should not produce such poor handwriting, better than that of even the maids doing rough work in her courtyard!
But then, thinking it over, Chen Leyao felt relieved, "Mother, Ruochu grew up with maids and nannies since he was a child, being able to recognize a few characters is already quite remarkable. Do you expect him to become a calligrapher?"
Lady Jiang’s lips curled slightly. Naturally, she did not wish for Chen Ruochu to become a calligrapher. The worse he turned out, the better for her.