Novel Bin Chapter 32 - A marquis that had become foolish because of love (1)
Wen Wan hadn’t known Ning Yuxuan for a long time. They had only met six months ago. But, these short six months had entirely canceled out Nie Sangyu’s six years. Wen Wan had snatched her position as the main wife, her Qiangwei Courtyard, and the tiny, remaining space she had in Ning Yuxuan’s heart.
Although it had been the emperor’s intention to abolish Nie Sangyu’s status, it had been Marquis Moyu, who had taken the initiative of promoting Wen Wan to main wife. From the beginning until now, old madame hadn’t known about this matter. Wen Wan had originally thought that the two of them would explain this matter to old madame together. For the sake of her biological son, old madame probably wouldn’t do anything to her.
But now, a matter had popped up in the palace and she was left here with no one to rely on. Sitting here in the red dress that only the main wife could wear, what should she say to old madame when she came?
With her thoughts thrown into disorder, Wen Wan swept her gaze around the room. All of these women knew about her current unfavorable situation, but no one would help her because she had the marquis’s heart. They were probably wishing that they could hit her while she was down.
Just as she was feeling helpless, Steward Qian came inside to report, “Madam, Old Madame will be arriving soon.”
“I understand. Let’s all go out to welcome her.” She forced herself to smile, stood up, and held Tanxiang’s arm for support, but her palms were sweaty.
She was the marquis’s wife and should naturally be walking in the front. Right now, she couldn’t retreat. As long as Yuxuan supported her, she would fine.
She straightened her shoulders before walking out. The two honored concubines were walking behind her. Liu Hanyun, Mu Shuiqing, and Ji Man followed after them.
Ji Man’s expression was calm. She hadn’t walked two steps before Mu Shuiqing whispered, “You must be feeling proud, right?” Her voice was sharp and her tone wasn’t pleasing to hear. Ji Man slightly furrowed her brow and glanced at her sideways.
“Do you think that once Old Madame has returned, you’ll be able to get rid of Madam with her support?” Mu Shuiqing’s eyes were full of provocation. “Give up! Madam has the marquis’s heart. No matter what you do, you won’t be able to seize it back.”
Ji Man looked at her twisted face. Perhaps, she had lost her senses from being too angry during the past two days? And, that was why she was able to say these types of words out loud.
“As long as you have the diligent intention of doing something, there’s nothing that can’t be done.” Ji Man said, “If it makes you happier to hate me, that’s fine. Feel free to hate me. Do your best!” She made a gesture of encouragement before returning her hands to their original position in front of her abdomen.
“You!” Mu Shuiqing was so angry that she wanted to have stomping fit. Her voice had become slightly louder at the end and Qi Siling turned around to look at her.
Mu Shuiqing immediately became well behaved. She coldly harrumphed once and stopped talking. In contrast, Liu Hanyun, who had originally been looking at Ji Man indifferently, unexpectedly had a trace of a smile in her eyes after hearing her words.
The marquis’s residence’s entrance was very magnificent. It had a plaque that had been bestowed by the emperor and a pair of formidable stone lions. With everyone standing at the entrance in a line, it was truly a great scene.
Ji Man was at the very end of the line. From far away, she saw a spacious carriage slowly coming here. There were four guards on horses before the carriage and two servant girls sitting on the shaft of the carriage. Behind the carriage, there were numerous servants. This grandiose procession showed the considerable status of old madame.
Marquis Moyu’s mother was the imperial court’s only first rank lady. She had married Marquis Pingnan in her youth, but he had sacrificed his life for the country. The emperor had felt very grateful, so he bestowed her the title of first rank lady and allowed her to enter the palace whenever she wanted.
She should have been addressed as Marchioness Pingnan, but old madame had felt heartbroken about her husband’s death, so she had people address her as Old Madame. She didn’t want to be reminded of Marquis Pingnan by hearing that title. After the death of her husband, she stayed at Marquis Moyu’s residence and would occasionally have interaction with the palace, but she never asked about governmental affairs again.
Ji Man remembered that old madame was Noble Consort Nie’s best friend. The two of them had grown up together and had an extremely good relationship. This was why old madame had always shielded her while she lived in Marquis Moyu’s residence. It was only when old madame was away that these people had an opportunity to bully her.
The carriage stopped in front of the entrance. The guards at the front went to the sides and the two servant girls jumped down from the carriage to bring over a stool and carefully supported old madame as she came out of the carriage.
Seeing this, Wen Wan hurriedly went forward to lend an arm to support her. However, old madame, who had passed her fortieth birthday at the beginning of this year, had a truly terrifying imposingness. When Wen Wan slightly raised her eyes, her hand ended up freezing in midair.
“This daughter-in law greets Old Madame.” Wen Wan straightforwardly kneeled down. The concubines behind her could only follow her action and kneel down too.
Old madame’s clothes were simple and unadorned, but she was wearing a stately, golden hairpin. She cast a sidelong glance at the person in front of her, then she indifferently said, “You may rise, Sangyu.”
Just as Wen Wan was about to let out a sigh of relief after hearing the first three words, her heart plummeted after hearing the last word. She didn’t even dare to raise her head.
Gritting her teeth, Wen Wan didn’t stand. She saluted old madame again, “This daughter-in-law, Wen Wan, greets Old Madame.”
Old madame was silent for a long time. She looked at person kneeling on the ground and asked, “Who’s Wen Wan?”
As Ji Man silently kneeled in the back, she thought that this old madame was really good at pretending. They were all kneeling so close to her. How could she possibly not be able to tell who was who? She was deliberately asking this question to embarrass Wen Wan.
Translator Ramblings: Ji Man will be meeting the supporting male character in 2 weeks and 2 days. I included a spoiler below for their first meeting.
Also, I like the interaction between Ji Man and Mu Shuiqing. I interpreted Ji Man’s words to Mu Shuiqing as sincere encouragement instead of mocking. What do you guys think?