Jun Jiuli and Madam Zhao rode in the front carriage, while Zhao Jingyu and her sister followed in the one behind.
Madam Zhao hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking, "My lord, have you made any arrangements for Jing Wan's marriage?"
"No."
"Brother Ping is already married, and Jing Yu is now betrothed to the Crown Prince. I've looked at a few potentials for Jing Wan, but my mother-in-law found them unsuitable. This…"
"Then let her choose someone. You don't need to worry about it. Just prepare a dowry for her according to tradition."
"Yes, I'll do as you say, my lord."
She beamed with happiness, feeling much more at ease. Her mother-in-law was old and meddled in everything in the household, and had started to find fault with her.
Fortunately, her husband was understanding and did not make things difficult for her. She felt she had married the right man in this life.
Both her son and daughter had boundless futures. Her former acquaintances all envied her, praising her good judgment.
The original owner had only one concubine, Zhao Jing Wan's mother. In total, they had only three children, which was unique in the capital.
Wealthy families always aimed to prosper and multiply. The old madam had also advised him. However, the original owner had no interest in women and was content with having a son. The concubine was forced upon him by the old madam.
In the other carriage, Zhao Jing Wan repeatedly reached up to touch the golden hairpin on her head. As soon as she got into the carriage, she immediately found a mirror and put the hairpin on.
"Big sister, do I look good wearing this hairpin?"
"You look beautiful."
"I think so too. When we get back, I want to try on my new lake-blue dress. A new hairpin with a new dress, it's simply wonderful."
Seeing that Zhao Jing Yu had no reaction and continued to read her book, Zhao Jing Wan rolled her eyes and muttered to herself that she was putting on a show.
"Is big sister angry?"
"No."
"I think big sister is clearly angry with me. I shouldn't have stolen big sister's thunder today. This Empress's hairpin was originally meant for you, so I'll take it off and give it back."
Her eyes filled with disappointment and tears, and she flusteredly reached to remove the hairpin from her head.
Zhao Jing Yu put down her book with displeasure. This person was addicted to acting. No one was watching, so why put on such a pitiful act?
"Why are you behaving like this? Since it was called a prize, it was never intended for anyone. Do you think Her Majesty cannot afford such a trifle?"
Zhao Jing Wan feigned a look of fear and apprehension, her heart filled with smug satisfaction. What was the point of being a lady of refinement?
She was easily provoked, revealing her true colors. Hmph, what could these foolish ancient people do against me?
"Why do you say that to me, big sister? If outsiders hear this, they will gossip about us. I didn't mean any harm, I just wanted to make you happier."
She said this and knelt down, presenting a picture of pitiful vulnerability. She thought Zhao Jing Yu would be unable to stand her "green tea" demeanor and would start arguing, displeasing their father.
To her surprise, Zhao Jing Yu ignored her and picked up her book again. If she wanted to kneel, let her. She didn't have time to play house.
Seeing that her efforts were futile and not wanting to get up quietly, Zhao Jing Wan felt embarrassed.
She said pitifully, "Wan Wan knows she was wrong. Please forgive me, big sister. I didn't mean to gossip about Her Majesty."
Apart from the rustling of pages, there was no other sound in the carriage. Zhao Jing Wan's knees ached from kneeling, but she dared not get up.
Today, she had truly witnessed the malicious intent of a noble lady. It was a bloodless battle, with a mind sharper than a needle's point.
Hmph, when I climb to a high position, I will repay today's humiliation a hundredfold. We are all born of the same father; who is nobler than whom?
The carriage stopped in front of the General's mansion. Jun Jiuli and Madam Zhao alighted. Zhao Jing Yu bowed obediently and stood behind them.
Zhao Jing Wan was helped out of the carriage by her maid, limping.
"Greetings to father and mother."
Jun Jiuli and his wife nodded perfunctorily, neither asking her what had happened.
This made her feel indignant. Was a concubine's daughter not a daughter? She had ridden in the same carriage as Zhao Jing Yu.
It was obvious she had been bullied, yet her father did not intervene.
It seemed he was a cold-blooded and heartless man. Hmph, it appeared she didn't need to show him any consideration in the future.
After entering the mansion, the family first paid their respects to the old madam, who was already waiting for them in the main hall of her courtyard.
Upon seeing Jun Jiuli, the old madam's face lit up with a smile that reached her eyes. He was her pride and joy, having borne such a capable son.
"Jun Qian is back. Come sit, come sit. Hahaha, how was the banquet today, my son?"
"Reporting to mother, everything was as usual."
"Oh, is that so? Then how did Wan Wan perform today? That girl said she was going to win a prize for me when she left."
Jun Jiuli pursed his lips and said, "Average."
Hearing this, Zhao Jing Wan was full of resentment. The old madam, upon hearing this evaluation, did not press further.
Madam Zhao and the two girls bowed, and the group finally sat down. It was too late to drink tea, so the old madam served them each a bowl of sweet soup.
Zhao Jing Wan kept her brow furrowed, her eyes red. When she bowed earlier, she deliberately made a pained sound. The old madam, being elderly, could not stand seeing her grandchildren wronged.
"Oh dear, what's wrong, Wan Wan? It's fine if you didn't stand out, there's no need to cry. With our family's resources, we won't have trouble finding a good husband."
This comment struck a nerve with Zhao Jing Wan. She wiped her tears with a handkerchief, sniffled, and was about to speak when she saw the old madam frown.
"Who taught you all this?"
Zhao Jing Wan was stunned, not knowing what she had done wrong. The old madam glanced unhappily at Madam Zhao and sighed, saying.
"Tomorrow, I'll have Mama Li attend to you for a while. How did your etiquette become like this? If outsiders saw this, wouldn't they mock our General's mansion?"
Madam Zhao had no choice but to quickly rise and bow, accepting the unfair criticism.
"It is my fault, daughter-in-law. My instruction has been lacking."
Jun Jiuli: "What is your fault? They had the same teacher and the same teaching methods. People are either intelligent or foolish. If one is incapable, can they blame others?"
The old madam felt extremely embarrassed. She hadn't thought before speaking. Her eldest granddaughter was a renowned talented woman in the capital, whose etiquette was impeccable.
Madam Zhao had clearly put in great effort in this regard, and the mansion had never mistreated Jing Wan.
She had misunderstood, but it was awkward to apologize to a junior. Her son was too disrespectful. Couldn't she admit her mistake?
"Look at my mouth. I've been saying unpleasant things lately. I'm old, and my memory is poor. Xiaoxiang, please don't take it to heart."
"You honor me too much, mother-in-law."
"Alright, alright. You've all had a tiring day. It's not a big deal to keep me, an old woman, company. Go back and rest."
"Yes."
Zhao Jing Wan had a constipated expression. She had planned her entire speech during the journey, drafting it several times.
Before she could even speak, she was sent back.