The Slender Waist-Chapter 523 - 375 Shameless

Feng Yun was completely oblivious to the events transpiring among the male guests.

She sat down in earnest and conversed with Yang Lingxiang.

Yang Lingxiang was clearly guarded with her.

A smile tinged with awkwardness adorned her face.

Feng Yun watched as surprise and tension continually surfaced on her face, and she too smiled, her smile serene and unhurried.

In her past life, she, like Yang Sanniang, wore her emotions on her face, utterly clueless about how to deal with sudden situations...

After all, she was someone who had died once before.

Her heart was so calm that even she herself was surprised.

"Did Sanniang have a dispute with the Marchioness of Xuanping?"

Her abrupt question, inserted amidst the small talk about household matters with Yang Sanniang, caused her to stiffen, sitting up straight immediately.

"This concubine... this concubine does not know the Marchioness. Why would the Princess ask me such a question?"

Feng Yun smiled, lowered her head and whispered as if confiding, "The Marchioness of Xuanping has been watching you for quite some time, I thought perhaps you and Sanniang had some disagreement?"

Yang Lingxiang held her breath slightly and feigned composure as she responded, "This concubine is like a star of disaster, having caused the death of my betrothed and then my dearly loving father. Perhaps no one likes a person like me..."

Speaking of her father, Yang Lingxiang’s eyes reddened, betraying a touch of genuine sadness.

Feng Yun comforted her, "If Lord Yang is watching over you from the heavens, he will bless Sanniang, and you will surely find yourself a good husband in the future."

These words of Feng Yun were also spoken in earnest.

Perhaps because of her experience in her past life, she felt an extra measure of kindness toward women struggling to survive in this world, preferring to trouble the men who had all the advantages of the time, if she could avoid troubling women at all, she would.

Even women were allowed, within the limits of her tolerance, to have some harmless faults - selfishness, self-interest, scheming for their own benefit.

She could turn a blind eye.

And give them a chance.

Like Luo Yue, Shao Xueqing, like Daman, Kong Yun’e...

For she understood that being a woman was not easy.

If at this moment, Yang Lingxiang could give up her ulterior motives, Feng Yun might even be willing to help her...

After all, Changmen was so vast, and she was particularly fond of beautiful women; taking in a destitute beauty would be the easiest thing.

However...

After a sigh of regret, Yang Lingxiang became increasingly distracted.

As the bride and groom completed their wedding rituals and were sent to the bridal chamber, her unease became even more apparent.

"Isn’t the Princess going to join the fun of teasing the newlyweds?"

Feng Yun smiled faintly, "I’d rather not join in the commotion."

Yang Sanniang needed the opportunity to act alone.

Feng Yun gave it to her.

After so much conversation, if she still remained deluded, then it would not be Feng Yun’s fault for showing no mercy.

The bridal room was crowded with womenfolk, all eager to see the new bride.

Yang Lingxiang was, after all, the niece of Madam He and was there to share in the joy, which normally would be no issue. Yet, her complicated status, having been engaged to He Chuandong and now essentially a widow...

Many households had taboos about such things.

A widow entering the bridal chamber was considered unlucky.

The moment Yang Lingxiang entered, a woman with the appearance of Madam Quanfu frowned at her with a glance, her face immediately fell.

"Perhaps Sanniang should refrain from stepping over this threshold."

This woman, invited by the old Madam He, commanded considerable respect among the relatives. Without stating anything explicitly, a cold sweep of her eyes was enough for those who were sensible to know not to cross the threshold.

Yang Lingxiang was evidently among the insensible.

She said, "Having been on good terms, I’ve come to offer my congratulations to my cousin, is that not allowed?"

Her use of ’good terms’ sparked conversation.

A proper lady would never mention such a thing during someone else’s wedding.

Not only did Yang Lingxiang mention it, she stepped over the threshold and walked in.

"I’ll leave as soon as I see my cousin drink the wedlock wine," she declared, her expression woeful, making it clear that things were not as simple as they seemed. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Some, anticipating drama, stepped forward to advise.

It’s a day of great celebration; one more person joining the bridal chamber mischief wouldn’t matter.

Wen Hui sat upright in front of the bed; no one knew what expression lay beneath her bridal veil, but her voice was very calm, sounding extremely gentle and gracious.

"Thank you for your kindness, Sanniang. My cousin and I are deeply moved. How could we not fulfill such a small wish? Chunyan, won’t you find a seat for cousin?"

Chunyan was a servant of Changmen.

She was originally bestowed by Empress Dowager Li and later followed Wen Hui to Yutangchun, bustling about efficiently. Wen Hui found her useful and decided to keep her.

For Wen Hui’s wedding, Feng Yun had sent Chunyan and another servant named Chuntao to marry into the He Family along with her.

Chunyan responded with a smile.

The mistress and servants seemed to have no guard up at all.

Yang Lingxiang remained.

It was only when He Chuandong, beaming with joy, entered the room amidst the crowd, that he realized the atmosphere was amiss.

Upon seeing Yang Lingxiang, his expression changed instantly.

Yang Lingxiang gave a slight bow, "Cousin."

He Chuandong glanced at Wen Hui beneath the bridal veil, his brow furrowing slightly.

"What are you doing here?"

This was his attitude toward Wen Hui.

It could be said to be quite rude.

Yang Lingxiang twisted her handkerchief, gently biting her lower lip, and only after a long while did she lift her head, offering a bitter smile.

"The father of the child in my womb is getting married. As a mother, can’t I come to offer congratulations?"

A commotion arose all around.

He Chuandong’s pupils shrank violently and his face turned red with anger.

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

Yang Lingxiang lowered her eyes, "Cousin, even if you are ruthless and unfeeling towards me, do you also not want the child?"

The gazes from all directions swept over them, making He Chuandong’s face burn, his body feeling as if it was on fire.

He had already had a bit to drink and was feeling restless; the outburst made his blood rush even more, and he yelled the servant’s name loudly.

"Throw this shameless woman out."

He then walked toward Wen Hui.

"Hui Niang, listen to me..."

Wen Hui showed no reaction and had no chance to speak.

A dignified voice from outside the door came from Madam He.

"On a day of great joy, what is this about hitting and killing?"

She had only heard that her son wanted to drive away Yang Lingxiang, feeling it was a loss of face, not wanting to dishonor her family. She hadn’t expected that as soon as she crossed the threshold, Yang Lingxiang would throw herself into her arms.

"Please, Auntie, I beg you to wield justice..."

Madam He was slightly taken aback.

Once she understood, a hint of surprise appeared on her face.

"You’re with child? Chuandong’s child?"

He Chuandong was at an age where he should have been married long ago, and Madam He had been waiting long enough to become a grandmother; concern outweighed her happiness.

"When did this happen, how far along are you? Why didn’t you tell your Auntie?"

"Mother!" He Chuandong’s face darkened, his eyes filled with irritation.

"She’s talking nonsense!"

Madam He frowned, grasped Yang Lingxiang’s wrist, and shielded her by her side, glaring at her son.

"I heard it from the third concubine."

He Chuandong’s cheeks twitched with rage, and he hurried back to Wen Hui’s side.

"Hui Niang, I didn’t..."

Wen Hui’s voice was faint under her veil.

"Let’s hear what the third concubine has to say."

He Chuandong’s back was drenched in cold sweat, and he sobered up considerably.

"Yes. You’re right."

Many high-ranking officials from the imperial court had attended today, even the Princess came to congratulate, giving the He Family great face...

This matter, if not clarified, would greatly affect his reputation.

It could even influence his marriage to Wen Hui.

But for a woman carrying a child to point at him and say it’s his...

How could he deny it?

He Chuandong felt his scalp tingle.

Clearly, ever since Yang Lingxiang came looking for him that day, he had been targeted and a trap had been set...

Wen Hui was so composed...

If he acted flustered or behaved inappropriately, he would indeed be playing into their hands.

"Alright, you speak."

He Chuandong’s gaze was icy, but Yang Lingxiang didn’t look at him, instead gently clutching Madam He’s arm, sobbing softly.

"Auntie asked me that day, after my father passed away and my brother and sister-in-law treated me coldly, where did I go? Why didn’t I seek refuge with you sooner or later, waiting instead until my cousin was getting married to show up..."

Madam He was anxious.

She didn’t want to listen to so much backstory and pressed for an answer urgently.

"Yes, where did you go?"

"Auntie, I was in Andu, I’ve always been in Andu." She looked into Madam He’s face, murmuring lowly, "My cousin took pity on me and arranged for me to stay in a small courtyard rented in Hongmu Alley..."

He Chuandong was in shock.

"Ridiculous! I haven’t seen you for all these years, don’t spout lies!"

Madam He stroked Yang Lingxiang’s back, "Don’t be afraid of him, speak."

With newfound courage, Yang Lingxiang finally lifted her head, looking straight at He Chuandong.

"In those days, my cousin would visit me daily in Hongmu Alley, talk with me. I know that our brief union was due to my cousin losing his senses after drinking too much, his mind swayed by fleeting desires, leading to a lapse in conduct. But my feelings for my cousin are wholehearted and true..."

Having said that, she suddenly knelt in front of everyone present, bowing to Madam He.

"Auntie, I am aware that my cousin has someone else he loves, and Sister Wen is also a favored person of the Princess. I dare not have high hopes to replace her. I only ask that you decide, Auntie, and allow me to stay by my cousin’s side..."

Her head bowed lower and lower.

In the end, it hit the ground.

"Yang San Niang is willing to be a concubine, content with serving Auntie, being joyful at your knees, just so the child in my womb doesn’t end up on the streets, a lonely and helpless waif..."