The Slender Waist

The wedding date was imminent, and Wen Hui no longer visited Yutangchun, instead, she stayed in the manor, waiting for the He Family’s grand bridal sedan chair.

When Feng Yun saw her, her cheeks were still flushed with a shy smile. Seeing Feng Yun’s grave expression, she then composed herself.

"My lady, what has happened?"

Feng Yun said, "The third lady of the Yang Family from Xianzhou has come."

Wen Hui felt as if struck by a heavy hammer, slightly stunned, "Is that so?"

Feng Yun told her about what she had seen outside the Governor’s Office and said indifferently, "I called you here to prepare you mentally. I would also like to hear your thoughts on what to do."

Wen Hui stood, disheartened.

She knew that her family background did not match He Chuandong’s.

Although He Chuandong did not care, and Feng Yun also said there was no need to care, she knew in her heart that the He Family cared.

The wife of the He Family cared.

Even the elderly men she did not recognize at the teahouses on the street seemed to care...

Her impending nuptials already had her living in people’s spittle. Unexpectedly, before the flower could bloom, it was met with a violent storm...

She was resentful yet unwilling to suffer in silence...

"You need not be troubled," Feng Yun said. "Tell me your decision. We, the people of Changmen, are not to be bullied."

Wen Hui’s mind was a mess.

But Feng Yun’s last words reminded her.

She was not Wen Hui, the little songstress of Yutangchun, she was the lady manager of Changmen. Losing face for herself did not matter, she could not lose face for her lady.

"I understand now."

Wen Hui muttered softly to herself and then gave Feng Yun a bow.

"It’s either me or the third lady Yang. The He Family can only choose one."

Feng Yun was initially surprised.

After all, in her past life, Wen Hui had always been content to be a concubine, never complaining...

But she quickly accepted it.

Wen Hui had changed.

She changed herself, and she changed Wen Hui.

"Good," Feng Yun gave a slight smile, "There’s no need for us to rush, let’s wait and see the He Family’s attitude first."

Today, outside the Governor’s Office, she had announced her name loud and clear, openly asking Ge Guang to inquire about the situation.

By now, the He Family would certainly know that she knew about the third lady Yang’s arrival seeking refuge.

"It’s them who should be panicking, not us."

Wen Hui nodded and asked her softly,

"My lady, do you think... He Lang will change his heart in the future?"

Feng Yun did not expect her to ask this question.

After all, their affection for each other could not be hidden since the two had first set eyes on each other.

"Sit down," Feng Yun personally poured her a cup of herbal tea.

In the searing heat of summer, the herbal tea was very refreshing.

Wen Hui let out a sigh of relief, only to hear Feng Yun’s cool voice.

"Your wedding is coming, and I’ve not given you any serious advice. Today, I will give you three pieces of advice."

Wen Hui immediately stood up, respectfully attentive.

"Please speak, my lady."

Feng Yun smiled, gesturing for her to sit down, her tone becoming even more gentle.

"First, never underestimate the propensity for human nature to change; there is nothing more complex than a human being in this world. Second, rely on yourself and not on a man, be it in emotions or finances. Even if he is willing to offer you the world today, that is only because his heart is pleased with you today, not forever. Third, in marriage, love is the foundation, but profit is also a good strategy. You may be kind to him but do not sacrifice yourself."

Wen Hui listened carefully to every word.

It was harsh to hear, making her cheeks burn.

It was utterly different from what she had been told before marriage, from the obedience and virtuous teachings advised by parents.

Gradually, Wen Hui nodded.

"I have noted all your words."

"Also..." Feng Yun’s eyes shone as she looked at her with a smile.

"No matter what, Changmen is always your maternal home."

Wen Hui’s eyes moistened, and she suddenly burst into tears.

"My lady, you are like my new parents; even if I let down the whole world, I will never let you down."

After Wen Hui left, Feng Yun slowly finished the tea in her cup, drank it down in one gulp, then called Xiaoman and whispered a few instructions in her ear.

Xiaoman’s eyes were filled with shock.

But she said nothing more, nodded, and left.

- 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

There was a fire in the backyard of He Qia’s house.

He had returned from the government office that day and informed the wife of the He Family that times were different now and that the He Family could not harbor this person for fear of displeasing Changmen.

The wife of the He Family immediately made a scene with him.

"I have already lowered myself by agreeing to let Dong’er marry that singer, what more do you want? The third lady may be down on her luck, but she’s still my family’s daughter of a noble house, a lady of good birth. She comes seeking refuge with her aunt; am I supposed to turn her away?"

He Qia was at a loss for words, his tone earnest as he spoke:

"My lady, my lady, that’s not the right way to see it. How long has it been since the third lady interacted with us before the Yang Family’s incident? Did she ever come to find her aunt after their troubles? Suddenly seeking refuge at such a critical moment, does that make any sense?"