The Princess Wei Yang

100.2.Fearless and Invincible

Aftera brief exchange of words, Li Weiyang and Li Min De returned to theirrespective rooms. The next morning, even before the sky was lit, she was wokenup by Baizhi. "San Xiaojie, the new Furen is supposed to offer tea to Lao Furentoday."

LiWeiyang nodded. She washed up, got dressed, and after having a simplebreakfast, headed towards He Xiang Yuan.

Zhaoyuegave a whispered report. "Xiaojie, in the middle of the night, Jiu Yiniang saidshe felt uncomfortable and kept crying and whining. Her antics managed to lureLaoye away."

LiWeiyang froze in her steps, seeming shocked into silence. She broke out into asmile moments later. "How did the blushing bride react?"

"Well...what happened was unprecedented. Everyone thought that the new Furen would beangry, but who would have expected her to change out of her bridal gown andbring gifts personally to visit Jiu Yiniang? She even summoned a physician forher in the middle of the night... So afterwards, everyone said that Jiu Yiniangwas spoilt and proud, and that she had gone overboard. The new Furen however,is magnanimous and kind enough to tolerate her!"

LiWeiyang did not stop walking, but she began to form a sliver of hesitationtowards Jiang Yuelan. If it had been any other newlywed bride, she would havecried and made a fuss, but she actually went to visit her rival personally;this type of generosity was overwhelming.

Fromthe other side, Mozhu piped up quietly. "Who knows if she's just acting?"

"Evenif it was an act, would you be able to do it if it was you in her place?" LiWeiyang answered with a smile.

Mozhuwas tongue tied, and she could not bring herself to say yes. Everyone knew whatwas the right thing to do, but did not have that kind of tolerance to performit. A legitimate Furen could lower her esteemed status to treat a concubine;such an eye-opener. This Jiang Yuelan, if she was not truly compassionate, itwould mean that her cunning went deeper than anyone knew.

AsHe Xiang Yuan drew nearer, it was obvious that many people had flocked there;one could hear their laughter drifting from miles again. Li Weiyang's stepswere steady and sure as she walked in lightly.

JiangYuelan was dressed in an embroidered scarlet gown, her silky dark hair adornedwith a gold hair accessory and combed into an updo marking her as a marriedwoman. She looked more radiant and beautiful than she did yesterday night. LiXiaoran was next to her, wearing deep green robe and sitting up straight andtall. He looked imposing and strong.

Abright smile lit up Li Weiyang's face, and after curtseying to her elders, shestood to the side, joining Li Changxiao.

AfterJiang Yuelan offered the customary cup of tea to Lao Furen, she was gifted witha generous red packet, and a rare smile from her usually stern face. "You'veentered the Li Residence and is part of our family now, so I hope that you willtake care of everyone here, as well as play your role in expanding it. If thereis anything you're not used to, you can tell me. If there is anything you need,you can also tell Luo Mama..." Her words were simple, but it held volumes.

JiangYuelan made a sound of assent, but she seemed like she suddenly had a thoughtand turned to look at Li Xiaoran, a faint blush staining her cheeks and lookingvery shy. It seems like they had managed to complete their consummation, aftervisiting Jiu Yiniang yesterday night. As such unfillal thoughts went throughher mind, Li Weiyang couldn't help but feel slightly awed by this new Furen. Itwas indeed Jiu Yiniang's fault for not knowing her own place, even if she was afavoured concubine. Jiang Yuelan maintained her docile and gentle smilethroughout, and even when she locked eyes with Li Weiyang, her gaze was calm,with no trace of emotion except warmth and friendliness. It made Li Weiyangfeel as if she was too devious and sly; she was the perfect image of a graciousand gentle stepmother!