Chapter 203: Winner (1)

This chapter has been stolen from volarenovels. Please read from the original source!

When Matriarch He came out of the side hall with Chu Lian supporting her at one side, a handmaid who had been watching from the shadows quietly left.

Lady Pan caught sight of Matriarch He first, walking with her two granddaughters-in-law behind her. She came over with a friendly smile and walked up to Matriarch Hes side, bobbing in greeting. Matriarch He was about to return the greeting, but was held up by Lady Pan.

Matriarch He, youre already at a grand age, please dont stand on ceremony with me. I dont see Countess Jingan with you today; how is her health now?

Matriarch Hes expression didnt change, as if they hadnt panicked over losing their round cakes just moments earlier. With a calm expression, she amiably replied, I thank you for your kind thoughts in place of my daughter-in-law, Lady Pan. Her body is still a little weak, so she sent a reply to the palace a few days ago, explaining that she couldnt make it to the banquet.

Lady Pans gaze casually passed over the two ladies standing behind Matriarch He before focusing on Chu Lians young and tender face. Her smile grew even warmer. This lady behind you must be your newest granddaughter-in-law?

She is. Sanlangs wife may be young, but shes very sensible.

Following Matriarch Hes words, Chu Lian bobbed in greeting to Lady Pan.

The smile on Lady Pans face hadnt budged an inch. What great fortune you have, Matriarch He. Your granddaughter-in-law is a sensible one, and shes also a lady from House Ying. It wont be too long before youll get to play with a great-grandson, then.

Lady Pans sudden shift in topic caused the expressions of the three madams from House Jingan to change.

Noting the fertility of the ladies of House Ying was a slight to Chu Lian. Mentioning a great-grandson was to provoke Madam Zou, who hadnt produced a heir for the family line yet. Saying that it wouldnt be too long now was slapping both Chu Lian and Matriarch He in the face.

In the entire capital, who didnt know of the news that House Jingans He Sanlang had entered the army just three days after his marriage? Without her husband at home, what did it mean if the wife was suddenly pregnant?

This Lady Pan, who seemingly hadnt done any wrong on the surface, was actually a master of provocation.

Matriarch He was more experienced on this end. After a spark of rage had passed through her eyes, she quickly regained her calm. Lady Pan, youre usually closed up in your estate. You probably dont know that that unfilial grandson of mine has already left to join the army at the northern border.

Shock appeared on Lady Pans face, and she quickly tried to apologise. Matriarch He, it was my bad for that slip of the tongue. I hope you dont blame me. Who could have expected He Sanlang to be so resolute in leaving? Unless Her gaze shot towards Chu Lian, leaving the nonverbal accusation to hang in the air. It was clear by her actions that Lady Pan harboured some bad intentions towards them.

Since their parties had been conversing for quite awhile, some of the madams were starting to shoot casual glances in their direction. Although nothing showed on their faces, their ears were keenly tuned to the slightest inflection as they tried to catch every word of Matriarch He and Lady Pans conversation. Their eyes shone like vultures, seeking to scavenge some gossip.

Lady Pan was trying to put the blame for He Changdis leaving on this newlywed wife of his. Although she hadnt finished her sentence, anyone with a brain could tell what she was trying to get at.

Madam Zou lowered her head. Although Lady Pan was provoking House Jingan right now, she didnt feel anger at all. Actually, it was the complete opposite- she felt delighted!

Lady Pan happened to cross gazes with Chu Lian and was abruptly stunned by what she saw. Chu Lians wide, clear eyes were looking right back at her without any hint of anger, as if she wasnt the subject of her provocation at all. What Lady Pan had done was akin to tossing a bucket of icy water into a bamboo basket. The icy water didnt affected the basket one bit, and had actually slipped through the seams like the basket was no more than a sieve, making Lady Pan feel like she had failed to do any damage at all.

The two-faced Lady Pan hadnt made Chu Lian angry, but had conversely suffered some frustration herself. She stared at Chu Lian as she continued to say, Now that He Sanlang has joined the army at the northern border, if he doesnt accrue some sort of achievement, hell only be able to return in five years. What a waste of Honoured Lady Jinyis best years.

Chu Lian found all this rather funny. What was going on? Why was everyone targeting her? This was the first time she had ever met Lady Pan. The Pan Estate was also ranks above her, so she couldnt have possibly encountered them before marriage either. Why was Lady Pan suddenly at odds with her?

Could it be because of Chu Qizhengs visit to the Pan Estate?

When she thought of this, Chu Lians expression turned dark.

She didnt ask for her fathers love, but he shouldnt be dragging her down, either!

Many thanks for Lady Pans kind thoughts. My husband is extremely fortunate, so hell surely have a lucky turn of events. Chu Lian threw her neutral reply back at Lady Pan. She was too lazy to beat around the bush with this Lady Pan and couldnt be bothered to form a more politically correct response. That Lady Pan was already trying to bully her, wasnt she allowed to throw something back?

Chu Lian wasnt someone who liked to hold grudges. She would rather give as good as she got on the spot.

Lady Pan choked on that response. That everlasting smile on her face also slowly disappeared. She tossed one last cold sentence at Chu Lian. I didnt expect Honoured Lady Jinyi to be so open-minded!

Chu Lian tilted her head to one side and gave a dazzlingly bright smile to Lady Pan.

Lady Pans tempo had been completely messed up by Chu Lians unexpected reply. She suddenly gave a furtive smile. Matriarch He, I havent seen your estates round cakes. Whats going on? Are you trying to deceive the Empress Dowager?

Matriarch He sent a look at Chu Lian, who held up an exquisite container and showed it off to Lady Pan. Thank you for reminding me of the round cakes, Lady Pan. I have to present them now, please excuse me.

After she said so, Chu Lian took the round cakes and her maidservants with her to greet the Empress Dowager.