Wen Yan's return to Ding'an Marquis Mansion stirred up a whirlwind of emotions. Mrs. Gui, her grandmother, was known for her kind heart, but her true nature was complex. As Ms. Cao, her daughter-in-law, observed, Mrs. Gui's heart was not evil, but she persevered in her pursuit of kindness.
Wen Yan's words had touched Mrs. Gui's sensitive spot. Despite her reservations, Mrs. Gui couldn't bring herself to express displeasure openly. "You kid is going to feel sorry for the bad old lady!" she exclaimed, softening her tone.
Wen Yan's eyes sparkled as she showed her grandmother the weight she had lost. Mrs. Gui squinted, studying her granddaughter. They had spent less than a month together, and Wen Yan's temperament was still a mystery.
As they conversed, Mrs. Gui instructed the servants to prepare Wen Yan's yard, Xiyuan. The courtyard, once a symbol of luxury, had been divided and sold in Wen Yan's previous life. But now, it was hers again, albeit unfamiliar.
Sui Niang, her loyal maid, poured water for Wen Yan and whispered, "Do you really plan to return to Beijing?" Wen Yan's determination was palpable. "It's possible," she replied, her eyes gleaming with resolve.
Sui Niang's concern was evident. "But girl, can you really go back?" Wen Yan pressed her maid's shoulder reassuringly. "Not long after, the censor who patrols Jiangnan will arrive in Lin'an City." Sui Niang didn't understand the connection but trusted Wen Yan's judgment.
The next day, Wen Yan paid her respects to Mrs. Gui in Changshou Hall. The atmosphere was tense, with Mrs. Cao, Wen Hui, and Wen Jing present. Mrs. Gui asked Wen Yan about her stay in the village and her comfort in Xiyuan.
As the conversation flowed, Mrs. Cao observed the dynamics between Mrs. Gui and Wen Yan. She noted the old lady's warmth and Wen Yan's responsiveness. The scene was a stark contrast to the tension that had once filled the mansion.
Wen Hui grew restless, exchanging glances with Wen Jing. Mrs. Cao intervened, suggesting that Wen Yan must be hungry. "Old madam, perhaps Sister Yan hasn't had breakfast yet?"
Mrs. Gui nodded, and the tension eased. "Let's have breakfast together. Sui Niang, bring the food here." As they sat down to eat, the air was filled with an unspoken understanding: the game of power and loyalty had begun.
Mrs. An, Wen Yan's third aunt, sat on the footrest of the Luohan bed, holding a beauty beater in her hand. Her presence was a reminder of Mrs. Gui's reliance on her.
Wen Yan's thoughts drifted to her past life, where she had been powerless. But now, she was determined to rewrite her fate. The benefactor and enemy were both in Beijing, and she was ready to face them head-on.
As they finished breakfast, Mrs. Gui patted Wen Yan's hand. "You're tired. Rest for now." Wen Yan smiled, knowing that her grandmother's words concealed a deeper meaning. The intricate dance of loyalty and power had only just begun.