Mrs. Gui's warm demeanor belied her sharp wit. She dispatched Mrs. Cao to greet the arriving guests, ensuring no embarrassment to her daughter-in-law. Meanwhile, Wen Hui's distraction earned a gentle reprimand from Mrs. Gui.
"Wen Hui, please join your sisters in the Bisha cupboard. Don't think your grandmother isn't doing her best." Wen Hui's face paled as she nodded.
Inside the cupboard, Wen Yan sat beside Wen Jing, leaving space for Wen Hui. However, Wen Hui lingered by the partition, lost in thought. Wen Yan whispered to Wen Jing, "I didn't mean to miss you yesterday; I was resting." Wen Jing smiled kindly but remained silent, glancing at Wen Hui.
As the guests arrived, Mrs. Gui inquired about their visit. The younger brother-in-law's wife hesitated, "It's about what happened last time... My mother-in-law regrets refusing your proposal." Mrs. Gui's curiosity was piqued.
The conversation revealed that Mrs. Gui had previously suggested marrying Wen Hui to Shun Ping's house, but Wen Hui had refused, causing tension. Now, Shun Ping's house sought to marry Wen Yan instead.
Wen Hui's emotions seesawed as she eavesdropped. Her smile froze, and she glared at Wen Yan.
Mrs. Gui and Mrs. Cao exchanged surprised glances. "Sister Yan?" they echoed.
Outside, Mrs. Gui calmly stated, "Sister Yan's accomplishments are impeccable, but her family's situation... You must consider your brother's future carefully." The uncle's wife nodded, "We hope for stability and security."
As the conversation concluded, Mrs. Cao checked on Wen Hui, finding her distraught. After the guests departed, Wen Hui confronted Mrs. Gui.
"Grandma..." Wen Hui's voice trembled.
Mrs. Gui pondered Shunping's sudden interest in Wen Yan. She distrusted Mrs. Shun Ping, recalling past slights.
"Wen Yan, do you know Uncle Shunping's Mansion?" Mrs. Gui asked.
Wen Yan nodded. "I met his wife yesterday."
"By chance?" Wen Hui's skepticism earned a calm response from Wen Yan.
"I greeted her politely. Why would I ignore her?" Wen Yan's words sparked tension.
Wen Hui choked, her face reddening. Mrs. Gui intervened, gesturing for Wen Yan to sit beside her.
As they sat, Mrs. Gui reflected on Shunping's motives. Was it mere coincidence, or did they have ulterior reasons for seeking Wen Yan's hand?
The air was thick with unspoken questions, and Wen Yan's fate hung precariously in the balance.
Mrs. Gui's thoughts lingered on the past, when Taifu Xia's reputation had earned him superficial kindness. However, since his passing, Mrs. Shun Ping had shown no regard for the Gui family.
Mrs. Gui's eyes narrowed. What did Shunping's house truly want??