Mrs. Gui comforted Wen Yan with a gentle pat on the hand. "The truth is clear; no need to argue right or wrong."
As Mr. Cao returned, Mrs. Gui asked, "What did you say yesterday?"
Mrs. Cao recounted her encounter with Mrs. Bo, exchanging polite words to maintain harmony. "Last time, Mrs. Bo said something unpleasant. We were both embarrassed, so we just exchanged a few polite words."
"It's obviously coming into autumn, yet it's still so hot!" Mrs. Cao added. "I took my niece back home from Zhuangzi. Sister Yan came to see my uncle and his wife. It's time for us to go back. Let's meet again next time."
Mrs. Cao's words seemed routine, but she knew Uncle Shunping's sudden interest was unexpected. The Wen family's decline made Mrs. Gui eager to secure a favorable marriage. Uncle Shunping's Mansion represented a desirable alliance.
Wen Hui protested, "Grandma, I'm the one who likes Ji Zhu. Why must this marriage be Wen Yan's?"
Mrs. Gui chastised Wen Hui, "A girl shouldn't speak like that. Uncle Shunping's house requested this marriage for Sister Yan, not the other way around."
Mrs. Cao intervened, preventing Wen Hui from saying more. "Speaking of which, Brother Nazhu seemed to be on the carriage yesterday. I vaguely saw his figure, but they didn't show any courtesy."
Mrs. Gui didn't comment on the etiquette breach and instead asked Wen Yan, "What do you think?"
Wen Yan expressed her thoughts, "As a junior, I should listen to my grandmother regarding marriage. However, considering the changing circumstances, I think it's wiser to decide earlier. My parents are very filial, and it's only been one year since their passing. You asked me to negotiate a marriage with his family, but what if they change their minds?"
Wen Yan continued, "If you want to get married, you should marry your second sister. She likes Ji Zhu; isn't that great?"
Wen Hui felt uneasy under Wen Yan's gentle gaze.
Wen Yan replied to Wen Hui's inquiry, "Is it okay if you like Ji Zhu?"
Wen Yan recalled Ji Zhu's troubled past and Uncle Shunping's likely motivations.
Mrs. Gui considered her granddaughters and nodded to Mrs. Cao, who escorted Wen Hui and Wen Jing away.
Once they left, Mrs. Gui confided in Wen Yan, "Since your parents are gone, grandma must prioritize you."
Wen Yan smiled, knowing Wen Hui's prospects were slim.
Wen Yan shared information about Huo Yixiao, the third prince's companion and rumored biological son of the emperor.
Mrs. Gui's eyes widened, acknowledging the significance.
"Wen Yan, have you heard of Huo Yixiao?" Mrs. Gui asked.
"The rumors are true," Wen Yan replied.
Mrs. Gui took a deep breath, aware of the implications. The Wen family's connection to the emperor's biological son could secure their future.
Wen Yan's words hung in the air, filled with unspoken implications.