Wen Hui eagerly went to the Longevity Hall to read the invitation. Upon entering the middle room, she noticed Wen Yan sitting motionless on the Arhat's bed.
"Aren't you coming with me to Grandma's place?" Wen Hui asked.
"I won't go," Wen Yan replied, "nor will I visit Uncle Shunping's Mansion."
Wen Hui's surprise intensified. "Why? They invited us with good intentions. How can we not go?"
Wen Yan sighed inwardly, knowing Wen Hui's thoughts. Their family had always tried to please Uncle Shunping's family, especially when it came to marriage.
Wen Yan stood up and asked, "Sister, why do you think Uncle Shunping's house invited us?"
Wen Hui replied honestly, "For marriage."
"Who do you think Uncle Shunping wants to see?" Wen Yan asked.
Wen Hui hesitated, understanding Wen Yan's implication. The invitation seemed to be for all three sisters, but it was actually for Wen Yan.
Wen Yan explained bluntly, "Second sister, I know you like Ji Zhu, but I won't cheat you. I've learned palace etiquette, and my presence would only draw attention and put you down."
Wen Hui's face flushed as she realized the truth. "Can't you just pretend..." she asked, her voice laced with disappointment.
Wen Yan shook her head. "I dare not pretend to be ignorant of etiquette. It would embarrass the princess."
Wen Hui nodded thoughtfully and sighed. "But I really want to go..."
"Go with Fourth Sister," Wen Yan suggested. "I'm still in mourning and can't visit other houses. It's a matter of etiquette."
Wen Hui clutched her veil, her thoughts racing. "What if..."
Wen Yan's words had extinguished her luck. Wen Hui sniffed back tears. "I'll listen to you and go see. I like him, but I won't be foolish."
After sending Wen Hui away, Wen Yan sat back on the Arhat bed, reflecting on her actions.
Sui Niang made some tea and said, "Miss, you're being patient today."
Wen Yan took a sip of hot tea. "I must show enough grace and leave escape routes for those who aren't enemies."
Aunt Huang entered and smiled. "Nature has its course. The girl has done her best."
Wen Yan laughed. "No, I'm no Bodhisattva. I just don't want to make unnecessary enemies."
That evening, Wen Yan visited Mrs. Gui, saying, "Grandma, I shouldn't go to Uncle Shunping's house."
Mrs. Gui pulled her close. "Why refuse?"
Wen Yan showed her plain clothes. "It's inappropriate to visit someone else's house."
Mrs. Gui understood, knowing Wen Yan's presence would draw unwanted attention.
"Let Sister Hui make an apology to Uncle Shunping's house for you," Mrs. Gui said. "When Sister Hui invites the girl from Uncle's house later, you can say goodbye."
Wen Yan agreed.
As expected, Wen Hui returned from Uncle Shunping's house in tears, throwing herself at Mrs. Gui's feet.