By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

Chapter 53 Pei Rujing: Do you need any help?

Zhao Hongrong arrived at the lobby under the guidance of the butler.

Upon seeing the father and his sons in the main hall, Zhao Hongrong felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that today would not be good.

But the Duke of Zhao forced him to come, and he had no choice but to come, as this was his in-laws' family, and he had to get past this hurdle.

Zhao Hongrong took a deep breath and stepped in: "Your son-in-law greets your father-in-law."

Wen Chuanhong nodded: "Please sit down."

Now Wen Chuanhong sits in the main seat, Wen Zongren and Wen Zongqi sit to his left and right respectively, Wen Zongjing sits next to Wen Zongren, and Wen Zongji sits next to Wen Zongqi.

Normally, Wen Zongqi's position should have been given to Zhao Hongrong, who was his son-in-law.

But now, not only is it not reserved, but even the seat next to it has been taken by Wen Zongji.

Seeing that neither of them intended to get up and give him their seats, Zhao Hongrong suppressed his displeasure and sat down next to Wen Zongji.

Forcing a smile, she said, "I was too busy with Third Brother's wedding last time, and I didn't have a chance to talk to him much. How about we go to Wangchun Tower for a drink sometime?"

The reason he came to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence today is because the man in front of him married Princess Anhe.

After all, anyone who isn't blind could see the Crown Prince's favor towards the Marquis of Zhongyong's family at the palace banquet.

Wen Zongji said calmly, "Your Highness knows that I need to prepare for next year's imperial examination and I'm afraid I won't have time to leave the manor."

Zhao Hongrong smiled and said, "I certainly won't disturb Third Brother's studies. We can get together after the imperial examination."

Wen Zongji remained silent.

Zhao Hongrong added, "I am Shuxuan's husband and also Third Brother's brother-in-law. Third Brother can just call me Hongrong. The title 'Young Master' is too formal. We are family."

puff-

Wen Zongqi couldn't help but sneer.

Zhao Hongrong's expression changed slightly, but fortunately he had anticipated this scene before he arrived, and his expression softened again: "I also took the imperial examination back then, and my ranking was not bad. My family still has the notes from back then. I had someone send them to my third brother. It would be good if they could help in some way."

Zhao Hongrong was indeed quite good, ranking among the top two in the class.

He had served as a probationary official in the Hanlin Academy for three years, but his performance in the final examination was not rated as first-class, so he went to work in the Censorate.

Wen Zongji refused directly: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but my father has already given me the notes."

Zhao Hongrong chuckled, "My father-in-law is the Vice Minister of Rites; I can't compare to him."

Then, the lobby fell silent, and the atmosphere became very oppressive.

On the day of the son-in-law's return to his parents' home, he is usually warmly received.

Just like when Zhao Hongrong visited two years ago, Wen Chuanhong treated him very gently, and Wen Zongren also asked him for advice on his experience as a junior official. The atmosphere was lively and harmonious.

What about now?

Zhao Hongrong was restless and unable to get up and leave, which was even more agonizing than being in prison.

As for the Wen family father and sons, the fact that they didn't hurl insults at him was already a sign of great restraint.

……

Seiin

While Zhao Hongrong was sitting pacing restlessly in the front yard, Wen Shuxuan carried Rou'er to the main courtyard, where all the women of the Marquis's mansion were gathered.

Upon seeing Wen Shuxuan, Madam Jiang's eyes immediately reddened: "Xuan'er—"

Wen Shuxuan, gentle and quiet, handed Rou'er to Jiang Shi: "Rou'er said yesterday that she missed her maternal grandmother."

Rou-jie immediately called out softly, "Grandmother."

Madam Jiang quickly said to her daughter, "Oh, my darling, your grandmother has been looking forward to your visit for so long. Xuan'er, your father said you'll be staying at home for a few days this time."

Wen Shuxuan's eyes flickered slightly as she suppressed the surging emotions within her: "Okay."

Granny Shi hurriedly said, "This old servant will arrange for someone to go back and pack Miss and Rou'er's clothes and send them over."

Wen Shuxuan raised her hand: "No rush."

Granny Shi responded, her joy undiminished.

Wen Shuxuan looked at Madam Zhong: "Sister-in-law, how have you been lately?"

At this moment, Wen Ge'er had already approached Jiang Shi and was whispering to the new sister.

Looking at her sister-in-law, Madam Zhong said with some emotion, "Everything is fine. Now that we have this opportunity, let's have a good chat."

After she married into the family, Wen Shuxuan was also preparing for her own wedding, so the two didn't have much time to spend together.

However, Chung had met Wen Shuxuan at previous gatherings.

In her heart, Wen Shuxuan was worthy of her status as the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's family. She was calm, kind, and considerate, and had the demeanor of a matriarch.

Unfortunately—

Wen Shuxuan nodded: "Okay."

Then, Wen Shuxuan's gaze fell on Pei Rujing, and she chuckled, "Should I address her as County Princess, or as Third Sister-in-law?"

Pei Rujing looked up at her, her back straight, and she adopted the serious demeanor of a sister-in-law: "You are my husband's sister, so naturally you should call me sister-in-law."

Looking at the woman before her with clear eyes, youthful yet trying to appear mature, Wen Shuxuan curtsied and said, "Little sister greets Third Sister-in-law."

Pei Rujing nodded and glanced at Granny Feng.

Granny Feng immediately presented the gift: "Eldest Aunt, this is a gift prepared for you by the County Princess."

The gift was carefully selected by Granny Feng: a bracelet made of the finest jade, crystal clear and elegantly radiant.

Wen Shuxuan accepted it: "Thank you, Third Sister-in-law."

Pei Rujing tilted her head to look at her: "Do you need any help?"

Wen Shuxuan paused, looking at her with a puzzled expression.

"I can have my second brother beat up Zhao Hongrong."

Upon hearing this, everyone present changed their expressions. They had deliberately avoided mentioning Zhao Hongrong, but now Pei Rujing had exposed their facade of peace.

Jiang and the others immediately looked at Wen Shuxuan with concern.

Wen Shuxuan's expression didn't change much. She stood there, proud and independent, and asked with great interest, "Why is Third Sister-in-law helping me?"

Pei Rujing casually replied, "I find you more pleasing to the eye."

Wen Shuxuan's smile deepened: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Third Sister-in-law."

This was a plea for Pei Rujing's help.

Pei Rujing waved her hand: "No trouble at all. My second brother is very skilled at this. A few days ago, An Guanglu was beaten so badly that he dared not go out, but he couldn't find any fault with my second brother."

Everyone: "..."

Looking at Pei Rujing's slightly smug expression, is there anything to be proud of?

Pei Rujing rested her chin on her hand: "How far do you want it to go?"

Wen Shuxuan asked in surprise, "You can still choose?"

Pei Rujing: "Of course. Since I'm going to help you, I'll naturally help you to your satisfaction."

Wen Shuxuan pondered carefully.

Everyone: "..."

Are you really thinking about this seriously?

Wen Shuxuan said, "I would like to break his legs, but he is, after all, the heir of the Duke of Zhao. It would be bad if things got too out of hand. So let's just swell up his face instead."

Everyone who heard this felt a chill run down their spines.

Pei Rujing nodded: "No problem."

Thus, the matter of teaching Zhao Hongrong a lesson was settled between the two of them.

Jiang knew that this was not a rational thing to do, but when she thought about the humiliation Zhao Hongrong had caused Wen Shuxuan over the past two years, she didn't want to say anything.

She was the mistress of the Marquis of Zhongyong's household, but she was also a mother.

Hearing their conversation, Wen Shuyu stared intently at Pei Rujing, her eyes sparkling.

My sister-in-law is amazing!

If she is bullied after she gets married, will her sister-in-law help her?

For a moment, Wen Shuyu felt that getting married wasn't so scary after all.