The Husband I Snatched Is Not Right!

Chapter 498 - 495: Full and Restless?

Yu Tingwan had done her homework before coming, recognizing the portraits of all the female guests. With every madam and lady registering, she was able to converse effortlessly.

The Fifth Princess Consort watched from the side, looking ready to grind her teeth to pieces.

Yu Tingwan ignored her and spoke to the woman closest to her.

"I heard the good news that Mrs. Liu’s daughter-in-law is pregnant."

Being mentioned made Mrs. Liu very nervous.

Her husband had just been promoted and transferred to Shangjing for official duties two months ago. Although their family had settled in, they were still unfamiliar with the place.

In Shangjing, there were circles for noble families, and among noblewomen, there were even more exclusive circles.

She had no acquaintances and had always felt out of place, unable to fit in.

Unexpectedly, the General’s wife actually knew her!

She hastily spoke up, "Yes."

"I originally intended for her to come along and increase her knowledge by meeting the other madams, but unfortunately, she caught a chill last night, so I didn’t dare let her go out."

Yu Tingwan replied warmly, "Don’t be nervous. I’m not blaming you. Her health is the priority."

"With a caring mother-in-law like you, it’s a blessing for her."

After speaking, she seemed to think of something, "I just wonder if the Fifth Princess Consort would mind?"

Her tone was dripping with sarcasm.

Fifth Princess Consort: ...

They say you’re ignorant, yet you know whose territory you’re stepping on.

But if you’re aware of etiquette, is it really your place to act like the shopkeeper here?

Her face stiffened.

"No, I wouldn’t."

"That’s good then."

Yu Tingwan: "I may not have given birth myself, but I know carrying a child is not easy. One must take good care of their health. I remember the Fifth Princess Consort has a few wild ginsengs. I wonder if she would be willing to part with them?"

Mrs. Liu was flattered, "This... how could I possibly accept?"

The Fifth Princess Consort was inexplicably led by the nose.

But with so many eyes watching.

"Just a few ginsengs, it’s nothing."

Mrs. Liu was grateful.

"Thank you, Fifth Princess Consort!"

The Fifth Princess Consort presented herself graciously, "No problem."

Mrs. Liu: "Thank you, Young Madam Wei!"

Fifth Princess Consort???

Why are you thanking her?

Mrs. Liu: "Young Madam Wei is indeed as kind-hearted as rumored."

With her praise.

Yu Tingwan’s eyes curved into a smile.

The crowd followed suit and began to praise as well.

Compliments flowed like pearls, one after the other.

As if they couldn’t praise Yu Tingwan enough.

A few noble madams sensed something was amiss, the Fifth Princess Consort’s cold gaze fixated on Yu Tingwan, unable to hide the gloom in her eyes.

They didn’t think deeply.

It was indeed because the Fifth Princess Consort’s usual style wasn’t commendable.

So obviously, the fault lay with the Fifth Princess Consort.

Yes.

No one suspected Yu Tingwan of making trouble for nothing, deliberately irritating people.

Who in their right mind would do such a thankless task?

Yu Tingwan smiled slightly.

"Ladies, please don’t over-praise me. You all came here today, isn’t it with hearts for the world, selflessly contributing?"

The crowd froze.

Fell into an awkward silence.

Who’s thinking for the world?

The noble families, though grand in name, often had tight finances.

Outwardly appearing wealthy with extravagant households, but internally budgeting every formality carefully.

Apart from preparing dowries for their children’s marriages, even the monthly provisions and salaries for hundreds of servants were significant expenses.

Even the cookmaids knew the more lavish the banquet seemed, the louder the abacus in the accounting room would be tomorrow.

They were just women, how could they care for others?

Coming here was merely due to the Fifth Princess Consort’s invitation.

They didn’t dare refuse.

Grumbling inside, yet before coming, they still put up a facade, bringing plenty of gold, silver, and jewels, fearing giving too little would make them look bad.

Yu Tingwan observed all their expressions.

"Even though you ask for nothing in return, the Empress Dowager is very invested in this donation, and I will take the registered book to the palace for her review."

"It’ll give her peace of mind knowing our men are dedicated in the court, and the women of the rear courts are equally unwavering."

Everyone: ???

The donation suddenly made sense.

Their spirits lifted, eyes brightened.

The Fifth Princess Consort couldn’t bear it anymore.

"General’s wife."

"Since I’m here, there’s no need for you to worry about such matters."

Taking her credit, what for?

Got nothing better to do?

"Someone, help the General’s wife up."

The waiting older women and maids seized the Fifth Princess Consort’s command.

As the words just fell, they moved in unison.

Yet, before they could approach Yu Tingwan, or before Tan Jiang could intervene, Gu Wu suddenly stood up, slamming the table heavily.

With a bang.

"Who dares to touch my sister."

Shen Zhiyi chuckled.

"Why jump up?"

"The Fifth Princess Consort has a noble status, what’s the harm in touching Yu Tingwan? Yu Tingwan is just a minister’s wife, she can only endure."

Gu Wu couldn’t accept that.

Her sister could endure, but she couldn’t.

"If not for knowing sister was here today, I would have been unwilling to come!"

"The Gu Family has multiple granaries, delivering grain by the cartload to the disaster areas these days. It’s unnecessary to go through the Fifth Princess Consort to do good deeds."

She sneered.

"Duke Shun Mansion also has connections, having sent many to the disaster areas to distribute porridge. It’s just sister’s good nature, insisting on coming here, unwilling to embarrass the Fifth Princess Consort."

"Yet the Fifth Princess Consort is so good at ridiculing her!"

"What is this? Even if you’re a royal daughter-in-law, you shouldn’t treat the Young Madam of Duke Shun Mansion like a lackey, summoning and dismissing at will, right?"

Gu Wu was very angry.

"Sister, let’s go."

"After all the bustle, we still end up being disliked."

Saying this, she pulled Yu Tingwan up.

Shen Zhiyi stood up.

"If you leave, then I should leave too."

She precisely picked out the boxes containing treasures and silver notes brought by Yu Tingwan, Gu Wu, and herself from the ’small mountain’ pile.

She spoke to Yu Tingwan.

"I’ll give you Duke Zhongyong Mansion’s portion later, just dispose of it accordingly."

Shen Zhiyi even called out to Mrs. Shen in the crowd.

"Mother, give me yours too. I have my ways, no need to trouble the Fifth Princess Consort."

This was completely unforeseen.

Many present felt itchy to follow suit.

While sipping tea and yet to register, Marchioness Ning stood up and slightly bowed to the Fifth Princess Consort.

"I take my leave."

She walked towards Yu Tingwan.

"Haven’t seen your mother-in-law in a long time; I’ll visit her at your mansion."

As she moved.

The women related to Gu Fuju and Jiasan rose as well, bowing to the Fifth Princess Consort.

"I take my leave."

Some had registered, and Shen Zhiyi helped retrieve their boxes for them.

Lu Shiyin, holding Mrs. Lu’s arm, whispered, "Mother, how about we also..."

Mrs. Lu shook her head at her.

The Lu Family had fallen, and they did not have the confidence to stand against the Fifth Princess Consort.

The Fifth Princess Consort was astonished repeatedly.

Seeing these people leave just as they said, she couldn’t care about anything else.

Ruining this and damaging her reputation, how would she explain to Ying Yin?

She hurried to catch up, lowering her status.

"Everyone."

"Even if Young Madam Wei didn’t mention it, I had intended to write up a list."

"It’s all just a misunderstanding."

"I did not make things difficult for the General’s wife, she is a guest after all, how could I make her toil unnecessarily."