After Jiang Mingwei finished speaking, the people who were with her didn’t dare to answer for a long time. Finally, Jiang Mingwei’s friends smiled, and said one after another: “Yes, although Prince An pampers Princess An, they never even met each other before they got married. They can never be compared to Prince Jin and Mingwei, who have a deep connection."
"Yes, in my opinion, it’s better to get married like Ming Wei. They both have feelings for each other and have common hobbies, they can have a great time reading poetry together. After all, if the husband doesn’t care about his wife and just throws a bunch of money for her to spend, how can that be good?"
"I agree with you. Ming Wei and her husband have a good relationship with each other, and they keep the manor in good order. Even all her relatives, friends and elders are praising Ming Wei. Ming Wei, what’s your secret, why don't you teach us?"
……
The other wives, who were not from Jian An Lane, exchanged gazes as they all raised their eyebrows and smiled, they didn’t chime in the conversation anymore.
What sore spot was this of hers, that made her react as so? If it was really like what Jiang Mingwei had said, that she didn't care at all, why did she have to explain herself?
Was she trying to persuade herself or the others?
After their combined effort, Jiang Mingwei's expression gradually looked better, and everyone knew that it was about to be okay. Someone was curious and asked: "Princess Jin, I heard that you often go to Prince An's Manor?"
"Yes." Jiang Mingwei replied. Actually it wasn’t that often, it was way less than what they had in mind. Especially since Jiang Mingwei had fallen ill recently, she had even more so of a reason to not “greet” them anymore. However, Mu Mingtang never comes out to socialize, and outsiders don't really know the actual situation. Isn't it all up to Jiang Mingwei’s words?
Jiang Mingwei said: "The officials are very worried about the second brother's condition, so they asked us to drop by from time to time. The prince emphasises on being filial piety, and he has great respect for his brother. No matter how busy he was, he would for sure drop by in person to ask about his brother’s condition.”
"Prince Jin and Princess Jin are so filial." Everyone praised them, but Jiang Mingwei’s expression stayed firm, and she acted humble. One of the ladies then said: "Since Princess Jin often meets with Princess An, how is she in person?"
Jiang Mingwei didn’t know what to say to that, she didn't expect the topic to change into this direction. Jiang Mingwei covered her mouth with her handkerchief, and said vaguely: "This……it’s hard to say. After all, she’s my elder, so it’s not nice for me to gossip about her."
"Oh, is it?" The lady who was speaking murmured in a low voice, and then said, "I am ashamed to say that I have not met Princess An before. I’m planning to hold a banquet at my place in a few days, would she be willing to come? I have no connections with Princess An, so it’s not nice of me to hastily visit her. Hopefully Princess Jin could help me with this. I thank you for your kind gesture.
Upon hearing her words, Jiang Mingwei couldn’t refuse her request, and could only agree to it. After the lady threw an invitation towards Mu Mingtang, it didn't take long for the others to follow suit, and the invitations all found their way towards the An Manor.
Mu Mingtang was so famous that everyone in the capital couldn’t even pretend that they didn't know who she was. She spent huge amounts of money, and often bought over empty buildings, this made people very curious about her. It's just that Mu Mingtang always stayed home and seldom showed herself. The more mysterious she was, the more curious the other people were.
As soon as someone started this topic, the invitations swarmed in immediately. There were flower gazing, garden strolls, temple visits……Many different activities were suggested.
Mu Mingtang walked in the room while carrying a fruit plate and found that the whole hall was quiet. She walked all the way to the west room and saw Xie Xuanchen standing in front of the window, he was looking at the trees outside. Upon hearing the noise, he turned around and saw that Mu Mingtang was startled for a moment: "Why are you still here?"
Mu Mingtang didn't understand his words. She placed the fruit plate on the ebony wooden table and asked: "If I'm not supposed to be here, where should I be?”