Born of the Second Wife

Threshold of Thorns: A Concubine’s Children at the Manor Gates（2）

Yu Xinlan heard this clearly in the carriage. Her heart sank slightly, and she was no longer as relaxed as before. Looking at her mother's face now, she could see a bit of melancholy. She somewhat understood why her mother had been so worried before. It seemed that they were really not welcome.

The Yu Mansion covered an area of about twenty mu. Its layout was simple yet elegant, with pavilions, terraces, towers, bamboo groves, and winding paths. Mrs. Wen, her three children, Zhang Shen, and Jin'er followed behind Chen Houjia's. It took them over an hour to reach the outside of the main hall of the main courtyard as it got completely dark.

In the main courtyard, only a pretty little maid was standing at the door of the main hall. Chen Houjia's asked Mrs. Wen and the others to wait on the bluestone path under the steps. She herself went to the door and whispered a few words to the little maid. The little maid then slipped into the room.

Chen Houjia's then came down the steps and said to Mrs. Wen, "Biyu has gone to report. Someone will announce you later. I still have tasks to attend to, so I must be off." With that, she left without looking back.

For a moment, the courtyard was quiet and dark. Only the long shadows of Mrs. Wen and her servants, which were cast by the lanterns, and their gentle breathing could be seen and heard.

It was mid - February. During the day, the spring was bright and beautiful, but at night, it was bitterly cold. The few people stood as straight as pine trees, without even a hand - warmer. Soon, their fingertips felt icy cold.

After waiting for half an hour without being called in, Yu Xinlan thought to herself that the mistress was really good at showing her power. She not only made them walk until their feet hurt, but also made them stand until their legs were sore. The mistress's actions were understandable, but she had already sent someone to report to her father. Why wasn't there any sign of him? Wasn't he in the mansion?

She glanced at Yu Xinrui, whose little face looked tired. She thought to herself that her brother was only ten years old and couldn't be exhausted like this.

Just as Yu Xinlan was about to pretend to faint, a decent maid in her late teens, wearing a stone - blue patterned brocade cotton - padded jacket, lifted the door curtain and invited them in with a smile.

Yu Xinlan followed her mother with her head bowed and eyes downcast. Through the cover of her bangs, she secretly sized up Master Yu and his wife sitting on the main seats.

Master Yu had handsome features, a fair complexion, and a beard. He was extremely elegant. Even though he was wearing casual home clothes, his mature male charm was hard to hide. Yu Xinlan was quite surprised. Her father was actually a handsome middle - aged man. Lady Wang was beautiful and noble, and well - maintained. However, her eyes were too cold, and she didn't seem easy to get along with. Next to Lady Wang sat two young ladies. They were probably the two legitimate daughters of Lady Wang. The older one was gentle, quiet, and very beautiful. She should be the third young lady, Yu Mei. The younger one was cute and naive. She should be the fourth young lady, Yu Lin.

When Master Yu saw Mrs. Wen and her children, his face lit up with joy. He greeted them warmly, "Wan'er, you're finally here. Sit down, quickly! You've been... cold. It's all this girl Biyu's fault for not having any sense. She saw us having dinner and didn't come up to report." As he spoke, he pointed at Biyu, who was kneeling aside. Biyu's eyes were filled with tears. She had probably already been punished.

Master Yu's words were originally to explain to Mrs. Wen why they had to wait so long. But in Lady Wang's ears, she thought he had other implications. She was suddenly furious: Clearly seeing Zijuan take out the brocade cushion for kowtowing, the master still offered a seat to this low - born woman. Wasn't this like slapping her in the face?

During dinner just now, Master Yu had been absent - minded, looking outside from time to time. How could Lady Wang not know what her husband was thinking? But seeing that he didn't dare to ask in front of her, she didn't get angry. Now, seeing her husband's eyes fixed on that low - born woman, she couldn't bear it any longer.

Lady Wang was so angry that she slammed the teacup in her hand heavily on the table, making a dull "bang" sound. Master Yu's expression remained the same, but his eyelids twitched slightly. He laughed twice and smoothly changed his words, "Wan'er, this is your first day in the mansion. First, offer tea to the mistress. Lan'er, Ruir, come and pay your respects to your mother."

This sudden change made Yu Xinlan's heart sink. Her father was actually hen - pecked. How could they rely on him?

Zijuan had already placed the brocade cushion. Mrs. Wen knelt down on her knees and kowtowed three times, saying, "Your servant greets Master and Mistress."

Yu Xinlan and Yu Xinrui knelt down beside their mother and greeted their father and mother.

Master Yu stroked his beard and smiled, seemingly very satisfied with Mrs. Wen's compliance. However, none of the maids, servants, or women brought up the tea tray, which made him unhappy. Only after offering tea to the mistress could Mrs. Wen's status be confirmed. So, he scolded, "Why don't you offer the teacup to Concubine Wen?"

All the maids, servants, and women lowered their heads and stood still, not daring to answer.

Lady Wang snorted, "I don't know which Concubine Wen the master is referring to. Is it this Wen Shi who lacks virtue?" Her pleasant voice was filled with coldness.