Chapter 436

Chapter 436 The Rightful Mistress of the Duke of Yan State Mansion

“Who is this person?” Wei Qiufu had long since been seated beside the two of them. After hearing what Jing Wenyan said, she asked in surprise.

“Fourth Young Lady and Sixth Young Lady, I understand that you might not believe in whatever I say. How is it possible that the Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan State has someone who is of so much importance to him? In fact, this person does exist.” Jing Wenyan’s beautiful face was covered with a layer of sadness. “She is the rightful mistress of the Duke of Yan State Mansion. I’m sure that she is better suited to receive Third Princess and Fourth Princess since there isn’t much of a difference in their status. Unlike me, I’m just a temporary makedo.”

“The mistress of the Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan State’s Mansion?” Wei Qiufu was stunned. She had never heard anything like this before.

“Fourth Young Lady and Sixth Young Lady, I’m sure that both of you never heard of the existence of the daughter of an aristocratic family in the State of Yan who is now staying in the backyard of the mansion. His Heir-apparent had even brought her into the palace before and clearly indicated that they were childhood sweethearts. This daughter of the State of Yan’s aristocratic family is the rightful mistress of the Duke of Yan State Mansion.”

Judging from the way Jing Wenyan told them, everything sounded so authentic like a complete truth. As though she had nothing to hide, she even told them about Yan Huaijing bringing the girl into the palace.

However, Wei Yuewu did not believe it. Jing Wenyan would not tell them about these things for no reason. Although Jing Wenyan appeared to be quite sincere, how could she possibly be such a sincere person?

If Jing Wenyan were truly as sincere as she appeared to be today, she would not be her true self. Since Jing Wenyan wanted to put on an act, she would accompany her to play along. Wei Yuewu wanted to know what Jing Wenyan had in mind.

Moreover, she was also very curious. When Yan Huaijing brought her to Master Fenghe that day, she did not see Jing Wenyan. Where did Jing Wenyan see her? What was more, Jing Wenyan even knew so many details.

“Eldest Miss Jing, since the Duke of Yan State Mansion already has a mistress, why would His Heir-apparent ask you to take charge of the internal affairs?” Wei Yuewu played along with her words without waiting for her to continue.

Jing Wenyan didn’t expect that Wei Yuewu was not suspicious of her at all. She was stunned for a moment and suddenly found it difficult to answer her question.

Wei Yuewu was a bit difficult to deal with.

Looking at Jing Wenyan, Wei Yuewu immediately knew that there was something fishy about this. Was Jing Wenyan going to set up another trap for her again today? Or was Jing Wenyan going after the daughter of the aristocratic family that she was disguised as?

“Sixth Young Lady, you don’t seem to believe me.” Jing Wenyan looked a little irritated, and she did not seem happy.

“Eldest Miss Jing, what are you saying? Of course, I believe everything you said. The Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan State should ask the daughter of the aristocratic family to receive his guests on his behalf even though I have never met her and you are fairly certain of who she is. Therefore, why did the Heir-apparent of Yan make life difficult for you, Eldest Miss Jing? Everyone clearly understood the intentions of Third Princess and Fourth Princess.”

Wei Yuewu’s face was full of grievances, and even her voice had a hint of sadness.

After being highly regarded by Wei Yuewu again and again, Jing Wenyan felt a little annoyed in her heart. However, after thinking about her plan again, she suppressed her anger, and her expression turned cold. “Sixth Miss Wei, it doesn’t matter if you believe me or not. Miss Lin does exist. If you don’t believe me, you can go to the backyard to take a look. If you ask about Miss Lin, I’m sure that everyone in the backyard of the Duke of Yan State Mansion knows about her.”

“Don’t blame me for not reminding you. The Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan State treasures Miss Lin very much. She even used a veil to cover her face when she was in the palace. Anyone who accidentally provokes her will be responsible for their own actions.” Jing Wenyan’s voice was a bit loud due to her anger. After finishing those words, she turned around and walked away furiously.

She totally ignored Wei Yuewu and Wei Qiufu.

Jing Wenyan caught the attention of other young ladies as she suddenly acted out after being kind for a split second. A few young ladies even secretly turned around. As Wei Yuewu observed many of them start leaving the reception hall, her lips curled slightly into a faint sneer.

It seemed that Jing Wenyan wasn’t only after her.

“Sixth Younger Sister, let’s go to the backyard for a walk!” Wei Qiufu’s eyes flickered. She stood up with a smile and looked in the direction that Jing Wenyan had gone. “I don’t know what’s wrong with Eldest Miss Jing. Why is she so angry today?”

“I wonder too,” Wei Yuewu said as well as she frowned and looked in Jing Wenyan’s direction.

“Is it because we mentioned that Eldest Miss Jing has a good relationship with the Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan State? But if their relationship is not good, why would His Heir-apparent ask Eldest Miss Jing to receive his guests today? Sixth Younger Sister, are we right?” Wei Qiufu was also confused as if she did not understand what Jing Wenyan meant.

Wei Yuewu glanced at the serious Wei Qiufu and sneered in her heart. No matter what Jing Wenyan was plotting, she had treated everyone as a fool. Jing Wenyan had mistaken both her and Wei Qiufu.

However, it was very interesting to see two ambitious women dealing with each other.

“Maybe you are right,” Wei Yuewu replied indifferently.

“Sixth Younger Sister, let’s go!” Wei Qiufu invited with a smile.

Seeing many young ladies walking out in groups of two or three with the excuse of going to visit the Duke of Yan State Mansion’s backyard, Wei Yuewu showed a hint of ridicule on her face. Jing Wenyan actually stirred up so many people to go to Yan Huaijing’s backyard without batting an eyelid. Since that was the case, she also wanted to see the “childhood sweetheart” that was kept by Yan Huaijing in the backyard.

“Let’s go!” Wei Yuewu stood up and nodded.

Following behind the young ladies, Wei Yuewu slowly walked out of the hall.

Although the Duke of Yan State Mansion’s area was very large, it was smaller than the mansion of the Duke of Jing. Wei Yuewu stood on an artificial hill and looked around. She saw a few young ladies walking in one direction from the artificial hill and pavilion. The young ladies who were walking behind them also asked the maid before proceeding in the same direction.

However, was their intention really that simple?

“Sixth Younger Sister, is that the courtyard where the daughter of the aristocratic family in the State of Yan lives?” Wei Qiufu’s eyes flickered. She also looked into the distance and smiled as she asked.

“I think so.” Wei Yuewu hesitated for a moment.

“That must be the one. Sixth Younger Sister, shall we go and take a look together?” Wei Qiufu suggested.

“Urm… I don’t think this is a good idea.” Wei Yuewu shook her head. “Since the Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan State has hidden her away, it means that she is not willing to show herself in front of others. Is it really a good idea for us to disturb her like this?”

“Why would it be a bad idea? We are just curious. Moreover, many people are watching. It is not just the two of us. I saw Fourth Princess and Third Princess’ study companions also coming over. We will just stand far away and watch the fun!” Wei Qiufu wiped her lips with a handkerchief and smiled sweetly.

However, everything she said made perfect sense.

Therefore, Wei Yuewu only pondered for a moment before nodding.

Then, the two of them got off the artificial hill, bypassed a small bridge, and headed toward the courtyard.

The gate of the courtyard was tightly closed. There were two bodyguards guarding the courtyard. They were expressionless as they watched the people coming and going. From time to time, there were a few young ladies who passed by, but no one dared to come forward to disturb them. The bodyguards just stood there motionless, and their expressions were filled with frightening killing intent.

There were a few timid young ladies who did not dare to go over after being stared at by them. However, there were a few bold ones who were still laughing and moving closer to the bodyguards, as if they did not know that no one was allowed to enter the courtyard.

Finally, two young ladies approached the courtyard gate, and one of them even asked the maid to push the gate open.

Seeing that, one of the bodyguards stepped forward and stretched out his hand to stop them. “Ladies, no one is allowed to enter here without permission!”

“Why?” one of the young ladies asked in surprise.

“No reason. His Heir-apparent gave the order,” the bodyguard replied expressionlessly.

“Can’t we just take a look?” The young lady asked again.

“No!” the bodyguard said resolutely.

“Can I take a look from outside the wall then?” The young lady did not dare to go against Yan Huaijing’s order by going too far. After thinking for a while, she suddenly pointed to the courtyard’s side wall and asked, “Can we just take a look from there? We are just curious about what is inside and why the Heir-apparent of Yan values it so much.”

There was also an artificial hill in the direction she pointed. Although it was just a small artificial hill, if one climbed up, one should be able to see the courtyard.

After being reminded, many young ladies’ eyes lit up in excitement. Although it was not easy to enter the courtyard, there were many ways to catch a glimpse of it. There was a pavilion further away from the artificial hill. If one went up to the second floor, one should also be able to see the courtyard.

There was a high bridge on the other side. From where it was situated, one could be able to see the courtyard too.

A little further away, there was another artificial hill as well. Despite being quite distant, the location was not low. It was not as conspicuous as the artificial hill on the side, and the bodyguards were unlikely to find out too…

Therefore, those young ladies who were wandering outside the gate were thinking of other alternatives.

They must see the lady who was important to Yan Huaijing. In addition to that, they also wanted to evaluate and compare themselves with her. They were curious as to why the Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan State did not show interest in any of them except for the lady.

“No! Please leave, ladies!” The bodyguard still refused expressionlessly.

The two young ladies felt humiliated after being rejected. Then, they left with their maids in embarrassment.

The bodyguards returned to their original spots at the entrance of the courtyard and remained still with straight faces. It was as if they would not permit anyone to enter the courtyard no matter who the person was.

“Sixth Younger Sister, shall we take a look at the back door?” Wei Qiufu suggested to Wei Yuewu.

Wei Qiufu also wanted to see the daughter of the State of Yan’s aristocratic family. Yan Huaijing was the Crown Prince’s big opponent. If she could find out the woman Yan Huaijing cared about, the Crown Prince would definitely think highly of her. This was also the main reason why Wei Qiufu was so enthusiastic.

“Urm… I don’t think this is a good idea…” Wei Yuewu hesitated.

“What’s not good about it? Let’s go! The other ladies haven’t thought of the back door yet. Let’s go take a look. No one will find out!” Seeing that Wei Yuewu was hesitating, Wei Qiufu felt relieved, and she enthusiastically invited Wei Yuewu.

“Alright… then,” Wei Yuewu replied reluctantly.

Then, the two of them came to the back door while being escorted by their maids. Wei Qiufu was right. Those young ladies were considering where they could stand high enough to see the courtyard, and none of them actually went to the back door.

The two of them turned around the corner of the wall. Suddenly, they saw a maid rushing over to the back door. The maid didn’t notice the two of them at the corner. After looking around to make sure no one was around, she pushed open the door of the backyard and walked in…