C5 The Master's Work

After all the commotion, Cui Zuoyu's reputation, which had just started to improve, took another hit. Waner turned back, satisfied, and looked at Cui Zuoyu with a hint of apology.

"Sis, don't be mad at Ying. She may have a sharp tongue, but she means no harm with her words."

Cui Zuoyu's face was full of understanding. "Don't worry, Waner. I'm just glad you and your future sister-in-law get along so well. Why would I be upset?"

A trace of concern appeared on her face. "Once you're at the Marquis Mansion, you... really need to learn to take good care of yourself."

The Marquis Mansion isn't exactly a lion's den, so why the worry? Wait a minute, everyone remembered who Waner was marrying—the eldest son of the Marquis Mansion, practically a living ghost.

They exchanged glances. No wonder, marrying someone like that was hardly different from being a widow. Suddenly, everyone looked at Waner with sympathy and began to offer her their warm regards.

Even Yaen Jinying vowed that once Waner was married into the family, she would take good care of her. Waner's smile grew more and more strained, and when Yaen Jinying spoke up, she couldn't keep up the facade any longer.

With determination, Waner finally made up her mind. She quickly excused herself, claiming she felt a bit lightheaded and needed some fresh air in the garden.

After Waner left, Jinying deliberately ignored Zuoyu. Since it was Jinying's birthday celebration, the others didn't want to go against her by engaging with Zuoyu. Zuoyu sat there, conflicted, and eventually tried to join the conversation. However, Jinying acted as if she hadn't heard her, chatting animatedly with others, treating Zuoyu as if she were invisible.

Zuoyu tried twice more, but her expression turned cold, and she sat silently. After some time, Zi Luo appeared beside her, discreetly signaling to her. Zuoyu nodded slightly, suppressing the coldness in her eyes, and spoke again, "Jinying..."

Jinying glanced at her with a dismissive smile, ready to turn away, but her gaze suddenly froze. Zuoyu held a red jade bracelet she had just removed from her wrist and said, "For your birthday, besides the gifts from the family, I have something else for you."

"Who wants your stuff..." Jinying retorted, but quickly signaled to her maid to take the bracelet.

Yaen Jinying had only ever seen such a fine bracelet at her grandmother's. She was captivated, unable to put it down, while other young ladies gathered around to admire it too.

One sharp-eyed girl noticed a small mark inside the bracelet and exclaimed, "Is this a piece by Master Sheng? He hasn't taken on new work in ages. Last year, my brother offered him a hefty sum to carve a seal for our father's birthday, but he couldn't get him to agree. How did you manage to get Master Sheng to make this?"

Jinying didn't know much about jade carving, but she understood money. Hearing the mention of such a large sum, she handled the bracelet with even more care.

Another young lady couldn't help but question, "Isn't this a replica? I heard Master Sheng always creates jewelry in pairs. Why is there only one bracelet if it's truly his work?"

"My father loves jade carvings, and we have some of Master Sheng's pieces at home. I would never mistake them. This bracelet must be missing its pair for some reason," the girl declared confidently.

Not far from where Cui Zuoyu was seated, another young woman remarked, "I think I saw Cui Waner wearing a red jade bracelet just like this one when she left. Could it be the matching piece?"

Jinying's expression immediately soured, her voice tinged with displeasure, "Giving only half a gift, Cui Zuoyu, is this how you show your manners?"

Cui Zuoyu struggled to suppress her anger, her tone inevitably turning a bit cold. "This bracelet was originally crafted by Great Master Sheng, commissioned by my brother with a fortune, as a treasured part of my dowry. I've already given one to Waner, and this one is for you. You two will be sisters-in-law in the future, like sisters, and wearing a pair of bracelets will show your deep bond."

Those around, quick to catch on, immediately understood Cui Zuoyu's intention. The relationship between a woman and her sister-in-law has always been a tricky one. By giving one bracelet to Cui Waner and the other to Yaen Jinying, Cui Zuoyu intended for Cui Waner to offer her bracelet to Yaen Jinying after her marriage, fostering goodwill and strengthening their relationship. This approach was much more dignified than simply handing both bracelets to Cui Waner and having her pass one on to Yaen Jinying, which could seem sycophantic and inferior.

Realizing the intricacies of the situation, the onlookers couldn't help but admire Cui Zuoyu's thoughtful strategy. Known for her temper, she was now swallowing her pride and offering her cherished dowry bracelet for her sister's sake, showing great care and effort.

Yaen Jinying wasn't particularly concerned about the sisterly bond. Hearing about the bracelet's immense value, she could hardly sit still, let alone wait for Cui Waner to join the family.

She cleared her throat softly, "Ahem, sitting here is getting dull. Let's go check on Jutan... my brother."

Cui Waner had visited the Marquis Mansion many times, and each time, she would spend half a day in that desolate courtyard. Most likely, she was there now.

Everyone understood her intentions and quickly agreed, setting off in a lively group toward the garden where Yaen Jutan resided.

As they stepped through the gate of the garden, Cui Zuoyu was immediately struck by the desolation. Overgrown weeds and barren trees made the place look more like a haunt for ghosts than a home for people.

The others were equally shocked. This place hardly resembled a courtyard in a noble mansion, and they couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

Yaen Jinying felt a bit embarrassed and explained, "My brother is quite reclusive. He doesn't like having people around and isn't fond of maintaining the garden. Over time, it ended up like this."

"This is just too..."

Seeing someone about to speak, Cui Zuoyu's eyes flickered slightly, and she said softly, "We're here to visit a patient, so let's be a bit more respectful and keep it down."

"Exactly." Yaen Jinying seized the opportunity to glare at everyone, "Stay quiet, so you don't disturb my brother."

The group quietly approached the house, when suddenly, a gentle and plaintive female voice drifted out.

"...For you, I'd do anything. Why can't you spare even a little bit of compassion for me?"

Jinying's expression was a mix of disbelief and amusement. Waner's words were overly sentimental, and no matter how sweetly she spoke, Jutan, practically a living corpse, couldn't hear her.

Just as Jinying was about to open the door and interrupt Waner, a man's impatient voice came from inside.

"Let's get this straight. You were the one who came on to me. I never promised to marry you or anything like that. I'm warning you, don't tell Zuoyu about this, or don't blame me for being ruthless."

It was like a bolt of lightning struck the room. Everyone was stunned. The man speaking was none other than Zuoyu's fiancé, Earl Jingning's son, Ting.

Zuoyu had the strongest reaction. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she shook her head furiously, her eyes welling up with tears. She tried to back away from this terrifying place, but her legs gave out, and she nearly collapsed, saved only by Zi Luo's quick support.

Inside, the conversation continued.

"Ting, how can you treat me like this?" Waner's voice was tinged with tears. "I... I'm carrying your child!"

Bang!

Jinying finally snapped back to reality. She shouted angrily and kicked the door open.

"Waner, you shameless woman, shut your filthy mouth!"