Chapter 651: Chapter 653: Mrs. Cen Zhang

Mrs. Cen Zhang gave a dry laugh. "Boys will be mischievous. We left in such a hurry that I forgot to bring a meeting gift. I’ll be sure to make up for it once we arrive."

Jin Qianqian hadn’t expected visitors midway through their journey. Unfortunately, she had nothing of value on her person; her jewelry was all packed away at the bottom of her chests, and she couldn’t very well pull something out of her storage space right now. She could only offer an awkward smile. "Lady Cen, once we arrive in Yi Province, we’ll host a banquet at our residence. Please be sure to bring Miss Cen along then."

The unspoken meaning was clear to everyone: since neither party could produce a gift at the moment, they would have to wait for a later time.

Mrs. Cen Zhang stayed for a short while, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then led Cen Yueqin back to their own party.

Once they were out of sight, Jin Qianqian called Xu Dawang over and told him to find out more about Zhang Guihong and her daughter.

"It seems she’s not an easy person to get along with." Jin Qianqian believed first impressions were crucial. It wasn’t just that she found the woman disagreeable; she also vaguely sensed hostility directed at her.

Ancient Wen Heng couldn’t very well stare at the female family members, but based on their recent behavior, he could guess a thing or two.

"If we can get along, we will. If not, we’ll just keep our distance," Ancient Wen Heng said dismissively. "The food’s getting cold. Have someone heat it up before we eat."

As for the hastily prepared meal, Ancient Wen Heng thought it was already excellent. He truly didn’t understand what the woman had found to complain about.

Meanwhile, the mother and daughter from the Cen Family were discussing the same topic. "They really are country bumpkins who can’t wash the mud off their legs. Look at the kind of food they eat! Even the servants in our residence have more than just a few dishes on a normal day."

After speaking, Zhang Guihong ordered a nearby maid, "Go see if my and the young miss’s bird’s nest soup is ready. And try to make the meal a bit more refined, so it doesn’t spoil our appetites."

Cen Yueqin helped Zhang Guihong back to their carriage and advised in a low voice, "Mother, you should be more careful with your words when we’re outside. It wouldn’t be good if someone overheard you."

"Silly girl, you think I don’t know that? Everyone around here is one of our own people."

"I just can’t stand the sight of them. I don’t know what kind of dogshit luck that Ancient Wen Heng had, climbing above your father at such a young age."

"At my age, I have to bow to those two younglings. It’s so frustrating just thinking about it."

Cen Yueqin reasoned, "Mother, Mr. Gu’s official rank is higher than Father’s. It’s only proper that we pay our respects."

"Alright, you’re just like your older sister, always lecturing me."

"I finally managed to marry your sister off, and now you’re here nagging."

"I know what you’re worried about, but let me tell you, you can’t be like this once we arrive. Your father dotes on that vixen, even taking her with him on his external post."

"Don’t you forget, on this trip, you have to be on my side. No more preaching those grand principles at me."

Cen Yueqin moved to take off the jewelry in her hair, but Zhang Guihong stopped her. "It looks so pretty like this. You can’t learn from that Mrs. Gu, dressing so shabbily. If she went out like that, who would even know she’s an official’s wife?"

"She’s clearly from the countryside, with no manners at all. When receiving guests, you should at least tidy yourself up. If his steward hadn’t made the introduction, I would have thought she was one of Mrs. Gu’s maids."

Cen Yueqin said helplessly, "Mother, when you’re traveling, dressing like we are is what’s abnormal."

"Think about it, we’re all dressed up so neatly all day, but we’re just sitting in a carriage. Who’s going to see us?"

"I actually think Mrs. Gu has the right idea. At least she’s relaxed and comfortable."

"You silly girl, we’ve only just met her, and you’re already taking her side?" Zhang Guihong poked her on the forehead. "And look at her child, looking like he just crawled out of a mud pit. A child like that only knows how to play; what great prospects could he possibly have in the future?"

"And oh, look at her pretending to get a meeting gift earlier. With what she was wearing, could she have possibly produced anything?"

"Mother, we dropped in on them so suddenly. It’s normal that they weren’t prepared."

"Besides, you should really try to change your temper. You know Father hasn’t been home for years. We can’t afford to anger him when we get there."

Zhang Guihong’s expression changed in an instant. "Whose side are you on? No matter what, I am his lawfully wedded wife. That bitch has been living comfortably on the outside for so many years. It’s about time I put her in her place."

"Alright, stop nagging. I know what I’m doing."

Cen Yueqin looked helplessly at her mother. ’With a temper like this, was it really the right decision to make this trip?’

Xu Dawang now had a few capable lads working under him, and it didn’t take long for them to gather all the information.

"Madam, this Lady Cen has always been in Sea City. In all the years Mr. Cen has been posted elsewhere, this is the first time she has followed him to his post."

"She has no sons, only two daughters. Xiao Le found out that she just married off her elder daughter, and that’s why she’s now taking her younger daughter with an escort agency to Yi Province."

"Is that all?" Jin Qianqian looked at Xu Dawang, a little surprised.

"When Mr. Cen took his post, he brought a noble concubine with him. This noble concubine was very fortunate and gave him two sons, so her status naturally rose. I heard that outside, people address her directly as Lady Cen, and she conducts herself as the mistress of the house when she goes out."

Jin Qianqian turned to look at Ancient Wen Heng. "How come this wasn’t uncovered in the investigation?"

Ancient Wen Heng explained, "The reports are mostly about their individual political achievements. People don’t usually record matters of the back courtyard."

"It was my oversight this time. I’ll make sure to include these details from now on."

Jin Qianqian was a bit sullen. "Treating a concubine as a wife... has no one impeached him for it?"

Ancient Wen Heng knew what she was thinking. "Although he treats the concubine as his wife, he hasn’t mistreated his official wife. Most people are unwilling to offend someone over such a private matter."

"But this time, Lady Cen has followed him to his post. We’ll just have to see how this Cen Gaosong handles it."

"It will also be a good opportunity for us to see how he usually conducts himself."

Ancient Wen Heng now hoped his subordinate wasn’t so muddle-headed. If a man can’t even manage his own household, he feared his official duties would be a complete mess as well.

As dusk fell, the blocked road was finally cleared.

Xu Dawang came to report that two small merchant caravans had arrived behind them one after another.

Hearing that government officials were at the front, they all stayed quietly at the back.

As the night deepened, the strange sounds from the mountain forest became particularly prominent.

The more timid ones huddled by the bonfires or hid in their carriages.

Listening to the animal calls from outside, Zhang Guihong grew anxious and couldn’t fall asleep.

Looking at her second daughter, who was also wide awake, she whispered, "Do you think we should go to the front?"

"Mr. Gu has more people with him. If something really were to happen, we’d have protection."

Although they were traveling with an escort team, the team wasn’t just protecting the two of them; there were many other merchants behind them. If something were to happen, the few house servants they had brought from their residence really wouldn’t be enough to protect them.

Cen Yueqin lifted the curtain and looked at the surrounding carriages. "Mother, you don’t need to worry. We’re right in the middle of the group. If there’s real danger, I doubt Mr. Gu could possibly ignore it."

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