Chapter 54 A new beginning
These ladies also have concubines of their own, and they can empathize with Su Wanyu's experience. In addition to sympathy, they also feel a bit of admiration for her.
Those ladies who once looked down on her now extended olive branches to her and invited her to various parties.
In just two days, Su Wanyu received three or four invitations, inviting her to drink tea and appreciate flowers, and some even wanted to buy her embroidery works.
Yun Yi carefully examined the exquisite invitation in her hand, her eyes sparkling with joy: "Miss, the Yu family and the Liu family have also sent invitations, are you planning to attend the appointment?"
Su Wanyu smiled gently, gentle and confident: "Please help me prepare some suitable gifts. I will visit them one by one in a few days."
Yun Yi smiled even brighter and quickly put the invitation away carefully: "Okay, Miss."
In her previous life, because of her background, the Zheng family never allowed her to show her face in public. Even when Zheng Chengyan became extremely powerful later, the ladies in the court followed in the footsteps of the Zheng family and only recognized Jiang Yingying as the legitimate wife of the Zheng family. No one was willing to give her the recognition she deserved as the principal wife.
Until the end of her life, she was a lonely and unknown existence.
Now, as the situation has changed, many ladies have taken the initiative to show their goodwill. She secretly took note of it in her heart, thinking that perhaps this is an opportunity to expand her network and change her destiny.
But before that, she needed to meet someone first, Pei Sina.
In the afternoon, the sunlight was soft, and Su Wanyu rode in a beautifully decorated carriage, slowly driving towards the Su family's villa.
In that spacious courtyard, Pei Sina had been waiting for a long time.
"Ms. Pei, the lady has arrived."
In the main room, Pei Sina was wearing a gray-blue dress that was washed to a pale color, which made her thin body look more elegant and refined.
After hearing the maid's announcement, she immediately turned around, faced Su Wanyu who was slowly walking into the courtyard, knelt down and bowed, saying softly and respectfully, "Miss, how are you?"
When Su Wanyu stepped into the courtyard and faced the daughter of the Pei family, she couldn't help feeling a little surprised.
The woman in front of her was different from what she had imagined.
Pei Sina is tall, and even when she is bowing, she is still slightly taller than Su Wanyu.
Although she has a slender figure, she has a scholarly air, fresh and unconventional.
All this just happened to meet Su Wanyu's expectations.
Taking a few steps closer, Su Wanyu noticed that Pei Sina's face was covered with a thin veil, obviously to hide the face that was not convenient to show to others.
"Are you Pei Sina?" Su Wanyu's voice was gentle and inquiring.
Pei Sina maintained her salute posture, her voice full of respect: "My lady, it is you, my lady."
Su Wanyu stretched out her hand and gently helped her up: "No need to be so polite. I heard that your father is seriously ill. I have taken him to the village and invited a famous doctor to treat him."
Pei Sina heard this, her eyes flashed with gratitude, and she bowed her head to express her gratitude: "Thanks to the young lady for rescuing me. I will remember this kindness and will repay you generously in the future."
Su Wanyu led her into the room, and said mysteriously, "No need to tell you. I asked Miss Pei to come here today because I want to discuss something with you."
"What's the matter?" Pei Sina looked up, her eyes full of confusion, and stared at Su Wanyu closely.
Su Wanyu let go of her hand, paced forward a few steps, turned her back to her, and said firmly: "A deal that is beneficial to both of us."
Pei Sina became even more confused, and her bright eyes followed Su Wanyu's back closely.
Su Wanyu walked slowly to the antique mahogany table, gently lifted the purple clay teapot carved with dragons and phoenixes, tilted the spout slightly, and the tea fell into the exquisite porcelain cup like a thin thread, making a subtle and pleasant sound.
"When talking about the Pei family, we have to mention the three sons. The eldest son is of noble status and has inherited the legitimate lineage. His official rank has reached the third rank, while the second and third sons are from side branches. Time goes back to ten years ago. A family storm caused by the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children forced the members of the second branch to flee their homes. The second master even met with an unfortunate accident, and his virtuous wife also failed to escape the disaster and followed her husband."
"A trumped-up charge caused the gentle and virtuous lady to die unjustly, and her only daughter was left with an indelible scar on her cheek. Her former beauty can only remain in memory now."
After saying that, Pei Sina's eyes suddenly became sharp, and her fingertips involuntarily touched the hidden scar under the veil.
Su Wanyu tilted her head slightly, her eyes meeting Pei Sina's deep eyes, and continued, "Recently, news came that the Pei family's eldest branch intends to recall you, a bloodline that has been wandering outside, because their eldest daughter is about to enter the palace, and they intend to use you to consolidate the family's position."
Hearing this, Pei Sina's expression suddenly changed, and a hint of cold hatred flashed in her eyes, "Wishful thinking."
Seeing this, Su Wanyu was secretly satisfied in her heart. She held the teacup in her hand and pressed on step by step: "Born in a famous family, even if you are talented, you often can't escape the fate of family marriage."
"Si Na, I would like to pave a completely different path for you."
"What kind of road?" Pei Sina's voice trembled slightly, full of doubts.
"He had a bright career, was granted a title and appointed as prime minister, stood at the top of the court, held power and enjoyed unlimited glory." Su Wanyu's speech gradually slowed down, and each word pierced the heart and was moving.
Pei Sina's hands trembled slightly in the air, her clear eyes widened with shock, and her originally calm heart was deeply shaken by these words.
I thought today's invitation was just about Zheng Chengyan's ghostwriting, but I didn't expect it to be such a shocking proposal.
After a brief moment of surprise, she quickly adjusted her mood and asked in a deep voice: "Miss, I am a weak woman, how can I..."
Su Wanyu gently interrupted her: "I have had the honor of reading your articles. You have so much in your heart, but you are trapped in this small space. It's a pity."
After that, she gently lifted the veil on Pei Sina's face and continued, "I have a rare elixir that can restore your beauty to its original state. I also have the finest silk clothes that can dress you up as the most dazzling talent in the Great Cheng Kingdom."
"Si Na, I will give you a brand new start. In a few months, you will participate in the scientific examination and take the first step in your official career."
"Don't worry about your gender. You are tall and slender, and your temperament is strong. You will not arouse suspicion if you are dressed as a man. I will arrange for help and help you every step of the way."
"You just need to use your talents to the fullest in the court and realize your ambitions."
At this moment, the sunlight outside the window shines through the window lattice and gently falls on Su Wanyu's body. The pearl flower inlaid on her forehead and the pearl crown on her head sparkle softly in the light. The light just happens to be reflected on Pei Sina's thin back and her beautiful face which is slightly incomplete due to scars, and it seems to dispel the haze around her.
Pei Sina stood silently, her heart in turmoil, quickly digesting Su Wanyu's words, the shock she felt was beyond words.
She had never imagined that this reclusive young lady of the Su family had such great ambitions.