After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

Chapter 1101 - 1086: Secretly

She felt a bit envious deep down. Isn’t this the harmonious marital happiness written in books? This is a feeling she can never attain in her lifetime;

Ting He appeared silently and stood in front of the half-open door.

Wang Hufeng snapped back to reality, smiled gently at Ting He, and turned to leave. Romantic love is but a minor sentiment in one’s life—fortunate if found, but only a slight regret if not. It’s not worth indulging.

She married the former Crown Prince for her family; protecting the Crown Prince was for the country and justice, and also a duty of a wife, all unrelated to love.

Now, she lives for herself. Zhao Hanzhang was right; she must live for what she believes is right and just, not merely for her family’s reputation and the face of the Da Jin Royal Family.

Mrs. Wang and her companions toured each guest’s wedding gifts with satisfaction, feeling proud, as they watched Zhao Family young members offering wine to the guests.

Watching Zhao Erlang, taller than the other youths, with broad shoulders, a slim waist, and strong and martial, several ladies’ eyes sparkled, as they jostled beside Mrs. Wang to ask, "Mrs. Wang, hasn’t your son found a match yet?"

Mrs. Wang replied, "Not yet, this child insists on waiting until his Sister is married before starting a match himself."

How could she say Zhao Erlang hasn’t matured yet? That was, of course, impossible. Mrs. Wang continued, "This child is closer to his Sister than to me, his biological mother. As long as his Sister isn’t married, he won’t feel at ease and won’t consider a match."

So everyone, come and take a look, her son is filial and harmonious with his siblings.

The ladies’ gazes heated up on Zhao Erlang; being close to his sister? That’s a good thing; he should be cultivated.

Even Aunt Dong couldn’t help but ask, "Sister-in-law, do you think it would be better if the girl was a bit older? As the saying goes, a girl three years older is worth her weight in gold."

Mrs. Wang asked curiously, "A child from your family?"

"No, a relative from our family’s Aunt’s—Linghui..."

Mrs. Wang: "Didn’t your family and hers intend to form a marriage alliance?"

"Sigh, us adults have intentions, but what good is it? It’s up to them to have feelings. It’s been years, and they grow older day by day, yet still haven’t settled the match." Aunt Dong continued, "Maybe they’re not suitable; perhaps another choice would work."

Actually, Aunt Dong preferred Fan Ying and still cherished her memory even now, so she couldn’t help but ask Mrs. Wang, "The Miss Fan beside Third Lady, hasn’t she returned from inspection yet?"

"She returned a few days ago, I heard she’s very busy, working on some memorial and arguing with high officials. She was supposed to come today, but perhaps she’s too busy to catch up."

As she spoke, Fan Ying arrived hurriedly with a gift box. Seeing so many people in the courtyard, she regretted not coming earlier. She had set out early, only to be blocked at the gate by subordinates, claiming two files were missing, requiring collaboration between the Ministry of Supervision, Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Criminal Affairs.

It was an important matter, despite festivities sealed for the New Year, since Zhao Hanzhang was diligent and did not rest, the court didn’t completely halt, and busy officials continued working.

Fan Ying had no choice but to help search for the files.

This search lasted over an hour. She checked the files and supplemented them before heading out with her gift after exiting the Imperial City, just in time to see officials delivering wedding gifts to Zhao Family, with the entire city celebrating and following the commotion.

She rushed over.

But she was still late. Fan Ying felt shameful, and upon seeing Mrs. Wang, promptly went forward to pay respects, "Mrs. Wang, I apologize for my tardiness."

Mrs. Wang liked Fan Ying and laughed, "Not late, not late. It’s just starting now. Third Lady is in the backyard, Lady Wang is also there."

The gentries showed respect to Wang Hufeng considerably, though she was no longer Crown Princess Consort, none dared to slight her. Amid this slightly awkward chaos, a new title emerged—Lady Wang.

Exclusively for Wang Hufeng.

Of course, those in the officialdom would refer to her official title, but Mrs. Wang and others held no official positions. Word passed from one to ten, ten to a hundred, and Luoyang’s ladies loved calling her Lady Wang, spreading outside until ordinary folks and children loved addressing her this way too.

Just as Mrs. Wang finished speaking, Wang Hufeng emerged from the backyard, smiling at Fan Ying heading there, "The General is currently busy, since you’ve arrived, why not enjoy a couple of celebratory drinks first?"

Fan Ying peered towards the backyard, agreed, and as she was about to fetch wine, glimpsed among guests the furtive Fu An presenting gifts secretly in a corner, startled, "Mr. Fu is also here?"

Mrs. Wang focused attentively, spotting Fu An, realizing something, and said to everyone, "Let’s join the guests for drinks, today’s festivities will continue tomorrow as well; everyone should partake in the celebratory spirit."

Aunt Dong laughed too, "We should celebrate Third Lady’s joyous occasion."

After organizing the guests, Mrs. Wang discreetly departed, lifting her dress quickly headed toward the backyard.

Fan Ying noticed, feeling a pang of concern, turned to Wang Hufeng, "Did I cause trouble?"

Wang Hufeng laughed, "It’s all minor matters; the Great General and Minister Fu should handle it well, don’t worry your heart."

Ting He guarded the courtyard entrance, spotted Mrs. Wang and Qing Gu approaching, immediately ran back inside, stood beneath the corridor, intending to open the door but dared not, only to cough heavily, reporting, "Miss, Miss, the Madam is coming."

Zhao Hanzhang returned to rationality, gently pushed him, lowered her head smiling softly, her voice slightly hoarse, "You should leave by the window."

Fu Tinghan hugged her tightly, then rose to head to the window. He pushed it open, set his foot to climb out, but couldn’t resist looking back.

Zhao Hanzhang met his gaze, noticed his somewhat disordered garments, caught sight of herself in the mirror with the corner of her eye, helplessly laughed, and stepped forward to pull him back, "Forget it, even if you leave, it’s obvious."

By the time Mrs. Wang led Qing Gu quickly in, Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan sat facing each other, sipping from teacups.

Mrs. Wang, seasoned with experience, observed their slightly flushed faces and tender expressions, understanding what transpired.

But seeing their attire relatively neat, she didn’t expose them, only sternly demanded, "You two, there are rules before a wedding; the groom and bride mustn’t meet two days prior, you violated them yesterday, and shouldn’t meet today."

Fu Tinghan arose obligingly to listen to the scolding.

Mrs. Wang saw him lower his head, calming her anger somewhat, but glanced at Zhao Hanzhang, couldn’t suppress her ire, "Talking to you, don’t you realize your mistake?"