Chen Qian burst out laughing. “Ah Wei, how vulgar of you.”
Chen Qian’s older sister, Chen Qi, slowly mocked: “Ah Wei has always been vulgar.”
Chen Wei wanted to cry. Her eyes reddened and her lips pressed tight. These cousins were both legitimate daughters, and she did not dare to offend them.
Chen Rong kept her head bowed. She again covered her face with her sleeve and drank a mouthful of wine while hiding the delight on her face.
Following her return, she had heard from Nurse Ping that the people Chen Yuan had sent to keep an eye on them had gone to the warehouse several times. That was when she knew Chen Yuan was still designing for her food.
It turned out to be true.
While Chen Wei was brimming with tears, arriving footsteps sounded to them.
“Is Ah Rong of the Chen House home?” a clear voice soon called in.
The girls paused while Nurse Ping quickly replied, “Aye.”
“I’m from the House of Wang,” the other person announced.
The House of Wang? Nurse Ping hastened out and gave the people in the yard a bow. “Please speak.”
He presented an exquisitely made invitation and smilingly said, “The lords will have a boating excursion on the lake by Hushan Mountain tomorrow at noon. That being the case, how can they be without a beautiful companion? Since Ah Rong of the Chen House is in possession of Wang Qilang’s jade ornament, the gentlemen wish to see her impart some inspiration through her zither playing.”
Nurse Ping received the invitation and watched the Wang House’s people leave before turning her head to look at Chen Rong.
The girls were also watching her.
Chen Qian took the lead with a laugh; she covered her mouth and snickered. “Ah Rong, your Qilang misses you.”
She had sounded sore. This invitation wasn’t simple. It clearly originated from the literati. To be asked to such an elegant gathering was an honor in itself.
Like Chen Qian, the other girls were green with envy.
At this time, Chen Wei suddenly interjected: “If Ah Rong follows Qilang, the most she can be is his concubine. What rights does she have to say that Qilang is hers?”
Chen Wei lifted her chin staring contemptuously at Chen Rong before turning to Chen Qian: “Jiejie, you’re breaking all sorts of social hierarchy with those words of yours.”
Chen Qian knew she was retaliating on her for calling her ‘vulgar’ just now. She had wanted to trade barbs, but since Chen Wei’s words were true, she could only shut up in chagrin.
At this time, Chen Rong stood up and curtsied to the others. “I’m not feeling very well. Please excuse me.”
She then ran back to her bedchamber as soon as she finished.