Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Sowing Discord Fails
Cheng Ru’s move, "Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell," did not succeed.
Once Miss Tan and Miss Liu learned that the Miss Qu mentioned by Cheng Ru was merely a maid, they paid no mind.
Starting with Miss Tan, the only person she cares about is the Eldest Young Master; what is the situation with the Young Master, and what does it have to do with her?
Moreover, after being rejected after putting forward such conditions, she now wants to show her magnanimity and tolerance, so how could she possibly compete with a maid?
And take Miss Liu, for instance, a lady from a prominent family. In her experience and observations, which man from a wealthy family doesn’t have multiple wives and mistresses? She wouldn’t be unable to tolerate a maid, especially when she can’t force Heir Pei to have only her by his side.
Instead of being misled by Miss Cheng, they developed an even greater opinion of her.
These are indeed girls from small families, constantly showing petty behavior, even going so far as to argue with maids, truly unworthy of mention.
The more such women are, the less they recognize their own status, blindly aspiring beyond their reach, thinking they can become a phoenix by landing on a higher branch.
A cousin and a maid.
Who should be guarded against? This is simply a question requiring no thought.
In the subsequent conversation, they increasingly ignored Cheng Ru, not giving her a glance. If accidentally making eye contact with Cheng Ru, they immediately looked away and put on a displeased expression.
As if meeting her gaze lowered their own status.
Cheng Ru hadn’t anticipated how difficult it would be to please these two; since arriving at the Pei Mansion, nobody had anything bad to say about her conduct, and she quickly established good relationships with Third Miss and Fang Yuan.
Now, being ostracized like this, Cheng Ru’s refined demeanor was hard to maintain, eventually excusing herself due to feeling unwell and leaving first.
*
The polo match is approaching, and the nobility of various families began preparations early, organizing their own teams and scheduling practice in spacious venues.
Initially, the Pei Heir did not intend to participate in the game. Others join the competition for fame and prestige, while he does not pursue such things.
Nevertheless, his friends were restless; after losing last year, they insisted on winning this time.
Thus, after much persuasion, they finally convinced the Princely Heir to participate in the polo match.
Ultimately, they decided to train at a venue outside the city.
The rest of the Pei Family couldn’t resist going along for a horseback outing; after all, the outdoor venue was spacious enough for a fall excursion.
It’s not uncommon for affluent young ladies to ride horses, and many who can’t ride are even inclined to learn.
Heir Pei also did not oppose their sisters going out for an outing and arranged suitable horses for them, including Qu Fulan.
Upon arrival, they discovered that next to them was a team led by Wen Sichen, already at rest on the other side as they had arrived earlier.
Unexpectedly, someone sharp-eyed noticed the presence of the Pei Family’s young lady and shouted to Wen Sichen, "Sichen, take a look, is that your fiancée?"
The shout was heard by most people, and they looked in the same direction, causing Pei Xiang to feel her cheeks heating up as she pretended not to hear, heading towards her designated area.
The weather was perfect for outdoor activities with a refreshing autumn air, but after a while on horseback, one could still be drenched in sweat. Wen Sichen was sitting cross-legged, using a fan for breeze, when he instinctively turned to look upon hearing this.
She was dressed in functional attire, with her hair tied high, different from before, exuding a sense of competency that was quite captivating. He got up and walked towards her.
Cheers erupted from his teammates behind him, yet Wen Sichen paid them no attention.
Meanwhile, Pei Xiang heard another cheer without understanding what was happening, daring not to turn around to look, until Fang Yuan quietly said, "Mr. Wen is headed this way."
Pei Xiang felt her heart racing, unsure of what to do next, when a figure appeared before her.
"It seems you also like horseback riding. I have a horse well-suited for a young lady like you at home, and I’ll have it sent to you later."
With his height towering above her, looking up meant facing the sun’s light such that she couldn’t see his face clearly, yet his radiant eyes were unforgettable.
"These horses were chosen by my second brother. I think they’re quite good," she lowered her gaze, feeling her ears heat.
Wen Sichen saw her ears turn slightly pink, causing laughter in his eyes. "But I want to gift you as well. What kind of horse do you like?"
Though Pei Xiang felt embarrassed, she earnestly thought it through before saying, "I like those that are gentle."
"Alright," he agreed instantly, and he couldn’t resist leaning closer to her with a playful tone, "Do I get a return gift?"
Pei Xiang saw him lean in suddenly, her heart skipping a beat, yet she pretended to be calm and said, "What would you like?"
Wen Sichen’s gaze became even more purposeful as he laughed, "Anything from you, I would cherish."
Just then, someone called for the next training session to begin.
Wen Sichen glanced behind and then at Pei Xiang, "Don’t leave after the session ends, I have some more things to discuss with you."
Pei Xiang couldn’t help but blush again, yet still nodded.
Elsewhere, Fang Yuan quietly said to Cheng Ru, "Future brother-in-law treats the Third Miss well."
Cheng Ru teased her, "If you’re so envious, why not find one quickly?"
Fang Yuan’s face turned red, and she couldn’t help but scold Cheng Ru playfully, "You rascal, we’re talking about the Third Miss, how did this become about me? I’m ignoring you."
Cheng Ru laughed and pulled her back, "It’s time to choose a horse; where are you off to?"
At this moment, Pei Lian’s wife, Yao Xin, arrived, accompanied by Miss Chen, and since none of them informed Third Miss and the others beforehand, there was no arrangement for her horse.
But as the sister-in-law needing a horse, who would dare deny her?
According to the principle of seniority, she was the first to pick a horse.
Then it was Third Miss, Fang Yuan, and Cheng Ru’s turn.
Yet after they made their picks, there was no horse left for Qu Fulan.
Third Miss saw this and offered her horse voluntarily, "Fulan can use mine."
After all, she would have her own horse and could ride whenever she pleased.
Just then, Miss Chen approached and whispered something to Yao Xin, who then said, "Third Sister, since you don’t want to ride, let my friend use the horse. Her horse can’t compare to ours."
Of course, the Third Miss didn’t want to agree, but rejecting it would be difficult. She felt caught between options when Fang Yuan spoke up.
"Second brother, are there any spare horses?"
Pei Ji’an rode over on a horse, "What’s the matter?"
Fang Yuan hesitated to say that their third sister-in-law had taken the horses meant for them and simply said, "We don’t have enough horses."
Pei Ji’an scanned the group, noticing everyone except Qu Fulan had a horse.