The Coming-of-Age ceremony for Wen Mohan was officiated by his esteemed tutor.
Wen Mohan’s teacher was Feng Zhongjin, the Dean of Sheng Lin Academy. Scholars graduating from Sheng Lin Academy held significant prestige, whether in the imperial court or among literary circles.
As Dean Feng's most accomplished student and the Prime Minister's son, Wen Mohan was a favored candidate for Dean Feng to perform his Coming-of-Age ceremony.
Xiao Man sat in a corner, observing Wen Mohan at the front, a gentle smile on her face. "Young Master Wen is as handsome as jade; I wonder how many hearts he holds captive. After today, the threshold of the Prime Minister's mansion will likely be worn smooth by admiring visitors." (Sodang Novel Network)
Chu Qingge overheard and chuckled, "It's a pity that Young Master Wen's heart is already taken."
"Indeed, Young Master Wen's heart is taken, and those beauties are destined for heartbreak," Xiao Man said softly.
"Miss Xiao," the Prime Minister's wife suddenly approached, and both women quickly rose to pay their respects.
"Prime Minister's wife."
The Prime Minister's wife nodded, her gaze kindly falling upon Xiao Man. "Miss, would you mind accompanying me for a stroll?"
Xiao Man glanced at Chu Qingge, who nodded. Xiao Man immediately followed the Prime Minister's wife, who led her through the Prime Minister's mansion's rear garden.
"I recall that Miss and my Han'er were always at odds. I never expected that you could now sit together amicably, chatting and playing chess."
"Young Master Wen possesses noble character and is a true gentleman; he simply doesn't stoop to bickering with a mere young lady like myself."
The Prime Minister's wife looked at Xiao Man. Xiao Man's expression was calm, her gaze direct, showing no trace of fear. After all, she was the eldest daughter of the Protector General's mansion; what kind of situation hadn't she encountered?
"After today, Han'er will truly be a man. His marriage should also be put on the agenda," the Prime Minister's wife said gradually. "You are close with Han'er; do you know what kind of girl he likes?"
Xiao Man smiled. "Madam, you've stumped this junior. Although I am friends with Young Master Wen, the person one likes is a very private matter; how could he possibly tell me?"
The Prime Minister's wife looked at Xiao Man in surprise. "You… don't know?"
Xiao Man shook her head. "Indeed, I do not."
The Prime Minister's wife immediately felt aggrieved for her son. Her son, who was discerning and had admired countless beauties, had finally chosen Xiao Man. He had risked his life for her on several occasions, even falling out with his brother. Yet, the supposed culprit knew nothing!
"Then, does Miss have someone you like?"
"Regarding marriage, it is decided by parental decree and the words of a matchmaker. This junior will naturally obey my father's arrangements," Xiao Man replied flawlessly. Was the Prime Minister's wife testing her?
"If your father chose someone you disliked for you, wouldn't you feel wronged?"
"The person my father chooses would undoubtedly be meticulously selected, possessing excellent character and talent. I wouldn't feel wronged; it might even be that this junior is the one who has benefited." Xiao Man's tone remained unchanged, but she was inwardly vigilant. What did the Prime Minister's wife intend?
Upon hearing this, the Prime Minister's wife took Xiao Man's hand. "I have only two children in my life, Han'er and Yu'er. I don't ask for much, only for our family to live in harmony and peace. Do you understand?"
Xiao Man instantly understood. The Prime Minister's wife was warning her not to sow discord between Wen Mohan and his brother. "Of course, I understand. After all, this junior also wishes for family harmony and peace, rather than being harmed by petty individuals every few days, leading to unrest in the household."
The Prime Minister's wife gave Xiao Man a peculiar look, then smiled and teased, "Miss is truly a sensible girl. Those rumors outside are simply nonsense. I see Miss likes me very much; how about I take you as my adopted daughter?"
Xiao Man withdrew her hand and politely refused. "Thank you for your kindness, Madam, but this matter is beyond my authority. I must first ask my father and grandmother for their consent."
The Prime Minister's wife, pretending not to understand, took off the bracelet from her wrist, pulled Xiao Man's hand, and began to put it on Xiao Man. "This is my token of…."
The Prime Minister's wife saw a jade bracelet on Xiao Man's wrist, a bracelet she was very familiar with. It was a treasured heirloom passed down through generations of the Wen family, meant to be given to the future daughter-in-law. Yet, it was now on Xiao Man's wrist.
Without a second thought, the Prime Minister's wife knew this bracelet was a gift from Wen Mohan to Xiao Man. "Your bracelet is indeed exceptionally beautiful."
Xiao Man smiled. "A friend gave this to me. If Madam likes it, I shall give it to you."
With that, Xiao Man removed the bracelet from her wrist and handed it to the Prime Minister's wife.
The Prime Minister's wife felt a surge of anger rise in her chest, wishing she could slap Xiao Man twice. Her son had poured his entire heart into this woman, gifting her the Wen family's heirloom, yet this woman showed no regard for its value and casually gave it away!
Her fingernails dug into her flesh, but the Prime Minister's wife felt no pain. Her gaze towards Xiao Man changed. After a moment, she smiled. "Since it was a gift from a friend, you should cherish it. What others give you represents their heart; how can you give it away so casually? If your friend knew, they would likely be saddened."
"If it were given to someone else, he might be angry. But if it were given to you, Madam, I imagine he would be pleased," Xiao Man said sincerely.
The Prime Minister's wife felt her heart bleed. She increasingly felt Xiao Man was unworthy of her son. However, her son was smitten. Otherwise, she wouldn't even have allowed Xiao Man into her home.
"As the saying goes, a gentleman does not covet what others desire. Quickly put it away." The Prime Minister's wife struggled to suppress her anger. No wonder Yu'er harbored such animosity towards her. Xiao Man was truly a person who was hard to like.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Man put the bracelet back on her wrist. This bracelet was a birthday gift from Wen Mohan. She had initially thought it was just something he bought casually, but looking at the Prime Minister's wife's expression, there seemed to be a hidden story.
Xiao Man began to ponder. Everyone in the Prime Minister's mansion today seemed strange. First, Wen Mohan Yu had come to her, asking her to intercede with Wen Mohan. She was an outsider; how could she help?
Now, the Prime Minister's wife had approached her for a conversation, her words filled with probing and warnings. She didn't want to get too close to Wen Mohan either, especially since Wen Mohan Yu and she were mortal enemies. Then Wen Mohan would not only be caught between her and Wen Mohan Yu but potentially between the Prime Minister's mansion and herself.
After strolling through the garden, Xiao Man found an excuse to leave, without bidding farewell to Wen Mohan. Once the Coming-of-Age ceremony was completed, Wen Mohan searched for Xiao Man and, upon learning from the gatekeeper that she had left midway, asked.
"Why did she leave early?" Wen Mohan asked the maid he had arranged to serve Xiao Man.
The maid lowered her head. "Madam went to find Miss Xiao. They strolled in the garden for a while. As to what they said, I was too far away to hear. Afterward, Miss Xiao left."
Wen Mohan sighed and waved the maid away. It seemed that on this path, not only Prince Qin was an obstacle, but the Prime Minister's mansion was as well.