After I died, the scumbag prince cried down the city wall

Chapter 160 Invitation

There is also an exquisitely shaped octagonal pavilion in the middle of the lake, connected to the shore by a long trestle bridge.

"Today is my birthday, so I specially gave you a pair of jade ruyi. My eldest brother is busy with government affairs, so my mother sent me to present them on her behalf to express our gratitude."

After saying that, the maid beside Yueyue brought the gift box. Cui Yunhe's face was full of joy and she thanked him repeatedly.

Cui Rongrong took an exquisite pear wood carved box from her maid Su Yue and gently handed it to Cui Yunhe, saying sincerely, "I prepared a small gift in a hurry. I hope Miss Cui won't dislike it."

"Just being here is the best gift."

Cui Yunhe's smile is warm and sincere.

When Cui Yunhe slowly opened the lid of the box, he thought that what he would see was the simple and plain sachet, but unexpectedly, a pair of Caidiexuan's latest pearl hairpins lay quietly inside. They were shining with a soft but not dazzling light, and the exquisite craftsmanship was amazing. There was no trace of simplicity, nor was it overly ostentatious. Everything was done to perfection.

"Sister Cui Rongrong, you are really too attentive."

A smile broke out on Cui Yunhe's lips, a smile that contained warmth and gratitude.

The value of this pair of pearl hairpins is by no means to be underestimated. It is probably worth hundreds of taels of silver to purchase them. It is really incredible that they were made by a lonely and helpless woman like Cui Rong.

However, Cui Yunhe's heart tightened, realizing that there must be Wen Yinyang's silent support behind this.

Thinking of this, the smile on her face couldn't help but become a little stiff, as if lightly covered by a layer of imperceptible frost.

As everyone was laughing and talking, someone who didn't know the situation asked casually, "Why is Master Xie nowhere to be seen? This is Cui Yunhe's birthday banquet after all."

Cui Yunhe remained elegant and chuckled, "Master Wen is busy dealing with the crucial salt tax case in the court, how can he have time to attend these banquets?"

Her answer revealed a hint of loneliness that was hardly noticeable.

"That's true. The case is extraordinary. Master Wen is racing against time and is at a critical moment in closing the net. He will definitely not be absent unless it is absolutely necessary."

Another person took over, his words full of understanding and sympathy.

"I remember that at the last Taiming Lake Spring Banquet, Master Wen rode a horse straight from the palace to get here. This shows how deeply he loves Miss Cui."

The teasing from everyone was like a spring breeze, causing a faint blush on Cui Yunhe's cheeks. She lowered her head shyly, speechless.

As for Cui Rong, she stood quietly on the edge of the crowd with her lips painted red tightly closed, as if she were an outsider, but no one could see the turbulent waves in her heart.

At this moment, an abrupt and deep voice broke the noise at the scene, and the voice was filled with uncontrollable excitement: "I heard that someone saw the woman with their own eyes. She is very beautiful. It is said that Master Wen takes great care of her. He always uses a carriage to cover her when he goes out, for fear that the outside world will find out."

This sentence was like a huge rock dropped into calm water, instantly bringing the originally lively atmosphere to freezing point. All eyes seemed to be pointed at the unclear relationship between the unknown woman and Wen Yinyang with the sharp edge of scrutiny.

In Yanjing, an ancient city that cannot keep any secrets, Wen Yinyang's every move is always like a gust of wind sweeping through, easily stirring up a storm in the city.

People describe Wen Yinyang as being like the bright moon hanging high in the sky, otherworldly, talented, and indifferent to worldly emotions.

His residence was free from the slightest trace of frivolity, and it seemed as if the mundane affairs of the romantic world could never touch that holy place.

However, such a man who was regarded as a treasure in the world was rumored to have a mistress in private and even brought her back to his mansion in disregard of ethics. Such news was like a stone dropped into still water, causing ripples that were difficult to calm down.

Cui Yunhe's smile froze at that moment. Under her gentle face, her hands in her sleeves unconsciously clenched into fists.

At this moment, Wen Yueyue's rebuttal, with unquestionable determination, was like a spring breeze that melted the ice: "This is simply nonsense! My eldest brother has always been a man of high character, how could he do such a despicable thing! I will never believe those rumors!"

In her mind, Wen Yinyang was almost perfect, and any remarks that attempted to tarnish his reputation would be firmly refuted by her.

Someone immediately echoed, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere: "We all know what kind of character Master Wen is. Such rumors must be just a misunderstanding."

Although everyone had their own plans, they still tried to maintain harmony on the surface.

Some people whispered in the corner, trying to defuse the storm with a contemptuous attitude: "Even if it is true, that woman is just a decoration in Master Wen's life. For a legal wife like Cui Yunhe, what's wrong with giving a concubine who knows her limits some respect? Once the novelty wears off, who can guarantee that the favor will last forever?"

Flattering words came one after another. Cui Yun and the daughters of noble families around her used their eloquence to express their contempt for the mysterious woman.

Only Cui Rong was still as quiet as before, standing aside with an indifferent expression, as if everything had nothing to do with her.

Cui Yunhe quietly noticed Cui Rongrong's slightly pale face, a hint of pride flashed through his heart, and a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "How can a man not take a concubine? As a wife, you should have a broad mind. Letting my husband enjoy a new love occasionally is also a test for me."

There was a hint of challenge in her words, and she was clearly enjoying playing this subtle psychological warfare.

Laughter rang out again all around, as if praising Cui Yunhe's "magnanimity".

The topic was soon diverted elsewhere. The socialites went out in groups of three or four to enjoy the view, but Wen Yueyue could no longer wait to run into the blooming cherry blossom forest.

Cui Rongrong felt a sense of boredom, so she politely said goodbye to Cui Yunhe: "I have added my blessings to Miss Cui's birthday today, I will not disturb you anymore and leave first."

She appeared out of gratitude to the old lady, and now that her wish has been fulfilled, she is eager to get away from this chaos.

Cui Yunhe was a little surprised by Cui Rong's sudden farewell: "Are you leaving now?"

Cui Rong responded politely: "There are many guests in the mansion, it is not appropriate to stay for long, and the old lady is waiting for me to go back and prepare medicinal food."

Her words contained an unwavering sense of responsibility that did not allow anyone else to interfere.

When Cui Yunhe heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, as if he didn't want this rare opportunity for communication to slip away easily.

She pursed her lips and said in a soft but firm tone: "In that case, why not stay for a while? I have specially prepared a small gift for you. Just consider it as a small apology for your unpleasant experience last time."

After saying this, a gentle smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, like a flower blooming in spring, bringing warmth that melts the ice and snow.

When Cui Rong heard this, she couldn't help but feel a slight ripple in her heart.