Chapter 239: Chapter 239

In truth, this matter concerning Yang Wan could indeed be considered an unfortunate misunderstanding.

Due to someone's impatience, the eunuch's arrival at their residence had occurred quite late in the day. Moreover, this sudden imperial marriage arrangement had shocked not only the grandmother but also Yang Wan's biological mother, Yu, equally profoundly.

When it involved her precious daughter's lifelong matter, Yu immediately cast aside all other concerns. Without acknowledging Yang's father who approached from the side, the beautiful mother hastily pulled her daughter back to their chambers:

"A-Ning, this Prince Jingyu...?"

Only after thoroughly questioning everything about her future son-in-law—his health condition, household circumstances, and even their previous interactions—did Yu finally feel somewhat relieved.

Gently stroking her daughter's small head while seated on the soft couch, Yu's voice grew increasingly tender, carrying a melodious quality that subtly touched the heartstrings:

"Although there's some status disparity, whatever the case, as long as he treats you with genuine care, that's what matters most."

It must be said that as a biological mother, Yu's focus aligned perfectly with An Ning's perspective.

Regardless of other considerations, living one's own small life comfortably remained the paramount concern.

Having a husband who showed genuine consideration, possessing both good looks and temperament, residing in sufficiently spacious quarters where one could maintain autonomy, keeping far from mothers-in-law and various sisters-in-law, without needing to pay morning and evening respects to numerous elders daily—

Coupled with lacking neither power nor wealth, ensuring her precious daughter wouldn't need to constantly humble herself, and maintaining living standards that wouldn't decline after marriage—these conditions nearly sufficed completely.

As for his lifelong frailty and inability to endure excessive strain, that ultimately mattered little.

As a dignified prince and the current emperor's most beloved younger brother, regardless of circumstances, he was destined for a lifetime of wealth and honor.

Even Yu herself couldn't conceive of a better prospect than this within a short period.

Regarding their status difference—if marrying upward couldn't bring contentment, would marrying downward necessarily achieve it?

"Our Ningning truly possesses blessed fortune......"

Gently holding her precious girl in her arms, Yu couldn't help but soften her voice.

In what seemed like a blink, that tiny child who once obediently and sweetly called "A-Niang" while clutching little pink flowers to eagerly present before her had now nearly reached marriageable age.

By the time mother and daughter finished speaking, they realized the sky had grown quite dark.

Assuming the grandmother's usual thoroughness would ensure nothing was overlooked, combined with the advanced hour, Yu decided not to inquire further. This matter wasn't insignificant yet not tremendously important either, and disturbing the grandmother late at night might risk creating misconceptions about arrogant delight.

Of course, other reasons potentially influenced this decision.

Knowing her eldest daughter had never been particularly close with A-Ning, Yu understood that even upon receiving this news, Yang Wan might not find joy in it.

Considering their past relationship dynamics, Yu found it difficult to assign excessive importance to mere information delivery.

What meaning existed in sharing joyful news when the recipient would find no joy in receiving it?

Yet who could have predicted the unfortunate timing? That day, due to overwhelming shock, even the typically thorough grandmother had forgotten this matter...

Precisely when His Majesty had made such conspicuous arrangements yesterday, and capital news always spread rapidly—

By the next day, when the family discovered this oversight and attempted notification, the always well-informed Lady Cui had already received the news beforehand.

This created the earlier awkward situation.

After the men departed for the front courtyard.

Observing her eldest daughter's visibly displeased expression, Yu unconsciously sighed softly:

"Regarding yesterday's matter, Mother failed to handle it with sufficient consideration, causing you to lose face. Later, I will explain matters to your husband..."

Explain? What use would explanations serve now?

Recalling this morning's utterly mortifying scene, Yang Wan initially intended to speak, but her words died in her throat when her gaze swept past An Ning nearby!

Only thinking of her husband's incredulous expression moments earlier, Yang Wan tightly clutched her embroidered handkerchief as waves of bleakness washed over her heart.

For the first time since marriage, she realized she had already become an outsider in this family.

Neglect? How could Mother neglect something this important, allowing others to trample her dignity beneath their feet...

Indeed, with Third Sister soon ascending to become the noble and precious princess consort, Mother's eyes no longer held space for her eldest daughter.

A princess consort—someone like Third Sister, who avoided studying and accomplished nothing, could actually become a princess consort...

This thought intensified Yang Wan's anxiety, mingled with threads of resentment.

Within the main hall, the previously cheerful atmosphere gradually dissipated.

Amid the prevailing silence, An Ning refrained from speaking, quietly nestling against her mother's side while secretly grasping her mother's warm hand.

Meanwhile, at the head seat, the grandmother's expression suddenly grew grave as if realizing something. After staring intently at her visibly disturbed eldest granddaughter, she finally spoke in solemn tones:

"Something's wrong, Wan girl. Logically speaking, you've always maintained numerous private connections among various young ladies of noble families with consistently good relationships. Regarding your own sister's matter—especially something as significant as an imperial marriage arrangement—how could not a single person come to inform you?"

Or at least send someone to offer congratulations?

How could the in-laws have received the news first!

This implication carried far more serious consequences!

For clan matriarchs, social skills and the ability to maintain family or personal relationships remained absolutely essential.

As the legitimate eldest daughter raised with the grandmother's meticulous guidance, she shouldn't have committed errors in this aspect regardless of circumstances.

Moreover, Yang Wan had always enjoyed excellent external reputation—dignified, understanding of greater matters, and perceptive in social interactions. Otherwise, even considering the grandmother's influence, the Cui family wouldn't have sought marriage previously.

Sure enough, these words struck like a thunderbolt from clear skies, instantly draining all color from Yang Wan's face.

"Grandmother... I..."

However, she couldn't articulate what followed. Perhaps even Yang Wan herself didn't understand what had gone wrong.

Meanwhile, An Ning beside her already sensed the underlying reason.

Ultimately, the blame lay with this eldest sister's previously excessive disdain toward her own blood sister.

Perhaps Yang Wan believed she had concealed her contempt for the original host perfectly externally, but unfortunately, within the vast capital's upper circles—where no true fools existed—

Particularly among those noble young ladies who had previously associated closely with Yang Wan, or current matrons as they were now. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. Knowing her attitude, they naturally avoided early visits that might invite unpleasantness.

As for others, An Ning mused, they probably enjoyed watching the spectacle more than anything!

While the original host indeed avoided studying, numerous young ladies among noble families lacked these accomplishments—not everyone possessed innate talent. Yet to show such contempt toward one's own blood sister...

Furthermore, having previously associated so closely with Yang Er and frequently appearing together, perceptive observers might interpret this as collaborating with a half-sister to exclude one's full sister!

Especially when the other party had already revealed problems under public scrutiny, every past action became infinitely magnified...

Most importantly, An Ning now represented the ascendant party.

Ah, the capital never lacked cunning individuals!

Considering the original host's previous experience with gossip and subtle exclusion by both sisters, then observing Yang Wan's increasingly pale complexion as if realizing something—

An Ning unconsciously lowered her head to sip some mild tea.

One could only say—how could this not exemplify the whims of fate and destiny!