I Became The Stepmother of My Ex-husband

Gao Ran glanced at Lin Wei Xi’s “lonely” departure from the corner of her eye. She laughed to herself and suddenly exclaimed in surprise, revealing a bit of anxiety, “My memory seems to be getting worse. I was so busy talking to Grandmother that I forgot about someone. Where is Miss Lin? Before I left, I promised Father to take good care of her. This is her first time socialising, so I’m afraid she is shy with strangers.”

A loose-lipped Lady couldn’t help asking, “Miss Lin? Who’s that?”

“The daughter of Father’s old friend. She is also pitiful. She lost both parents and has no one to rely on. Father took pity on her hardship and brought her back to the residence.”

The Ladies could relate to her experience. The daughter of an old friend who was a pitiful orphan and lived relying on somebody else’s charity. These Ladies who managed their households laughed gently and said to Gao Ran, “Shizi Fei is truly attentive and kind, constantly taking care of the daughter of an old friend.”

In the capital filled with influential households, Marquis Zhongyong Lin Yong was like a drop of water that made no ripples. Why would these arrogant Ladies remember who he was? They wouldn’t think of him when they heard the surname Lin, and really thought this person was like a wretched and miserable pitiful cousin.

The Duke Ying Lady realized what Gao Ran intended to do. Her old eyes turned indifferent and her voice was both flippant and critical, “Is this the orphan that Prince Yan brought back some time ago? It wasn’t easy for you to marry into the residence. The most urgent thing is to give birth to an heir, so don’t worry too much about such irrelevant things.”

The Duke Ying Lady didn’t care much about this orphan girl. She was the daughter of a nominal Marquis, with no foresight and no knowledge, who somehow found a place to live. Wasn’t the situation obvious? Obviously, the Duke Ying Lady would think this way because she’d never met Lin Wei Xi, nor had she been to the Prince Yan Residence.

Gao Ran said this to demonstrate her benevolence and ability, but ended up being embarrassed by the Duke Ying Lady. Gao Ran secretly scolded her for her feudalistic mindset, but she and her grandmother were only close on the surface anyway. She didn’t take the Duke Ying Residence as her home and only treated them superficially.

Gao Ran thought about it and said, “This Miss Lin has had a very pitiful life. Both her parents died and she has no uncles or relatives. She used to stay at her aunt’s house, but when the Prince saw her suffering, he took her to the residence. I was loved by my grandmother and father since I was born, and didn’t know that such a pitiful person existed. When I saw Miss Lin, I felt more grateful for my family. Being able to have my grandmother’s protection is Heaven’s blessing, so I want to help Miss Lin even more. If the Buddha sees my actions, it might amass good fortune for my grandmother and younger brother.”

After she finished speaking, the Duke Ying Lady repeatedly praised her for being a good child, and the surrounding Ladies also praised her for her filial piety. Gao Ran pursed her lips and smiled. After refusing a few times, she turned to ask Ning Fu gently, “What about Miss Lin, where did she disappear to? All the Ladies are here now, so I want to introduce Miss Lin to them and my grandmother.”

Gao Ran remembered that in her past life, when she was looking for a relationship with a pampered nouveau riche, she tried sneaking into a party. This was how the rich and beautiful classmate who had brought her along to the dinner party introduced her to the others. Gao Ran was nervous and happy back then, thinking that she was accepted by the people of that social class. It was only now that she was in the same situation again, did she realize that she hadn’t been accepted by the people of that social class. When introduced like that, it was actually condescending charity.

Gao Ran glanced around but couldn’t find Lin Wei Xi. Seeing her do this, the Ladies and wives around her also followed suit, “Xiyuan is a park exclusive to the imperial family, why wander around… “

They were looking around when a voice suddenly came from behind them, “The dragon boat hasn’t started yet, what are you looking for?”

Everyone turned around and smiled when they saw the person who had arrived, “Old madam, greetings.”

The people of the Duke Ying Residence looked embarrassed, but said hello to Princess Royal Shou Kang, “we hope the Princess Royal has been in good health.”

Princess Royal Shou Kang walked slowly with the support of others. She beamed, and although there were traces of age on her face, she was much more spirited than before. She glowed with vitality, as if she were several years younger. She smiled and asked, “You seem to be having a lively conversation. Who are you talking about?”

Gao Ran rushed to answer, but was cut off by another talkative young lady, “Shizi Fei is talking about the woman that His Highness Prince Yan brought back two days ago. I heard that she’s an orphan and is staying at the residence. Shizi Fei empathizes with this woman, so we were praising her filial piety.”

“Oh?” Princess Shou Kang looked coldly at Gao Ran with unconcealed ridicule, “If I didn’t know this Lin girl and instead listened to Shizi Fei’s description, I would’ve thought that Prince Yan had brought someone else back.”

It was an open secret that Princess Royal Shou Kang didn’t get along with Gao Ran and the Duke Ying Residence, but no one expected that Shou Kang would do something like this on such a big occasion. Everyone’s smile froze. Gao Ran was popular in the capital, but that didn’t mean she could talk back to Princess Royal Shou Kang. Shou Kang was Gao Ran’s nominal grandmother, and Gao Ran had no right to speak up.

The Duke Ying Lady’s face sank. She and Shou Kang were from the same generation of noblewomen, and if Shou Kang weren’t a princess, how could the Duke Ying Lady, who had an abundance of children and grandchildren, fear her. However, having said that, the identity of the princess was no joke. The Duke Ying Lady wasn’t happy, but she decided to try and compromise, “Third Miss is sincere, so why is Princess Royal taking her anger out on third girl when she doesn’t deserve it?”

Princess Royal Shou Kang smiled sarcastically and ignored her. She did a turnabout and looked benevolent and good-natured, lovingly patted the hand of the person beside her, and said, “Since you’re talking about her, then I shall introduce my newly recognized granddaughter, Xi’er.”

When they heard this name, many of the Ladies who were familiar with that name felt stunned. Xi’er? They looked at the girl standing next to Princess Royal Shou Kang and found that she was blossoming into a dazzling and beautiful young woman. Although they’d never seen her before, she obviously wasn’t the Eldest Miss, Gao Xi, of the Duke Ying Residence.

Lin Wei Xi took a step forward and greeted everyone naturally,  “Ladies, greetings.”

Seeing the doubt on everyone’s faces, Princess Royal Shou Kang smiled and said, “This child was taken in by Prince Yan. I felt that we were kindred spirits the first time we met, like she was no different from my own granddaughter. I also don’t know why, but not seeing her for a few days feels like being separated for a few years, so I called her away as soon as I saw her just now. Xi’er is well mannered and said that she couldn’t leave without telling someone, so we came to tell Shizi Fei that she will be following me. There’s no need for the Shizi Fei to pretend to care for her.”

The relatives of officials and nobility in the capital gave Gao Ran face, but Princess Royal Shou Kang obviously didn’t need to. Having been ridiculed in front of everyone by Princess Royal Shou Kang, Gao Ran was very embarrassed, and she said, “It’s a good thing that maternal grandmother and Miss Lin hit it off with each other. I originally wanted to let some of these Ladies meet Miss Lin out of good intentions, but I didn’t expect Grandmother to misunderstand.”

“Good intentions? Xi’er doesn’t need your good intentions.” Princess Royal Shou Kang humphed coldly and said, “it’s true that she lost her parents when she was young. But her father was conferred as Marquis Zhongyong by the imperial court. There are thousands of hectares of fertile land to her name, and she’ll have an easy life no matter where she goes. Just two days ago, Prince Yan told me that Xi’er will only be living temporarily in the residence. Why does it become so vulgar when you explain it?”

Princess Royal was teaching the younger generation, so the Ladies quietly raised their eyebrows and lowered their heads while smiling subtly without interrupting. The Duke Ying Lady couldn’t stand it anymore and frowned, “Third Miss obviously had good intentions. I’m afraid Princess Royal is prejudiced and looked at it wrongly. Who is this Xi’er, and why is she using that name?”

The Duke Ying Lady felt fearful when she heard the name Xi’er. If she didn’t already know that it was impossible, she would’ve thought Princess Royal Shou Kang was calling for Gao Xi.

How could she use that name? Lin Wei Xi felt sorrowful when she heard her former grandmother actually say such a thing, and the smile on her face also became lonely, “my name is Wei Xi, and my father called me Xi’er. Does the Duke Ying Lady think that my name is inappropriate? But this is something my father left behind. Now that Father has passed, how can my name be changed?”

“Why would you change your name? She just has a guilty conscience and wants to control what other people call themselves,” Shou Kang unhappily glanced at the Duke Ying Lady, sounding irritated, “Marquis Zhongyong is a brave and loyal man who gave his life for the country. Now that the Lin family only has one descendant left, please stop being so domineering, Duke Ying Lady! This martyr’s daughter isn’t someone you can bully.”

Duke Ying Lady’s face turned ashen. To have a reputation for bullying orphans, widow or elderly, was already offensive enough. Even worse, the other party was a martyr’s child, and one could be accused of misconduct if they weren’t not careful. The Duke Ying Residence was indeed powerful and famous, but it was mostly because of their in-laws, the Prince Yan Residence. The Gao family’s influence in the imperial court was mediocre. The Duke Ying Lady was tense for a long while, before deciding that she couldn’t risk her son’s career, and she could only soften her expression, saying, “I only felt that this name was familiar and said that without thinking. How did Miss Lin misunderstand and think that I want her to change her name? Just last year, my grandchild passed away, and Xi’er was only seventeen. I still mourn for her, so I was careless when I heard the familiar name.”

Lin Wei Xi looked down, her eyes filled with disdain and sorrow. Duke Ying Lady had actually used the dead as a shield. How funny. She was actually being attacked by her grandmother using her own death.

Seeing this, the Lady standing next to her hurriedly mediated, “that’s enough, it’s all a misunderstanding. Just let it go. This Miss is so pretty, and it’s my first time seeing this kind of beauty.”

Lin Wei Xi’s mood fluctuated. When she saw this, she pretended to shyly lower her head to cover up the intense condemnation and fury in her eyes. Princess Royal Shou Kang didn’t want to incite conflict on such a wonderful day, and besides, she was still in the palace, so she followed up with a smile, “Xi’er just came out of her filial mourning the day before yesterday, and has just started socializing. It’s her first time showing her face, so please don’t laugh.”

“Think nothing of it, Princess Royal,” The wives looked at Lin Wei Xi, their eyes flashing fervently. So she turned out to be the daughter of Marquis Zhongyong, who’d been very hot news in the capital some time ago. They didn’t expect that she was this beautiful and easy to talk to. She’d even obtained the approval of the Princess Royal, which was rare. Listening to Gao Ran’s narrative just now, they really thought she was a shameless girl from a fallen noble house.

Princess Royal Shou Kang patted Lin Wei Xi’s hand affectionately, and angrily scolded everyone, “You can’t look down on her just because she has no family. Later when she marries, I will empty out my box of property deeds for her to bolster her image.”

Of course, everyone laughed and flattered her, and the Ladies who had a son started to plan ahead. Although Lin Wei Xi’s background wasn’t prestigious, they were unable to resist her generous dowry. She owned the assets of the Marquis Residence and had the Princess Royal adding to her dowry. She also looked this beautiful… the person who married her in the future would have the Lin family’s loyalty and bravery to their name, which was quite a useful bargaining chip.

Seeing that her goal had been achieved, Princess Royal Shou Kang smiled and left with Lin Wei Xi after giving a few polite greetings. From start to end, Princess Royal Shou Kang ignored Gao Ran, too lazy to pretend to respect the Duke Ying Residence.

Gao Ran forced a smile. After they left, a Lady complained to Gao Ran without thinking, “really, Shizi Fei! You explained it so modestly. I really thought she was just an ordinary girl. She is Marquis Zhongyong’s daughter. Her status is pretty good, but unfortunately she doesn’t have any relatives. However, she’s good-looking. These flaws are nothing.”

When Gao Ran heard this, her expression turned cold. Another Lady also added, “Isn’t it? Who knows how many people I’ve met in the capital after so many years, but this is the first time I’ve seen such an attractive person. Such an exquisite young girl, how good it is to be young! Hey, Shizi Fei, what’s wrong with you?”

Gao Ran turned her head and smiled gently, “It’s nothing. I was thinking of the instructions Shizi gave me before leaving the house, so my mind wandered a little.”

When Gu Cheng Yao was mentioned, the Ladies immediately dropped the topic of Lin Wei Xi and enthusiastically talked about the Prince Yan Residence. Gao Ran turned the focus to herself again and lightly hummed to herself. She’d intended to lower everyone’s first impression of Lin Wei Xi’s. So long as it was destroyed, Lin Wei Xi wouldn’t be able to marry into a good family. However, she didn’t expect Lin Wei Xi to meet up with Princess Royal Shou Kang so soon, or for Princess Royal Shou Kang to willingly come forward to introduce her. When entering the social circle, the first introducer was extremely important. If not for the support of Princess Royal Shou Kang, how could these arrogant noble Ladies accept Lin Wei Xi, this threatening beauty from a poor family, without a fuss?

Gao Ran had prepared for a long time, but felt extremely upset now that she got such results.

Princess Royal Shou Kang enthusiastically led Lin Wei Xi to meet all the titled personages. Although Lin Wei Xi recognized these people, she still appreciated her grandmother’s kindness and acted the part of a lovable grandchild, greeting all the Ladies she met. It took a lot of effort to finish this round. If it weren’t for Princess Shou Kang’s lack of energy, she would’ve introduced her to Empress Dowager Qian.

Lin Wei Xi and the servants of the Princess Residence persuaded Princess Royal Shou Kang to sit down in the palace. Soon after they sat down, the dragon boat race began. Empress Dowager Qian led the women to a special platform. It was difficult for the imperial concubines to have such entertainment, and this kind of dragon boat race was a rare and grand occasion. Everyone was in high spirits. Although Lin Wei Xi wasn’t too interested, there were many people in the stands. She was afraid something would happen, so she was on alert as she carefully supported Shou Kang.

Luckily, Lin Wei Xi was paying attention. No one knew which family this kid was from, but his vision was blocked, and in his impatience, he reached out to push the person in front of him. The woman in front of him couldn’t have known that someone would push her from behind. She was caught off guard and hit her waist. She was currently pregnant and her balance was unstable; she narrowly avoided falling into the water. Lin Wei Xi’s eyes saw that something was amiss, and quickly reached out and grabbed. The woman cried out in alarm as she fell forward. Lin Wei Xi grabbed her hand and pulled her from danger. The woman was young, but was scared out of her wits after what happened. Lin Wei Xi was also very frightened. She tried to control her anger and calmly questioned the child, “Whose child are you to actually do this kind of thing.”

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