Madam Wei Yangshi was at a loss for words, completely shut down by Yang Ruxin. In Beijing, or indeed any place where people understand basic social etiquette, who wouldnât engage in polite pretenses? Even if not familiar, one would act as if they were close sisters. No matter how much they dislike someone, they would still behave as if they are long-lost sisters. But whatâs with this Yang Ruxin? How could she just openly claim not to know them?
Even if we really didnât know each other before, today I brought a gift and a formal note of introduction, so isnât that enough to make an acquaintance? Moreover, my father-in-law works at the Court of Judicial, and while heâs just a clerk there, itâs a position with real power. Even if unfamiliar, shouldnât she give him some respect?
Usually, there are many who try to curry favor with the Wei Family.
Even if your husband is a newly risen noble, he still needs to make alliances with his colleagues, and diplomatic relations among the ladies are unavoidable. But you, this country bumpkin, so openly ask questions without giving any respect to the visitors, is this really appropriate?
Regardless of whatâs appropriate, when someone asks, she couldnât just ignore it. However, the purpose of their visit was somewhat obscure, so it was hard to say it directly. She could only smile and continue evasively, "We all live in Beijing, and sooner or later weâll see each other frequently, so isnât it time we get familiar with each other? Besides, I bear the Yang surname, so perhaps we might have been family in the past."
"Well, madam makes a good point, but Iâve been here for so long and we havenât interacted, have we?" Yang Ruxin smiled innocently, "Even at the palace banquet, we didnât greet each other, so Madam Weiâs sudden visit really leaves me at a loss for how to respond. Wouldnât it be better if madam stated your purpose directly? After all, we donât share the same Yang family connection."
Madam Wei Yangshiâs mouth twitched, seeing this Ningyuan Generalâs wife in a new light; uncouth and ignorant of societyâs ways. However, such a person has benefits too; theyâre easily manipulated. She then chuckled, "Look at what Madam Gu said, although initially unfamiliar, the second meeting quickly familiarizes."
Yang Ruxin leisurely watched her.
"This is my disappointing daughter, Wei Ran." Madam Wei Yangshi suddenly pointed to Wei Ran, still avoiding stating her own purpose for the visit, "You two are similar in age, and itâs best for you to play together more in the future."
"I..." Wei Ran quickly lifted her eyes, showing a hint of timidity.
"Isnât this the Wei Miss who fainted in the palace from a so-called snake scare?" Yu Qingge suddenly exclaimed, "Madam Wei, we are not in the same group as her. She associates with Miss Wang and Miss Shen instead."
"Indeed." Yang Ruxin nodded, "Our paths diverge significantly."
Wei Ranâs face flushed red, her hands tightly clutching the handkerchief.
Madam Wei was utterly frustrated. Who exactly is this Yang Ruxin? Why is she so blunt? The smile on her face became somewhat strained, "Madam Gu, thatâs not how to put it, isnât it? Itâs just young ladies having fun together... Furthermore, doesnât Longfeng Embroidery Village still have business with you?"
"Madam Wei, if you hadnât mentioned that, maybe we could have continued our conversation. But since you brought it up, I feel thereâs really nothing left to discuss." Yang Ruxin suddenly stood up, "We entered into a partnership with the intent of building a relationship, but now that partnership has ended. Meanwhile, Iâve seen my dolls displayed in your embroidery village in Beijing. Doesnât the Wei Family owe me an explanation?"