The Chen family clansmen had no idea that Huo Qiyuan and the others had long since been trained. They could drink more than two jin of the high-proof liquor that Su Muqing brewed, so the rice wine in this small world was practically an alcoholic beverage in comparison.
Meanwhile
Chen Wenyi returned to her boudoir with her mother. After dismissing the maids, Madam Chen's expression immediately changed, and her gaze towards Chen Wenyi was no longer as loving as before.
Chen Wenyi had been looking forward to a good meal in her room. Little did she expect her mother to stay in her boudoir without leaving and to look at her with a gaze that suggested she was disappointed in her potential.
Chen Wenyi: "Mother, what's wrong?"
Madam Chen was infuriated by her daughter's clueless demeanor, and her tone of voice was extremely stern.
"You still have the nerve to ask me what's wrong? Tell me, what is going on between you and Young Master Su? As the eldest daughter of the Chen family, the only daughter, and the future successor, how can you be so reckless?"
Chen Wenyi was completely bewildered by Madam Chen's sudden outburst and the inexplicable lecture. "Young Master Su and I...? Nothing is going on! Why are you saying this, Mother?"
Seeing her daughter refuse to admit her mistake and still try to argue, Madam Chen slapped the table and jabbed her finger at Chen Wenyi's forehead. If it weren't for the fact that she was getting married tomorrow, Madam Chen would have rolled up her sleeves and given her a good beating.
"You still dare to say nothing is going on! I heard from your father that after Leng Ren brought back the embroidered ball, you pulled Young Master Su into a private room at the Yingbin Tower for a long, secret discussion. No matter how much people outside called for you, you didn't come out. You left your future husband out there in front of so many outsiders and spent so much time alone with another man. That's why Leng Ren insisted on breaking off the engagement in the first place and refused to agree to the marriage. Is this true?"
When Chen老爷 told Madam Chen about this, she trembled with anger. If Chen Wenyi hadn't been busy with her preparations and rituals, she would have taught her daughter a lesson long ago.
This daughter was truly a handful. The Chen family clansmen were already keeping a close eye on their family. Didn't she know that just the crime of meeting a man in private was enough to not only disqualify her as the successor of the Chen family but also potentially have her drowned?
"Oh? Is that why?"
Upon hearing Madam Chen's words, Chen Wenyi finally understood. So, Leng Ren's initial refusal of the marriage was due to this reason? Chen Wenyi quickly dismissed this guess.
If others didn't know Su Muqing was a woman and mistook her for a man, it would be understandable. But how could Leng Ren, as Su Muqing's subordinate, not know her true gender?
Chen Wenyi crossed her arms and stroked her chin, unable to figure it out. Leng Ren definitely knew, so why would he be jealous and refuse the marriage because she talked with Su Muqing?
Chen Wenyi pondered and pondered, but she couldn't figure it out. Therefore, she naturally didn't know that the real reason was her own actions.
Leng Ren naturally knew Su Muqing was a woman, but he didn't know Chen Wenyi was a transmigrator.
So, he didn't expect Chen Wenyi to think of a fellow transmigrator among them after seeing the loudspeaker, and then discover Su Muqing was disguised as a man.
Thus, Leng Ren assumed that Chen Wenyi's actions at the Yingbin Tower were because she had taken a liking to Young Master Su Muqing!
Looking at Chen Wenyi's unseemly behavior, still stroking her chin, she lacked the demeanor of a noble young lady! She looked more like a ruffian from the market!
Madam Chen pointed at Chen Wenyi with trembling fingers, her eyes moist with anger. She truly hadn't expected her daughter to behave this way.
"You... What do you look like now? Do you want to anger me and your father to death? Since Leng Ren didn't hold your private meeting with Young Master Su against you, you should treat him well. How can you still exchange flirtatious glances with that Young Master Su at the dinner table in front of your future husband? How could you... When did you become like this?"
Seeing that her mother was genuinely angry, Chen Wenyi quickly stepped forward and grabbed her arm to explain.
"Oh my! Mother... What nonsense are you thinking and saying? Su Muqing and I... How is that possible? I say, as someone as astute as you are, haven't you truly realized she's a young lady?"
Madam Chen's hand, which was wiping away tears, paused. She turned to look at her daughter, whose face was full of helplessness. "You... What did you say? That Young Master Su... she's a woman?"
"Yes! You've misunderstood me, all of you have! She's a woman, and a young lady! I thought I had seen it, and that you and Father had seen it too. I never expected... I'm speechless! Am I that kind of person?"
Chen Wenyi said, rolling her eyes slightly in exasperation. She had almost been mistaken for a promiscuous woman!
Madam Chen let out a deep sigh and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. She had thought her daughter had changed after her injury... Thankfully, thankfully! It was fortunate that Young Master Su was a woman!
With the matter cleared up, Madam Chen finally felt relieved. She reminded Chen Wenyi to get some rest so she wouldn't be tired all day tomorrow, as lack of rest would surely affect her spirits. Then, she left with a light heart.
Now that her mother had finally left, Chen Wenyi took out a pile of food and placed it on the table. However, as she ate, her thoughts drifted back to what Madam Chen had said. Looking at the sausage in her hand, she felt a bit unappetitive.
If Leng Ren didn't want to break off the engagement because of Su Muqing, then what was the reason? Did he not fancy her at all at the beginning?
As the night grew deeper, on the other side, the Chen family servants continuously added oil to the lamps. The banquet finally came to an end after much toasting and feasting.
Regardless of whether the Chen family clansmen offered their sincere blessings or just went through the motions, they all ate and drank their fill in the end.
One by one, they were slumped over, some unable to even stand. Some, drunk, lay directly in the courtyard, mumbling complaints incoherently.
Seeing this, Chen老爷's expression remained unchanged, but he was secretly pleased. Although it was his Chen family members who had made a fool of themselves in the end, he felt no shame and inwardly mocked them, thinking they deserved it.
He then turned his gaze to Leng Ren and Huo Qiyuan and felt a sincere admiration. These individuals truly had a great capacity for alcohol! He had to admit that his son-in-law had truly brought him great honor!
He instructed the servants to carry out the drunken relatives one by one. Those with family to pick them up were handed over, while those without anyone to receive them were stuffed into carriages and sent back. Su Muqing glanced at Huo Qiyuan. She had been hungry all day and planned to return to her space to eat something good, but now her stomach was completely filled with wine, leaving no room for food.