A Tale of Golden Heiress: Lady Wanjin - Chapter 27

“Oh my, just think about it—out of nowhere, Old Wen managed to snag a son-in-law for Wen Wan. And he seems quite decent too! Quick on the uptake, sweet-talking, and handles things methodically. How did Old Wen get so lucky?”

“Right? Remember that Zhao family in Yang City who also took in a live-in son-in-law? Their son-in-law can’t even string a proper sentence together! He’s always bowing and scraping around the Zhao house, worse off than a servant! If Mrs. Zhao is in a bad mood, she even whips her husband!”

Someone holding a child chimed in, “Decent? Did you get a proper look at the groom’s face? He was wearing a mask—probably has scars. Otherwise, with that Mr. Zhao’s demeanor, why would the Wen family get so lucky?”

“Exactly! Since when do ambitious, capable men willingly become live-in sons-in-law? He must’ve been down on his luck and had to rely on the wife’s family! That Mr. Zhao might wear a mask, but the way he carries himself and interacts with people—he’s no pushover. Money attracts trouble—who knows if our eldest girl can even handle him?”

The aunts and relatives had barely stepped inside when they spotted Zhao Heng wearing his mask. A groom who didn’t show his face naturally set everyone’s curiosity ablaze.

Especially since Old Wen had pulled off such a big event without a word to anyone. The Wen family had heard about the marriage arrangement early on, but no one had seen what the groom actually looked like. So, the busybodies naturally pulled Wen Yue aside, “Oh, Auntie, what does the eldest Wen girl’s husband look like? Why is he wearing a mask? We attended the banquet but still haven’t seen his face—if we run into him on the street later, we might not even recognize him!”

Wen Yue watched Wen Weiming’s bustling, lively wedding ceremony, thinking about all her efforts over the past six months that had come to nothing, along with Qi Lanting’s resentment and complaints toward her. She couldn’t help but feel bitter toward Wen Weiming, yet she didn’t want to cut ties with him completely.

So, while helping with receiving guests, she seethed with indignation.

If Old Wen hadn’t been so stubborn, today’s festivities should have belonged to her, Wen Yue.

Thus, her tone was impatient when responding to her relatives’ inquiries, “I haven’t seen him either. Old Wen kept him tightly under wraps, like some precious treasure. Maybe—” Wen Yue pursed her lips, her heart sour with envy, “Maybe he’s too ugly to show his face.”

The relatives completely missed the sarcasm in Wen Yue’s tone and instead bypassed her, chattering among themselves.

“I don’t think so. At the very least, he’s tall, strong, and imposing—quite presentable just standing there!”

“Definitely not ugly. I’ve seen plenty of people in my time—you can tell if someone’s ugly just from their silhouette! The groom can’t be ugly. Look at his build and his bearing—you could mistake him for a high-ranking official!”

“I think so too. Auntie, you’re not that old, but your eyesight isn’t great. If you ask me, the groom looks more upright than your third son!”

That comment even dragged the Qi family’s third son into it.

Wen Yue was reminded of Wen Wan’s remarks that day about him being “neither accomplished in letters nor in martial arts,” which had shamed Qi Guili to the core. He’d blamed her and her husband for ruining his marriage prospects and nearly fell seriously ill over it—Wen Yue was fuming.

But she couldn’t lose her temper in front of the relatives, so she could only retort inwardly: At least my third son isn’t becoming someone else’s live-in son-in-law! Hmph, just wait until he earns his merits and achieves fame—I’ll see what these people have to say then!

When the auspicious hour arrived, firecrackers exploded in the front courtyard. Everyone took their seats as melon seeds, candies, and snacks were laid out on the tables. The master of ceremonies announced the preparation for the wedding ceremony, and Wen family’s son-in-law slowly walked forward.

Many people in the main hall were cracking melon seeds and chatting idly.

Mostly about how handsome the young man was and how lively the wedding was.

But just then, a commotion broke out at the entrance.

A group of well-dressed people strode in confidently—Manager Li from West Street Tavern, Manager Zhu from the Grain Shop, and other prominent figures from Ping County. They instantly packed the already crowded main hall to bursting.

They all brought servants with them, and in moments, the courtyard was surrounded.

Were they here to congratulate the Wen family?

It didn’t look like it.

Each one looked fierce and intimidating, with strong enforcers behind them—more like… they were here to crash the party.

Everyone craned their necks to see what was happening. Some of the more timid guests, sensing trouble, pulled their children back and tried to hide.

The leader, Manager Li, walked to the center of the main hall and then politely cupped his hands in salute to the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, today is Shopkeeper Wen’s joyous occasion. We truly shouldn’t be disturbing at such a time. However, we just received news today that Wen family’s accountant, Shi Jinquan, has absconded with the account books. He also took away promissory notes, contracts, receipts, and other documents. After much deliberation, we feared that Shopkeeper Wen might follow in Shi Jinquan’s footsteps and flee after today’s wedding. Therefore, we had no choice but to swallow our pride and come to demand repayment, even at the risk of causing a scene.”

In the middle of the wedding banquet, such a sudden and dramatic turn of events left everyone present stunned.

They had heard that many creditors came demanding payment while Wen Weiming was ill, but at that time, he was in a daze, and the matter of debt collection was left unresolved.

But no one expected that now… even the Wen family’s accountant had run away!

Wen Weiming paled upon hearing about Shi Jinquan’s flight. Leaning on Zhao Heng for support, he hurried forward. “Esteemed managers, my accountant came just a few days ago to pay his respects and inquire after my health. Shi Jinquan has been with me for decades and has always been loyal and devoted. Where did you hear that he ran off with the account books?”

Manager Zhu from the grain shop replied with a sarcastic smile, “Brother Wen, let’s not pretend. Out of respect for our past dealings, we didn’t start by smashing up the place—that’s already giving you plenty of face.”

Manager Li added, “Shi Jinquan has already fled with his wife and children. My tavern prepaid a six-month deposit for Bifang Wine. Shopkeeper Wen, how do you explain this—”

“Shopkeeper Wen, our Hexiang Village supplied you with thousands of catties of lotus leaves last year, and the payment still hasn’t been settled. We’re a small business—those lotus leaves were picked, cleaned, and delivered by our fellow villagers. There was no shortweight, no delay in delivery. Now the villagers can’t get their money and are surrounding my house causing trouble, accusing me of pocketing the funds. Your family has a vast enterprise—how could you possibly withhold these few dozen taels of silver from the villagers?”

Wen Weiming had never been cornered by debt collectors in his life, let alone on such an important day as Wen Wan’s wedding. Hundreds of eyes were fixed on him. The thought of Shi Jinquan absconding with the account books, combined with the stress, made his heart race with anxiety.

Wen Weiming clutched his chest. Zhao Heng worriedly cried out, “Father!”

Meanwhile, Wen Yue pulled her two daughters-in-law into a corner, trying to hide.

Just moments ago, she had been green with envy watching him host the banquet. Now, she felt a sense of relief, as if she had narrowly escaped disaster.

Who would have thought the once-glorious Wen family would now have debtors chasing them to their doorstep? If this got out, the Qi family’s reputation would also suffer.

Thank goodness her third son hadn’t married into the Wen family.

The resentment clogging Wen Yue’s heart suddenly dissipated.

Manager Zhu, noticing Wen Weiming’s pale complexion, feared being labeled as someone who “drove Shopkeeper Wen to his death.” He quickly took half a step back and raised his hands. “Everyone present here must bear witness for me. We only came to demand repayment—we haven’t laid a hand on anyone, haven’t insulted anyone, haven’t pushed anyone. If Shopkeeper Wen falls ill from anger, you can’t blame it on us—”