By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

Wen Shuyu was the first to arrive as usual.

Heaven knows how anxious she's been these past few days. She doesn't understand why Pei Rujing wouldn't let her go again after she'd only been to Yunguang Courtyard once.

He was constantly worried that he might have done something wrong to anger his sister-in-law.

Having received Pei Rujing's invitation yesterday, Wen Shuyu felt relieved and arrived at Yunguang Courtyard early this morning.

"Shuyu greets sister-in-law!"

Pei Rujing nodded, gesturing for her to sit down.

Thinking of what Wen Zongji had mentioned before, Pei Rujing adopted the demeanor of a sister-in-law and asked, "What has Shuyu been doing these past few days?"

Wen Shuyu, of course, couldn't admit that she was panicking, so she said, "I'm reading."

"What kind of books does Shuyu like to read?"

"I enjoy reading about famous people's travels, their casual conversations, and even storybooks."

Previously, in front of Wen Zongji, Wen Shuyu did not dare to say that she liked reading storybooks.

Pei Rujing laughed upon hearing this: "What a coincidence! I also enjoy reading storybooks. I have all the new storybooks published in the capital every month. If Shuyu likes them, she can take them back to read."

"real?"

Wen Shuyu's little face was full of excitement.

Aunt Chen held a mediocre position in the mansion, and Wen Shuyu was practically invisible. They had no connections in the front courtyard and couldn't find anyone to bring them things from outside the mansion.

The newly published storybooks were incredibly tempting to Wen Shuyu.

Pei Rujing said, "Of course it's true."

He sighed inwardly, no wonder Wen Zongji doted on this younger sister; it was just some storybooks, yet he was so happy.

Pei Rujing then instructed, "Qinghe, from now on, send a copy of every new storybook you come across to Yucui Pavilion."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Wen Shuyu was even happier: "Thank you, sister-in-law, you're so kind."

She had been worried that she might have upset her sister-in-law, but now she was overjoyed. Her sister-in-law was so kind to her, she must not dislike her.

Before long, Zuo Mingxuan arrived at Yunguang Courtyard, led by a servant.

Upon entering the inner room, Zuo Mingxuan looked at her with disdain: "Princess, your courtyard is far too small."

Like Pei Rujing, Zuo Mingxuan also looked down on Yunguang Academy.

No sooner had Zuo Mingxuan finished speaking than she saw Wen Shuyu.

"Oh? Whose little girl is this?"

Zuo Mingxuan blinked and joked with a smile.

Wen Shuyu's cheeks flushed red.

Pei Rujing rolled her eyes at her and introduced, "This is my husband's younger sister, Wen Shuyu."

Zuo Mingxuan suddenly realized: "Second Miss Wen."

She knew that the Marquis of Zhongyong only had two daughters, and Zuo Mingxuan had met the married eldest daughter, Wen Shuxuan.

Wen Shuyu stood up and greeted her: "Miss Zuo."

Pei Rujing had someone bring out the mahjong tiles: "Before my sister-in-law arrives, let me teach you how to play?"

Zuo Mingxuan was interested in all new and interesting things: "What is this?"

Wen Shuyu explained, "This item is called mahjong. My brother specially made it to help my sister-in-law relieve her boredom."

There was a hint of smugness in her tone.

In her opinion, Wen Zongji, who made the mahjong set, was extremely skilled.

Zuo Mingxuan was stunned: "Your husband made this?"

Pei Rujing smiled smugly: "Of course."

"I want to see just how fun this mahjong is."

After one incense stick

Zuo Mingxuan's eyes lit up as she looked at the mahjong set: "Princess, could you make me a set of mahjong?"

so fun!

It's such a novel thing, and she only found out about it now. What a pity.

Pei Rujing casually agreed, "No problem."

Anyway, since Granny Feng had already ordered someone to make mahjong, giving it to Zuo Mingxuan was just a small matter.

Just then, the Zhong family arrived.

Seeing that there was one player missing and only she was left, Madam Zhong said apologetically, "Wen-ge'er had a fever a couple of days ago, and he's still a bit clingy even though he's just recovered. I had no choice but to take him to my mother-in-law's place first."

Pei Rujing waved her hand: "Then let's begin."

As soon as she sat down, Zuo Mingxuan raised her hand to stop her: "Wait a minute, doesn't something this fun need a prize?"

Pei Rujing's eyes lit up: "We definitely need a prize."

Wen Shuyu was the most anxious: "What kind of prize do we need?"

Zuo Mingxuan pondered for a moment and said, "Let's not gamble too much, one tael of silver per round. The second young lady is still young, so let your brother pay the bet."

Wen Shuyu lowered her head, wanting to say that her brother didn't have much money either, but she was afraid that saying it would embarrass Wen Zongji. She could only clench her little fists secretly, thinking that if she lost too much, she would stop playing.

Pei Rujing glared at her: "Shuyu is still young, how could you make her pay for it? You're heartless!"

Wen Shuyu is thirteen years old this year, which is not too young, but Pei Rujing already has the mentality of an older sister-in-law, which is why she is willing to protect Wen Shuyu.

Zuo Mingxuan nodded: "Alright, Second Miss gets the money if she wins, and doesn't have to pay if she loses."

Wen Shuyu quickly shook her head: "Even if I win, I don't want the money."

She didn't want to take advantage of the situation.

Pei Rujing waved her hand: "It's just a few taels of silver. If you're really capable, then you can have it. It's settled then, let's begin."

Throughout the entire process, Mrs. Zhong remained silent.

As Pei Rujing said, it was just a few taels of silver, which they wouldn't even care about.

Adding prizes isn't about winning money; it's simply about adding to the fun.

The effect of adding a lucky charm is significant.

After several rounds of play, each of them became more and more competitive as they looked at the amount of silver in front of them.

Losing money is a small matter, but losing face is a big deal!

They played until lunchtime, when Granny Feng reminded them it was time to eat, and their enthusiasm gradually waned.

After counting the silver in front of them, they found that the biggest loser was Zuo Mingxuan, who had proposed adding more money to the stakes, and the second biggest loser was the Zhong family.

Pei Rujing and Wen Shuyu both won money.

Pei Rujing truly lived up to her reputation as the most skilled player; she won the most.

Zuo Mingxuan retorted, "This is my first time playing, so I'm bound to be a bit clumsy. Once I get the hang of it, I'll definitely win all the money you have."

Pei Rujing casually tossed some silver coins aside: "I'll wait."

Wen Shuyu carefully put the silver into her purse, like a hamster hoarding supplies, delighted that she had a lot more money in her pocket.

Zhong didn't dwell on the money she lost; instead, she played with great enjoyment: "If the county princess needs mahjong partners in the future, just have someone call me."

After saying that, he left Yunguang Courtyard.

Pei Rujing wanted her to stay for lunch at Yunguang Courtyard, but she was worried about Wen Ge'er, so she declined.

As for Zuo Mingxuan and Wen Shuyu, they naturally stayed for the meal.

Zuo Mingxuan was still thinking about the Plum Garden: "I thought we could have lunch there, but who knew mahjong would be so fun? Why don't we bring the mahjong set with us?"

Pei Rujing was speechless: "Who will play with you if you go?"

Zuo Mingxuan looked at Qinghe and the others: "Aren't these all people?"

Qinghe and the others stepped back together: "Miss Zuo, we have no money."

Zuo Mingxuan looked regretful.

Wen Shuyu overheard that Pei Rujing was going out with Zuo Mingxuan and felt a little envious, but she knew she couldn't interfere, so she obediently ate her lunch.