The mistress has no feelings, why do you provoke her?

There was no need for Xiao Tao to report the matter concerning the shops on Chang'an Street; someone eagerly delivered the news to Song Wenjun.

Lady Xue, the wife of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, had been close friends with Song Wenjun since childhood; the two were inseparable.

The two companies have business dealings and have maintained a good working relationship over the years.

The rouge materials in Song Wenjun's shop all came from Xue's family.

She invited Song Wenjun to Wangjiang Tower, accompanied by several other ladies.

They were Lady Zhao, the wife of the Imperial Censor; Lady Xing, the wife of the Minister; and Lady Li, a wife from a Duke's mansion.

The ladies all got along well and often gathered together.

Firstly, it's to build relationships, and secondly, it's to kill time.

Today, Ms. Xue is hosting a private room for several of her sisters to gather together.

On the surface, it was said to be a meal, but everyone knew perfectly well that Gu Huaizhou had opened another shop on Chang'an Street.

In addition, rumors about him and his cousin were circulating everywhere.

The ladies became restless, wanting to hear the gossip and inquire about Song Wenjun's situation.

If her position in the Gu family is shaken, will it affect their business?

As soon as Xue mentioned it, the others readily agreed.

When Song Wenjun arrived, the rest of the group had also arrived.

She became the center of attention the moment she appeared.

I thought Song Wenjun would look haggard, but to my surprise, she had a rosy complexion and bright eyes.

He didn't seem bothered by anything at all.

The ladies exchanged glances in unison. Song Wenjun was too calm.

Despite the commotion outside, she remained completely unfazed.

"I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting," Song Wenjun said as she lifted her skirt and walked in.

Today she wore a plain pleated skirt with floral patterns and butterflies playing with daffodils, which really complemented her complexion.

It makes her look energetic and good-looking.

Song Wenjun was quite beautiful, with a dignified and elegant appearance.

Even after giving birth, her figure remained unchanged, which made several ladies quite envious.

Xue was the first to speak: "I wondered which fairy had descended, but it turns out to be Sister Song."

She deliberately teased Song Wenjun in order to dispel the doubts of the other ladies.

They're perfectly fine; they're not as bad as they imagine.

The ladies were slightly taken aback, then laughed: "As expected of the Marquis's mansion, you've taken such good care of yourself during your postpartum period, unlike me, who got angry during my confinement and ended up with eye pain."

The speaker was Madam Li from the Duke's Mansion. Although she was the Duke's wife, her life in the mansion was complicated.

After the old Duke passed away, her husband inherited the title.

But this title cannot be passed down to this generation, and she doesn't know what to do in the future.

Unfortunately, her husband was a disappointment, taking on concubines and mistresses, which only added to her worries.

Add to that a doting mother-in-law, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she lived a life worse than death.

Of these people, she suffered the most.

Song Wenjun knew that she was speaking from the heart and not implying anything about herself, so she comforted her, saying, "Now that you have a son to rely on, just enjoy your blessings. Just pretend you don't see anything else. Sister, please don't be foolish and give your whole heart to a man."

In his previous life, Li Xian was rejected by his husband because he cared too much about his concubines.

The concubines secretly sabotaged her, and being a weak-willed woman, she fell ill from anger.

This benefited the concubines, who ended up doing all the work for others.

When Song Wenjun died, Li Xian came to see her off and wept bitterly. That's why she gave her some advice in this life.

Her words, however, truly shocked the ladies present.

Li Xian stared at her in disbelief, stammering, "You, are you Song Wenjun? How can you say such, such..."

She wanted to say it was outrageous, but she didn't say it in the end.

He was afraid of damaging his relationship with Song Wenjun.

Xue and the other three were also stunned, looking at Song Wenjun as if she were a stranger.

Song Wenjun herself was too bold in her words and actions. She smiled slightly and said, "Perhaps you think I speak boldly, but these are my true feelings. We sisters are all women confined to our homes, bound by all sorts of rules. Men can have multiple wives and concubines, but women are expected to be tolerant and magnanimous, and don't even have the right to say no. Otherwise, they are considered jealous..."

The faces of all of them darkened simultaneously, because Song Wenjun was right.

Even if they didn't want to, they couldn't change this fact.

"So, we should just live our own lives well. If others aren't good to us, we should take care of ourselves," Song Wenjun added.

Perhaps it was because she had been oppressed for too long, or perhaps it was because she had been completely heartbroken by men.

The ladies all wore relieved smiles: "Wenjun is right, we have to take care of ourselves."

Xue then tentatively asked Song Wenjun, "Aren't you afraid that something might happen between your husband and your cousin?"

“What’s there to spread? I’d love for him to take my cousin as a concubine,” Song Wenjun said frankly.

"Huh?" The ladies all exclaimed in disbelief.

Xue lowered her voice and asked Song Wenjun, "You're not joking, are you?"

"No, I'm serious. If he likes me, let him do what he wants, as long as he doesn't touch me." Song Wenjun's eyes were full of disgust.

In her previous life, she cared too much about her reputation, which is why she always considered Gu Huaizhou's feelings.

Even if he had designs on taking a concubine, she would grit her teeth and tell others that she didn't.

The goal is to save face for both himself and him.

At this moment, Xue Shi was somewhat confused by Song Wenjun: "Aren't you two the epitome of a loving couple in the capital?"

“It’s an act.” Song Wenjun chuckled lightly. “Rumors are not to be believed.”

Gu Huaizhou wanted to cultivate a persona of loving and devoted husband, but she refused to cooperate.

No wonder no one suspected Gu Huaizhou when she died.

The ladies looked at Song Wenjun with a mixture of sympathy and relief.

It turns out everyone's life is the same.

Only Lady Xue truly cared for Song Wenjun, patting her hand and saying, "It's good that you're alright. I was worried about you for nothing."

Taking the opportunity, Song Wenjun said to her, "My husband is still thinking about getting promoted and making money all day long. He has his eye on the position of Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. You should talk to your husband and try to keep him in check. If a man's ambition is too great, he will become a wild horse. I won't be able to control him then."

Upon hearing Song Wenjun's words, Xue Shi's impression of Gu Huaizhou immediately plummeted.

She patted her chest and assured him, "Don't worry, he has the authority in this matter. It's just a matter of a word from me."

Song Wenjun couldn't help but smile after hearing this; this was the real reason she had come out today.

This cut off Gu Huaizhou's official career.

No matter how much he tries, he still can't turn things around.

What a scumbag! He still wants to climb the social ladder?

Just dream.

The others smiled upon hearing this, and their eyes turned to admiration as they looked at Song Wenjun.

It is often said that women confined to their homes only know about daily necessities, but Song Wenjun was different.

She managed business, household affairs, and husband management all at once.

They decided to learn from Song Wenjun.