The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 319

All of Zong Zhao's clothes were prepared by the Old Marchioness.

It must be said that when it came to making garments, the Old Marchioness was both passionate and skilled. Since Zong Zhao only favored black, she managed to craft an astonishing variety of black outfits. The Old Marchioness rattled off terms like "dark robes" and "black gauze," leaving Xu Wan struggling to distinguish them. At a glance, the martial-style clothes came in shades of jet black, matte black, sheer black, glossy black…

Even more exaggerated was the fact that the dozens of martial-style outfits were all designed as matching couples' sets, mirroring the patterns and embroidery placements of Xu Wan's own wardrobe. Even if she didn’t pair them with white garments, the style alone made it unmistakably clear: they were a married couple.

"Heavens…" Xu Wan was stunned.

Yet another day of being enlightened by the Old Marchioness.

On the day of the full moon banquet,

At Zong Jincheng’s insistent demand, the family of three rode in one carriage, while the other four children took another.

With the little troublemaker around, Xu Wan relaxed as he chattered away—now boasting about his academic achievements, now dramatically expressing how happy he was. His antics had her alternating between exasperation and helpless laughter.

However, Zong Jincheng was also a clever one. After teasing Xu Wan for a while, he turned his attention to Zong Zhao.

Zong Zhao seemed to have infinite patience, answering the little chatterbox’s questions without a hint of irritation, and soon found himself drawn into their lively trio conversation.

Zong Jincheng asked, "Father, the men’s and women’s seating is separate. When I was younger, I could still sit with Mother. Now that you’re back, does that mean I have to sit with you? But then Mother would be alone."

Xu Wan froze, glancing at Zong Zhao.

The Old Marchioness had also received an invitation. Though she had boldly declared, "Let’s see who dares exclude me now," she ultimately declined, preferring to avoid large gatherings at her age.

Zong Zhao thought for a moment and said, "You can sit with your mother for now. Once I settle matters with the Yan Family, your Second Aunt can accompany her to events."

Zong Jincheng brightened instantly. "Great! I love sitting with Mother—I can even help her fend off nasty women!"

"Nasty women?" Zong Zhao frowned.

Zong Jincheng nodded vigorously. "Mother’s younger sister, Xu Lian'er. She’s always picking on her, openly or secretly. One time, I—"

Xu Wan clapped a hand over his mouth, laughing awkwardly. "My little sister is just immature. It’s not that serious, and I haven’t seen her in ages."

She had no interest in airing her family’s dirty laundry, especially not to Zong Zhao. No need to burden him with such trivial matters.

The little troublemaker squirmed under her grip, but Xu Wan had plenty of experience subduing him and quickly silenced his protests.

Zong Zhao remarked casually, "A few days ago, I ran into Minister Xu at the Ministry of Justice."

"What? My father?" Xu Wan barely registered his formal address, immediately concerned. "Was it a coincidence? What did he say? He didn’t ask you for favors, did he?"

Minister Xu was a self-serving man. Back when Zong Zhao was absent, he had acted as if he had no daughter, never sparing a thought for her life in the Marquis Manor. Now that Zong Zhao had returned, he was suddenly eager to cozy up—clearly with ulterior motives.

Still, he was her father in name, and she couldn’t very well tell her not-so-familiar husband, "Don’t treat him as your father-in-law; he’s no good."

Zong Zhao replied, "I was investigating a case and didn’t have time to speak with him at length."

"Oh." Xu Wan exhaled in relief. "Then just focus on your work. Don’t pay him too much attention. If he tries to ask for personal favors, don’t agree. Our family doesn’t need wealth or status—just a clear conscience."

"Pfft—" Zong Jincheng burst out laughing first.

He vividly remembered the time his mother had nearly cracked Minister Xu’s skull open with a hairpin thrown by Cui Liu.

Xu Wan shot him a warning glare.

Zong Jincheng quickly played along. "Yes, Mother is right! We must be upright and never bend the law for personal gain!"

Zong Zhao watched the mother and son with warmth in his heart. The question he had asked her that night when they reunited now seemed to have its answer:

After all this time, you’re doing well.

Upon arriving at Old General Qi’s Mansion,

Xu Wan gave both of them another round of instructions—especially Zong Zhao—warning him not to show any favoritism toward her father, sister, or brother-in-law just because of their relation to her.

As they stepped out of the carriage, Zong Jincheng bounced alongside Xu Wan, entering the lively and jubilant mansion.

After presenting their invitation, they walked through the courtyard, catching snippets of conversation around them:

"That’s Zong Zhao? No wonder he’s the famed general who subdued the western frontier—such striking presence and noble bearing."

"I ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍heard when he first earned top honors in both civil and military examinations, matchmakers nearly wore out his family’s doorstep. But back then, the Zong family said he was too young for marriage. Who knew the next time he appeared, he’d already have a wife and child?"

"Remember how Minister Xu’s daughter marrying into the Marquis Manor was the joke of the capital? Now that General Zong is back, she and her entire family have risen in status."

"Rumor has it Duke Jin’s Manor is also boasting about their daughter-in-law’s ‘deep sisterly bond’ with Madam Zong, all to capitalize on their tenuous connection."

"..."

Xu Wan couldn’t avoid overhearing. She sighed inwardly—her worst fears had come true.

Back then, Xu Lian'er had tried to ride her coattails to elevate her standing in her marital family. At the time, Xu Wan had been relieved that Zong Zhao was away, leaving the Marquis Manor with little to exploit.

Now, with his return, Duke Jin’s Manor was the first to seek reflected glory.

Xu Wan was suffocating. How she longed to shout at the world: "Who’s ‘deeply bonded’ with her? Stop leeching off me!"

But fantasies were one thing; reality was another.

Before she could finish her mental tirade, Chen Yunyu and Xu Lian'er appeared before them.

These two persistent nuisances.

"Sister, brother-in-law, greetings." Xu Lian'er beamed, her demeanor toward Xu Wan noticeably warmer.

Zong Jincheng gagged audibly. "How fake."

Xu Wan silently applauded him in her heart.

The advantage of children—they could get away with bluntness under the guise of innocence.

His remark drew surprised glances, revealing the truth behind Duke Jin’s Manor’s exaggerated claims of closeness to General Zong’s household.

Xu Lian'er’s smile turned strained. "Jincheng, you’re still holding a grudge? Auntie just upset you once—can’t you forgive me? How about I apologize?"

As she spoke, Chen Yunyu’s gaze remained fixed on Xu Wan. The woman he had longed for now seemed further out of reach than ever, all because of Zong Zhao’s return. The fact that his family was scrambling to benefit from the connection only fueled his resentment, making him glare openly at Zong Zhao.

By the time Xu Wan sensed the tension, Zong Zhao and Chen Yunyu were already locked in a silent standoff.

Chen Yunyu was as irritating as ever, but Xu Wan refrained from saying anything harsh.

Given her recent understanding of Zong Zhao, she thought he might ignore Chen Yunyu—despite his quiet demeanor, he had a gentle temper.

Yet, the next moment,

Zong Zhao kicked Chen Yunyu straight into the river.