Chapter 340: This Feeling is Truly Wonderful

Chapter 340: This Feeling is Truly Wonderful

Chunxi returned to the manor and recounted her encounter with Mrs. Cao, then commented, "I saw that Mrs. Cao was nearly scared to death."

Princess Jianing sneered, "If her affair with my father is exposed, she'll have no way out. And even in death, she'd bring severe harm to her natal family and children."

"What was she aiming for?" Chunxi asked, puzzled.

Princess Jianing was also perplexed. If Mrs. Cao was unhappy in the Ren family and couldn't divorce, why not deal with the Ren family instead of degrading herself?

"No matter what, she must be made to break it off with my father," Princess Jianing declared.

Should the affair be exposed, the Duke of Duan might not suffer much consequence; at worst, he'd be subject to some backroom gossip. But would the Duke care? Naturally, he wouldn't.

However, we siblings have our dignity to consider; we cannot afford such disgrace.

Amidst Mrs. Cao's anxious waiting, three days swiftly passed. After breakfast, rather than hurrying to Yunlan Pavilion, Princess Jianing decided to select gifts. The imperial examination was approaching, and she wanted to present Xiao Yuxin with a gift, wishing him success.

Dilly-dallying until nearly the end of Si hour, she finally set out with two maids in tow. Li Jinghao wanted to accompany her, but the princess instructed him to stay home and keep an eye on the Duke of Duan.

Who knew if Mrs. Cao would inform their esteemed father? She had no desire to let the duke make a spectacle of himself.

Upon arriving at Yunlan Pavilion in her carriage, she was immediately greeted by a waiter. Recognizing the carriage from the Duke's residence, the waiter was especially attentive, "Esteemed guest, would you like some tea?"

Princess Jianing simply hummed in response, "I'm here to see Mrs. Cao."

Realization dawned on the waiter, "Mrs. Cao has been here since early morning, having reserved our finest private room. Allow me to escort you."

Nodding, Princess Jianing followed the waiter upstairs to a serene room. A maid opened the door—it was Xinger, Mrs. Cao's chief maid. Seeing the princess, she promptly bowed in respect, "My greetings to you, Your Highness."

Princess Jianing ignored her and stepped inside. Xinger hurriedly shut the door. Mrs. Cao immediately stood up and greeted the princess with a formal bow, "Your Highness."

Princess Jianing glanced at her indifferently, taking her seat in the central chair of honor. Even seated casually, her presence was imposing. It was then that Chunxi addressed Mrs. Cao, "Mrs. Cao, when in the presence of the princess, you ought to kneel in respect."

Mrs. Cao, both embarrassed and humiliated yet outranked, had no choice but to kneel, uttering, "I am unaware of how I may have offended Your Highness. Please enlighten me."

However, Princess Jianing merely stared at her, saying nothing, leaving Mrs. Cao with no choice but to remain kneeling. The princess was momentarily lost in thought; Mrs. Cao bore some resemblance to her late mother. She sneered internally; what was her father thinking, commemorating his late wife in such a manner?

How utterly repulsive.

Turning her gaze to the window, she composed herself for a moment before addressing Mrs. Cao again, "I have long been aware of your affair with my father."

Mrs. Cao, already kneeling in discomfort, collapsed onto the floor upon hearing this. The affair she thought was a well-kept secret was already known. But did others know as well?

Her expression panicked, she wanted to speak but found herself speechless. She felt as if stripped bare, consumed by shame and indignation.

The room fell silent, Mrs. Cao's maid dared not make a sound. Xinger stole glances at Princess Jianing, seated authoritatively, and once more felt that her mistress had made a foolish mistake.

"You should end your affair with my father," Princess Jianing finally said after a while. "My father is a man who cares neither for others' feelings nor for their opinions. But you are different."

Mrs. Cao kept her head bowed, silent. Although still humiliated, the intensity of her shame had lessened. She even felt, somehow, that as the Duke of Duan's woman, Princess Jianing had no right to insult her thus.

She said, "It takes two to tango. The princess should probably discuss this with His Highness."

Princess Jianning chuckled lightly; this was Cao Shi using her father as leverage against her. Clearly, Cao Shi neither understood her father nor her.

"As for this princess..."

Mid-sentence, Chunxi, who had been guarding outside, pushed the door open, approached Princess Jianning, and whispered, "Young Master Xiao is outside."

Princess Jianning, momentarily taken aback, furrowed her brows in thought before saying, "Invite the young master in."

Since Xiao Yuxin had accidentally stumbled upon this scene, there was no point in concealing it from him. She was such a person; if Xiao Yuxin thought her actions too ruthless, or found her family affairs too troublesome, it would mean they were not compatible. In that case, their engagement would need to be reconsidered.

The Ducal House of Dingguo might be prestigious, but she could not mask her true self for its sake. To put on a facade before those close to her would be far too exhausting.

Chunxi acknowledged and went out, then with a bow to Xiao Yuxin, said, "The princess invites you in, young master."

Xiao Yuxin nodded and stepped into the room. He had come to Yunlan Pavilion for tea with a few friends, and upon ascending the stairs, he spotted Chunxi guarding the door. Knowing that Chunxi was Princess Jianning's lead maid, her presence suggested that the princess herself was also there. Having crossed paths, he felt it right to greet her.

However, he did not anticipate encountering such a scene upon entering. His betrothed sat in the seat of honor, while an unknown woman knelt on the ground. Suddenly, he felt that perhaps he should not have come to greet her.

"Young Master," Princess Jianning stood to greet him, and Xiao Yuxin hurried over to return the gesture, "I came to have tea with friends today and didn't expect to encounter you, Jianning. I hope I haven't disturbed you."

Princess Jianning gestured for him to sit beside her and said, "The young master is not an outsider; it's not a disturbance."

"That's good," Xiao Yuxin replied, glancing towards the kneeling Cao Shi. Princess Jianning explained, "This is the wife of Lord Ren, the junior minister of the Clan Affairs Office. She has had... some dealings with my father."

Initially, Xiao Yuxin didn't fully grasp the implications of "some dealings," as he rarely heard of such matters and didn't immediately think in that direction. But after a brief reflection, he understood and was struck with shock.

The Duke of End really was capable of anything!

Though he was internally astounded, his face only showed a fleeting moment of surprise before he said, "Princess, do as you see fit. If you encounter any difficulties, tell me."

The crux of this matter was the Duke of End. If he sided with Cao Shi, it would be complicated for Princess Jianning as his daughter. That's why he offered his assistance for any difficulties.

He might not be able to confront the Duke of End, but his father certainly could!

Princess Jianning, hearing his words, laughed – a genuine, heartfelt laugh that even brought a hint of moisture to her nose. Xiao Yuxin didn't question her actions but immediately offered to support her.

The feeling was wonderful. For many years, she had cautiously navigated life without anyone to rely on. But this sense of trust, of having someone to depend on, was truly comforting.