Chapter 8: Zheng Jinxiu Applies Eye Drops to Her Two Elder Brothers

Chapter 8: Zheng Jinxiu Applies Eye Drops to Her Two Elder Brothers

As Chunmei and Qiuju watched Zheng Jinyu being trained under the watchful eye of Nanny Zhang, they noticed that she not only avoided severe scolding but was frequently praised.

The balance in the two maidservants' hearts gradually tilted.

"Chunmei, do you think Second Miss will eventually replace First Miss in the hearts of Lord and Lady?"

"It's hard to tell. Look how soon she's returned, yet Lady is paying her more and more attention. Although she's confined to the yard for studies, Lady hasn't spared any effort in providing for her meals and fruits; she personally checks every delivery."

"Well... should we still follow Miss Eldest's lead?"

"No rush, let's observe for a while longer."

While claiming to observe, Chunmei secretly approached Zheng Jinyu to pledge her loyalty once Qiu Ju was out of sight.

"Second Miss, this servant has heard that Miss Eldest went to the academy to see Second Young Master and Third Young Master."

"Oh," Zheng Jinyu pretended to look puzzled. "Is there something significant about that?"

Chunmei hesitated for a moment before whispering to her, "Miss Second, actually, Miss First doesn't like you. Before you returned, she was spreading rumors about you. You should be cautious around her."

Zheng Jinyu raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Why haven't I heard anyone mention this? If she speaks ill of me, my parents would certainly be upset. Girl, are you spreading false words and trying to sow discord between me and my elder sister?"

Hearing this, Chunmei panicked.

"No, no, Miss Second, you don't understand. Miss First is a master at pretense; even the actors on stage can't compare. If she wants to speak ill of you, she wouldn't directly tell Father and Mother about your shortcomings."

"Then how would she do it?"

Chunmei hesitated, her heart still tangled with conflicting emotions.

Once she took this step, there would be no turning back.

After much deliberation, she found it more reliable to trust blood ties.

"Before you returned, Miss Eldest wept to Lord and Lady Zheng, claiming that the Fang family had raised you as an illiterate country girl, subtly implying that you were less dignified than even the servants in the household, and would bring shame to the Zheng family. These wrongs should have beenfallen her, yet you bore them in her place. She feels deeply indebted to you."

"Oh, if that's indeed the case, what's the issue here?"

"Oh dear, Miss, how can you not understand? Originally, Lord and Lady intended to inform the Xingyang Zheng family of your return. But because of her words, they changed their minds and decided to wait until you're back. You've been home for so long, yet the news hasn't spread. Who knows what the Lady has been saying?"

Zheng Jinyu furrowed her brow slightly. "Is that so?"

Chunmei nodded hastily. "Yes, she went to the academy to find Second and Third Young Masters. If I'm guessing correctly, they probably don't favor you. When they come back, they might give you a hard time."

Zheng Jinyu was astonished. "How is that possible? They are my blood brothers and should cherish me as much as Father and Mother do, just like my eldest brother."

Everyone in the manor knew that Eldest Young Master had intervened on her behalf regarding Auntie Xu's matter.

Chunmei, at a loss for words to console, could only kneel down and say, "Now that I am in your service, Miss Second, everything I do is for your benefit. I understand if you don't trust me now, but wait until Second Young Master and Third Young Master return. Then you'll know the truth of my words."

"Very well, rise then. I'll trust you for now."

"Thank you, Miss Second."

As Chunmei withdrew, a subtle curve formed at the corner of Zheng Jinyu's lips.

This was the first maid to turn against her. With the first, the second and third would soon follow.

Fifteen days of training passed swiftly. To express her gratitude to Nanny Zhang for her efforts, Lady Zheng instructed the kitchen to prepare a lavish feast on the day of Nanny Zhang's departure. She gathered all the concubines in the estate and hosted a banquet in her honor, even inviting performers to put on a show.

Master and Lady Zheng had a harmonious relationship, resulting in a relatively small harem.

Aside from Lady Zheng, there were two concubines, each with an illegitimate son.

As the only daughter in the entire household, it was no wonder that Zheng Jinxiu was doted on by everyone.

"Nanny Zhang, you've worked hard these past days. Please, allow me to raise a glass in your honor."

Nanny Zhang promptly took the cup and said, "Madam Zheng, you're too kind. You're the mistress, while I'm just a servant. It wouldn't do for you to pour wine for me personally."

Madam Zheng smiled and replied, "It's my pleasure. You've been working tirelessly to take care of our Jinyu these days."

Although Nanny Zhang was a servant, she was no ordinary one. In the world of noble ladies, it was an honor to have been tutored by her. Unfortunately, she accompanied the Imperial Princess in her marriage, so securing her services required the princess's approval – something that was not easily obtained by the general public.

"Many thanks to Madam Zheng, then."

As they exchanged cups, the conversation turned to more serious matters.

Madam Zheng inquired, "What is Nanny Zhang's opinion of my daughter Jinyu?"

Setting down her wine cup, Nanny Zhang gave an honest assessment: "Miss Zheng is clever and diligent, with a strong thirst for knowledge. With proper cultivation and time, she will surely become an exceptional lady of noble upbringing."

Opposite Zheng Jinyu, Zheng Jinxiu looked up in astonishment.

Zheng Jinyu ate daintily, occasionally lifting her gaze to study her.

Ever since she entered, Zheng Jinyu had discerned that she was here for the spectacle. Alas, there would be no spectacle to witness; instead, she might just get a taste of her own medicine.

Mrs. Zheng's heart swelled with joy as she asked with a smile, "So, Nanny Zhang, you hold our Jinyu in high esteem?"

Nanny Zhang nodded, "She has met the first-class standard."

With a clatter, Zheng Jinxiu's chopsticks dropped to the floor.

All eyes turned toward her.

Calmly, a maid behind her retrieved a fresh pair of chopsticks, which she accepted with equal poise, as if dropping her utensils was merely an ordinary mishap.

Madam Zheng averted her gaze and resumed her conversation with Nanny Zhang, dismissing Jinxiu's mishap as a simple accident caused by carelessness.

Only Zheng Jinyu knew that Jinxiu's dropped chopsticks were a result of the emotional turmoil she was experiencing. The anticipated scene of the village girl embarrassing herself had not unfolded; instead, Nanny Zhang's high appraisal of her had left Jinxiu disappointed.

"Having been raised in the countryside, Jinyu lacks the refinements of the court. Yet, for you to speak so highly of her, it must be due to your excellent teachings," she said.

"Not all country girls are devoid of merit. They often possess a stronger resilience and endurance compared to those pampered ladies in grand manors," replied Lady Zheng, elated. The fact that her daughter had once lived as a village girl had somehow become an advantage in Nanny Zhang's eyes.

After bidding Nanny Zhang farewell, Lady Zheng returned to pull Zheng Jinyu aside. "Jinyu, you've suffered over these years. Rest assured, Mother will make it up to you," she promised.

Zheng Jinyu responded obediently, "Nanny Zhang said that hardships are but life's trials, blessings in disguise. Compared to the trials our elder brother faced on the battlefield, my struggles pale in comparison."

These words struck a chord with Lady Zheng. "My child, you really know how to speak. Yes, yes, you truly live up to being my daughter."

Zheng Jinxiu watched helplessly as the lady who once doted on her focused all her attention on her biological daughter.

The phrase 'truly living up to being my daughter' pricked Zheng Jinxiu's heart like needles, causing immense pain.

As they walked ahead, she was left trailing behind like a mere maid, filling Zheng Jinxiu with great discomfort.

With a meager dinner, Zheng Jinxiu returned to her quarters, lost in thought and dispirited.

"Nanny, I feel like Mother has already been stolen away by that country bumpkin."

"Nonsense, Madam has always doted on you," Nanny Zhang reassured.

With a sob in her voice, Zheng Jinxiu argued, "How can that be? Didn't you say she's just a rustic nobody who could never impress Nanny Zhang? Then why did Nanny Zhang give her such high praise?"

The mention of this matter vexed Lady Zhou as well. She replied, "Who knew that country lass had such resilience? Her rough exterior actually won Nanny Zhang's favor."

Fuming with anger, Zheng Jinxiu said, "I've tried it before too – learning to walk with a plate balanced on my head. Hours upon hours of practice, standing still for what felt like eternity. Among the refined ladies confined within these walls, none have endured as much as she has."

"Milady, you understand the logic, don't you? She's not inherently better than you; she just has better fortune and a thicker skin, allowing her to endure more hardships."

Hearing Zhou's words, she felt somewhat relieved.

"But now Mother has started to view her differently. What should I do?"

Zhou replied, "A country girl is accustomed to hardship, which our Lady cannot compete with. There's no need for us to vie with her in endurance."

"Hmm, then what should we compete in?"

"There are countless things she can't do. I've investigated – she's never set foot in a school and can't even read a single character. She hasn't even touched a musical instrument or a calligraphy brush. You could surpass her with any skill you choose."

A cunning smile spread across Madam Zhou's face. "When Lady finds out how foolish she is, do you think she'll still favor her? And what if the people from the Xingyang Zheng family were to learn of this? The legitimate daughter of the Zheng family can't even write her own name – she'd be the laughingstock of society."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jinxiu couldn't help but smile. Though inwardly delighted, she still said to Madam Zhou, "Let's not go too far. After all, she does address me as her elder sister."

"Miss, you're just too kind. Even though she calls you 'sister,' she's not your blood relative. Your true siblings are those beloved gentlemen who care for you."

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