Chapter 28: Imperial Princess Claims Her Right to Withdraw from the Arranged Marriage Prematurely

Chapter 28: Imperial Princess Claims Her Right to Withdraw from the Arranged Marriage Prematurely

"For the Zheng family, the Imperial Princess is our daughter-in-law. Back in the day, when our late patriarch was alive, he had a close relationship with the head of the Princess's husband's family, the Xie family. Thus, he arranged the marriage between Prince Chen and our eldest Miss."

"Did Grandfather Zheng set up the marriage for Zheng Jinxiu?"

"Yes, indeed. He made the arrangement while he was still alive."

Zheng Jinyu commented, "But I remember that my grandfather passed away the same year when the incident occurred in the Zheng family. That year, our whole family was exiled, and on our journey, my mother gave birth to me while we were staying at the Fang residence. It was then that the mix-up with Zheng Jinxiu occurred. If the marriage was arranged by my grandfather, how could it be Zheng Jinxiu?"

Upon hearing her, Chunmei also came to a realization.

"Yes, it couldn't be her. It should refer to a marriage promised in the womb. Oh dear, Miss, it should be you."

The maid accidentally caught a strand of hair while combing Zheng Jinyu's, causing her to wince in pain.

Chunmei hastily withdrew her hand and said anxiously, "This servant is guilty."

"Never mind," Zheng Jinyu said coolly. "How many people in the household know the true nature of my relationship with Zheng Jinxiu?"

Chunmei replied, "Apart from the masters, only the head matrons and senior maids in each courtyard are aware. After Madam and the others decided to conceal Miss's identity, they strictly ordered that no one was to speak of it. If found out, it would mean death."

Zheng Jinyu understood. It seemed that Chunmei, this girl, indeed had some means to have learned about this matter.

Probably, when the Zheng family first found out, they were caught off guard and failed to immediately conceal the truth. By the time they reacted, the news had already spread.

In this world, secrets are eventually revealed. How long could this matter remain hidden?

...

Upon meeting the Imperial Princess, Zheng Jinxiu would undoubtedly adopt her charming and coquettish style, adorned with tinkling jewelry.

Zheng Jinyu had no intention of matching her sister's appearance; she certainly didn't want to be mistaken for her twin, given their distinct appearances.

She instructed her maid to put away all the clothes sent by Lady Zheng. After sitting amidst the pile for a while, she asked Chunmei to fetch one of the two outfits gifted by Xie Peiyu.

Chunmei looked surprised. "Second Miss, won't this outfit be too plain for you?"

It was indeed rather simple, but Zheng Jinyu didn't wish to wear anything similar to what Zheng Jinxiu might choose.

"Then it is settled. Hurry and help me change."

With no other choice, Chunmei proceeded to assist her with the attire.

In no time, Zheng Jinyu, now dressed, made her way to the main hall.

Madam Zheng was still bustling about, her face radiating with joy.

Zheng Jinxiu, on the other hand, danced around her mother, her movements as lively as a playful melody.

She had put effort into her appearance, and indeed, she looked charming. Even Zheng Jinyu, who disliked her so much, found her lively and endearing.

Unfortunately, the fleeting disdain in her eyes when she turned to look at her erased all notions of cuteness from Zheng Jinxiu's perception.

"Sister has arrived," Zheng Jinxiu said warmly as she linked arms with her. "Why are you dressed like this, sister?"

She hoped to see Jinxiu looking less elaborately dressed than herself, so as not to outshine her in front of the Imperial Princess.

But the fact that this outfit was a gift from Xie Peiyu left an uneasy feeling in Zheng Jinxiu's heart.

Hm?

Could it be that this little vixen did it on purpose? Wearing the clothes gifted by Xie Peiyu to meet the Imperial Princess.

"What's wrong with my clothes?" Zheng Jinyu blinked, appearing genuinely puzzled.

Looking at Zheng Jinxiu's fluctuating expression made her want to laugh. She could almost guess the intricate thoughts swirling in Zheng Jinxiu's mind.

Well then, even if neither of them could win Xie Peiyu's heart, she would still wear his gifts from time to time to provoke her.

"Jinyu, the Imperial Princess is visiting. You should dress up more elegantly, as your mother told you yesterday."

Zheng Jinyu replied, "The Imperial Princess is here to see my sister. If I were to dress as lavishly as her, it might overshadow her presence."

Upon hearing this, Lady Zheng praised her with a smile, "Jinyu, you always think things through. Your mother got so excited that I forgot. Well, this outfit looks fine too."

She wanted to praise the attire, but how could a simple dress from a small town compare to the custom-made ensembles of the young ladies in the capital?

After pondering for a moment, she could only manage to say, "It fits well."

Not long after, the Imperial Princess arrived. Lady Zheng first paid her respects and then hastily invited her to be seated, calling her two daughters forward to pay their greetings.

Given the princess's status, both she and Zheng Jinxiu knelt on cushions to pay their utmost respect.

The Imperial Princess wore a subtle smile on her face, and her voice was particularly pleasant. "You may rise, there's no need to be so formal."

Only then were they allowed to lift their heads and look at the Imperial Princess.

Never in a million years would Zheng Jinyu have imagined that the Imperial Princess would look like this.

Due to the original novel where the Imperial Princess moved the protagonist to tears, in her mind as a reader, the Long Princess was portrayed as a sharp-tongued and ill-tempered woman with a face that brought misfortune to her husband.

All because her prince consort had tragically died in battle at a young age.

To her surprise, when Zheng Jinyu encountered the real person, the Long Princess bore not a trace of meanness. Instead, she was exquisitely beautiful and carried an unparalleled elegance.

Her hair was meticulously arranged, with an abundance of elaborate pearl hairpins adorning it without appearing vulgar. A string of pearls draped over her shoulders, accentuating her graceful and slender neck, resembling that of a noble swan.

She is the most dazzling jewel in the royal family, the only child of the late Emperor and Empress.

Yet, such a beauty became a widow at a young age.

Her husband went to war while she was carrying their child, never getting the chance to meet Prince Chen before he perished on the battlefield.

"Isn't this your youngest daughter, Second Miss? What's her name?"

"In response to Imperial Princess, this commoner's daughter is named Zheng Jinyu."

"Zheng Jinyu? That's quite a fine name as well."

Madam Zheng commented, "How coincidental, isn't it? This name was also bestowed by my husband."

"Oh? Indeed... quite a coincidence."

Her gaze remained fixed on Zheng Jinyu as she asked several questions, none of which were directed at Zheng Jinxiu. She didn't even spare her a single glance.

This left Zheng Jinxiu deeply embarrassed, her complexion growing increasingly pale.

Isn't the Imperial Princess here to see her? She's supposed to be her future daughter-in-law, so why is she constantly speaking with Zheng Jinyu and looking at her?

Could it be that the Imperial Princess prefers Zheng Jinyu as her daughter-in-law?

How could that be? The Imperial Princess knows she's a country bumpkin. How could a rustic girl become the Princess Chen's wife?

Zheng Jinxiu's mind was in turmoil, her thoughts wandering elsewhere. It wasn't until the Imperial Princess's hearty laughter filled the room that she snapped back to reality.

"The girl is indeed impressive. Nanny Zhang praised her intelligence when she returned, and it seems to be true."

Madam Zheng was also rather awkward at this point.

She had assumed that the Imperial Princess had come to visit Jinxiu.

Yet, the entire time, the Imperial Princess had been engaged solely with Jinyu, not even casting a glance in Jinxiu's direction. What was she to do?

Jinxiu looked like she was on the verge of tears.

"Imperial Princess, Jinxiu is also very clever," Madam Zheng interjected.

"I am aware of that, but whether she is clever or not, what does that have to do with this princess?"

Madam Zheng froze, her lips parting, her eyes blinking in surprise.

Zheng Jinxiu froze.

Zheng Jinyu also froze in her tracks.

Isn't it supposed to be next year when the Imperial Princess dramatically calls off the engagement?

Is this happening sooner than expected?

"Imperial Princess, your meaning... this humble lady doesn't quite understand," the concubine replied cautiously.

The Long Princess gave her a sidelong glance and said coolly, "What don't you understand? Lady Zheng, surely you don't think that the future matriarch of our Prince Chen's Mansion can be someone from a peasant family, do you?"