Chapter 29: Disdaining Zheng Jinxiu’s Lowly Birth

Chapter 29: Disdaining Zheng Jinxiu's Lowly Birth

"Not... No, how can Jinxiu be a peasant girl? She was personally raised and educated by my lord and me since she was young. She is the epitome of a refined lady in the capital; surely she cannot be lacking."

"So what if her parents are peasants who know nothing but farming and cannot read a single character? Her bloodline is inherently lowly."

Zheng Jinxiu felt as if she were on the verge of collapse.

Seeing Zheng Jinxiu's state, Lady Zheng's heart ached with sorrow for her daughter.

"Jinxiu..."

"Mother, I... I'm alright."

"Oh, Madam Zheng, would she really be unable to handle the truth just because this princess spoke candidly?"

Upon hearing the Imperial Princess's words, Zheng Jinyu standing nearby struggled to contain her laughter, barely managing not to burst out into giggles.

Zheng Jinxiu, on the other hand, stood still, refraining from any movement while enduring the situation.

Both of them were enduring their own challenges, one with composure and the other holding back laughter.

"One must accept that the mix-up with the child was fate, and it's not anyone's fault. Our two families have had this marriage arrangement in place for years; everyone knows Jinxiu is meant to wed Prince Chen. Now, if you say Jinxiu is unsuitable, how will people perceive our Zheng family? How will they view Jinxiu?"

"That is your concern, not this princess's."

"You..."

"Hmph, Lady Zheng, do you expect this Imperial Princess to sacrifice my precious Yu'er for the sake of your family's reputation?"

Lady Zheng was left speechless, fearing that any further words would only worsen the situation.

"This Imperial Princess is making it clear to you: Jinxiu of your family is not someone I desire. As for Jinyu, I shall have to ponder over it. Nurture her well. If she can become as accomplished and refined as Jinxiu, then I will accept her. But if not, our families' engagement shall be nullified."

This time, it was Lady Zheng who was on the verge of collapse.

"How can you do this, Imperial Princess? The betrothal was arranged by Elder Master Xie before his passing. You cannot simply annul it just because both our elders are no longer with us."

"Why not? Who asked your family to underestimate your child?"

"I..."

"The Princess Consort of Prince Chen must not only come from an esteemed lineage but also embody the virtues of a refined lady. Both qualities are indispensable."

Although Zheng Jinxiu's expression turned grim upon hearing this, she felt somewhat relieved in her heart.

It didn't matter if the Imperial Princess looked down on her; as long as she didn't set her sights on Zheng Jinyu.

Should this news spread, it would be the Prince Chen's residence that would bear the reproach for breaking the engagement, not her, Zheng Jinxiu, being deemed of low birth and inadequate for the Prince Chen.

But Lady Zheng was not willing to accept this and continued to argue her case.

"Imperial Princess, outsiders are unaware of Jinxiu's true identity. We have publicly declared that she is Jinyu's sister. She is the epitome of a well-bred young lady, devoid of any unsavory rustic traits. Why can't she be considered suitable?"

"She may be commendable, but this princess worries about the quality of offspring she might bear."

"Aah?" Lady Zheng felt slightly overwhelmed by the response.

Why does it involve the next generation?

"One often hears that dragons beget dragons, phoenixes give birth to phoenixes, and a rat's offspring learns to burrow. If she's fine, what if there's a generational transmission? There was a child in the Luo family who was born resembling his grandfather so closely that if the old man hadn't passed away early, his daughter-in-law would never have been able to clear her name, even if she jumped into the Yellow River."

Lady Zheng: "..."

"This princess wouldn't dare stake the future of the Prince Chen's lineage on a gamble, so forget about Jinxiu. Focus on nurturing Jinyu instead. Next year, I'll come to inspect the results. If it doesn't work out, let's just forget about the marriage between our two families."

With that, she left without bothering to consider the awkward expressions on the family of three.

She didn't even bother to invite her to stay for the meal.

Madam Zheng was already restraining herself from chasing her away in anger, so how could she possibly ask her to dine with them?

After all the grand preparations to welcome her, the visit ended on an unpleasant note.

And afterward, she would still have to console her two daughters.

One had been scolded for her lowly birth, and the other for not behaving like a proper young lady from a respected family.

So both her treasures aren't good enough for her precious son, huh?

Pah, what nonsense.

Madam Zheng cursed Imperial Princess in her heart. However, she was a refined noblewoman and maintained her composure, not voicing her insults out loud.

"Neither of you should take Imperial Princess's words to heart. Jinyu, you're still young. As long as you study diligently with Mister Little Ji, you'll surely improve."

"Yes, Mother."

She still had high hopes for her youngest daughter. The younger one was clever; with proper education, there might still be a chance to rectify the situation.

But as for her eldest daughter...

Lady Zheng consoled her pale-faced daughter. "Jinxiu..."

With a sorrowful tone, Zheng Jinxiu replied, "Mother, Imperial Princess is right. My bloodline is too humble. I... I am not worthy of Prince Chen. Perhaps it's better if this marriage proposal is..."

"Jinxiu," Lady Zheng interrupted her, saying, "Ancient people said that nobility isn't predetermined among kings, lords, generals, and statesmen. Do you remember that?"

"Mother, I remember."

"That's good. Don't ever feel inferior because of your background. Mother has taught you for many years, not for you to undervalue yourself."

Tears welled up in Zheng Jinxiu's eyes. "Mother, I understand, but the Imperial Princess... The Imperial Princess said she values bloodline."

Madam Zheng patted her shoulder. "Her opinion doesn't matter. Mother remembers that Prince Chen seems fond of you. If he insists on marrying you, the Imperial Princess won't have a choice. No matter how much she disapproves of your bloodline then, she'll have to accept it for the sake of appearances and even help conceal the truth about it."

These words truly comforted Zheng Jinxiu, restoring some color to her pale face.

Mother is right. If Prince Chen is willing, what does it matter if the Imperial Princess consents or not?

She despises me as a rat? Hmph, she'll see. One day, she'll be driven to madness when I give her a litter of rats.

"I'll follow Mother's advice."

Madam Zheng was relieved to see her daughter laugh through her tears.

"Alright, let's go back. Don't dwell on it too much."

"Yes."

"Jinyu, you should go back as well. Study diligently under Mister Little Ji. Your mother will find you a good match in due time."

"Yes, Mother."

Both left contentedly.

Zheng Jinyu was pleased that the Imperial Princess had made Zheng Jinxiu cry.

Lady Zheng was evidently pleased that in her mother's eyes, she, Zheng Jinxiu, was the true Princess Chen.

It seemed that when faced with significant interests, her mother would still prioritize her.

So what if Zheng Jinyu was her biological daughter? She would have to step aside anyway.

To her surprise, not long after Zheng Jinyu returned to Yusheng Courtyard, Lady Zheng made another visit.

Didn't she just leave from there?

"Mother."

Madam Zheng asked, "Does Jinyu feel that Mother is being partial?"

Zheng Jinyu responded, "Why does Mother say so?"

Madam Zheng explained, "The Imperial Princess has hinted that both of you have a chance to marry Prince Chen."

Zheng Jinyu thought, "...The Imperial Princess clearly doesn't fancy either of us."

"Yet Mother says your elder sister Jinxiu is the perfect match for Prince Chen," Zheng Jinyu remained silent.

Lady Zheng continued, "It's not that Mother is playing favorites. The reason she says this is because they were betrothed from a young age, and Prince Chen has always had feelings for Jinxiu. If our family were to switch and have you marry him instead, wouldn't that be breaking up a loving pair? If Prince Chen is unhappy, even if he were to take you as his wife, he would treat you poorly. Mother doesn't wish to see you suffer."

Zheng Jinyu looked into her mother's eyes, searching for sincerity. It seemed that her mother genuinely believed this was the reason, and not due to favoritism towards Zheng Jinxiu.

She thought to herself, How blind can she be? Why on earth would Prince Chen take a liking to Zheng Jinxiu?

Zheng Jinyu remarked, "I see. Well, if Prince Chen has taken a fancy to Sister, I naturally have no objections, nor will I blame Mother for it."