Chapter 40: The Princess Has Taken a Special Interest in Her

Chapter 40: The Princess Has Taken a Special Interest in Her

Zheng Jinyu understood what she was implying, for her arrival had altered the dynamics between these two characters.

In the original story, Zheng Jinxiu was wary of anyone vying for her brother's affection and often used her tea ceremony skills to undermine Wang Fuzhen. Likewise, Wang Fuzhen didn't take kindly to her.

But now, Zheng Jinxiu viewed Wang Fuzhen as an ally and had already accepted her as her third sister-in-law.

"You've asked your question, Miss Wang San, and I've given you an answer. Is that satisfactory?"

"Well, if you don't wish to speak of it, then never mind."

Zheng Jinyu scoffed. Wang Fuzhen wished to marry into the Zheng family as her sister-in-law, and she was already trying to meddle in her affairs – how preposterous.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse me for a moment." Zheng Jinyu, unwilling to continue the insincere exchange with these two detestable individuals, opted for a graceful exit under the pretext of using the restroom.

In ancient times, high-end opera houses had dedicated areas specifically for noble ladies, where the chamber pots were always impeccably clean and scented with incense.

Exiting the chamber, servants presented a basin of water scented with dried flowers for the purpose of cleansing one's hands.

Next came scented smoke and a handkerchief for her to clean her hands – all in all, the service involved no less than seven or eight attendants.

Exiting the exquisite lavatory of ancient times, she found the Duchess still waiting for her.

The Duchess gave her a warm smile, compelling Jinyu to approach and pay her respects.

"You may dispense with the formalities," the Duchess waved her hand, smiling gently. "He'll be back soon."

Zheng Jinyu was taken aback, understanding whom the Duchess referred to.

Yet, what did his return have to do with her?

"Oh," Zheng Jinyu responded casually.

The princess seemed dissatisfied with her reaction. "You're not happy?"

She wasn't exactly happy, nor was she unhappy. She wasn't that acquainted with Xie Peiyu anyway.

But she felt that continuing this misunderstanding wouldn't be good.

Thus, Zheng Jinyu spoke frankly, "Princess, in truth, won't the engagement between the Xie and Zheng families be dissolved?"

The princess replied, "That's hard to say. It depends on you. If you can't marry into the Imperial Princess's residence, then it will likely be called off."

With no one else around, Zheng Jinyu lowered her voice and said to the princess, "I didn't dare hide anything about the Zheng family from the Imperial Princess. I assume you're aware of my situation as well. I wasn't raised in a relative's home of the Zheng family, nor did I grow up among the gentry. I was simply raised in an ordinary farmer's household."

"I know, and Yu'er knows too. Yet, he still chose you."

Zheng Jinyu was stunned, taking a moment to regain her voice. "Prince Chen chose me?"

"Hmm? So surprised?"

Wasn't there a reason to be? They had only met once, and she had been in such a miserable state then – it was impossible for love at first sight to occur.

Moreover, if she recalled correctly from the original story, they had also encountered each other on their journey. So why hadn't Prince Chen taken a fancy to the original owner of this body?

Zheng Jinyu quickly regained her composure. "How could that be? Princess, you must have mistaken something."

"He asked me to deliver two outfits to you."

Zheng Jinyu chuckled. "Two outfits hardly matter; Princess must have misunderstood. Your Highness, perhaps it's best to wait for Prince Chen's return and discuss this with him properly. No need to jest at my expense."

She gave a slight bow and said, "Jinyu takes her leave."

Zheng Jinyu had timed her return to the private room precisely so that she would be home before the gossiping began. Upon arriving, she heard the playful taunts of several young ladies.

When she entered, they fell silent, their gazes on her now peculiarly curious.

Unknown to her, either something Zheng Jinxiu had said or a scheme involving her had manipulated Wang Fuzhen into saying something incriminating.

Nonetheless, she didn't mind. It seemed Zheng Jinxiu often forgot that she was originally named Fang Daya.

"Sister, the last act is over. It's time for us to go back," she said.

"Alright," Zheng Jinyu replied indifferently.

At that moment, Wang Fuzhen appeared to intentionally bring up a topic. "Jinxiu, are you still planning on holding your sister's recognition ceremony?"

"Well..." Zheng Jinxiu looked troubled. "I'm not sure either. Initially, Father and Mother intended to hold it right after we brought Sister back. Then they said they wanted to postpone it. Now, several months have passed, but I haven't heard them mention when they plan to do it."

Wang Fuzhen chuckled. "So that's the case. Perhaps it shouldn't be held then."

Introducing a country bumpkin to everyone would only bring embarrassment.

Zheng Jinxiu spoke up, "If the date is set, I'll make sure to send an invitation to Zhen Zhen."

"Sounds good. I'll be looking forward to it, but don't keep me waiting too long."

The two of them engaged in a harmonious exchange. At this moment, Zheng Jinyu suddenly said, "Sister, isn't a family reconciliation banquet a private matter? I thought only relatives would attend. Is Miss Wang also invited?"

A smile froze on Wang Fuzhen's face.

Watching Zheng Jinxiu offend Wang Fuzhen so thoroughly, Zheng Jinxiu's heart swelled with joy.

She said, "It's perfectly fine to come as a friend for some fun."

"Oh, I see." Zheng Jinyu nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

Heh, this Wang Fuzhen was intriguing. Although in the original story, she was indeed betrothed to Zheng Hongxu, currently, her marriage to the Zheng family was still nothing more than a mere notion. Yet, she was already trying to assert herself as the Zheng family's authority.

As for that reunion banquet, forget about Madam Zheng's intention to delay it; even if she didn't, Zheng Jinyu would find a way to postpone it.

After all, she had no desire to be twins with Zheng Jinxiu.

The family recognition ceremony she envisioned was one where they would acknowledge on the spot that Zheng Jinxiu was the wrongfully raised foster daughter, the true daughter of the Zheng family, and that there was only one Zheng Jinyu.

...

Zheng Jinyu returned with two more sets of clothing, handing them over to Madam Zheng for disposition.

Madam Zheng fell into deep thought.

"From the Princess?"

"Yes."

"She said she was delivering it for someone else?"

"Yes."

"Did she mention who that 'someone else' was?"

"She didn't, but the Princess mentioned that she's sending these two outfits because the previous ones weren't quite suitable."

He explained that due to the haste and limitations of the previous occasion, the two outfits were too abrupt, hence he asked the Princess to send over two more replacements.

The implication was clear as day, just one step away from etching Xie Peiyu's name on his face.

Madam Zheng was no fool; how could she not know who this 'someone else' referred to? She simply couldn't bring herself to accept or face the truth.

Madam Zheng gazed at the garments for a long while before asking, "Does Jinxiu know about these?"

Zheng Jinyu fell silent momentarily before responding, "She knows they were sent by the princess."

Zheng Jinxiu might have guessed, but it was still just a guess. Since it was a guess, she couldn't go around spreading rumors.

"I see," Madam Zheng sighed helplessly.

Zheng Jinyu continued, "What should we do with these two outfits then?"

"Then what do you think we should do?" Lady Zheng asked her.

Zheng Jinyu suggested, "How about Mother helps me return it?"

Lady Zheng remained silent.

Zheng Jinyu continued, "Mother can decide. I'll follow your instructions."

Sighing with a headache, Lady Zheng rubbed her temples and said, "Very well, just take it."

Zheng Jinyu was taken aback. "We're not sending them back?"

Madam Zheng cast a glance at the two outfits and commented, "The best embroiderers in the capital spent months on these. It would be a shame to let them go to waste. No one else can wear them as well as you do."

In truth, Zheng Jinyu felt the same way. Why waste them?

Besides, she genuinely disliked the clothes Madam Zheng had prepared. They were designed according to her ideal image of a daughter, resulting in similar styles for both Zheng Jinyu and Zheng Jinxiu's clothing.

What suited Zheng Jinxiu might not necessarily suit her.