Chapter 46: Imperial Princess Steps In to Slap in the Face

Chapter 46: Imperial Princess Steps In to Slap in the Face

It was unexpected that this child was so sensible. Upon seeing Jinxiu being humiliated by the Imperial Princess, she took the blame upon herself.

As for the Imperial Princess, what was her deal? Why didn't she say anything about Jinxiu's visits before, but now she found fault with her wandering around?

"It was my negligence. I will surely instruct them properly when we return home. By the way, Imperial Princess, I've heard that Prince Chen has returned. May I ask where he is?"

A princess standing nearby said, "Prince Chen has returned to the capital on official business and is currently occupied."

"Prince Chen has truly labored tirelessly, enduring days of travel. Now that he's finally home, he should rest abundantly to avoid exhaustion."

At the mention of her son, Imperial Princess's expression softened considerably.

"Rest assured, he's a robust young man and won't be worn out by the journey. It's only I who must trouble Madam Zheng for a little longer."

"That's quite all right, it's my duty to wait."

Imperial Princess engaged in casual conversation with Madam Zheng, discussing matters that typically concerned mature and elegant women.

Both Zheng Jinxiu and Zheng Jinyu found themselves unable to interject, so they obediently sat on their cushions.

As the tea cups and snacks were replaced with new selections, a servant soon announced the arrival of Prince Chen.

Zheng Jinxiu promptly turned her head towards the entrance.

Observing this, the Imperial Princess' disdain for her grew even more.

Zheng Jinyu also looked up at him; their last encounter was during her initial arrival in this world, at an inn in a small town.

Back then, during the battle, his face had been rather fair and delicate.

But after several months, he had tanned significantly.

However, his eyes gleamed with even more piercing sharpness.

Madame Zheng hurriedly led her two daughters to bow.

"We pay our respects to Prince Chen."

Xie Peiyu raised his hand in a gesture of dismissal for them, then respectfully bowed to the Imperial Princess.

"Mother."

"Mm, come and pay your respects to Madam Zheng."

"Greetings, Madam Zheng." Xie Peiyu turned to face Madam Zheng and performed another courteous bow as a junior.

In ancient times, there were indeed numerous customs for meeting one another. Given Xie Peiyu's high status, Madam Zheng was required to accompany her two daughters in paying their respects to him.

Due to her seniority, Xie Peiyu would return only after the ceremony was over.

After the formalities were completed, they delved into the main matter.

The Imperial Princess dismissed her servants before getting straight to the point.

"Life is unpredictable. Who could have foreseen that the Zheng family would have switched their children? Before Jin Yu returned, I assumed that Jinxiu's entry into our Princess's residence was a certainty. That's why I indulged her quite a bit. When she used to come to the mansion with Young Master Zheng in search of you, I treated her as one of my own children. One's own child is never a guest; she could roam anywhere within this residence."

As she spoke, the Imperial Princess occasionally shot glances at Zheng Jinxiu.

One could see that Zheng Jinxiu's face was pale, and she nervously twisted her handkerchief in her hands.

The Imperial Princess's words served as an explanation for why she had been allowed to roam freely before but not now.

Feeling awkward, Lady Zheng interjected, "Imperial Princess, Jinxiu and Prince Chen..."

"Ai, Lady Zheng, some words shouldn't be spoken carelessly." The Imperial Princess interrupted before Lady Zheng could finish.

She knew what Lady Zheng was about to say – that they had been betrothed for over a decade and had feelings for each other, so it would be unjust to separate two lovers on account of their blood ties.

"Ridiculous! Where does she get the audacity?"

"My son is betrothed to the Zheng family's legitimate daughter. Lady Zheng, when our two families pledged this marriage years ago, it was for the child in your womb."

Zheng Jinxiu's expression froze before she lifted her damp eyes to meet Xie Peiyu's.

Xie Peiyu kept his head slightly lowered, not looking at any of them. He was simply an obedient child listening to his mother throughout the entire exchange.

The Imperial Princess gave a mocking smile. "No one's opinions matter here, this princess is in charge."

Zheng Jinxiu's entire body trembled, and she hurriedly lowered her head.

Madam Zheng's expression was ghastly.

Were they here to form an alliance through marriage, or to sow enmity?

The Imperial Princess held a lofty status, but now that their families were to be connected by marriage, shouldn't she show some consideration for the Zheng family?

Truly, not a shred of mercy was shown.

"Yu'er, the Zheng family currently has two legitimate daughters. Which one do you fancy?"

Xie Peiyu replied, "Marrying is a matter decided by one's parents and matchmakers; it's entirely up to Mother's discretion."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jinxiu felt dejected once more. She looked up at Xie Peiyu in disbelief, on the verge of tears.

The Imperial Princess, filled with pride, felt that her son had brought honor to her.

She had just declared her authority in the household when her son made such a statement – truly delightful.

"Well then, since you've left it to Mother's discretion, I'll speak frankly," the Imperial Princess said, turning to Madam Zheng. "Madam Zheng, as I mentioned before, the lineage is of utmost importance in the Princess's residence. Regardless of the circumstances, this princess will not allow Jinxiu from your family to enter these gates."

Madam Zheng's face froze, a mix of embarrassment and frustration evident.

"As for your daughter Jinyu, educate her well, and let this princess inspect the outcome. If she proves satisfactory, we can reluctantly proceed with the marriage. But if she does not meet the standard, our two families' betrothal shall be nullified. Is that clear enough for you?"

Madam Zheng was furious but could only force a smile and say, "Yes, yes, this humble woman understands."

"Yet you still brought her along?"

Madam Zheng: "..." There's no such thing as the most awkward, only more awkward.

Zheng Jinxiu: "..." There's no such thing as the most humiliating, only more humiliating.

Zheng Jinyu: "..." There's no such thing as the funniest, only funnier.

She had to admit that as a reader, she might have been a bit too vocal in criticizing the Imperial Princess for her acidity and harshness.

"Imperial Princess, this humble lady…."

The Imperial Princess spoke coldly, "Madam Zheng, don't tell me that the invitation I personally wrote had an error. I clearly invited only you and your second miss to my residence."

Madam Zheng opened her mouth, but not a single word escaped her lips.

Because the Imperial Princess had sealed off any excuse she might have attempted to make.

At Zheng Jinxiu's end, it was once again proven that there was no limit to how humiliating a slap in the face could be; it could always get worse.

It turned out that she hadn't been invited at all. Wouldn't her words to Princess Zheng Jinyu just now amount to a slap in her own face?

"I must say, Princess, Madam Zheng's skills in child-rearing seem quite average. Let's be on our way, then."

Madam Zheng: "...."

"And what about the marriage arrangements between those two families...?"

The Imperial Princess said nonchalantly, "We'll see about that. This princess has no wish to be known as someone who breaks her word. But if the daughter you raise still lacks proper manners, don't blame this princess for any consequences."

Madam Zheng glanced at Zheng Jinyu and thought to herself, My Jinyu is just fine; why do you need to comment on her?

No, you've really gone too far. What do you think of my two daughters?

Feeling truly indignant, Madam Zheng huffed, "Imperial Princess, if you truly find our match unsuitable, let's just call off the engagement. Why humiliate us? Our Zheng family girls are not worthy of your Prince Chen."

Zheng Jinyu silently gave her mother a mental thumbs up.

The statement was authoritative, and that was precisely how it should be.

Having read the original novel, she knew that this marriage would eventually fall through, especially after Zheng Jinxiu reached maturity.

It would be more dignified for them to initiate the withdrawal themselves rather than waiting for others to do it and risk humiliation.

Upon hearing Madam Zheng's suggestion, the Imperial Princess also laughed. "Excellent! Rumors have been spreading like wildfire in the capital, with many mocking your own flesh and blood as a country bumpkin. I assume you're aware of this. I was worried that people would ridicule me once they learn that Zheng Jinyu is to marry into the princess residence. Well, it seems fitting to take advantage of these rumors and cancel the marriage."

Madam Zheng grew anxious once more.

"How can you blame the rumors in the capital for calling off the marriage? What future would your two daughters have if that were the case?"

"Imperial Princess, it was you who broke the trust and betrayed the agreement."