Chapter 55: Does He Think He’s Flirting with Me?

Chapter 55: Does He Think He's Flirting with Me?

"Did she go by herself?" Zheng Jinyu asked again, uncertain.

Chunmei affirmed, "Yes, the Princess said it herself."

"In that case, let's go too," Zheng Jinyu concluded. If the Princess had personally instructed her maid, it must be true.

She retrieved the hairpin that hadn't been delivered last time and placed it elegantly in a delicate box.

Recently, she had utilized her spare time to create a few more designs, and also enlisted Lady Zheng's assistance in acquiring a batch of raw jade stones.

She would have to find some skilled artisans who could polish jade later on.

Regrettably, the renowned four treasures of ancient China did not include jadeite. One wonders if this item could be found in the southern land where Xie Peiyu and his ilk are engaged in their struggles.

She embarked on a carriage ride to the polo grounds beyond the city limits. Descending from the carriage, she caught sight of Zheng Hongqi, Zheng Hongxu, and Jinxiu from afar, the trio engaged in lively conversation, their bond as siblings deeply heartwarming.

She averted her gaze, directing it instead towards the elevated platform with the best view, where she instantly spotted the princess.

The princess also happened to glance over, smiling as she waved at her.

Zheng Jinyu sighed in relief; it seemed that the princess had indeed invited her.

Guided by her maid, Zheng Jinyu ascended the platform and bowed to the princess.

The princess hurriedly replied, "Rise, there's no need for such formality outside. Quickly sit down, this is the best spot to see everything."

Zheng Jinyu took her seat and gazed at the polo field below.

Indeed, this was the prime vantage point among all the spectator stands. It was truly advantageous to have power and influence.

"The Second Miss Zheng, I don't often see you attending banquets or watching plays. What are your interests?"

Lowering her voice, Zheng Jinyu leaned closer and whispered, "My mother has engaged a female tutor for me, so I'm learning everything from scratch."

The princess nodded understandingly and replied, "It must be challenging for you. Due to a series of unfortunate events, you've had to endure more hardships than others."

Zheng Jinyu offered a slight smile. "It's not too bad. Being older, I learn faster. Eventually, I'll catch up with them."

Speaking of which, she took out a jewelry box. "Princess, recently I've been learning to make accessories from the ladies in the Jewelery Department. This hairpin is something I crafted myself. Please accept it as a gift, and I hope you won't disdain it."

The princess received the box with delight. "How lovely! I couldn't be happier. Why would I disdain it?"

"That's good to hear, Princess."

"Really made by you? It looks even better than the designs from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Is this flower made of seashell?"

"Yes, it is."

As they conversed, an unexpected visitor arrived.

"Sister Jing, what were you two discussing?"

Zheng Jinyu was taken aback.

The princess turned her head and smiled at Xie Peiyu, who had approached them. "We were just talking about how skillful Second Miss Zheng is. Look at this hairpin—she made it herself and gifted it to me."

Xie Peiyu recognized the box; wasn't this the same one she had carried with her when he'd invited her to the opera under the princess's name previously?

It turns out she intended to bring it last time.

"Miss Zheng is quite skilled to have made this," Xie Peiyu remarked, his gaze fixed on Zheng Jinyu the entire time.

His intense stare made her feel uneasy.

She found Xie Peiyu somewhat inappropriate. Regardless of this era or even a thousand years later in modern times, staring at a young lady like that was impolite.

Uncomfortable, she averted her eyes.

Xie Peiyu adjusted himself awkwardly and asked solemnly, "Does Miss Zheng find the sight of this prince displeasing?"

Zheng Jinyu replied coolly, "I am a well-bred young lady, and my reputation is crucial. You're betrothed to my older sister, yet you stare at me like this. If others were to see, they'd surely gossip."

Xie Peiyu: "..."

"Cough, cough." The princess intervened, "Yu'er, hurry up and prepare. Don't embarrass yourself by losing."

He was dressed precisely for the polo match today.

Xie Peiyu retreated, and soon, Zheng Jinyu felt a scorching gaze upon her once more.

Her senses were sharp, and that gaze was unfriendly. Her initial instinct pointed to Zheng Jinxiu.

Zheng Jinyu turned her head, meeting Zheng Jinxiu's gaze directly.

Zheng Jinxiu was staring at her with hatred, while beside her sat Wang Fuzhen.

Wang Fuzhen, much like Zheng Jinxiu, was looking at her with ill intentions.

However, they dared not cause a scene, for the Princess was nearby.

But after days of discomfort caused by Zheng Jinxiu, with the opportunity now presented, how could Zheng Jinyu resist seeking revenge?

Thus, she exchanged a few words with the Princess before rising to approach Zheng Jinxiu and Wang Fuzhen.

"Sister, Young Lady Wang, what a coincidence! You both came to watch the polo match together."

Wang Fuzhen huffed and turned to Zheng Jinxiu, asking, "Didn't you say she wasn't coming?"

Zheng Jinxiu replied, "Yes, Sister, didn't you say you weren't going to attend? Why did you change your mind?"

Zheng Jinyu chuckled. "I originally wasn't planning to come, but the Duchess sent an invitation to watch the polo match with her. I couldn't refuse such an honor, so here I am."

The Duchess again?

Zheng Jinxiu instinctively glanced at Xie Peiyu on the field.

Wang Fuzhen, being straightforward, asked directly, "How did you get involved with the Duchess?"

Zheng Jinyu smiled. "I have to thank Miss Wang San for that. At your family's Lotus Appreciation Banquet, I painted while the Duchess added calligraphy. Don't you remember?"

Wang Fuzhen choked, a look of frustration on her face.

"Hmph, what does it matter if I saw her? Do country bumpkins like you even understand polo?"

Before Zheng Jinyu could respond, Zheng Jinxiu interjected, "I've heard that in the countryside, livestock only consists of oxen and donkeys. Horses, being such valuable creatures, are not something ordinary folk can afford."

How could one play polo without horses, she wondered.

Wang Fuzhen giggled in response, "Well, if there are no horses, one could ride donkeys and play donkey polo instead."

Zheng Jinxiu chuckled, aware that her comment might have been a bit harsh. She composed herself and said, "Oh dear, I apologize, sister. I didn't mean to mock you. In fact, horses and donkeys aren't too different. Playing donkey polo might be similar to playing horse polo. Do people in the countryside engage in such activities?"

Zheng Jinyu pulled out a chair and sat down, smiling at Zheng Jinxiu. "Country girls are considered worthless; their families exploit them from the moment they can walk and couldn't care less about their well-being. When they grow up, they'll marry into whichever family offers the most silver, and that's their life."

Wang Fuzhen scoffed at the notion.

She didn't mock Zheng Jinxiu for potentially being sold when she grew up, as she knew the reason behind her placement in the countryside was due to the fortune teller's belief that she was difficult to raise. Regardless, the family that raised her must have known of her special status and thus would likely treat her with respect.

Zheng Jinxiu's smile froze, and she refrained from further remarks, likely afraid of provoking Zheng Jinyu and eliciting an inappropriate response.

The polo match had already begun, and Zheng Jinyu returned to the princess's quarters.

In the first round, Xie Peiyu's team dominated their opponents.

With the prize from the smaller competition in hand, he made his way towards the Duchess and Zheng Jinyu.

Everyone assumed that he would present the prize to the Duchess, after all, she was the daughter adopted by his parents, his sister, and before the adoption, his cousin.