Chapter 58: Finally Believing the Princess’ Mansion Truly Does Not Want Zheng Jinxiu

Chapter 58: Finally Believing the Princess' Mansion Truly Does Not Want Zheng Jinxiu

The handwriting on the paper was bold and vigorous, clearly that of a man's. Given the close relationship between Xie Peiyu and Zheng Hongyan, Madam Zheng happened to recognize his script.

This meant that the gift registry was personally written by Xie Peiyu, specifically addressed to Zheng Jinyu. It could not have been a mistake.

But why? Didn't Jinxiu mention a few days ago that Prince Chen had invited her to the Princess' Mansion, and that they had conversed pleasantly?

Feeling overwhelmed, Madam Zheng stumbled out of bed in a daze.

Unable to fall asleep for the rest of the night, she abruptly sat upright just as Old Master Zheng was snoring loudly.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Startled, he tumbled out of bed.

Awoken from his slumber, he rubbed his eyes, lit a fire, and ignited the candle by the bedside. He saw his wife sitting blankly on the bed.

"Madam, what has happened in the middle of this dark night?"

Madam Zheng turned in astonishment and said, "My dear husband, let's marry both Jinxiu and Jinyu to the Princess's residence."

"What? Why?"

Madam Zheng wiped away tears, heartbroken. "It's all fate."

Confused, Old Master Zheng replied, "Don't rush into things, tell me slowly what's going on."

Madam Zheng recounted every detail of recent events to her husband.

"You think Prince Chen wants both of them, right? He invited Jinxiu to the Princess's residence for a chat a few days ago, and today he gave all the prizes he won from yesterday's polo match to Jinyu. Am I correct in guessing this?"

Scratching his beard, Old Master Zheng looked troubled.

"Judging by what you say, it seems so. But if they both go to the Princess's residence, who will be the main wife and who will be the secondary?

"Seniority is important, so Jinxiu should be the official consort."

Shaking his head, Old Master Zheng objected. "How can that be acceptable? It wouldn't be fair to Jinyu. Originally, the engagement was for the child in your womb, which was Jinyu. Because of our negligence, she has suffered for so many years. After finally enjoying a year of happiness at home, we would have to send her off as a concubine. Wouldn't that be destroying her entire future life and her children to come?"

How could it be acceptable for one's birth mother to be a concubine, resulting in children being born as illegitimate offspring?

Hearing his words, Lady Zheng abruptly came to her senses.

"Yes, you're right. Our Zheng family's legitimate daughter can't become a concubine. Neither Xingyang nor my family would consent to such a thing. Perhaps we should keep Jinyu away from Prince Chen or swiftly find a suitable match for her, to prevent him from harboring thoughts about her."

Old Master Zheng shook his head in disagreement once more.

"Lady, I believe the key issue here lies not with Jinxiu and Jinyu, but with Prince Chen. Leave this matter to me for now. Tomorrow, I'll find an opportunity to meet with Prince Chen alone, to hear his thoughts firsthand."

"How will you approach it? Will you tell him he can only choose one and ask which one he prefers?"

"Mmm, such ambiguity might tarnish our daughters' reputations. It's best to clarify the situation."

"But...," Lady Zheng grew anxious again, "what if Prince Chen chooses Jinyu? What then?"

"This...," Old Master Zheng found himself in a quandary.

"The engagement between Jinxiu and Prince Chen is well-known throughout the city. Have you considered the consequences if the Princess's residence suddenly changes its mind, rejecting Jinxiu in favor of Jinyu? Outsiders will speculate on what Jinxiu might have done to provoke their withdrawal. It will be difficult for her to find a good family in the future."

Old Master Zheng's brows were deeply furrowed.

"Furthermore, Jinyu's reputation isn't exactly savory either. People already think she lacks proper upbringing. If this marriage proposal falls to her, everyone will speculate if she seduced the man who was supposed to be her sister's husband through cunning means. How can she hold her head up high then?"

"You say this won't work and that won't work, so what do you suggest?"

Madam Zheng replied, "The best solution would be for Jinxiu to marry into the royal family. This way, no one will be put in a difficult position. They're still good sisters, and our family won't suffer any consequences. If Jinxiu marries well, Jinyu can also find a suitable match."

"You're right that it would benefit everyone in our family, but have you considered that it wouldn't be good for Imperial Princess or Prince Chen? Didn't the Imperial Princess clearly state that she looks down on Jinxiu's background, deeming her bloodline not noble enough?"

Madam Zheng fell silent.

"The Imperial Princess has been pampered since birth; do you really think she'd allow herself to be unhappy? Hmph, don't be naive. Even if it means causing discomfort to our entire family, she won't compromise her own happiness."

Old Master Zheng still believed it was best to discuss the matter with Prince Chen in person, or his wife might go mad with worry.

She was already keeping him up at night, scaring him under the bed.

Moreover, dragging such matters on would indeed harm the girls' reputations.

The following day, after the court session, he intercepted Xie Peiyu and gestured for them to speak privately.

Xie Peiyu followed Old Master Zheng to the foot of the imperial city wall.

"Lord Zheng, I wonder why you've stopped this prince?"

"Prince Chen, I have detained you to discuss a matter concerning my two daughters."

"Oh? What has happened to your daughters?"

"I've heard from my wife that Prince Chen wishes to take both Jinxiu and Jinyu as princess consorts, to enjoy the bliss of having multiple wives, is that so?"

Xie Peiyu wore an expression of astonishment. "Did your esteemed wife really say that?"

Old Master Zheng was taken aback. Why did Xie Peiyu seem displeased?

He replied hesitantly, "Yes."

"Hmpf, how can your esteemed wife spread such baseless rumors about this prince?"

Old Master Zheng: "..."

He opened his mouth and said, "Isn't that so?"

"Of course not. How could this Prince possibly marry two sisters from the same family? Besides, didn't my mother explicitly refuse your daughter Jinxiu? Is it that Lord Zheng has forgotten, or did your wife fail to mention it to you?"

"Ah... No, she did tell me. But why did you invite Jinxiu to the Princess's residence recently and have such an enjoyable conversation with her?"

Xie Peiyu was amused by the anger. He knew that Zheng Jinxiu had not learned her lesson and continued to spread false rumors.

Old Master Zheng was confused. "Didn't you have a good talk then?"

Xie Peiyu replied, "On that day, she stopped my horse, and I was afraid that some words might bring trouble to your family. Considering our families' long-standing friendship, I took Zheng Jinxiu to the Princess's residence for a discussion. It wouldn't be accurate to say we had an enjoyable conversation; it was quite awkward, in fact. I made it clear to her that there is no future between us in this life, and I hoped she would refrain from saying or doing anything that might cause misunderstandings. However, judging by Lord Zheng's expression, she probably didn't convey that clearly to you."

Old Master Zheng was dazed for a while before he asked uncertainly, "So, when Prince Chen spoke with her that day, he made it clear that there's no chance of the marriage between you two?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Old Master Zheng took a deep breath and nodded. "I understand now, Prince Chen. I apologize for causing you so much trouble."

"Nonsense, Lord Zheng is an elder, this slight inconvenience means nothing."

Old Master Zheng was taken aback. "Then...?" He pondered for a moment before rephrasing his question. "Does the Imperial Princess have a fondness for Jinyu?"

Xie Peiyu nodded. "My mother places great value on one's lineage. The Zheng and Cui families are both renowned clans with profound scholarly traditions. In her eyes, a future daughter-in-law must come from a family of noble lineage."