Chapter 71: Imperial Princess Slaps Madame Wang’s Face Again

Chapter 71: Imperial Princess Slaps Madame Wang's Face Again

"Second Miss Zheng, did you secretly meet with Prince Chen and thus replace your elder sister, Zheng Jinxiu?"

Zheng Jinyu appeared genuinely astonished.

Did the Empress Dowager start by asking such direct questions?

"I reply to the Empress Dowager, I have not."

She and Prince Chen had not secretly exchanged anything, so how could she have displaced Zheng Jinxiu? It was clear that they had merely discussed a way to minimize the damage to Zheng Jinxiu's reputation out of concern for her.

The Empress Dowager sighed in relief. "This matter, Your Majesty, has been investigated. Since Madame Zheng says it wasn't because of Second Miss that First Miss was sent away, then it must be that Madame Wang has listened to one-sided rumors. Madame Wang, will you apologize for this?"

Madame Wang felt deeply unhappy, while Madame Zheng was very uneasy.

However, she still decided to apologize.

After all, the Zheng and Xie families had not made their disagreement public, and they had no proof. Wasn't it true that she had listened to biased rumors and spread them?

She would admit defeat for now, but only temporarily.

The truth remains the truth. Unless the Zheng family could bring Zheng Jinxiu back to continue her marriage with Prince Chen, this lie could not be sustained.

"Madam Zheng, I, Wang Xie, offer you my apology. It was all my fault for listening to hearsay and misunderstanding Madam Zheng. Blame my loose tongue as well. In any case, it's wrong to meddle in others' domestic affairs without proper knowledge."

Madam Zheng accepted the apology, albeit guiltily. She had stubbornly refused to acknowledge the truth, but she knew it all along.

What should they do next? Could they really bring Jinxiu back to cover up the lie? But she had seen for herself that Jinyu and Prince Chen had a deep bond.

Just then, a palace attendant reported that Prince Chen and the Imperial Princess had arrived.

"Please invite them in quickly."

Even the Empress Dowager, seated in the main seat, stood up.

Well, look at that. The Imperial Princess was quite the high-maintenance one, it seemed, as even the Empress Dowager rose to greet her.

The Imperial Princess entered first, followed by Prince Chen. "Changle pays her respects to the Empress Dowager."

"Your humble servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager."

" Rise, and have someone prepare seats for Imperial Princess and Prince Chen."

With the arrival of the Imperial Princess and Prince Chen, the expressions in the room shifted like a kaleidoscope.

The Empress Dowager frowned, wondering if this trouble had just been resolved, would their sudden visit stir up more complications?

Xie Peiyu glanced sideways at Zheng Jinyu, who, upon meeting his gaze, quickly looked away.

Madame Wang wore an amused expression on her face.

Lady Zheng kept shooting meaningful glances at the Imperial Princess, but alas, she was ignored, as the princess's eyes were fixed solely on the Empress Dowager seated in the main seat.

"I hear that Lady Zheng and Madame Wang had a disagreement, so I came to witness the spectacle," the Imperial Princess said to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager smiled and replied, "Well, it seems this spectacle has ties to your family as well."

"Oh, is that so? I wonder what caused their dispute?"

"It's rumored that Yu'er is no longer going to marry the First Miss Zheng and will instead wed the Second Miss. Isn't that hilarious? Fortunately, Madam Zheng debunked the rumor just now."

The Imperial Princess chuckled. "How can this be a mere rumor? This is precisely what we had in mind. It's curious which wagging tongue let this slip out ahead of time."

"Wh-what?" The Empress Dowager was astounded, her gaze turning bewildered towards Madam Zheng.

"But Madam Zheng just said it was a rumor. Did you deceive Your Majesty?"

Startled by the public rebuke, Madam Zheng turned pale with fear and immediately knelt to beg for mercy.

Before she could speak, the Imperial Princess interrupted, "This was our Xie family's decision, and we hadn't had the chance to inform Madam Zheng yet. Therefore, she cannot be accused of deceiving the Empress Dowager."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zheng shot a grateful glance at the Imperial Princess, and the cold sweat on her face subsided.

The Imperial Princess smiled gently. "We might as well take this opportunity to inform our in-laws. Remember, this isn't a negotiation, but an announcement."

The Imperial Princess's domineering words quelled any lingering doubts in everyone's minds.

Indeed, with the Imperial Princess's status and position, she only needed to notify the Zheng family of her decision, not consult with them.

"Well..." The Empress Dowager was at a loss for words. "That wouldn't be appropriate. Prince Chen has been betrothed to the eldest Miss Zheng for years. Suddenly changing to the second miss—how will this reflect on the eldest miss?"

The Imperial Princess spoke calmly, "Of course, there's a reason behind our decision. It's not as the rumors suggest, that Yu'er has taken a fancy to the second miss. Even before the second miss returned to the capital, we had no intention of marrying the eldest miss into the family. This was already discussed with Madam Zheng."

Madam Zheng's expression was a mix of emotions.

The Imperial Princess had just helped restore her dignity, only for it to be slapped back in her face. She wasn't showing any consideration for her daughter's future in-laws.

The Empress Dowager's expression turned grim. She felt deceived.

"Madam Zheng, what is your explanation?"

Madam Zheng steeled herself to reply, "Indeed, such an incident occurred. However, at that time, we found it rather abrupt and assumed that the matter might not be as severe as it seemed, leaving room for reconciliation. Hence, we didn't attach much importance to it."

The Imperial Princess scoffed coldly, "So my daughter-in-law thought we were jesting."

The Empress Dowager was confused, "Then why did you wish to replace her? Was it due to concerns about Lady Zheng's character or conduct?"

Madam Zheng grew nervous once more.

Madame Wang continued to observe the unfolding drama with interest.

Zheng Jinyu stood quietly by the side, appearing detached from the situation.

The Imperial Princess spoke, "This has nothing to do with Miss Zheng's character or conduct, but rather due to other circumstances."

"What circumstances are those?" someone inquired.

The Imperial Princess replied, "Apologies, but it involves confidential matters within our family, so I'm not at liberty to disclose them."

No one could force the Imperial Princess to divulge more if she was unwilling to do so.

The Empress Dowager ceased her inquiries.

Lady Zheng heaved a sigh of relief.

Madame Wang looked disappointed, as if she had missed out on some juicy gossip.

At that moment, the Imperial Princess turned to Madame Wang and said, "I hope you can keep your daughter in check. I wish to hear no more ill rumors about our family members."

She emphasized the word "family," causing Zheng Jinyu's heart to skip a beat.

If the Imperial Princess did not give her consent, then even the opposition of Old Master Zheng and Madame Wang would be futile, let alone her own objections?

Warned, Madame Wang's face paled, and she quickly responded, "Yes, I will certainly discipline my daughter properly."

Seeing that the matter had been settled, the Empress said, "I am weary. You may all withdraw."

"Yes, Your Majesty Empress."

The group took their leave, and as they stepped out of the Tai'an Palace, a figure clothed in bright yellow hurried towards them.

Everyone, excluding the Imperial Princess, promptly began to pay their respects.

Seeing this, Zheng Jinyu also knelt down to bow.

"Rise," the Emperor said, his gaze fixed on the Imperial Princess. He casually waved his hand in acknowledgment towards the others.

"Eldest Imperial Sister, why didn't you let anyone inform me that you were coming to the palace? I could have had the imperial chefs prepare some of your favorite dishes in advance."

The Imperial Princess smiled faintly. "I would have informed you if I were to come to the palace for a meal. But since I have a small matter to discuss with the Empress Dowager and will be leaving shortly, I thought it best not to disturb you."

"Oh, what is it?"

"Nothing much, just some women's matters, family affairs."

"Family affairs?"

The Long Princess shifted aside, revealing Zheng Jinyu. "Look, this young lady here was promised to Yu'er by my late father-in-law as his future wife back then."

"Is that so? Look up."

Zheng Jinyu mustered her courage and raised her head to meet the other's gaze.