Chapter 84: The Suitor Sought by Madam Zheng for Jinxiu

Chapter 84: The Suitor Sought by Madam Zheng for Jinxiu

Xie Peiyu ignored him. He wasn't worth his attention; he was just a fool.

If not for Zheng Hongyan's sake, he wouldn't even bother to glance at him.

"Jinxiu, a jewel will shine wherever it is. Don't fixate on one spot, and don't be too upset."

Was she truly upset or just indignant? In fact, her indignation outweighed her sorrow, along with deep disappointment.

If the Imperial Princess had simply called off the engagement, she would have accepted it.

But instead, the engagement wasn't canceled—only the groom-to-be changed. She had lost to someone she had once held in utter contempt, a country bumpkin. It was a slap in the face, so of course, she felt resentful.

She had thought that by bringing news of the prince's whereabouts and urging them to save him, she could leverage their gratitude for a favorable outcome. But in the end, she gained nothing. He described that uncle as a madman with no sense, making her feel like a clown. It infuriated her to no end.

As evening fell, they returned to the city together. Zheng Jinyu rode in a carriage by herself, while everyone else was on horseback.

Zheng Jinxiu also rode a horse, feeling a sense of pride at being part of this male-dominated group. In contrast, Zheng Jinyu, who was alone in the carriage, seemed isolated from them.

Upon arriving home and entering the door, Zheng Jinxiu gave Zheng Jinyu a look of superiority.

Zheng Jinyu, however, wore an expression of confusion and yawned indolently, wondering what was so great about riding a horse that it merited such pride. Wasn't it more comfortable to take a nap in a carriage?

Mrs. Zheng asked them with concern, "Was it fun in the military camp?"

Zheng Jinxiu replied, "Mother, we mainly went to bring food for Big Brother."

"Good, not just for playing around," Mrs. Zheng acknowledged.

Zheng Jinxiu continued, "Riding a horse was enjoyable too. I just don't ride as well as my brothers. If only I had more chances to practice."

Mrs. Zheng chuckled, "That's easy enough. With the good weather now, ask your Second Brother and Third Brother to take you out for more rides when they have free time."

"Thank you, Mother," Zheng Jinxiu said sweetly.

Mrs. Zheng turned to Zheng Jinyu. "Jinyu, it's been a while since you've ventured out. You should go out more often in the future."

Zheng Hongxu scoffed. "She can't ride a horse, so she'll just be sitting in a carriage. Walking is all she can do."

Mrs. Zheng's expression froze, and she cautiously asked, "Jinyu, would you like to learn how to ride a horse? If you want to, I'll have your brothers teach you."

"Hmph, I'm not teaching her," Zheng Hongxu declared on the spot.

Mrs. Zheng glared at him. "Even if you want to, I won't let you teach her."

"Second Brother wouldn't teach her either."

"Then let Eldest Brother do it."

"Eldest Brother is busy training troops. How could he find the time to teach her how to ride?"

Mrs. Zheng was met with resistance every time she spoke, and her temper flared. "Third Son, are you itching for a scolding again?"

Zheng Hongxu immediately clamped his mouth shut.

Lady Zheng looked at Zheng Jinyu with anticipation.

Zheng Jinxiu glared at Zheng Jinyu provocatively, a smirk of schadenfreude on her face.

A blush tinged Zheng Jinyu's cheeks as she whispered, "It won't trouble Elder Brother; Prince Chen said he would teach me to ride once we're married."

Zheng Jinxiu's expression froze.

Zheng Hongxu harrumphed and said, "Shameless! You two aren't even wed yet."

"He said he'll teach me after the wedding," Zheng Jinyu replied.

Zheng Hongxu was left speechless.

Lady Zheng let out a sigh of relief and said with a faint smile, "Well then, let's put learning to ride aside for now. Spring is here, and the flowers outside are in full bloom. You should attend more flower-appreciation banquets."

"I will go if there's an appropriate opportunity," Zheng Jinyu assured her.

...

From the Cui family of Qing River, a response arrived. Upon hearing that Lady Zheng wished to marry her daughter back into her natal family, her elder sister-in-law was delighted and thus earnestly set about finding a suitable match for Zheng Jinxiu.

For this purpose, she selected a promising legitimate second prince from the royal family and arranged for him to visit the capital city under the pretense of studying. He would stay at the Zheng residence during his visit.

Before the person arrives, the message precedes them.

Madam Zheng, upon receiving the letter, joyfully announced to the entire family that a cousin from the Cui family would be coming to the capital for scholarly pursuits and would be staying with the Zhengs.

Those who were unaware of the situation were delighted, but Zheng Jinxiu was not.

She had no intention of marrying someone from Qing River.

"Mother, how old is he? He could be a cousin or a younger cousin," she said.

Madam Zheng replied, "He's eighteen. Do you think he's your elder or younger cousin?"

Zheng Hongxu shrugged his shoulders and said, "Alright, he's an elder cousin then. Mother, is he from Uncle's side of the family?"

"Not really. He's my cousin's son, so you should still address him as your cousin when he arrives," said Zheng Hongxu.

"Will he pursue a career in the civil service then?" asked the other.

Zheng Hongxu shrugged. "The letter didn't mention that specifically. It only said he's visiting the capital for his studies and might consider the civil service."

Mrs. Zheng's expression darkened. "Hongxu, your words are laced with sarcasm. Have you forgotten the consequences of being impudent?"

Zheng Hongxu wore an indignant look.

Old Master Zheng interjected, "Xu'er, the Cui family has a richer literary heritage than our Zheng family. You mustn't underestimate them. Many great scholars don't choose the path of the civil service, not because they lack ability. Serving the court is important, but preserving our family's scholarly traditions is equally significant."

Silent, Zheng Hongxu lowered his gaze.

Zheng Hongqi picked up a utensil and transferred some food into his brother's bowl, exchanging a glance with him.

Despite being twins, it was clear that Zheng Hongqi was more cunning than Zheng Hongxu.

Zheng Hongxu was always the one to take the lead.

Regardless of Zheng Jinxiu's wishes, Cousin Cui from the Cui family had still arrived.

The Cui family held a higher social standing than the Zhengs, so the Zhengs welcomed them warmly, even the rarely seen Matriarch Zheng made an appearance.

"Cui Yongnian pays his respects to the Matriarch, Uncle, Aunt, and all my cousins."

Cui Yongnian was dressed as a scholar, with rosy lips and pearly white teeth. His naturally fair skin seemed to glow under the sunlight.

His every gesture exuded the demeanor of a nobleman, performing courteous rituals with the Zhengs without any superfluous movements. Even a simple bow looked incredibly graceful.

This wasn't the arrogance of a nouveau riche; the refinement of a Cui family nobleman, nurtured over centuries, was truly extraordinary.

Zheng Jinyu wondered if Zheng Jinxiu's heart would flutter. If not for their familial ties, and her own engagement to Xie Peiyu, she felt she might lose control.

How could this man be so attractive?

Perhaps... she should switch places with Zheng Jinxiu?

Ahem, what was she thinking? While ancient people didn't place much importance on cousin relationships, she still cared about it.

Cui Yongnian was the son of Madam Zheng's cousin.

"Cui Yongnian, you must have had a tiring journey with all that travel. Yan'er, you and your siblings should quickly take Yongnian to rest. We can chat more during dinner later."

"Yes, Mother."

"Thank you, Aunt."

"Such politeness from this child, consider this place your home the moment you arrive."

Madam Zheng joyfully instructed her son to make arrangements for Cui Yongnian.

The family has a small courtyard specifically for guests, not large, yet exquisitely arranged.

In anticipation of Cui Yongnian's arrival, Madam Zheng had long instructed her servants to make elaborate preparations.

The room was decorated in the style of Qing River, giving him an ambiance of being in his own home upon entering the courtyard.

Cui Yongnian sighed with appreciation. "Aunt really has put in so much effort."

Zheng Hongyan chuckled. "I heard from my mother that you were coming. She personally arranged the room. I'm glad my cousin is pleased."

"Please don't mention it, Cousin."

"You've had a long journey these past few days and need proper rest. We won't disturb you further. We'll meet again at the dining hall later."

"Alright, see you soon."