Chapter 99: Aunt, Jinxiu and I have no fate, we’re not suitable for each other.

Chapter 99: Aunt, Jinxiu and I have no fate, we're not suitable for each other.

Zheng Jinyu looked at him in surprise.

It seemed that her previous intuition was not an illusion. Cui Yongnian was indeed a wolf in sheep's clothing, a hidden powerhouse.

In such a short time, he had discerned that the original intention of the melody was to feature the pipa as the lead with the flute as a supporting instrument.

"I'm not sure either. Next time, I'll ask Prince Chen. Since it's his composition, let him make the adjustments."

Cui Yongnian smiled and said, "Sure, if it's feasible, I'll invite Little Cousin to play a duet on another day."

Zheng Jinyu smiled and agreed.

Their lively conversation effectively diffused the awkwardness caused by Zheng Hongxu's rude behavior earlier.

However, when Lady Zheng observed their interaction, she felt a vague sense of discomfort and foreboding.

Why was Cui Yongnian only engaged in conversation with Jinyu, seemingly so compatible, while not uttering a single word to Jinxiu?

She suddenly realized that during Cui Yongnian's stay, he had barely spoken to Jinxiu, and they didn't even greet each other when they met - it was as if they were strangers.

This couldn't be allowed to continue.

Feeling awkward, Madam Zheng looked at them and interjected at the right moment, "Jinxiu also has some understanding of music and melody. If Yongnian is interested in this field, why not visit her more often at Jinxiu Courtyard and have a chat with her?"

Zheng Jinxiu grew nervous. "Mother, what I know is just superficial knowledge. How can it compare to my younger sister's? It would be like a carpenter trying to teach a master in front of my cousin, making a fool of myself."

Madam Zheng smiled. "You're both still young; you can learn together."

Zheng Jinxiu felt a mix of anger and frustration. Her mother truly was thinking of ways to get rid of her every moment.

Cui Yongnian understood his aunt's intentions. He glanced at Zheng Jinxiu's expression and suddenly chuckled. "Aunt, please forgive me. Since arriving in the Capital City, I have indeed tried to get closer to Cousin Jinxiu on purpose. After several encounters, I've come to realize that I am not worthy of her. Your kind intentions, as well as those of my elder aunt, will unfortunately go unfulfilled."

"Ahh?" Madam Zheng was taken aback.

Zheng Jinxiu was also startled.

So were Zheng Hongqi and Zheng Hongxu, who had been plotting to push Cui Yongnian away.

All eyes turned to him.

Feeling somewhat self-conscious under the scrutiny of so many people, Cui Yongnian felt that he had made himself clear enough and had nothing more to add.

He merely rubbed his nose awkwardly before sitting down to eat calmly under everyone's watchful gaze.

Watching his composed demeanor, Zheng Jinyu was filled with admiration for him.

He could still eat calmly despite being the center of attention. No wonder he remained unfazed when being insulted by others.

Where did this confidence stem from? His abilities.

He must possess genuine talent and considerable strength.

Oh, Zheng Jinxiu, Zheng Jinxiu, you're determined to court disaster, and no one can stop you.

Zheng Jinyu couldn't help but envy her mother's favoritism towards Zheng Jinxiu.

Cui Yongnian was modest and reasonable, with the charm of an idol, born into an aristocratic family, and possessed extraordinary talents, all while being young. Such a combination of virtues in one person was truly a rare gem in this world.

If it weren't for the switch, as a mere peasant girl, Zheng Jinxiu would never have even brushed against the hem of his garment in her lifetime, yet she still found him unworthy.

The awkward silence lingered for a while before Master Zheng forced a smile.

"Well then, if... if the marriage doesn't work out, our families will remain relatives. Yongnian, stay here comfortably and enjoy your time in the Capital City. If you need anything, just tell your aunt and uncle, consider this place your home."

Cui Yongnian smiled politely. "Thank you for your hospitality, Aunt."

Mrs. Zheng could only sigh in regret after realizing the situation.

She wasn't foolish; she could see that Jinxiu didn't fancy Yongnian either. It seemed she was the only one energetically trying to matchmake them.

In her heart, the future she had planned for Zheng Jinxiu was the best option. But since they didn't fancy each other, why force two people who held mutual dislike together?

"Well then, it seems fate has not brought you two together. Let us leave it at that." Scanning the room filled with people, she issued her command, "None of you is to speak of this matter. Yongnian's visit to our home is purely for familial relations. Should anyone dare to spread false rumors, damaging Yongnian and Jinxiu's reputations, I will hold them accountable. Do you all understand?"

"Mother, we understand."

"Madam, your servants have taken note."

With Lady Zheng's decision made, Cui Yongnian would now simply be regarded as a visiting relative.

His sudden withdrawal from the situation caught Zheng Jinxiu and her companions off guard.

Their erstwhile schemes to counter him now seemed comically inadequate.

Their mocking of him as a toad aspiring to eat swan meat is indeed laughable.

Within Jinxiu's Quarters, Zheng Hongyan looked at the trio with ridicule in his eyes. "Do you find yourselves amusing? What are you even like? Hmph, insulting your own cousin at a poetry appreciation banquet and allowing so many to bully him—you all must think that no one is good enough for Jinxiu but herself, isn't that right?"

The three of them gazed at one another, each studying the others' expressions.

The one suffering the most was Zheng Jinxiu.

She believed herself to be irresistible, only to realize that he had never even considered her.

Why would Cui Yongnian look down on her? If anyone was to reject the other, it should have been her rejecting him. This matter should have been initiated by her.

Zheng Jinxiu's emotions became tangled once again.

Zheng Hongyan continued his scolding, finding their actions utterly foolish.

Zheng Jinxiu resorted to her old tactics, tears brimming in her eyes as she spoke to Zheng Hongyan, "Big Brother, please don't scold Second Brother and Third Brother. They did this out of concern for me. Cousin Cui didn't fancy Jinxiu; that's a good thing for everyone. But how could Second Brother and Third Brother have known before today? They did all this for me, so if you want to blame someone, blame me."

Zheng Hongxu immediately came to her defense, "Jinxiu, stop talking. How can you blame yourself for this? Blame Cui Yongnian for not being clear from the start. If he had spoken up earlier, why would we have targeted him?"

Zheng Hongyan was speechless, grabbing Zheng Hongxu's collar in anger, "Third Brother, don't you realize your mistake? You're actually blaming others? How did you become like this?"

Both Zheng Jinxiu and Zheng Hongqi, fearing their brother's wrath, tried to calm him down, one on each side, "Big Brother, please calm down. Let's talk this through properly."

Despite his fear, Zheng Hongxu still had some courage, his voice softer as he said, "Big Brother, I was just telling the truth."

"Hmm, the truth? If it's the truth, why didn't you tell Yongning directly?"

Zheng Hongyan narrowed his eyes and turned to look at Zheng Jinxiu.

This tearful sister of his was becoming more and more of a mystery to him.

"Jinxiu, if you don't like Yongning and don't wish to marry far away, why didn't you clarify this with him earlier?"

Faced with Zheng Hongyan's scrutiny, Zheng Jinxiu felt a chill down her spine. She replied pitifully, "I... Big Brother, I didn't know how to say it."

"Even if you didn't know how to express it, you shouldn't have instigated our two elder brothers to bully him."

"Big Brother, I didn't do that." Zheng Jinxiu was genuinely frightened now, and tears began to fall.

Zheng Hongqi and Zheng Hongxu couldn't bear to see her cry; they immediately took the blame.

Zheng Hongqi spoke up, "Big Brother, it was my idea. If you need to scold someone, scold me instead. It has nothing to do with Jinxiu."