Chapter 109: Making You Mute Today

Chapter 109: Making You Mute Today

After all, Jinyu's affection for Prince Chen was plain to see.

Jinyu was obedient and well-mannered, knowing what was appropriate and what wasn't. She would never try to seduce other men after becoming Prince Chen's partner.

After chatting with Jinyu out of concern, Lady Zheng took Jinxiu along to leave.

Once they were outside the Yusheng Courtyard, Lady Zheng spoke up, "Jinxiu, Jinyu isn't that kind of person. Your Cousin Cui has been educated in the Four Books and Five Classics since childhood and understands propriety and morality. He wouldn't be like that either. You must have misunderstood them."

Jinxiu bit her lip and nodded gently.

"Mother, it's all my fault for being too scared. My sister is so wonderful, I'm always afraid that everyone will like her more than me. Cousin Cui never took a fancy to me in the first place. With such a wonderful sister around, he'll surely look down on me even more."

"Ai!" Lady Zheng let out a long sigh and said, "If you had your eyes on him, why did you say you didn't want him last time?"

Jinxiu's eyes reddened as she replied, "When he proposed to nullify the marriage, I didn't want to look too terrible, so I... Waa, Mother, I do regret it."

Lady Zheng hurriedly consoled her, "Alright, alright, Mother understands. It hasn't been easy for you."

Zheng Jinxiu lifted her wet eyes to meet Lady Zheng's gaze. "Mother, they all prefer Sister. She is so outstanding that even I admire her. I admit I can't compare to her, but... I'm so afraid, will there be a day when Mother also prefers Sister?"

Seeing her daughter's distress, Lady Zheng's heart ached. Reflecting back, she realized she had indeed focused more on Jinyu since her return, neglecting Jinxiu.

She recalled the hardships Jinyu had endured over the years and how she was trying to make it up to her, inadvertently causing Jinxiu to feel unloved and insecure.

Filled with guilt, Lady Zheng embraced Jinxiu, comforting her. "Mother was wrong. I've devoted too much attention to Jinyu, overlooking you. Lately, I've been occupied with your brother's marriage preparations. But let's make a promise: after this busy period, Mother will take you out for a stroll, alright?"

Jinxiu sniffled, then smiled. "Thank you, Mother."

Lady Zheng stroked her hair affectionately and instructed someone to escort Jinxiu back.

In the midst of her bustling schedule, Lady Zheng thought about Cui Yongnian and decided to summon him.

Cui Yongnian entered Lady Zheng's study, his long sleeves trailing behind him. He bowed respectfully before asking, "Aunt, why have you summoned Yongnian?"

On Lady Zheng's desk lay a stack of silver bills. Gazing at him kindly, she said, "Yongnian, you've been in the capital for quite some time, and I imagine your travel funds are running low. Take these silver bills for now. We should use them when needed; don't be too frugal. When they're gone, just let Aunt know."

Cui Yongnian, sharp-witted as he was, could easily discern Lady Zheng's intentions.

He accepted it with a smile. "Many thanks, Aunt. Then, Yongnian won't be courteous."

Satisfied with his understanding, Lady Zheng didn't say anything further and allowed him to take his leave.

After all, she had been very busy lately. She needed to arrange her eldest son's marriage within a tight schedule.

Managing the estate, overseeing the servants, looking after the shops, supervising her ever-growing children, and dealing with the intricacies of social obligations – it was no easy task being the head of the household.

Little did she know that Cui Yongnian, after taking her silver, would proceed to earn more from Zheng Jinyu.

However, instead of going to Yusheng Courtyard for the subsequent illustrations, he drew them in his own courtyard and instructed his servants to deliver them.

Zheng Jinyu, pleased with the complete set of drawings, instructed Chunmei to send the promised silver to Cui Yongnian.

Subsequently, Zheng Jinyu started working on the promotional images for the next season and increased the purchase of materials. She asked her craftsmen to take on more apprentices and boost production.

This collection was not only intended for sale in the capital but also in major cities across the nation.

Designed personally by Master Qinghe, the mere mention of this fact alone would be enough to boost sales significantly.

...

It was finally the day that Zheng Hongyan was to be wed. Early in the morning, Zheng Jinyu was awakened by her maid to prepare for the occasion.

Gazing at the pile of clothing and accessories sent by Lady Zheng, she was speechless.

Yet again, it was a set similar to what Zheng Jinxiu would wear – the demure maiden attire.

She was unsure if this was the style of Zheng Jinxiu or Lady Zheng. In her mother's mind, it seemed, both Zheng Jinyu and Zheng Jinxiu should be dressed alike.

"I'll have these clothes and accessories put away. I won't be wearing them."

"But, Miss, these were sent by Lady Zheng herself."

"Never mind that. Fetch me the dress the Princess gifted me last time instead."

She felt more at ease in the attire gifted by the princess, for it was tailored to her measurements.

Dressed in a jade-green robe, she was like a refreshing spring in the sweltering summer heat, far more comfortable than the flamboyant butterfly costume given by Lady Zheng.

As Zheng Jinyu stepped out wearing this ensemble, she spotted a woman in the distance who resembled a living butterfly - it could only be Zheng Jinxiu.

One had to admit that Zheng Jinxiu possessed a pleasing appearance. The butterfly costume complemented her looks, rendering her adorable and vivacious, as if she were an actual butterfly in flight.

Just as Zheng Jinyu was about to approach her, an unfamiliar maid suddenly walked past her, slipping a handkerchief into her hand.

Startled, Zheng Jinyu clutched the handkerchief tightly. By the time she turned around, the maid had already disappeared behind a rockery, leaving only a fleeting glimpse of an unknown back view.

Calmly retreating to one side, she unfolded the handkerchief to reveal a few lines of text that left her utterly astonished. Glancing at Zheng Jinxiu in the distance, she raised her gaze.

With both hands, she rubbed the handkerchief, causing the inked words to vanish.

At that moment, Chunmei approached her briskly.

"Miss, Lady has summoned you," Chunmei said.

"Indeed." She casually tossed the handkerchief to Chunmei.

Madam Zheng summoned them all and then began to reprimand them sternly.

"Today is your elder brother's grand wedding ceremony, with guests filling the hall. You must be mindful of your words and actions, ensuring not to bring disgrace upon the Zheng family."

"Mother, rest assured, how could we bring shame to Elder Brother? Not only will Second Brother and I be there, but we'll also join Elder Brother in welcoming our new sister-in-law."

Madam Zheng glared at him, "I mainly said that for your benefit."

Zheng Hongxu: "..."

"You focus on yourself, especially that tongue of yours. If you don't know what to say and what not to, then keep quiet. Don't utter a single word today."

Zheng Hongxu replied, "How can that be? If I don't speak, the guests will start guessing wildly."

"I'll just tell everyone later that you have a sore throat."

Ah?

Madame Zheng would rather Zheng Hongxu suffer from a sore throat than allow him to speak, and Zheng Jinyu barely managed to suppress her laughter.

Cui Yongnian, on the other hand, burst out laughing outright.

His laughter drew everyone's attention to him.

"Cough, cough." Cui Yongnian awkwardly cleared his throat and said, "Pardon me, I just couldn't hold it in. Third Cousin Zheng...cough, cough, does indeed have a way of speaking that can be less than pleasant at times."