Chapter 128: Zheng Jinxiu’s Marriage Arrangement, But She Is Unwilling

Chapter 128: Zheng Jinxiu's Marriage Arrangement, But She Is Unwilling

A few more days passed when Lady Lu arrived at the residence accompanied by a matchmaker, claiming to propose a marriage.

When maid Chunmei conveyed this news to Zheng Jinyu, she was in the midst of crafting prototypes for an autumn collection of jewelry.

Chunmei seemed quite pleased. "Other than being born into the right family, that young Master Lu is no match for our Duke or even Young Master Cui. Hmph, after all her picking and choosing, she ends up with him – it's laughable."

Zheng Jinyu smiled faintly without comment.

"But…" Chunmei changed her tone and grumbled, "She still got lucky. She isn't truly a part of the Zheng family bloodline. If not for the mix-up with you, Miss, she would have ended up marrying a peasant."

Zheng Jinyu shook her head with a smile. "Don't say such things. Be careful, walls have ears. If these words were to spread, you'd be in deep trouble."

Chunmei hastily covered her mouth. "Yes, yes, it would be disastrous if the Lus were to hear about this."

Zheng Jinyu thought to herself, actually, it wouldn't matter even if they did hear about it.

Didn't rumors swirl around half a year ago?

However, the entire Zheng family came forward to refute the rumors, showcasing their profound affection for Zheng Jinxiu.

At times, whether one was a biological child or not wasn't as significant as the parents' attitude towards them.

As long as Master Zheng and Madam Zheng acknowledged and favored her, that was enough.

Someone like the Princess Consort claimed to value bloodline, but in reality, she cared more about Xie Peiyu's preferences.

Since Xie Peiyu wished to annul the engagement, even without the issue of bloodline, the Princess Consort could still find faults to end the marriage if she so desired.

...

In the main hall of the Zheng residence, Lady Lu was discussing the marriage between Lu Shen and Zheng Jinxiu with Madam Zheng.

After perusing the dowry list, Madam Zheng wore a look of dissatisfaction.

Her displeasure was evident on her face, causing Lady Lu to sneer. "Is Madam Zheng still unsatisfied? Does she think it's too little?"

Madam Zheng replied coolly, "I had assumed that a prominent family like the Lus would not be so petty."

Madam Lu chuckled. "Of course, our Lu family isn't petty, but it depends on who we're dealing with. If it weren't for someone's schemes, would my son have ended up marrying such a ruthless woman?"

"You..." Madam Zheng slammed her hand on the table in anger. "Don't forget that it was your Lu family who sought to marry my Jinxiu, not the other way around. If you think my daughter is unworthy, then let's just call off this marriage."

"In your dreams." In truth, Madam Lu didn't care whether or not her son married Zheng Jinxiu; she wouldn't be here if it weren't for her son's affection for her.

Recalling the previous scheme that had targeted her family, and with her son not present, why should she offer them any kindness?

After pulling off such a disgraceful act, they didn't deserve her favorable demeanor.

"It is your Zheng family that has acted dishonorably, and this is compensation for my family. Lady Zheng, I advise you to make proper preparations for the marriage. Don't forget, you signed the marriage contract in front of the Princess and others."

She pulled out the marriage contract from her sleeve and waved it smugly.

Lady Zheng was furious but dared not speak. With a darkened face, she took the document.

"Jinxiu is still young, and I would like to keep her with me for two more years. What do you think?"

"Two years is too long. This year..."

"It's too late this year," Madam Zheng interrupted. "We've just held the wedding for our eldest son. There isn't enough time to prepare many things within such a short period."

Madam Lu realized that indeed, there were only a few months left until the new year, and her family would struggle to get ready in time.

While a meager betrothal gift was one issue, they couldn't afford to have a shabby wedding banquet. The banquet would represent the Lu family's reputation, and ample preparation was needed.

"Alright then, let's postpone it to next year. I'll have someone choose an auspicious date later."

The two women discussed the marriage matter with a certain detachment. After seeing Madam Lu off, Madam Zheng's expression darkened.

"Hmph, they're really pushing it too far."

Lady Luo expressed her concern. "Madam, Madam Lu doesn't seem like someone easy to get along with."

This was precisely what troubled Madam Zheng, causing her to sigh repeatedly.

Lady Luo hesitated before speaking up.

"Madam, are you thinking that Jinxiu will suffer when she marries over there, and we should simply decline this match?"

Lady Luo nodded gently.

"Ai!" Madam Zheng let out a sigh. "I originally had my sights set on Yongning, but who could have foreseen…" She suddenly thought of something and changed the subject. "Forget it. It's her own life; we can't force it."

They had initially arranged a suitable marriage for her, but she hadn't been interested in Yongning back then.

Even though she now regretted it, if Yongning was unwilling, what could they do?

The marriage to the Lu family was also a result of her own actions – she would have to bear the consequences herself.

Optimistically speaking, Madam Zheng commented, "It's common for a mother-in-law to be strict with her daughter-in-law. Can you name a family where the mother-in-law doesn't do this?"

Her own mother-in-law had been strict with her in the past, but after experiencing a series of tragedies – losing both her husband and son – the old lady's temperament had mellowed.

She no longer bothered with household affairs, let alone tormenting her daughter-in-law.

Her heart was devoted to Buddhism, praying only that her late husband and son might find some comfort in the afterlife.

While enjoying tea with Lady Luo, Madam Zheng was suddenly informed by a maid that Zheng Jinxiu had arrived.

Madam Zheng furrowed her brow slightly and said coolly, "Let her in."

Lady Luo rose to her feet and stepped aside like a maid, positioning herself behind Madam Zheng.

Zheng Jinxiu entered, lifting the hem of her dress.

"Mother."

Madam Zheng was aware of the reason for her visit; she had instructed Lady Luo to give Jinxiu the betrothal gift list.

"This is from Lady Lu, you should have a look,"

Zheng Jinxiu unfolded the ledger, and the more she read, the colder her heart grew.

"Why so few?"

Madam Zheng was utterly reluctant to reveal the truth to her, and thus resorted to a benevolent fiction.

"The Lu family's business has suffered considerable losses in recent years, causing them some financial strain."

Indeed?

With uncertainty still lingering in her heart, Zheng Jinxiu was about to voice her concerns when Lady Zheng continued, "Don't worry, Mother will provide you with more dowry. I promise you'll have a grand wedding."

Zheng Jinxiu's worries dissipated.

"Thank you, Mother."

Lu Shen might not be the best option, but after the incident, she had no other choice. If she refused, Lady Lu would undoubtedly spread the news of the previous incident, making it difficult for any reputable family to consider her as a bride. She might even be barred from entering the Lu household.

Fortunately, Young Master Lu seemed genuinely devoted to her, and as the eldest son of the main branch, he would one day hold sway over the entire Lu family. If all else failed, this arrangement might not be so bad.

Zheng Jinxiu decided to make one last attempt to win Cui Yongnian's heart while simultaneously undermining the marriage proposal with the Lus. If all else failed, she would settle for Lu Shen.

Of course, before all that, she couldn't let Zheng Jinyu have an easy time.

When Lu Shen came to visit her under the pretense of seeing Second and Third Brothers, she also invited him in.

"Jinxiu, about the other day..."

Zheng Jinxiu bit her lip, her eyes brimming with tears. "It really wasn't me that time. I was set up by someone else. I know nobody will believe me, but I still have to speak out."

Seeing how distraught she was, how could Lu Shen bear to interrogate her?

He hurriedly reassured her, "I believe you, Jinxiu, I truly do. Oh, my dear sister, please don't cry. My heart is breaking just watching you."

Through her sobs, Zheng Jinxiu lamented, "To be treated this way and have no one believe me, it's just too infuriating."