Chapter 199: Who Is the Achilles’ Heel of the Princess Consort?

Chapter 199: Who Is the Achilles' Heel of the Princess Consort?

"I believe they came here merely for some financial support. If we were to provide them with money to purchase houses and lands, they would surely be grateful and leave. Yet, they refuse to do so. Think about it, why would anyone abandon their comfortable life to serve others? What's their motive?"

Madam Zheng nodded. "That is indeed peculiar. They even mentioned their unwillingness to part with their daughter. Their daughter was treated no better than livestock; how could they genuinely be attached to her? It seems like an excuse."

"Yes, it's just an excuse," Lady Luo continued. "When you asked me to escort them out earlier, I took the opportunity to ask them a few questions. I discovered that they have a good understanding of the customs and rules in prominent households. Their words suggest that someone knowledgeable might be guiding them."

Madam Zheng found this odd. "It's unlikely they know any high-profile individuals."

Lady Luo reminded her, "Madam, don't forget about that anonymous letter. We still haven't identified who sent it."

A chill ran down Madam Zheng's spine.

Initially, she had not thought much of it, but connecting these two incidents made her feel uneasy.

"Could... Could there be someone who intends to harm our Zheng family?"

Lady Luo nodded. "It's hard to tell. Madam should spend more silver to have someone investigate."

Biting her teeth, Mrs. Zheng made a mental note of this matter.

She spent money to hire outsiders to investigate what the Fang family had done after arriving in the capital.

Where they had been, who they had met – all these pieces of information soon reached Zheng Jinyu's ears.

Zheng Jinyu was not worried. Even if they found out something, it had nothing to do with her, Zheng Jinyu.

It was all connected to Xie Peiyu and his people.

Yes, it was Xie Peiyu who did it.

Even that anonymous letter years ago, exposing that Zheng Jinxiu was not a blood relative, was sent by someone under Xie Peiyu's orders.

Why would he say such things? Well... perhaps it was because he detested Zheng Jinxiu so much that he couldn't bear to see her doing well, thus wanting to bring her down.

Why did he dislike Zheng Jinxiu? How would I know? When he stabbed Zheng Jinxiu in the back, I was still digging for wild vegetables in Fang Village.

Thus, she instructed the covert guards left behind by Xie Peiyu, "Inform your lord about this matter. Follow his instructions."

"Yes."

The mourning period for the Xie family would last seven days, with grand ceremonies conducted. This was not only due to the affection between Xie Peichen and Zheng Jinyu but also because in prominent families, rules and appearances were highly valued. Despite Yang's departure from the Xie family without leaving any offspring, they would still ensure she received proper respect.

With the eldest sister-in-law's passing, it was inappropriate for Xie Peiyu to visit Zheng Jinyu for amusement. He refrained from doing so for several days.

On the fifth day of the mourning, he could no longer contain himself and came to see her again, this time at night.

As Zheng Jinyu was about to close the window, a large hand reached in, halting her action.

She released her grip and said, "Why are you here again? Didn't I tell you not to scale the wall and come over at night?"

Xie Peiyu replied, "The Xie family is in mourning. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to visit you during the day."

Zheng Jinyu rolled her eyes; it was rare that he acknowledged inappropriate behavior.

Taking a step back, she allowed him to leap into her room through the window.

Xie Peiyu remarked, "I initially planned to take you out of the city for some leisure, but unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances arose at home. My elder brother and sister-in-law have no children, and among our generation of siblings, there are no nephews or nieces. As younger brothers, we have to shoulder more responsibilities."

Zheng Jinyu was taken aback, her curiosity piqued. "Are you and your brothers observing filial piety?"

Xie Peiyu was left speechless.

"What are you talking about? There are certain duties that descendants must fulfill, and in their absence, it falls upon the younger siblings to step in."

"Well, an elder sister-in-law is like a mother, so it's similar to being a filial son."

Xie Peiyu wore an exasperated expression. "You, too, are quite mischievous. I'll only visit daily to burn incense and listen to a scripture chanting session. On the funeral day, I might help carry a banner. A filial son? Ha, do I have to kneel and keep vigil for her as well?"

Upon mentioning keeping vigil, Zheng Jinyu recalled something. "Who is currently keeping vigil?"

Xie Peiyu replied, "Big Brother insisted on doing so. Initially, he planned to accompany Eldest Sister-in-Law on her final journey. But the Yang Family insisted that their youngest daughter should be the one guarding her sister's spirit. To avoid any suspicion of a lone man and woman being together, the family arranged for young servants, both boys and girls, to serve as 'spirit guards.' It's quite lively at night, with around twenty of them in total, filling the room."

The Yangs were notorious for causing a stir, and this was just the beginning.

Even if Xie Peichen didn't marry Zheng Jinxiu, he had ways to deal with the Yang Family's persistence.

Yang's concerns were truly unnecessary; her husband was not as easy to push around as she was.

For now, they were sparing the Yang Family's face due to the funeral, but once the ceremony was over, wouldn't the Yangs have to pay for their mischief?

Zheng Jinyu sat down and said, "You're at an age to make your mark in the world. Isn't it inappropriate for you to be spending your time playing with me instead of attending to your duties?"

Xie Peiyu sat down beside her and replied with a light smile, "For me, spending time with you is my priority."

"Hmph."

"What's that hmph for? If I were busy with what you consider proper business all day, my uncle would become restless. He has hinted to me more than once that when I'm home, I should spend more time with my mother and take a break for myself. Besides, he wants me to marry a wife soon so that she can honor my mother and give her a grandchild."

Zheng Jinyu was momentarily speechless. He was already talking about having children before they were even married.

After a moment, she said, "I've heard that you started leading troops at the age of thirteen."

"Hmm? What about it?"

"Why didn't you hide your abilities then? How many people do you know who lead troops at thirteen? It would be strange if others didn't keep a watchful eye on you."

"Can I be blamed for that? At thirteen, my thoughts were innocent, focusing only on becoming excellent to bring joy to my uncle."

Zheng Jinyu: "..."

Indeed, you have a point.

As a child, one endeavors to excel, in order to bring joy to one's elders.

Yet, your excellence does bring joy to some of the elder generations, though not all.

"And what do you want? You were so capable in the past few years. Now, if you act like a debauched noble, would people believe it?"

"I don't expect them to, but I can..." The look he gave her made her uneasy, causing her to step back silently.

"Cough, cough." Xie Peiyu covered his mouth with a fist, coughing awkwardly.

"I understand," Zheng Jinyu said.

"Hmm? Understand what?"

Zheng Jinyu didn't respond, only offering a gentle smile. "Go on."

Got it? He's trying to play the love-struck fool.

To be honest, at his age, such an act could easily deceive others. It's quite fitting for someone young to be blinded by love.

Xie Peiyu continued, "In truth, he wants me to marry and have children, to focus on my family life. Or perhaps... to make me vulnerable so that he can better control me."

Curious, Zheng Jinyu asked, "Isn't your mother already your weakness?"

Xie Peiyu chuckled. "Not really, she's his weakness too."

"Huh?"

Xie Peiyu gazed at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. To Zheng Jinyu, the smile seemed peculiar, yet she couldn't quite put her finger on why.