Chapter 215 – Princess Consort Comes to the Zheng Residence for Troubles?

Chapter 215 - Princess Consort Comes to the Zheng Residence for Troubles?

Just as the Princess Consort was about to step out, she added, "Wait, what if the Zhengs keep it tightly under wraps and refuse to let me see them?"

"Mother, you're the Princess Consort. If you want to meet the people who raised Jinyu, they wouldn't dare to stop you, right?"

"Indeed, they wouldn't dare." Besides, dealing with this matter didn't require her to meet those beggars, did it?

Hmph, would this Palace have to see a few beggars?

"Mother, are you finding this difficult?" Xie Peiyu noticed her strange expression.

The Princess Consort replied, "It's fine, my child. Don't worry, your old mother will handle this matter."

"Thank you, Mother."

The next day, the Princess Consort came to visit the Zheng residence. Lady Zheng was already overwhelmed by the issues with the Fang family and Zheng Jinxiu; she had no time to entertain the Princess Consort.

However, when she mentioned that her visit was regarding the betrothal between Zheng Jinyu and Prince Chen, it immediately triggered Lady Zheng's sensitive nerves. Lately, the phrase that kept popping up in her mind was that the marriage was about to fall through.

Thus, when she heard that the Princess Consort had come for the marriage, the first thought that popped into her mind was that the engagement was about to fall apart.

"How can the Princess Consort be at it again? Didn't they say back then that if the marriage wasn't called off, Jinyu would take my daughter's place? Now she's here causing trouble over the marriage again. Isn't this bullying?"

Lady Luo was taken aback. "Madam, the Princess Consort hasn't mentioned anything about canceling the marriage. Perhaps she just wants to discuss some details?"

Madam Zheng was also stunned. Why would she think that way?

She rubbed her aching forehead and said, "Look at me, always thinking about the marriage. I'm almost driven mad by it. Oh! Where is the Princess Consort now?"

"In the floral hall, sipping tea."

"Then let's hurry."

Madam Zheng quickly went to the floral hall to welcome the guest, arriving a bit late. She bowed sincerely to show her respect.

The Princess Consort paid no attention to such formalities and smiled warmly, urging her to rise. "There's no need for such courtesy between us, my future in-law. Soon enough, we'll be one family."

After exchanging some pleasantries, they finally delved into the main matter.

"Indeed, Yu'er is my only child. Her wedding ceremony must be grand and meticulously planned," the Princess Consort declared.

Madam Zheng concurred, "Of course, it should be."

The Princess Consort continued, "I've thought about it, and simply relying on the efforts of the Princess Mansion won't suffice. The groom's family also needs to put in their best effort to ensure perfection."

Madam Zheng promptly responded, "Absolutely, our family has always felt that we owe Jinyu. Those fourteen years can't be undone, but we strive to make up for it by treating her well. When she marries, we will spare no effort to ensure a magnificent and glorious wedding. Princess Consort, you have nothing to worry about."

Although the Princess Consort secretly despised Madam Zheng, she maintained a cheerful facade, "That's good to hear. Later, prepare a plan, and I'll present it to the officials at the Ministry of Rites. They are experts in etiquette, so their approval would certainly reassure us."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zheng became extra vigilant.

She thought to herself that with the Ministry of Rites involved, there could be no room for error.

After a moment's contemplation, she said with some unease, "I'm afraid the plan I come up with might not meet the standards of the officials at the Ministry of Rites."

The Princess Consort glared at her, "If they don't approve, then it won't do. Mother-in-law, you have only one biological daughter, and I have only one beloved son. If we, as their mothers, don't take care of their marriage arrangements, who will? Don't be foolish, spending your efforts on an adopted daughter isn't worth it."

"Ah? No, no, it has nothing to do with Jinxiu..."

"Enough," the Princess Consort rebuked her with displeasure, her voice cold. "Do you think I'm unaware of your favoritism towards your adopted daughter?"

Madam Zheng: "…"

"The palace will not let this rest if you ruin the wedding ceremony of my son," the Princess Consort warned sternly.

Madam Zheng's face darkened. "How can you say that? When Jinyu marries, I would only wish to give her the best. How could I possibly botch it?"

"Hmph, remember your words. Draft a plan first. If it's satisfactory, I'll have the Ministry of Rites review it and offer their guidance. If it passes on the first try, then that's fine. If not, it's no big deal. The Ministry of Rites can send a few people to assist you, shall they?"

"Ah? R-Really? There's no need for such grandeur, is there? Jinxiu will also be married next year, and I was planning to—"

"Hmm? Planning what? To marry off Zheng Jinxiu first and then simply replicate her wedding for my son's bride?"

Madam Zheng's mouth gaped open, leaving her speechless.

The Princess Consort's face was contorted with displeasure, and she gritted her teeth as she continued, "Are you out of your mind? You can't even distinguish between your biological child and your adopted one? So biased in favor of your adopted daughter, aren't you?"

Madam Zheng replied, "I swear I'm not. Whatever I do for Jinxiu, I'll do for Jinyu. I don't favor anyone over the other."

"I..." Blasphemy? The Princess Consort was nearly driven to cursing in anger.

"Exactly because of that, it's favoritism. The only legitimate daughter of the Zheng family is being treated like a lowly wretch when she marries off; it's an insult to her. Are you foolish, Lady Zheng?"

Lady Zheng had always believed that giving them the same things was fairness.

Like their monthly allowances and comparable new clothes each season.

But she never considered that for Zheng Jinyu, receiving the same clothing was the greatest injustice.

Still attempting to justify herself, Lady Zheng said, "I merely wanted to marry Jinxiu off with grandeur, fulfilling this mother-daughter bond. As for Jinyu, she's my flesh and blood. She will be for a day, a lifetime, and all the days after. I have ample opportunities to show her kindness in the future."

"What opportunities do you have?" The Princess Consort rolled her eyes at her, her face brimming with sarcasm.

"With a mother like you, when she comes to my household, even if you and your old Zheng come personally to carry the sedan chair, this palace won't let her return. Your mother-daughter bond is limited to these few months; cherish them well."

"What?" Lady Zheng seemed to have never considered this possibility, her face filled with shock.

After the initial surprise, she gradually began to ponder along those lines.

The Princess Consort is the mother-in-law, and if the mother-in-law doesn't approve of her daughter-in-law visiting her own family, there's truly no one to reason with.

The Princess Consort clearly wasn't someone to be trifled with. If her daughter were to become the wife of her son and couldn't even return to her own family, what would she do?

"You can't be so overbearing, Princess Consort. If you treat a daughter-in-law like this, I wouldn't dare marry my daughter into your family."

"Ha, overbearing? With a mother like you, who can't distinguish right from wrong or prioritize family bonds, does this palace need to intervene? We'll see if she even wants to come back then."

Madam Zheng was taken aback.

The Princess Consort continued, "Forget about the future, just look at now. Are you close to Jinyu with all that you've done?"

Madam Zheng thought about her interactions with Zheng Jinyu—were they really close? There had never been any genuine intimacy between them.

At first, Jinyu did seem close to her, but as time went on, the relationship cooled, and she even seemed to deliberately avoid her.

Reflecting on it, Jinyu had expressed her dissatisfaction more than once.

But how had she, Madam Zheng, perceived these signs?

She felt that Jinxiu was not her own child. If she treated her poorly, Jinxiu might become overly sensitive and read too much into it.