Chapter 477: Really Marry a Prince Consort?

Chapter 477: Really Marry a Prince Consort?

"Hmm, he is the master craftsman who made this set of jewelry?"

The Princess of Zhong smiled and said, "Yes, he just introduced to me the intricate craftsmanship involved in these pieces. It really isn't easy. Look at the master's hands; they bear the marks of years of hard work. Because of them, we can wear such beautiful jewelry."

"As long as you like it, Princess."

Prince Zhong did not cast his gaze on the old craftsman, who then left with mixed feelings of joy and disappointment.

In fact, he had already found out that the current heir of Prince Zhong's Mansion was the son of his old enemy, who was now ill and rarely ventured outside.

How should he tell Prince Zhong about his true identity?

That day, Zheng Jinyu went to inspect the shop as usual and afterward proceeded to the workshop at the back.

Dozens of craftsmen were busy at work and greeted her warmly.

Zheng Jinyu was delighted and said, "We've sold our jewelry well this quarter, all thanks to everyone's efforts. Everyone's bonuses will be increased this month."

Everyone worked hard for their wages, after all.

Upon hearing this, the workshop erupted in cheers, praising the Princess for her generosity.

Those in this line of work had a good idea of how much they could earn in a month.

Their basic wages were similar to those of workers elsewhere, but they received additional bonuses based on sales, craftsmanship, and the number of pieces produced. Often, these bonuses exceeded their basic wages.

With these bonuses, the quality of life for their families improved.

A craftsman in his thirties said, "With this bonus, I can finally buy the inkstone my son wanted. Thank you, Princess."

Zheng Jinyu smiled and replied, "You're welcome. This is the result of your hard work."

Another craftsman added, "I'll buy a gold bracelet for my wife; she's been wanting one for a while."

"I'll use it to support my mother."

"I'll send some money home..."

"My daughter is married now, so she doesn't need me anymore. I'll use it to buy some drinks."

Everyone had their own family needs. When it came to Master Niu, the man who mentioned drinking asked, "Master Niu, what will you do with your bonus?"

The old craftsman smiled bitterly and said, "Like you, I'll probably spend it on drinks."

"Ha ha ha, that's great. We can drink together."

Others curiously asked, "Master Niu, don't you have a family?"

Master Niu smiled and said, "Actually, I do have a son."

"Really? You still come out to work at your age because of your son? What does he do? You never mentioned him before."

He replied, "I have a son, I know about him, but he doesn't know about me."

Huh?

Everyone looked at him curiously, including Zheng Jinyu.

"My wife was taken by a wealthy man and became his concubine. My child... my child was also taken away. I know about him, but he doesn't know about me. Tell me, what should I do?"

As he spoke, he lowered his head helplessly, his fists clenched tightly.

He wanted to kill his enemy, but seeing his son living well made him hesitate.

These workers were ordinary people who dared not give advice recklessly, especially with Zheng Jinyu present.

Finally, Zheng Jinyu spoke up.

"Isn't your child recognizing the thief as his father?"

Master Niu was stunned and looked up at Zheng Jinyu, nodding dumbly. "Yes, he doesn't know, and he is recognizing the thief as his father."

Zheng Jinyu sneered, "That sounds familiar. I was once stolen and recognized the thief as my father for many years."

Master Niu was unaware of Zheng Jinyu's past, but most others here were locals from the capital, and the story of Princess Chen was no secret to them.

"What did you do when you learned the truth about your origins?"

"Of course, I made them pay. I personally sent that couple to prison."

"Ah? To prison?"

"Yes, they were executed last autumn."

Master Niu could hardly believe it and looked at the others.

The others nodded in confirmation.

"Weren't they good to you? How could you hate them so much?"

Zheng Jinyu replied, "It's not about being good or bad; what they did was a crime. Imprisonment and execution were according to the law; they got what they deserved."

Her words made Master Niu's heart race.

Princess Chen, as the child of the victim, thought this way.

So... would his child think the same upon learning that he had recognized the thief as his father?

Would he kill that thief to avenge his mother?

The seed had been planted, and Zheng Jinyu exchanged a few more words with everyone before leaving.

A person beside Master Niu said to him, "Duchess Chen dared to send that thief to jail because he is just an ordinary citizen, and she is Miss Zheng. Master Niu, you are different. You are an ordinary person, while your enemy is wealthy. You might not be able to handle him."

Hearing this, Master Niu felt disheartened.

There was some truth to it; how could an ordinary person deal with a Prince?

At this moment, another person said, "That's not necessarily true. Master Niu, the next time Duchess Chen visits, try asking her if she can help you. After experiencing such an incident, she must detest those kinds of people. If she is willing to help you, it might work out."

Thinking about it, everyone nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, if Duchess Chen helps, it might work out."

Everyone encouraged him to do so, at least to let the child know who their real father is.

Encouraged, Master Niu made up his mind to speak to Duchess Chen about it the next time she visited.

...

Several days later, the Princess received news that Xie Peiyu and others were returning from their military campaign and would reach the capital within a few days.

The Princess was overjoyed to hear that her son was coming back soon, but before that, she had one more thing to accomplish.

She needed to marry her chosen consort, Zhou Zhihuan, into the Princess Mansion.

"Why wait? Let's do it tomorrow. What do you think?"

Tomorrow?

Zheng Jinyu and the County Lady were taken aback.

"Mother, are you sure? Yu'er will be back soon. Why not wait until he returns to discuss it?"

The Princess smiled, "It's precisely because he's coming back that we need to hurry. I know that boy well; he definitely won't be willing."

Seeing her smile that didn't reach her eyes, Zheng Jinyu and the County Lady were worried.

Would the Emperor take the bait?

What if he doesn't?

"How about the day after tomorrow? Tomorrow is too tight, and we won't have enough time to make arrangements," Zheng Jinyu suggested after thinking for a moment.

The Princess nodded, "Alright, then it will be the day after tomorrow. You'll have to work hard tomorrow. Although we don't need a grand celebration, it shouldn't be too shabby either."

"Yes."

The Princess also sent wedding invitations to a few close relatives. The imperial family and the Xie family couldn't be left out. On the marriage side, Zheng Jinyu also sent invitations to the Zheng family.

Mrs. Zheng and Mr. Zheng both received invitations, as did Uncle and Cousin Cui from the Cui family.

The County Lady calculated, "If all the invited guests come, we can fill two tables with women and three tables with men."