Chapter 41: Interruption at the Banquet
Editor:- Mim
As soon as Lin Baozhu finished speaking, the room was filled with silent awkwardness.
Lin Baozhu was born as a County Princess and was treated as though everything she said was correct and everything she wanted was given. She had long gotten used to not caring about anything and being in the dominant position. When she asked the question, it was most likely that she had heard the rumours about Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinmiao and felt that it was bizarre, as it was more interesting than those novels, thus she ran over to enquire about it. However, she didn’t care one bit about the occasion or how the two parties would handle the situation.
Chu Jinmiao looked extremely embarrassed. Although everyone in the Marquis Changxing Residence knew about it, they would all tacitly avoid the topic when talking. Who would want to deliberately speak about it and create an awkward atmosphere? No one would mention this matter in front of Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinmiao so that everyone would look good. However, they were guests outside, and with so many people around, Chu Jinmiao, the fake young lady, was unable to stand up when County Princess spoke loudly.
Chu Jinyao was also embarrassed, but she was much calmer than Chu Jinmiao. She smiled as she replied, “County Princess is correct. It is me. When I was young, I grew up outside because of the Tatars and was only found by Father in the first lunar month this year.”
“Oh?” County Princess became even more curious. She pointed at Chu Jinmiao and asked, “That is to say that you grew up in her house and she grew up in yours?”
County Princess completely disregarded other people’s faces. Chu Jinmiao’s entire face was red, but the other party, Chu Jinyao, was very calm. “Yes. I was raised by a farmer family, the Su family.”
A meaningful look appeared on the County Princess’s face as she turned her head and looked at Chu Jinmiao before turning back to Chu Jinyao and asking curiously, “You actually grew up in the countryside and just admit it like this?”
“There is nothing shameful about it.” Chu Jinyao laughed, “I have grown up this much and did not steal, cheat, or rob. It is just that the environment was somewhat poor, so what is wrong with it? Even though the Su family were farmers, they made a living with their hands and worked with dignity. So why would I not dare to admit it?”
Even if the young ladies of the rich and powerful families did not say anything, they more or less looked down on the commoners, much less poor peasants like the Su family who used their hands to gather food in the fields. The young ladies of the Chu family avoided them on purpose. First, it was due to Marquis Changxing’s and Madam Zhao’s faces, and second, it was because Chu Jinyao’s background was not worthy to be spoken about in public. Thus, whoever spoke of it would only evoke Chu Jinyao’s cold attitude. The more they wanted to avoid it, the more they thought about it inwardly. When the County Princess asked this question, the few young ladies of the Chu family were shocked.
Sixth Young Lady felt that it was over and the scene following would be very difficult.
However, no one expected that Chu Jinyao would admit the matter so openly and even take the initiative to reveal her past for others to see. If Chu Jinyao’s words were evasive, the other young ladies would have felt somewhat amused, but when Chu Jinyao was this unfazed, to their surprise, they felt embarrassed on the surface.
Wounds would only fester when hidden, but when the person involved was open-minded and not fearful of the eyes of the outsider, then it was the onlookers who would be embarrassed.
The County Princess did not expect Chu Jinyao to say such words. She was at first startled, then smiled as she said, “I have never seen a person like you. Others would be either evasive, put up airs, or act up. But your straightforward nature is more to my taste.” County Princess walked over and took Chu Jinyao’s arms and continued, “Come on, I will take you out to look at the flowers.”
Lin Baozhu was a County Princess; there was no one with a higher status than hers in Shanxi. She was used to flattery, just like she was used to eating delicacies; thus, when she encountered people, like Chu Jinyao, who spoke the truth, it was unexpected, and she liked it a lot.
The Third Young Lady and Sixth Young Lady watched helplessly as the County Princess brought Chu Jinyao out; they were unable to hide their astonishment. No one had expected such a development. Not only did the County Princess not despise her, she instead looked at Chu Jinyao with a level of higher importance. They were racking their brains to be County Princess’s study companion, with Third Young Lady carefully putting on makeup and Sixth Young Lady having prepared what to say and do today. However, before they could even start, they were suppressed by Chu Jinyao’s casual words.
What a joke! Third Young Lady and Sixth Young Lady immediately stood up and smiled, “Where will County Princess be appreciating flowers? We will accompany you too.”
The County Princess was not too concerned about it and allowed the Third Young Lady and the Sixth Young Lady to follow along. Even Seventh Young Lady, who had been instructed by Madam Yan previously, took advantage of her young age to deliberately get closer. The hall was filled with people just now, but in a whoosh, it was empty. Chu Jinmiao just stood there without anyone paying attention to her or talking to her, making her expression turn extremely ugly.
The maid carefully reminded her, “Fourth Young Lady, County Princess has gone out. Should we…”
Chu Jinmiao knew that this was not the occasion for her to throw a tantrum, so she forcefully concealed the displeasure on her face and walked out with a stiff expression, “I understand. So it turns out that County Princess fell for the trick of acting pitiful. It is just an act. Who doesn’t know how to do it?”
Chu Jinmiao presumed that County Princess was only close with Chu Jinyao, among others, because she was pitiful enough. It was right; she had a rough background, grew up in a poor family, and did not have much exposure. As such, to a noble and delicate County Princess, wouldn’t this be something that struck one’s heart?
Chu Jinmiao thought to herself and adjusted her plan. She knew that the selection of the County Princess’s study companion was a façade; in reality, it was preparation as the Crown Princess. She had to stay by County Princess’s side no matter what. With County Princess as a springboard, she would have the opportunity to jump to even higher places in the future.
County Princess was carried away by a sudden impulse and insisted on pulling Chu Jinyao to the inner garden to see the chrysanthemums. All the maids in the Prince Residence said, “County Princess, it would be time for a meal soon. We would be scolded by the Old Princess Consort if you went too far.”
However, County Princess was in high spirits; thus, these words were like wind in her ears. She could not be bothered to listen to the maids and pulled Chu Jinyao, saying, “My mother found some green chrysanthemums two days ago; I will show them to you.”
County Princess was so focused on playing that she did not control her arm strength, making Chu Jinyao feel a little uncomfortable being held like that. She moved her wrist slightly and pulled it back calmly as the maid was speaking to County Princess.
Chu Jinyao’s steps were slightly slower; she was immediately pushed away by Third Young Lady. The Third Young Lady had a slim waist and graceful figure and was able to squeeze into the gap. She then turned her head back and glared at Chu Jinyao complacently. Chu Jinyao felt that it was ridiculous and just covered her sleeves and rubbed her wrists. Sixth Young Lady walked over to Chu Jinyao silently and spoke to her in a soft voice, “Fifth Sister, do you still remember what you promised me a few days ago?”
Chu Jinyao’s expression did not change as she asked, “What is Sixth Sister referring to?”
“Fifth Sister is really good at joking.” Sixth Young Lady laughed, “That’s right. Fifth Sister is originally a Di born noble daughter. From the farm house to the Marquis residence, one can just jump over such a big ravine, so how would one be unable to handle a small ditch? It turned out that I had no foresight and underestimated Older Sister. Initially, I even thought of giving a helping hand and assisting a little. Now it seems that the words I spoke previously were just a joke. Fifth Sister is very skilled, so why would you need me?”
It could only be said that one would perceive another in the way one was. Sixth Young Lady had originally planned to use Chu Jinyao, but after seeing her today, she suddenly realized that she had miscalculated. However, she did not want to capsize the boat in the gutter.
Chu Jinyao withdrew her hand and turned to look at Sixth Young Lady. “What does Sixth Young Lady mean?”
Sixth Young Lady’s expression changed slightly: “Fifth Sister, you need not pretend that you do not understand in front of me.”
“I truly do not understand.” Chu Jinyao continued, “Hoping that Sixth Young Lady directly tells me, what exactly are you trying to say?”
Sixth Young Lady was stunned, and her smile stiffened. Even though she had deliberately angered Chu Jinyao and ideally wanted to make her lose her temper, when Chu Jinyao questioned her so bluntly, the one who could not stand it became her instead.
After speaking, they arrived at the gardens. The sun was shining brightly overhead, thus the servants led them towards the gazebo and spoke after laying cushions for the young ladies, “May the young ladies sit down for a while as it is presumed that the Old Princess Consort would be calling for the meal soon. The sun is extremely strong, so I dare not let young ladies play outside. I can only tell the young ladies to enjoy the breeze here and return in the afternoon to view the chrysanthemums.”
Her words were reasonable. Moreover, there were many different species of flowers planted around the gazebo, so when the breeze blew, the flowers would sway, creating a rarely-seen beautiful scenery.
Chu Jinyao nodded with a smile and sat down, not intending to make things difficult for the maids. However, County Princess was not happy just sitting down. She took a look around and spoke with lips curled up, “It is boring to stay here. I remember that the cluster of green chrysanthemums is about to bloom. Green chrysanthemums are rare, so I want to pick them for a vase arrangement.”
The Old Princess Consort’s personal maids quickly spoke, “County Princess must not. It is not good to be exposed to the sun. This servant will instruct the maids to do whatever you want.”
“Why so troublesome? I already said that I want to go there myself!” County Princess swept the maid’s hand off. She looked at the crowd and waved at Chu Jinyao when she saw her, saying, “Quickly come over. I remember the flowers are there. Accompany me there to pick the flowers.”
The maid who was embarrassed publicly could not hold back her expression, but upon remembering Old Princess Consort’s words, she could only persuade patiently, “County Princess, it is almost noon. The sun would be at its highest during the day, thus you cannot go out.”
“Why is it up to you what I want to do?” County Princess continued, “Besides, I am currently absolutely fine.”
This was simply an annoying troublemaker. Chu Jinyao looked at the sunlight outside the pavilion and felt that the maid’s words were reasonable. She could not help but speak, “This Gugu’s words are reasonable. The sun is extremely strong and there is no absolute need to head outside now. Anyway, the flowers have bloomed and they would not run away; it is ideal to wait for a while more when it is not scorching hot.”
“It is not interesting if one needs to wait till the afternoon. I am going now. You all are so naggy. So annoying.” County Princess was rather disappointed that Chu Jinyao was helping others to persuade her and complained as she frowned.
When Chu Jinmiao heard it, she quickly spoke, “It is said that one has to come in high spirits and return after thoroughly enjoying oneself. How could an elegant matter like appreciating flowers be hindered by mere external matters? If everyone dislikes the sun, then I will accompany County Princess out to enjoy the flower viewing.”
This was the difference between Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinmiao. Chu Jinmiao had thought of herself as a Di-born young lady and was used to giving orders, so it was only natural for everyone to accommodate her. However, Chu Jinyao would not be this capricious and would put herself in others’ shoes. Everybody was human, so why would there be a need to make things difficult for others with such a whim? Since everyone came out together, why could it not be discussed? It was too selfish to just look out for one’s own interest.
However, such logic would not make sense to County Princess. The maid was obviously doing it for County Princess’s good but still had to be scolded by her. Now with Chu Jinmiao’s response, County Princess became even more stubborn and just did whatever she wanted.
“County Princess, your complexion may not withstand the sun. If a rash appears upon returning, Princess Consort would start blaming.”
“Shut up! How can a servant intervene with my matters?”
Chu Jinmiao spoke out, “If County Princess’s health is weak, then just instruct the maid to hold an umbrella at the side so that the sun would not shine on the County Princess’s face. Isn’t that fine?”
What kind of brain does she have? Wasn’t it too bothersome for the others if the maids were to shade the County Princess with umbrellas? Chu Jinyao walked over and softly spoke to Chu Jinmiao, “Just say a few words less. These maids were instructed to look over County Princess, so if County Princess is exposed to the sun, they would be punished, whereas nothing would happen to County Princess. We are guests; it is fine that we do not persuade County Princess, but why make things more bothersome?”
Chu Jinmiao instead sneered and glared in disdain at Chu Jinyao and said, “I know what thoughts you have. You fear that I will hit it off with County Princess and are thus obstructing me in every possible way. Your intentions are truly unbearable. Let me tell you, just save all these crooked thoughts!”
At this moment, Chu Jinyao was reminded of the phrase ‘biting the hand that fed’. Just as both parties were in a stalemate, the maids in the pavilion were startled suddenly and lowered themselves down.
Even County Princess became obedient when she saw the oncoming person.
“Greetings to Shizi.”
When Chu Jinyao heard it, she turned her head and saw a young man clad in white with woven gold threads walking slowly through the gorgeous autumn flowers.
“I can hear you causing trouble for no reason from such a long distance away.” Lin Xiyuan approached slowly and used a casual tone, but it made the previously invincible County Princess calm down instantly. He continued, “If you are exposed to the sun, then the entire family would be in a complete mess. You have grown up and should not always create messes.”
Upon seeing the heir to the prince’s mansion unexpectedly, all the young ladies in the pavilion stood up and were greeting, either cautiously or pleasantly. Third Young Lady had been lazily watching that arrogant County Princess throw a tantrum, but when she suddenly saw Shizi, her eyes could not hide her joy as she stood up quickly and swayed her enchanting figure indistinctly as she coquettishly spoke, “Ten thousand blessings to Shizi.”
When Chu Jinyao saw Lin Xiyuan, she was stunned for a moment, and when she came to her senses, she hurriedly followed the crowd to greet him. However, when her mind was wandering, she was half a beat late, making Lin Xiyuan notice that there was a young lady who was slower than others to greet and stand up. He was secretly amused, so how would he notice anything else?
The Third Young Lady’s waist only swayed for the air to see. Although County Princess was scared when she saw her Di Older Brother, she was still somewhat unconvinced. “Who is creating trouble?”
Lin Xiyuan’s eyes slanted over. “Still dare to speak?” It was only then that County Princess quieted down as she puffed her cheeks, not daring to speak anymore.
While speaking, Lin Xining also caught up from behind, “Eldest Brother, why did you come here suddenly? Oh, Cousin Sister is also present.”
All the young ladies with the surname Chu on site were Lin Xining’s younger cousin sister, but when he spoke, he only looked towards one “cousin sister.”
When Lin Xiyuan saw it, he raised his brows in interest. Chu Jinyao was standing close to Chu Jinmiao and thus noticed it immediately.
Chu Jinyao let out a soft “oh” sound. Older cousin brother, younger cousin sister. No wonder. However, even though Lin Xining did not call her, Chu Jinyao greeted Lin Xining according to the rules, “Cousin Brother.”
Lin Xining seemed to finally notice the rest and nodded, “Fifth Cousin Sister.”
Lin Xiyuan smiled as he glanced at Chu Jinyao. “Fifth Cousin Sister, why do you only greet Second Brother? How about me?”
There was something clearly wrong with this person. Chu Jinyao could not help but disagree, “I just said it out clearly.”
“What did you say?”
I fear that it is your ears that have become bad! Chu Jinyao rolled her eyes but had no choice but to greet Lin Xiyuan again, “Ten thousand blessings to Shizi.”
After Chu Jinyao finished speaking reluctantly, she discovered that Lin Xiyuan, who was smiling just now, became indifferent after she greeted him, and there was some inexplicable displeasure when he was looking at her. Chu Jinyao thought to herself, and sure enough, Shizi remembers the events of that day. Shizi indeed has a lot of opinions about me!
Chu Jinyao wondered rather melancholically: if Shizi knew that she was not at all gentle, virtuous, and refined and was actually a vulgar female who dared to climb over walls and would most likely be his younger sister’s study companion with the support of the family clan and even intended to take the position of his official wife, he would definitely hate her, right?
Chu Jinyao sighed quietly. To be honest, she would most probably disappoint Old Madam Chu. Old Madam Chu’s plan was designed beautifully, but it was not possible because Shizi had a prejudice against her!
Chu Jinyao lowered her head and wore a sullen expression. Third Young lady and Sixth Young Lady realized that these few people did not include them in their conversation. They did not want to show them their weakness and thus took the initiative to intervene. “Shizi, why are you here?”
Sixth Young Lady felt disdain in her heart as Third Young Lady only questioned Shizi, making it unbearable to see. Indeed, those that were raised by concubines would not be fit to be shown in public. After thinking, Sixth Young Lady smiled softly and said, “Cousin Brother and Shizi, are you here to look for County Princess? Could it be that we have walked too far and caused the elders to worry?”
These words were much wiser than the Third Young Lady’s. Sixth Young Lady deliberately showed her intelligence and guessed Shizi’s purpose in her words and also secretly showed her obedience in the end, unwilling to make the elders worry. That one sentence contained a lot of thoughts, not a bit more or less. It was just appropriate.
Lin Xiyuan was displeased when Chu Jinyao called Lin Xining, Cousin Brother, and when it was his turn, it was a distanced Shizi. However, he then saw Chu Jinyao’s downcast expression. Even though Chu Jinyao felt that she was good at covering it up, she was unable to hide anything in front of Lin Xiyuan. The unhappiness in his heart gradually dissipated as he was amused and angry but had a warm smile on his face when he answered the questions of the two young ladies. “Second Brother and I went over to Grandmother’s and found out that you all had yet to return. Grandmother worried that you all had encountered a mishap and thus sent us over.”
“What could go wrong?” County Princess muttered softly.
Lin Xiyuan squinted his eyes over, and County Princess immediately fell silent. Lin Xiyuan continued, “Even if you are disobedient, do you dare to talk back? If just now Baozhu caused trouble to everyone, I will apologize on her behalf. May everyone bear with it a little more.”
The young ladies of the Chu family immediately returned the bow, saying, “One dares not.”
“That’s good.” Lin Xiyuan smiled, “Let’s go back now. May the Young Ladies head back first.” After saying that, he took a step back and gestured for them to head out first.
He was indeed a gentleman who was as gentle as jade. The Third Young Lady was rather heartbroken. If she was unable to capture such a gentleman, then she would be a fool. She bowed towards Lin Xiyuan and left with a heart full of thoughts.
According to the sequence, it was only after Chu Jinmiao left that Chu Jinyao could move. She followed Chu Jinmiao, but who knew when she just exited the pavilion, Lin Xining had found an umbrella and carefully propped it above Chu Jinmiao’s head, “Cousin Sister, be careful of the sun.”
Chu Jinyao’s teeth became sour suddenly as she took a complicated glance. Before she could look away, a chuckle sounded in her ears.
When Chu Jinyao turned her head, she discovered that Lin Xiyuan had just passed her. When passing by, Lin Xiyuan spoke with laughter in his voice, “Keep an eye on the road.”
The entire group of people were filled with thoughts and reached the destination after stopping a few times. There were already maids at the doors looking out, and when they saw the group walking over, they rushed over to welcome them. “Shizi, County Princess, why did you come back only now? Old Princess Consort and Princess Consort have been waiting anxiously and just sent a group of people out to look for you.”
Lin Xiyuan said flatly, “Aren’t we back?” Before his words fell, County Princess had already run in and shouted, “Mother, Eldest Brother just scolded me again!”
Lin Xiyuan sighed silently when he saw his younger sister’s unladylike demeanour. He had long felt that Lin Baozhu should be managed well, but both Princess Consort and Old Princess Consort felt that there was no rush. They even thought that Lin Baozhu was likeable for being this innocent and vivacious.
It was a pity that only the Lin family thought so.
Just as Lin Xiyuan was thinking about something, a sweet female fragrance floated from beside him, and a female voice sounded, “Many thanks to Shizi for the matter today.”
Only then did Lin Xiyuan turn his head. Looking at the female’s appearance, he then finally remembered that this seemed to belong to a young lady from Second Aunt’s maiden family and should be the Sixth Young Lady.
Sixth Young Lady stepped forward and appropriately thanked Shizi so that she could leave a unique impression on him. Lin Xiyuan smiled and nodded. “It is all right.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Chu Jinyao bow in greeting from a distance, and as Sixth Young Lady was talking to him, she quietly walked around them and headed inside. As soon as she was out of sight, she immediately slipped away like a squirrel. When Lin Xiyuan turned his gaze back, the smile on his lips deepened unknowingly. When he finally came back to his senses, he found out that the female seemed to have said something and smiled subtly as she lowered her head slightly. Lin Xiyuan was stunned, as he did not know what she had said. However, it did not matter, as it should not be anything important.
Lin Xiyuan sent Sixth Young Lady to the room like that.
No one came to the Prince Residence just to eat when they were guests. Chu Jinyao sat with her sisters at a table and only picked the dish in front of her as she ate silently. The Old Princess Consort could not stop smiling after seeing Lin Xiyuan. She even pulled him over to sit beside her during the meal. As there were no outsiders, the Prince Residence did not pay much attention to the rule of no talking during meals; thus, Lin Xiyuan answered when the Old Princess Consort asked him about his studies.
When they were talking happily and harmoniously, someone suddenly came in. The person was dressed as a servant, thus the Old Princess Consort frowned immediately when she saw the scene. There were so many young ladies present, and they were female members of relative families; how could a servant suddenly rush in like that?
However, before Old Princess Consort could get angry, that servant ran over to Lin Xiyuan’s side and bent down to whisper something into his ears.
Chu Jinyao looked at Lin Xiyuan curiously and watched as his face gradually changed from faintly smiling to cold. In the end, it became serious, and there was no trace of a smile. Lin Xiyuan stood up, and the chair behind him creaked softly against the ground. “Grandmother, this grandson has another important matter and needs to leave first.”
The Old Princess Consort was shocked by Lin Xiyuan’s expression and quickly said, “Since there are matters outside, then you should hurry up and tend to them.”
Lin Xiyuan bowed to Madam Zhao, and his eyes swept across Chu Jinyao before bowing his head deeply. “Marchioness Changxing, this junior is lacking in manners.”
Madam Zhao also stood up, saying, “What is Shizi talking about? We can come to the city anytime we want; how can we delay Shizi’s official matters?”
After Lin Xiyuan apologized, he quickly led the people out. Not to mention Chu Jinyao and the rest; even the Lin family seldom saw Lin Xiyuan losing his composure like this. The female members of the family were whispering to each other, “What’s wrong?”
When Chu Jinyao looked towards the direction Lin Xiyuan was heading, shock and surprise appeared in her eyes.
She had vaguely heard the young servant whispering, “Tatar… Crown Prince… Datong…” Even though she did not understand it, these intermittent keywords were enough clues for Chu Jinyao to guess.
Could it be that something big has happened at the borders?
Sure enough, that afternoon, news of Datong reached the ears of the females.
The Tatars had invaded the borders without any warning, and the Crown Prince was at the frontline in the borders.
When Old Princess Consort heard the news, she was so shocked that the teacup in her hands fell onto the ground and broke into pieces.
Madam Zhao and the rest also turned pale in an instant.
Thirteen years ago, the Tatars went south with iron hoops, and Taiyuan fell. These noble females had no choice but to leave the mansion and flee in a hurry. Up until now, the experience of fleeing was still hanging over the hearts of these noble ladies.
And now, the disaster from thirteen years ago was being revisited.
T/N:- So Sorry for the late updates. I will be regular from now on <3 and thank you for all your comments.
Thank you for updates!!!🫶🏻🫶🏻