Chapter 55: The Princess Consort Visits

 

Chu Jinmiao silently lowered the curtain after watching for a while.

She had recognized the woman being dragged around—she had seen her at the Prince Huailing’s estate, and one of Chu Jinyao’s maids had mentioned that this woman was once Chu Jinyao’s foster sister.

 

From the conversation she overheard, this woman was called Su Hui.

In that case, it was easy to deduce the identities of the other three people: the middle-aged couple must be Su Hui’s parents, and the remaining young man was likely Su Hui’s younger brother.

 

Chu Jinmiao clearly remembered that the Su family didn’t live in Taiyuan. What were they doing here, having traveled such a long distance to the city?

 

After thinking it over for a moment, Chu Jinmiao quietly instructed her maid, “Get off the carriage and follow them. See where they’re going.”

 

The maid nodded, hopped off the carriage, and discreetly followed the group.

 

Su Hui was utterly shocked. She had heard from others that her parents were trying to find her, but she had never expected them to go to such extreme lengths as showing up at her embroidery shop! Though Su Hui was disgusted and angry, there was little she could do. Even if she was upset, they were still her parents. In front of so many onlookers, what could she do? Su Hui could only offer a remorseful apology to Manager Wei, the shopkeeper, and hurriedly dragged her embarrassing parents and brother back home.

 

Chu Jinmiao’s maid watched from a distance and followed them all the way to Su Hui’s house. Once she had seen where they lived, she returned to report to Chu Jinmiao.

In a low voice, the maid recounted everything she had seen and heard. Chu Jinmiao nodded thoughtfully. “So it’s still about money… Since those two are Su Hui’s parents, doesn’t that make them Chu Jinyao’s foster parents? They did raise her for thirteen years, after all.”

 

The thought of this made Chu Jinmiao feel slightly uncomfortable. So, those two were her biological parents… She quickly suppressed the thought. I am the fourth daughter of the Marquis of Changxing, the legitimate daughter of Madam Zhao. What do a bunch of rural peasants, whom I’ve never even met, have to do with me?

 

Chu Jinmiao instructed her coachman to head toward Su Hui’s house, stopping a street away. After Su Hui had settled her parents and brother, she hurried back to the embroidery shop. The scene her parents had caused earlier had already disrupted the business, and it was a blessing that Manager Wei hadn’t punished her. Su Hui didn’t dare waste any more time and rushed back to work.

 

Left alone in the house, Su Hui’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Su, glanced around, envious of the furnishings in her home. With Su Hui and her husband out, the couple had free reign over the house. Mrs. Su began rifling through Su Hui’s vanity, admiring her daughter’s collection of cosmetics. “Where did she get the money for all this? Look at these boxes of face powder! And this hairpin—is it real gold?”

 

Mrs. Su moved to bite the gold hairpin to test it, but Mr. Su scolded her, “Stop touching everything. If you anger Su Hui, she’ll throw a tantrum, and none of us will get anything.”

Remembering that they were there to ask Su Hui for money, Mrs. Su reluctantly put down the hairpin. Su Hui’s husband was also a burly butcher, not someone to be trifled with.

 

Mrs. Su’s gaze fell on a wooden chest in the corner of the room. She exclaimed and tried to open it, eager to see how much wealth Su Hui had accumulated. Unfortunately, the chest was locked, and after searching for a while, she gave up in frustration. However, she did manage to find a pair of hand-warmers and a forehead band made of fine material.

 

“Whose belongings are these? Such fine fabric! This cloth could make a very presentable outfit, yet it’s been cut up for hand-warmers?” Mrs. Su muttered to herself as she ran her fingers over the warm, soft fur inside the hand-warmers. “These are so soft and warm, probably as good as anything used by palace nobles! Su Hui doesn’t need such luxurious things—good items like these should be given to us, her elders.”

 

As she continued to admire the hand-warmers, there was a sudden knock on the courtyard door, startling Mrs. Su. She almost dropped the hand-warmers and hurried to check on Mr. Su, who looked just as alarmed.

 

“Su Hui just left—it can’t be her. Could it be that butcher husband of hers coming back?”

 

The trio, who had been acting so boldly in Su Hui’s house, immediately shrank back in fear. At Mr. Su’s urging, Mrs. Su reluctantly went to open the door.

 

Mrs. Su cautiously opened it a crack and was surprised to see, not the butcher, but a delicate young lady standing outside. The maid, seeing Mrs. Su’s unsightly appearance, wrinkled her nose in disdain but said politely, “Are you Mrs. Su, Su Hui’s mother?”

 

Mrs. Su had never encountered such a well-dressed person and was immediately flustered, wiping her hands on her skirt before answering, “Yes, that’s me. May I ask who you are looking for?”

 

The maid frowned, clearly annoyed. “My lady has reserved a private room at the teahouse across the street and asks that you come immediately.”

 

Mrs. Su stared in shock, her expression uncertain. “Your lady? We just arrived in the city today—we don’t know anyone here.”

 

The maid snapped, “Just follow me. Do you think I’d deceive you?”

 

Mrs. Su, not wanting to offend the well-dressed stranger, quickly nodded and said, “Please wait a moment. I’ll fetch my husband, and we’ll be right there!”

 

After explaining the situation to Mr. Su, he was equally puzzled. “We don’t know anyone in the city except our eldest daughter. Why would anyone invite us to a teahouse?”

 

“Who cares? If someone’s inviting us to a meal, why turn it down? We don’t have any money, so what could they possibly want from us?” Mrs. Su reasoned.

 

“Fair enough,” Mr. Su agreed. “Let’s go and see what’s going on.”

 

Before leaving, Mrs. Su glanced at the hand-warmers and forehead band she had been admiring earlier. Greed overtook her, and she quickly stuffed them into her pocket.

 

The three of them followed the maid out of the house, climbing the stairs of the teahouse with trepidation. Once they reached the private room, the maid impatiently gestured toward the door. “This is it. Go inside.”

 

Mr. and Mrs. Su pushed open the door and were immediately struck by the sight of an exquisitely dressed young woman, adorned in luxurious silks and jewels, sitting inside. She was so beautiful that they were momentarily blinded and instinctively lowered their heads in awe. Only Su Sheng, their son, dared to sneak glances at Chu Jinmiao.

 

Chu Jinmiao noticed Su Sheng’s leering gaze and felt a surge of disgust. If it weren’t for the important matter at hand, she wouldn’t want to spend even a moment with these country bumpkins. Struggling to suppress her distaste, she spoke coldly, “I called you here out of pity, to inform you of something important.”

 

Mrs. Su looked at her husband in confusion, then hesitantly asked, “Excuse me, miss, but we don’t even know who you are.”

 

Chu Jinmiao smiled faintly. “I am the fourth daughter of the Marquis of Changxing.”

 

Mr. and Mrs. Su’s expressions immediately changed. Although they were clueless about the ways of high society, they were all too familiar with one family: the Marquis of Changxing’s household—a name they could never forget.

 

Mr. Su, assuming that Chu Jinmiao had been sent to threaten them, quickly turned pale. Instinctively, he stepped in front of Su Sheng and stammered, “Fourth Young Lady, we came to the city just to talk to our daughter and son-in-law. We have no intention of causing trouble for the marquis or his household. Once we get the money we need, we’ll leave immediately. We won’t disturb anyone, I swear.”

 

Hearing this, Chu Jinmiao’s disdain grew even stronger. They only dared to throw their weight around with their daughter, but when faced with someone important, they were cowards.

 

“You misunderstand,” Chu Jinmiao said. “I’m not here to relay a message from the marquis. I’m here to offer you a way to make a fortune.”

 

“Make a fortune?” Mrs. Su looked at Chu Jinmiao suspiciously. “If there’s such a good opportunity, why would you tell us about it?”

 

Rolling her eyes, Chu Jinmiao scoffed. Mr. Su quickly nudged his wife, scolding her, “Quiet! Have some manners! Let the young lady finish.” Then, with an apologetic smile, he turned to Chu Jinmiao. “Please continue, my lady.”

 

Ignoring their petty squabbles, Chu Jinmiao continued coldly, “You have a daughter named Su Yao, don’t you?”

 

Mrs. Su, startled, blurted out, “How do you know that?”

 

With a mocking smile, Chu Jinmiao didn’t answer but carried on. “Oh, but she’s not your daughter anymore. She’s climbed up a golden branch and become a phoenix, and she has nothing to do with you now.”

 

Mr. Su and Mrs. Su remained silent. After a moment, Mr. Su said, “Fourth Young Lady, are you just here to laugh at us? We’re just commoners. Why would you pick a fight with us?”

 

Chu Jinmiao wasn’t sure why she was so angry. Perhaps seeing the reality of the Su family and realizing the kind of people her biological parents were had sparked her frustration. She took a deep breath, calming herself, before saying, “Are you truly content with this? You raised her for so many years, yet now that she’s doing well, she won’t even help you.”

 

As Chu Jinmiao described the lavish life that Chu Jinyao lived in the Marquis’ household, both Mr. Su and Mrs. Su sat in stunned silence, unable to comprehend such luxury. If what Chu Jinmiao said was true—that Chu Jinyao was living in such excess but refused to share even a bit with them—then she truly had a black heart.

 

Mr. Su, however, remembered how the Marquis had warned them when he took Chu Jinyao away. He muttered nervously, “She’s not really our daughter anymore. Besides, the Marquis warned us not to seek her out again…”

 

But Su Sheng, who had been quietly listening, sneered, “Why bother hiding it? She’s nothing but an ingrate. We raised her for so long, and now that she’s successful, she pretends not to know us. If what this lady says is true, and she’d rather give her wealth to servants than to us, then she truly has a black heart.”

 

Seeing their reactions, Chu Jinmiao smirked with a mocking expression. Mr. Su, embarrassed, was about to say something to smooth things over, but suddenly, Mrs. Su screamed out, “Are you… are you Miao’er?”

 

Chu Jinmiao’s expression immediately changed. Mr. Su was also startled by Mrs. Su’s words and was about to scold her, but then he noticed Chu Jinmiao’s reaction. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly studied Chu Jinmiao’s face. Sure enough, she bore a striking resemblance to both Mrs. Su and Su Hui.

 

Seeing Chu Jinmiao’s change in demeanor, Mrs. Su immediately knew she had guessed correctly. Crying out, she reached out to embrace Chu Jinmiao. “Miao’er!”

 

“Get away from me!” Chu Jinmiao, having dismissed all her maids for privacy, was caught off guard by Mrs. Su’s sudden outburst. She barely managed to dodge her, and the near contact disgusted her to the core.

 

Mrs. Su froze on the spot, stunned by Chu Jinmiao’s extreme rejection. Seeing her mother’s reaction, Chu Jinmiao only sneered even more coldly.

 

“You better take a good look. I am Chu Jinmiao, the Fourth Young Lady of the Marquis of Changxing’s residence. My mother is the Madam of the Marquis. You, people who have never fed me a single grain of rice, dare try to get close to me?”

 

Mrs. Su felt both bitter and guilty after hearing these harsh words. She didn’t dare force Chu Jinmiao anymore and instead, with tears in her eyes, quietly said, “Fine, we won’t push you. Don’t be angry.”

 

Just hearing Mrs. Su call her “Miao’er” made Chu Jinmiao feel nauseous. Glaring coldly at Mr. Su and Mrs. Su, she barked, “Never call me by that name again. And how do you even know my name?”

 

Mrs. Su timidly responded, “We asked your elder sister.”

 

Chu Jinmiao paused, confused. How could Chu Jinxian, her legitimate older sister, have told these people her name? Then she realized Mrs. Su was referring to Su Hui, not Chu Jinxian.

 

Furious, Chu Jinmiao shouted, “How dare you! My elder sister is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis of Changxing, now the young madam of the Zhao family. Who gave you the right to falsely claim her as your daughter?”

 

Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, Mrs. Su broke down in tears. Mr. Su, looking awkward, tried to ease the tension, “It was our fault all those years ago. If you don’t want to acknowledge us, that’s fine, as long as you’re living well.”

 

Mrs. Su’s sobbing irritated Chu Jinmiao even more, and she roared, “Shut up! Stop crying!”

 

Frightened, Mrs. Su immediately covered her mouth, her sobs now muted.

 

Chu Jinmiao continued coldly, “You came here today for money, didn’t you? But Su Hui, who works as a servant, doesn’t have much money. Or do you not know? Su Hui works at a shop that actually belongs to Chu Jinyao.”

 

Mr. Su and Mrs. Su had been feeling awkward being accused of wanting money from their biological daughter. But now, hearing Chu Jinmiao’s last words, they were completely stunned. “What did you say?” they asked in unison.

 

Chu Jinmiao had been making educated guesses, but she played along smoothly, “That’s right. Didn’t you know? Chu Jinyao has amassed a private fortune of over a thousand taels. Why do you think Su Hui works at that shop? It’s because Chu Jinyao secretly brought her over but kept it hidden from you two. After raising her for so many years, in her heart, even her servants are more important than you.”

 

Mrs. Su gasped, “A thousand taels… she really has that much silver? And it’s all hers?”

 

Even though Chu Jinmiao was making things up, she confidently lied, “Of course.”

 

Mrs. Su was stunned, “The Marquis’ family really is something. So Su Yao—no, I mean Chu Jinyao—has saved up that much. We raised her for thirteen years. I’m not asking her to support us, but it wouldn’t be too much for her to give us a few dozen taels as a token of gratitude, right?”

 

Mr. Su was also tempted, but remembering how the Marquis had warned them not to trouble Chu Jinyao, he hesitated. “But the Marquis told us not to go looking for her…”

 

Chu Jinmiao scoffed, “That’s just talk. Look at Su Hui. Not only did Chu Jinyao bring her over, but she also arranged a job for her. Did the Marquis say anything about that?”

 

These words reassured Mrs. Su, but Mr. Su remained cautious. Though he was strict with his wife and children, he was always deferential and afraid of authority. As a simple farmer, he was instinctively wary of offending powerful people.

 

Chu Jinmiao cast a scornful glance at Mr. Su, then decided to push harder, “You’re scared of the Marquis, but do you realize I may very well become the crown princess one day?”

 

“What?” Mrs. Su was shocked. “Miao’er, are you saying you’re going to marry the Crown Prince? As his official wife?”

 

The mention of “official wife” struck a nerve with Chu Jinmiao, and her expression darkened. She replied unhappily, “That’s none of your concern. All you need to know is that I’ll outrank Chu Jinyao by far in the future. If you have any sense, you’ll do as I say. If you’d rather continue living your miserable lives, then forget everything I’ve said.”

 

“How could we ignore that!” Mrs. Su exclaimed gleefully. “Our Miao’er is going to be a crown princess, and when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, won’t that make her Empress? Oh, my Buddha, I knew it! I knew when I swapped you with Chu Jinyao all those years ago that you’d be destined for great things.”

 

Mr. Su and Mrs. Su were overjoyed, and even the usually idle Su Sheng began dreaming of becoming the Emperor’s brother-in-law. Chu Jinmiao found their behavior utterly disgraceful and cut them off impatiently, “Enough. Everything I’ve said is confidential, so don’t you dare go blabbing about it.”

 

“Of course, of course,” Mr. Su and Mrs. Su quickly agreed, smiling obsequiously.

 

“Now come closer. I have some instructions for you.”

 

Mr. Su and Mrs. Su hurriedly leaned in to listen. After hearing what Chu Jinmiao had to say, they looked hesitant. “But how can we do that? If things go wrong, Chu Jinyao will never be able to marry anyone. We’ll help you, but we can’t go that far.”

 

Chu Jinmiao sneered, “Think carefully. If I become the Crown Princess, I’ll be able to support you. But what about Chu Jinyao? Do you think she’ll help you? Only one of us can marry well. Decide now—who do you want to support?”

 

Mr. Su and Mrs. Su exchanged awkward glances, beginning to understand the situation. Though they didn’t know the full details of the inner workings of the Marquis’ household, it was clear to them that Chu Jinmiao and Chu Jinyao were rivals, both competing for a prestigious marriage.

 

They were well aware that they had wronged Chu Jinyao. She was the real noble lady, but they had swapped her with Chu Jinmiao. However, in the end, Chu Jinmiao was their biological daughter. Between a foster daughter and their real one, they had no choice but to side with their own flesh and blood.

 

—

 

Ever since returning home, Chu Jinyao had been enjoying the peace and familiarity of her surroundings. She spent her days practicing calligraphy, admiring the flowers, and living a leisurely life.

 

When Chu Jinyao had first mentioned this to Old Madam Chu upon her return, the old lady had hesitated for a moment, making it clear that she hadn’t personally written to the Old Princess Consort to request their return. It was evident that it was the Old Princess Consort’s own decision to have them come back.

 

As for the reason, Chu Jinyao didn’t care to speculate. In the end, it was all about power. Initially, she had been chosen as a companion to the County Princess, but now that the County Princess had fallen from favor, there was no longer any need for her companions. Without a comparison, they were of no use anymore.

 

Half a month later, a maid rushed into the courtyard, calling out, “Is the Fifth Young Lady here?”

 

Linglong quickly wiped her hands and ran out, replying, “She’s here. What’s the matter?”

 

The maid, surrounded by onlookers, entered the house and, upon seeing Chu Jinyao, said with a smile, “I wondered why I couldn’t find you outside. So, you were here playing chess!”

 

Chu Jinyao put away the chess pieces and stood up from the low stool. “I was just playing idly.”

 

The maid looked at the chessboard curiously. “Why did the young lady suddenly decide to play chess?”

 

“I was just passing the time,” Chu Jinyao replied casually, not wanting to explain further. She didn’t even know why she had set up the chessboard. Perhaps it was because she felt guilty for neglecting the game after all the effort it took to learn it.

 

After seating the maid, Chu Jinyao asked, “Did Grandmother send you?”

 

“Yes,” the maid replied. “The Princess Consort and several young ladies are coming to the Marquis’ mansion. The Old Lady has asked you to go to Rong Ning Hall to receive the guests.”

 

“So, we have visitors,” Chu Jinyao remarked as she stood up. “I’ll change my clothes and be right there.”

 

After sending the maid away, Chu Jinyao had Linglong and the others undo her hair and style it again. She also changed into a more formal outfit suitable for receiving guests.

 

By the time Chu Jinyao arrived at Rong Ning Hall, Old Madam Chu was already seated in the central hall, waiting. Upon seeing Chu Jinyao’s appearance, the old lady discreetly examined her and nodded approvingly.

 

Chu Jinyao wore a dark incense-colored blouse with a silver-red pleated skirt underneath, her hair adorned with elegant jade pins. Old Madam Chu was quite pleased and pulled Chu Jinyao over, saying, “I heard from Momo Gong that you haven’t been sleeping well these past few nights. How have you been sleeping lately?”

 

“I had trouble sleeping for a while, but it’s much better now,” Chu Jinyao replied.

 

Old Madam Chu nodded. “Good. It’s important to rest well. The princess consort and your aunt are about to arrive. You sit here with me and wait.”

 

As Old Madam Chu fussed over Chu Jinyao and had her sit beside her, the other young ladies of the household exchanged meaningful glances. It was clear that the tides had shifted. Once, it was Chu Jinmiao who enjoyed such favor and status in front of their grandmother. Now, Chu Jinmiao was no better than a servant in the Old Lady’s eyes, while Chu Jinyao was treated like a treasure.

 

Old Madam Chu’s favoritism wasn’t without reason. The fact that the Princess Consort had personally sent Chu Jinyao back home, and now the Princess Consort herself was visiting, indicated something significant. The Old Lady was shrewd enough to understand what this meant.

 

Soon, the sound of laughter and chatter from the maids outside announced the arrival of their visitors. “The Princess Consort and Madam Chu are here!”

 

As the Princess Consort entered, she smiled warmly at Old Madam Chu from afar. “Old Madam, I hope you’re well! My, you look as healthy as ever.”

 

Old Madam Chu smiled back. “Thanks to your blessings, I’m still able to walk a few steps.”

 

The Princess Consort approached, helping Old Madam Chu to a seat on the couch. “I’ve been meaning to visit for a long time, but the affairs of the household kept me busy. Even the old matriarch at our place kept saying she wanted to come chat with you.”

 

Old Madam Chu exchanged pleasantries with the Princess Consort, while Chu Jinyao stood by quietly. After some time, the Princess Consort turned her attention to Chu Jinyao. “I haven’t seen you in a while, Fifth Young Lady. You’ve grown even more beautiful.”

 

Chu Jinyao gave a respectful bow. “Thank you, Princess Consort.”

 

Old Madam Chu laughed. “She’s a lazy lady. How could she compare to the lively and lovely County Princess?”

 

The Princess Consort’s daughter, the County Princess, was accustomed to being the center of attention wherever she went. She smiled at Old Madam Chu but seemed distracted, her thoughts elsewhere.

 

The Princess Consort noticed her daughter’s restlessness and said with a smile, “These past few days, the Fourth and Fifth Young Ladies have been away, and Baozhu has been missing them. Now that they’re finally back together, you ladies should go and catch up.”

 

The Princess Consort then shooed the younger generation out to the outer sitting room, where the County Princess, Lin Baozhu, and the ladies from the Chu family gathered to chat, leaving the main room to the older women.

 

Yang Qixia had also come along with the Princess Consort, but as she watched the group, a flash of discontent flickered in her eyes.

 

Why should things turn out this way? Was it all really going to be set in stone like this?

 

Chu Jinmiao remained silent, her head bowed, quietly calculating the time.

 

By now, those two from the Su family should have arrived as well.