Chapter 56: Rumors Afoot

 

The Princess Consort sent all the young ladies out, seemingly intent on discussing something important with Old Madam Chu. The ladies gathered in the outer hall, where the county princess, having just sat down, eagerly pulled Chu Jinyao aside, saying, “You all went home without even sending me a letter! I’ve been so bored staying at home all alone.”

 

Lin Baoying, sitting nearby, teased, “Third Sister, what are we, invisible? Your words make it sound like we don’t exist.”

 

Lin Baozhu chimed in, “Exactly. Second Sister only has eyes for Miss Yang and your two cousins. We, her real sisters, are barely worth a mention.”

 

While the county princess could speak freely, Chu Jinyao couldn’t afford to be so bold. Smiling politely, she said, “The county princess speaks in jest, and now my two older cousins have caught onto her words. As guests, we were merely lingering at the palace for a few days. Now that the excitement has died down, anyone would find it strange to return to solitude. But for you, being with your close sisters all the time, it’s only natural that you don’t feel lonely.”

 

Lin Baoying laughed, “Fifth Cousin really knows how to speak well. No wonder Grandmother Lin always speaks fondly of you.”

 

“You’re too kind, Cousin. I just hope Old Princess Consort doesn’t find me a nuisance,” Chu Jinyao replied with a smile.

 

“Why would she? Perhaps she’s missing you, hoping you’ll return to the palace to bring some liveliness back!” Lin Baoying joked, playfully teasing her.

 

Lin Baoying had likely heard some rumors, which is why she dared to make such a comment. Chu Jinyao felt a tinge of awkwardness, and the expressions of the other ladies subtly changed.

 

Among them, Yang Qixia’s face stiffened the most. She had grown up listening to stories about her cousin, the Heir, and had always imagined herself marrying him one day. Even her aunt, the Princess Consort, had hinted at the idea. Everything had seemed to be going well—until Chu Jinyao entered the picture.

 

Yang Qixia had long believed that she would marry theH, a tacit understanding that had existed between their families since they were children. She couldn’t understand why this “fake daughter” from the Chu family—a lady who had grown up in a farmer’s household—had suddenly become a contender. How could Chu Jinyao, an illegitimate stand-in, compete with her, the legitimate daughter of the Yang family?

 

Because of her connection to the Princess Consort, Yang Qixia often stayed at the palace, already imagining herself as the future heir’s wife. She had even worked to get along with the palace staff, including Lanze, one of the senior maids in the Old Princess Consort’s household who had secretly harbored feelings for the Heir. The Old Princess Consort had once mentioned that Lanze would eventually be given to the Heir, likely as a concubine or a favored maid. Yang Qixia, aiming to secure her position, treated Lanze with respect, knowing that they could work together in the future.

 

However, when news came that Chu Jinyao was being considered for marriage to the Heir, it felt like the sky had fallen. Lanze had immediately informed Yang Qixia, and they were both left stunned.

 

Yang Qixia, who had always believed the Princess Consort favored her, was now uncertain. Even if her aunt still preferred her, the Old Princess Consort had the final say in family matters, and the Princess Consort would have to follow her orders. This visit to the Marquis of Changxing Residence was likely a test, a chance to gauge the Chu family’s reaction. If the Chu family expressed approval, formal matchmaking could soon follow.

 

As Yang Qixia pondered this, her fists clenched tighter. The County Princess noticed her distraction and asked, “Sister Yang, what’s on your mind?”

 

Startled back to the present, Yang Qixia smoothed her hair and replied, “Oh, I was lost in thought. What were you saying?”

 

“I’ve been calling your name! We were just talking about holding a banquet in a few days, for all of us to enjoy.”

 

Chu Jinyao turned to the County Princess, asking, “Aren’t you attending your lessons anymore, Princess?”

 

“No, I’m done with them for now,” the County Princess waved it off. “Now that the Crown Prince has left, my mother said I’ve worked hard enough and should take a break. I’ll resume lessons later, once things are settled.”

 

Upon hearing this, Chu Jinyao realized the implications. The Crown Prince had departed, so the County Princess no longer needed to continue her studies as intensely. The next time she would be called back to her lessons would likely be when she was being prepared for her future role as the Crown Princess.

 

Chu Jinyao felt a moment of surprise. The Crown Prince had left so soon? She hadn’t had a chance to thank him, let alone ask the questions that had been weighing on her mind.

 

For instance, how had the Crown Prince recognized her jade pendant, which she had never shown to anyone before? Why did the Crown Prince seem so familiar with her, often looking out for her in subtle ways?

 

It could all just be her overthinking, but the jade pendant incident was genuinely strange. And then there were his cryptic remarks about his mother, the Empress, and her family name of Qi. What had he meant by that?

 

All these questions had been swirling in her mind, and she had hoped to visit the palace again to ask the Crown Prince directly. But now, it seemed, he had already left.

 

Chu Jinyao couldn’t help but ask, “Why did the Crown Prince leave so suddenly?”

 

The County Princess shrugged. “I don’t know. He was supposed to stay for over a month, but suddenly he decided to leave, and we didn’t even have time to prepare.”

 

The Crown Prince’s decisions were final, and no one dared to question them. Even if people speculated in private, no one could guess his true reasons. After pondering for a moment, Chu Jinyao could only shake her head. “I can’t figure it out either. Perhaps something urgent came up at the front.”

 

The mention of the Crown Prince piqued the interest of the other ladies, who began discussing his sudden departure. “It is strange,” one lady said. “He came to Taiyuan without any fanfare, stayed just a few days, and then left abruptly. I heard that the city officials wanted to hold a banquet in his honor, but he left before they could even make plans.”

 

The Third Young Lady nodded. “Yes, I heard the same from my father. He thought the Crown Prince might stay longer after the banquet at the Prince Huailing’s estate, but the Crown Prince left before anyone could host him. It’s the first time he’s come to the city since arriving in Shanxi!”

 

“Exactly. No one expected him to leave so quickly,” another lady added.

 

Lin Baozhu smiled proudly. “Well, the Crown Prince came specifically for Grandmother’s birthday. Once the celebration was over, it was only natural for him to leave.”

 

The ladies from the Chu family, eager to flatter Lin Baozhu, chimed in with agreement. “That’s right! No one in the city could have received more honor than the Prince Huailing’s estate. Even the Crown Prince showed his respect.”

 

Although the three Lin sisters remained silent, they all wore expressions of agreement. One lady, seeking to flatter even more, added, “We were unfortunate not to see the Crown Prince ourselves. Only the county princess and the two cousins had that privilege. Can you tell us what the Crown Prince was like?”

 

Lin Baozhu waved off the praise, saying, “What’s there to say? He’s just like anyone else—two eyes, two legs, nothing special.”

 

One of the younger ladies giggled. “Oh, come on, Cousin! Tell us more! I’ve never even seen anyone from the palace before.”

 

Feeling pleased with the attention, Lin Baozhu relented. “Well, I didn’t see much of him either, only when we went to greet him.”

 

The Chu family ladies immediately looked envious. “You actually got to greet him in person? That’s incredible. Tell us, what’s the Crown Prince like?”

 

Blushing, Lin Baozhu said, “How would I know? But he really is young and impressive—honestly, he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”

 

“Really?” The Chu ladies, used to seeing their own handsome brothers and cousins, were skeptical.

 

Lin Baozhu insisted, “Yes! If you don’t believe me, ask Fourth and Fifth Cousin—they saw him too.”

 

Caught off guard, Chu Jinyao didn’t want to get involved in this conversation. Discussing a man’s looks seemed inappropriate, but with everyone staring at her, she had no choice but to nod slightly. “Yes, the Crown Prince is indeed very dignified and impressive.”

 

It wasn’t a lie. Although Chu Jinyao believed that Qi Ze was the most extraordinary man she’d ever met, she couldn’t deny that the Crown Prince, who looked so much like him, was just as impressive.

 

With Chu Jinyao’s confirmation, the other ladies let out sighs of envy. “Why did the Crown Prince have to leave so soon? We didn’t even get a chance to see him.”

 

Lin Baoying, glancing knowingly at the County Princess, remarked, “It’s not too late. If you stay close with Third Sister, you’ll have plenty of opportunities.”

 

The ladies who hadn’t visited the Prince Huailing’s estate didn’t quite understand, but both Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinmiao caught the meaning. The County Princess blushed, playfully swatting Lin Baoying. “Don’t talk nonsense! I won’t speak to you anymore.”

 

Lin Baoying laughed, apologizing and teasing the County Princess until she was smiling again, clearly pleased despite her embarrassment.

 

Chu Jinyao smiled faintly but felt a tinge of melancholy. So, it seemed the rumors about the County Princess and the Crown Prince were true. She had been hoping for a chance to ask the Crown Prince her questions, but with his departure, it no longer seemed possible. Even if he were still in the city, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to seek him out now. It seemed her unanswered questions would remain just that.

 

As the ladies continued their conversation, Chu Jinmiao sat silently, observing everything with cold detachment. She felt superior to the Chu family, having sat in the same room with the Crown Prince himself. Now that she had glimpsed the grandeur of the palace, she longed even more to rise above her current status. One day, when she entered the Eastern Palace, these people who had wronged her would be nothing. She would make sure they knelt before her, begging for forgiveness.

 

When Lin Baoying mentioned the County Princess’s connection to the Crown Prince, Chu Jinmiao’s ears perked up. If the County Princess really did marry the Crown Prince, it would be a powerful alliance. Perhaps Chu Jinmiao could align herself with the County Princess and gain favor by association.

 

As Chu Jinmiao plotted, Yang Qixia sat restlessly, her thoughts consumed by the conversation happening inside between the Princess Consort and Old Madam Chu. With nothing more to discuss about the Crown Prince, the ladies turned to lighter topics, chatting idly about clothes and jewelry as they worked on their embroidery.

 

When no one was looking, the County Princess leaned over to Chu Jinyao and whispered, “Come closer.”

 

Chu Jinyao complied, and the County Princess excitedly confided, “Did you know? My mother wants me to marry the Crown Prince. I might be the future Crown Princess!”

 

Chu Jinyao had already guessed this but pretended to be surprised, offering polite congratulations. “Is that so? Congratulations, Princess. With the way the Crown Prince has shown such favor to your family, I’m sure it will be a perfect match.”

 

The County Princess beamed with pride. “Yes, my mother had my fortune read, and the astrologer said I’m destined for great things. You should stick close to me—once I’m Crown Princess, I’ll be sure to reward you well.”

 

Her words were arrogant, and Chu Jinyao felt a flicker of annoyance. However, she maintained her composure, responding only with, “Thank you, Princess, but I’m content with my humble fortune.”

 

The County Princess, too absorbed in her own fantasies, didn’t notice Chu Jinyao’s tone. She was already imagining her future as the Crown Princess, thinking of how grand her life would be. Looking at Chu Jinyao’s calm demeanor, she remembered how her grandmother had praised her cousin for her quiet elegance and good manners, using her as an example for the County Princess to follow.

 

At the time, the County Princess had been annoyed, but now she didn’t mind so much. After all, what did it matter? No matter how composed and beautiful Chu Jinyao was, her future was limited. Chu Jinyao would marry some ordinary official, while she, the County Princess, was destined to be Crown Princess and eventually Empress.

 

Just like a phoenix doesn’t compare itself to sparrows, the County Princess no longer cared about Chu Jinyao. She chattered on, daydreaming about her future, while Chu Jinyao listened quietly.

 

Meanwhile, in the inner room, Old Madam Chu and Madam Zhao were seated with the Princess Consort. Old Madam Chu could tell that the Princess Consort was circling around the topic she wanted to discuss but hadn’t yet broached the crucial subject, which made Old Madam Chu increasingly anxious.

 

The Princess Consort was in a dilemma. While she preferred her niece, Yang Qixia, as a daughter-in-law, the Old Princess Consort’s wishes were clear, and even her husband, the Prince, had agreed with his mother. She felt torn between her personal desires and her duty to follow the Old Princess Consort’s orders.

 

As the Princess Consort continued to skirt the issue, Old Madam Chu grew impatient. Hadn’t they already discussed this? All that was left was for the Princess Consort to express her approval of Chu Jinyao, and Old Madam Chu would follow suit. Then, they could arrange for a matchmaker to visit, and the marriage would be settled. But the Princess Consort’s hesitation was puzzling and frustrating.

 

Outside, Chu Jinmiao, after sitting quietly for a while, suddenly stood up and announced, “I’m going to freshen up. Please excuse me, Princess and Cousins.”

 

In polite society, “freshening up” was a common excuse for stepping out to the restroom. No one paid much attention as Chu Jinmiao left the room. Once outside, she glanced around before hurrying toward a side door.

 

Near the west gate, two old maids were chatting idly, cracking melon seeds as they gossiped. Chu Jinmiao hid behind the corner and whispered to her Momo Liu, “Take this five coins of silver and get those two maids out of the way. You know what to do from there.”

 

Momo Liu nodded. “Yes, miss. I understand.” She took the silver and crept toward the gate.

 

When she reached the two maids, she cleared her throat loudly. The maids looked up in surprise and quickly stood to greet her. “Greetings Momo Liu! What brings you here today?”

 

Momo Liu smiled and handed them the silver, saying, “Our young lady is looking for a new hair ornament. This is for you—have a drink on her.”

 

The maids took the silver with delighted smiles. “Oh, we couldn’t possibly—”

 

“Take it,” Momo Liu insisted. “It’s a gift from our young lady.”

 

The maids beamed as they pocketed the silver. One of them asked, “What brings you here, Momo Liu?”

 

“Our young lady wants to buy a hair ornament. She’s tired of the ones she already has and doesn’t want to trouble anyone by going all the way to the jewelry shop. There’s a peddler who comes by this street sometimes—he sells hairpins that, while simple, are quite unique. I’m just waiting for him.”

 

One of the maids nodded knowingly. “Ah, if you’re waiting for that peddler, you might be here for a while. He doesn’t usually come around this time.”

 

“That’s all right. I’ll wait here for him. If you want to go off and enjoy your drink, don’t mind me. I’ll watch the gate for you.”

 

The two maids exchanged glances, clearly tempted. “Well, if you insist…”

 

“Go on, it’s no trouble at all,” Momo Liu urged.

 

Relieved, the maids laughed and thanked her before heading off. As they walked away, one of them suggested, “Why don’t you call a clever young boy to stand here for you? He can keep an eye out for the peddler and let you know when he arrives. You can wait comfortably inside the gate.”

 

Momo Liu nodded and smiled, agreeing to their suggestion. Once they were out of sight, she hurried back to Chu Jinmiao and whispered, “The coast is clear, miss.”

 

Chu Jinmiao gave a quick nod. “Good. Bring the Su family in, but make sure the gate boy doesn’t stop them.”

 

“Understood.”

 

After a while, a young boy led the peddler to the side door, where Momo Liu pretended to browse his goods. Seeing the Su family members lurking behind the peddler, she turned to them and asked, “Are these your relatives? What brings them here?”

 

The peddler, having been paid off, didn’t respond, and Mr. Su spoke up. “No, no, we’ve come from Yunzhi Embroidery to visit Fifth Young Lady Chu.”

 

“Ah, I see. You’re here to see Fifth Young Lady Chu. Follow me—I’ll take you in. The estate is large, and you wouldn’t want to get lost.”

 

Mr. and Mrs. Su followed Momo Liu closely as she led them deeper into the estate, their heads spinning from the grandeur of the surroundings. They had never seen anything like it in their lives. Every step felt like walking on clouds, and they were too overwhelmed to take it all in.

 

Once they reached the inner courtyard, Chu Jinmiao stepped out from the shadows, her voice low and menacing. “Remember, no matter what happens, you are here to see Chu Jinyao. You’ve never met me before. Understand?”

 

“Yes, yes,” Mr. and Mrs. Su stammered, bowing their heads. They were too awestruck by the estate to notice Chu Jinmiao’s disdainful expression. After giving them their instructions, Chu Jinmiao turned and hurried away, leaving her maids to handle the rest.

 

Back in the outer hall, the young ladies were still chatting when Sixth Young Lady noticed Chu Jinmiao returning and asked, “Fourth Sister, you were gone for a while. Where did you go?”

 

Chu Jinmiao smiled lightly. “I just went for a little walk. I was feeling a bit stiff from sitting for so long.”

 

Something about Chu Jinmiao’s answer made Chu Jinyao glance at her suspiciously. Chu Jinmiao was not the type to go for walks. Moreover, Chu Jinyao noticed a faint smudge of dust on Chu Jinmiao’s skirt, as if she had brushed up against a wall. If she had only gone to the restroom, how had she gotten dirty?

 

Chu Jinyao filed this oddity away in her mind but didn’t say anything.

 

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the courtyard.

 

“What’s happening?”

 

The young ladies all stood up, startled. A maid rushed out to investigate, returning a few moments later with an explanation. “It seems the noise is coming from Fifth Young Lady Chu’s courtyard.”

 

All eyes turned to Chu Jinyao, who shook her head. “I have no idea what’s going on.”

 

Momo Gu, the Old Madam’s senior maid, had also been alerted. She stepped outside, her face dark with anger, and scolded, “What’s all this racket? Old Madam and the Princess Consort are still inside! What are you making all this noise for?”

 

 

One of the maids outside the gate replied, “Gu Momo, we’re not sure either. It seems that someone has come to see Fifth Young Lady Chu.”

 

Gu Momo frowned deeply. “Fifth Young Lady isn’t someone anyone can just come to see. Whoever they are, throw them out immediately!”

 

The maid acknowledged the order and turned to leave, but Chu Jinmiao quickly stepped forward and interjected, “Wait a moment, Gu Momo. Let’s see what’s going on first. I’ll ask around.”

 

Reluctantly, Gu Momo allowed Chu Jinmiao to investigate. But the delay only made the commotion outside grow louder, and soon the noise had reached the inner hall.

 

Inside, both Old Madam Chu and the Princess Consort had heard the ruckus. The Princess Consort frowned and asked, “What’s going on out there?”

 

Momo Gu hurried over to explain, “It’s nothing, really—just a few servants making a mess of things. I’ll have it sorted out right away.”

 

The Princess Consort didn’t seem interested in household matters, but Yang Qixia seized the opportunity to stir things up. “Aunt, I think I heard someone outside calling for Fifth Young Lady Chu. Perhaps something urgent has happened.”

 

The Princess Consort’s interest was piqued. “Oh? If they’re calling for Fifth Young Lady Chu, it must be important. Let them in, then.”

 

With the Princess Consort’s approval, Momo Gu had no choice but to summon the troublemakers inside.

 

As soon as Mr. and Mrs. Su entered the inner courtyard, they were nearly blinded by the opulence around them. Mrs. Su, remembering Chu Jinmiao’s instructions, immediately began wailing. Without even glancing at the people around her, she cried out, “Oh, my poor Yao’er! How could you have lost your way like this?”

 

Chu Jinyao’s face went pale as she recognized the newcomers. Turning slowly, she locked eyes with Chu Jinmiao, who stood quietly at the side, watching with a calculating expression. It was clear now why Chu Jinmiao had left the gathering earlier.

 

The Princess Consort hadn’t expected such crude, rural people to appear before her. Her expression soured as she demanded, “Who are these people?”

 

Mrs. Su, oblivious to the decorum of the room, answered loudly, “We’ve come to see our adopted daughter, Su Yao! She may not be our own flesh and blood, but we raised her for thirteen years, treating her as our own! And now, she’s gone astray, and we cannot bear to see her make such mistakes!”

 

The room fell into stunned silence. Everyone immediately knew who she was referring to: Chu Jinyao.

 

Old Madam Chu, supported by her maids, came out to witness the spectacle, her face dark with displeasure. Chu Jinyao remained outwardly calm, folding her hands before her as she prepared to face whatever accusations came her way. She wouldn’t act rashly. She needed to understand exactly what Chu Jinmiao had planned before she made her move.

 

Seeing that Chu Jinyao wasn’t flustered, Old Madam Chu’s anger subsided slightly. If her granddaughter had nothing to hide, then there was no reason to fear whatever these people had come to say.

 

Momo Gu, sensing Old Madam Chu’s growing irritation, took the lead, addressing Mrs. Su coolly. “Old Madam Chu is a kind and forgiving lady, so we’ll overlook your rude behavior for now. But tell us—why have you barged into the estate, causing such a disturbance?”

 

Mrs. Su remained seated on the ground, her voice rising in a desperate wail. “I didn’t want to disturb Fifth Young Lady Chu, but I couldn’t stand by any longer! She’s been receiving far too much money every month, and I’m afraid the source of that money isn’t… proper!”