Chapter 112: “Send Her Away”

Proofreader : Mim

When Chu Jinyao noticed Chu Jinxian’s strange expression, she couldn’t help but feel an ominous premonition. “What’s taking so long to explain?”

 

After Chu Jinxian vaguely explained the situation, Chu Jinyao finally understood why her elder sister had such a cryptic expression, and more importantly, why Second Young Master was so afraid of letting anyone in the family know.

 

It wasn’t just about hiding things from the family—it was specifically about hiding it from her!

 

As Chu Jinxian finished speaking, she carefully watched Chu Jinyao’s face, only to find her expression calm and unperturbed, with no clear sign of emotion. Worried, Chu Jinxian quickly reminded her, “You’re pregnant right now, and it’s not worth getting upset over someone like her. Don’t let it affect your health.”

 

“I understand.” Chu Jinyao thought she would be furious, but in truth, she was surprisingly calm. Her calmness even startled herself. She looked down at little Lu, who was sleeping soundly, still clutching his hand in his dreams as if afraid someone might take it away. Watching the child, her thoughts gradually became clearer, and she quickly decided what she had to do next.

 

Second Young Master’s sudden expenditure of a large sum of money on the books, along with his frequent, secretive trips, led Duan Yinghua to reasonably suspect that he was keeping a mistress outside the household. In fact, Second Young Master did indeed acquire private property outside, but instead of keeping a mistress, he was sheltering someone far more unexpected—a past, familiar figure.

 

Who else could be the object of such devotion from the usually good-natured Second Young Master? Someone for whom he’d endure whispers behind his back and even a growing rift with his wife? It could only be their former Fourth Young Lady, the one who had truly grown up with Second Young Master as his ‘sister’—Chu Jinmiao.

 

When the name of someone who had once caused her so much injustice and pressure resurfaced, Chu Jinyao was surprised by her own indifference. Deep inside, she simply sighed, “Oh, so it’s her.”

 

Chu Jinmiao was like a minor obstacle from Chu Jinyao’s life at the age of thirteen, a period when she was intensely competitive. This person seemed to have taken everything that should have been Chu Jinyao’s—her identity, her parents, her family’s status—while exuding grace and elegance, standing proudly on a pedestal with an air of righteousness, even though she had stolen everything. At thirteen, it mattered to Chu Jinyao. As someone newly stepping into the world of wealth and prestige, it mattered to her. But now, as the Crown Princess, Chu Jinyao no longer cared.

 

In the grand scheme of things, Chu Jinmiao was nothing more than a ridiculous jester. Back in Taiyuan, Chu Jinyao had been inexperienced and naive, easily fooled. But after entering the capital and mingling with truly distinguished noblewomen and skilled schemers, Chu Jinmiao’s true colors were revealed. She was nothing more than an empty flower vase. And after years of dealing with the elite in the palace, Chu Jinyao had become someone even the capital’s most respected families would be cautious around. Compared to all that, Chu Jinmiao didn’t even register as a concern.

 

Second Young Master, in the end, had simply taken himself too seriously. They thought Chu Jinmiao’s name would stir rage, jealousy, and a sense of crisis in her, but they had misjudged her entirely. To Chu Jinyao, Chu Jinmiao was just a minor inconvenience now.

 

What truly concerned Chu Jinyao was the potential damage Second Young Master’s actions could cause to the reputation of the Eastern Palace. If news got out that he had acquired private property and secretly housed a former “sister” there, her enemies would seize upon it to tarnish their standing.

 

This was the real issue at hand. As for Chu Jinmiao herself—who was she to cause the Crown Princess any distress?

 

Chu Jinxian had been watching her sister closely the whole time and was astonished to find that Chu Jinyao really didn’t seem to care. After a moment’s surprise, she smiled and said, “I was worried over nothing. Of course, given your current status and position, why would you be bothered by someone like her?”

 

Chu Jinyao smiled but thought to herself, Not necessarily. Was it really the case that no one else in the Changxing Marquis Household knew about this? While it was hard to say about Old Madam Chu, Madam Zhao definitely knew. Otherwise, Duan Yinghua wouldn’t have been so desperate as to come running to Chu Jinyao for help. Clearly, both Madam Zhao and Second Young Master had thought themselves clever in hiding everything from Duan Yinghua, only for her to turn around and tell Chu Jinyao. If they had communicated openly with the family from the start, none of this would have reached Chu Jinyao’s ears.

 

Chu Jinyao didn’t care about Chu Jinmiao, but she cared about being kept in the dark like this by the Changxing Marquis Household. Deeply annoyed, she realized she had been far too kind and lenient, so much so that her family had come to think they could deceive her.

 

But although she felt some anger inside, Chu Jinyao showed nothing outwardly. In the palace, controlling one’s emotions was key to survival, and besides, it would not do to show her feelings in front of Chu Jinxian. Second Young Master had hidden the truth from his wife, but since Chu Jinxian had learned about Chu Jinmiao’s existence, he must have told Chu Jinxian the full story, even swearing her to secrecy. Yet Chu Jinxian had still come to Chu Jinyao, which reassured her. At least there was one person in her family who stood by her.

 

After Chu Jinxian finished, they both tacitly moved on to other subjects, carefully avoiding further discussion of the matter. Thinking about the events soon to unfold, Chu Jinxian shook her head slightly.

 

Since moving into Changhe Garden, it had become much easier for noblewomen to visit Chu Jinyao. In the past, a formal audience with her required wearing ceremonial clothing, sending a calling card to the palace gate, and waiting for approval. Even then, there were countless palace rules to follow. But now, visitors only needed to send a note to be allowed entry. So, ever since she had taken residence at Changhe Garden, the household had been flooded with invitation cards. However, as she had come under the pretense of praying and reading sutras in honor of the late Empress Wenxiao, Chu Jinyao used that as an excuse to refuse all visitors.

 

The women of Changxing Marquis Household, however, were not subject to this restriction. Under the jealous eyes of many, they frequently visited Changhe Garden. This afternoon, their visit had been prearranged.

 

Many people were envious of Chu Jinxian for having the privilege of staying with the Crown Princess, relishing royal hospitality every day. Beyond the fine food and luxuries, the true advantage lay in spending time with the Crown Princess, reaping invisible benefits from the constant companionship. When Chu Jinxian had asked to bring her son, Lu Ge’er, to stay at Changhe Garden, her in-laws at the Zhao household had been overjoyed. They were more than eager to have the Crown Princess dote on their grandson. In fact, Chu Jinxian’s mother-in-law had even suggested she bring along other nephews and nieces, hoping that Chu Jinyao’s husband, the Crown Prince, might happen to visit, giving them a chance to secure their fortune.

 

Chu Jinxian had left for Changhe Garden amid numerous such hints and speculations. However, those who had entertained these schemes were quickly disappointed. The noblewomen of the Changxing Marquis Household, each with their own agenda, disembarked from their carriages and approached Yunya Hall. As soon as they entered the hall, they all turned on their brightest smiles, saying, “Greetings to Her Highness, the Crown Princess.”

 

Chu Jinyao swept a cool glance over the meticulously dressed young ladies standing behind Madam Zhao and Madam Yan, then shifted her gaze to the other women of the household. In a calm voice, she said, “Mother, aunts, and sisters, please rise.”

 

The women of the Chu family sensed a chilly indifference in her tone but dismissed it, thinking they might have misheard. Madam Yan, as lively as ever, greeted Chu Jinxian warmly. “Eldest Young Lady, you’re here too! My, how Lu Ge’er has grown even stronger in the past few days.”

 

Chu Jinxian smiled faintly, then excused herself. “He’s likely to wake up soon, and he can be quite fussy when he does. I’ll take him to the side room for now so as not to disturb everyone.”

 

Madam Zhao nodded proudly, not noticing anything unusual. Inside, she was conflicted, torn between the joy of retrieving something precious and the fear of losing it again, especially with Chu Jinyao sitting right across from her.

 

Madam Yan, always quick to make herself at home, continued, “Lu Ge’er is doing so well—what a healthy child. The girls in our family are always talking about you and Lu Ge’er, Your Highness. It’s rare for sisters to get the chance to spend time together like this. If only they could stay here with you a little longer. Eighth Young Lady, why don’t you come forward and greet your Fifth Sister?”

 

The Eighth Young Lady was the illegitimate younger half-sister of Chu Jinyao. Even though she was born to a concubine, her connection to Chu Jinyao, the Crown Princess, made it impossible for anyone in the capital to slight her. Now of marriageable age, her family had hoped that by having her stay with Chu Jinyao, they could elevate her status, thereby securing a more prestigious match.

 

However, as Chu Jinyao listened to the subtle implications of their words, it became clear that these women had already decided everything on her behalf. In their minds, she was easy to manipulate. Yet, as far as she was concerned, it was laughable. Did they really think she would simply go along with it?

 

“Why should Eighth Young Lady stay with me when she’s perfectly fine living in the family estate?” Chu Jinyao asked calmly, her tone betraying nothing.

 

Madam Yan merely smiled, while Madam Zhao responded, “She’s your blood sister. Now that you and your elder sister are staying here, it would make sense for her to join you. After all, there’s no harm in it.”

 

No harm at all, Chu Jinyao thought sarcastically. They would eat royal food, live in royal accommodations, and walk away with a generous stipend of gifts. Of course, there was no harm—for them.

 

Suppressing her irritation at how they had dared to keep her in the dark while trying to exploit her, Chu Jinyao placed her tea cup down and asked, “Second Sister-in-law, has Second Brother still been making frequent trips outside the estate lately?”

 

Duan Yinghua’s face turned bright red in embarrassment. A few days prior, after Zhao Dage (Chu Jinxian’s husband) had questioned Second Young Master about his outings, Second Young Master could no longer hide the truth and had confessed everything. Though Duan Yinghua had finally learned the full story, it left her even more troubled. She had hoped to appeal to Chu Jinyao’s sense of justice, but now, seeing how things had turned out, she simply lowered her head, saying nothing.

 

The fact that Chu Jinyao had openly brought it up meant everything was out in the open.

 

Madam Zhao’s expression darkened, and her voice grew harsh. “What kind of question is that? A younger sister has no business meddling in her brother’s affairs.”

 

“You’re still trying to hide things at this point?” Chu Jinyao’s smile grew colder, and her voice carried an icy edge. “Do you think I don’t already know what Second Brother has been up to?”

 

Madam Yan, confused and anxious, interjected, “What are you talking about, Your Highness? What has Second Young Master done?”

 

Ignoring her, Chu Jinyao turned directly to Madam Zhao. “Does Grandmother know?”

 

Madam Zhao said nothing, her face tense, leaving Duan Yinghua to respond on her behalf. “Old Madam doesn’t know.”

 

Of course, Chu Jinyao thought bitterly. If Old Madam knew, she would have sent Chu Jinmiao away again without hesitation.

 

“It seems this was all your idea then, Mother?” Chu Jinyao continued.

 

Duan Yinghua didn’t dare respond, and Madam Zhao, her patience worn thin, lashed out in frustration. “Jinmiao has suffered terribly at the Su family’s hands! You haven’t seen her—she’s a shadow of her former self. It’s heart-wrenching! If spending some money can ease her suffering, then I consider it an act of charity. I’m her mother. Am I supposed to abandon her?”

 

She seethed, “If I had known how that treacherous couple would treat her, I would have had the Jin Yi Wei Guards kill them back then.”

 

Madam Yan was utterly shocked. “You mean to say… Fourth Young Lady? Chu Jinmiao?”

 

Chu Jinyao stirred the tea in her cup, her expression unreadable. Madam Zhao’s face remained resolute, and Duan Yinghua turned her gaze aside, avoiding eye contact. The truth was clear now.

 

Madam Yan gaped at Madam Zhao in disbelief. “Elder Sister-in-law, what are you thinking?”

 

Madam Yan couldn’t believe what she was hearing. While the rest of the family wished for nothing but the Crown Princess’s continued success, it seemed the head branch was bent on sabotaging itself. Madam Yan felt it was downright unjust—if the Crown Princess wasn’t wanted, the second branch would gladly take her. Why bring back Chu Jinmiao, someone who would surely offend her?

 

“I used to think Mother was as kind as a Bodhisattva,” Chu Jinyao said coolly. “But it seems even Mother can be ruthless. How else could you have said you should have let them die in the Jin Yi Wei Guards’ custody?”

 

Her voice grew sterner as she continued, “I understand that Mother can’t bear to see the suffering of a daughter, but things in this world are not so easily explained away. The money the Marquis household has already sent Chu Jinmiao is more than enough for her to live comfortably for the rest of her life. The Chu family has fulfilled its duty to her. It’s time to send her away.”

 

“Send her away?” Madam Zhao gasped, nearly standing up in shock. “You’re already the Crown Princess. Jinmiao poses no threat to you. Why must you be so cruel as to send her back to a life of suffering?”

 

Madam Zhao’s outburst was so extreme that her gestures became frantic. Alarmed, Linglong and the other maids rushed to shield Chu Jinyao, while a eunuch in red warned sharply, “Watch your behavior! You’re in the presence of the Crown Princess. If you upset her, can you bear the consequences?”

 

The commotion drew palace guards, who immediately inquired if everything was alright. Chu Jinyao raised her hand. “It’s fine. Dismiss them.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.” The servants bowed and discreetly withdrew. The noblewomen from the Changxing Marquis Household, now standing huddled together in fear, nervously awaited Chu Jinyao’s next move.

 

Turning her gaze back to Madam Zhao, Chu Jinyao’s voice became cold and final. “Mother, did you think I was negotiating with you?”

 

Madam Zhao fell silent, her expression strained, while Chu Jinyao rose from her seat. “I’m tired. You may leave now. I trusted the Marquis Household completely, and yet you all hid this from me. Today, it was Chu Jinmiao. What else do you intend to hide from me in the future?”

 

Duan Yinghua, desperate to ease the tension, stammered, “Crown Princess, please don’t be angry. Mother and your Second Brother didn’t mean it that way…”

 

“Whether they did or not,” Chu Jinyao interrupted icily, “I’ll discuss that with the head of the Marquis Household. Escort them out.”

 

The once-proud women of the Changxing Marquis Household were unceremoniously escorted out of Changhe Garden, their spirits crushed. Upon hearing what had happened, Old Madam Chu was so shocked that she nearly fainted.

 

The household descended into chaos. Once she regained her composure, Old Madam Chu’s first act was to slap Second Young Master hard across the face.

 

When Marquis Changxing himself learned of the incident, he was so furious that he couldn’t even speak. The very next day, Old Madam Chu personally arranged for a carriage and brought the entire household to Changhe Garden to beg for forgiveness.

 

Dressed in her finest formal attire, Old Madam Chu led the women in the family to kneel before Chu Jinyao, humbly pleading, “Crown Princess, please have mercy. It was my failure in disciplining them that led to such a mistake…”

 

Translator’s Note : Yessss my Queen show them who is in the charge !!!