Listening to the discussions around her.
He's the Zhen Shizi of the Pingyang Royal Mansion? And also the elder brother of Princess Ningde?
The one Qiu Lu had told her about, Zhen Shizi, had a weak constitution and was perpetually sickly. Without a good sister, he might not have even kept his title, but Zhen Shizi was also a man of considerable talent, which earned him the emperor's favor.
Yun Shu was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected that the person she casually rescued outside would turn out to be Princess Ningde's brother.
"Even if he were Zhen Shizi, he's not good enough for you. Don't even think about it," Qin Lingyue whispered, reminding her.
In her eyes, Qin Lingyue could only be a secondary wife or marry some common tradesman. In any case, she shouldn't expect to marry into a noble family like herself.
The Minister's wife also let out a cold laugh, "Linglong, when doing anything, one must consider if they are worthy."
Yun Shu listened to their words and replied lightly, "Indeed, one must consider if they are worthy."
The mother and daughter were stunned. What was going on?
Qin Linglong's attitude had been quite agreeable today, even going along with their words. Yet, they both felt something strange about her remarks, something that made their hearts uneasy.
However, when they wanted to scold her further, they found no grounds to do so.
Both of their expressions were not good.
Xiao Huan, who followed Qin Linglong, was somewhat surprised. Her young lady seemed a bit different today, but she couldn't pinpoint how. Even though she agreed with the Madam and the second young lady, Xiao Huan felt as if she hadn't truly agreed with them.
It was truly puzzling.
Since Qin Linglong had few friends in the capital, no one approached Yun Shu to talk.
Yun Shu was happy to be at ease. She had to admit that the identity Qiu Lu had found for her was indeed quite suitable.
She looked around.
Most imperial palaces should be similar. The so-called imperial garden wasn't that large.
At a glance, one could see almost the entire place.
The colorful flowers were indeed blooming in a spectacular and varied manner.
Time passed slowly. It was already quite late, and no palace attendants had yet come to announce the start of the banquet.
It was evident that most people were not particularly interested in the garden. After a perfunctory display of admiration, they found pavilions to sit in and chat.
As they were talking, Princess Shengyue was seen approaching the imperial garden.
Yun Shu saw Princess Shengyue again after several months.
She was slightly surprised.
A few months ago in the Eastern Ning Kingdom, Princess Shengyue had appeared beautiful and arrogant. But now, after her experiences in the Eastern Ning Kingdom, Princess Shengyue had lost her former swagger. Instead, her face was filled with a sinister gloom.
Previously, where Princess Shengyue appeared, there would always be a chorus of flattering voices. But now, when Princess Shengyue appeared, no one flattered her.
They even offered a perfunctory bow.
Seeing how perfunctory everyone's attitude was towards her, Princess Shengyue was furious. She silently vowed, these people will all wait!
Wait until the day she settles scores with them!
She looked around, left and right, but could not see Princess Ningde anywhere.
"Could Princess Ningde be hiding from me?" Princess Shengyue asked angrily through gritted teeth.
Qian Jin was also looking around. After searching everywhere and not seeing Princess Ningde, she frowned and said, "Indeed, I haven't seen Princess Ningde. Could it be that Princess Ningde hasn't arrived yet?"
"It's impossible she wouldn't come. She's the most talked-about person in the capital right now. How could she miss this opportunity to enter the palace early?" Princess Shengyue sneered, still showing disdain for Princess Ningde.
Just then, Qian Jin's eyes suddenly lit up, and she pointed ahead, saying, "Your Highness, look ahead! Princess Ningde is coming!"
Princess Shengyue immediately followed Qian Jin's gaze.
When she saw Princess Ningde, radiating with vitality and possessing exceptional beauty, her eyes narrowed chillingly. What an impudent upstart!
Princess Ningde saw Princess Shengyue from afar. When she noticed Princess Shengyue looking at her, Princess Ningde lowered her gaze slightly, concealing the coldness in her eyes.
A princess who had already lost her power was still so willful and hadn't learned her lesson.
In their first shared glance, she could discern the mockery and disdain in Princess Shengyue's eyes.
If she was so dismissive, why did she want to cling to her?
Princess Ningde had already figured out Princess Shengyue's intentions.
Yun Shu stood among the crowd, just like everyone else, watching as Princess Shengyue walked directly towards Princess Ningde.
"Ningde, you've finally arrived. I happen to have something to discuss with you. Come, let's find a quiet place to talk." Princess Shengyue said directly to Princess Ningde upon reaching her, giving Princess Ningde no opportunity to refuse.
With so many people watching, Princess Ningde naturally couldn't refuse. Thus, she appeared somewhat surprised but reluctantly agreed.
Then, the two found a secluded spot.
Seeing that they were alone, Princess Ningde asked with a calm expression, "May I know what the Princess wishes to see me for?"
Princess Shengyue initially didn't want to put on a pleasant face, but since she needed a favor from Princess Ningde now, she forced herself to put on a smile and said, "I know that His Majesty intends to betroth you to Prince Jin. This is a good thing. In my eyes, you are indeed the only one in the capital who is worthy of Prince Jin."
Princess Ningde smiled, "This matter is for His Majesty to decide. Ningde will obey the imperial decree."
Unappreciative! Seeing Princess Ningde's indifferent attitude, clearly unwilling to engage in a lengthy conversation with her, Princess Shengyue suppressed her anger and continued with a smile, "I know some of Prince Jin's preferences. Does Princess Ningde wish to know?"
Prince Jin's preferences?
Princess Ningde scoffed inwardly. Did Princess Shengyue think she didn't know? Moreover, who in the palace didn't know that Prince Jin had rejected Princess Shengyue's attempts to meet him several times!
"Ningde does not wish to know for the time being. The imperial decree has not yet been issued, and Ningde's future husband could be someone else."
Upon hearing this, the smile on Princess Shengyue's face froze. Giving her face and she wouldn't take it! She was infuriated!
Was she completely refusing any chance of forming an alliance?
"Princess Ningde is indeed a model of the ladies in the capital," Princess Shengyue said with a fake smile.
At the same time, she sneered inwardly. Fortunately, she had other plans! She had long known that Princess Ningde was cunning and wouldn't be easily manipulated. So, this was just a test run!
The main event was Zhen Lin!
"Besides choosing a principal consort for Prince Jin, His Majesty also wants to select three secondary consorts. At that time, you must all live in harmony and be as close as sisters, working together to bear heirs for Prince Jin." Princess Shengyue reminded her in a sinister tone.
These words would be unpleasant for anyone to hear.
Princess Ningde was no exception. Her expression turned cold, and she left with a parting remark, "Thank you for your reminder, Princess. Ningde will take her leave now."