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Chapter 28: Sisters-in-Law
“How can I possibly marry down?” The Third Commandery Princess’s eyes welled up with tears. Everyone knew that Xie Yunzheng didn’t want her, but she couldn’t admit it.
“If you can’t, then don’t. Stop acting like you’re in love with someone who’s already promised to another. They’re engaged. You should be thinking about who your husband will be.”
Previously, she had foolishly waited, only to end up settling for a random choice. The Third Commandery Prince kept mistresses outside, making her cry every day.
The noble lady behind the flowers slowly released her grip. This woman seemed decent. “Who is she?”
The old woman beside her was the Minister’s wife’s maid, helping her learn the rules of the capital and recognize people.
She lowered her head, her forehead already damp with sweat. “Miss, she is, the Yongjia Junzhu of the Grand Princess’s Estate, the fiancée of of Xie Yunzheng’s younger brother.”
The Miss didn’t know that Yongjia Junzhu’s marriage had shifted from Xie Yunzheng to Xie Yunzhao. Should she tell her?
Li Wan’er nodded in satisfaction. This Junzhu was worthy of being her sister-in-law. “She’s not bad. Unlike others, she doesn’t just flatter people.”
“Indeed,” the old woman said, sweating. Yongjia Junzhu didn’t need to flatter anyone.
“I’m not in a hurry,” the Third Commandery Princess said stubbornly and angrily. Why did she have to say these things? With anyone else, she would have punished them by now.
“Sister Yongjia’s wedding is imminent. How do you have time to come out?”
“Big Brother Yunzhao is hosting a polo match. Naturally, I had to come.” Shen Shurong said, glancing at the Fourth Commandery Princess, not missing the fleeting disappointment in her eyes.
“Is it Second Master Xie who’s hosting? The invitation said Duke of Lu’s Mansion. We thought…”
Shen Shurong understood. No wonder so many butterflies were fluttering around. They even brought the Crown Prince, thinking it was Xie Yunzheng hosting.
“Sister, let’s go play over there.” The Third Commandery Princess wanted to avoid her, pulling the Fourth Commandery Princess away. However, the noble ladies behind them all surrounded Shen Shurong. “Junzhu, you’re dressed so conveniently today. Are you going to play too?”
“No, I’m just here to enjoy the atmosphere.”
The Third Commandery Princess stomped her feet in anger. “Why aren’t you coming over here?”
The noble ladies looked awkwardly at Shen Shurong.
“Go ahead. Protect the two Commandery Princesses.”
The noble ladies all left. Shen Shurong was about to go to her carriage to change her clothes when she saw a refined woman approaching. Unlike the women of the capital who wore bright colors and heavy makeup, she was fresh and elegant, giving off a feeling of spring breeze.
Shen Shurong had never seen her before. She waited for the woman to greet her, as everyone knew who she was.
When the woman got closer, she merely bowed slightly. “Greetings, Yongjia Junzhu.”
Shen Shurong frowned. The greeting was improper and she didn’t announce her family name. “I don’t know which family’s Miss you are?”
“I am Li Wan’er, the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. I just arrived in the capital a few days ago. We will be living in the Duke of Lu’s Mansion together in the future. We can chat often.”
Shen Shurong furrowed her brow, staring at the old woman behind her. Didn’t she know that she was once Xie Yunzheng’s fiancée?
Even though it wasn’t written on paper, everyone understood.
Shen Shurong saw the old woman’s face turn pale, knowing that she hadn’t informed her yet. She didn’t intend to chat further. After all, once Li Wan’er found out, she would probably regret her hasty greeting.
Even if they lived in the Duke of Lu’s Mansion together, she wouldn’t talk much to her.
“This Junzhu isn’t feeling well and needs to change clothes in the carriage. Excuse me, I must take my leave.”
Li Wan’er was taken aback. Was the Junzhu so formal?
She would be her sister-in-law in the future, and the household affairs would be entrusted to her. There was no need to flatter her, as she was a Junzhu after all.
But she should be more polite, hoping for a harmonious relationship between sisters-in-law in the future.
Li Wan’er withdrew her smile and took a step back. “Junzhu, please go slowly.”
Shen Shurong merely nodded slightly and left.
Li Wan’er frowned. She wasn’t asking anything of her, so if she didn’t want to associate with her, so be it.
While strolling, she encountered several noble ladies who mentioned Yongjia Junzhu. Deciding not to greet them, she pretended to admire the flowers.
“Do you think Heir Xie will invite his fiancée from the capital today?”
“He probably will, but I saw Yongjia Junzhu’s carriage. If she sees it, she will certainly feel sad.”
“Indeed, such a good marriage alliance, and now it’s changed.”
Li Wan’er’s expression shifted. Why would Yongjia Junzhu feel sad?
Looking at the old woman beside her, who was trembling like a sieve, she squeezed her wrist and pulled her to a secluded spot, slapping the old woman’s face. “What’s the relationship between Yongjia Junzhu and Heir Xie? Speak up!”
The maid was terrified and hurriedly grabbed her hand; after all, this was a servant favored by the Madam.
The old woman knelt down, “Miss, Yongjia Junzhu originally had a marriage alliance with the Duke of Lu’s Mansion. Everyone thought she would marry Heir Xie, but after an accident where she fell into the water, Second Young Master saved her, revealing that the one with a marriage alliance was actually Second Master Xie.”
“Do you really believe that? The separation was forced by her and Heir Xie!”
“I said she didn’t pay him any mind just now; it’s obvious she hasn’t let go of Heir Xie and resents me, right?”
“Miss, please don’t think that way. The Junzhu has always been…”
Slap—
“You didn’t inform me in time, and you’re trying to excuse her! Whose servant are you, anyway?”
Li Wan’er was furious. Her parents only spoke of how wonderful Heir Xie was but never mentioned that he was already engaged. “So, Heir Xie choosing me is merely settling for second best, is it?”
The old woman didn’t dare reply but felt she had to speak. “That’s not the case. You, Miss, are as beautiful as a water lily. Heir Xie just hasn’t seen you before; once he does, he’ll surely only have eyes for you.”
“Do you think I would believe that? When I get home, I will call off the engagement!” Li Wan’er considered herself fairly beautiful and didn’t wear heavy makeup like other noble ladies, but just now, seeing Yongjia Junzhu, her admiration wasn’t just for her character but also for her beauty, which left her feeling inferior.
Besides, the two of them had grown up in the capital and were surely more familiar with each other, along with their longstanding marriage alliance. How could she compare to Yongjia Junzhu’s position in Heir Xie’s heart?
“Miss, what nonsense are you talking?” The old woman scrambled to follow her, fearing for her life!
Li Wan’er shook off her hand, angry that she hadn’t revealed the truth sooner.
She wasn’t the kind of woman to compete over a man. Knowing that her husband had feelings for someone else yet still rushing to marry him—was she foolish?
As she walked in a huff, suddenly a horse reared up in front of her, its front hooves raised. Li Wan’er was startled and instinctively raised her hand to shield herself.
“Whoa—”
“Who’s that? Don’t you want your life, suddenly appearing like this!” A guard-like person stepped forward.
The old woman hurriedly stepped out. “I apologize for the disturbance, Heir Xie. My young lady is Li Wan’er, daughter of Minister Li.”
The man on the horse stared at her. Li Wan’er?
Li Wan’er lowered her hand and looked up at the man on the horse.
Upon seeing him, she was mesmerized. He had striking brows and eyes, an air of nobility, and his phoenix eyes were hollow and indifferent, exuding a sense of superiority, both precious and solemn.
That’s right, the old woman just said, Heir Xie…
He is Xie Yunzheng?
Regaining her senses, Li Wan’er stepped back and bowed, “Li Wan’er pays her respects to the Heir.”
Looking at the woman who would soon share her life with him, Xie Yunzheng showed little emotion, his heart calm, but he knew the etiquette and dismounted.
“Good day, Miss Li,” he said while observing the direction she was heading. “Are you on your way back to the residence?”
Li Wan’er bit her lip and shook her head. “No, I’m just going back to the carriage to fetch a handkerchief.”
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