Chapter 41: Steadfast  

Xie Yunzhao was in a hurry to leave, and Shen Shurong didn’t have time to tell him about her trip the next day. She had just asked Suihan to go when Jinzhi bowed and said, “Junzhu, why don’t I go instead? Suihan accompanied you out today, she must be tired.”

Shen Shurong glanced at her, “Am I not taking you out enough lately?”

Jinzhi bowed even lower, her expression fearful, “How could I dare question the Junzhu?”

“Then what are you doing now?”

Jinzhi slowly straightened up, “I know I was wrong, I won’t delay Suihan’s departure.”

Suihan went out, and Jinzhi stared at her back, her eyes filled with disgust.

She knew that she was trying to match the Junzhu with Xie Yunzhao.

The Junzhu was just infatuated for now. Once she sees that Xie Yunzhao is a good-for-nothing who can’t be relied upon, and sees that he spends his days doing nothing, she will definitely grow tired of him!

Turning back, she served Shen Shurong with a bright smile. She already felt that her position as the most favored maid was in jeopardy. Even the second-rate maids no longer treated her with the same respect.

“Junzhu, let me apply some hand cream and peach blossom ointment for you. Your hands are red from swinging on the swing so high.”

“Second Master Xie really spoils you, he lets you have your way.”

It had to be said that Jinzhi was the best at serving, she had a sweet mouth and nimble hands.

If she wanted to praise someone, even a rogue could be praised by her for their unique qualities.

Shen Shurong extended her hand, allowing her to serve her.

In her previous life, she had become pregnant with Anan two months after her marriage. Jinzhi often said that for her sake, it was better to have someone she trusted than to have a husband with a wandering heart. She even hinted that both she and Yinzhi were available.

As a noble of the Great Zhou, a Junzhu who had just married, even if she was pregnant, she was a member of the imperial family, proud since childhood, how could she agree?

But Jinzhi didn’t give up. On the night before she gave birth to Anan, she sent a medicinal meal to Xie Yunzheng under her own name, drugged it, and climbed into his bed.

The next day, she learned that her labor had started prematurely. Thankfully, she gave birth safely.

After that, she became a concubine, where was there any trust left?

She would fight, she would speak sweetly to gain Xie Yunzheng’s pity, wanting to bear his child.

After Wei Youran entered the household, the two of them fought like gladiators, she had no background, yet she had caused the Wei family’s legitimate daughter to suffer several times.

Shen Shurong smiled, “You are still the best at serving.”

Jinzhi was happy, and she asked as if it was a casual question, “Junzhu, your wedding is approaching, have you decided on the people who will accompany you as your dowry?”

Shen Shurong acknowledged, “You are right, originally it was decided that the four of you would go, and then my grandmother would add four more for me.”

Jinzhi held her breath, “Junzhu, is there any change now?”

Shen Shurong sighed, “Brother Yunzhao has been… “

Jinzhi’s hand stopped as she applied the peach blossom ointment, “Junzhu, I already know I was wrong. Moreover, I can see that Second Master Xie treasures you,” she frowned, and said decisively, “He can often accompany you, he is much better than the Heir.”

Shen Shurong chuckled, “Do you really think he is better than the Heir?”

Jinzhi contradicted herself, nodding vigorously, “I understand now, being good to you is what truly matters.”

“Well, next time you say this to his face, if he accepts me taking you with me, the dowry selection will remain unchanged.”

“I understand, thank you for your guidance, Junzhu.”

“Do you really want to go? Actually, I can ask my grandmother to choose a manager for you to marry.”

“No, I can’t be at ease without you by my side, Junzhu. I won’t marry, I will serve you for my entire life.”

Shen Shurong rubbed her hair, “Alright, I believe you.”

Yinzhi stood behind Shen Shurong, becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Jinzhi. She had never thought that Jinzhi was so good at acting, she spoke so sweetly, clearly she was just after the Heir.

She glared at her, she was truly mad.

But the Junzhu was marrying Second Master, and the Heir would soon be married as well, his fiancée was the Minister’s daughter, she wouldn’t have a chance even if she went.

Suihan now particularly liked going to the Duke of Lu’s Mansion. Each time she went, she would only deliver a message, but she would still get to eat good tea and snacks.

There were also the two handsome brothers, Qingzhu and Qingying, who surrounded her, chatting with her.

“How many shops are was Junzhu planning to inspect? If you finish early, we can go boating on Qingquan Lake.”

Suihan’s mouth was full, “I don’t know, the Junzhu said it might take a few days.”

Qingzhu and Qingying nodded, it seemed that over the next few days, Second Master wouldn’t have a chance to create a good atmosphere.

The next morning, Xie Yunzhao was summoned by his mother for breakfast before he could leave.

“What’s this? Why would I take the her out?”

Smack—

Xie Yunzhao’s finger was slapped red by Li Shuang, “Your cousin rarely comes, take her out for a walk.”

“Let her older cousin take her!”

“Do you think Yunzheng is as free as you are?”

Xie Yunzhao was filled with dissatisfaction from head to toe; if she followed them, she would surely steal away Rongrong’s attention.

His dark eyes narrowed, filled with a cold light as he glared at Li Shuang and gritted his teeth, “I advise you to tell my mother right now that you’re feeling unwell and want to stay at home!”

Li Shuang curled her lips, “Auntie, Second Cousin is threatening me.”

When Xie Yunzhao left again, there was another person behind him.

The irritation he felt vanished as they reached the gate of the Grand Princess’ estate, “I’ll go in to fetch her, you wait in the carriage.”

“Understood, Second Cousin.”

When Shen Shurong saw Li Shuang at the gate, she was quite surprised; something felt off…

“Li Shuang greets Yongjia Junzhu.” The young girl performed a proper curtsy.

Xie Yunzhao looked apologetically at Shen Shurong, “My mother insisted that I bring her.”

Shen Shurong shook her head, it was fine. She smiled and walked in front of her, gently touching the two hairpins in her hair, “It’s good that cousin Li Shuang came along to keep me company. Come sit in my carriage.”

‘…Cousin?’ Li Shuang was taken aback, quickly lowering her head to thank her.

Xie Yunzhao was stunned on the spot; Rongrong… was going to share a carriage with Li Shuang?

What about him?

A familiar figure reappeared on the street, a man riding a horse while holding an umbrella…

Inside the carriage, Shen Shurong chatted casually, “Cousin, why did you come over at this time? My wedding with your second cousin is still more than a month away.”

Li Shuang kept her head down, her voice soft and sweet, “I had nothing to do at home, so I came early.”

Shen Shurong smiled, “You must have been surprised that I would switch my marriage partner to your second cousin, right?”

Li Shuang nodded, “Indeed, I didn’t expect the Junzhu to agree.”

“Why, do you think your second cousin is not as good as your older cousin?”

Li Shuang raised her gaze slightly, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes, “No, both cousins are great.”

“Is that so?” Shen Shurong chuckled, “If you had to choose one, who would it be?”

Li Shuang was silent for a moment, “The older cousin is steady, the second cousin is lively.”

“Hmm, I understand what you mean, most people prefer someone steady.”

Li Shuang was shocked and looked up; that wasn’t what she meant!

Wait, was that what the Junzhu meant?

Second Cousin, did you hear that? The Junzhu’s heart still belongs to the older cousin.

“Li Shuang!”

Li Shuang turned back to lift the carriage curtain, “Second Cousin?”

“If you like your older cousin so much, go find him!”

Li Shuang was even more flustered, “Auntie said he’s busy.”

Xie Yunzhao gritted his teeth and nodded, “Fine, I understand, turn back.”

Li Shuang turned back to meet Shen Shurong’s smiling face, lowering her head.

Shen Shurong invited her to drink tea; you can like Xie Yunzheng, but if you want to keep thinking about Xie Yunzhao, she wouldn’t mind turning sisters into enemies.