Chapter 282: Admiration

Cao Suxue had dared to act against Cao Wanqing because she was confident she could find a way out for herself. Fortunately, she had managed to save herself, preventing Cao Wanqing from interfering in her marriage.

Leaning in close, she whispered into the ear of the young lady beside her, “County Princess Lin’an, this carriage belongs to the household of Gu Juren. Their entire family has moved to the capital to await the imperial examination.”

After a brief pause, she added, “He fell ill this year and was unable to participate in the spring examination.”

These words subtly hinted to County Princess Lin’an that the owner of the carriage was, at best, just a juren.

County Princess Lin’an was of noble status, pampered since childhood, and willful in her ways.

With Cao Suxue by her side, if she were to move the carriage as Mo Yuan requested, it would indeed be a loss of face for her.

County Princess Lin’an raised an eyebrow, lifted her chin, and looked at Mo Yuan with an arrogant expression. “This princess’s carriage will remain right here. The road beside is wide enough—can’t you take that path instead?”

Mo Yuan’s expression darkened as he recognized the young woman before him—County Princess Lin’an, the daughter of Princess Yongfu. Her father was Marquis Guangyuan, making her someone he couldn’t afford to offend recklessly at this moment.

“Mo Yuan,” Su Wan called out, walking up to the carriage as if she hadn’t noticed the brewing conflict. She urged him, “Hurry up. The Eldest Princess has invited me to her residence as a guest. Let’s not keep her waiting too long.”

County Princess Lin’an felt slighted by Su Wan’s disregard, taking it as a challenge to her dignity. How dare a mere commoner act so insolently!

Just as she was about to speak, Cao Suxue gently tugged at her sleeve and said hesitantly, “County Princess Lin’an, since you didn’t grow up in the capital, you might not be fully aware of her identity. She is the wife of Gu Juren, but she also holds another status—she is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Dingyuan Marquis Household. She has exceptional medical skills and was the one who solved the chess puzzle set by Young Master Xie. The Eldest Princess regards her as an honored guest.”

“Didn’t the Dingyuan Marquis die? Wasn’t his entire household wiped out?” County Princess Lin’an scoffed, clearly unimpressed.

However, after a moment’s thought, she hesitated. After all, she still had to be mindful of the Eldest Princess and didn’t want to escalate the situation too much.

Yet, if she backed down just like this, she would lose face.

“Miss, the carriages behind have formed a long queue. Could you kindly move your carriage forward? There’s a designated parking area just a few dozen steps ahead in front of the teahouse.”

Su Wan offered County Princess Lin’an a graceful way out, adding, “The pastries at that teahouse are quite good. You might want to give them a try.”

County Princess Lin’an’s expression eased slightly. She lifted her chin arrogantly and said, “If those pastries aren’t good, I’ll go to my aunt and settle the score with you.”

Then, she shot a glance at the coachman, who immediately understood and moved the carriage aside.

Su Wan thanked her before stepping onto the carriage. In that brief moment, she cast a quick glance at County Princess Lin’an.

She wore a vibrant green brocade dress, her hair adorned with pearl hairpins. Her features were delicate and refined, exuding the charm of a gentle, well-bred young lady.

However, her sharply drawn eyebrows gave her an air of severity, suggesting a difficult temperament. She carried herself with an arrogant and domineering presence.

After the carriage had moved away, Cao Suxue let out a sigh of relief and said with gratitude, “It’s a good thing you didn’t insist on confronting her. Just now, with her right in front of us, there were many things that couldn’t be said openly. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the man she married isn’t of high birth—Lord Zhao from the Defender Duke’s household has an unusual relationship with her. If you had made things difficult for her, I fear Lord Zhao would have stepped in to seek justice on her behalf.”

“Zhao Wei?” County Princess Lin’an’s face darkened with anger. “He wouldn’t dare!”

Cao Suxue lowered her head, remaining silent, but the corners of her lips curled up in a triumphant smile. County Princess Lin’an harbored feelings for Zhao Wei, yet Zhao Wei admired Su Wan and showed no interest in Lin’an at all. This was something that the proud and arrogant County Princess Lin’an could never accept—how could she not feel jealous?

A woman’s jealousy can be terrifying.

After a long pause, County Princess Lin’an hesitantly asked, “Is Zhao Wei truly interested in this woman?”

“County Princess, I personally witnessed Zhao Fourth Master treating her with great care in Guangling Prefecture. You’ve been in the capital for over half a year—have you ever seen him show kindness to any other woman?”

Cao Suxue suddenly recalled something and leaned in to whisper, “In a few days, the Old Madam of the Defender Duke’s household will be celebrating her seventieth birthday. You’ll see for yourself then.”