PFC Chapter 389 Your Nemesis
Chapter 389 Your Nemesis
noon.
God is not good at it.
It rained heavily.
What a coincidence.
Princess Yuqing's carriage was parked outside Prince Chen's villa.
A maid knocked on the door. "I am from Princess Yuqing's residence. My lady wishes to take shelter from the rain at Prince Chen's residence. Please open the door to welcome her."
The gatekeeper stared blankly at the carriage in the rain for a moment.
He stammered, "This...this servant...will go and report."
The doorman ran off as soon as he finished speaking, without even closing the door.
This residence is generally off-limits to outsiders; even the Princess Consort of Chen is not allowed to enter.
Princess Consort Chen had come several times, but Consort Lan refused her entry each time, citing the prince's orders. When the princess tried to force her way in, she was stopped at the door by the prince's guards.
He was even scolded by the prince afterwards.
The servants in the manor finally understood that Consort Lan was the one most cherished in Prince Chen's heart.
But Princess Yuqing was different.
She is the prince's elder sister; who would dare to stop her unless they were willing to risk their lives?
Besides, the princess came to seek shelter from the rain, so even Consort Lan had no reason to refuse her.
"Mother, how did you know it would rain today?" Miao Miao asked Princess Yuqing, looking at the seemingly divinely inspired downpour.
"Naturally, I consulted the Imperial Observatory. They observed the celestial phenomena last night, and it just so happens that it will rain today," Princess Yuqing said with a smile.
No matter how great Jiang Zijin's reasons were, they couldn't refuse her entry into the mansion to take shelter from the rain.
Jiang Miaomiao: ……
I almost forgot, weather forecasts existed in ancient times too.
It's just that ordinary people aren't qualified to use it.
It is exclusively for royalty.
It was pouring rain outside.
The sound of a pipa filled the room; one could listen to the rain and the pipa.
It's so uncomfortable.
Jiang Zijin leaned against the chaise lounge, gazing absently at the rain pattering on the banana leaves outside the window.
The sound of the pipa sometimes grew louder and sometimes softer, and was sometimes drowned out by the rain.
She wasn't fully recovered from her illness, but she was in an exceptionally good mood today.
For two reasons.
One thing is that a second wife has already been chosen for the father.
After much deliberation, they chose Zhou Qin, the eldest daughter of the Zhou family of the Marquis of Ding'an, who was also Zhou Mu's elder sister.
Jiang Zijin had heard Zhou Mu mention it before.
His elder sister has been a widow for five years, with no children. Her husband's family refuses to let her go, and his father doesn't want her to return to the Marquis's mansion either.
They felt ashamed of their daughter who had returned to her ancestral home.
It just so happens that the Zhou family is also of high social standing.
The marriage between Zhou Mu and the Shen family also fell through, and the two families became enemies. Seeing that Prince Chen was gaining popularity, Marquis Ding'an also intended to join Prince Chen.
The enemy of the enemy is the friend.
Saving Zhou Qin from her suffering can be seen as her way of repaying Zhou Mu's deep affection.
Good birds choose trees to roost in.
Marquis Ding'an will surely make the best choice.
Unexpectedly, just after Prince Chen mentioned finding a marriage for his father, Marquis Ding'an ordered Zhou Qin to return to her clan the very next day and welcomed her back to his mansion to await marriage.
She was somewhat impressed by the Zhou family's quick adaptability.
Father must have been overjoyed to be able to marry the legitimate daughter of a marquis.
No matter how much he liked Tao Tao, he couldn't treat her as his legal wife. He could entrust her with managing the household affairs, but it was impossible for her to go out and socialize.
Why send a concubine from the countryside out to socialize?
My father can't bear the shame.
The Marquis's family is no less prestigious than the Lu family, and although Miss Zhou is a bit shrewish, she is said to be quite a beauty.
Tao Tao, that country girl, was utterly no match for Zhou Qin, a lady from a prominent family.
They are not comparable.
Both the father and the Jiang family needed a matriarch who could uphold their social standing.
The most important thing.
This woman must be able to keep Jiang Zifeng and his brother in check.
If the two still wish to serve as officials in the imperial court, they must return to the Jiang family.
In this Liang dynasty, no child would abandon their mother after a divorce.
The Great Liang Dynasty governed the country with filial piety.
If Jiang Zifeng and his brother really dared to betray their ancestors and abandon their biological father and grandmother...
Those old ministers who constantly preach benevolence, wisdom, propriety, righteousness, and filial piety will surely criticize them verbally and in writing.
As long as they still want to enter officialdom, they will most likely compromise.
The second thing that made her feel great.
The purpose was to find a concubine for Prince Jing, and incidentally, to plant a spy in Prince Jing's residence.
After much deliberation, he fell in love with Yan Yan, the illegitimate daughter of the Left Chancellor Yan Fu.
Her name sounds like it was chosen randomly, but Yan Yan is actually a favored concubine's daughter.
She had met that Miss Yan before; she was quite shrewd and cunning.
After all, Prime Minister Yan had a large number of wives and concubines and many children. Without some skill, how could he possibly stand out among so many concubine daughters?
I heard that she was even specially sent to learn from the Yangzhou "slender horses" for quite some time.
This girl's abilities are far beyond those of a dull, well-bred young lady like Mu Qianxue; she will surely subdue Prince Jing completely.
Jiang Zijin felt much better when she thought about these things.
They were eagerly awaiting news of a fire in the backyard of Prince Jing's residence.
She summoned her trusted aide, "Ya'er, give the Prince the sachet embroidered by Consort Zhen's mother, and have him take it into the palace to give to Consort Zhen. Give her a heads-up; her influence from her husband should be taking effect by now."
The maid, Ya'er, responded and left.
Jiang Zijin had been lying in bed for several days and was about to get up and walk around the room when her maid came to report.
Princess Yuqing has arrived and wants to go inside the mansion to avoid the rain.
"Who? Who's coming?"
Jiang Zijin paused, her legs went weak, and she almost stumbled and fell.
"It's Princess Yuqing. Her carriage is right at the gate. She wants to come inside to take shelter from the rain," the servant replied.
Jiang Zijin gasped.
If there is anyone in this world she hates the most, it is none other than King Jing.
If there are anyone we fear, it is Jiang Miaomiao and her son.
Especially Jiang Miaomiao, it seems that as long as she encounters her, she will be unlucky. This girl is like her nemesis.
However, this was the lofty and unapproachable Princess Yuqing.
She was both afraid and hateful.
This woman is seriously ill; she's insane.
I remember in the previous life, after King Jing ascended the throne, Princess Yuqing actually harmed herself and framed Cao and her son.
They were falsely accused of poisoning and murder.
It is claimed that Cao Fuma swapped his illegitimate daughter, Cao Jiayue, with his mistress's daughter, thus stealing the royal bloodline.
As a result, Cao and her son died a horrific death, being skinned alive and tortured to death.
I heard that their deaths were gruesome.
Unable to bear her indifference and the rumors, Cao Jiayue hanged herself.
Princess Yuqing was quite irritable at that time, and even somewhat insane.
Compared to the previous life.
Princess Yuqing seems much gentler now; at least she hasn't tortured Cao and her son so severely.
Jiang Zijin was afraid of Princess Yuqing.
It was because she almost lost her life at the hands of this woman.
At that time, Mu Qianxue died in childbirth, and Princess Yuqing insisted that it was her fault, even though she could not produce any evidence.
I still want her to die.
Without saying a word, he stepped forward and grabbed his neck.
She still vividly remembers the suffocating feeling of being on the verge of death, and the thought of it sends chills down her spine.
Almost there.
She almost died.
Fortunately, at the last moment, Ya'er lied and said she was pregnant, which saved her life.
Now, at this very moment.
This person actually came to our door.
Jiang Zijin panicked a little; she didn't dare to drive away Princess Yuqing the way she had driven away Princess Chen.
It's not the right time to openly oppose her.
She had to humbly call her "Royal Sister".
After a moment's thought, Jiang Zijin put on her mask and went to greet him, ordering someone to bring Prince Chen back.
Princess Yuqing couldn't wait for someone to greet her, as the rain was about to stop.
She turned to look at Granny Feng, "Why don't we send someone to invite Princess Chen over so we can catch up?"
"That's a good idea." Granny Feng sent someone to invite Princess Chen as quickly as possible.
The princess is really playful; I hope they don't start fighting later.
Then look at the little princess, her eyes sparkling, craning her neck to look out curiously.
Isn't this a miniature version of Her Highness?
"Miaomiao, let's go see if that concubine is Jiang Zijin."
Miao Miao nodded; she couldn't wait.
There's a sense of excitement, like the anticipation of uncovering a mystery.
Holding hands, the mother and daughter led their servants into the villa in a grand procession, and no one dared to stop them along the way.
As we walked, the rain stopped and the sun came out.
Miaomiao looked around, trying to find any trace of Jiang Zijin.
The mansion features small bridges, flowing water, and a cluster of strangely shaped rocks. Several swans are foraging for food by a clear spring.
The mansion is quite large, and the environment is quite elegant.
Even though it's autumn, there's no sign of desolation; the chrysanthemums and red maples by the pond are thriving.
Every step reveals a new scene.
It's clear that the owner of the garden put a lot of thought into it.
It's clear that the garden owner cares about the people living there.
When Jiang Zijin heard from the servants that the princess had entered the mansion, she suppressed her anxiety and went to greet her outside the flower hall.
Princess Yuqing looked up.
A frail girl stood at the door, looking as if she might be blown away by a gust of wind.
She must have just rushed out of the bedroom; her slightly loose hair was adorned with a magnolia hairpin, and her wide-sleeved robe gave her a rather ethereal appearance.
The girl was wearing a mask, which was made of gold with intricate carvings. The carving and craftsmanship were probably more valuable than the gold itself.
"Miaomiao, is it her?" Princess Yuqing asked her daughter.
"You can't tell from the mask, but the figure is somewhat similar." Miao Miao stared intently into the eyes of the girl in white.
The panic in her eyes was obvious.
If Miaomiao saw five points of panic, then Jiang Zijin actually felt ten points.
When she saw the child beside Princess Yuqing from afar, she was both shocked and terrified.
It turned out to be Jiang Miaomiao.
I'm afraid she'll recognize me.
However, after her pupils dilated for a moment, she regained her composure.
She pinched her palm hard, forcing herself to calm down.
He touched his mask; it was still on.
No one will recognize her.
She told herself not to panic, not to lose her composure, that she was now the concubine of Prince Chen.
Jiang Zijin took a deep breath and greeted him with a smile.
Just like in her previous life, she was unwilling in her heart, but she still smiled and sweetly called out "Royal Sister".
Princess Yuqing stared at her, surprised that she could call her "elder sister" so naturally.
It sounded even better than that pretentious Prince Chen's shouts.
She led her daughter into the house and sat in the main seat. After drinking a cup of tea, she asked, "Are you the ugly concubine Lan, whom my fourth brother keeps hidden away? I find those rumors completely unbelievable. She's clearly a great beauty."
"Your Majesty flatters me. My appearance has been ruined, and I can only cover my scars with a mask. What people outside say is not untrue."
Jiang Zijin's heart was pounding as she spoke, and she deliberately lowered her voice.
I'm afraid Jiang Miaomiao will realize it.
Because from the moment she walked in until now, this brat has been staring at her.
His stare made her feel uneasy.
Seeing how intimate she was with Princess Yuqing, I felt very unhappy.
The little brat is quite capable; he actually managed to curry favor with Princess Yuqing, and they even wear the same color clothes.
and many more……
The more Jiang Zijin looked at the little boy, the more he felt that the boy's eyebrows and eyes resembled Princess Yuqing.
Suddenly, I remembered Princess Yuqing's lawsuit against Consort Cao in my previous life.
Stealing royal bloodlines.
Royal bloodline...
Could this little brat be her lost child?
But this girl's surname is Jiang, and her mother is Lu Qingyao.
"Impossible, impossible," Jiang Zijin immediately dismissed the idea.
Princess Yuqing suddenly asked, "Consort Lan, do you think I look alike with Miaomiao?"
“They look so alike…like a real mother and daughter,” Jiang Zijin said tentatively.
"Indeed, I think so too. I wish she were my own daughter. But it doesn't matter, I've already adopted Miaomiao as my goddaughter. She just happened to be visiting my fourth brother's residence today, so I'll take her to meet my relatives..."
Princess Yuqing glanced at the door and wondered, "Shouldn't my fourth brother and sister-in-law be here by now?"
Jiang Zijin felt a chill run down her spine.
What fourth sister-in-law?
What exactly is Princess Yuqing doing here? Is she here to cause her trouble?
While she was distracted, Miao Miao walked up to her and said, “Auntie, you look just like my third sister. Even your scent and your hands are similar.”
"Cough cough cough..."
Jiang Zijin almost choked on her saliva.
The incense she usually liked to use was something even her mother couldn't remember when she was alive, yet this girl remembered it so clearly.
This little brat is probably just kidding her.
She laughed and said, "Girl, you're joking. You can't even see my face, so how do you know I look like your sister?"
Miaomiao tilted her little head up and carefully examined her, saying innocently, "Why don't you take off your mask so I can take a look?"
Jiang Zijin's face darkened.
I really want someone to throw this little brat out.
Princess Yuqing seemed not to hear, looking up at the calligraphy and paintings on the wall.
"Who dares to remove the mask of my beloved consort?" Prince Chen strode in, a smile on his face, but his eyes were full of coldness.
Upon hearing that Princess Yuqing had arrived at the villa, he hurried over on horseback.
His elder sister is such a drama queen; her talk of seeking shelter from the rain was all a pretense. She must have come prepared.
I just don't know what their purpose is.
Miao Miao sensed the unfriendly look in Prince Chen's eyes and wisely retreated to her mother's side.
Seeing that his beloved concubine was safe and sound, Prince Chen then turned his attention to Princess Yuqing and Jiang Miaomiao.
He paused for a moment, then asked, "Whose child is this?"
"This is my adopted daughter." Princess Yuqing patted her daughter's head and instructed, "Call her Fourth Uncle."
"Fourth Uncle," Jiang Miaomiao called out without hesitation, pointing to the woman who had entered the room shortly after Prince Chen and asking, "Is this Fourth Aunt?"
The woman was dressed in gorgeous clothes and was about the same age as Jiang Zijin, but her appearance was plain.
She looks like someone who's prone to jealousy and sulking.
Wow! The real show is about to begin.
The moment Prince Chen saw his queen, his face darkened instantly, and his eyes were filled with undisguised disgust.
"What are you here for?"
"What? I am the princess consort whom the prince married through proper channels. Am I so shameful that I can't be seen in public?" Princess Consort Chen was seething with anger.
She was curious to see what kind of treasure her prince had hidden away in his golden house.
If it weren't for her elder sister, she probably would never have met this vixen.
From the moment I entered, I stared at the masked woman next to Prince Chen.
The more I look at it, the more familiar it looks.
Miaomiao whispered to Princess Yuqing, quite inappropriately, "Mother, the more I look at this aunt, the more she looks like my third sister, Jiang Zijin."
"Really? It's a pity I can't see their faces."
The voice was very soft, but Miao Miao's voice was naturally a bit loud.
Everyone inside the room heard it.
……