Wang was genuinely frightened.
Eunuchs were only found in the imperial palace, and they served nobles all day long. Even when beating a dog, one had to consider its owner.
Besides, today is such an important occasion.
She had just organized her thoughts when she saw the eunuch smile meaningfully: "That's not necessarily true, Miss Chu. How about we have a little competition?"
Chu Jinjin spoke so quickly that no one had time to react: "Okay."
Wang: "..."
Are you crazy?
Why did you agree?
The situation was beyond her control, so Chu Jinjin left directly with the father-in-law.
Just then, the voice of a maid came from behind.
"Madam Li, the princess has been waiting for you for a long time."
Unlike the Chu family, who were ignored, a woman who appeared to be a personal maid respectfully led the way. Behind her followed a middle-aged woman with a dignified appearance and an aura that was definitely not that of an ordinary person.
Chu Lanlan glanced at it and said softly, "A first-rank imperial consort."
Since her engagement, she had attended many banquets for noble ladies. She may not have met many people, but she had gained some basic knowledge. The person who came was wearing a dark red shawl with bird and flower patterns, which was a symbol of status bestowed by the emperor and only available to a first-rank noblewoman.
Wang was startled.
No wonder the maid treated her that way.
She had never met such a distinguished person, but she understood the significance of being a first-rank imperial consort.
Simply put, it is second only to the Empress and is the highest honor a woman can achieve. Although women cannot participate in politics, they have an extremely powerful influence.
A lady of such age who holds the title of Lady of the Imperial Court... and whose surname is Li, her identity is almost self-evident.
The three women almost simultaneously thought of one person—Zhou Guoshou's wife, Li Xinzhi.
Come to think of it, how could a first-rank noblewoman, a role model for women, not attend such an important banquet?
But they are not Chu Jinjin.
The mother and her two children took a few steps back, stood by the roadside, and bowed, waiting for others to pass first.
As the dark red skirt passed by, it suddenly stopped, followed by a gentle voice.
"Are you the Chu sisters?"
Wang quickly raised her head and performed a deep bow according to etiquette: "This humble subject, Wang, greets Madam Li."
Li Xinzhi quickly helped her up, then gestured to the Chu sisters not to be so polite, and said softly, "Didn't Miss Jinjin come?"
She got off the bus a little late and didn't see what happened.
"Reporting to Madam, Jinjin has been taken away by an eunuch." Madam Wang knew about Li Xinzhi's plight, and by all accounts, she owed Chu Jinjin a huge favor.
"Father-in-law?" Li Xinzhi frowned and looked at the maid. "What's going on?"
The maidservant lowered her head and said, "This servant does not know."
"As the princess's personal maid, you've served her for over ten years. Is there anything in this mansion that you don't know?" Li Xinzhi showed no respect to the princess's attendant and said indifferently, "Fine, I'll go ask the princess."
With that, she turned and walked into the yard.
The maid followed behind with a wry smile, and said in a low voice, "Madam Li, it's not that I deliberately concealed it, but really, I dare not say it."
Li Xinzhi stopped, seemingly lost in thought: "From the palace?"
There are things ordinary people wouldn't dare say, but she could. Her status as a first-rank noblewoman wasn't due to her husband's family, but rather the accumulated wealth and influence of her own family over generations. Even the Empress wouldn't dare accept a single bow from her.
If she hadn't known Chu Jinjin was coming, she wouldn't have attended this boring banquet.
Chu Jinjin had actually guessed it long ago.
From the moment she got off the carriage, she was being watched by this eunuch, who was clearly there for her.
According to Zhan Qin's analysis last night, this donation banquet is very important to the princess. If something unexpected happens, it will be difficult to explain to the emperor. In other words, he hopes more than anyone else that she will behave herself and not cause any trouble.
Why would they send a skilled eunuch to stand at the door and probe?
Prince Consort Zheng?
It seems I don't have that much ability.
Eunuchs could only come from one place.
Chu Jinjin deliberately provoked him with her words, actually testing him.
Since the other party has ill intentions, there's no need for me to be polite.
The princess's residence was decorated with lanterns for tonight's banquet, but the darkness of the night only made the lanterns disappear.
Chu Jinjin acted very suddenly. The eunuch was probably trying to take her to a place where he wouldn't disturb the guests. They walked further and further into the secluded area. When they turned a corner, Chu Jinjin raised her hand and grabbed the eunuch by the back of the neck without any effort.
Eunuch: "......"
Chu Jinjin slowly exerted force: "My lord, you have lost."
To reiterate, Chu Jinjin would save herself as much effort as possible, and principles and face were of no importance to her.
Besides, her outfit tonight isn't suitable for fighting. If she ends up disheveled and unkempt, it would be unseemly.
Whether it was due to picky eating or maintaining his figure, the eunuch had a thin neck that Chu Jinjin could easily snap with a little force if she wanted to.
Unlike other parts of the body, a broken neck means certain death. Helpless, the eunuch raised his hand: "Third Miss Chu, we haven't arrived yet. You're not following the rules."
Chu Jinjin readily accepted: "What you said is right, but my disregard for rules has only just begun."
If it were the fat and thin brothers from Black Hawk Village, they would probably realize what was about to happen.
The eunuch laughed: "Is that so? Then let me see how else you can break the rules."
He believed he had encountered a female merchant with little manners.
Chu Jinjin suddenly tightened her grip and said in a low voice, "Tell me, who sent you here, and what is your purpose?"
The eunuch still didn't realize the seriousness of the situation. He was being choked until he looked like a skinny chicken, but he could still laugh out loud: "Chu Jinjin, do you dare to kill me?"
"I really don't dare." Chu Jinjin quickly tore off his sleeve, tying it up while telling the truth, "But I have something more fun than killing people."
Chu Jinjin had already roughly guessed his identity. Look at how arrogant he is; even after all this, he still doesn't take it seriously.
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