When Zhu Tong adopted Zhu Xinning, the main reason why Madam Zhu agreed, besides Zhu Tong's personal relationship with Jing Wenmao, was that they had no children at the time.
So when Zhu Xinning first came to the Zhu family, Madam Zhu treated her quite well. But when Madam Zhu had a son late in life, Zhu Tangwen, her attitude towards Zhu Xinning changed.
The main reason for the change is that the siblings are too far apart in age, and Zhu Xinning's rise to power is too fast. Madam Zhu always felt that the Zhu family would belong to Zhu Xinning in the future, not to her son Zhu Tangwen!
She had tried to subtly mention it to Zhu Tong, but all she received were negative answers, which made her even angrier.
When a woman gets angry, she's like Sherlock Holmes.
She kept thinking about how Zhu Tong had had an affair with a courtesan when he was young, and that woman looked remarkably like Zhu Xinning!
Thinking about it this way, she realized that Zhu Tong had conspired with his old friend Jing Wenmao to take in Zhu Xinning, and that he had pulled a switcheroo to bring back his illegitimate daughter!
Madam Zhu grew angrier the more she thought about it, but she dared not ask Zhu Tong for confirmation, fearing that she would not be able to bear the consequences if she received a positive answer.
Therefore, all the resentment was directed at Zhu Xinning. The more they looked at her, the more they disliked her. They always wanted to marry her off as soon as possible, so that they wouldn't have to see her and would also eliminate any potential problems.
Unexpectedly, before the woman was even married off, another burden was about to be brought in. Madam Zhu was furious.
"My lord, you mustn't! You know the Prince of Jin still wields considerable power. What if he hears that a descendant of the Jing family has entered Jingzhou and takes his anger out on you?"
You're overthinking it!
Zhu Tong shook his head. "The rule that vassal kings are not allowed to enter the capital was established when the late king was in power. Prince Jin has been in Jinxi for many years. Even if he has some influence in Jinxi, he can't possibly extend his reach to Jingzhou, can he?"
“But everyone knows that the Prince of Jin’s heir has been living in the Eastern Palace for a long time, while the Crown Prince is kind-hearted and soft-hearted. If he ascends the throne in the future, and the Prince of Jin’s heir pleads with him, who can say for sure? Master, even if you don’t consider us, mother and son, you should at least consider the ancestors of the Zhu family!”
"absurd!"
What was originally a simple discussion about Jing Zhe's visit to the Zhu family quickly escalated into a debate about the rise and fall of the Zhu clan, which annoyed Zhu Tong.
"That's just a woman's view! What you're saying is completely impossible! Besides, it has nothing to do with bringing Jing Zhe to the Zhu family!"
Seeing that this was a done deal, Madam Zhu was unwilling to give up. She glanced at Chen Jiannan beside her and suddenly had an idea.
"If Master insists on letting Jing Zhe move into the Zhu family, then Jian Nan must also move in! Every time Jian Nan comes, he calls her 'Auntie' this and 'Auntie' that, we can't show favoritism to one over the other!"
ha?
Previously, he was always caught in the crossfire even when he was lying down, but this time happiness came too suddenly, leaving Chen Jiannan somewhat bewildered.
"This...isn't necessary, Auntie..."
It's still necessary to be polite.
"Alright, then Jiannan can move in as well!"
Zhu Tong waved his hand, thinking that it wouldn't hurt to have one more person move in; it was better than arguing.
After saying that, he didn't bother to say anything more and left. Zhu Xinning had no interest in staying either and left as well, still thinking about where to ask Jing Zhe to come to her house the next day and where he could stay.
There was an empty room next to hers. Although it was a bit small, it was in the same courtyard as hers. If he stayed there, he could see her every day when he went out. It sounded really nice.
Thinking of Jing Zhe, the previous unpleasantness seemed to flash by, and Zhu Xinning smiled again.
...
"Thank you so much, Auntie!"
Zhu Tangwen also went out to play, leaving only Madam Zhu and Chen Jiannan in the hall.
Madam Zhu's face was somewhat gloomy, quite dissatisfied with Chen Jiannan's performance today, but considering that she would need him in the future, she did not show it.
"Jiannan, you're too kind!"
Then, changing the subject, he said, "Jiannan, your aunt thinks highly of you, but you need to be more proactive, otherwise how will you marry her?"
"Aunt, I..."
Madam Zhu was so blunt that Chen Jiannan was momentarily speechless.
waste!
Seeing his hesitation, Madam Zhu cursed inwardly, "Come live at our house first, spend more time together every day, and feelings might develop over time! But you still need to take the initiative, otherwise your aunt won't be able to help you!"
"Thank you so much, Auntie!"
Chen Jiannan cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Actually, I also know Jing Zhe, the one my aunt dislikes, and we have some past grievances..."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Madam Zhu became interested. "That's perfect! A country bumpkin from Pengzhou dares to have a grudge against you, the number one scholar in Yongzhou? Once he moves in, if he dares to disrespect you, see how your aunt deals with him!"
"Thank you so much, Auntie!"
Chen Jiannan quickly clasped his hands in thanks, his eyes crinkling into crescent moons with laughter.
Last night at Wuxian Garden, he was extremely jealous when he saw how gentle Zhu Xinning was to Jing Zhe. He only felt relieved after hearing that the two of them were siblings.
What good is a well-written poem?
Once I've won over your sister, I'll let you experience what it's like to be a brother-in-law!
...
The Eastern Palace and the Imperial Palace are only two streets apart; it won't take long to arrive.
Guided by Feng Lianru, Jing Zhe entered the mansion and suddenly felt like a country bumpkin visiting the Grand View Garden!
The most luxurious mansion he had ever seen before was—well, it seems he hadn't seen any decent houses. The best one was the Zhang family's house where he was currently living, but compared to this Eastern Palace—it was utter trash!
Entering through the main gate, you'll find a large courtyard. In the center of the courtyard, pavilions, towers, ponds, and waterside pavilions are nestled among green pines and cypresses; artificial hills and strange rocks, flower beds and bonsai, vines and bamboos adorn the space.
Looking further into the middle of the artificial hill, one sees lush trees and vibrant flowers, with a clear stream meandering from the depths of the trees and flowers down into the crevices of the rocks.
A few steps further on, the path opens up to a flat and wide expanse, with soaring pavilions on both sides, carved eaves and embroidered railings, all hidden among artificial hills and small ponds. Looking down, one sees clear streams cascading like snow, stone steps piercing through the clouds, white stone railings embracing the pond's edge, and three stone bridges spanning the waterways, each adorned with a beast-faced spout.
Jing Zhe reacted well to the luxurious courtyard, but Hanhan was completely stunned, like a complete idiot.
I don't know how many corridors we passed through or how many moon gates we went through before we finally arrived at the entrance of a spacious hall.
Before they could even enter the hall, a short, stout, and familiar figure emerged from inside.
"Young Master Jing, we've been waiting for you for quite some time!"
Su Xinping came out smiling.
When he saw the simple-minded man next to Jing Zhe carrying four jars of strong liquor, he laughed heartily: "Young Master Jing is too kind. Since you brought four jars of strong liquor, let's really drink until we drop today!"
He reached out to take it after he finished speaking, but Jing Zhe blocked his way.
"This is…"
Su Xinping looked puzzled.
Jing Zhe, on the other hand, extended his hand, warm and gentle.
"Give me the money!"
"..."
————
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