Chapter 117 Don't Be a Coward
Chu Yunjin was well aware of the intrigue and backstabbing among the various families under the imperial power.
She also knew that the Duke of Dingguo's mansion had gone to great lengths to invite her over, perhaps not only for Pei Yi'an's sake, but also for other purposes.
However, risks and opportunities often coexist.
She can't stay at home like a coward; she just needs to take precautions against potential risks.
The next morning, after having breakfast.
Chu Yunjin wore a light purple dress, flowing and beautiful, with a belt around her waist that cinched her slender waist, and a thin purple outer garment over it.
The hairpins, hair ornaments, and earrings on her head were all matched with her clothes, making her look very elegant.
When Chu Yunjin stayed at the Prince's Mansion, she wore very little jewelry, prioritizing comfort and convenience. However, when she went out, she had to dress in a manner befitting a princess. The jewelry on her head was made of genuine gold and jade, which was quite tiring to wear. She also had to maintain a proper posture, and her neck would ache after half a day out.
However, there's no way around it; if you enjoy the wealth and convenience that come with your status, you have to shoulder the responsibilities that come with it.
Looking at her luxurious makeup in the mirror, Chu Yunjin suddenly chuckled softly, as if something had occurred to her.
Since arriving at the Prince's mansion, she has never seemed to shoulder any heavy responsibilities. If these pieces of jewelry are considered responsibilities, then everyone would probably be lining up to get them.
She looked at herself in the mirror, then turned and walked out.
Princess Yan was always surrounded by a large entourage when she went out.
In the past, when Yan Cang was at home, with him by her side, Chu Yunjin didn't have to worry about her safety. Sometimes, the two of them would go out together, without even a maid.
But he's not home right now, and Granny Zhou has arranged everything perfectly.
Beside the carriage were four first-class maids: Adele, Zhaixing, Laoyue, and Xianglan.
Eight second-class maids followed behind the carriage, then twelve guards... oh, and six guards clearing the way at the very front.
Chu Yunjin didn't really understand the proper etiquette for a princess going out, but Zhou Mama must have her reasons for making such arrangements.
With her husband away, she, as the princess, certainly needed protection. Secondly, having more people with her when she went out could prevent some unnecessary trouble—such as men deliberately getting close and creating misunderstandings about men and women being alone together.
The more people you bring, the bigger the entourage. Even if others are only concerned with the scale of the event, they will restrain their behavior and naturally show respect.
Chu Yunjin got into the carriage, and Granny Zhou said, "Let's go."
The carriage rumbled along, heading towards the Duke of Dingguo's residence.
Although there are many powerful and wealthy people under the emperor's nose.
But apart from the royal family, the Duke of Dingguo's mansion was clearly the most powerful among the powerful and wealthy. It was a grand and wealthy family with a deep mansion, many wives and concubines, and numerous offspring. It had strict rules inside and out, and a kind of dignified and cold aura that only military families could exude.
Chu Yunjin was led towards the inner hall where female guests were received. Halfway there, Yan Jinyue's voice came from behind: "Sister-in-law!"
Chu Yunjin stopped and turned around to see Yan Jinyue walking quickly towards her, followed by several palace maids who jogged after her as if afraid of losing their mistress.
"Sister-in-law!" Yan Jinyue walked up to Chu Yunjin and took her arm. "Let's stay together today, so we don't get lost."
Chu Yunjin smiled and said, "How could you get lost in the Duke's mansion?"
Yan Jinyue snorted coldly: "Who knows?"
The maid who was in charge of leading the way did not dare to speak casually, except to bow and silently lead the two masters.
Chu Yunjin understood her meaning and walked alongside her.
Upon arriving at the inner hall, she discovered that her mother and two younger sisters were already there, talking to the Duchess. In addition to the Duchess, Madam Chu, the Third Princess Yan Xiyue, Su Ruoli, the eldest daughter of the Su family, and the two younger sisters of the Chu family, there were two other young women in the inner hall.
One of the young women dressed as a married woman stood on either side of the Duchess, Su Ruoli. If I'm not mistaken, she should be Su Ziyan's wife and Pei Yi'an's younger sister, Pei Zhilan.
The other person sitting below the two was a young, unmarried woman.
A maid went in to announce that the Princess Consort of Yan and the Sixth Princess had arrived.
The Duchess of Dingguo quickly got up and went out to greet them. Everyone followed behind her, respectfully bowing to Chu Yunjin and the Sixth Princess before welcoming them into the hall.
Chu Yunjin greeted her mother, and Madam Chu responded with a smile.
Chu Yunyao obediently called out "Second Sister".
Chu Yunjin patted her hand, which aroused Chu Yunshan's jealousy.
The head seat was given up for Chu Yunjin to sit in.
Of all those present, she held the highest status, and her husband wielded the most power, so naturally everyone fawned over her.
"Let me introduce you to Your Highness." The Duchess of Dingguo smiled and pulled her daughter over. "This is my daughter, Ruoli. She visited Your Highness two days ago and was quite disrespectful. I have already severely punished her since she returned. I hope Your Highness will be magnanimous and forgive her rudeness."
"Offend Fourth Sister-in-law?" Yan Jinyue frowned immediately upon hearing this. "The eldest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion is so bold as to dare to offend even the Princess Consort of Yan?"
Su Ruoli's expression changed, and she lowered her head without saying a word.
The Duchess of Dingguo apologized, "It was my daughter's fault for being ignorant. Please forgive her, Sixth Princess."
"Why should I be angry?" Yan Jinyue smiled faintly. "Anyway, she didn't offend me. When my brother returns from the border and finds out that someone bullied his princess, I won't be the one to bear the consequences."
Su Ruoli's face turned pale instantly: "I...I didn't mean to..."
"Never mind," Chu Yunjin said indifferently.
"Thank you, Your Highness." The Duchess of Dingguo breathed a sigh of relief and quickly pulled out another woman beside her. "This is my daughter-in-law, Pei Zhilan."
Chu Yunjin looked at her.
Pei Zhilan's face was as pale as paper, and her brows and eyes looked somewhat haggard, as if she hadn't slept well for several days.
She lowered her head, suppressing the hatred in her eyes, and curtsied to Chu Yunjin: "Greetings, Princess Consort of Yan."
Chu Yunjin said calmly, "No need for formalities."
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