Chapter Nine, Zheng Man'er

Although Zheng Man'er is still a child at heart, her nature is not bad. When Yuan Xiu saw the regret on her face, the slight anger he felt dissipated. He readily rolled up his sleeves and raised his cup: "It was just a joke. If I hadn't been so tired these past few days and my reactions were slow, I wouldn't have been so anxious about picking blue and green."

Empress Dowager Zhao Xian can be considered the maternal grandmother of Princess Chengyi. The princess should have performed the minor duties, but unfortunately, she has contracted a severe cold during this period. Princess Pingjin, feeling distressed for her beloved daughter, requested that she be excused from participation with the approval of Fengchun.

At this time, Empress Dowager Zhao Xian's mourning period had not yet ended. Even though Zhao Xian was merely a stepmother, it was still inappropriate to consume meat at this moment. However, Yuan Xiu knew that Feng Chun might not necessarily adhere to this custom, and thus could not blame Ping Jin for it. After three rounds of drinks, Ping Jin directly asked, "Sister Jiu, what brings you here today?"

The two exchanged glances, and Yuan Xiu slightly leaned forward at the table: "Ah Huang is still young; I kindly ask my elder sister to step in and remind Fifth Sister-in-law about this matter."

The fairy maiden smiled in response, her eyes sparkling, captivating Pingjin to the point of distraction, before she gracefully departed from the water pavilion

Pingjin led Yuanxiu and Chengyi onto the wooden bridge. The people inside the pavilion had already noticed and hurriedly lifted the bamboo curtain to welcome them: "Has the esteemed lord arrived"

Zheng Man'er defended herself, saying, "Fei Lang was raised by me personally, and it is the most obedient. I told it to retract its claws, so how could it possibly hurt Aunt Jiu?" Seeing Yuan Xiu's pale complexion, Zheng Man'er felt a twinge of guilt, stuck out her tongue, and said, "Aunt Jiu, I truly apologize. I only wanted to play a little joke with you."

Yuan Xiu showed no interest in the young woman, merely nodding coldly. Ping Jin noticed this and his smile slightly diminished. After all, Xian Nu was one of those who relied on beauty to please others, so he quickly took the hint and said: "The banquet is ready, I invite you and your esteemed wife to enjoy it here. I shall take my leave now."

In the Dream Tang period, the first dish was venison sashimi, served with a sauce made from pickled vegetables, which was delicious upon tasting. Pingjin introduced it, saying: "This deer was personally selected by Kuan from the deer farm he raises, knowing you were coming."

"Yuan Xiu has already arrived, how is the banquet prepared?" Ping Jin was quite close to this person, asking while stepping forward to take his hand. Once they entered the Water Pavilion, he introduced, "Yuan Xiu, this is Xian Nu."

"Is this really happening?" Pingjin was astonished, and Yuan Xiu stared at the wine jar in front of him, slowly saying: "Fifth Brother's descendants are flourishing, which is a good thing, but... Zhao is ultimately just a concubine, yet Fifth Sister-in-law still has no children. This matter..."

Cai Lan originally knelt behind her alongside Cai Lu, serving her. Upon hearing this, they hurriedly moved a few feet away and bowed to Zheng Man'er to apologize. Zheng Man'er stuck out her tongue and laughed, saying: "You are concerned for Aunt Jiu; it is my fault to begin with, so how could there be any guilt?"

As they spoke, they had already arrived at the main hall, where the sound of chattering women could be heard. Yuan Xiu did not stop to listen closely, but stepped inside and called out: "Elder sister!"

Cai Lan and Cai Lu were so frightened that they screamed: "A Jia, quickly get out of the way!"

The brother-in-law is quite considerate. Wei Kuan, with the single character "Tan," is a side disciple of the Wei family from "Chengnan Wei Du, and the distance is five feet to the sky." He is five years younger than Pingjin. It is rumored that the Pingjin Princess had a significant role in the divorce from her husband, Zheng Lian. Yuan Xiu has only met this brother-in-law twice, so there is no familiarity or animosity between them. When she entered the residence earlier, she did not notice him and did not pay attention. Now, hearing Pingjin mention him specifically, she offered a polite remark.

Lu Huan, upon hearing Yuan Xiu inquire about the young master, briefly flashed a hint of mockery in his eyes and said, "The princess is no longer in serious trouble"

The banquet has been set, and Zheng Man'er naturally sits at the lowest seat. As Cai Lan and Cai Lu serve Yuan Xiu to take their seats, she hurriedly lifts the wine jug and says: "Earlier, Man'er was reckless; I hope Aunt Jiu will not hold it against me!"

Moreover, Yuan Xiu felt that Zheng Man'er might be a bit willful, but in terms of arrogance, she was still inferior to Ping Jin

"Sister, why be so polite?" Yuan Xiu asked, "Has the cold of the barbarian child improved?"

"It's nothing." Although Yuan Xiu's face was pale, not entirely due to fear, she felt a slight anger within. However, considering her status as an elder, she did not want to hold a grudge against her niece over a joke. Ping Jin had always doted on his daughter and had just been waiting to see the spectacle. Upon hearing Cai Lan reprimand her daughter, his expression darkened. Yet, upon reflection, if this matter were to reach Feng Chun's ears, Zheng Man'er was already twelve years old and would soon be considered for marriage. What if Li Zhan held a grudge because of this... Thus, she endured it. Seeing that Yuan Xiu was not taking it to heart, she finally felt relieved and smiled again, saying: "Yesterday, Ninth Sister mentioned she would come in person, so I specially had Xian Nu prepare a banquet at the Water Pavilion. Does Ninth Sister want to go over now?"

"It is precisely for this reason that I have come to seek my elder sister's counsel," Yuan Xiu said. "The Crown Prince Han is already six years old and is about to begin his education. Fifth Sister-in-law has yet to bear any children. If this situation continues, I fear that the court officials, for the sake of the state, will propose that a legitimate heir be established, and if there is no legitimate heir, then the eldest son should be recognized. However, my elder sister also knows that both Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law are still young, and no one can predict what the future holds."

Yuan Xiu was also taken aback, instinctively raising her hand to cover her face. Cai Lan forcefully pushed her aside, while Cai Lu tried to block with her hands. However, they heard Zheng Man'er whistle, and that creature suddenly retracted its claws, using its soft pads to push off Cai Lu's hand and leaped to the side.

Rest assured, at the latest in two or three days, I will go to the Lize Hall. " Pingjin replied solemnly, "It is not just that King Han and King Wei have been disrespectful to me; in truth, these two young ones do not seem capable of shouldering the foundation of a great enterprise! Moreover, the Empress Dowager is elegant and composed, and the Wang family is indeed a prominent clan from Taiyuan. In terms of educating their children, they are undoubtedly far superior to the Zhao family, and that is what can cultivate a national mother who can raise a valiant ruler! " Moreover, the Empress Dowager is elegant and composed, and the Wang family is indeed a prominent clan from Taiyuan. In terms of educating their children, they are undoubtedly far superior to the Zhao family, and that is what can cultivate a national mother who can raise a valiant ruler!

Yuan Xiu, having emptied his cup on an empty stomach, drank a bit hastily and coughed lightly a few times. The conciliatory words that Ping Jin was about to say turned into: "The boy is quite perceptive; your ninth aunt has just taken her seat, and you are already so eager to persuade her to drink?" Saying this, he hurriedly instructed someone to remove the cold dishes in front of Yuan Xiu and to start serving the hot dishes.

As it landed on the ground, the three of them focused their gaze and discovered that this creature had a colorful coat, bright eyes, and resembled both a cat and a tiger; it was a half-grown lynx.

Only hearing Lu Huan lead Yuan Xiu up the steps, he spoke again: "Originally, my lady was to personally come to the main gate to welcome you, but she was detained by Princess Chengyi, hence she instructed me to welcome you on her behalf"

Yuan Xiu had long wanted to speak up. Glancing at Zheng Man'er, Zheng Man'er curiously asked, "Aunt Jiu, why can't I listen?"

The water pavilion is built in the center of the lotus pond within the princess's residence, connected to the shore by a winding wooden bridge. At this moment, the weather is still chilly despite the hints of warmth. The withered lotus from the previous evening has been harvested by the gardeners of the princess's residence, leaving only the dry lotus stems swaying on the water's surface. The willow trees by the pond have just begun to sprout a layer of delicate new buds, resembling the curtains that hang from three sides of the water pavilion, like clouds and mist, appearing to float and drift, which is indeed a sight to behold

Pingtian's expression turned solemn: "You are absolutely right!"

With a slight nod of approval from Pingjin, Zheng Man'er understood that this was her mother's consent to inform her afterward, which made her leave happily

Cai Lan and Cai Lu felt somewhat displeased. Although Princess Chang of Pingjin is her elder sister, she should at least come down to the hall to greet her, after all, Yuan Xiu rarely visits her door

Yuan Xiu heard the person's clear voice and couldn't help but look up at him. She saw a young man in his early twenties, dressed in a blue robe, standing gracefully in front of the pavilion. His features were beautiful, almost like a woman's, and his skin was so delicate that even the colors of blue and green seemed to pale in comparison. As she drew closer, she could even catch a whiff of a charming fragrance. Yuan Xiu immediately understood the identity of this person and chose not to look any further.

Chengyi is now twelve years old, the only child of Princess Pingjin. Her biological father is Zheng Lian, a member of the Zheng family from Xingyang, the former husband of Princess Pingjin, and not her current husband, Prince Wei Tan. Therefore, she carries the surname Zheng and is affectionately called Man'er. Yuanxiu last saw this niece during the royal family banquet last Mid-Autumn Festival. Although she is only three years younger than Yuanxiu, she has been spoiled by Princess Pingjin and appears quite childlike.

"Man'er, be good. I saw that the forsythia over there is blooming beautifully. Would you go and pick a few branches for Aunt Jiu?" Yuan Xiu skillfully diverted her question. Zheng Man'er, seeing that Yuan Xiu was openly trying to send her away, replied with disappointment, "Alright then." As she spoke, she gave Ping Jin a glance.

The Princess of Pingjin's residence had removed many luxurious items, and the servants had also changed into mourning attire, creating a rather desolate atmosphere at first glance. The steward, Lu Huan, had already instructed to open the main gate wide to welcome the carriage of Yuan Xiu inside. Upon reaching the steps of the inner courtyard, Cai Lan assisted Yuan Xiu in disembarking. Lu Huan stepped forward to pay his respects and, with a smile, said: "Your Excellency has finally arrived; the lady has been waiting in the inner hall."

With a flick of her hand, a medium-sized object spread its claws in mid-air, letting out a low growl as it lunged directly at Yuan Xiu's face!

This mocking expression was just seen by Yuan Xiu, who felt puzzled. Lu Huan was a member of the maternal family of Pingjin, a branch of the Lu family from Fanyang. He was someone specially brought over from his maternal home when Lu Fei was still alive, due to Pingjin's marriage, and he was deeply trusted by Pingjin. This person might only hold respect for Pingjin and the prince consort of Pingjin, but how could he be so dismissive towards Pingjin and her bloodline?

On the side where the water pavilion connects to the bridge, the bamboo curtain is half-rolled up, allowing a glimpse of someone busy inside the pavilion, presumably the fairy maid.

Seeing Yuan Xiuwei frown slightly, Ping Jin immediately thought of the reason and explained: "It is merely placed in the Water Pavilion, and no silk and bamboo music or dance has been prepared. It is also because Jiu Mei has been feeling depressed after returning to the Taiji Palace and staying in the Fengyang Pavilion all day. The Water Pavilion can at least provide a change of scenery."

Yuan Xiu then nodded

Ping Jin also furrowed her brow. At this moment, there were no third parties on the Water Pavilion or the Nine-Bend Wooden Bridge, and she spoke with much more candor: "If it is the Empress, naturally the more offspring, the better. A harmonious Emperor and Empress is a sign of national prosperity. However, that Zhao family, of lowly origin, is shallow and ignorant, relying merely on a bit of good fortune. Now, among Fifth Lord's three sons, two are actually from her. If this continues, it will surely endanger the Empress! By that time, I fear for the state..."

After dismissing Zheng Man'er, Yuan Xiu ordered all the attendants in the Water Pavilion to withdraw. After a moment of contemplation, she cleared her throat and said, "Elder sister, are you aware that yesterday afternoon, Zhao Lihui from Wanchun Hall was diagnosed as being with child?"

Very well. Pingjin knew that Yuanxiu had a proud temperament. If he forced Xiannu to stay and serve, not only would she not appreciate it, but it would also embarrass Xiannu and ruin the atmosphere. Therefore, he gently patted the back of Xiannu's hand and said, "You may go and keep an eye on their preparations."

Your Highness, how reckless!" Cai Lan recalled the terrifying scene from earlier, feeling a surge of anger. Ignoring the hierarchy, she reprimanded, "How important is a woman's dignity? If something had happened to A Jia just now, how would Your Highness justify yourself?

Before the Princess Pingjin could speak, Zheng Man'er had already joyfully run over: "Ninth Aunt! Ninth Aunt! Look at how well I have raised Feilang!"