Old Lady Cheng painfully enjoyed the happiness of a family reunion. Fortunately, not long after, a servant reported that the Great Aunt had returned.
Old Lady Cheng's spirit was aroused. Yesterday, Cheng Min had specially sent word that she would be bringing her daughter back to her maternal home today. Old Lady Cheng had been looking forward to it since yesterday.
Old Lady Cheng was a mother, so there was no reason for her to go out and welcome her daughter. In the past, Cheng Yujin, as a junior, and also to curry favor with Old Lady Cheng, would often wait at the second gate early in the morning. But now, after she received Cheng Min's letter, she slightly bowed, stood up, and nodded to Cheng Min and the others who had entered the door. "Auntie, Cousin."
Cheng Min rarely had the chance to return to her maternal home. When she saw Cheng Yujin, she was pleasantly surprised. She was about to go forward to speak, but then she saw the four aunts dressed as female officials in the room. The smile on Cheng Min's face disappeared, and her footsteps paused.
She almost forgot that Cheng Yujin had already been bestowed as the Crown Princess. Naturally, there would be female officials by her side.
The scene of a family reunion became restrained and stiff because of the presence of the female officials. Cheng Min had been the Second Madame of the Duke Fu for so many years. She had lived like a prince, and her bones had long been scattered. How could she be as particular about bearing as the young ladies? After Cheng Min awkwardly greeted her, she didn't know what to say. The female officials were standing in front of her. Even if she wanted to ask Cheng Yujin some private things, she couldn't say it out loud.
Even Cheng Min and Old Lady Cheng became uncomfortable talking.
This was the spies of the palace. How could they dare to talk about domestic matters in front of the people of the palace? Cheng Min dryly said some polite words, and could not help but fall into an awkward silence, not knowing what topic to start. She thought for a moment and called over a string of girls from Chang Public House behind her, saying, "You bunch of mischievous monkeys, come over quickly. I told you to learn from Eldest Miss a long time ago. Now that your Eldest Biao Jie has been conferred the title of Crown Princess, the rules and talents are the best. Why are you not coming over to learn from her?"
This was the real purpose of Cheng Min's visit today. When the Duke House of Chang found out that there was a Crown Princess in the Marquis of Yichun, their jaws dropped. However, it would be a waste not to make use of this opportunity. The moment the Xu Family found an opportunity, they hurriedly sent Cheng Min back home and had Cheng Min lead the maids in the residence to quickly get acquainted with the Crown Princess.
Other than Cheng Min's biological daughter, Xu Nianchun, the shu daughter Xu Wanchun, and the shu daughter of the Xu Family's first branch, Xu Guchun, all followed.
This was agreed upon long ago. Xu Nianchun and the others greeted Cheng Yujin one by one. Although Xu Nianchun was pampered by her family, she was still a proper young miss of the duke's residence. She often mingled in front of the elders and had attended countless events in the various residences. She was already familiar with the etiquette of greeting and greeting. However, at this moment, when she stood in front of Cheng Yujin to greet her, she actually stuttered in her short sentence.
Xu Nianchun was still alright. The other two shu daughters could not speak fluently. Their voices became softer and softer until they could no longer be heard.
The girls could not be blamed for their lack of manners. The scene in front of them was really too frightening. Maid Zheng and the other three looked harsh and difficult to get along with. When they put on a straight face, they were scarier than the most old-fashioned mama in the residence. Xu Nianchun endured this kind of gaze and felt that the ruler would hit her leg in the next moment. Half of her body was stiff, so how could she speak fluently?
Cheng Yujin sighed inwardly. The young ladies were still delicate. Fortunately, these female officials were here to keep an eye on her. If they were assigned to Xu Nianchun, how much suffering would she have to suffer?
Cheng Yujin smiled as she pulled Xu Nianchun's hand, saying, "I have long wanted to see Third Biaomei. Unfortunately, I could not leave the residence and did not see her. Fortunately, you came today. Has Old Ancestor Xu's health been well recently? "
With Cheng Yujin around, Xu Nianchun relaxed a lot and said, "Old Ancestor is well. It's just that the weather has changed from warm to cold these past few days. She has a bit of a cough."
"The change of seasons in spring and winter makes it easy to cough. I made some loquat ointment last time. It is good for clearing heat and detoxifying. I sent some to Grandmother. There is still a jar left that has not been used. I will take it later. Biaomei, help me bring it to Old Ancestor Xu. "
Xu Nianchun sighed in relief. She took the opportunity to ask how the loquat ointment was made. Cheng Yujin did not hide anything and explained in detail to her. Speaking of handiwork, everyone was brought closer together. Even if they did not understand, they could always ask questions. The other two shu daughters listened together and could occasionally add in a sentence or two.
The atmosphere in the room finally relaxed and was not as tense as before. Xu Nianchun also returned to normal and was able to reply with witty words. Xu Nianchun silently thought that this was the difference between her and Jin Biaomei.
From time to time, she would say some clever witty words that would make the elders laugh. She had always been proud of this, but now she found that she was the only one who could say witty words. Cheng Yujin could make others say witty words.
Who knew how many years had passed between the two of them. Cheng Yujin's ability to control the situation was very strong. As long as Cheng Yujin wanted, she could make anyone in a good state. The more she spoke, the happier they would be. At the same time, she could also make people stumble and show their ugly side.
Xu Nianchun sighed. No wonder Cheng Yujin could become the Crown Princess. She was ashamed of her skill. In the past, when Cheng Min praised Cheng Yujin, Xu Nianchun did not take it seriously. This time, she truly saw the difference. Xu Nianchun was sincerely convinced.
After talking for a while, the biddy stood outside the door and reported, "Old Madam, Madam, Second Miss has also arrived."
When Cheng Min returned home, Princess Qingfu and the Nguyễn Clan heard the news and rushed over. Now that they heard that Cheng Yumo had also returned, the Nguyễn Clan's eyes lit up. She wanted to immediately go and welcome her daughter.
Cheng Min smiled and said, "Mother, Mo'er and I agreed to come back together today. The more the merrier. I didn't expect her to come later than me even though she lives closer to me. You can't let her off later. "
The rest of the Cheng Family laughed softly. Only Maid Zheng heard it and frowned.
There was a clanking sound at the door. Cheng Yumo came in. Everyone leaned over to look at the door. Maid Zheng stood in front of Cheng Yujin and said, "Eldest Miss, you haven't finished copying today's internal training."
The laughter in the room suddenly stopped. Cheng Yumo had just entered the room. When he heard this, he also stopped at the door and looked at the people inside.
Cheng Yujin was a little annoyed. She was urged to leave in front of so many people. She was obviously deliberately making her lose face. If Cheng Yujin really got up and left the family gathering just because of a word from the maid, what would the Cheng Family think? After Cheng Min and Cheng Yumo returned to the fu, what would the Xu and Huo family think?
If it was any other time and the maid said this, Cheng Yujin would go with the flow. In any case, she had to finish copying these two times. Cheng Yujin didn't need to deliberately go against the maid. But now, in front of outsiders, Cheng Yujin had to win back her face.
She could lose anything, but she couldn't lose face. She was the benchmark of the noble young ladies in the capital. She was the role model for all her younger brothers and sisters. How could she fall from her pedestal and be bullied like a mortal? Even if she had to swallow her blood, she had to look good.
Cheng Yujin didn't move. She folded her hands in front of her stomach and said, "Filial piety is part of my nature. Marriage is like heaven. Serving parents-in-law is like serving one's own parents. Similarly, how I treat my younger brothers and sisters will be how I treat my husband's younger brothers and sisters in the future. Today, Auntie and Second Sister are returning home. If I avoid meeting them, what should I do when I see the eldest princess and princesses in the palace in the future? "
Here it came again. Maid Zheng reflexively felt disgusted when she heard these words. Serving parents-in-law like serving one's own parents was originally a rule that restrained women. Now, Cheng Yujin was using it to pressure others. This was the first time Maid Zheng had seen the "Four Self-accomplishment Classics for Women" used in this way. When Maid Zheng heard Cheng Yujin's crooked ways, she was so angry that she had a heart attack. However, Cheng Yujin kept talking about great principles and quoting classics everywhere. Refuting her was equivalent to refuting a saint. It was simply annoying.
Maid Zheng suppressed her anger and said, "Second Miss Cheng is Madame Marquis Jingyong. I'm afraid it's not appropriate for First Miss to meet her."
When these words came out, many people's expressions changed. Maid Zheng hinted that Cheng Yujin had once broken off her engagement with Marquis Jingyong. The women of the imperial family were already sensitive when meeting outsiders. Seeing her former husband's family was very subtle. This kind of thing could be big or small. If it was small, it could be said that she happened to meet the wife of an official. If it was big, it could be said that the Crown Princess had lost her virtue.
The expressions of the Cheng Family members were not very good. This was a serious crime that implicated the entire family. It was not a joke. Maid Zheng's words could be said to be vicious and vicious.
Cheng Yujin retorted without thinking, "Second Sister is Marquis Jingyong's wife from the Huo family. So what's wrong with me meeting my own sister?"
Maid Zheng secretly emphasized, "First Miss, that's the Huo family."
"Yes, my second sister's husband's family, my brother-in-law." Cheng Yujin fearlessly stared at Maid Zheng and asked, "It's the Huo family. So what?"
The three young ladies of the Xu family were so frightened that they did not dare to speak. Xu Nianchun unconsciously held his breath and looked at Cheng Yujin. Then, he secretly glanced at Maid Zheng, whose face was as black as the bottom of a pot. His admiration for Cousin Jin grew.
Maid Zheng was very angry. Her meaning was very clear. Cheng Yujin had broken off her engagement with the Huo family. If they met again, it would be difficult to clear their relationship. However, Cheng Yujin knew that Maid Zheng did not dare to say it directly. She pretended not to understand and kept calling her younger sister and brother-in-law. Maid Zheng was angry, but she did not dare to say that the engagement had been broken off.
Cheng Yujin's back was straight. Her eyes were like torches as she looked at Maid Zheng. Maid Zheng's face was also dark. She was in a deadlock with Cheng Yujin.
Another maid saw the situation and silently glanced at Cheng Yujin. She went forward and pulled on Maid Zheng's sleeve. "Since Miss Cheng has said so, we will obey. As servants, obeying master's orders is the most important thing. Although we have come to advise Miss Cheng, we cannot violate the rules. "
This maid's meaning was very clear. Cheng Yujin was the Crown Princess that the Emperor had personally appointed. No matter what reason the Crown Prince had for marrying a daughter of the Cheng Family, as long as Cheng Yujin was not deposed, she would continue to enjoy the respect of the Crown Princess. Daring to speak of the Imperial Concubine's private matters, these maids were probably tired of living. If this reached the Crown Prince's ears, none of them would live.
Maid Zheng was pulled back by the other maids. She could only lower her head and apologize. "Nubi has overstepped. Miss, please punish."
Cheng Yujin said, "Four jigu have specially come to teach me the rules. I can't thank you enough. How can I punish? Also, four jigu are the Empress' people. The Empress controls the six palaces and the inner family. She has her own rules for rewards and punishments. Jigu follows the Empress and naturally knows what can be said and what cannot be said. "
Maid Zheng's mouth tightened. She lowered her head and said, "Miss is right."
This short but explosive confrontation came to an end. At this time, many yahuan and bidis found that they were covered in sweat.
When Cheng Yujin and Maid Zheng had been talking, Cheng Yumo had been standing outside the floor-to-ceiling screen. Her eyes were wide as she looked at the crowd, not knowing what to do. Only when the little episode had ended did the crowd have time to attend to her. They moved the embroidered stool for her to sit.
Even though the maid had already taken a step back, the crowd still had lingering fears. No one dared to speak loudly. Cheng Yumo had been ignored for a long time. When she was arranged to sit, she was also careless. She was very angry.
Just now, the maid had been targeting the Huo family. At this time, Cheng Yumo was sitting on the stool, feeling uncomfortable all over.
Maid Zheng had lost face in front of so many people. She held a grudge. After that, she had deliberately suppressed her anger, wanting to take the opportunity to turn the tables. Maid Zheng's eyes suddenly focused. She found that Cheng Yujin had done something wrong. She immediately jumped out. "Miss Cheng, your etiquette when you were serving tea was wrong."
As soon as she said this, the room instantly fell silent. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Cheng Yujin asked calmly, "Oh? Which action was it? "
"When Miss was serving tea to Old Lady Cheng, your actions were frivolous and disrespectful."
Cheng Yujin said, "Oh." She slowly nodded and moved aside to let Maid Zheng do it. "Aunt, please forgive me for being slow-witted. I don't know where I did wrong. Please demonstrate."
Maid Zheng snorted disdainfully. She wanted to use these tricks to control her? She was underestimating the maids who specialized in etiquette in the palace. Maid Zheng really did not stand on ceremony. She stepped forward and took the teacup from the tray. Then, she gave a perfect demonstration.
The other maid's lips moved as if she wanted to stop her. However, Maid Zheng spoke too quickly and she did not have time to stop her. After seeing Female Official Zheng leave, the female official shook her head and sighed silently.
After Maid Zheng finished, she was very pleased. She felt that this time, Cheng Yujin had fallen into her hands. However, Cheng Yujin suddenly said, "Aunt, wait. Don't put your hand down."
Maid Zheng was stunned and subconsciously held her hand stiffly. When she regained her senses, Maid Zheng was furious. Cheng Yujin dared to do this! In the past, Maid Zheng was the one who asked others to stop while she stood on the side to point out the situation. Now, Cheng Yujin actually dared to ask her to hold her hand for others to inspect?
Maid Zheng was very angry. However, that was not all. Cheng Yujin looked around and sighed softly. It seemed that she wanted to say something but was too embarrassed to do so in consideration of Maid Zheng's reputation.
Maid Zheng's heart burned with anger. "Miss Cheng, if you have something to say, just say it. Why are you sighing?"
"Since Aunt Zheng has said so, then I won't hold back." Cheng Yujin pursed her lips and smiled at Maid Zheng. She really used her fingers to point at Maid Zheng's elbow, forearm, and back. "When serving tea to elders, you have to be quick when advancing and slow when retreating. Your eyes should be half-closed, but your back should not be bent. Your neck should not be bent. Aunt, it will not look good if you bend your back and head. Also, Aunt, when serving tea, you must avoid using your hands without moving your arms. Your arms are not raised in place, but instead, you put the teacup in front of your elders. This is extremely disrespectful. "
Maid Zheng was in disbelief. "You're telling me the rules?"
"That's right." Cheng Yujin smiled softly and turned to look at the others. "Three Aunts, tell me, am I right?"
The other three wanted to say something but hesitated. Finally, they sighed and said, "Miss Cheng is right."
Maid Zheng's face immediately turned red. She considered herself to be a Maid who taught the rules. She often beat and scolded the harem candidates, but she did not know that some actions could not be perfect even if she sat up. Just now, it was not Cheng Yujin who was wrong. It was Maid Zheng who judged Cheng Yujin by her own standards and thought that Cheng Yujin was wrong.
Maid Zheng lost a lot of face, but after all, she came from the palace. She bowed and retreated to the side. She did not lose the decorum of the inner sect. But after that, she did not dare to speak again.
Xu Nianchun followed behind her mother and clicked her tongue in wonder. Just serving a cup of tea required so much attention. She did not know whether to say that the imperial family was scary or that her cousin was scary.
Cousin Jin was actually able to point out the mistakes of the Aunts who followed the rules of the palace! Xu Nianchun felt a heartfelt rejoice. Fortunately, Cheng Yujin was only her cousin and not her biological sister. If there was such a perfect elder sister who did not have any blind spots to compare, they would not be able to live.
There were many people who had the same thoughts as Xu Nianchun. Everyone was amazed by Cheng Yujin and could not help but cast sympathetic gazes towards Cheng Yumo. Cheng Yumo lowered her eyes. Her face was cold and expressionless, but her heart was very tyrannical.
At this moment, everyone's gazes were like a replay of a nightmare. In her previous life, she had always lived under Cheng Yujin's shadow. She had already been reborn. Everything had clearly changed, so why was it still like this?
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