This news was nothing less than a thunder on a bright day. Engagement was not a child's play. Marriage was precisely to join two different surnames together. For Jingyong Marquis manor who came to propose then abruptly canceling, it was no different than causing an enmity. It was good enough that the two families did not turn against each other, yet Huo Changyuan actually came to propose another marriage?
Moreover, the object of this marriage was Cheng Yujin's younger sister, second young miss Cheng Yumo.
It was a great humiliation, and Cheng Yujin's servant girls were all shaking in anger: "This...ungrateful scum! Does he not know that our miss and second miss are biological sisters? Even if they are tang cousins, he still dares to change the elder sister with the younger sister. The eldest branch adopted our miss, Huo family do this, do they want to humiliate our miss?"
Du Ruo was calm and spoke more cautiously, but she was also furious when she heard the situation in Shou'an Hall from granny Zheng. "Huo family is bullying us too much! They cancel the engagement for no reason and ruined years of miss' hard work. Now they shamelessly come to the house to propose marriage to second miss in a grand manner. Why didn't the gatekeeper chase them out!"
Cheng Yujin was very calm. She even smiled lightly: "With an obvious profit, why should grandmother turn her face with Huo family? After my engagement canceled, grandmother has always regretted losing good support like Huo Changyuan. Now that their family comes to propose another marriage, grandmother must be thrilled. How can she be willing to drive them out."
"What?" Lian Qiao was shocked, "Does the old madam no longer want the dignity of our marquis manor? How can this kind of thing be tolerated? Proposing to the elder sister, canceling it, and then comes again to propose to the younger sister. What does Jingyong marquis manor treat our Cheng family? If the old madam agreed, it is tantamount of throwing the face of our two misses and even the entire Yichun marquis manor to the ground."
Du Ruo was also shocked. She frowned and said: "Although the old madam is biased to immediate profit, but...she won't do so far, right?"
Cheng Yujin shook her head, amused. With a light, yet firm smile, she said: "She will. My grandmother is such a person."
Lian Qiao and Du Ruo's heart almost jumped in scare. They had followed Cheng Yujin from childhood. They watched her grew from a lonely and helpless little girl, until she became the model of her peers in the capital. No one knew better than Lian Qiao and Du Ruo, how much effort Cheng Yujin had actually paid all these years. Everything she did was just to marry a good husband, which may sound ironic, but this was indeed Cheng Yujin's only way out.
She didn't live to marry someone. She has always lived for herself.
It was precisely because they understood how long years of hard work was instantly trampled and shattered so casually by other people, which made them even more distressed. After her engagement with Huo Changyuan was broken, Lian Qiao and Du Ruo were furious. But instead of being depressed, Cheng Yujin immediately went to search for the next suitable candidate, and finally set her eyes on Xu Zhixian and Lin Qingyuan. Now that everything was going on track, Huo family refused to let their miss go and came to trample her face again.
Du Ruo repeatedly said that old Madam Cheng wouldn't agree, but actually, it was because of the lingering fear in her heart that made her wanted to speak it out. However, Cheng Yujin didn't even willing to give herself a false hope.
Du Ruo felt so distressed that she weakly shouted, "Miss..."
"What are you crying for?" Cheng Yujin looked at her two servant girls with a smile. She gracefully stood up, then straightened the wrinkle on her skirt carefully. Du Ruo surprised: "Miss, what are you doing?"
"Huo family dared to step on my head, why should I let them so rampant?" Cheng Yujin suddenly laughed and said coldly, "In his dream."
"Miss!"
"No need to say anything, I know what I'm doing." Cheng Yujin raised her hand to interrupt their dissuasion. "Those lowly people bully me too much. Why should I be forgiving and let everything smoothly goes as they want? If someone has to endure, it is they who should endure me. Go to Shou'an Hall."
***
Shou'an Hall has been full of people. Qingfu Junzhu rushed after hearing the news. When seeing Huo Xue-shi on the honorable guest's seat, she almost fainted with anger.
When Ruan-shi saw it, she quickly let her servant woman helped Qingfu. The corner of Ruan-shi's eyes full of joy, and she slanted her eyes before said: "Eldest sister-in-law, I know you are greatly shocked just now, but everything had its place and time. Madam Huo invited the most respected good fortune madam in the capital city. At that time, when Yang family's young miss married, it was this good fortune madam who combed her hair. If eldest sister-in-law lost your composure in front of her and made our marquis manor lose face, mother would not easily let you go."
Qingfu Junzhu was of course angry, but her anger was because other people trampled on her face, not because she wanted to give her daughter justice. When Qingfu had just entered the hall, several mamas had already seen her, and prepare to guard against potential trouble. Qingfu Junzhu calmed down quickly. Her son was still young, and it was unnecessary to offend old Madam Cheng for an adopted daughter.
Qingfu gave Ruan-shi a fierce look, and took her servants into the room, standing outside the partition to listen to the conversations inside.
Huo Xue-shi and old Madam Cheng were talking in circles, avoiding the real topics. Huo Xue-shi actually didn't want to make a marriage tie with Cheng family. But she had no other choice. Her son disobeyed her words and secretly intended to come by himself to propose to Cheng family's second miss. Huo Xue-shi was panicked, so she had to appease Huo Changyuan and went to propose today.
Huo Xue-shi's opinion towards Cheng Yumo decreased another level. Changyuan had always been good before, treating his mother wholeheartedly, but after he visited the Buddhist temple, his attitude suddenly changed. She didn't believe there was no conspiracy here!
Huo Xue-shi secretly scolded Cheng Yumo, this little harlot with a good method, actually bewitched Changyuan to go against his mother! Cheng Yumo dared to do this before she even entered the Huo family's gate. After they got married in the future, what kind of fox charm would she pour into Changyuan?
Huo Xue-shi was unwilling, and her attitude clearly showed so. Old Madam Cheng was determined to continue the marriage talk between the two families. However, she had to hold her granddaughters' value. Huo Changyuan tossed away the elder sister and now wanted to marry the younger sister, this kind of behavior was enough to let the old Madam took the initiative, and she indeed couldn't let herself lose face.
Old Madam Cheng initially thought that if Huo Xue-shi were more courteous and showed a pleasant attitude in every way, she would be able to yield after making a show of resistance. Unexpectedly, Huo Xue-shi was too disdainful for even showing some amiable face, and thus old Madam Cheng was stuck in an awkward situation.
The atmosphere instantly froze. The good fortune madam initially took this job after considering the Emperor's attitude towards Huo Changyuan. Unexpectedly, the two families didn't show any enthusiasm, and didn't look like they wanted to continue the marriage talk.
Prestigious families much cared for appearance and reputation, and thus paid meticulous attention to many aspects. Before making a formal marriage proposal, both parties had always made confirmation and finished talking about crucial parts before sending a matchmaker to the bride's house with great fanfare. Only when the imperial family was taking a consort would they directly dispatch people to the gate. However, it was easy for other people to notice when the bridegroom parents came to visit, so they would always bring a good fortune person in tow. In the future, even if the marriage talk was unsuccessful, they could still make some excuses.
The good fortune madam mused secretly. When talking about marriage and engagement, the woman's side had to put on a shelf. So, old Madam Cheng's cold face could barely be explained. However, what happened with Huo Xue-shi? Her expression was like facing an enemy. The good fortune madam was puzzled. Inside the room, only her talking voice, that she deliberately made louder than usual, could be heard.
The atmosphere gradually froze. At this time, a shout suddenly came from outside: "Eldest miss, you can't, eldest miss..."
Old Madam Cheng suddenly startled, her expression quickly receded. She turned her back sullenly, and saw Cheng Yujin stepping into the threshold with a solemn face. Two servant women who were guarding the door was anxious and ashamed. They tried to pull Cheng Yujin back several times, but was stopped by Cheng Yujin's servant girls. Seeing the old Madam's gaze, they hurriedly knelt on the ground: "Old madam, this servant has tried to stop the eldest miss. But eldest miss won't listen to us."
Old Madam Cheng's expression was so dark that it almost dripped ink. The good fortune madam didn't expect this development and turned to look: "What's wrong?"
What else could old Madam Cheng say. She could only pretend that there was nothing wrong, and ask: "Eldest girl, I'm entertaining guests. What are you doing here?" Her tone was full of hidden coercion. Even at this time, she still wanted to hold the pretense.
Cheng Yujin also smiled docilely and respectfully before saying: "I know grandmother is entertaining guests. So I came to greet our distinguished guests." She said, "Hello, Madam Zhou."
The good fortune madam was surnamed Zhou. She mused in her heart: the eldest miss Cheng's reputation was truly well-deserved. Her appearance and manner are excellent. However....
The good fortune madam glanced at Huo Xue-shi, a little embarrassed. The two women were sitting side by side, but Cheng Yujin only greeted one of them. Huo Xue-shi's face obviously didn't look good. She glanced at old Madam Cheng and sneered: "Is this Cheng family's teaching?"
Before old Madam Cheng could speak, Cheng Yujin hurriedly intervened: "Of course our Cheng family's teaching is excellent. From the old madam to the madams, the young misses, and the servant girls, everyone knew their etiquette well. However, a respectable person always based their behavior on reciprocity. When our virtues were paid back with grievances, should we still show the same virtues? Huo family did injustice towards our Cheng family, and we don't want to abide by the saint's rules. Madam Zhou, we let you see some jokes. Please forgive us."
Madam Zhou looked at Cheng Yujin, then at Huo Xue-shi again. She folded her sleeves with some curiosity and shut her mouth to watch the play.
Huo Xue-shi was already angry enough, and couldn't help but point at Cheng Yujin and curse: "Nonsense! Is your current behavior in line with female's virtue?"
"Then Madam Huo might as well told us what I did wrong??" Cheng Yujin stared at Huo Xue-shi fearlessly. After a while, Huo Xue-shi became timid and avoided Cheng Yunjin's gaze.
Cheng Yujin coldly retracted her gaze, then smiled politely at Madam Zhou: "Let Madam Zhou laugh. You probably have heard about the cancelation of my engagement with Marquis Jingyong. Madam Zhou is a neutral party. Today, in front of Madam, I will explain the full story clearly. On the twelfth month last year, I found Marquis Jingyong unconscious on the snowy mountain. I then let my people evacuated the Marquis to my mother's estate villa. Since I was a child, I was taught by my grandmother and mother to do good deeds and accumulate virtues; to pity the poor and cherish the weak. After rescuing Marquis Jingyong, I never expected anything in return. Our Cheng family also never asked Huo family in the slightest. Unexpectedly, at the end of last year, Madam Huo came to our manor, saying that Huo family wanted to tie a marriage in return for my life-saving grace. My grandmother loves me and wanted me to marry a good family, and agreed to my marriage with Marquis Huo. Just two months later, however, when my elder was still ill, Madam Huo came to our manor, saying that Marquis Huo was suddenly dissatisfied with me and wanted to cancel our engagement. Madam Zhou has witnessed many marriages, and surely can tell who did wrong in this matter?"
Madam Zhou fell silent. A while ago, she had heard about the withdrawal of the marriage contract between Marquis Jingyong and Cheng family's eldest miss. When the engagement was first formalized, many people were envious. Now that the couple suddenly broke up, the surprise was no less. Some people were stirring the muddy water and spreading malicious speculations around. The woman has always been disadvantaged in this kind of thing, and these days, outsiders' speculations about eldest miss Cheng was indeed not good.
Madam Zhou initially only wanted to see the excitement, but today she finally understood why eldest miss Cheng was famous in the capital. This girl was indeed very smart. Although her words were long, they were well-organized and clearly displayed the cause and effect. Madam Zhou was an outsider, a bystander. But after listening to Cheng Yujin, she thought that Huo family was too excessive.
Huo Xue-shi couldn't speak as eloquently as Cheng Yujin. Hearing the lengthy, continuous rebuke, she could only choke a bellyful of anger. Now that Cheng Yujin finally stopped talking, she seized the opportunity to shout: "Absurd! Obviously you are an impostor, deceiving my son and deliberately grabbing the life-saving grace. My son cannot bear that and decided to cancel the engagement."
"When Marquis Huo woke up after I found him, I told him that I am Yichun marquis manor's eldest miss, Qingfu Junzhu's daughter. Later, the ones who carry the marquis down the mountain were also my mother's servants. Madam Huo, please say clearly, which part of me is an impostor? When did I grab someone else's credit?"
"The life-saving grace is obviously not yours..."
Cheng Yujin smiled. She bowed at Madam Zhou and asked: "Madam Zhou, please judge. I found Marquis Huo inside a cave. At that time, there was no one else nearby. Then I asked my people to carry him to the villa estate. Is this a life-saving grace?"
Madam Zhou looked at Cheng Yujin, who knew when to advance and retreat, and always maintain her politeness. Then she looked at the angry Huo Xue-shi and her distorted face. Madam Zhou sighed: "Of course it is."
Cheng Yujin smiled slightly, but she concealed it almost instantly. She finally fixed her gaze on Huo Xue-shi's eyes and said with a slow, concise tone: "Madam Huo, did you hear? I have never done anything sorry to your Huo family. Yet you always slander me, and now even accuse me of faking the life-saving grace! Marquis Huo may be the apple of your eyes, but for me, he is no different from other men in the world. I, Cheng Yujin, don't owe you and your son, and he is not worthy. Huo Changyuan went back to his own words, treating marriage as a plaything, arrogant, and conceited. Having been tangled with this kind of man before, I could only blame my bad luck, and have nothing else to say. But Madam Huo, you must remember that this marriage contract is your family's fault. Proposing marriage without checking the truth, this is the first fault. Breaking your own words and promise, this is the second. After canceling the engagement, still slandering my reputation, and pushing all the blame, this is the third. Knowing that you have offended my Cheng family, yet still came to this manor to propose to the sister of ex-fiancee and provoke me and my sister's relationship, this is the fourth."
Cheng Yujin inhaled a breath. Four things, then just rounded it up. She quickly opened her mouth again: "You admit the wrong person yourself, then refuse to admit your mistake, and instead frame the life-saving benefactor for faking the credit. This is the fifth mistake. If you want to cancel the engagement, then just cancel. But I won't allow you to trample on my reputation. This kind of injustice will surely meet heaven's retribution."
Cheng Yujin's voice was loud, but very calm and composed. After she finished talking, the whole hall fell into a silence. Everyone was looking at her in a daze. Huo Xue-shi felt a series of numbers smashed her eyes, and her brain was full of one, two, three, four, five. She couldn't utter a single word. After scolding Huo family into the dirt, Cheng Yujin politely saluted: "Madam Zhou, grandmother, I will retire first."
Madam Zhou subconsciously asked: "What about Marquis Jingyong and second miss marriage talk......"
"The one who destroyed our engagement is him, and I am powerless. Meeting such a former fiance, Cheng Yujin can only admit her bad luck. As for who the Marquis will marry later, this little girl doesn't care." Cheng Yujin smiled lightly, then turned around and dignifiedly walked away.
When she went out, Cheng Yujin saw Cheng Yumo's pale face, standing at the door timidly: "Eldest sister..."
As if she didn't see the girl, Cheng Yujin passed by quickly. After Cheng Yujin has gone, Cheng Yumo's face turned even paler.
After Cheng Yujin left, everyone was stunned. After listening to her words, Madam Zhou also felt that the broken marriage contract was completely Huo family's fault. What's more unreasonable was that after canceling the engagement, they still wanted to step on the former fiancee's reputation, denied Cheng Yujin's life-saving grace, and accused her of stealing others' credit.
Huo Changyuan looked decent from the outside. But actually such a person in private?
Qingfu listened to the scolding just now. She followed Cheng Yujin's momentum and threw a peculiar glance at Ruan-shi: "Since the engagement until now, the eldest girl has done nothing wrong, but suffer an innocent stigma. Since Marquis Huo has taken a fancy to your second branch's girl, as an older sister, will Yujin still fight with her?"
After saying that, Qingfu was still dissatisfied. She deliberately shook her fan and said, "Second sister-in-law also wasn't honest. If you and your daughter fancy Marquis Huo, when he first came to discuss the marriage, you can say directly, ah. Yet you have to wait until eldest girl's engagement was fixed and the marriage contract being formalized before you started to work hard behind our back. Now you happily get your wish, but the eldest girl has to suffer marriage cancelation. Tell me, is this a proper thing to do?"
When Cheng Yujin barged in, old Madam Cheng's complexion wasn't good. But she knew that Cheng Yujin had a sense of proportion. Once it came to reputation, all girls in one family would bear the brunt. If one of them had a bad reputation, her sisters wouldn't have it good either. That's why old Madam Cheng wasn't afraid that Cheng Yujin would blurt out about Cheng Yumo's scandalous act. During this time, old Madam Cheng conducted her own investigation about what happened in the villa estate that night. From the servant girls' mouth, she knew that Cheng Yumo had disappeared all night, and it was when Cheng Yujin went out to search for Cheng Yumo the next morning that she accidentally ran into Huo Changyuan. From these facts, combined with Huo Changyuan's attitude, the old Madam roughly guessed what happened.
In any case, Cheng Yumo's innocence has been ruined. If she could not marry Huo Changyuan, she had to hang herself to death. The fact that Cheng Yumo and Huo Changyuan spend one night together could only rot in the hearts of all concerned parties. Once words went out, all women in Cheng family's would be dishonored, and they could never talk about marriages again. As the eldest sister, Cheng Yujin would be the one who bore the biggest brunt.
Cheng Yujin was very smart, and old Madam Cheng appreciated that the most. Even when her biological sister did such a thing, Cheng Yujin still kept her head composed, and always aimed at the Huo family with logical reasons and high moral ground, pushing all mistakes to them. From her words, Huo family was ungrateful, and she Cheng Yujin was the victim, the most pitiful and innocent.
Old Madam Cheng finally acquiesced to Cheng Yujin's actions. Mo'er innocence had been lost, and she was bound to marry Huo Changyuan. The old Madam was going to take this opportunity to put some suppression on Huo Xue-shi. But she didn't think that Qingfu would also take advantage of Cheng Yujin's victory to vent up indiscriminately. Old Madam Cheng didn't want outsiders to watch Cheng family's jokes. She coughed a little, and both Qingfu and Ruan-shi didn't dare to talk anymore.
Old Madam Cheng looked at Madam Zhou: "Madam Zhou, I had caused you trouble with this visit. Letting you see this kind of thing, this old woman's family truly lacks discipline."
Madam Zhou laughed: "Nothing."
"Since Madam Zhou has seen it, this old woman can no longer cover this matter, might as well tell you directly. Huo family had previously made a marriage proposal to the eldest girl, but broke it off inexplicably, and now came to propose to the second girl. Which woman can bear this insult, so the eldest girl comes to ask for justice; it's nothing wrong. In the presence of Madam Zhou today, this old woman will make it clear to Madam Huo that Marquis Huo isn't the only choice for my family's granddaughters. If Madam Huo really wants to make another marriage contract, then show sincerity. If not, then it's all for nothing. This old woman will rather let my two granddaughters cut off their hair and be a nun for a lifetime. Anyway, it's still better than being trampled on the soles of your feet. Let them come clearly, and also go away clearly, this is for the best."
"Old Madam, what are you saying!" Madam Zhou quickly reacted, "Why do things have to reach that point? Since Madam Huo comes to your door, she must be sincerely want to tie this marriage with your family. Isn't that right, Madam Huo?"
Huo Xue-shi secretly cursed, all the good and bad things were all said by you people, and now she had become the evil mother-in-law. What else can she say? However, in front of Madam Zhou, Huo Xue-shi didn't dare to shed all pretense of cordiality and barely smiled: "Madam Zhou is right. Of course I sincerely ask for your family's second miss marriage with my son."
"This is good." Old Madam Cheng said, "As for showing your 'sincerity,' let's talk about it next time. See the guests off."
Huo Xue-shi gritted her teeth. Old Madam Cheng clearly took the opportunity to ask for a high-priced betrothal gift! Huo Xue-shi's hatred increased even more. When she saw Cheng Yumo on her way out, her face became very ugly.
Truly a seed of disaster. Before entering the threshold, she already helped her natal family to scheme her husband's property. Very good.
Cheng Yumo originally saluted Huo Xue-shi sincerely. In the previous life, she and Huo Xue-shi's relationship was merely lukewarm at the best. But she was Changyuan's mother after all. Cheng Yumo wanted to get along well with her mother-in-law as early as possible, but didn't expect that Huo Xue-shi would look at her with such an obvious disgust.
First, her sister ignored her, and then her mother-in-law vented her anger at her. Cheng Yumo's eyes suddenly flooded with tears. Her face twisted slightly. She looked at Ruan-shi and shouted helplessly: "Mother..."
Ruan-shi also saw Huo Xue-shi's attitude towards her daughter. She couldn't help feeling sad. Mo'er has already hated by her mother-in-law just as soon as she got engaged. When Mo'er really married into the Huo family, how should she living under such mother-in-law!
Old Madam Cheng sat in the hall for a long time. She heard the cry of the mother and daughter outside, sighed, and called: "Second branch, you come in."
Then she said: "I'm tired, send the eldest madam out. You guys go out too."
When Qingfu walked out, she sneered at Ruan-shi and went back satisfied. The servants all went out and closed the door gently.
All of a sudden, only old Madam Cheng, Ruan Shi, and Cheng Yumo were left in the hall. After closing the door, the room became gloomy and dark. Cheng Yumo suddenly felt an inexplicable fear. This didn't happen in her previous life, and she instinctively felt alarmed, as if the future she knew was slowly changing.
Old Madam Cheng asked, "Second girl, are you really want to marry Marquis Jingyong?"
Cheng Yumo calmed herself down. She remembered how good her relationship with Huo Changyuan in her previous life was. However, after only several years, she died of infectious disease. In this life, of course she has to live with Changyuan again.
Cheng Yumo calmed down and said, "Yes."
"Have you figured it out clearly?"
Why did the old madam ask such a question? Cheng Yumo didn't understand old Madam Cheng's intentions. She even felt that the old Madam was talking oddly. Was she implicitly scolding this new engagement? Cheng Yumo secretly pursed her lips and said more firmly: "I have figured it out clearly, I am willing."
The vague hope in Ruan-shi's eyes was gone, and old Madam Cheng also sighed. Now Cheng family was on odds with Huo family, and Cheng Yujin was by no means willing to suffer. She would definitely push all the faults on the Huo family. Cheng Yujin's words had completely angered Huo Xue-shi, why should she show a good face to Cheng Yumo?
Unfortunately, Cheng Yumo couldn't even understand such a simple truth. Obviously they were twin sisters, but hers and Cheng Yujin's ability was too far apart.
Old Madam Cheng has given Cheng Yumo a chance. Since she was willing, then just let it be.
Cheng Yumo vaguely saw that her grandmother has agreed. But she did not understand why grandmother should sigh, isn't it supposed to be a happy event? After sighing for a while, the old Madam suddenly spoke with a cold and harsh tone: "Second girl, you are our family's young miss, so I will give you a face and never mention it again after leaving this room today. But you have to know. A woman's life after marriage is already hard enough, but you, your innocence has been lost, and the path you take will be much more difficult than that of others. Our family can only protect you until here. Whether you can live well afterward depends on your own skills."
Cheng Yumo didn't know why the old Madam suddenly said this. But when she heard 'your innocence has been lost,' the color on her face instantly gone.
Cheng Yumo bit her lip: "Grandmother..."
"Don't worry. It also involves the reputation of all women in our family. I will never mention this matter to anyone again."
Cheng Yumo was a little relieved. But for an unknown reason, she asked: "What about eldest sister? Will grandmother tell her?"
"Eldest girl?" old Madam Cheng sneered, her eyes looking at Cheng Yumo were full of sympathy. "You think you can hide from her? She has long known it."
Cheng Yumo suddenly felt as if a basin of ice water was being poured on her. Her face was pale, and her limbs were cold.
Even if old Madam Cheng suppressed the news about Huo family's visit to propose to Cheng Yumo, it still quickly spread out in the whole manor. Gossiping about romantic affair has always been the favorite topic for idle chatting, but this time, it even involved the two young misses of the marquis manor. In private, the gossipy servants chew up the news gleefully.
Although Huo family acknowledged all the faults on breaking off the engagement were on them and even sent Cheng Yujin a formal apology gift, but people still making up stories in private. They were secretly saying that Marquis Huo was initially engaged to the eldest miss, but she always looked dignified, like a wooden beauty. Marquis Huo found her boring, so he turned to marry the second miss. Cheng Yujin has always been perfect and indifferent; the servants were all afraid, respect, and faintly jealous of her. Now that something has happened, of course people took the side of Cheng Yumo, who wasn't as capable as her.
This was human nature.
When Lian Qiao heard these rumors and gossips, she became angry. In just a few days, she had scolded dozens of low-ranking servants who dared to gossip behind their master's back. Today, Lian Qiao came back angrily again, which made Cheng Yujin smiled: "What use are you angry with them? They can only hide and talk behind my back. If they are really capable, let them come to me, let's see who still dare to say even one word."
This was true. Cheng Yujin's prestige in the manor was very high, second only to old Madam Cheng, and even exceeding Qingfu. Those long-tongues servants were like mice, only dared to hide in the dark. In front of Cheng Yujin, they were always flattering and currying favor to no end.
Lian Qiao felt a little better, but still angry: "Only because Marquis Jingyong proposes to the second miss, they dare to talk about miss like that. They also said that miss is dull and boring, Marquis Huo dislikes it, and so changed the engagement to the second miss. Let me spit! It is clear that our miss is the one who looks down on him, why did it become Huo family's turn to pick and choose? If there is someone who truly deserves our miss, that must be from the imperial family!"
Du Ruo quickly muffled Lian Qiao's mouth, the smile on Cheng Yujin's face was also disappeared, and she looked around alertly: "Do you want to die? No such words will be allowed in the future."
Lian Qiao also knew her mistake. However, she still angry and was sullen for a while: "Miss, you will definitely marry a perfect husband in the future, so that all those who watch the jokes today will have to lick back every single word they said."
Cheng Yujin laughed, but Lian Qiao was serious. The master and servants were happily talking in the room, but suddenly a servant girl ran from outside. Her hairbun almost fell apart, and she was breathing heavily: "Eldest miss, the old madam is calling you. Please be hurry. People from the palace are coming to bestow rewards!"
Cheng Yujin was surprised. People from the palace are coming to bestow rewards? It wasn't the new year nor other festivals, and the Cheng family also didn't have anyone in the inner palace. Why did the palace suddenly bestow rewards? Cheng Yujin did not dare to be careless; she immediately stood up and went out.
When she rushed to the front courtyard, the main hall of Yichun marquis manor that was only be opened for marriage and funeral has been full of people. When everyone saw her coming, they gave way.
Through the gap between the crowds, Cheng Yujin saw a yellow-clothed imperial eunuch standing in the middle of the hall.
Cheng Yujin calmed herself down. She carefully walked past the crowd and saluted the people one by one: "This subject's daughter greets master eunuch, greets grandfather, greets grandmother, father, mother, second uncle, second aunt, and ninth uncle."
Such occasion wasn't the old Madam's turn to speak. The old Master gestured to Cheng Yujin: "Hurry up and kneel down to receive the imperial decree."
Cheng Yujin knelt as was told. The yellow-clothed eunuch symbolically helped her, then smilingly asked: "Is this Cheng family's eldest young miss?"
"Yes."
The eunuch's gaze quickly swept over her. He lived in the imperial palace, and the concubines, consorts, and other noble ladies of various ranks he had seen were countless. His eyes were sharp, and his standard was high. Even so, his eyes lit up when he saw Cheng Yujin walk over.
He thought to himself: Cheng family was useless, but this eldest miss had a pleasant appearance and good manners. After a while, the yellow-clothed eunuch stopped his thoughts, cupped his hand to the north, and said: "The Emperor speaks: Zhen did not want a big celebration for this year's longevity. But Yichun marquis manor's gift is unique, and zhen especially likes this embroidered screen. Zhen heard that the Marquis's granddaughter personally embroiders this one, and didn't waste any resource or manpower. Truly a good model for women. Cheng family's eldest daughter is still young, but her heart is full of sincerity, good-looking, and intelligent. Bestow four bolts of Yun brocade, eight bolts of silk, and golden embroidery tools as rewards."
The yellow-clothed eunuch finished the message, smiled, and said: "Eldest miss Cheng, receive the rewards and show your gratitude."
Cheng Yujin usually was steady, but this time, she had to be pushed by someone before realizing what had happened. Cheng Yujin finally reacted and found that the imperial eunuch was smiling at her. The other Cheng family members were either envious, jealous, or regretful, but all were looking at her while kneeling. Among so many figures, Cheng Yujin saw Cheng Yuanjing at one glance. He was also in the crowd, his eyes were calm, and he lifted his chin slightly to her, signaling her to quickly showed her gratitude.
Cheng Yujin returned to her mind and kowtowed: "This subject's daughter thanked the Emperor's grace."
The other members of the Cheng family were in a mixed mood, especially Ruan-shi and old Madam Cheng. They always feel that Cheng Yujin's life has been over after her engagement was canceled, so they would rather offend Cheng Yujin to make arrangements for Huo Changyuan and Cheng Yumo's marriage. However, not too long after, Cheng Yujin was praised by the Emperor as a role model for women.
Old Madam Cheng felt that her face was swollen.