The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 114: Ji Mingzhu, You Did It on Purpose

Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Ji Mingzhu, You Did It on Purpose

Princess An He repeatedly addressed her as Aunt Du.

She even demanded others serve tea to the concubine.

These words were enough to strip Du Peifang of her dignity.

Even though her natal family stood up for her, securing her the status of a concubine, it couldn’t change the fact she was still a concubine.

If it is a blessing, it’s not a curse; if it is a curse, it cannot be avoided.

Ji Mingzhu took on this task.

She conveniently didn’t bring any gold, so she said, "Might I trouble you to send someone with me to Aunt Du’s courtyard?"

Princess An He gave her a meaningful look.

She refrains from touching the jade carvings... she has indeed grown wiser.

Pleased by the words "Aunt Du," she knew Ji Mingzhu was siding with her.

Princess An He didn’t fuss further.

She pointed to a maid and had her accompany Ji Mingzhu to carry out the task.

As she was about to leave, Princess An He said in a low tone, "Tomorrow, come at hour of the Dragon to pay respect."

This was a clear decision to push her into the spotlight.

Ji Mingzhu was not surprised; she simply agreed and left with the maid.

Just as she left the main courtyard.

Mrs. Guan and Gao Xing hurriedly came up to her.

Ji Mingzhu was helpless, realizing they had gone to call for reinforcements for her.

"Mingzhu, is there anything wrong?"

She glanced towards the main courtyard, "Did Her Ladyship, the Commandery Princess, give you any trouble?"

Ji Mingzhu raised her hand and spun around in front of Mrs. Guan, "Aunt, do I look like I was in trouble?"

Seeing her move with ease, indicating she hadn’t been punished to kneel, Mrs. Guan was relieved.

She corrected her, "Once a woman marries, she follows her husband’s family, you should change how you address me."

Although they were not related by blood, Ji Mingzhu had always called Mrs. Guan "aunt" since she was young.

Now being asked to change, it was indeed difficult to adjust immediately.

She retorted, "There’s no outsider here."

Mrs. Guan glanced at the unfamiliar maid, who held a pair of jade carving of a boy and a girl in her hands.

She uncertainly asked, "Did Her Ladyship, the Commandery Princess, give these to you?"

Ji Mingzhu cleared her throat, raising her voice a little.

"Her Ladyship, the Commandery Princess, said these are for Aunt Du. She sent someone from the main courtyard to deliver the gift, and asked me to convey a message as well."

A hint of amusement flashed in Mrs. Guan’s eyes.

This girl, she’s quite cautious.

Holding Ji Mingzhu’s hand, "I was just about to visit the old lady. Why don’t you accompany me for a while?"

Ji Mingzhu understood Mrs. Guan’s intention.

The old lady had been practicing Buddhism and excused everyone from morning and evening greetings in recent days.

Visiting the old lady was just an excuse.

Clearly, it was to have a witness, so that if any trouble arose with the jade carvings later, she would not be involved.

Feeling touched, she realized she had grown up and didn’t want her elders to worry about everything for her.

She squeezed Mrs. Guan’s hand in return, tilting her chin slightly at the maid holding the tray.

"This is someone from Her Ladyship, the Commandery Princess. If I don’t personally deliver it, Her Ladyship won’t be assured. After I deliver the items, she’ll need to return to report back, I can’t afford to delay."

Mrs. Guan understood.

"Alright then, you go ahead first."

She let go of Ji Mingzhu’s hand, "Since we’re here, I’ll go in and have a word with Her Ladyship, the Commandery Princess. I’m also curious to know how her health is faring. If it’s still serious, Ah Zhen might need to invite Physician Xi."

She mused inwardly, with all her spirit to cause trouble, she must be recovering well.

In-law relations require maintaining, no matter the liking.

Playing the game of pleasing others is a skill every noble lady must master.

The two parted ways just like that.

Ji Mingzhu then proceeded to Du Peifang’s courtyard.

Du Peifang’s entry into the family lacked honor; even though the emperor granted the marriage, she merely entered the Duke Mansion in a modest sedan.

There was no grand wedding procession, no noble sedan chair, nor a banquet inviting friends and family.

In all of the capital city, no noble lady was as aggrieved as she was.

But her reputation was ruined, becoming a stain and a discard to her family, her entry into the Duke Mansion was beyond her control.

Du Peifang had always been proud, determined to marry the best man.

She once thought of marrying the Crown Prince and becoming the Crown Princess Consort, ultimately ruling the world as the Empress.

Yet, she deemed that path too dangerous.

Plus, she could not tolerate a husband with numerous concubines.

Later, as Xie Yunzhen gained fame in his youth and showed great promise, she set her sights on him. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

As she did, she fell into her own trap.

He was virtuous, a potential husband without even a concubine, the most desirable match for noble ladies in the capital.

When the opportunity to marry Xie Yunzhen presented itself, Du Peifang was so elated, she couldn’t sleep for several nights.

It seemed like a natural outcome, but Ji Mingzhu seduced Xie Yunzhen midway.

She, believing the Commandery Princess’s arrangement, ended up marrying an older man.

Though it was a settled matter, Du Peifang could not accept this ending.

She dared not leave her home, fearing the mocking glances of others.

She dared not act rashly, fearing any missteps would bring disaster.

Her family had abandoned her, her mother sent word that her father had engaged a female teacher, meticulously grooming the household’s illegitimate daughters.

Such is the harsh reality.

As long as they were daughters of the Du Family, even if illegitimate, many suitors would still seek them.

Thinking of those she once looked down upon, who might marry outstanding young men, Du Peifang seethed with rage.

No matter how handsome and sophisticated Xie Yunzhen might be, it did not change the fact he was an older man!

Perhaps feeling awkward, aside from the wedding night, Xie Yunzhen had not stepped into Du Peifang’s room.

It was exactly what Du Peifang wanted; she did not wish to share a bed with Xie Yunzhen.

But being left out in the cold, she felt uncomfortable inside.

She was still young, undeserving of withering away like this...

Upon hearing Ji Mingzhu’s arrival, Du Peifang’s first thought was she came to laugh at her.

Anger surged within her.

"I won’t see her!"

No matter how high she climbed, it couldn’t change that Ji Mingzhu was an orphan.

Where did she muster the courage to come laugh at her!

Du Peifang was humiliated beyond words; nothing was more excruciating than losing face in front of a rival.

"The Princely Heir’s wife said it was Her Ladyship, the Commandery Princess, who sent her."

Mentioning Princess An He, Du Peifang instinctively felt afraid, somewhat lacking in confidence.

She snorted, "Did Her Ladyship, the Commandery Princess, really send her? Or is it just a coyote borrowing a tiger’s might, flaunting Her Ladyship’s authority!"

"This is the Duke Mansion, under Her Ladyship, the Commandery Princess’s, watchful eye; the Princely Heir’s wife surely wouldn’t dare spread false news."

Du Peifang gave a cold snort, "Let her in."

Enemies meet on a narrow path, especially since both had become part of the Duke Mansion, there was no avoiding one another.

Although she couldn’t contend with Princess An He, she surely could best an orphan like Ji Mingzhu?

If she dared to laugh, she would make her pay!

Ji Mingzhu walked leisurely into the courtyard.

With a glance, she took in all the arrangements in the courtyard.

This place was even more secluded than Xiao Xiang Courtyard, although it had a small garden, it couldn’t possibly compare to the residence Du Peifang had in her natal family.

Knowing her adversary was not well-off, she felt at ease.

Du Peifang, driven by pride, sat upright in the flower hall, not rising to greet Ji Mingzhu.

All she saw was the woman she loathed most, walking towards her with a slight smile at her lips.

It was clearly flaunting superiority!

Ji Mingzhu tilted her head and had the maid set down the items, "Go back and report."

Just as Du Peifang was about to speak, her gaze suddenly fixed.

There was nothing unusual from Ji Mingzhu’s front, but as she turned to speak with the maid, the skin near her collar was revealed.

The telltale marks were exposed in the air.

The suppressed anger, injustice, and resentment inside Du Peifang erupted.

"Crash!"

The teacup on the table was swept to the floor.

"Ji Mingzhu, you did this on purpose!"