Xi Xiang responded promptly and hurried forward to open the side door.
Mi Ning stepped up to stand beside the door and announced loudly, “Her Highness Princess Changle has arrived!”
The three people inside the room reacted with varied expressions, quickly turning to look toward the side door.
Shen Zhaoli approached gracefully, her phoenix-like eyes sweeping over the group before she smiled.
“I have come uninvited; I hope I haven’t disturbed you.”
Jiang Yueshan was momentarily stunned before quickly stepping forward with a smile.
“Your Highness, what are you saying? It is our fortune that you could grace us with your presence.”
Qin Yunying’s forehead beaded with fine sweat as she lowered her head and stepped forward to bow to Shen Zhaoli.
“This humble subject, Qin, pays respects to Her Highness Princess Changle. May Your Highness enjoy boundless fortune and peace.”
Rumors said that Princess Changle had already severed ties with Zhou Qingyun, so why would she suddenly appear here?
And who knows how much of the earlier conversation Princess Changle had overheard.
Shen Zhaoli’s gaze swept over Qin Yunying, her tone slightly cool.
“Lady Lu, you may rise.”
The subtle yet palpable pressure made Qin Yunying’s heart sink.
Watching Shen Zhaoli take the seat of honor, Jiang Yueshan shot a glare at Zhou Qingyun and whispered reproachfully.
“Princess Changle is in the residence, and you didn’t even think to inform me.”
Zhou Qingyun felt somewhat helpless—Jinghua’s arrival at the residence had not been concealed—but recalling her mother’s temperament, she refrained from arguing.
“May I ask why Your Highness has come so suddenly? Is there something you wish to instruct?” Jiang Yueshan asked, her expression tense.
Shen Zhaoli smiled and motioned for Zhou Qingyun to sit beside her.
“Instructions are hardly necessary, but Jingyi is my dearest friend. Naturally, I must ensure her marriage arrangements are properly overseen.”
As she spoke, Shen Zhaoli glanced seemingly casually at Qin Yunying.
“I heard that Lady Lu wishes to move the wedding date forward? I’m afraid that goes against protocol. The rites of Dajing state that marriage involves six ceremonies: proposal, name inquiry, divination, betrothal gifts, date selection, and the wedding procession—none of which can be omitted. These cannot be completed in just over a month.”
Qin Yunying struggled to maintain her smile, clutching her handkerchief as she replied, “Your Highness is right. I failed to consider this thoroughly.”
“Since Your Highness has heard, I won’t fear your ridicule. My second son is disgraceful—causing a scandal right when his elder brother is arranging a marriage is truly inexcusable.”
“But Jingyi is, after all, marrying into the Wen’an Marquis’s household. In the future, we will share both glory and disgrace.”
“If this matter cannot be concealed, it will not be good for Jingyi either.”
Hearing this, Jiang Yueshan grew displeased.
“What does this have to do with my daughter? Lady Lu should speak more carefully and not tarnish my daughter’s reputation.”
Qin Yunying was taken aback and quickly explained, “You misunderstand, dear in-law. Jingyi is naturally excellent, but if this scandal spreads, I fear the eldest son’s reputation will also suffer. Wouldn’t that affect his future prospects?”
“And if the eldest son’s prospects are harmed, won’t Jingyi be the one to suffer?”
As she spoke, Qin Yunying glanced at Shen Zhaoli.
The betrothal gifts had already been exchanged. Unless the man committed a grave offense, breaking off an engagement was generally not permitted.
If the engagement were broken off, the woman’s reputation would inevitably suffer, making it difficult for her to arrange another marriage in the future.
Only by having Zhou Qingyun cooperate to conceal the matter would everyone be satisfied.
Jiang Yueshan pondered for a moment and felt Qin Yunying’s words made sense.
Just as she was about to turn and persuade her daughter, she caught sight of Shen Zhaoli’s uncertain expression beside her and immediately fell silent.
Shen Zhaoli instantly grasped the hidden meaning in Qin Yunying’s words and looked at her with a faint, knowing smile.
“Madam Lu makes a fair point, but ultimately, this matter originated from your second son. It is hardly appropriate to let the aggrieved Jingyi, who is not yet married into your family, bear the burden of resolving this.”
“Moreover, Dajing has no shortage of fine young men beyond just the eldest son of the Lu family. With me here, I have ways to ensure Jingyi emerges from this unscathed.”
Qin Yunying’s expression shifted slightly. Given Princess Changle’s level of favor, obtaining an imperial decree to annul the engagement would be as simple as a word from her—who would dare object?
With Princess Changle backing her, Zhou Qingyun would have no worries about future marriage prospects.
But by then, the reputation of the Wen’an Marquis household would likely plummet.
“Your Highness speaks rightly. Regarding my second son’s matter, I will return and handle it properly, ensuring Jingyi need not trouble herself over it.”
Jiang Yueshan did not quite understand this sudden turn of events and wanted to say more, but Zhou Qingyun’s gaze stopped her.
Shen Zhaoli smiled. “Madam Lu is known for her virtue and magnanimity; surely you would not hold a grudge against Jingyi over this.”
Seeing how fiercely Shen Zhaoli defended Zhou Qingyun, Qin Yunying dared not speak carelessly.
“Your Highness, what are you saying? Jingyi is the daughter-in-law our Wen’an Marquis household has chosen—we adore her, how could we resent her?”
Shen Zhaoli curled her lips slightly. “That is good then. Since this matter is settled, Jingyi and I have other matters to attend to and will take our leave.”
With that, Shen Zhaoli did not even glance at their expressions, rising and leading Zhou Qingyun away.
Jiang Yueshan and Qin Yunying did not dare even breathe loudly, quickly kneeling to respectfully see them off.
Only after they had walked some distance did Zhou Qingyun grasp Shen Zhaoli’s arm, relieved.
“Jinghua, I truly owe you this time. Otherwise, I would have had to swallow this grievance in silence.”
Shen Zhaoli chuckled softly. “Even without me, your teacher’s wife would not have let you suffer such injustice.”
The two sisters chatted as they returned together to Old Madam Zhou’s courtyard in the rear estate.
Not long after, Jiang Yueshan, having seen Qin Yunying off, hurried over as well.
Old Madam Zhou gave Jiang Yueshan a deep look before turning to Zhou Qingyun. “I already know what happened earlier. What are your thoughts on this matter?”
Zhou Qingyun frowned, hesitating for a moment before speaking.
“Madam Lu seemed to have no other choice but to seek our family’s help, which shows that the Lu family’s second son is deeply devoted.”
“My yet-unmet sister-in-law is likely also a formidable character.”
“Now, with Jinghua stepping in, although Madam Lu said she would handle the matter properly, I still feel somewhat uneasy.”
Jiang Yueshan, listening nearby, seemed unconvinced.
“What is there to ponder? If the Lu family did not value you, why would they offer eight extra dowry gifts? They’ve also promised to resolve the second son’s issue—their sincerity is already evident. You will have to marry sooner or later, and the Lu family is already an excellent match.”
“Jingyi, it’s not that your mother is criticizing you, but you must not be too picky. Once married, as long as Lu Dagongzi treats you well, isn’t that enough?”
Old Madam Zhou shot Jiang Yueshan a sharp glance. “If you do not understand, then listen and learn more. Do not make arbitrary decisions that could harm your own daughter.”
Jiang Yueshan was displeased by these words.
“Mother, what are you saying? Jingyi is my daughter—how could I possibly harm her? Wasn’t this match chosen by you and Father? Why blame me now?”
Old Madam Zhou furrowed her brows tightly and sighed.
“Enough. You should go back and rest. I will arrange Jingyi’s marriage matters myself.”
Jiang Yueshan’s face darkened. She bowed to Shen Zhaoli and left in a huff.
Old Madam Zhou pinched the bridge of her nose, as if troubled by a headache.
Zhou Qingyun wore a look of guilt on her face. “Grandmother, please don’t let anger harm your health.”
Old Madam Zhou waved her hand dismissively and turned her gaze to Shen Zhaoli. “We’ve made a fool of ourselves in front of Jinghua. Now that you’ve heard the whole story, what do you think should be done?”