A ray of morning light streamed in, shining on the woman by the window as she arranged her hair before the mirror. Her brows and eyes were like a painting. Five dressing boxes opened in unison, dazzling and stunning to behold. Each box had five layers, with jewelry sorted by type, all exquisitely crafted—yet this was only a fraction of her dowry treasures.
Yun Zheng chose a set of red‑gold, pearl‑linked Nine‑Turn Linglong ornaments. Golden, radiant, and noble, they matched her bright, commanding beauty perfectly.
Chunhua’s eyes widened. “Miss, you truly suit this style.”
In the past, Miss had worn plain clothes, which dulled her beauty by three parts. Now, in red robes, adorned with jewels, she was magnificent, regal, her presence extraordinary, her beauty even greater.
Yun Zheng’s lips curved faintly as she glanced at Chunhua. “Didn’t sleep well last night?”
Chunhua’s dark circles were obvious. “I’m worried. Today’s family recognition may bring trouble.”
More than a little trouble—she had worried all night without sleep. They had offended the entire Marquis household. What would happen next?
Yun Zheng had thought she would be restless too, but unexpectedly, she slept soundly until dawn.
“When soldiers come, block them; when water floods, cover with earth. What’s there to fear?”
Outside came noise—the maid Mei’er, sent by the Marchioness.
Mei’er looked capable, but spoke cautiously. “Young Madam, the clan relatives have all arrived and are waiting. Madam asks you to come at once.”
This was the woman who dared defy even the Marquis himself—Mei’er was afraid.
Yun Zheng’s expression remained calm. “I know.”
“By the way, why hasn’t the kitchen sent breakfast? We’re all hungry, waiting.”
Mei’er faltered. “Perhaps the kitchen was too busy and overlooked it. Please go greet the relatives first—everyone is waiting.”
Yun Zheng pressed her forehead, feigning weakness. “When I’m hungry, I get dizzy and can’t walk.”
Both knew the truth: the Marquis household deliberately withheld food and drink from Chunxiao Courtyard, forcing Yun Zheng to attend the recognition ceremony on an empty stomach.
This so‑called banquet of kin was likely a trap—a Hongmen Banquet.
Mei’er’s mind raced. “Perhaps you could eat some pastries first to tide you over?”
A servant brought golden‑thread bird’s nest porridge and a plate of White Dew green honey cakes.
Yun Zheng took a bite of the cake, frowning slightly. “Why is it different from before?”
Aunt Ding, in charge of the kitchen, reported cautiously: “Miss, we lacked ingredients, and there’s no stove in this courtyard. We used a small red brazier to make these pastries.”
Yun Zheng thought briefly. “Set up a kitchen in the front yard. Make a list of what’s needed and have Erniu purchase it.”
With a kitchen, food and drink would be easier, and hot water more convenient.
“Yes.”
Mei’er grew anxious. “Young Madam, this must not be done. Our Marquis household has no such rule. Even Madam’s main courtyard has no private kitchen. As a daughter‑in‑law, you cannot overstep your mother‑in‑law.”
But Yun Zheng refused to let others hold her by the throat. “Rules are made to be broken. From today on, my word is the rule!”
Mei’er’s face turned green. This young madam was far too arrogant. “Young Madam…”
Yun Zheng sipped her bird’s nest porridge. “Do not speak while eating or sleeping. Do you know that rule?”
Mei’er shut her mouth, watching helplessly as Yun Zheng slowly drank porridge—for half an hour. No matter how she urged, Yun Zheng ignored her, moving only at her own pace.
The sky grew brighter. Mei’er was nearly in tears. “Young Madam, please, have pity on me.”
Only then did Yun Zheng rise leisurely. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Watching her back, Mei’er felt a bad premonition. This would be another stormy day.
The clan relatives of the Pingxi household had all arrived, crowding the main hall, noisy and restless. They waited and waited, but Yun Zheng did not appear. Tempers flared.
“Brother, your daughter‑in‑law has quite the airs—everyone waits only for her.”
“Sister‑in‑law, today you must teach her proper rules, make her behave as a Marquis household daughter‑in‑law.”
The Marquis and Marchioness looked grim, seething with anger. Yun Zheng couldn’t even be bothered to pretend—was she determined to fight the household to the end?
“Fortunately, heir, you married two wives. The Yun girl is too arrogant, but the Ye girl is a good one.”
Last night Jiang Wenzhou had vomited from disgust, rinsed himself several times, and slept poorly. His mood was low now, though he forced a smile.
Ye Yizhen stood at his side, smiling sweetly like a flower. “Thank you, Aunt, for your praise. I will strive to be a good daughter‑in‑law, and I will properly guide my younger sisters and brothers.”
Both wore dark red garments, matching in color—clearly a pair: a handsome man and a beautiful woman, pleasing to the eye.
The clan relatives were impressed by Ye Yizhen’s obedient, gentle demeanor. “See, this is a proper Marquis daughter‑in‑law. The Yun girl is unworthy, unqualified.”
Just then, commotion stirred outside. “She’s here, she’s here!”
Everyone turned toward the doorway, resolved to make things difficult for Yun Zheng, to give her a harsh lesson.
A crowd surrounded a woman in red as she entered.
Eyes lit up.
Her crimson robes blazed like fire, her skin smooth as jade, her figure graceful, her presence radiant and commanding—like a blooming peony.
Jiang Wenzhou faltered. Though he despised her, he had to admit she was a rare beauty.
Ye Yizhen’s eyes flashed with jealousy. Dressed so flamboyantly, dripping with jewels—was she afraid others wouldn’t know she was a nouveau riche?
The Marchioness’s disgust was greater still. She barked loudly: “Yun Zheng, you arrive late, showing no respect for elders. Kneel in the ancestral hall as punishment. Servants, take her there!”
She struck first, fierce and domineering, seeking to suppress Yun Zheng in one move. This time she was shrewd—no chance for Yun Zheng to speak, only brute force.
But Yun Zheng stood unmoving, cold eyes fixed on the approaching servants.
Nanny Ji stepped forward, blocking them, her voice ringing out: “Who dares?”
The Marchioness glanced at her attire, already guessing her identity, though she pretended ignorance. “Impudent! Who are you to act so brazenly? Step back at once!” Her momentum was strong, as though she meant to crush all opposition.
Unfortunately for her, she was facing Nanny Ji, a matron hardened by years in the deep palace. Nanny Ji had seen countless nobles wielding authority—what was the Marchioness compared to that?
Nanny Ji raised a token. “I am the steward matron of Kunning Palace, fifth rank.”
At those words, no one could feign ignorance. All present rose to pay respects.
Aside from the Marquis and Marchioness of Pingxi, none of the clan relatives held office or rank. They all had to show deference to Nanny Ji.
The Marchioness was a second‑rank titled lady, technically above Nanny Ji in grade. By rights, Nanny Ji should bow to her. But Nanny Ji came from the palace, backed by the Emperor and Empress—an authority that inspired deep fear.
“Nanny Ji, I am disciplining my daughter‑in‑law. Please step aside.”
Nanny Ji not only refused, but also rebuked her sharply. “Marchioness, you are muddled!”
The Marchioness froze. “What?”