Chapter 90 - Fifth Princess's Arrival
Zuo Shuhui spontaneously composed a poem. Her handwriting was exquisite, and she chose the most exquisite plum blossom-themed handkerchief as her canvas. Instead of using regular paper, she inscribed her poem on the delicate, embroidered handkerchief.
Setting down the brush, Zuo Shuhui gently blew on the fresh ink before approaching the lady with the handkerchief in hand. She bowed gracefully and said, “If it pleases you, madame, may you accept my heartfelt gesture?”
“Oh?” The lady accepted the handkerchief and noticed a neatly penned poem. While the handwriting was not particularly outstanding, what surprised her was that the poem was one of her early works.
“Haha…” Zuo Shuhui chuckled. “I never expected, madame, that you would remember a piece I wrote so casually.”
Zuo Shuhui bowed once more, her smile warm as she continued, “Madame, you are far too humble. Your poems and verses are gracious and generous, reflecting the kindness within your heart. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to study and be inspired by them.”
The lady gazed at her for a moment, acknowledging that the Zuo Family's scholarly reputation was well-deserved. Complimenting others so eloquently and sincerely was a rare skill.
“In that case, I shall accept it.” The lady handed the handkerchief to Maid Zhong and removed a bracelet from her wrist, placing it in Zuo Shuhui's palm.
This action left everyone astonished. Zuo Shuhui remained stunned for a while before gratefully expressing, “Thank you for your gracious gift, madame!”
The other ladies clenched their teeth in frustration. They couldn't believe their moment in the spotlight had been stolen by a rustic outsider. Wasn't this all an attempt to gain favor with the lady? Utterly hypocritical!
While they publicly praised the Fifth Princess and harbored secret resentment, the mansion's butler hurried over. “Madame, Fifth Princess has arrived!”
The elderly mistress raised an eyebrow and spoke with a faint smile, “Since she's here, bring her in.” Given her status, she had no need to bow or go out to welcome the princess.
As she finished speaking, a melodious female voice echoed through the room. “Aunt's gathering is quite lively. Why didn't you invite Xiang'er?”
All eyes turned towards the voice, where they beheld a stunning woman gracefully making her entrance. She wore a pale pink palace gown adorned with delicate blue butterflies at the hem.
Even though it wasn't Young Madame's first encounter with the Fifth Princess, who had been raised by the late emperor, she couldn't help but be taken aback by her sheer beauty.
The Fifth Princess was the offspring of Consort Yue, the late emperor's favorite. In her prime, Consort Yue had been renowned for her beauty. However, her life took a tragic turn, and she passed away two years ago, leaving behind the Fifth Princess as her final legacy.
He had heard that as Fifth Princess continued to grow, she bore an increasing resemblance to the late emperor's favorite imperial concubine. This had earned her the late emperor's affection to the extent that she overshadowed several princes.
The moment Fifth Princess made her entrance, the other noble ladies with remarkable beauty were instantly eclipsed.
Regardless of their thoughts, everyone paid their respects according to their status. Fifth Princess, however, rushed into the embrace of the Old Mistress upon arrival, completely disregarding everyone else's greetings.
“You little troublemaker, why aren't you staying in the palace? What brings you here?” The old lady scolded her with an affectionate pat on the forehead.
Fifth Princess replied in a coquettish tone, “Of course, I came here because I heard you were causing a commotion. You've been cooped up in the palace all day, and it's so stifling that I couldn't bear it.”
She cast a discreet glance around while speaking, her brows furrowing slightly as she curled her lips. “Aunt is biased, and even if there's anything fun going on, I won't bring Xiang'er along.”
“What's so entertaining about it? It's just a meal for some people.”
Fifth Princess's phoenix-like eyes shifted slightly. “I heard they're here to welcome Elder Cousin back from his expedition. How could such a significant event not involve Xiang'er?” Where is my cousin? Xiang'er has prepared a gift for him.”
The madame couldn't fail to understand her intentions. She waved her hand dismissively and said, “He left for the military camp right after finishing his meal. He won't be home for several days, not even to see his mother.”
Fifth Princess chuckled and defended Lu Zheng, “Cousin holds the highest position in the country; it's only natural for him to be engrossed in official matters.”
She then casually remarked, “I heard that Tutor Zuo's descendant has also arrived in the capital, so he must still have Cousin's favor. Aunt, would you like to introduce Xiang'er to him?”
Everyone was puzzled; why did even Fifth Princess hold the Zuo Family in such high regard? Was Tutor Zuo's reputation truly that exceptional?
Mrs. Xue and Master Lu remained unaware of the Emperor's intentions to arrange a marriage between Fifth Princess and Master Lu. They believed it was due to the Zuo Family's prestige and inadvertently displayed a touch of pride.
The madame turned to Mrs. Xue and her daughter, who were standing behind her, and said, “Isn't that right? You really should meet them and learn from Miss Zuo's poise and virtue.”
Zuo Shuhui blushed and replied, “I wouldn't dare! The princess is of noble lineage, how could a lowly girl like me compare to her?”
The innocent and sweet expression on Fifth Princess's face suddenly transformed. The corner of her mouth lifted slightly as she adopted a disdainful smirk, “So, you are the eldest daughter of the Zuo Family?”
She lifted Zuo Shuhui's chin and scanned her with a critical eye, as if inspecting merchandise. “It's just this!” I wonder who caught your cousin's eye?”
“Hiss…” A collective gasp filled the room as Fifth Princess dropped her bombshell.
So it seemed that Master Lu was interested in the Zuo Family's eldest daughter? That explained how a less affluent family gained entry to Duke Zhen's residence.
Everyone regarded Mrs. Xue and her daughter with newfound interest.
Surprise flickered in Zuo Shuhui's eyes. Her pale face blushed, and she stuttered, “Fifth Princess, you've misunderstood. How could Master Lu be attracted to someone of common birth?”
Fifth Princess waved away a handkerchief offered by a palace maid, dabbing at herself with an air of superiority. “So you admit your lowly status. I don't care what tricks you play, just kill me now, or else…” She snorted disdainfully.
Zuo Shuhui blinked, her eyes welling up with tears, as if she were the one being mistreated. “Princess, you're being too harsh. This humble girl…” How could she harbor such presumptuous thoughts? But if Master Lu did have an interest in her, how could Fifth Princess prevent it?
Although she felt a sense of pride within, Zuo Shuhui's expression remained incredibly innocent. Beside Fifth Princess's domineering demeanor, she seemed fragile and helpless.
“You…” Fifth Princess couldn't make a scene in front of everyone. She clenched her teeth and threw herself into the arms of the elderly lady, delivering her final words with a touch of coquettishness. “Aunt…”
The lady patted her on the back, feigning consolation with a lack of sincerity. “Xiang'er, who are you listening to?” “Don't speak nonsense like that. It could tarnish Miss Zuo's reputation.”
The lady immediately realized that the misunderstanding stemmed from a higher-ranking figure, but she saw no reason to rectify it.
Unaware of the surprise awaiting him at home, Liu Tie returned, changed into fresh attire, and headed out with Zuo Shaoyan. Zuo Shaoqing instinctively knew that he was meeting up with an old friend.
With the invitation from Duke Zhen Manor, the Zuo Family had finally secured a position in the capital.
With the masters absent, the servants took the opportunity to slack off. Zuo Shaoqing walked back to his room, and just as he settled down to read, Luo Xiaoliu stormed in with an angry expression.
“Lord Third, they've crossed the line!”
“Hmm? Please explain!”
“They're from the kitchen. Nanny Liu was made to do some of the dirtiest and most strenuous tasks!” Luo Xiaoliu and Nanny Liu had shared so many years together that they regarded her as a family elder. When they passed by the kitchen and saw her doing menial labor, they couldn't contain their frustration.
Zuo Shaoqing angrily slammed his palm onto the table, causing the teapot to shatter. He spoke with a pale face, “Go, fetch the kitchen manager and bring Nanny Liu back here!”
Seeing the storm brewing on their master's forehead, Luo Xiaoliu took a deep breath and hurried off.
Zuo Shaoqing retrieved Nanny Liu's employment contract and, moments later, saw her enter in worn-out cotton attire. Her hands were red from the cold, and her face no longer appeared as pale.
Zuo Shaoqing felt a lump in his throat. “Nanny Liu, I want to thank you for all these years.”
Nanny Liu wiped her hands on her apron and asked kindly, “Master San, what do you mean by that?”
Zuo Shaoqing handed her the employment contract and calmly instructed her, “I want you to burn this employment contract. Go back, pack your belongings, and tomorrow, I'll arrange for your departure.”
Nanny Liu was taken aback by the sudden turn of events. She quickly knelt on the ground and asked with tearful eyes, “Master San, are you… are you trying to dismiss this old servant?”
Zuo Shaoqing promptly helped her up, seated her in a chair, squatted down, and said, “Let me finish. I plan to purchase a country estate outside the city, and I'm concerned about the lack of staff. Would you be willing to assist me in managing it for the time being?”
Nanny Liu was once again shocked. “You want to buy a country estate? Does the old master and his wife know about this?”
Zuo Shaoqing's mouth twitched. “Certainly not.”
“Where did you acquire the funds for this?” Nanny Liu, seasoned in life, understood that the price of land in the capital was far beyond what her modest savings could afford. Purchasing a country estate without several hundred taels of silver would be implausible.
Zuo Shaoqing smiled and briefly explained the business venture he had embarked upon with his second uncle. In truth, he not only intended to acquire the country estate but also wanted to purchase some land.
Nanny Liu was both astonished and delighted. Tears welled up as she repeatedly praised, “Lord Third has truly grown up.”
If Nanny Liu had known that Zuo Shaoqing was planning to use these properties as part of a dowry, her praise might have been tempered.
The arrangement was swiftly finalized. Zuo Shaoqing instructed her to return home and pack his belongings, then he put on a serious expression, waiting for someone else to arrive.
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