Jin Rong's displeasure flashed across her face before she put on a smile and greeted warmly, "Sister, why didn't you send someone to let me know you were coming? I could have prepared. There's no grand event, just that Mother Consort invited the second daughter of the Marquis of Changping to the palace for a chat. I ran into her when I went to pay my respects, and we hit it off instantly, so I brought her here to talk for a while."
"The second daughter of the Marquis of Changping? Is that the one betrothed to the heir of the Duke of Huguo? Truly, seeing is believing. She is indeed a delightful person. It's not just you, Sister, who felt an instant connection; I felt a sense of familiarity upon meeting her," Princess Jin Yue said, taking Qi Zhenzhen's hand intimately. Da Feng Novel Network.
Qi Zhenzhen was certain this was her first time meeting this elder princess. She had never even heard of her before, let alone met her. They had no prior connection. Why would the elder princess say she felt a sense of familiarity so directly? What were her intentions?
"That's what I said! My brother Ah Nian wouldn't be wrong about the person he fancies. Even Elder Sister likes her," Jin Rong said with delight. "Father Emperor also said that Sister Zhenzhen and Brother Ah Nian are extremely well-matched. Oh, and it wasn't just Father Emperor; even the very famous eminent monk Master Yuan Jue of our Great Feng said the same, calling them a match made in heaven."
Qi Zhenzhen keenly noticed a flicker of displeasure in Princess Jin Yue's eyes. Though it was brief, she still caught it.
This meant the elder princess seemed displeased with her impending marriage to Gu Sinian?
Why displeased?
A strong sense of gossip ignited within Qi Zhenzhen. This elder princess didn't look young; she seemed to be around Gu Sinian's age. Logically, someone of her age should already be married. Why? Qi Zhenzhen's mind was already conjuring a dramatic tale of love and hate between a princess of unparalleled beauty and a young general.
"Father Emperor is right. Zhenzhen does look very well-matched with the Heir," Jin Yue suppressed her anger and said softly. "The Heir and I have known each other since childhood. Originally, I thought he... I had felt regret back then. Now that he is getting married, those past matters have naturally become moot. This is all thanks to Zhenzhen's efforts. If the Heir treats you poorly in the future, you must tell me, and I will help you get justice."
Her words were hesitant. At first glance, they sounded like words of friendship. Upon closer analysis, however, "Originally, I thought he..." and "those past matters have naturally become moot" were clearly attempts to sow discord in Qi Zhenzhen's mind. Fortunately, Gu Sinian was always honest with her, and their relationship was based on mutual benefit. Otherwise, hearing Princess Jin Yue's words would surely have led Qi Zhenzhen to all sorts of wild speculations.
This Princess Jin Yue was truly an interesting person.
Qi Zhenzhen showed gratitude on her face but mentally categorized her as someone to avoid interacting with if possible.
Jin Rong, standing nearby, had also clearly heard the veiled meaning in Princess Jin Yue's words, and her expression soured slightly. "Sister, your words are inappropriate. Even if Sister Zhenzhen and Brother Ah Nian have any misunderstandings between them, it's not for you to mediate, is it? Your enthusiasm might lead those who don't know better to misunderstand. Brother Ah Nian and you are of similar age and not betrothed. For the sake of reputation, it's better to be more discreet."
Qi Zhenzhen hadn't expected Jin Rong to speak so directly, almost saying, "Don't even think about it; he's not someone you can think about."
Princess Jin Yue's expression turned awkward. "Sister is right. I just felt a connection with Zhenzhen and couldn't help but treat her like a sister, so I cared a little too much. If it caused Sister Zhenzhen to overthink, then it's my fault. Sister Zhenzhen, I apologize to you."
How could Qi Zhenzhen truly accept an apology from a princess? She quickly waved her hands. "This humble subject thanks the Elder Princess for her concern. The marriage was decided by the elders of both families. Naturally, they understood each other and found that the Heir and I were suitable, hence the engagement. Since that is the case, the Heir and I will naturally respect each other."
The implication was that there would be no conflicts, and therefore, the Elder Princess's intervention would not be needed.