CHAPTER 178: CHAPTER 178: REUNION (PART 1)

"To report to the Commandery Princess, a noble guest has arrived in the Capital City. Since the Commandery Princess is not at the Prince Mansion, Chen and Feng, the two Chief Historians, are also absent. Lu Junma went to greet them on behalf, and they have just entered the main hall."

The gatekeeper respectfully replied, "This noble guest’s surname is Zheng, and he is the Young Master of Duke An’s Mansion."

Chen Zhuo was startled, and reflexively looked at the Commandery Princess.

A moment ago, the Commandery Princess’s smile was radiant like a flower, but her expression visibly froze.

Cui Du, next to the Commandery Princess, keenly sensed something amiss.

Although the Commandery Princess was young, she was exceptionally calm and composed. He had never seen her lose her composure in front of others.

This Young Master Zheng was evidently different in the Commandery Princess’s mind.

Everyone was watching the Commandery Princess, all waiting for her to speak. The Commandery Princess was silent for a moment, and when she spoke, her expression had already returned to calmness: "The noble guest has come from afar, I will go to meet them now."

"Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng will accompany me. Chen Sheren and Ma Sheren will also go." After a pause, she turned to Cui Du: "Cui Du, you go too."

At the instant their eyes met, a revelation suddenly dawned on Cui Du, and he nodded vigorously.

After dismounting, Cui Du deliberately stepped forward to stand in the closest position to the Commandery Princess.

This was usually the position of Chen Sheren.

Chen Jinyu was slightly displeased, casting a glance at Cui Du. However, as the Commandery Princess didn’t speak, she couldn’t openly argue with Cui Du and decided to endure his behavior this time.

Cui Du didn’t notice Chen Sheren’s expression. In fact, all his attention was on the Commandery Princess at the moment.

From the main gate to the main hall, one had to pass by the shadow wall and then take a dozen steps. This short distance was traversed by Jiang Shaohua with a steady stride, just as usual. Only Cui Du, closest to her, could see Jiang Shaohua’s tightly pressed lips.

A sudden impulse surged in his heart, wanting to stand by her against the impending storms, to hold her hand, and give her the most steadfast support.

Unfortunately, he currently had no such qualification.

As they passed by the shadow wall, voices from the main hall could already be heard.

No one knew what Young Master Zheng said, but Lu Junma laughed heartily, "Young Master Zheng praises me too much; how could I dare accept it?"

Then, a clear and pleasant young voice sounded: "Lu Junma is too modest. Even though I’m far away in the Capital City, I have heard of Lu Junma’s talents..."

Indeed, it was Zheng Zixian’s voice.

Jiang Shaohua’s heart suddenly sank, but immediately, she put on a faint, gentle smile and stepped into the main hall.

The handsome young man in luxurious attire, who was chatting and laughing with Lu Junma, glanced over, and his eyes met Jiang Shaohua’s from afar.

At that moment, all voices seemed to stick in the throat.

Cousin Shao Hua, we finally reunite.

Zheng Zixian, you’ve come after all.

Chen Jinyu, standing at the side, was already staring in astonishment. The rumored Young Master of Duke An’s Mansion was this handsome, shining like a radiant pearl, exuding remarkable charisma.

Even though Ma Yaosong was considered a rarely seen handsome youth, he seemed dim in comparison to Young Master Zheng.

In terms of appearance, Cui Du could barely compare. However, Cui Du’s background was ordinary, and he was amiable and approachable, like the boy next door, whereas Young Master Zheng had the grace unique to the descendants of noble families and the demeanor of someone in authority.

Simply put, Young Master Zheng’s temperament was quite similar to the Commandery Princess’s.

...

In that blink of an eye, the turbulent waves in their hearts were known only to each other.

Jiang Shaohua was the first to regain her composure, her voice still relatively calm: "Are you Zheng Zixian?"

Zheng Chen used all his self-control to stop himself from trembling. He took a deep breath, forcing his mind to settle, and moved forward, bowing respectfully: "Yes, Zheng Zixian greets Nanyang County Princess."

"Please rise, Young Master Zheng." Jiang Shaohua responded calmly and courteously, "I wonder what brings the Young Master here from afar, without prior notice?"

A visit from afar without prior notice already indicated the Commandery Princess’s stance.

Zheng Chen had already prepared mentally for this. His heart, like burning coals, was doused with cold water but not extinguished, and he responded with poise and composure: "I indeed came somewhat abruptly and rudely."

"Before arriving, I should have sent a letter first. I was afraid that the Commandery Princess might avoid seeing me, so I boldly dispensed with that letter."

Bold! How dare he insinuate that the Commandery Princess is timid!

Chen Jinyu was angered, raising her eyebrows and about to speak when she saw her grandfather quickly give her a look.

Chen Jinyu had to hold her tongue.

Jiang Shaohua didn’t lose her temper. She knew Zheng Chen’s temperament well; since he came, he had no intention of leaving easily.

Well then, past matters should be resolved.

"Young Master Zheng is joking." Jiang Shaohua said mildly: "I am Nanyang County Princess. Regardless of who comes, I will await them at Nanyang Prince Mansion, so why would I fear to avoid?"

"Please take a seat first, Young Master Zheng. We can talk slowly."

Jiang Shaohua made a gesture of invitation.

Zheng Chen smiled slightly: "After you, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua, not being polite, nodded slightly and went to sit at the head.

Lu Junma felt a bit awkward, explaining in a low voice: "The Commandery Princess was inspecting the field manor and hadn’t returned yet. Young Master Zheng came unexpectedly, so someone had to greet him, and that was me. We just exchanged a few words without saying much, so please do not take offense, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua curled her lips slightly: "In the future, if such a matter arises, let the Prince Mansion Official handle it, there’s no need to trouble Father."

Lu Junma replied awkwardly.

This "fatherly kindness and daughterly piety" scene fell into Zheng Chen’s eyes.

A trace of astonishment flashed in Zheng Chen’s eyes. He suddenly realized that he actually didn’t know Jiang Shaohua well enough. In the past life, Jiang Shaohua had gone to the Capital City alone, and it was not until her marriage that Lu Junma appeared. People generally had a good impression of the humble and low-key Lu Junma.

Today, it seems that the relationship between this father and daughter is not harmonious.

Chief Historian Chen’s voice sounded in his ear, "Please take the seat of honor, Young Master Zheng."

Zheng Chen returned to his senses, responded with a smile, and elegantly took a seat.

Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng took their seats below the Commandery Princess. In such a setting, the lower-ranking Chen Sheren and Ma Sheren didn’t have the qualification to sit, so they stood behind the Commandery Princess.

Cui Du, who completely did not understand these officialdom’s customs and etiquettes, seeing Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong standing behind the Commandery Princess, went to stand there as well.

Yes, still the closest position.

From his angle, he could clearly see Young Master Zheng’s face.

Even by the most critical and harsh standards, Young Master Zheng was a rarely seen handsome youth, exceptionally charismatic, and shining brightly.

Cui Du was quietly observing Young Master Zheng, yet Young Master Zheng didn’t even spare Cui Du a sidelong glance.

In Young Master Zheng’s eyes, there was only Nanyang County Princess Jiang Shaohua.

"Speaking on behalf of the Empress Dowager, I can address the Commandery Princess as Cousin Shao Hua." Zheng Chen stared at the youthful Cousin Shao Hua, his voice very gentle.

Jiang Shaohua’s expression was indifferent: "It’s just a form of address, Young Master Zheng can use whichever you please."

Chen Zhuo coughed softly, smiling as he asked: "Young Master Zheng specially came to Nanyang Prince Mansion, I guess there must be serious matters. Please, Young Master Zheng, speak directly."

Zheng Chen’s eyes flickered, and he replied with a smile: "I came this time under the order of the Empress Dowager to escort Nanyang County Princess to the palace."