A Good Country Wife
Chapter 428 - 422_1

Chapter 428: Chapter 422_1

Lin Yue knew only a few daughters of officials and wealthy families in the Capital City. When Chen Ruyu and Zhang Peilan arrived with those few people, the gathering was almost complete, only Lady Roujia and Princess Yongle were still expected. However, these two were the most prestigious, and since their attendance had been confirmed, everyone could only wait for their arrival before proceeding.

Upon entering the Zhao Residence, everyone was somewhat stunned by the grandeur and splendor. None of their homes could compare, except for Zhang Peilan who was from the Medicine Aristocratic Family. Even Chen Ruyu’s home could not stand up to it, though her father, Mr. Chen, was already a fifth-rank officer, living in a residence with three courtyards. After all, Mr. Chen was relatively incorruptible as an official, the court salary was only so much, and though they occasionally received some "gifts," the household expenses were also high with no other income. Now, the Chen Mansion was just managing to get by.

"How is this possible?! They’re just country folks, how can they afford such a large estate? It’s completely unreasonable." Chen Ruyu was having a hard time accepting the reality before her eyes. She originally thought of the rural woman, Lin Yue, as someone she could easily manipulate, yet her parents had protected her and wouldn’t allow it. These events had been hard for Chen Ruyu to accept, making her feel as though she had lost all face. Yet now, that woman, Lin Yue, seemed to outshine her in every aspect; what could she do about it? Struck by such a blow, Chen Ruyu’s fighting spirit faltered, and she felt a desire to shrink back.

"Ruyu, the truth is right in front of your eyes. Whether you believe it or not, Lin Yue has ingratiated herself with the Jiang Residence and is now enjoying her moment of triumph. It’s no wonder she doesn’t take you seriously. You’re the legitimate daughter of a dignified fifth-rank officer, and yet a mere peasant woman dares to look down on you. The times have truly changed. You might as well stop competing with her; you can’t win," said Zhang Peilan, sensing Chen Ruyu’s intent to back down. Of course, she couldn’t let Chen Ruyu retreat. With a sigh and a sense of helplessness, she inadvertently stirred up Chen Ruyu’s competitive spirit once more.

"Why should I? Don’t even think I would defer to her. She’s nothing but a lowly peasant. I refuse to believe that I, Chen Ruyu, can’t deal with her." Provoked by Zhang Peilan’s words, Chen Ruyu’s hatred toward Lin Yue deepened, and for a moment, her eyes reddened with agitation, making her look slightly deranged before she regained her composure.

"If you’ve made up your mind, then as your sister, I have no choice but to support you all the way. Rest assured, I will do my best to help you. We won’t let that peasant woman have her way so easily."

"Thank you, Sister Zhang. You have always been the kindest to me. Even my own parents don’t understand me the way you do; you have always been there for me."

Chen Ruyu and Zhang Peilan, along with their company, were invited inside by the wang ma. Lin Yue remained standing at the front gate, waiting for the arrival of Princess Yongle and Lady Roujia, who were expected to arrive together. Besides them, there were two other distinguished ladies in their company.

They were recognized as ladies of standing due to their attire, demeanor, and the fact that they could accompany Princess Yongle and Lady Roujia indicated their status was compatible.

As Princess Yongle and Lady Roujia did not appreciate Lin Yue’s excessive formalities and had asked her not to be so several times, Lin Yue now refrained from offering the grand salutations as in the past. Instead, she offered a simple greeting and turned her attention to the two noble ladies.

"Your Highness, Commandery Princess, may I know who these two young ladies are?"

"Come, let me introduce you. This is the Fifth Princess, Huangfu Lian, and this is the Empress Dowager’s niece, Feng Susu. They both get along well with me, and have good temperaments. You’ll definitely get along with them. I brought them out to play because they find it quite boring and lonely in the palace. Roujia has told me that the dishes here are the best, Yueyue. You’ll welcome us, won’t you?" Princess Yongle looked at Lin Yue with a fear of her disapproval, hopeful and eager,

"Yes, Yueyue, I’ve heard that it’s fun here and specifically begged Sister Three to bring me over." The Fifth Princess, Huangfu Lian, was a very cute and naive girl, also somewhat lively. Hearing Princess Yongle’s words, she chimed in agreeing.

"Every one of you is a distinguished guest, how could I not welcome you? As long as you don’t find my place too humble, that is fine. I have put a lot of thought into today’s banquet; not only is there delicious food but also fun entertainment. I hope everyone will be satisfied," Lin Yue said, welcoming them in with a smile on her face.

As soon as Princess Yongle and her entourage arrived, someone had already gone inside to relay the news. Before, just having Commandery Princess Roujia present was already intimidating enough, and now there were several more important figures whom they couldn’t afford to offend, especially the Emperor’s own sister, Princess Yongle.

Zhang Peilan originally thought that Commandery Princess Roujia’s appearance at Chen Mansion last time was just a coincidence, and never expected that she would come again to mess up her plans. When she heard that Commandery Princess Roujia and a few other nobles had arrived, she was momentarily stunned. This farmer’s wife was quite capable, not only befriending Commandery Princess Roujia but also Princess Yongle. Now she didn’t dare to make things difficult for Lin Yue, and could only stay put obediently. As for Chen Ruyu, that fool could be used—if things went south, she could just sacrifice her; after all, it would merely be discarding a fool.

"Oh, Yueyue, your residence is quite nice, rather stylishly arranged. Although it’s not quite on the same level as my Princess Residence, it’s already very impressive," Commandery Princess Roujia said, visiting Lin Yue’s new residence for the first time and looking around with a cheerful comment.

Princess Yongle and her companions, the Fifth Princess and Feng Susu, were also inspecting Lin Yue’s house, evidently agreeing with Commandery Princess Roujia’s remarks.

"Roujia is right; this residence is quite decent. Although it’s not as majestic as the Imperial Palace, it’s arranged elegantly and has an impressive ambiance, making it very comfortable to look at. The most important thing is that it feels like home, unlike the cold and sterile palace, which is devoid of any charm," Princess Yongle, who least liked living in the palace, lamented. Given her status, she had no choice but to live there, so whenever she could, she would find an excuse to get out.

Lin Yue could imagine life inside the palace, but that wasn’t for her to comment on. "I have never been inside the palace, so I don’t know what it’s like. However, Princess, if you like it here, you’re welcome to come often. I’ll be staying in Capital City for a while longer."

"Well, that’s great! I will definitely come often. Now when I leave the palace, I have another place to go. Speaking of the palace, maybe one day I can find some time to take you there for a tour. Although it’s a rather boring place, if you’ve never been, it’s still nice to visit once. After all, it’s the most luxurious place in the world," said Princess Yongle.

"That... might not be appropriate. How could someone of my status easily enter the palace?" Lin Yue didn’t immediately agree, wavering back and forth in her heart. The Imperial Palace was where the Emperor lived, and of course, she wanted to see it. However, she was also worried about the potential troubles she might encounter inside the palace and offending important figures, so she hesitated.