Chapter 39: Explanation

The bride had moved in, and Minghui Hall was decorated in the most festive manner. The silk flowers tied to the trees at Fangshi Pavilion were not some deliberate attempt by the Princess Consort to vex her, for the trees in Minghui Hall were adorned with silk flowers so thickly they were a sight to behold.

She wondered what her new sister-in-law would think if she saw the masterpiece created by her mother-in-law.

As soon as Jinghu stepped through the door, she did not recognize any of the maids present. Lengjin, the head maid who usually served her third brother, emerged from a side room to greet her. "Why has the Little County Princess come? The Heir Apparent and the new Madam are both inside."

Although they had been married only yesterday, the formal title of "Heir Apparent’s Consort" had not yet been bestowed upon her new sister-in-law. However, most in the household already addressed her as such as a gesture of flattery and respect. Lengjin, despite belonging to Minghui Hall, referred to her only as the "new Madam."

Perhaps it was because she had been chatting with her mother earlier, but now Jinghu felt suspicious of everything. She shook her head inwardly, unwilling to dwell on such thoughts.

Lengjin took her by the arm, feigning intimacy, and led her toward the main room.

Passing by a few maids Jinghu did not recognize—likely the bride's dowry maids—Lengjin spoke in a somewhat discourteous tone: "This is the Little County Princess of the Prince’s Mansion. Do you all intend to act as if you don't see her?"

A maid wearing a clove-purple jacket, who appeared to be the leader, smiled. "Greetings to the Little County Princess."

The other maids followed suit, bowing to Jinghu.

The maid seemed to have a pleasant temperament. Despite Lengjin’s icy tone, she showed no sign of anger. It was often said that a maid’s personality mirrored her mistress; could her third sister-in-law be just as good-natured?

Jinghu had always disliked those who bullied others by relying on their status. Lengjin was merely arrogant in front of the bride’s maids simply because she had served her third brother since childhood; she feared the maid would not come to a good end.

Jinghu pulled her arm away and, intentionally wanting to show favor to the maid in the clove-purple jacket, ran up to her and smiled. "Sister, did you come with my third sister-in-law? I don't believe I have seen you in the mansion before."

The maid smiled softly. "The County Princess is right. This servant is named Dingxiang, and I came as part of the Madam’s dowry. Since I did not see the County Princess in the bridal chamber yesterday, the Madam said she would prepare fine tea and snacks to host you today."

As she spoke, she lifted the curtain for her. Once inside, she stepped forward to invite the Heir Apparent’s Consort out.

Her third brother was naturally there, following behind his wife. When he saw her arrive, he wore an expression as if facing a formidable enemy.

Jinghu couldn't help but laugh, but the Heir Apparent’s Consort walked over, took her hand, and sat her down on the daybed by the window, instructing Dingxiang to bring in fine tea.

"Dongjin has only you as a sister; the County Princess should come by often to sit for a while."

Her courtesy made Jinghu feel a bit embarrassed. Looking up, she saw Jingxun making faces behind her back, and she couldn't help but want to tease him.

"Sister-in-law, there is no need for such formality. Just call me 'Jingling' or Jinghu; that is what everyone at home calls me."

She cast a glance at Jingxun. "I would love to come and sit with you, but I fear my third brother would want to chase me away, wishing I wouldn't show my face for eight or ten years."

The Heir Apparent’s Consort looked back at Jingxun, then smiled. "That is not true. Your brother is very fond of you. When we were together before, he often mentioned you, saying you were beautiful, clever, and very likable."

Being beautiful and clever was true enough, but "very likable"...

Jinghu smiled sweetly, revealing two dimples. "I know Sister-in-law is just humoring me. When I was young, I often went to Father to complain about my third brother; he would never praise me like that."

The Heir Apparent’s Consort couldn't help but laugh. "Your third brother was indeed disobedient and restless when he was young. It was only right that the Prince and Princess Consort disciplined him."

Jinghu felt a sense of triumph. "It is wonderful now that you are here, Sister-in-law. If he bullies me again, I will come to you."

The Heir Apparent’s Consort replied, "Indeed, just come to me, and I will discipline him for you."

Dingxiang walked over holding a box, which the Heir Apparent’s Consort took. "I didn't have many hobbies while at home, but I enjoyed blending incense. When you mentioned I smelled pleasant during the tea ceremony earlier, it was this very fragrance."

"If you don't mind, take it back and enjoy it."

Jinghu took it, and before she even opened the lid, she could smell a delicate fragrance. "I never imagined you were so skilled at blending incense, Sister-in-law. That is truly impressive."

As she spoke, she took advantage of the moment the Heir Apparent’s Consort wasn't looking to shoot a glance at Jingxun.

She had expected him to become anxious again, but he appeared strangely calm. What was going on?

Since the Heir Apparent’s Consort had brought up the subject of incense, Jinghu decided to be direct.

"Actually, I was only teasing you earlier. I noticed you glared at my brother, and though I didn't think much of it at the time, once I returned, I felt I hadn't acted properly. That is why I specifically came to clear things up."

Jingxun, leaning against his wife in a carefree manner, said, "Jinghu, at least you have a conscience."

Jinghu rolled her eyes at him and said to the Heir Apparent’s Consort, "On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, I ran into my third brother in the mansion and smelled this fragrance on him. I wondered what he had been doing."

"Later, my third brother said he had been with you, and that the scent was one you often used. That is why I felt like playing a joke on you today."

The Heir Apparent’s Consort smiled. "Your brother was indeed with me on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. We did not make it public because our status had been settled and the wedding was approaching. However—"

"I am sure you know your brother has always been a bit restless. In the future, if you encounter such things again, it would be best to tell me."

Jingxun jumped up, indignant. "Where am I restless? I have long since changed, and I will never do such things again."

The Heir Apparent’s Consort stifled a laugh. "Speak if you must, but why be so anxious? Just be careful in the future and don't let me or your sister catch you in the act."

Jinghu couldn't help but laugh; she loved seeing her third brother humbled.

Even though they were not blood-related, she felt more at ease in Minghui Hall today than she did in Hejing Hall. She felt this sister-in-law was a good person; although her appearance was ordinary, her manner was graceful and open, making it easy for one to feel a natural affection for her.

Moreover, it seemed her relationship with Jingxun was indeed good, as he appeared quite obedient in her presence. Just now, while Jinghu was talking to her, he had nothing to do, yet he kept looking at her with a smile, as if merely watching her brought him great joy.

It was somewhat similar to the feeling she had when she looked at Ke Mingxu.

When would she be able to see him again?

As Jinghu walked out of Minghui Hall, she suddenly recalled what she had overheard her mother saying. If they were so close, and the atmosphere she had just witnessed was not one of strife, why hadn't they consummated the marriage?

Could it be that Jingxun was...