Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 399: The Show Continues (Part 2)

That evening, the Nanyang Prince Mansion hosted another welcome banquet.

At the banquet, Young Master Zheng engaged in sharp-tongued sparring, Fourth Young Master Wang veiled his words in silk and needles, and the Commandery Princess, when she chose to speak, joined in the mockery without any bias.

As for Mr. Cui Du, he completely refrained from such verbal duels, immersing himself in his feast. Occasionally, if any waves involved him, the Commandery Princess would step in to shield him.

After the banquet dispersed, Zheng Chen insisted on escorting Jiang Shaohua back to her courtyard.

Wang Jin, seeing Zheng Chen’s demeanor, was truly irked. He had arrived several days earlier and never escorted the Commandery Princess! What right did Zheng Chen have to act so domineeringly?

Fortunately, the Commandery Princess had no intention of indulging Zheng Chen: "I reside in the inner courtyard where it’s improper for men. Zheng Sheren, return early to rest."

Zheng Chen, having faced setbacks today, found his anger mounting, his eyebrows furrowing.

Those familiar with Zheng Chen’s temperament knew he was genuinely infuriated.

Jiang Shaohua, of course, knew him well but no longer harbored the soft-heartedness of a former life. Their emotions had long been severed; there was no need for entanglement.

She ignored Zheng Chen and walked away.

Mr. Cui Du, who had been silent and inconspicuous all evening, suddenly spoke: "I’ll escort the Commandery Princess back."

Jiang Shaohua slowed her steps, giving a slight nod.

Cui Du happily followed her.

Zheng Chen, furious, nearly rushed forward. Only his last shred of reason and pride kept him from losing his composure in public.

He stood at a distance, his stance rigid, unmoving for a long time.

Wang Jin didn’t move either, watching with him as the Commandery Princess’s silhouette vanished into the distance. Then he sighed softly, "The Commandery Princess has already left; we should also go back."

Zheng Chen snorted, turning away coldly.

Zheng Chen was slightly taller than Wang Jin, his stride longer; Wang Jin had to quicken his pace to keep up with him: "It’s rare for you to come to Nanyang County, so why antagonize the Commandery Princess like this?"

Zheng Chenjun’s face was expressionless: "This is my business; what concern is it of yours!"

Wang Jin, also annoyed, retorted coldly: "Zheng Chen, I’m fully aware of what you’re thinking. You know why I’m here. Whoever wins the Commandery Princess’s favor is simply fortunate."

"Now, it’s clear the Commandery Princess is indifferent to both of us and favors that Cui Du. I know you feel jealous and dissatisfied — do you think I feel any better?"

"But such matters cannot be forced."

Zheng Chen suddenly halted, his face mocking: "Wang Jin, anyone can say that last sentence, except you."

In a previous life, had it not been for Wang Jin’s insistence, Prime Minister Wang wouldn’t have proposed a marriage alliance, nor would Grand Empress Dowager Zheng have compelled Jiang Shaohua to marry into the Wang Family. Between him and Jiang Shaohua, the pair of lovers were torn apart because of Wang Jin.

What right did Wang Jin have to say such things?

Surprised by Zheng Chen’s sudden anger, Wang Jin was bewildered: "What are you talking about? Why am I unqualified?"

Indeed! All these were matters of past lives. Jiang Shaohua had decisively cast aside old affairs, moving resolutely forward. Only he remained steadfast and unwilling to let go, even enduring this irritation to stay.

Deep-seated bitterness arose within Zheng Chen, suddenly sapping his will to engage in verbal sparring with Wang Jin. Silent and brooding, he resumed his steps forward.

Wang Jin furrowed his brows but did not follow.

...

"Is the Commandery Princess in a bad mood?"

Jiang Shaohua paced leisurely, Cui Du turned to look at her, asking softly.

Jiang Shaohua did not pause her steps: "Is it that obvious? I thought I covered it well, so no one noticed."

Cui Du replied in a gentle voice: "The Commandery Princess concealed it well, no one noticed."

"Then how did you? Weren’t you devouring food the whole night?" Jiang Shaohua slowed down and turned to meet his gaze.

Cui Du candidly said: "I’m not fond of socializing or verbal duels. On such occasions, aside from eating and drinking, I quietly observed you."

"You spoke with wit, but there was no mirth in your eyes, and occasionally a hint of impatience revealed your foul mood."

Cui Du appeared rough but was actually meticulous and perceptive.

Jiang Shaohua halted, and Cui Du stopped alongside her. The trusted aides swiftly dispersed, guarding the road.

It was winter by then, the garden’s flowers and leaves withered, a chill pervaded. Yet the moonlight was exceptionally bright, illuminating the faces of the young man and woman facing each other.

"You guessed right; I am indeed angry." Jiang Shaohua finally spoke, breaking the silence: "I no longer want to be entangled with Zheng Chen, but he is incredibly obstinate and won’t back down easily. Then there’s Wang Jin, whom I also don’t wish to see, yet he showed up as well."

"Both the people I least wanted to encounter were parading before me today. Due to my status and decorum, I couldn’t directly evict them, forcing me to maneuver around them, causing discontent."

"Life, it seems, is truly difficult to navigate to one’s contentment."

Rarely did Jiang Shaohua reveal a young girl’s fickle and fluctuating emotions.

Cui Du couldn’t help but laugh.

Jiang Shaohua glared at him: "What are you laughing at? What’s so funny about this?"

Cui Du had to stifle his laughter and solemnly replied: "The Commandery Princess is right, this matter is serious and grave, absolutely not funny."

Jiang Shaohua, amused, pressed her lips into a smile, her pent-up annoyance dissipating significantly: "Never mind, they are just passing by Nanyang County on their way back to the Capital City. Once I’ve dealt with them this time, they won’t have the free time to bother me again. I will tolerate them for a few days."

After enduring for five days, let them all go.

Preferably never to be seen again.

Of course, the last bit was unlikely. Nanyang County is part of the court, inevitably there would be many ties. However, that’s all future matters. At least in the short term, no need for another encounter.

Seeing the Commandery Princess’s brows relax, Cui Du also smiled and casually changed the topic: "In just over a month, New Year is coming. The Commandery Princess will be fourteen after this year."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and agreed, "You too."

The actual age of Cui Du, naturally, was far beyond that. When he was found, he appeared to be ten years old. Over these years growing taller, he and Jiang Shaohua were now considered peers.

Cui Du suddenly whispered: "I truly wish the days would pass more quickly."

Why wish the days to hasten?

Of course, to quickly grow up to adulthood. By then, both he and the Commandery Princess would be considered adults and could marry... Neither Zheng Chen nor Wang Jin would have any reason to entangle with the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua pretended not to catch the implication in Cui Du’s words: "It’s late; I need to rest and gather energy for dealing with those two nuisances tomorrow."

Cui Du was delighted, glancing at the Commandery Princess, and, gathering courage, said: "Tomorrow, I’ll accompany the Commandery Princess too."

"Of course," Jiang Shaohua smiled, glancing at him: "You’re not good with words and dislike contention, so don’t speak. I will shield you from everything."

Cui Du, thrilled, nodded emphatically: "Alright, I’ll come see the Commandery Princess first thing tomorrow."