Help! The Frosty Noble's Son Is in Love With Me!-Chapter 333: Without Reason, Utterly Baffling

Chapter 333: Chapter 333: Without Reason, Utterly Baffling

"Invite the wife of Heir Pei to the palace to teach Princess Zhuyu etiquette?" The Empress looked at Nanny Gui in surprise.

"Yes." Nanny Gui explained the situation to the Empress candidly, "Princess Zhuyu has just returned to the palace and seems a bit shy, coupled with my stern face, which makes the princess nervous, and her etiquette is becoming increasingly poor. If we find someone of her age, perhaps the princess won’t feel as pressured, and among those her age, I remember Young Madam Pei initially learned etiquette excellently."

The Empress recalled that, back then, Young Madam Pei was still a cousin at the Pei Mansion, and she was amazed at how quickly she learned etiquette; however, it was still not comprehensive.

"When she entered the palace to tailor clothes for me, she only learned etiquette for half a day. It might be inappropriate to invite her; we should consider girls from other families."

Such a statement indicated that the Empress also agreed that inviting someone of the same age to teach might be a good idea, as there were less than ten days before the banquet. If some necessary measures aren’t taken, it’s hard to learn etiquette properly, and inviting someone of the same age might yield better results; it wouldn’t hurt to try.

Nanny Gui, however, said, "Although she only learned for half a day, Young Madam Pei is perceptive; if I do it once, she learns it. The girls of this age from other families are already married. Among those remaining in the Capital City that leave a deep impression, there’s only Young Madam Pei. Given that Young Madam Pei’s etiquette is not comprehensive, it’s also good. Invite her to the palace to accompany Princess Zhuyu in learning etiquette; having a companion might help the princess learn faster."

After Nanny Gui spoke, seeing the Empress still pondering, she remembered something and added, "I heard Heir Pei got injured while saving Princess Zhuyu, which might foster a closer relationship between Princess Zhuyu and Young Madam Pei."

The incident where Heir Pei and Prince Xiao got injured saving Princess Zhuyu had already spread through the palace.

Upon hearing this, the Empress found it reasonable, "In that case, convey my message, inviting Young Madam Pei to the palace to converse with Princess Zhuyu."

Externally, the words can’t be too straightforward; otherwise, it might have a bad impact if spread.

When the decree reached the Pei Mansion, Qu Fulan was chatting with the elderly lady in the room, with Madam Pei and the second lady present as well. Upon hearing the eunuch’s words, they were all taken aback.

"Invite me to the palace to converse with Princess Zhuyu?" She instinctively repeated the eunuch’s words.

Is Princess Zhuyu desperately in need of conversation? Must she be invited with such fanfare? What is the rationale for doing it without reason?

Not only was Qu Fulan bewildered, but even the elderly lady and the others felt inexplicable.

"Did the eunuch communicate wrongly? My granddaughter-in-law is not acquainted with Princess Zhuyu; inviting her to the palace to converse with the princess, isn’t it inappropriate?"

The eunuch smiled, "No mistake, the Empress personally instructed, considering Young Madam Pei as amiable and of the same age as the princess, making her the most suitable candidate. The elderly lady and everyone need not worry; the Empress’s invitation stems from her fondness for Young Madam Pei."

This explanation seemed quite forced. Regardless of Qu Fulan not knowing the princess, she is not familiar with the Empress either. Suddenly saying she likes her feels forced, doesn’t it?

After the eunuch spoke, realizing the elderly lady was still incredulous, he glanced around, conveying a clear message. The elderly lady then dismissed all the servants.

"These are trusted individuals, Eunuch, you may speak freely."

Seeing the few remaining, all trusted by the elderly lady, the eunuch conveyed what the Empress had instructed him.

"In truth, Princess Zhuyu just returned to the palace, and her etiquette learning is a bit sluggish. The Empress knows Young Madam learned etiquette well initially and specifically invites her to the palace to learn with the princess. Thus, having a companion of similar age might help the princess adapt better."

So that’s the reason.

Understanding the cause, the elderly lady didn’t inquire further, knowing the Empress’s concerns, "Please inform the Empress that we understand and assure her to rest easy."

After speaking, she rewarded the eunuch and ordered someone to escort him out of the mansion.

Subsequently, the elderly lady counseled Qu Fulan extensively before everyone dispersed.

Upon returning to Lixiang Courtyard, Qu Fulan sat in the courtyard in frustration.

Did she learn etiquette well? How well did she learn? If she recalled correctly, she only learned for half a day when she entered the palace; did that count as good?

In the Capital City, there were so many prominent young ladies; which one of them wasn’t better than her? Why was she chosen, what is the reasoning?

Qu Fulan thought over and over and concluded that the situation might not be as simple.

This is the downside of overthinking; one tends to delve deeply into each matter.

When Pei Ji’an returned and learned of this matter, his first reaction was, "I also think it’s inappropriate; let me enter the palace and decline on your behalf, saying you’re ill and can’t go."

Qu Fulan waved her hand, "It’s a decree from the Empress; how can it be refused? Besides, pretending to be ill isn’t feasible now. If I were ill when the eunuch arrived, then it would make sense; pretending now is too late. Never mind, whatever the reason, entering and seeing for myself will clarify."

After all, she is now Young Madam Pei, not someone who can be easily bullied.

"Since it can’t be declined, I will accompany you to the palace, no need to fear," said Pei Ji’an.

Qu Fulan did not refuse; having someone accompany her was better than being alone.

The next day, Qu Fulan rose early and specifically instructed the maid to select low-key colored garments. Since she’s entering the palace to accompany the princess, wearing something too striking wouldn’t be appropriate.

After dressing up and having breakfast, she proceeded to the palace.

The eunuch was already waiting at the door early, and Qu Fulan mounted the carriage. From Pei Mansion to the imperial palace, there was a certain distance. Once reaching the palace gates, she had to dismount and walk in. The palace was so vast that by the time she reached the princess’s residence, the timing was just about right.

Meanwhile, Pei Ji’an had already gone to court early that morning and would wait for her directly in the palace.

Qu Fulan had caught a distant glimpse of the princess on the street the other day, far away, making it difficult to see clearly. Through the veil, she seemed alright; her true appearance was unknown to her. At that time, she hadn’t asked Pei Ji’an, as she wasn’t particularly interested in this civilian princess.

Now, in the palace for companionship, she needed to be cautious, observe well, discern her character, whether she was easy to get along with, and so on.

This time, she only brought two maidservants, Bicao and Ruyin, not more than that.

Now, a party was heading toward the princess’s residence. In the grand palace, Qu Fulan refrained from looking around, focusing ahead while following the eunuch.

Meeting some palace maids along the way, who all lowered their heads and stood by the side until they passed, then continued onward.

Qu Fulan hadn’t walked far when she overheard the palace maids behind discussing.

"Is this Young Madam Pei? She’s so beautiful."

"Indeed, no wonder Heir Pei suddenly married; if his wife looks like this, it’s understandable."

"What is Young Madam Pei doing in the palace?"

"Is your news so outdated? You don’t even know the Empress’s decree inviting Young Madam Pei to the palace to speak and chat with Princess Zhuyu; such important news!"

"Ah, why invite Young Madam Pei to chat with Princess Zhuyu? Does the princess have no one to talk to?"

"Stop asking, that’s not for us maids to question."

...

As they walked farther, the conversations behind gradually faded away.

Qu Fulan never glanced around, maintaining composure until reaching the princess’s palace.