The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 85: Adaptable and Resourceful

Yangzhou.

An unexpected visitor came to the Yuan Family, specifically asking to see Ji Mingzhu.

Ji Mingzhu sent Gold ahead to the front courtyard to find out more.

Upon learning that the visitor was Du Peifang, she understood that it was another trouble brought upon her by Xie Yunzhen!

"Miss, I’m afraid the visitor means no good!"

Du Peifang was chosen as the Princely Heir’s wife by the Commandery Princess, meaning she was aligned with the Commandery Princess.

Clearly, she was on the same page!

This was how Gold saw it.

Ji Mingzhu smirked lightly, "Even if the visitor means no good, I have to see her. I can’t let the Yuan Family take on the trouble for me and clean up the mess."

Ji Mingzhu felt quite guilty about the previous matters.

If this time caused embarrassment again, she would have no face to meet the Yuan Family members.

She brought Gold to the front courtyard.

Du Peifang was a legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor Mansion; currently, the lady in charge there was her own mother.

Fearing neglect of the guest, Lady Yuan personally came to receive her.

By the time Ji Mingzhu arrived, the two were talking.

Not knowing what Du Peifang said, Lady Yuan was amused and covered her mouth to laugh.

Du Peifang was always charming in front of elders.

Back at the Duke Mansion, the Commandery Princess was quite delighted with her too.

Ji Mingzhu kept smiling, "Aunt, what interesting things are you and Miss Du talking about? I’d love to hear it too."

Lady Yuan invited her to sit beside them.

With a smile, she said: "Miss Du said you’re a famous beauty in the capital, the very top, and when you have children they will surely be beautiful and lovely, which makes me happy."

Having children...

Ji Mingzhu’s grip on her handkerchief tightened.

That heart-wrenching pain, utter exhaustion, wanting to scream but unable to make a sound, just feeling life ebbing away helplessly, swept over her once more.

The memory was distant, yet recalling it still made her heart throb.

Childbirth was a terrifying ordeal.

But once married, having children was unavoidable.

Unless one was already unwell physically.

Ji Mingzhu’s eyelashes fluttered gently, but the corners of her mouth curled into a shallow dimple.

"There are so many beauties in the capital; if I’m thrown into a group of them, who would even find me?"

"Miss Du, on the other hand, is both refined and radiant, truly deserving the title of number one."

Du Peifang praised her.

She returned the praise.

For Ji Mingzhu, it was the simplest way to socialize.

Du Peifang knew her looks were not outstanding, only a bit charming.

Ji Mingzhu’s words left her displeased.

She felt Ji Mingzhu was indirectly mocking her!

Her smile remained unchanged, "Miss Ji is truly modest; without stunning beauty, how could the heavenly sons’ hearts be moved?"

She used the word "sons."

A subtle scent of gunpowder began to spread.

Ji Mingzhu’s smile widened; this time it was a genuine smile from the heart.

Compared to Du Peilan’s feigned innocence and annoying behavior, such veiled malice was rather "cute."

Just when everyone thought Ji Mingzhu would dodge the topic, she tilted her head, feigned innocence, and asked.

"Who is Miss Du referring to?"

Du Peifang’s expression stiffened.

To admit Xie Yunzhen likes Ji Mingzhu was akin to slapping herself in the face.

After all, she was the chosen daughter-in-law.

Failing to hold Xie Yunzhen’s heart meant she was inadequate!

Her breathing became heavier, and her smile faded.

"Naturally, I meant Young Master Yuan, Mingzhu, what are you thinking?"

Though seemingly clashing, she suddenly used a familiar nickname.

This Miss Du was indeed no simple character.

This is what Lady Yuan thought.

Liking Du Peifang less, originally she had come to cause trouble.

Not how she claimed, that she and Mingzhu had ties in the capital, passing through Yangzhou specifically to visit Mingzhu.

"Pei Fang sister misunderstood, it was your use of the word ’sons’ that made me wonder who else might be admiring me."

Ji Mingzhu was every bit the naive beauty.

Lady Yuan thought again that their family’s future daughter-in-law was fierce, could adapt, and wouldn’t get shortchanged.

A hint of amusement flashed in her eyes.

Mingzhu would be managing Chang An’s household in the future, making connections at festivals would be necessary.

Though Chang An hadn’t pursued a political career, he had many friends and students, with more to come in the future.

As his wife, there would be times Mingzhu needed to socialize for him.

Without any strategic thinking, how would she manage?

The more Lady Yuan observed Ji Mingzhu, the more satisfied she became.

As long as Xie Yunzhen didn’t come again to cause chaos, other issues were minor.

Seeing she could handle it, Lady Yuan said: "Mingzhu, you entertain the guest; I’ll visit my mother-in-law to discuss some important matters."

Ji Mingzhu also felt the presence of Lady Yuan limited her speech.

She nodded: "After entertaining the guest, I’ll go to grandmother’s courtyard to pay respects."

"After entertaining the guest, you should rest, and when Chang An returns, both of you can go pay respects together and join the old lady for dinner."

Ji Mingzhu nodded, "I’m at your command."

Lady Yuan smiled at Du Peifang: "Miss Du has come from afar, stay a while longer, have some tea, don’t rush."

These words seemed insincere to Du Peifang.

She had come from the capital, facing hardships on the road.

A considerate host would invite the guest to stay at their home.

Sounded nice, yet no real action. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Truly hypocritical!

Originally, Du Peifang only had animosity towards Ji Mingzhu, but realizing Lady Yuan’s attitude, the Yuan Family wasn’t liked either.

"I’ve sent someone to the inn to settle; I’ll stay for two days and leave, but thank you for your hospitality."

Lady Yuan followed along: "I was thinking to prepare the guest courtyard; Miss Du, next time you’re in Yangzhou, stay at our home directly, save unnecessary expenses at the inn."

Du Peifang secretly cursed again for hypocrisy.

Who lacks those few coins?

If she stayed at the Yuan’s for saving money, people would definitely laugh!

"You two continue; I’ll leave first."

Lady Yuan left the flower hall without staying longer.

Once she left, Du Peifang’s smile completely vanished.

"Heard the Young Master came searching for you in Yangzhou?"

Ji Mingzhu suppressed the annoyance in her heart; she didn’t want to mention Xie Yunzhen, wishing to erase him from her mind.

"What does Miss Du wish to say? Please speak plainly."

Her expression was subdued, entirely different from her earlier cheerful demeanor.

Du Peifang suddenly understood why the Commandery Princess disliked Ji Mingzhu.

This person exuded arrogance.

Yet her arrogance lacked illustrious family background as a match, which made her particularly annoying.

With a sneer, she said: "My father is the Grand Tutor of the court; my family has been officials for generations, my aunt is a noble Imperial Concubine in the palace; if I were willing, I could even be Crown Princess Consort."

Like hearing a funny joke, Ji Mingzhu laughed aloud.

Du Peifang’s proud expression faded to anger.

"What are you laughing at?"

Ji Mingzhu smiled lightly and said: "Miss Du can influence the Crown Prince’s marriage; it seems your power is on par with the Monarch and Motherland Master. If all Grand Tutor daughters have such immense power, the Grand Tutor... I really dare not imagine."

This was bold and outrageous; Du Peifang was shocked.

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

Ji Mingzhu covered her mouth, "Oh, did I say something wrong?"