However, Mrs. He also knew that the person representing the Princess Regnant of Tianchu wasn’t those marchionesses or the marquesses but the Princess’s personal attendant, Mama Song.
Therefore, Mrs. He couldn’t mention it to Mama Song; it had to be Yun Jinnian who spoke up.
Mrs. He felt a vague unease in her heart. She knew that Yun Jinnian was no longer the timid and meek girl she had been one or two years ago and regretted not having sent a gift when Yun Jinnian was sent to Yingci’an, nor showing any gesture later at Huguo Temple.
Mama Song calmly sipped her tea, with a serene expression on her face, not initiating conversation with Mrs. He, which made Mrs. He quite embarrassed.
It wasn’t until Yun Jinnian approached that Mrs. He could speak, but Mama Song had already put down her teacup with a beaming smile to greet her, "Greetings, Fourth Miss!"
Yun Jinnian promptly curtsied in response, "Greetings to Mama Song!"
"Fourth Miss, no need for such formalities. By the Princess’s command, this old servant is here to fetch you. Are you ready with your belongings, Fourth Miss? If so, let us be on our way!"
Yun Jinnian nodded, then turned to Mrs. He with a curtsy, "Aunt, I shall proceed to the Princess Residence with Mama Song now. Should Grandmother inquire, I hope Aunt will mention it on my behalf!"
Although Mrs. He had wanted Yun Jinnian to bring Yun Muyou along, with the conversation at this point, she had no choice but to give up, smilingly saying, "Go ahead, go ahead, I’ll see you out!"
Yun Jinnian, along with Han Tianci, Hemei, and Henuan, left the Yun Family and boarded the carriage of the Princess Regnant of Tianchu.
It was truly the carriage the Princess Regnant used whenever she traveled.
Watching the carriage depart, Mrs. He’s heart thumped wildly, "My goodness..."
Yun Jinnian indeed had caught the eye of the Princess Regnant.
Mrs. He was both astonished and delighted, turning around hastily to head to Qiyue Academy to seek information from Mrs. Han.
"Sister-in-law, sister-in-law!"
Mrs. Han looked indifferently at Mrs. He’s enthusiasm, called out "Sister-in-law!" and sat down.
Mrs. He was overjoyed.
This was establishing a connection with the Princess Regnant of Tianchu, the most revered and senior Princess in the whole country.
"Sister-in-law, how did Jinnian come to know the Princess?" Mrs. He asked with an eager face.
Mrs. Han looked at Mrs. He, "They met in Huaixi County, why do you ask?"
Mrs. Han has never had much fondness for Mrs. He.
"They met in Huaixi County, are you saying you didn’t know, big sister-in-law?" Mrs. Han countered.
"Ah..." Mrs. He stammered, "I, I knew that!"
"Since big sister-in-law knew, why come to ask me? If big sister-in-law wishes to know anything more, I am afraid I have nothing to disclose. With big sister-in-law managing family matters, it seems quite busy; please go ahead with your tasks, I won’t keep you any longer!"
This eviction was issued without any courtesy at all.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. He internally cursed Mrs. Han, her face turning blue with rage as she stood up darkly and said, "If that’s the case, then I shall take my leave!"
She left with a flick of her sleeves.
Mrs. Han watched her go, snorting with indifference.
"What a piece of work!"
When Jinnian was struggling, she hadn’t seen Mrs. He lift a finger to help, not to mention making things easier for her in terms of food and clothing with just a word, which the servants wouldn’t dare neglect, but what did she do? She turned a blind eye uncaringly — what kind of aunt is that, completely worthless.
Now that Jinnian had caught the eye of the Princess Regnant, shamelessly and ridiculously she came clinging on, not making any sense!
Mama Song offered Yun Jinnian some pastries, but Yun Jinnian didn’t eat them, instead passing them to Han Tianci.
Mama Song had noticed this unattractive Han Tianci from the start, originally assuming he was a maid of Yun Jinnian, but felt it wasn’t quite right.
Seeing how attentively and affectionately Yun Jinnian treated him, and hearing Han Tianci call her "sister," she asked, "Who might this little lady be..."
"This is my cousin, Tiantian!"