The Third Prince came this time because his subordinates received news that the County Magistrate here had found the Princess of marriage, so he and Hong Xiu rushed over overnight.
Meeting Ji Xiaoyuan was just incidental, and after chatting for a few moments, the Third Prince and Hong Xiu left first.
At this moment, Cuihua was anxiously pacing in the guest room of the County Magistrate Mansion.
The maid respectfully asked her, "Your Highness, shall I brew a pot of hot tea for you to calm your mind? Later, the Third Prince and the Commandery Princess will come to fetch you."
Hearing these words made Cuihua’s heart feel as if it was being gnawed by a thousand ants, complicated and uneasy.
If they came, her identity would surely be exposed. Posing as the Princess of marriage, she was just an ordinary farm girl and would definitely be punished with the utmost severity.
Looking at herself in the copper mirror, adorned with pearls and jewelry, Cuihua bit her lip, feeling unwilling.
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Su Zhiruan was born a noble Princess, enjoying endless wealth and luxury, and would later marry the Regent King of the Wang Dynasty, continuing a life of splendor, while she was destined to be a village girl, to marry an ordinary man and live an ordinary life.
She too wished for a better life!
Cuihua looked at the veil placed beside the bed and made up her mind.
She wanted to take a gamble. What if the Third Prince and the Commandery Princess didn’t recognize her?
With this thought, Cuihua put on the veil and, looking at her graceful figure in the copper mirror, seemed to have made some sort of resolution.
Soon, the maid walked in, bowed to Cuihua, and said softly, "Your Royal Highness, the lord says the Third Prince and Commandery Princess are waiting for you in the main hall and asked me to inform you."
"Understood." Cuihua calmed her voice before responding to her.
At this moment, the Third Prince and Hong Xiu were sitting in the main hall of the County Magistrate Mansion.
The County Magistrate seemed very nervous, ordering the servants to prepare various snacks and local specialties. He then greeted them with restraint, "I’ve prepared some refreshments, Your Highnesses, please—"
Ordinarily, he was the highest official in the county, but he had never experienced such a scene, with the Prince, the Princess of marriage, and the Commandery Princess all under his roof, making him a bit flustered.
"My lord, the Princess has arrived." The maid hurried in, bowing before speaking to the three in the main hall.
"Quickly, invite her in," the County Magistrate stood up immediately and went to welcome Cuihua.
The Third Prince and Hong Xiu, who had been sitting idly, straightened up and craned their necks upon hearing the Princess’s arrival.
At first glance, when Cuihua saw these people, she immediately recognized the identity of the Third Prince and the Commandery Princess. She then slowly bowed in the manner she had once heard.
The Third Prince and Hong Xiu exchanged a glance, an expression of doubt flashing in their eyes.
Princess Hong Xiu was the first to step forward, eagerly taking Cuihua’s arm, "Cousin, it’s been so long, are you well these days?"
"All is well," Cuihua replied concisely, fearing she might betray a flaw. She then turned around, covering her mouth to cough lightly, "It’s just that I occasionally have headaches and can’t recall some things clearly."
Hong Xiu had no suspicion at all and nodded, "No worries, today is also the first time I’m meeting Sister Jialan. Once we return to the royal capital, we must have the Imperial Physician treat you. Sister Jialan need not worry."
The Third Prince nodded in agreement. He had never met Princess Jialan and seeing Hong Xiu so convinced, he also believed the woman before him was indeed Princess Jialan. He echoed Hong Xiu, "Yes, when we return to the royal capital, we will ask Father to find the Imperial Physician to treat you, you’ll surely recover fully, Princess."
Cuihua felt a sense of relief within her heart.
Neither of these two recognized her, and since it was their first meeting, she would pretend to have lost her memory and follow them back to marry into the noble Wang Dynasty, living a life of luxury like a Princess.
Though this move was risky, the odds were in her favor. If successful, it would mean a lifetime of wealth and prosperity, a much better fate than marrying the common matchmaker’s choice in the village, enjoying endless affluence.
She gritted her teeth, determined to maintain the charade.
The Commandery Princess of the Wan Dynasty and the Third Prince of the Wang Dynasty did not know her, and she was impersonating Su Zhiruan as the Princess of marriage, going to an unknown Wang Dynasty. As long as she could stay, she would become part of the Imperial Family thereon!