Princess Xin’an’s eyes moved alluringly as she said with a half-smile: “Is that so? But I see that when you speak with Jinyang, you’re quite at ease, showing no signs of apprehension or restraint.” Speaking thus, she leaned her body closer to Du Ruhui and said coquettishly: “When will you come teach me chess again?”

Du Ruhui quickly avoided her and lowered his eyes: “Brother Zheng has just passed away, and I need to help at the Zheng residence, so I’m afraid… I cannot teach the princess chess. Please forgive me, Princess.” After a pause, he continued: “Actually, my chess skills are merely average. If the princess is truly interested, why not hire a chess master to teach you specifically?”

Princess Xin’an toyed with the jade pendant at Du Ruhui’s waist, smiling sweetly: “But what if I can’t listen to what others teach me?”

Du Ruhui knew her intentions weren’t really about chess, but couldn’t point this out directly. He could only say: “I imagine the princess just needs time to adjust. After a while, it will be better. Recently I… truly have no time to teach. Please forgive me, Princess.”

Looking at his handsome features, a cold glint flashed through Princess Xin’an’s eyes, though her powdered face maintained its smile: “I understand. We’ll talk about it when Young Master Du has time.”

Hmph, all along, anyone she set her sights on never escaped her grasp. Her Prince Consort was like this – she had put considerable effort into that marriage arrangement. Unfortunately, only after the wedding did she discover that he was just a block of wood. Apart from having a somewhat attractive face, he had no romantic sentiment whatsoever.

Du Ruhui, let’s see how long you can avoid me!

The two walked through the West Garden, each with their own thoughts. Cuijing Pavilion was the best place to view the scenery of Jiuzhou Pool and the West Garden, offering a panoramic view. Looking at the beautiful scenery below, Princess Xin’an said: “I’ve also heard about Zheng Yang’s matter. I never expected this sister of mine to have such a harsh fate – before even entering his household, she’s already killed her husband-to-be. Truly a pity.”

Du Ruhui said seriously: “The princess is mistaken. Brother Zheng died by accidentally falling into the water – it was an accident and has nothing to do with Princess Jinyang, much less any talk of killing her husband.”

Princess Xin’an’s red lips curved slightly as she stared at him: “Do you really think it was just an accident?”

“Regardless, I believe it has nothing to do with Princess Jinyang.” Facing Du Ruhui’s words, Princess Xin’an laughed lightly: “You really do protect Seventh Sister. But I heard Young Master Zheng knew how to swim. How could such a person possibly drown under normal circumstances? Moreover, nothing happened for so many years, yet he dies just before the wedding. So strange – who would believe it wasn’t Seventh Sister’s curse?”

Du Ruhui frowned: “Before the accident, Brother Zheng had been drinking. Under the influence of alcohol, being unable to swim to shore isn’t strange. It’s one thing for common people to spread such talk, but how can the princess take it seriously?”

Princess Xin’an’s expression changed slightly, then she smiled: “You protect Seventh Sister so much – have you fallen for her?”

“The princess misunderstands. I’m merely stating facts. Last night I personally accompanied Second Brother Zheng to investigate this matter, so I’m quite clear about the cause and effect of Brother Zheng’s accident.”

Princess Xin’an walked around him in a circle, saying coolly: “Then tell me, why did Young Master Zheng suddenly go drinking, and why did he suddenly go to the Jinshui River? Though I’m not familiar with that area, I know there are no restaurants or teahouses by the Jinshui River.” Speaking to this point, she clapped her hands: “What a pity that Mother Empress went to such trouble to select a Prince Consort for her, only for it all to come to nothing. Tell me, after such an incident, who would dare marry her?”

Staring at that beautiful, charming face, Du Ruhui said in a low voice: “The princess worries too much. Princess Jinyang is intelligent and virtuous – countless people would consider her beyond their reach. Where does this talk of not daring to marry her come from?”

“Beyond their reach?” Princess Xin’an laughed until her whole body shook. After a long while, she stopped laughing and stepped closer to Du Ruhui’s ear, saying word by word: “Then I’ll keep my eyes wide open to see who doesn’t value their life enough to marry such a woman who brings misfortune to husbands!”

Du Ruhui suppressed his inner disgust: “The princess and Princess Jinyang are blood sisters. If you can’t support each other, so be it, but why must you kick her when she’s down?”

Princess Xin’an’s face turned cold as she stared at him: “Are you lecturing me?”

“I wouldn’t dare. I only ask that the princess not go too far!” Speaking thus, he bowed: “I should return to Changsheng Hall now. Farewell!”

“Stop!” Faced with Princess Xin’an’s sharp rebuke, Du Ruhui didn’t stop but quickly descended from Cuijing Pavilion. Watching his departing figure, Princess Xin’an fiercely struck the railing with her palm and said through gritted teeth: “What an ungrateful thing! Du Ruhui… let’s see how long you can be stubborn!”

When he returned to Changsheng Hall, Yunyi had already come back. Seeing Du Ruhui enter, she asked: “How did the matter with Zheng Yang go?”

Du Ruhui recounted in detail what they had discovered the previous night: “From the current circumstances, it indeed appears to be an accident. The only thing I can’t understand is those moss traces – whether there was actually another person who went to the riverbank at that time.” After speaking, he said: “Did Her Majesty the Empress summon the princess to Zhaoyang Hall also about Brother Zheng’s matter?” After Yunyi nodded, he asked again: “Did Her Majesty say what to do about the wedding in half a month?”

Yunyi sighed: “Mother Empress didn’t say, but I imagine it will be canceled. After all… the person is gone.” Speaking thus, she said with some displeasure: “This Zheng Yang really is something – knowing the wedding was imminent, yet drinking without restraint. Now look what’s happened – he drank himself to death.”

“Brother Zheng, he…” Yunyi had just said a few words when they heard a sickeningly sweet voice: “Fourth Sister, did you hear that? Clearly, she killed someone herself but blames it on others. How truly shameless.”

Another voice picked up: “That’s her skill – we couldn’t learn it even if we wanted to.”

With the voices, two figures walked in. One was Princess Xin’an, the other a girl who looked only fourteen or fifteen years old. Though adorned with pearls and cosmetics, it was difficult to conceal her plain appearance. Not to mention comparing her to Yunyi, even compared to Princess Xin’an beside her, she fell far short.

Du Ruhui had seen her once before – she was Princess Wenyu, ranked ninth, who like Yunyi remained in the palace unmarried.

Princess Xin’an glanced meaningfully at Du Ruhui and said to Yunyi: “Ninth Sister and I both heard about Young Master Zheng’s matter and came specially to see you. Sigh, truly unexpected – just when the wedding was approaching, such a thing happened.”

“Seventh Sister, don’t be too sad. It’s fortunate he died before the wedding – otherwise, if he had died after you married into his family, wouldn’t you have become a widow?” The speaker was Princess Wenyu. Though her title contained the words “warm jade,” her speech was more cutting than anyone’s, and her eyes looking at Yunyi were filled with jealousy and hatred.

Yunyi glanced at the two and said: “Fourth Sister and Ninth Sister are thoughtful. I’m fine.”