The Minister: Cold by Day, Hot by Night-Chapter 80: Coming for Cousin

Xuanyuan Jing was already in a foul mood for having failed to humiliate Zhi Wan. Upon hearing this, a coppery taste filled her mouth, and she nearly coughed up blood from sheer anger.

That ruby head ornament, while not particularly valuable to her, being forced to give it to someone she detested was more painful than having her own flesh gouged out.

"Hm? Did you not hear what I said?" Princess Chang Le’s expression soured when she saw Xuanyuan Jing remain silent, and her voice grew colder.

Xuanyuan Jing swallowed her anger and said, "I heard you. When the banquet is over, I will have someone fetch it and send it to Zhi Wan."

How could Princess Chang Le not see that she was just trying to brush her off?

She scoffed internally, but her expression was earnest as she said, "As the Commandery Princess of Prince Gao Yang Mansion, you should honor your promises. If you’re going to give it, do so generously. Doing it sneakily will only make people think you’re reluctant and unwilling. How can the Commandery Princess of Prince Gao Yang Mansion be so petty? If word of this gets out, you’ll become a laughingstock!"

Xuanyuan Jing choked on her words and clenched her fists. Under the Princess’s scrutinizing gaze, she finally gritted her teeth and, swallowing her pain, ordered her maid, "Go fetch that ruby head ornament and bring it to Zhi Wan."

"Now that’s more like it. A Commandery Princess should have the magnanimity of one." Princess Chang Le patted her on the head, then took out a handkerchief to wipe her hand with a look of disgust. "How many days has it been since you washed your hair? Why is it so greasy?"

Xuanyuan Jing’s face flushed crimson. "I just washed it yesterday."

"Wash it better next time," Princess Chang Le said with a frown.

Xuanyuan Jing’s lips trembled with rage, but she dared not speak out.

This aunt of hers, though close to her own age, was deeply doted on by the Emperor. Even her own father, the Prince, had to show her deference.

Watching this scene from the side, Ouyang Zhenzhu was trying so hard not to laugh that her stomach began to hurt, and she had to keep rubbing it.

"What’s wrong?" Zhi Wan asked with concern.

"I’m happy to see a certain someone suffer," Ouyang Zhenzhu whispered in her ear.

Zhi Wan glanced at Xuanyuan Jing’s foul expression and found it amusing as well.

’To think the arrogant and haughty Commandery Princess of Prince Gao Yang Mansion could become so docile in front of Princess Chang Le.’

Recalling what Ouyang Zhenzhu had said when they first entered the garden, she whispered in her ear, "Did you invite the Princess?"

Ouyang Zhenzhu looked at her in surprise. "How could I have enough clout to invite the Princess?"

"It wasn’t you?" Zhi Wan was taken aback. She had thought Zhenzhu was on good terms with Princess Chang Le.

"I know her, but we’re just acquaintances. We don’t have any real connection. I’m quite surprised she came here today, too," Ouyang Zhenzhu said.

Hearing this, Zhi Wan felt a flicker of doubt.

Just then, the maid returned with the head ornament and walked toward her, interrupting her thoughts. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

After taking the head ornament from the maid, Zhi Wan stood up and offered her thanks. "Thank you, Princess, and you as well, Commandery Princess."

Xuanyuan Jing was grinding her teeth in hatred but couldn’t lash out. Her face was long and she said nothing. In contrast, Princess Chang Le spoke up, "No need to thank us. You deserve it." Turning to see Xuanyuan Jing’s sour expression, she curled her lip. "Little niece, I’m hungry. Tell them to start the banquet."

Xuanyuan Jing was already full of anger; how could she possibly eat? But she could only suppress her fury and give the order.

Before long, the banquet began.

Zhi Wan had just taken her seat when she saw Nanny Fang return to her position behind her.

Zhi Wan paused at the sight.

She hadn’t noticed when Nanny Fang left, only realizing later that she was gone.

’Did Nanny Fang go looking for Cousin?’

"Wanwan, this is delicious. Try it." Ouyang Zhenzhu placed a piece of abalone on her plate.

Zhi Wan pushed her thoughts aside and lowered her head to eat.

"The Prince Gao Yang Mansion is certainly lavish. Abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, fish maw—all top-quality dishes." After eating her fill, Ouyang Zhenzhu rubbed her stomach and whispered with a sigh, "It was really worth coming today. Look, I’ve eaten so much I have a little potbelly." As she spoke, she pulled Zhi Wan’s hand over to feel her stomach.

It felt round and firm under her hand. Zhi Wan found it amusing and gave it a little poke.

Ouyang Zhenzhu squirmed away from her touch. "Don’t poke me, that tickles!"

"AHEM!"

At that moment, a cough sounded.

The two looked up and met Princess Chang Le’s teasing eyes. "What are you two doing?"

"Nothing, Your Highness. We were just expressing our gratitude for the Commandery Princess’s hospitality today. I am quite full," Ouyang Zhenzhu said with utmost sincerity.

Xuanyuan Jing snorted and turned her head away.

Princess Chang Le dabbed the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. "I also ate well. My little niece was very thoughtful."

Xuanyuan Jing: "..."

"I am tired. I must go back and rest," Princess Chang Le said, rising to her feet.

Seeing this, the others rose as well.

As they neared the mansion gates, Zhi Wan quickened her pace to catch up with Princess Chang Le and said sincerely, "Thank you for today, Your Highness."

Princess Chang Le waved her hand. "I didn’t do much. It’s just that my little niece is too insensible."

As she finished speaking, something fell out of her sleeve.

Seeing this, Zhi Wan quickly bent down to pick it up for her, but the book’s cover fell open, revealing the exquisite illustrations inside.

Zhi Wan froze when she saw the familiar illustrations. Just as she was about to reach for it, a hand shot out and snatched the picture album away before she could.

Zhi Wan looked up to see Princess Chang Le hastily stuffing the album back into her sleeve.

Princess Chang Le narrowed her eyes. "You didn’t see anything, did you?"

Zhi Wan shook her head. "I didn’t see a thing."

Princess Chang Le visibly relaxed, then asked, "By the way, what is your relationship to Lu Zhan?"

Zhi Wan paused for a moment before replying, "He’s my cousin."

Princess Chang Le nodded and asked again, "I heard he also came to the Prince Gao Yang Mansion. How come I didn’t see him?"

Zhi Wan explained, "My cousin did come, but he went to see the Prince."

Hearing this, Princess Chang Le gave the Prince Mansion a thoughtful look, then said, "Never mind. I’ll invite you out some other day."

Zhi Wan was flattered. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Outside the Prince Mansion, just as Princess Chang Le was about to board her carriage, her gaze swept past and suddenly landed on Chen Jiu. Her steps faltered, and she headed toward a carriage not far away.

Seeing her approach, Chen Jiu loudly saluted her. "This humble one greets the Princess."

Princess Chang Le raised an eyebrow. "Is Mr. Lu inside?"

"Yes, Your Highness. My master cannot hold his liquor and has already passed out drunk. He is unable to pay his respects to you. Please forgive him," Chen Jiu said, steeling himself.

Hearing this, Princess Chang Le circled him once. "You’re lying!"

Chen Jiu straightened his back. "This humble one wouldn’t dare."

"Since when have I ever heard that Mr. Lu is a lightweight? Besides, if Mr. Lu were drunk, why wouldn’t he have returned home immediately?" Princess Chang Le asked, her face full of doubt.

"My master is waiting for the Miss," Chen Jiu replied.

"The Miss?" Princess Chang Le faltered, turning to look back at Zhi Wan, who had followed her. "Waiting for her?"

Chen Jiu nodded. "Precisely. My master’s mother gave instructions that he must take good care of the Miss."

Upon hearing this, Princess Chang Le had a flash of insight. "So, your master came to the Prince Gao Yang Mansion today for Zhi Wan? In that case, since I just helped Zhi Wan out of a predicament, how should your master thank me?" As she spoke, her eyes darted toward the carriage.

Zhi Wan’s heart skipped a beat when she heard this. ’Did Princess Chang Le suddenly come to the Prince Gao Yang Mansion because she found out Cousin was here? Is she here for him?’