The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 116

On the morning of June 30th, light rain scattered like pearls, and the flowers and trees were in full bloom.

A misty sun shower fell across the courtyard, bringing a refreshing coolness to the air.

The Grand Princess summoned Xie Yunchu to Qinghui Hall. When she arrived, she was greeted by Chaoyun, the female official who usually attended to the Grand Princess.

Chaoyun had once been a noble daughter of an esteemed family. When her father, fighting on the battlefield, was forced to surrender after an unsuccessful battle, she, a girl of unwavering spirit, stood with a blade at the Zhengyang Gate, ready to end her life in defense of her family’s honor. It was the Grand Princess who saved her. Later, according to the law, her mother’s family was sentenced to execution, but Chaoyun alone was spared and treated kindly. Over the past seven or eight years, she had served the Grand Princess diligently, assisting with calligraphy and even occasionally offering counsel on political matters, becoming an indispensable right-hand woman.

It was also Chaoyun who, during their time at the palace retreat, had shielded the Grand Princess with her own body, willing to die in her place.

Wang Shuhuai had saved the Grand Princess—and in doing so, had also saved her. Seeing Xie Yunchu, she felt an immediate fondness.

Chaoyun’s story was well known throughout the court and country. Xie Yunchu deeply respected her and greeted her with a curtsy. “Greetings, Aunt.”

Chaoyun did not accept the formal bow, instead gently taking Xie Yunchu’s hand and leading her into the side hall. “Her Highness is in discussion with some court officials and cannot see you at the moment. But you were summoned not for any official matter—there is someone here who wishes to meet you.”

Xie Yunchu was taken aback. “Someone wants to see me? Who?”

Chaoyun, ever lively despite her serious role, smiled teasingly. “You’ll see soon enough.”

Xie Yunchu, always composed, did not press further. Chaoyun personally served her tea, and the two sat together as they waited.

As they chatted, Chaoyun mentioned Wang Shuhuai’s impending journey south, and only then did Xie Yunchu realize that the Grand Princess and Wang Shuhuai had already formed an alliance. In her past life, the two had been in a prolonged struggle, turning the Duke’s residence into a battlefield that dragged everyone into the chaos. This time, they had joined forces seamlessly—ensuring a much smoother path for the affairs in Jiangnan.

After about fifteen minutes, a palace maid escorted a woman in her forties into the hall.

Xie Yunchu’s eyes widened slightly.

The newcomer was strikingly beautiful, with delicate features and a fair complexion. Even the opulent crimson carpet beneath her feet could not outshine the gentle radiance of her presence. She carried a kind of quiet elegance, reminiscent of the misty rains of Jiangnan—so serene and inviting that one could not help but be drawn to her.

Yet Xie Yunchu did not recognize her.

The woman’s fingers tightened slightly around the handkerchief in her grasp, her expression filled with quiet emotion as she looked Xie Yunchu up and down. Finally, she spoke first, “I see now that there truly are celestial beings in this world.”

“The Wang family truly produces extraordinary people—such grace and refinement.”

Chaoyun laughed heartily, pulling both women closer with an arm around each. “I knew you two would take to each other instantly! Yunchu, she is no stranger—this is Lady Ming. Her Majesty the Empress has arranged a match between her and your father, but she has been hesitant. She insisted on meeting you first, saying she could only agree to the marriage if she had your approval. Her Highness the Grand Princess took it upon herself to arrange this meeting.”

To be honest, before meeting Lady Ming, Xie Yunchu had harbored some concerns. But now, looking at the woman’s gentle countenance and hearing her soft-spoken words, she felt an unexpected sense of ease. However, while Lady Ming’s feelings were clear, Xie Yunchu’s own emotions were far more restrained.

Having already experienced the disaster brought upon her family by Concubine Lu, she was no longer someone who would be easily moved.

Lady Ming, hearing Chaoyun’s words, flushed slightly with embarrassment. “Enough, enough—you go take care of your matters. Let me and Yunchu have a moment alone.”

Chaoyun, perceptive as ever, excused herself, though not before giving Xie Yunchu a playful wink on her way out.

Xie Yunchu smiled and guided Lady Ming to a seat. “I should have been the one to visit you, not the other way around.”

Lady Ming caught the hint of politeness in her tone and shook her head. “I have long heard that you are a calm and mature child, and today I see it for myself. But with me, you do not need to be so formal. My dear, I have no children of my own—only a stepdaughter, now married and living in Jiangnan. Even if I were to marry your father, I could never have more children. I only wished to meet you, and if we got along, I would accept this marriage. But if my presence would bring you any distress, then I would…”

“How could I not be happy?” Xie Yunchu reassured her, taking her hand with a smile. “You are so kind and sincere. Besides, my grandmother has always been an excellent judge of character—if she has taken this matter into her own hands, then she must have the utmost faith in you.”

That was the true reason Xie Yunchu accepted Lady Ming.

If the Grand Princess had personally picked her, it meant she had already scrutinized Lady Ming’s character.

And if anything were to happen in the future, the Grand Princess would also be there to support her.

Lady Ming, touched by Xie Yunchu’s words, beamed with joy. “Hearing that is enough to set my heart at ease.”

“I have heard about everything that happened in your household. Thank you for driving out that Concubine Lu—I have never been good at dealing with people like her.”

Xie Yunchu almost laughed out loud at that. She had originally wanted a strong and formidable stepmother to suppress Concubine Lu, but instead, she had gotten a true gentlewoman—a lady as delicate as a lotus blossom.

Lady Ming then added warmly, “Do not worry—I will treat you and You’er as my own.”

From her demeanor, it was clear that she was a simple and straightforward woman, possessing a heart as pure as a young girl’s. She even asked about the silk flowers in Xie Yunchu’s hair, expressing a desire to make one herself as a gift.