426 Against their dignity [Bonus chapter]

Jingfei thanked her mother for choosing Li Jianjun as the future husband for her. She was extremely delighted after having a long conversation with him. He was respectful and caring towards women.

“Li Jianjun will keep you happy. Since he is such a high official son in the Kingdom, you will not suffer any problem,” Zhu Liling said and stroked her hand on her daughter’s cheek.

Jingfei nodded her head. Since it was late evening, she took her leave as she didn’t want to disturb her mother. However, before leaving, she asked her mother if she was taking her meals.

“Yes.”

“Mother looks pale sometimes,” Jingfei worriedly said. “Uncle Ye has sacrificed his life for the Kingdom. He will not be happy to see his sister not taking care of herself well,” Jingfei said while being concerned for her mother.

“Mother is taking care of herself. The Princess does not need to worry about her. She should focus on her marriage. The next week she will leave the palace. Mother wants her to enjoy her time here,” Zhu Liling said as she turned slightly emotional.

Jingfei’s eyes also filled with tears as she embraced her mother. “I will miss my mother. However, I am happy that I do not need to be far from her,” she affirmed.

Zhu Liling hummed and caressed her back. “Princess Jingfei can come here anytime she wants. It is her house, her place,” she stated.

“Yes, Mother,” Jingfei said and they stayed in that position for a few more minutes.

.....

“Go to your chamber and take a good rest,” Zhu Liling said as she withdrew from the warm hug. Jingfei bowed at her mother before leaving for her chamber.

As she walked in the corridor, she decided to see Jin Yu once and tell her that she was wrong about nobles. The servant outside Jin Yu’s chamber allowed Jingfei to go in.

“Princess Jingfei, I heard that your marriage is fixed with Minister Li’s son. I am happy for you,” Jin Yu said with a warm smile. She asked Jingfei to take the seat on the chaise which she did.

“Your Royal Highness, thank you for your wishes. I am here to tell you that high-class nobles do not get themselves involved with any woman outside their families. It’s against their dignity.”

Jingfei’s words faded the smile from Jin Yu’s lips as she nodded her head.

“I asked Li Jianjun and he told me that many visit brothel houses to seek pleasure, but men with good moral values, and high ideals, do not even think about it. He is a nice person as he respects women a lot,” Jingfei informed the Crown Princess.

“Princess Jingfei wasn’t supposed to ask it directly from Li Jianjun,” Jin Yu opined. “I am glad that Princess Jingfei has no more doubts. I pray for her happiness,” She asserted.

“Thank you again, Your Royal Highness,” Jingfei said and looked at the floor table, where several sheets were piled up one above the other in a haphazard manner.

“Was the Crown Princess studying?” Jingfei asked. “I apologize if I have disturbed her,” she humbly said.

Jin Yu motioned her hands in the air and told her that she was only looking at the sheet that she was supposed to submit tomorrow to her mentor.

“Oh.” “It must be difficult for the Crown Princess to learn all such things,” she said.

“It was. I have learned and memorized the majority of the characters. I even sent a letter to Xiaoming...” Jin Yu paused, “the Crown Prince in my writing. I am a fast learner.” She praised herself with a proud smile.

“Indeed. I have also noticed it,” Jingfei stated. “Forgive my naive mistakes. I hurt the Crown Princess as well. Now, I will leave the palace soon, I get upset to realize how much I have hurt Her Royal Highness. Forgive me for the other day. I know that I have apologized for it earlier, but I wanted to do it again,” Jingfei said and lowered her eyelids.

“I do not keep such things in my heart or mind. Princess Jingfei didn’t lie either. She is more elegant than me and knows about many matters better than me. I have no family background, but my identity is mine. That’s what I believe, Princess Jingfei,” Jin Yu said with a wide smile on her lips.

“The Crown Princess is rich with positive qualities. Brother Xiaoming must have seen those qualities in her, which makes her different from the other women around her,” Jingfei stated.

“Umm... he liked my clumsiness,” Jin Yu said and started smiling. “I dropped honorifics for him since only we both are present,” she added.

Jingfei hummed and assured her that she would not mind her informal way of speaking. She was suddenly curious to know how Xiaoming found Jin Yu and fell in love with her.

“Life in the palace isn’t easy. For the Crown Prince, it was tougher because he always had to keep certain things in mind and study all the time, unlike the other royal kids. Then, the women were attracted to him because of his title while for me, it was not the case. I didn’t even know that he is the Crown Prince when I encountered him for the first time,” Jin Yu said as she recalled her first meeting with Xiaoming.

“How did you both meet?” Jingfei asked.

“I robbed his money,” Jin Yu said and it shocked Jingfei.

“I used to steal money from nobles because my life was difficult. To survive I used to rob rich people. I know it is wrong, but what to do? The nobles loot us poor people with high taxes which we aren’t even aware of. Most of the people like me are illiterate in the kingdom. The Crown Prince searched for me and eventually, we met at the dragon festival event. Then, we gradually started falling for each other,” Jin Yu briefed Jingfei.

“Now, I understand why my brother fell for the Crown Princess. Indeed, the position of the Crown Princess was many noble’s targets. I am glad that you became my brother’s wife and also the Crown Princess,” Jingfei stated and smiled at her. Jin Yu thanked her for understanding and they continued their conversation till dinner time.