Zhen Shicheng smiled dismissively, “You are a one-in-a-million tolerant mother-in-law. How could you not get along well with a daughter-in-law, regardless of her status?”
This flattery pleased Madam Zhen immensely. She smiled broadly and nodded, “In that case, my lord, you should agree. It will also prevent the Emperor from making things difficult for you in the future.”
Zhen Shicheng’s face turned stern, “Nonsense. The Emperor is a benevolent ruler. How could he be that kind of person?”
In the Hall of Cultivating the Heart, Emperor Jingming was anxious and couldn’t even focus on reading the latest story books.
Old Zhen would surely discuss the matter with his wife upon returning home. He wondered if the matter would be successful.
Hmph, if it succeeded, everyone would be happy. If it didn’t… Old Zhen should prepare to face the consequences.
What? Using public office for private revenge? Wasn’t that perfectly justified? What father wouldn’t be angry if his daughter was looked down upon?
Fortunately, Emperor Jingming didn’t have to wait long before receiving Zhen Shicheng’s affirmative response.
Emperor Jingming acted swiftly, quickly issuing an imperial edict for the marriage.
Once the edict was issued, the entire court was shocked.
Zhen Shicheng had struck gold, getting the legitimate princess as a daughter-in-law.
There was no rule in the current court that a princess’s husband would not be favored. The Zhen family would only become more prosperous in the future.
Considering that Zhen Shicheng came from a humble background and his wife was not from a noble family, yet they were about to become in-laws to a legitimate princess – it truly showed how unpredictable fate could be.
The Zhen residence suddenly became a hub of activity, with a constant stream of visitors coming to offer congratulations.
As the new Crown Prince who had not yet moved into the Eastern Palace, Yu Jin also gracefully visited the Zhen residence.
As for why he didn’t bring his wife – well, the Zhen boy was about to become his brother-in-law, so he couldn’t risk stirring up any inappropriate thoughts.
Given Yu Jin’s status, Zhen Shicheng personally welcomed him in and kept him company.
“Congratulations, Minister Zhen. I never imagined we would become family,” Yu Jin said.
Zhen Shicheng stroked his beard and smiled, “Neither did this official.”
Previously, the thought of this young man taking away his daughter-in-law had been frustrating. Who would have thought they’d become family?
Yu Jin sipped his tea, his smile deepening, “Since we’re family now, we shouldn’t be so formal, don’t you agree, Minister Zhen?”
Zhen Shicheng’s internal alarms went off, but he maintained a calm exterior and smiled, “Of course.”
Yu Jin glanced around and smiled, “Since we’re family, let’s be frank. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, Minister Zhen.”
Zhen Shicheng gestured for the servants to withdraw and asked, “What does the Crown Prince wish to discuss?”
Yu Jin leaned forward and lowered his voice, “I suspect the Empress Dowager is an impostor.”