The lady-in-waiting was silent for a moment, "I will investigate." The Grand Princess shook her head, "No need to investigate further. Since Du Ruyi said this in public, it is likely not a mere fluke. Her purpose in saying this is, firstly, to tell me that she has no interest in Zhao Ting. Secondly, it might be that Old Madam Zhao deliberately used her to broadcast this." "Then Your Highness, you..." The lady-in-waiting cautiously began. "Let’s just wait and see. I want to personally verify the truth," the Grand Princess said. Did Du Ruyi think she could dismiss her with a few words? As for that Zhao Xiaohua, even if she is Zhao Ting’s daughter, so what? She values Zhao Ting as a man, not anything else. As for his wife, whether she exists or not is still undecided. Even if she does, who can say how long she will live, isn’t it? "Should those watching over the Du Mansion and the Zhao Mansion continue to do so?" the lady-in-waiting asked. "Have them return, just keep an eye on when Zhao Ting returns," the Grand Princess said. Mrs. Yu did not dare to hide anything and hurriedly took Mrs. Xie to Songhe Hall to see Old Madam right after returning to the mansion. "Mother." Mrs. Yu greeted with a bow, then recounted every detail of their visit to the Princess Mansion. Mrs. Xie kept her head down, looking as if she knew she was wrong. Old Madam Zhao almost fainted from anger. How did she view Mrs. Xie positively at the time? Was she blind? What kind of person did she marry into the family? Anyone could tell the Grand Princess’s invitation had ulterior motives; before leaving, she specifically reminded them to be cautious with their words and actions. In the end, they came back to report that the third son’s wife had spoken recklessly. Although that matter was known implicitly, it hadn’t been outright publicized. Matters not spoken of outright are flexible. That fool dared to speak openly in front of so many people. "What were you thinking?" Old Madam Zhao interrogated. "Mother, I was considering the Zhao Mansion’s well-being. Du Ruyi has been married before, how could she match Big Brother? The Grand Princess, on the other hand, although she had a Prince Consort before, cannot be compared to Du Ruyi. If Big Brother marries the Princess, our Zhao Mansion would be royal kin," Mrs. Xie boldly said. "I did not know that your big brother’s marriage required the concern of a younger sister-in-law," Old Madam Zhao sneered, "Do you want control over the mansion, suited to your ambitions?" "It’s clear the Grand Princess favors Big Brother. Him hiding is not a solution. Although His Majesty favors Big Brother, the Grand Princess is his full sister. In His Majesty’s eyes, the Grand Princess is undoubtedly more important," Mrs. Xie defended herself. "Mrs. Xie, I underestimated you; you can even fathom His Majesty’s thoughts. Very good. It seems this Zhao Family temple is too small for your grand plans," Old Madam Zhao laughed in anger. "Mother, I’m speaking the truth," Mrs. Xie protested, "In any case, in all aspects, the Grand Princess is more suitable than Du Ruyi." Mrs. Yu subtly distanced herself from Mrs. Xie, thinking how foolish this third sister-in-law was. In the current situation, she should admit her mistake, claim insanity, and dismiss her nonsense. Instead, she remains unaware. "Mother, about what Miss Du said regarding Big Brother already being married..." Mrs. Yu cautiously inquired. Isn’t this the most critical matter to clarify right now? Old Madam Zhao wasn’t angry at Du Ruyi for making this public. In that situation, airing it was indeed a good strategy—to distance herself, to momentarily suppress the Grand Princess, and to set up for her eldest daughter-in-law’s return to the capital. "Yes, it was Ruyi who brought back that news," Old Madam Zhao said, "Your big brother originally intended to announce the marriage when they returned." Mrs. Yu controlled her surprise, "This is good news, mother won’t need to worry about Big Brother’s marriage any longer." Mrs. Xie was dumbfounded, "How is this possible? Mother, when Big Brother left the capital, he was single. This sudden marriage—wasn’t he tricked? Moreover, marriage matters require parental consent, and you had no knowledge. How does it count?" Does this mean her son is foolish? Who could be more foolish than her? "Your big brother is not a toddler to be tricked," Old Madam Zhao sternly said, "As for parental consent, circumstances change. Urgent matters require adaptability, which I understand. Besides, I trust your big brother’s judgment." Fresh chapters posted on novel•fire.net "But Big Brother, since he’s married, why hasn’t he returned quickly?" Mrs. Xie mumbled. "Your big brother has tasks to complete; he can’t return until they’re finished." "Then, shouldn’t Sister-in-law return herself? Since Big Brother is away, Sister-in-law coming back to fulfill her duties is proper, isn’t it?" Mrs. Xie quickly found a new argument. "The current tasks require help from your sister-in-law," Old Madam Zhao stated. "This... what can a woman contribute? Ladies of noble families typically stay inside. Could it be that Big Brother’s wife..." Mrs. Xie’s tone turned enthusiastic. Did he marry someone of insignificant rank or status? Otherwise, why would she be publicly assisting with tasks? Such a person would be lower than her. In their circles, family reputation is highly valued. "What about whom he married? Hmm?" Old Madam Zhao asked, suppressing her anger. "If Big Brother married outside, surely they’re of lower status than these ladies in the capital. However, if Big Brother chose her, then the rest isn’t as important," Mrs. Xie reasoned. Old Madam Zhao sneered, "You think your sister-in-law isn’t as good as you?" She didn’t spell it out, but that’s the implication. "We’re all one family, no one’s lesser than another," Mrs. Xie claimed, "Rest assured, even if Sister-in-law is somewhat lacking, I, as her sister-in-law, wouldn’t mock her." Inferior, she must be, otherwise, how could her superiority be highlighted? "What do you think?" Old Madam Zhao asked Mrs. Yu. "Whoever Big Brother chooses surely won’t be inferior," Mrs. Yu said, though she didn’t believe it. In her mother-in-law’s view, the elder brother was flawless, so obviously, whoever he married wouldn’t be lacking either. "Without seeing her, it’s hard to judge. But your big brother is the head of the family, so when your sister-in-law returns, managing household affairs will naturally fall to her," Old Madam Zhao knew what her daughters-in-law were concerned about. That remark was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing big ripples. Mrs. Yu maintained her composure. Mrs. Xie looked directly shocked, her face contorting.