Chapter 427 - Chapter 427: Leave Immediately
Chapter 427: Leave Immediately
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The riverside scenery within the royal courtyard was undeniably splendid.
Qin Zhenzhen guided Su Ning, leading her to a quieter spot where they leaned against the railing to appreciate the view. Since they were unfamiliar with the young ladies from the capital, and Qin Zhenzhen wasn’t particularly keen on initiating conversations, they opted for a location with fewer people towards the stern of the ship.
“Third Sister-in-law, look at those gorgeous flowers on the rockery. What kind of colorful flowers are those?” Su Ning inquired.
Qin Zhenzhen smiled and shook her head. “I’m not certain about the specific type, but they appear to be ornamental flowers bred for pure aesthetic pleasure. Their purpose is simply to delight the eyes.”
She felt a touch of admiration within, surprised to find such a romantic touch in the ancient world. The people here even knew how to cultivate and arrange colorful ornamental flowers. Nevertheless, such romantic endeavors appeared reserved for the wealthy, unlike the modern world where they adorned public areas.
Su Ning nodded thoughtfully and whispered, “Do you ever wonder if the royal family members have too much time on their hands?”
Qin Zhenzhen was taken aback. “What’s on your mind? Don’t you think it looks beautiful?”
Su Ning responded with determination, “Indeed, it’s beautiful. My concern isn’t about those who tend to these flowers; it’s about the excessive extravagance of the royal family. This courtyard alone features pavilions, trees, flowers, imitation mountains, artificial rivers, and man-made lakes. Imagine the resources and labor required for all this.”
She continued with earnestness, “Your Majesty, do you know how many commoners in the countryside struggle to find enough to eat and proper clothing to wear?”
Qin Zhenzhen leaned in to whisper to Su Ning, “What you see here is just the tip of the iceberg. When you visit the palace, you’ll truly grasp the meaning of luxury.”
She then cautioned, “But remember, we mustn’t discuss this here.”
Su Ning felt a hint of embarrassment and replied, “You’re right; I almost forgot!”
Glancing around, she was relieved to find no one in their immediate vicinity.
“I promise, Third Sister-in-law, I won’t utter a word,” Su Ning assured her. Qin Zhenzhen nodded and added, “As the saying goes, ‘trouble comes from the mouth.’ If you have any questions, save them for when we’re home.”
Su Ning agreed, saying, “I’ll remember that.”
Just then, two young heiresses approached and respectfully greeted Qin
Zhenzhen.
“Are you Mrs. Qin Zhenzhen, the wife of the new Primus?”
Qin Zhenzhen reciprocated the greeting, affirming, “Yes, I am.”
The sincere and clear-eyed gazes of these two young ladies suggested that they had approached her out of genuine curiosity rather than being sent to cause trouble.
Qin Zhenzhen’s initial apprehension eased, and she chuckled to herself. Despite her confidence, she still found herself on edge, perhaps due to her concern for Su Ning.
“Hello, Mrs. Su, I’m…
Before the two young ladies could introduce themselves, an arrogant voice interrupted them.
“I thought the stern would be less crowded, but it’s still quite noisy.”
The source of this comment was none other than the Fifth Princess. The Sixth Princess stood beside her, surrounded by a group of young ladies.
The Fifth Princess’s words clearly conveyed her disdain for Qin Zhenzhen and the others, as if they were inconveniencing her. Ironically, they had arrived at the stern before she did.
Qin Zhenzhen was left baffled. Was the Fifth Princess gearing up for a direct confrontation with her?
She harbored no reservations; if the Fifth Princess initiated any hostilities, Qin Zhenzhen would not hold back in response. If the Fifth Princess dared to push anyone into the water, she’d be the one finding herself in the river, becoming a meal for the turtles!
Before Qin Zhenzhen could voice her thoughts, the two young ladies who had been exchanging pleasantries with her panicked and swiftly offered apologies to the Fifth Princess.
“I apologize, Fifth Princess. We’ll depart right away..”