A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1419 - 1417: Testing the Waters

If someone really gets betrothed to his cousin first.

Even the Royal Family can’t do much about it.

Unless they don’t care about their reputation, it’s irreversible for everyone.

"No wonder Yue Er is so disappointed, it must be due to such a blow!"

Xia Ruqing suddenly had a headache.

She couldn’t help but complain to herself:

’Ancient times sure are interesting! There are so many good men among the Imperial Court Officials, why insist on marrying a close relative!’

’Cousin marriages seem way too common, right!’

’It seems like ancient women particularly liked marrying their cousins?’

’Has no one realized that children born from cousin marriages aren’t very smart? This is close relative marriage!’

After venting, she still had to face reality.

"But, how to face it?"

"If I’m too proactive, it would seem like my daughter is desperate to get married!"

"But if I do nothing and they really get betrothed to that cousin, Yue Er would be heartbroken, so what to do?"

Zi Yue offered a suggestion from the side.

"Why don’t we wait and observe quietly, find out the situation first and then act!"

"What if they really only came to rely on relatives! That’s not certain!"

"Anyway, I think the Shi Family can’t be unaware of Junior General Shi and the Fourth Princess’ matter!"

If they know and still insist on betrothing him to someone else, that’s being tactless.

It’s hard to find such a tactless family among the Imperial Court Officials.

Even if Princesses are wild and break etiquette, they are still unattainable and not to be pursued recklessly by everyone.

After all, the Fourth Princess is the Emperor’s favorite.

Anyone marrying the Fourth Princess would be guaranteed wealth and honor for three generations, or even more.

Which noble family wouldn’t want such a marriage?

Xia Ruqing thought for a moment and nodded.

"You’re right!"

"But I still feel uneasy, please inquire on my behalf!"

"Oh!"

Zi Yue acknowledged and withdrew.

...

Yue Er, however, wasn’t too sad.

After all, at that moment, she merely saw him chatting and laughing with her cousin, nothing much beyond that.

In hindsight, she found herself quite childish.

"Why be jealous over something like this, at least understand the situation first!"

Further thinking.

Why are it always cousins, can’t there be something novel?

The Maternal Aunt Tan in Yilan’s house used to rely on the cousin relationship to dominate the backyard (of course, that’s just in the past; she’s settled down now).

Now... Shih Shaoling’s house has another cousin.

It’s really something!

Are Royal Clan women dead-set against cousins?

Or do all young gentlemen have a childhood cousin love?

The more Yue Er thought, the more annoyed she got, so she simply shook her head.

"No more thinking, it’s useless!"

"Ying Luo, brew me a cup of Peony Tea given by my mother!"

Ying Luo walked in with a smile.

"Already prepared for you!"

Yue Er picked up the tea cup and drank it all in one go.

The troubles in her heart were immediately eased significantly.

"I’m tired! Let’s tidy up, wash, and rest! I need to visit Yilan tomorrow!"

"Alas!"

Ying Luo responded, turned around, and instructed the Little Palace Maid to come in and serve.

...

The next day.

Yue Er finally met up with Yilan again.

As usual, they playfully argued before sitting down for a proper conversation.

Staring at Yilan for a moment, Yue Er suddenly laughed.

"Why have you gained weight?"

"Did Nan Yunze fatten you up nicely?"

Yilan chuckled.

"Him?"

"I’d be fine if I weren’t annoyed by him, what’s the point of him nurturing me?"

Yue Er removed her outer garment and lazily lay beside her on the couch, asking again.

"Didn’t you long stop being upset?"

"Are you still thinking of separating from him?"

Yilan raised an eyebrow.

"Even if we don’t separate, I might not live with him!"

"Anyway, we’re still living our own lives!"

Yue Er said no more.

Yilan shifted the topic to her.

"Alas!"

"I heard that your guy... has a lovely cousin beside him?"

Yue Er’s face went red.

"Don’t talk nonsense, my guy?"

"What does he have to do with me?"

"Alright!"

Yilan waved dismissively.

"At this point, Yue Er, you’re really not being honest!"

"What’s there to be embarrassed about, you didn’t even tell me!"

Yue Er bit her lip and looked down in silence.

Yilan thought for a moment and leaned over.

"Well... I think!"

"You don’t have to worry too much!"

"Shih Shaoling is far more reliable than Nan Yunze, that scumbag!"

"With so many things over such a long time, can’t even touch your heart, Princess?"

Yue Er blushed again.

"But... I don’t know if he’s kind to only me or to all women!"

At least, he’s kind to that cousin, right!

Maybe he just sees her as a sister!

Maybe she and the cousin are childhood sweethearts!

"Oh my Princess! Fourth Princess, Princess Yi Zhao!"

Yilan protested.

"Are you going to drive me crazy?"

Yue Er spread her hands.

"Then what should I do?"

Yilan clapped her hands.

"Of course, test him!!"

Seeing Yue Er still confused, she leaned closer to her ear and gave detailed advice.

Yue Er listened, a bit hesitant.

"Isn’t this... too childish?"

Yilan shook her head firmly.

"No!"

"It’s the most direct way. If you want, prepare immediately!"

"Oh..."

Yue Er thought skeptically for a while and then got up to leave.

...

The Sunny March, grass sprouting, warblers flying, everything coming to life, flowers blooming everywhere.

The entire Capital City was immersed in a lush, warm season.

Flowers, grass, trees, birds, beasts, insects, fish, all welcomed their most beautiful time in this season of life.

In the outskirts of Capital City, by the moat.

Groups of handsome men and beautiful women stepped out of their homes, sometimes in groups of three or five, sometimes with friends, or as families, enjoying the most beautiful spring day.

Scholars and writers went out to collect materials, painters and poets left to paint and write.

Even the usually house-bound Madams and Misses wanted to come out to gather flowers and admire the scenery.

Moreover, some took this as an opportunity for matchmaking.

Seeing a gentleman or a young lady they liked, they mentally noted them.

Then the two families started to connect, eventually reaching a marriage and engagement, where lovers became a family.

These opportunities weren’t frequent, but not rare either.

So in this context.

By the mote in Capital City, picturesque scenery and throngs of visitors.

...

Today, Yue Er wore casual attire to go out.

Didn’t take a sedan, nor brought many followers (outwardly; secretly, Hidden Guards were always around).

She decided to take a stroll by the moat and meet this so-called cousin.

Ying Luo, also dressed as a Maid from an ordinary family, and a few others, took a sedan from the Imperial Palace to the moat.