Chapter 28: He’s a farmer, what gives him the right?
Chapter 28: He’s a farmer, what gives him the right?
There was a hint of coldness on the face of the female officer, indicating her displeasure. What angered her was the fact that even though Princess Changle was now married to her son-in-law, then how could Zhangsun Chong still enter the princesss mansion without any prior notification.
Previously, Zhangsun Chong was Princess Changles cousin, and the current queen was Zhangsun Chongs biological aunt. Additionally, Zhangsun Chong had a marriage contract with Princess Changle, which allowed him to enter the inner courtyard of the princesss mansion without the need for notification. This arrangement was considered acceptable in the past.
However, now that the princess was married, Zhangsun Chong had become an outsider from all perspectives. This indicated that the guards of the Princess Mansion didnt view Su Li as a legitimate son-in-law nor did they take him seriously. It was a serious neglect of their duty.
As the governor of the Princess Mansion, she theoretically had the authority to control personnel transfers throughout the mansion. But with Zhangsun Chong being able to freely access the inner courtyard, it was not only a humiliation to the son-in-law but also a personal affront to her.
The female officer didnt possess a complex mind. She simply wished the best for Princess Changle and had approved of Su Li as her son-in-law. Naturally, she acknowledged his status as the male master. However, Zhangsun Chongs sudden visit was unacceptable for her as the governor of the Princess Mansion.
My son-in-law I must decline The female officer appeared embarrassed as she bowed to Su Li with a tinge of guilt.
Its alright Su Li waved his hand, assuring her.
After a month of interaction, Su Li understood that the female officer was stern on the surface but had a warm heart. Considering that she had accepted his position as the male master, it was highly unlikely that she would deliberately try to counteract him.
There were only two possible reasons for the current situation. One possibility was that although Su Li had gained approval from the maids and female officers in the inner court, he had yet to gain recognition from the outer court. This was understandable since Su Li hadnt ventured outside the inner court since his marriage, and people in the outer court were unfamiliar with him.
The other possibility was simply a matter of conventional thinking
Su Li was aware of the historical engagement between Zhangsun Chong and Princess Changle, as well as Zhangsun Chongs privileged status as the Queens biological nephew. Due to his influential background, Zhangsun Chong had developed a sense of entitlement and continued to view Princess Changle as unmarried, disregarding the fact that she had already wedded another.
Allow him to enter After all, he is Changles cousin, Su Li said, recognizing that aside from the annulled marriage contract, Zhangsun Chong held a legitimate familial connection to Princess Changle. There was no rational basis to criticize his presence.
I apologize The female officer saluted once again. Su Li simply smiled and gestured for her to leave.
Once the female officer exited the room, she greeted Zhangsun Chong and hurried inside.
How is she? How is my cousin? Zhangsun Chong approached the female officer and inquired anxiously.
To be honest, Zhangsun Chong had no desire to be there. After all, his cousin was already married. However, he had been compelled to come by his fathers orders. From Zhangsun Chongs perspective, Su Li, his cousins husband, was a mere puppet. He believed that he might not even have the opportunity to see his cousin, viewing her an unlucky individual tied to a peasant.
She has yet to regain consciousness. The son-in-law is attending to her in the room. Please go inside, the female officer responded with indifference.
Her words struck Zhangsun Chong like a blow.
What? Zhangsun Chongs expression transformed!
How could that lowly peasant dare to do such a thing?
Despite his cousins marriage, Zhangsun Chong still believed that Su Li was nothing more than a lowly peasant. In his eyes, Su Lis status in the mansion was likely inferior to that of a servant. Although the marriage contract had been nullified, the revelation that a humble peasant was caring for his once-beloved cousin was unbearable for Zhangsun Chong.
There were incredible doubts and indescribable anger.
That was Princess Changles bedroom!
Although Zhangsun Chong used to be able to enter the inner courtyard of the princesss residence without notice, he had never been to Princess Changles bedroom before.
That was a place he had never set foot in!
In Zhangsun Chongs heart some terrible thoughts arose!
How could he step into his cousins bedroom? How did he even have the courage to provide for his cousin? Where the hell was he when he wasnt taking care of her? Was he sleeping here as well?
Who is your son-in-law? The female officer hesitantly looked at Zhangsun Chongs bewildered expression, moved his feet, and opened his mouth to ask.
No I mean, you are not responsible for the daily care and feeding of my cousin Zhangsun Chong looked at the head of the princesss residence standing in front of him.
Zhangsun Chong was very familiar with the head of the Princess Mansion. After all, she was the steward of the Princess Mansion and had been appointed by the Queen.
Therefore, Zhangsun Chong used to be very obedient, and the female officers attitude towards him wasnt as good as it used to be.
UmIs it not disrespectful? Zhangsun Chong thought.
Dont female officers always salute when they see him? Zhangsun Chong suddenly realized something.
As the husband of a princess, the son-in-law works tirelessly day and night to serve her. Isnt that natural? the female officer said calmly.
The corner of Zhangsun Chongs mouth twitched, and he looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar head of the Princess Mansion in front of him.
There is nothing technically wrong with what the female officer says, but he really wants to ask why? Isnt Su Li just a humble peasant? Why? How does he deserve to serve the princess? He is merely a lowly peasant to be buried with. Do you, the head of the Princess Mansion, truly consider him a son-in-law? Zhangsun Chong thought.
But with only a twitch of his mouth, Zhangsun Chong couldnt bring himself to say it. After a long moment of silence, Zhangsun Chong finally entered the room.
Upon entering, his eyes were met with a scene that shattered his heart. Sitting beside Princess Changles bed, Su Li gently spooned porridge into her mouth. He blew on it softly before bringing it to her lips, even using his fingers to delicately wipe away any traces left behind.
Su Li turned his head and smiled at Zhangsun Chong.
Hmm He is a rather handsome young man if not for his pale complexion. Hes quite presentable. Zhangsun Chong thought.
Zhangsun Chong couldnt help but gaze at Su Li, and upon closer examination, he realized that Su Lis appearance was flawless. Comparing himself to Su Li, Zhangsun Chong had to admit that Su Li was more attractive.
My esteemed elder cousin has graced us with a visit, and the room is filled with splendor. I have some matters to attend to and cannot welcome you properly, Su Li said with a smile.
You Zhangsun Chong began, wanting to say something, but remembering his fathers stern expression, he ultimately chose to remain silent.
My cousins complexion has improved greatly I still remember how my cousin used to play with me before falling ill, but now things have come to this I heard from the head of the residence that youve been working tirelessly day and night to care for my cousin. It seems your efforts have paid off, Zhangsun Chong remarked.
Su Li glanced at Zhangsun Chong and could sense the hidden sarcasm in his tone. He was suggesting that Su Li was a fortunate peasant who lucked into marrying the princess because of his cousins illness. In the end, Zhangsun Chong even commended Su Li for his supposedly great contributions, all in a masterful tone
But, It was quite weird.