The Challenge of a Farmhouse Son-in-Law
Chapter 625 - 636 Confrontation on the Road

Chapter 625: Chapter 636 Confrontation on the Road

According to what Gu Youyou knew, there was an ancient rule regarding marriage that forbade people with the same surname from marrying each other. However, this rule varied across different eras. In certain periods, it was permissible for members of the Imperial Family and nobility to intermarry despite having the same surname. As a result, the current Emperor and Empress were of the same surname.

It was said that the Emperor had to go through a great deal of trouble to ascend from the position of Crown Prince to the Dragon Throne. Zhuzhao Country has a distinctive feature: there are an unusually large number of people with the surname Jin in the north, once a great clan many years ago. But after years of changes, it was difficult to distinguish who belonged to which branch of the family.

The power of the Ducal Residence was another major branch of the Jin surname outside of the Imperial Family. The connections were complex and deep-rooted, not to be underestimated. In order for the Emperor to ascend to the throne smoothly, he naturally could not adhere to the rule against marrying someone with the same surname, so he married her to become the Empress.

The carriage ride only stopped upon reaching the Imperial City, where the Imperial Family had a separate area designated for the ladies and misses of each household to park their carriages. After alighting from the carriage, the maids and coachmen brought along were not permitted to enter the palace, and had to wait by the carriages.

And the ladies and misses were all required to enter the palace by foot.

For a moment, the sight of these graceful women walking in resembled a parade of orioles and swallows, truly a spectacular scene.

Gu Youyou marveled that being able to walk in such uniformity also reflected the ancient people’s regard for punctuality.

If not for agreeing to arrive at the same time, the procession would have been a disorganized mess.

The ladies and misses began to greet each other. Lin Qianqing and Gu Youyou followed behind Madam Lin, who introduced them to the other ladies and misses.

"Oh, so this is your eldest daughter, it’s been a long time since I last saw her, she’s grown even more beautiful. The Empress is sure to be pleased when she sees her."

"Madam Zhang, Miss Zhang is not bad either. It’s said that Miss Zhang’s talents are the best among the misses in Beijing. The Empress likes talented women, so I think your daughter will also win the Empress’s favor."

Madam Zhang’s heart swelled with joy, yet she lamented, "My daughter has some talent, but we cannot compare to you, Madam Lin... with the sisterly affection you and the Empress have shared since childhood, alas!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Lin’s face darkened instantly.

Seeing this, Madam Zhang darted away swiftly, immediately pulling her daughter to greet Madam Li who was passing by.

Madam Lin clenched her teeth in anger, snorting coldly, "The Zhang Family has always been adept in currying favor, Qianqing, you must be cautious. That Miss Zhang is personally schooled by Madam Zhang, likely to be no different from her. If you both end up in the Crown Prince Residence in the future, she’s the one you need to guard against the most."

Lin Qianqing’s expression turned grave as she acknowledged with a ’yes’.

Madam Lin paused, realizing it was inappropriate to discuss such matters on this public road in front of her daughter and niece. She then said, "Let’s go, we should first pay our respects to the Empress."

Gu Youyou followed behind Madam Lin, noting the incident in her mind.

It seemed that Miss Zhang and her cousin Lin Qianqing were both candidates to enter the Crown Prince Residence.

As her cousin Lin Qianqing was related to the Empress and Crown Prince, if there was a fight for the position of the principal wife, it seemed she would have a better chance of success.

"Doctor Gu, Qianqing..."

Soon, they heard someone calling them from behind.

When they stopped and looked back, they saw Xie Qinyun alone, catching up while holding up her skirt.

After running a few steps and realizing it was improper, she promptly let go of her skirt and approached with small, delicate steps.

Madam Lin also stopped and looked toward Miss Xie.

She had no mother, her older sister-in-law had passed away, and her second sister-in-law was divorced, so she had no elders to accompany her, leaving her to attend alone.

Madam Lin felt a surge of pity and said, "Miss Xie, come with me. You’re such a pitiable child."

Xie Qinyun obediently replied with a ’yes’.