The Crown Prince in the Jade Pendant

Chapter 17: Praying Mantis Stalks The Cicada

The chapter title is only the first part of the Chinese phrase- the praying mantis stalks the cicada oblivious to the oriole lurking behind. The phrase serves as a warning to being so focused on a narrow goal that one neglects the greater danger in the bigger picture.

Zhang Momo did not notice the emotion in Chu Jin Miao’s gaze as she was sighing. The fortune of the world was truly difficult to decipher. Not only Madam Zhao was favoured, she even encountered such an event of switching babies making Old Chu Furen hold a slight reproval towards herself. Even though Chu Jin Yao grew up outside and was not close with Old Chu Furen, she was after all a direct bloodline of the Chu family. How could one wrong one’s bloodline for an inexplicable outsider like Chu Jin Miao?

Ever since that day when Chu Jin Yao lost her way outside Rong Ning Tang, Old Furen knew that the second-ranked maids by Chu Jin Yao’s side were young maids that had just entered the residence. Thus, Old Furen was very dissatisfied with Madam Zhao’s method of handling the situation. To let the second-ranked maids be at such a level, one could only think about how Madam Zhao would be careless and disregard the people by Chu Jin Yao’s side. However the more Old Furen reminded Madam Zhao to value Chu Jin Yao, the more Madam Zhao felt that Chu Jin Miao was pitiful. Everyone feared that Chu Jin Yao would be suffering grievance, then no one would bother about Chu Jin Miao? So, Madam Zhao would dote on Chu Jin Miao even more.

Zhang Momo was an outsider and could see things clearly. She also felt that Madam Zhao was being totally muddle-headed. Chu Jin Miao was after all a farmer’s daughter and her parents could be considered as sinister as they had switched the noble bloodline for wealth and they actually treated the daughter of the Chu family that harshly for the past thirteen years. Marquis Chang Xin and Old Chu Furen did not teach them a lesson because of Chu Jin Miao. Zhang Momo was able to distinguish right from wrong but Madam Zhao was in the situation and with so many years of relations, thus she was unable to let Chu Jin Miao go and was not willing to let her suffer grievances.

Zhang Momo sighed to herself. If Madam Zhao continued like this, sooner or later her loved ones would be at odds with her. Just look at how Eldest Young Lady was siding with Fifth Young Lady, even Eldest Young Lady would feel bitterly disappointed at her mother’s action. However, Zhang Momo was unable to remind Madam Zhao. Even though she was Madam Zhao’s nanny and had raised her since young, she dared not compare herself with Chu Jin Miao. If she were to vaguely remind Madam Zhao, she would tell Chu Jin Miao in a blink of an eye and at that time Zhang Momo would have to suffer the consequences. This Fourth Young Lady was a powerful character.

When Chu Jin Miao heard Zhang Momo’s change of words, she sneered in her heart but still smiled kindly on the surface, “Momo, can you go to the small kitchen to make some golden fruit pastry? I suddenly want to eat your handmade snacks.”

When Zhang Momo heard it, she had a startled expression on her face as she hurriedly looked at Madam Zhao. Madam Zhao smiled, “Since Miao-er wants to eat, then go and make it. It doesn’t take too much effort anyway.”

Zhang Momo sighed repeatedly in her heart. Madam Zhao was still confused! Chu Jing Miao was getting rid of her and might even say some things, but Madam Zhao agreed to it. Zhang Momo could not help but feel resentful that she had failed to meet expectations.

She was already old enough so why did she not have any ability to discern?

After Madam Zhang left, Chu Jing Miao’s lips curved up and she sat down in front of Madam Zhao, “Mother, I am not your biological daughter but still occupied the legitimate daughter title and even let Chu Jin Yao live outside for thirteen years. Do you hate me very much?”