Chapter 189: Zheng Momo
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Not knowing what made a slight noise, Mingzhu woke up from deep sleep. Opening her eyes, she saw the familiar sky-blue silk canopy instead of a room filled with bright red. This made her feel as if she hadn’t married yet, still a young girl waiting in her boudoir. She lazily stretched, then heard the steady and gentle breathing beside her. She propped herself up on her elbow to look at Yuwen Chu.
Yuwen Chu was sleeping soundly, his long eyebrows stretched out evenly, and a slight upward curve at the corner of his lips, as if dreaming of something pleasant. Mingzhu stared at him for a moment, gently pulled the blanket back up that had slipped off his shoulder, then got up quietly, put on her clothes, and walked out.
The sky was already getting dark. Su Lan and Su Jin came to help her tidy up her clothes and hair ornaments, whispering, “Sun Momo is leading the people you requested, has arrived. They are waiting in the flower room.”
Mingzhu left the room and followed Su Lan to the right, walking into the flower room. There, she saw Sun Momo, dressed in a green dress, with her back facing her, standing in the twilight, talking quietly in front of a pot of chrysanthemums. Su Lan cleared her throat softly, and Sun Momo turned around to greet Mingzhu with a bow, “This old servant greets Wangfei.”
Beside her, Sun Momo smiled and said, “This is Zheng Momo. She is in charge of purchasing affairs in the mansion. Any purchase of goods in the mansion must go through her hands. She has been in charge for ten years without a single mistake or overpriced item. After discussing with Madam and the Old Madam, they both agreed that she is the person Wangfei wants.”
Wow, this was impressive! Mingzhu remembered that back in Yuwen You’s Linan mansion, the most lucrative position was the purchasing department. Every transaction, no matter how small, would yield a profit. In a mansion with hundreds of people, managing purchases was a busy job. Anyone who could get this position was either well-connected or highly capable. For Zheng Momo to manage purchasing affairs in such an orderly manner and win everyone’s approval, she must be an exceptional and powerful figure.
Being too strict would invite resentment and opposition, while being too lax would lead to people taking advantage. Therefore, Zheng Momo must be meticulous, powerful, and adept at handling situations. She must be skilled at arguing too! Mingzhu thought that she must be a worthy opponent for Zhu Changsheng! Mingzhu’s eyes sparkled, “Zheng Momo, do you understand? This time, when you come with me, you will have a chance to display your talents.”
Zheng Momo, with her round and fair face, about forty or fifty years old, slightly plump, smiled slightly when she spoke, making her seem approachable, “Responding to Wangfei, this old servant is willing to do anything, even to the point of being shattered, to satisfy Madam.”
That smile was so much more pleasing than Zhu Changsheng’s deliberate flattery and fake smiles. Mingzhu smiled, “Don’t shatter yourself, Momo. Just show off your talents. Are all your things packed? If they are, let’s leave with the carriage.”
Zheng Momo bowed and stepped back. Sun Momo smiled and said, “Miss, are you satisfied? Madam wanted her to accompany you earlier, but you declined, so it was delayed. But now that you’ve requested her again, she’s overjoyed.”
Overjoyed? Mingzhu didn’t see that. She casually asked, “Who does she have in her family?”
Sun Momo replied calmly, “They’re all dead, leaving behind only a granddaughter who’s now eight years old. Madam has already ordered her to come to the room to take charge of flower arrangement.” She glanced at Mingzhu, implying that if she didn’t understand the meaning behind this, she would explain it again.
Mingzhu rolled her eyes, “I’m not that stupid!” Bringing Zheng Momo’s only granddaughter to be raised under her nose was a gesture of control. If Zheng Momo treated her faithfully, the little girl would have a bright future, perhaps even marrying a small official. If not, Zheng Momo would have to be wary.
Sun Momo had watched Mingzhu grow up since she was a child and couldn’t help but smile affectionately, “Facing the royal mansion, just say that Zheng Momo is the stewardess who came out of Madam’s room. This way, even His Highness will have to give her some face, let alone the various stewards and servants in the mansion. Of course, it depends on whether she truly has the ability.”
Su Jin came over to report, “His Highness has risen. Noodles have been prepared in the kitchen and are waiting for Wangfei to have dinner together before returning to the mansion.”
Mingzhu bid farewell to Sun Momo and returned to her room. Yuwen Chu was already dressed, holding a cup of tea and reading by her bookshelf. When he saw her come in, he said, “I didn’t realize, Wangfei, that you were such an ambitious and talented woman. You have records of the Zizhi Tongjian, the Records of the Grand Historian, the Spring and Autumn Annals, and the various schools of thought.”
Mingzhu blushed and said, “I’m not just pretending! If you don’t believe me, pick any book and ask me what’s written on any page and line.”
Originally, she didn’t want to make herself seem trivial, but after saying that, she actually felt a bit eager for a challenge, hoping he would ask her a few questions. No, ask her more questions, so she could show off her knowledge.
Yuwen Chu promptly picked up a copy of “Records of the Grand Historian” and casually said, “Page ten, line five.”
Proudly, Mingzhu said, “This page is about the Biography of Wei Gongzi. It describes how Gongzi is kind-hearted and modest, treating all scholars with humility and courtesy, regardless of their talent or status. He never looks down on scholars because of his wealth and status.” After saying this, she eagerly looked at Yuwen Chu, her face filled with an expression that said, “Praise me, please, praise me.”
Yuwen Chu indeed showed a very surprised expression, “So, not only do you remember, but you also understand. I’ve underestimated you in the past.”
“Hmph, I know they talk behind my back saying I’m incompetent. I’m just waiting for the right opportunity to prove them wrong! I won’t embarrass you.” Mingzhu was so flattered by his subtle praise that even the hint of amusement in his eyes didn’t bother her. Feeling she hadn’t impressed enough, she asked again, “Aren’t you going to ask more, Your Highness?”
“Why should I ask? I’m not your teacher. Even if you don’t know a single character, you’re still Fu Mingzhu. Besides, you’re already proficient in literature, painting, music, and dance, and you’re beautiful and intelligent. What more could I ask for?” Yuwen Chu put the book back in place and smiled, “I heard your chef makes excellent vegetarian noodles. I’m really hungry.”
Mingzhu hurriedly served him the noodles and chopsticks, being very attentive, “It’s my favorite dish. Your Highness, please eat more.”
The noodles were excellent in color, aroma, and taste, but Mingzhu didn’t have much of an appetite. She only took a few bites and then watched Yuwen Chu eat, trying to please him, “Your Highness, you even look handsome when eating noodles.”
It was indeed a reciprocal courtesy. He praised her for her good literacy, and she praised him for eating noodles well… Yuwen Chu soon put down his chopsticks, “Let’s go, we should bid farewell to your parents.”
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