Chapter 194: Having an Idea
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Zheng Momo refused to give in at all, showing none of the humility and deference expected of a newcomer: “The Wangfei asked me, so I told her the truth. The Wangfei didn’t bring me to the mansion to hear nice words. Otherwise, she already has plenty of people around her who do that.”
“You!” Su Lan was furious. This was tantamount to saying that she only knew how to flatter and not how to solve actual problems for the Wangfei. It was true that the Wangfei was poisoned, but no one expected the other party to act like this. She felt guilty and worried, but what could she do? It wasn’t a physical confrontation where she could stand in front of the Wangfei.
Zheng Momo countered with a question, “Isn’t it so? This is the reality. They are not an ordinary couple! It’s better to be cautious than blindly trust. The Wangfei is so intelligent, wouldn’t she be able to see through what’s true and what’s false? If there are doubts, it’s because there are suspicions in the heart.”
Su Lan was angry enough to laugh. “You also know they’re not an ordinary couple? You dare to say such things. Your courage is much greater than that of the previous Geng Momo! Tell the truth, whose side are you on?”
Zheng Momo looked straightforward. “I am on the Fu’s side. I have received great kindness from Madam Fu and dare not forget my gratitude. Miss Su Lan, whose side are you on?”
Su Lan was furious. “Of course, I am on the Wangfei’s side!”
“That’s right. Let’s each do our own duties. In any case, it’s all for the good of the Wangfei, and for the good of the Fus’.” Zheng Momo smiled and bowed to Su Lan, then turned to greet the other Momos from the Wang Mansion who were coming from the other end of the corridor. “Where are the older sisters going?”
No matter how much turmoil there is among themselves, that’s all behind closed doors. We should present a united front to outsiders. Su Lan immediately suppressed her anger and smiled at the maids of the mansion, lowering her voice as she greeted them, “The Wangfei has retired to rest. Do you have any important matters to report?”
The Momos glanced at the two of them and smiled, saying, “Ping Nushi and Zhou Nushi are leading the way. Everyone is pooling money to invite the Wangye and Wangfei for a drink. It would be proper for them to come personally, but they fear disturbing the rest of the Wangye and Wangfei, so they sent us to inform you. The two ladies will come personally later.” With that said, they didn’t linger and took their leave.
Knowing Mingzhu’s temperament, she would definitely be impatient to gather with these concubines, but if she didn’t go, it would inevitably make her appear intolerant and impatient. Even if she went, someone would inevitably cause trouble, forcing Mingzhu to intervene.
Earlier, Xuancao and others had already been sent away, and now Xiangli and others were still being held in custody without a conclusion. If this group of influential concubines caused any more trouble, not to mention Imperial Consort Min and Empress Dowager Min, even the elder relatives of the imperial family would dare to directly reprimand Mingzhu for her jealousy and intolerance.
It’s really difficult. Su Lan was extremely anxious and couldn’t help but look to Zheng Momo. Compared to the speculation that Zheng Momo was sent by the opposing faction of the Fu family, she preferred to believe that Zheng Momo was actually sent by Xiangye to protect the Wangfei. Only Xiangye would consider both the good and bad sides of everything and want to show them to Wangfei and make her remember.
Zheng Momo was nonchalant, “Let’s see what the Wangfei thinks first. If she doesn’t want to go, we’ll find a way to shut up those who talk nonsense! If she wants to go, we’ll watch over her. What are you afraid of? Is she afraid of being scolded?”
Indeed. Ultimately, Mingzhu has to make her own decisions. Once Su Lan understood this, she went to command everyone to prepare the things Mingzhu would need to go out, while Zheng Momo called a maid from the mansion, “Come, carry this bundle for me. We’re going to see Steward Zhu and Steward Li.” If you’re going to do something, you have to first figure out the other side’s intentions.
Mingzhu was thinking about going out to play, so she woke up after half an hour of sleep. She took the initiative to call Su Lan and the others in to help her dress and then instructed, “Go check if His Highness is done with his work yet? Are the carriage and horses ready?”
Su Lan picked out a dress that wasn’t too conspicuous for her and whispered, “Earlier, Zhou Nushi and Ping Nushi sent someone over to say they’re pooling money to prepare a feast for the Wangye and Wangfei. They will come personally later.”
Mingzhu didn’t care at all, she just picked up a blue sapphire pendant and compared it to the mirror, saying, “Put this on for me… If they want to spend money, let them. If I don’t go, won’t it make me look timid?”
It was obvious that these concubines had ulterior motives. If she got angry here, someone might go and flirt with the Wangye over there. Su Lan reminded, “What about His Highness then…?”
Mingzhu turned to her strangely, “His legs are on him. Do you think I can tie him down? If he wants to go, he’ll go. If he doesn’t, I’ll go anyway.” She had long understood this logic, just like when she didn’t want Yuwen You to always leave her alone at home. She argued and protested, but it was of no use at all.
Su Lan felt that she didn’t understand her own meaning at all and hurried to explain, “Previously, Su Ye and Su Zi sent someone to deliver a message. They said that in recent years, all the trivial matters among the concubines in the northern garden have been managed by Zhou Nushi. His Highness usually doesn’t go to the northern garden, but Imperial Consort Min always summons Zhou Nushi during the New Year.”
Mingzhu’s hand paused, then she calmly picked up an ivory lipstick tube from the table and lightly applied a layer of peach-colored lipstick on her lips. The lipstick contained pearl powder, giving it a slight shimmer and making her lips appear fuller and more delicate. Mingzhu was satisfied and put down the ivory tube, saying lightly, “Don’t worry too much for me. I know what I’m doing and what I’m going to do.”
There was an unexpectedly serious expression on her face.
Also, despite seeming to be capricious and willful, she had never suffered any losses. Of course, except for the poisoning incident a few days ago, Su Lan suddenly felt a bit understanding of Zheng Momo’s thoughts. Even though Ying Wang was very good, the inner courtyard of this mansion was definitely not quiet. It wasn’t just a simple struggle between wives and concubines; behind it, who knows how many hidden hands were at play. What the Wangfei lacked was experience, and it wasn’t wrong to consider both sides of things. So, feeling excited, she said, “Miss…”
“Shh…” The sound of a man’s boots hitting the wooden floor came from outside the window. However, after just a few days, Mingzhu could already distinguish that these were the footsteps of Yuwen Chu. She raised a snowy-white finger to Su Lan’s lips and chuckled softly, “Call ‘Wangfei’.”
Su Lan blushed slightly and whispered, “Wangfei.” She was being too impulsive!
Mingzhu stood up and walked to the door like a gust of wind, smiling to greet Yuwen Chu, “I’m all ready, just waiting for Your Highness to come over.”
In the dim autumn light, Mingzhu saw Yuwen Chu’s pupils dilate the moment he saw her, then return to normal. He smiled at her and, with a pleasant surprise, softly remarked, “Very beautiful, suits you well.”
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