Chapter 223: Demeanor
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Returning from the northern garden, Su Ju, who was staying in Yinghui Hall, came to report, “His Highness just sent someone to say that he’s busy with official duties and won’t be coming back for dinner. He told Wangfei to eat by herself and not to wait for him at night.”
Is he really busy, or is he still angry? Mingzhu propped her chin and thought for a while, then said, “Have someone bring up the menu. I’ll arrange supper for His Highness tonight.” It didn’t matter if he didn’t come back for dinner. She knew he would definitely discuss matters with his subordinates in Tingxue Building when he returned to the mansion. She also knew that when he attended banquets outside, he never ate enough. So when she carefully arranged a table of delicious and beautiful supper and sent it over, even if he didn’t eat it, he would still have face in front of his subordinates and feel better.
Zheng Momo accompanied Mingzhu to select the menu, discussing softly and delicately, “Since you think Zhou Nushi isn’t good, I’ll think of a way to send her away.”
Mingzhu shook her head, “No rush. Since His Highness has kept her until now and has entrusted her with managing the northern garden, there must be some merit to her. Acting rashly wouldn’t be good. Let’s wait and see for now.”
Since her reincarnation, some things had quietly changed, such as the arrival of Jiang Shanshan, which didn’t exist in her previous life, and the poisoning incident, which also didn’t happen before. She wasn’t sure what unexpected things would happen if she got rid of Zhou Nushi now. It would be better to keep her for the time being, as she knew some things about Zhou Nushi. Even if she needed to be cautious, it would be much easier.
Zheng Momo pondered for a moment and said, “That’s true. His Highness only has Wangfei now and no concubines. It’s not quite appropriate to deal with Zhou Nushi and others, considering the previous expulsion of Xuancao and the pending release of Xiangli. Otherwise, it would tarnish Wangfei’s reputation and give others the opportunity to introduce younger and more beautiful women. It’s better to have an old person like Zhou Nushi, who is aging and average-looking, and has lost her novelty. Giving her a little favor will make the Wangfei appear generous.” Then, she glanced admiringly at Mingzhu and whispered, “Wangfei is becoming more and more dignified and wise!”
Although she didn’t want anyone to get close to Yuwen Chu, the situation with Zhou Nushi wasn’t like that at all! Mingzhu felt that there was a fundamental difference between her and Zheng Momo’s thoughts, and she had no intention of narrowing that gap. She smiled and said, “If you have time, think about how to deal with Zhu Changsheng. He’s flattering me so much these days, searching everywhere for rare things to please me. He knows how to flatter, but he’s spending His Highness’s and my money! Look, it won’t be long before he returns to his old ways. I haven’t vented enough from last time.”
Zheng Momo’s expression immediately became serious. She said, “Didn’t he manage all the affairs of the mansion before? He must have gained a lot of benefits, which has made him arrogant and forgetful. I’ll go out and find something. I’m afraid if he causes trouble, even the Imperial Consort won’t be able to save him!”
“Go ahead, but use your own money.” Mingzhu saw Zheng Momo off, then habitually stood up and stretched her muscles. She was flexible and easily lifted her legs to her neck. It was just a common movement, but suddenly she remembered Yuwen Chu’s praise from last night: “I didn’t expect Wangfei to be so flexible and delicate, it’s captivating. We can try other positions another day, all of which ordinary people can’t do.”
Her heart suddenly skipped a beat, and even her breathing became uneasy. She quickly put her legs down, stealing a glance at Su Lan and the others. She knew they didn’t know anything, but she couldn’t help feeling embarrassed and awkward. Yuwen Chu, this shameless scoundrel! How could he make her think of such things in broad daylight? It was really despicable!
It hadn’t been long, but he could make her think of him so casually. She was really too weak. What if it continued like this for a long time? Mingzhu felt helpless and laid on the table, listless for the afternoon, even losing interest in taking a nap.
At dinner, Yuwen Chu didn’t come back as expected. Mingzhu finished her meal alone and laid down on the couch to rest. After a while, when she hadn’t seen Yuwen Chu return after several turns, she called for Su Mei and Su Ju to massage her feet for her. Just as she was getting comfortable and drowsy, a maid came in to report, “His Highness has returned. He was supposed to come here, but was intercepted by Mr. Meng.”
Indeed, he was very busy. But since he was planning to come here, it meant that he wasn’t as angry as she thought he was, and perhaps he had already calmed down. Mingzhu sat up energetically, intending to personally bring supper to him. But after a moment’s thought, she laid back down. According to Fourth Brother, men were spoiled. They should deliver the supper, but she wouldn’t personally deliver it to him. She called Su Lan over, “You go and deliver the supper. Tell His Highness that I prepared it carefully and intended to deliver it myself, but I was afraid of disturbing him, so I didn’t.”
Su Lan obeyed and went. Mingzhu got up to wash and sleep. She had just laid down for a while when Yuwen Chu returned. He came directly to the bed and sat down, looking at her sideways, “Stop pretending to sleep. I know you’re not asleep.”
Mingzhu obediently opened her eyes and smiled at him, slowly moving closer and resting her head on his lap, whispering softly, “Was the supper delicious?”
Yuwen Chu replied indifferently, “So-so. It’s just the usual stuff, nothing new.”
Mingzhu misunderstood his intention and retorted, “How can there be nothing new? I know you have to attend banquets outside, and you usually only drink without eating enough. So I had the kitchen prepare early. That Tianma stewed fish head is the most nourishing and suitable for someone like you who works hard.”
Yuwen Chu tapped her forehead lightly, “You’re the one who needs nourishment the most.”
Mingzhu felt aggrieved, “Are you still angry?”
Yuwen Chu refused to admit that he was angry, “Is it worth getting angry over such a small matter?” But then he found fault again, “The serving maid came to complain again, saying you ate a lot of lotus root stuffed with osmanthus, but no matter how she advised you, you wouldn’t listen. Aren’t you afraid of indigestion?”
“Of course, Your Highness is a man, naturally generous, not as petty as women, holding grudges over trivial matters for a long time.” Mingzhu chuckled mischievously, indicating her magnanimity by not revealing his secret, then leaned on his arm and sat up, whispering softly in his ear, “Actually, I didn’t intend to eat so much Osmanthus Sticky Rice Lotus Root. It’s just that I was thinking of Your Highness, so unconsciously I ended up eating your portion too.”
Yuwen Chu was both amused and exasperated, pinching her nose gently. “Don’t make it a habit.”
Mingzhu immediately tried to please him, acting coyly. “What were you actually saying to me yesterday, Your Highness? Say it again.”
Say it again? He wasn’t a fool! Was she going to repeatedly use these coquettish and pitiful acts, only to be mocked by her later? Yuwen Chu maintained a stern expression. “It’s nothing!”
Since he refused to say, Mingzhu let it go. Anyway, as long as he wasn’t angry, it was fine.
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