Chapter 234: Grown More Shrewd
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Mingzhu and the others had been diligently working at Linan Wang’s mansion until evening. After rearranging the furnishings in the house, everyone felt they had fulfilled their duties and could leave. They departed together.
At the gate, Qi Wangfei consulted with the three of them. “It’s already late today, and there’s no time to return to the palace to report. Let’s each go back, and I’ll report tomorrow.”
Since Qi Wangfei was in charge, and she was willing to take responsibility, the others were relieved. Mingzhu regretted not being able to spend more time with the Great Empress Dowager. After bidding farewell, they were about to board their carriages and leave when the Fu Wang’s concubine smiled at Mingzhu and said, “Look who’s here.”
The crowd looked ahead and saw a carriage parked at the intersection. Although it was just an ordinary black carriage with few attendants, it didn’t prevent everyone from recognizing Wei Tiande, the delicate young eunuch who often served alongside Yuwen Chu.
Yuwen Chu had come to pick her up! Mingzhu was delighted but couldn’t help feeling embarrassed. Why would he come to pick her up for such a trivial matter? If people saw, they would surely laugh at her. Feeling awkward in front of Qi Wangfei and others, she blushed and whispered, “Then I’ll leave first.”
Qi Wangfei nodded, “Go ahead. You’ve just married in, and you’re not familiar with the affairs of the royal family yet. You’ll learn by accompanying your sisters-in-law more often in the future.”
Yuwen Chu had already stepped out of the carriage and was walking towards them. Upon seeing Qi Wangfei and others, he greeted them sincerely and politely, then smiled and asked Qi Wangfei, “Has Mingzhu caused any trouble, Shenniang?”
Qi Wangfei naturally couldn’t assert herself in front of this nephew, especially since Mingzhu usually listened to her, except for her confrontation with Yuwen You today. She didn’t have many unpleasant thoughts, overall being quite generous. So she said, “No trouble at all. Your wife is very sensible and obedient.”
Sensible and obedient? Mingzhu was shocked by Qi Wangfei’s words. Was she talking about her? Seeing the serious expression on Qi Wangfei’s face, she couldn’t help but smile. It seemed that Qi Wangfei was accustomed to speaking well of everyone. When she worked with Jiang Shanshan, she praised her for being capable and intelligent; when she went out with Mingzhu, she praised her for being sensible and obedient. Later, she would praise Fu Wangfei for being diligent and humble, and Hua Yang Wangfei for being dignified and generous.
Everyone liked Qi Wangfei because she didn’t shirk responsibility when she worked, had the ability, and was willing to praise others without claiming credit. Who wouldn’t like such a person? Whether her praises were sincere or not, only she knew.
Yuwen Chu appeared very trusting and proud, “Is that so? It seems Shenniang has taught her well. Nephew will have her learn more from Shenniang in the future. Shenniang, please don’t be annoyed.”
It sounded like there was such a thing. Both of them were saying things with their eyes open, and they seemed to enjoy it. Mingzhu smiled and courteously thanked Qi Wangfei, “Thank you for teaching me, Shenniang. I’ll rely on you more in the future.”
Qi Wangfei sighed, “That’s the way to go, to be harmonious and happy. Go on, it’s getting late, and we should be heading back too.” This daughter of the Fu family was really fortunate. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, pampered by her parents, and favored by the Great Empress Dowager, even if she made mistakes in her marriage, she could correct them in time. Remarrying a husband who was not only handsome and considerate but also especially doting on her—she had everything.
Fu Wang’s Concubine looked at Mingzhu and Yuwen Chu’s backs and sighed with admiration, “No wonder the Empress Dowager praised Ying Wang and Wangfei for their harmonious relationship. She wanted Linan Wang and the Wusun Princess to share some joy and blessings. Now it seems that it’s indeed very reasonable.”
Hua Yang Wangfei nodded disapprovingly and whispered to the maid beside her, “It looks good now, but I wonder how it will be after the concubine arrives.” Thinking of Jiang Shanshan’s appearance, she couldn’t help but add, “That one has many tricks and is cheap. She’s not easy to deal with.”
The Momo didn’t know who she was talking about and asked, “Who is Wangfei referring to?”
“The legitimate daughter of the Marquis’s Mansion. Instead of thinking about marrying into a good family and being in charge, she insisted on rushing to be someone’s concubine. Isn’t that cheap?” Hua Yang Wangfei thought of the concubine in her own mansion, also from a prestigious family, and her face darkened. She gritted her teeth and said fiercely, “Cheap woman!”
Mingzhu followed Yuwen Chu into the carriage and couldn’t help laughing before speaking, “How did Your Highness end up here?”
Yuwen Chu gave her a cold glance and said in an unfriendly tone, “Can’t I be here?”
Oh, was he looking for trouble? Mingzhu became cautious and immediately called Wei Tiande over to scold him, “It’s so hot today. I asked you to serve His Highness a soup to clear the heat and moisten the lungs. Did you do it?”
What kind of soup to clear the heat and moisten the lungs? When did Wangfei become so thoughtful and considerate? Wei Tiande blinked his eyes, defended himself in a low voice, “Wangfei didn’t instruct me to…”
“Dare to talk back?” Mingzhu interrupted sharply. Seeing that Wei Tiande was about to cry, she continued, “Even if I didn’t instruct you, you should know what His Highness needs. Otherwise, it’s your fault, and you deserve to be scolded!”
Wei Tiande felt even more wronged but dared not say it was wrong. He could only cry and say, “Yes, yes, I was wrong. Wangfei scolded me rightfully.”
“You may leave.” Yuwen Chu drove Wei Tiande away, then looked at Mingzhu with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, saying in a low voice, “Alright, you don’t have to scold people anymore for me to hear. I know you’ve learned to be more shrewd after going out this time!”
First, she said he was hot-tempered, then she mocked him for not saying anything but expecting others to guess her thoughts. She was really getting the hang of it by going along with him.
Mingzhu said seriously, “I learned from you, Your Highness. Just now, you and Qi Wangfei used this tone to speak, right? Look how fast I learned!”
Yuwen Chu couldn’t help pinching her nose and whispered, “I heard you want to stay in the palace for a few days with the Great Empress Dowager? “
Mingzhu was about to tell the truth when she saw Yuwen Chu glance at her indifferently, as if she would definitely not be spared if she dared to say so. Thinking of his various strange methods, she immediately denied, “When did such a thing happen? Your Highness misunderstood.” Seeing Yuwen Chu smirk at her, she quickly added, “Even if it did, it was just to please the old lady, not sincere.”
“Wangfei is indeed filial.” Yuwen Chu poured her a cup of hot tea, half disgusted and half annoyed, “People tell you to come to Linan Wang’s Mansion and you come? Don’t you know how to say you’re not feeling well? You came to find grievances on your own! Fool!”
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