Chapter 241: Lesson
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
Yin Momo smiled modestly, “Serving the Wangfei is this servant’s honor.”
Mingzhu smiled again, “I always thought you were in charge of affairs in the back courtyard. I didn’t expect you to be serving at the Tingxue Building.” Those who could serve at the Tingxue Building were either trusted aides or had a background. She really wanted to know what Yin Momo’s background was, being Yuwen Chu’s trusted aide but still inciting trouble for her.
Yin Momo said proudly, “The Wangfei may not know, but this servant used to serve His Majesty in his early years. Later, His Majesty gave this servant to His Highness as a gift. When His Highness set up his mansion, this servant followed him out of the palace to serve.”
“Is it Emperor Wenzong?” Mingzhu thought if it was given by her cousin Emperor Zhengqian, Yuwen Chu would definitely not trust putting someone in the Tingxue Building.
Yin Momo smiled and admitted, “Yes.”
This background was quite complicated. Given by her uncle, it could be related to any faction in the palace. But since the other party had come to her door, she would help Yuwen Chu get rid of this trouble. Mingzhu smiled and said self-satisfyingly, “I knew I wouldn’t guess wrong. Looking at your demeanor, only an old palace person with experience and manners can afford it. Insightful and understanding of etiquette, not something an ordinary person can compare to.”
Just as new brides often sought to please their high-ranking and influential husbands by starting with important figures around them, Yin Momo’s lips showed a subtle, imperceptible sarcasm. She politely said, “The Wangfei is too kind, this servant is ashamed.”
Mingzhu then asked Su Jin to fetch a purse filled with gold melon seeds to reward her, saying with a smiling face, “In the future, we’ll have to rely on you, Yin Momo, to serve His Highness and me together.”
“This servant dare not, serving His Highness and the Wangfei is the blessing of this servant’s lifetime.” Yin Momo accepted the purse and hesitated before saying, “There is another matter I came for today.”
Mingzhu smiled generously, “Please, speak.”
Yin Momo lowered her eyes and said slowly, “His Highness asked this servant to bring Xiangli and a few others to kowtow and pay respects to the Wangfei. The matter has been clarified, and they have no relation to what happened. However, His Highness still wishes for them to come and serve here, as they have served His Highness for many years and are exceptionally loyal to him.”
Mingzhu sneered inwardly. Yuwen Chu had mentioned this matter to her before, and she had agreed to it, sending the people over. Did they think she couldn’t tolerate even a servant? But from Yin Momo’s explanation, it seemed like there was something else behind it. Did they want to sow discord? How malicious! If Yuwen Chu hadn’t told her beforehand, wouldn’t she feel uncomfortable now? Since you want to make me uncomfortable, then let me show you my discomfort and see what you do next? Mingzhu’s face darkened, and she remained silent.
Yin Momo was frightened by the cold hum and immediately stood up, clasping her hands and saying softly, “This servant was bold and brought them outside the courtyard without the Wangfei’s permission.” Without waiting for Mingzhu to speak, she hurriedly explained, “Xiangli was trained by the Imperial Consort personally and is of noble character, gentle and capable. She would never do such a thing. This time, she has also suffered a lot without a single complaint. I beg the Wangfei to forgive her for the sake of the Imperial Consort and His Highness.”
Aiya, she’s so scared! This is someone Imperial Consort personally trained, who has been serving Yuwen Chu since childhood, extremely loyal. They were living a decent life, but as soon as she came, she threw them into the punishment room to suffer, completely ruining their reputation. She claims there was no complaint, but in reality, it’s all complaints. It seems like it’s all her fault. Mingzhu narrowed her eyes and looked at the terrified Yin Momo, saying calmly, “Initially, it was you who went to my parents’ house to teach me etiquette. I consider you half a member of my family. Based on your observation, what should I do?”
Yin Momo, with eyes downcast and trembling, said fearfully, “This servant dares to speak out of turn, but His Highness is someone who values old acquaintances. Losing one like Xuancao already, if we were to drive away Xiangli and the others as well, it would surely make His Highness very uncomfortable, not to mention the Imperial Consort. Adding one more is no harm, removing one is no loss. If Wangfei keeps Xiangli, everyone will be happy.”
Humph! He values old acquaintances? Does that mean Yuwen Chu can’t bear to part with Xiangli? This audacious old schemer! Daring to treat her like a fool and incite her like this! Mingzhu raised her hand and poured the hot tea directly onto Yin Momo’s face. The tea was scalding hot, and Yin Momo screamed as she desperately tried to wipe the tea off her face.
Mingzhu said expressionlessly, “Shut the mouth of this troublemaker and meddler!”
Su Lan and the others were all shocked, but Zheng Momo, upon hearing the order, immediately stepped forward and said, “Yes, I will obey Wangfei’s command.”
Smiling warmly, she held Yin Momo’s hand affectionately and said very politely, “Elder sister, I’m new here and I need your help. The Wangfei wants me to slap you, and as servants, we must endure. Isn’t that right?”
Yin Momo was panicked. How could this be? To hit someone, you should at least provide some explanation beforehand, right? Zheng Momo, however, said solemnly, “Elder sister, you are indeed righteous. Come, do it.”
Two strong women immediately came in from the corridor. One grabbed Yin Momo’s hand, raised her foot, and kicked her knee. Yin Momo knelt down with a thud, and the woman stepped on her legs, while the other grabbed her hair and pulled her head back. Then, the other woman put on a specially made leather glove and slapped Yin Momo several times.
After just a few hits, Yin Momo’s mouth was cut, her teeth loosened, but she wasn’t afraid. She cried out loudly, “What did this servant do wrong? Does the Wangfei need to humiliate this servant like this? This servant served His Majesty in his early years, and even received praise from His Majesty for being loyal and cautious…”
Mingzhu didn’t even bat an eyelid. “Continue until she behaves.”
After dozens more hits, Yin Momo finally lost her spirit. Her face was swollen like a pig’s head, her eyes dull, and her body limp.
Only then did Mingzhu stop the beating and asked, “Are you convinced? If you are so loyal and considerate, why did you maliciously incite discord between me and His Highness, and between me and the Imperial Consort? You are full of malice and ill intentions. Every word you said suggests that I can’t tolerate anyone. Were you trying to provoke me into taking action against Xiangli and the others? If His Highness hadn’t confided in me early, wouldn’t I have fallen for your evil schemes?”
Yin Momo laid on the ground, too pained to speak. Mingzhu glanced at Zheng Momo, who said, “Tie her up and send her to Steward Li for disposal.”
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
