Chapter 261 Borrowed Light
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“Zhu Changsheng was stripped naked… Many people gathered around, saying he’s extremely fat, and when he was beaten, his flesh trembled, tsk, that fat and pale flesh…” A maid was animatedly describing, saliva flying, “He can’t bear pain and is quite vain. These days he’s been hiding in his room, not letting anyone in easily. I heard from the servants attending to him that he cries every day hugging a pillow, calling for his Mother.”
“That’s really harsh, please stop!” Su Jin covered her mouth and smiled. Lately, the most talked-about thing in the mansion was Zhu Changsheng’s punishment. They found it satisfying to hear, but such words couldn’t be said in front of the Wangfei, it’s too uncouth. But she knew that the Wangfei had probably already planned this outcome. Zhu Changsheng was truly taught a lesson this time, more uncomfortable than losing half his life.
Suddenly, the doorkeeper approached and said, “The two Nushis from the North Garden and Miss Su Zi and Miss Su Ye have come to greet the Wangfei.”
Why greet her at this particular time? It’s obvious they knew His Highness was resting with the Wangfei, so they deliberately came here to interrupt? They didn’t consider their own position. If they wanted favor, they would have gotten it long ago. Was it necessary to try so hard to flaunt themselves in front of others? Su Jin rolled her eyes but couldn’t avoid relaying the message inside.
Approaching the door, she listened for a moment and heard that Yuwen Chu and Mingzhu were already awake, chatting softly, and there was no need to be discreet. So she whispered, “Your Highness, the two Nushis from the North Garden and the two Miss Su’s are here to greet you.”
Has Zhou Nushi finally had enough? Mingzhu yawned gently, moved Yuwen Chu’s hand away from her waist, and lazily said, “What’s the matter?”
Su Jin said softly, “I’ll go ask.”
“No need to ask. Let them in,” Mingzhu opened her palm to push away Yuwen Chu’s hand again, saying, “It’s about time. Your Highness, you should get up and attend to your official duties outside. I need to go and comfort your little beauties.”
Yuwen Chu teased her, “My little beauty is right here. Let me comfort you, there’s no need to trouble others.” After saying that, he sucked on her neck. Mingzhu was afraid of leaving marks on herself, so she hurriedly pushed him away and fled. She went out to call someone to help with washing and grooming, then went to the next room.
Zhou Nushi and the others had been waiting inside. Seeing her enter, they hastily greeted and saluted, but Mingzhu just smiled and said, “No need to be so polite, please sit down.” She took her seat at the main position and motioned for them to sit.
Zhou Nushi and Ping Nushi were slightly hesitant but sat down after being urged a couple of times. Su Zi and Su Ye, however, stood still, afraid to sit. Mingzhu didn’t force them and smiled, “No need to be shy. What’s the matter?”
Zhou Nushi and Ping Nushi felt a wave of bitterness in their hearts. The concubines greeted the male and female masters, which was the most normal thing to do. But when it came to them, it turned into a situation where they couldn’t see the master unless there was something important. It was unnecessary to mention the male master. He couldn’t be seen before and even more so now. The female master was the same. She did everything openly, and even though she was jealous, she didn’t allow them to come over. What could they do?
But life had to go on. They couldn’t sit around and wait to die, or they would truly end up lonely and die in the North Garden. Zhou Nushi glanced at Ping Nushi and saw her acting like a country bumpkin, looking around as if she hadn’t seen the world, not willing to take the initiative to do anything.
Zhou Nushi had to muster her spirits, first thanking Mingzhu for her kindness in adjusting their monthly stipend, then smilingly said, “It’s like this, a while back, we concubines made a vow to prepare a modest banquet to congratulate His Highness and the Wangfei on your joyous occasion, also as a token of gratitude for the great favor of the two masters. Unfortunately, there were some delays in the mansion’s affairs, but these days the weather has been fine, with clear autumn skies and the frost flowers by the lake blooming beautifully. It’s the perfect time for flower and leaf appreciation. So, we took the liberty to come and ask Wangfei for her opinion. Could the Wangfei and His Highness honor us with your presence at the banquet?”
“Of course, why not?” Mingzhu glanced at Ping Nushi and then at the calm and composed Zhou Nushi, speaking very gently, “You’ve hit upon something I’ve been thinking about. Some time ago, His Highness and I were strolling by the lake, and he mentioned draining the lake and building a tall tower. But he lamented the loss of the beauty of the lake once construction started, as it would take years to see it again. I thought to myself, since I’ve been in the mansion, I’ve received care from all the senior members of the clan, so I should invite them over for a visit. And you happened to bring this up, which is perfect.”
What does she mean by perfect? Ping Nushi and Zhou Nushi were somewhat puzzled. Could it be that the Wangfei wants to host the event and wants their help? Well, that wouldn’t be bad. In the past, without a mistress in the Ying Wang mansion, there were no such matters, and they didn’t even have a chance to show their faces. Now they finally had an opportunity. Even Ping Nushi, who had always pretended to be unrelated, couldn’t help but show a bit of a smile and eagerly said, “Your Highness, rest assured, we will do our best to fulfill our duties. Please instruct us!”
Mingzhu remained silent, smiling at Zhou Nushi.
Zhou Nushi also hurriedly said, “Please instruct us, Your Highness. We will do our utmost.”
Mingzhu then slowly said, “It’s nothing much. It’s not good to invite too many people, but too few will offend others. So, it’s just borrowing your light. While you’re hosting, I’ll also invite a few sister-in-law Wangfeis to join in the fun. It’ll be lively. How do you feel about that?”
Does this mean she’s inviting these people to freeload off this meal? What does that mean? They foot the bill, and she hosts? Zhou Nushi and Ping Nushi were somewhat puzzled. They exchanged a glance, feeling that they couldn’t get any sincere words from each other. They quickly looked away and each replied, “Your Highness is right, this is about giving us face.”
Mingzhu smiled, “However, it’s a bit embarrassing for you to pay for everything. I wonder if there’s such a rule.”
Su Zi and Su Ye, the sisters, were well-behaved. As soon as the Wangfei mentioned it, they immediately agreed, “Just relying on ourselves, we’ve never had the fortune to entertain such distinguished guests. It’s actually not a big deal. Last year, the Concubine of Fu Wang once hosted a banquet in her own name and invited several Wangfeis as guests, and they all attended.”
But she’s a concubine, and the main wife is dead. This is equivalent to representing the Fu Wang’s mansion in contacting the women of the main house. Who wouldn’t give face to that? What were they compared to that? If the Wangfei really wants to use their name to entertain guests, that’s not impossible. Just secretly provide subsidies, why bother saying it’s embarrassing? Zhou Nushi instinctively felt that the matter wasn’t so simple, but could only grit her teeth and say, “It’s embarrassing to say, we can handle simple banquets, but if it’s more refined, we can’t manage. We’ll need the Wangfei’s instructions.”
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