Chapter 264: Heavy Reward
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It was the season of blooming frost-resistant flowers. Looking out from the window, the water reflected the shadows of the flowers, exceptionally charming. On the table, there were exquisite delicacies and fine alcohols, displayed under the reflection of beautiful and delicate tableware, showcasing the wealth and extravagance of Ying Wang’s Mansion.
“Both Nushis have worked hard. This banquet is truly well-prepared,” Mingzhu said satisfactorily as she introduced Zhou Nushi and Ping Nushi to the Wangfei and others, “These are the two Nushis of our mansion. They have really contributed a lot this time and have been very capable, helping me and His Highness a lot…”
Then, she pointed to the other beauties waiting in line, “Look, there are many beautiful women in our mansion, aren’t there? They are all top-notch, each one excellent.”
Dai Wangfei and Hua Yang Wangfei glanced at each other, feeling somewhat helpless. They had never seen such a lively introduction of the mansion’s concubines before. If they didn’t know that she was jealous and domineering, they would almost think she genuinely loved these beauties.
It seemed that appearances were truly deceiving, and rumors were even more unreliable. What nonsense about Mingzhu being foolish and naive. Seeing her treat the mansion’s concubines like this, she was truly benevolent. How many main wives could do this? At least Dai Wangfei and Hua Yang Wangfei couldn’t. At most, they would simply ignore them and leave them aside. It was absolutely impossible for them to introduce their mansion’s concubines to guests in such a grand manner.
The Concubine of Fu Wang, however, sincerely praised Mingzhu, “The Wangfei is truly magnanimous. Our deceased Wangfei was the most magnanimous person back then, but there was no reason to show off concubines.” She then spoke sternly to Zhou Nushi, Ping Nushi, and others whose smiles had already frozen, “You must remember the magnanimity and kindness of your Wangfei. Be grateful and serve wholeheartedly.”
Speaking of which, Dai Wangfei and Huayang Wangfei also had something to say,” It’s precisely this principle. Don’t let your youth and easygoing nature lead you astray.”
Mingzhu pointed to Zhou Nushi again, “I won’t say anything about others, but I’m not worried about Zhou Nushi. It was her idea, and she is truly loyal to me and His Highness.”
“I dare not take credit. It’s all thanks to Your Highness and the Wangfei’s kindness that we concubines have been given such great dignity,” Zhou Nushi said with her eyes lowered as she bowed to everyone. She couldn’t describe the feeling in her heart. Without looking, she knew how much those beauties from the northern garden, who usually called her “Sister Zhou,” hated her right now.
In order to set up this scene, everyone had been almost exhausted. Yet, all the credit for the dignity went to Mingzhu alone. Since it was her idea in the first place, who else could they blame but her? This move was like killing two birds with one stone. Mingzhu wasn’t as simple as she appeared. Zhou Nushi sighed inwardly, feeling that after this incident, she would really have to fade into obscurity and continue to wait.
Ping Nushi, seeing Zhou Nushi in the limelight, felt unwilling. She tried to please Mingzhu and others by saying, “If I may be so bold, our Frost-Resistant Flowers in the mansion are unique. Every variety under the sun is available here. Ladies, look, there are red, white, and yellow lotuses over there, five-colored mandarin duck lotuses here, and a few drunk mandarin duck lotuses over there, all very well cared for. Not to brag, but you won’t find such good flowers anywhere else.”
Her voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of sweetness, showing her most beautiful side. Rather than trying to please Mingzhu and others, it seemed more like she was showing off herself. Even Dai Wangfei couldn’t help but look at her a few more times and then said, “There are really beautiful women everywhere around Sixth Brother.”
“Yes, His Highness is truly blessed.” Mingzhu smiled brightly, though she felt a bit sour inside. It wasn’t that she was petty and couldn’t stand others being more beautiful than her, but because Ping Nushi’s status was different. Even if she thought of Yuwen Chu looking at Ping Nushi more, she couldn’t bear it. Thinking of this, Mingzhu couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Yuwen Chu not far away.
This time, it was originally said to invite only the womenfolk, but for some reason, Dai Wangfei brought her eldest son, Jiangyin County Prince, with her. Although Jiangyin County Prince held a title, he was just a ten-year-old child. However, due to his special status, he deserved a grand reception. Therefore, Yuwen Chu set up another table for him to sit on the side, and the uncle and nephew chatted and laughed, looking harmonious.
When Mingzhu looked over, Yuwen Chu was chatting and laughing with Jiangyin County Prince, occasionally serving him food. He didn’t even glance at Ping Nushi. Perhaps sensing Mingzhu’s gaze, he looked up and smiled gently at her. Their eyes met, and Mingzhu felt both happy and a little embarrassed. She quickly lowered her head, pretending that nothing had happened just now.
Zhou Nushi saw this and felt sad, almost wanting to cry. She held back and silently served tea to everyone. When Ping Nushi finished speaking, she said, “Considering that you distinguished ladies are accustomed to the music and dance of the court, today we have invited the Xianyin Troupe, the Purple Aura Pavilion, and the recently famous Master Shao to perform. They have a variety of performances, new dances, and excellent illusions. Master Shao will also tell some new jokes that have never been performed outside. If there are any shortcomings, it’s that these people are used to being wild outside and may lack etiquette. If you ladies don’t like it, you can just dismiss them.”
Mingzhu executed the instructions she had given that day very thoroughly. Whatever she mentioned, she obediently arranged. Although Mingzhu already knew these details through hearsay, she had to sincerely praise Zhou Nushi and even rewarded her and Ping Nushi, saying, “You did very well. Each of you will receive a pair of white jade hairpins.”
Fu Wang Concubine couldn’t help but praise, “The Wangfei is so generous.”
“It’s nothing. They’ve put in so much effort, they deserve this reward. Later, everyone will be rewarded. I can’t let them spend their own money for nothing.” Mingzhu smiled proudly. Since Yuwen Chu reminded her, she understood. It was not dignified for a Wangfei to take advantage of her concubines’ money, so she had to make up for it. But what to reward?
Not with real gold and silver, only with internally-made jewelry. Any internally-made jewelry was marked and registered, and it couldn’t be touched easily. Even if someone wanted to exchange it for money or bribe someone, they couldn’t. Its only function was to decorate and maintain appearances.
Since Zhou Nushi was so patient and considerate, Mingzhu had to fulfill her. Without power or money, how could one be isolated? She believed that a smart person like Zhou Nushi would understand.
Sure enough, Zhou Nushi stood there, still obedient and submissive, but her smile seemed a bit forced, making her look awkward.
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