Chapter 385 Bird’s Nest Soup (Two)
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Mingzhu had no reason to refuse Hua Yang Wangfei’s request.
In the eyes of others, this was bird’s nest soup specially prepared for her by the Great Empress Dowager, who had always favored her. It was the safest and most delicious, even if she couldn’t eat it due to morning sickness, it would be fine for someone else to eat it. Moreover, Hua Yang Wangfei was also a person of status, and it wasn’t easy for her to make such a request. Refusing would mean losing face for Hua Yang Wangfei and indicating a major problem between her and the Great Empress Dowager.
If Mingzhu was a hard-hearted person, she could simply watch Hua Yang Wangfei eat the bird’s nest soup and see if the Great Empress Dowager was truly heartless. But she wasn’t. Even if the silver spoon was shining brightly, she didn’t dare to do so because some poisons couldn’t be detected just by using silverware.
Mingzhu was feeling irritated. She was just about to get close to Hua Yang Wangfei, and then this problem arose. There must be a solution. There must be a perfect excuse to reasonably refuse Hua Yang Wangfei. After pretending to smile for a moment, Mingzhu indeed came up with a reasonable excuse: “I accidentally dirtied it. How could I let you eat it? I’ll have someone else bring you another bowl.” As she spoke, she handed the troubling bowl of bird’s nest soup to a nearby palace maid and instructed, “Go find Xian Gugu and get another bowl.”
The person who would be hated for causing trouble was her, not Hua Yang Wangfei. Even if there was a problem with this bowl of bird’s nest soup, it would be fine to replace it with another bowl for Hua Yang Wangfei.
The palace maid agreed and withdrew. Hua Yang Wangfei gratefully smiled at Mingzhu and said, “They say you’re a rough person, but in fact, you’re thoughtful and considerate. I’ll remember your kindness. Someday, I’ll invite you to my mansion as a guest.”
Mingzhu chuckled twice and suppressed the hunger that was driving her crazy. She glanced at Mu Gugu beside the Great Empress Dowager. Mu Gugu received her signal and nodded imperceptibly, pointing to the north.
Mingzhu sat for a while longer, pretending she needed to use the restroom, and left Zheng Momo to watch over her belongings. She then took Su Lan and Donghui and walked to the north. The north was the Jianzhang Palace, where no one currently lived. Only a few old eunuchs and palace maids were guarding it, and they were all hiding indoors from the cold weather, so no one came out.
Mingzhu didn’t enter the palace. She stopped in the corridor outside the Jianzhang Palace, ate two pieces of pastry she had brought to satisfy her hunger, and waited quietly for Mu Gugu to arrive.
Before long, Mu Gugu hurried over and smiled, “There’s too much going on, I can’t stay long. I was afraid the Great Empress Dowager would send someone.”
Mingzhu got straight to the point, “We found out that the incident at the Taotie Tower seems to be related to Zhongshan Wang. It’s almost the Great Empress Dowager’s birthday. Can you try to persuade her to issue an edict summoning the princes from all over to congratulate her?”
Mu Gugu was surprised and hesitant, “It’s not easy to issue such an edict.”
“I should have discussed this with the Great Empress Dowager myself, but in this situation, I’m afraid she won’t even see me privately. I can only ask for your help.” Mingzhu knew that these simple words couldn’t persuade Mu Gugu, who was always cautious, but she had to try: “The Great Empress Dowager resides in the palace and may not necessarily know everything. Isn’t Longsheng Great Eldest Princess relying on Zhongshan Wang? Otherwise, where does she get her confidence? Furthermore, even if the Great Empress Dowager has her own thoughts, it would still be better to remove some potential threats.”
Mu Gugu understood the grievances between aunt and niece very well, but she couldn’t control the Great Empress Dowager’s thoughts. She could only say, “I’ll try to convey Wangfei’s words to the Great Empress Dowager. Wangfei, don’t be in a hurry to leave later. Perhaps the Great Empress Dowager will summon you as well.”
Mingzhu thanked her, and after Mu Gugu left, she reluctantly returned to her seat. Hua Yang Wangfei had already received another serving of bird’s nest soup and was enjoying it happily. “You really have no luck. Such a delicious thing, carefully stewed for you, and you can’t eat it. You’re actually letting me benefit.”
Mingzhu joked with her, “Is the Huayang Mansion missing your bowl of bird’s nest soup? You’re so greedy, unable to resist. Could it be that you’re expecting?”
“How could that be?” This bowl of bird’s nest soup brought Hua Yang Wangfei and Mingzhu closer. She leaned in close to Mingzhu and said with embarrassment, “We only did it once last month.” Then, she grumbled angrily, “Those vixens, shameless. If they provoke me one day, I’ll learn from you and slap them hard, throw them into the water to soak, and then tie them up and send them away.”
Mingzhu had never imagined that Hua Yang Wangfei would be such a witty person. She couldn’t help but laugh at her antics. But before she could finish laughing, Hua Yang Wangfei’s expression turned mournful again as she ate a large spoonful of bird’s nest soup and shook her head dejectedly, “Forget it, same people but different fates. If we were as clear-headed as your family, I wouldn’t have ended up like this.”
Mingzhu had also seen the two concubines of Hua Yang Wang. In her opinion, they were far inferior to Hua Yang Wangfei in talent and beauty, but marital matters were not solely determined by looks and likability. She could only offer advice to Hua Yang Wangfei, “Try the prescription first. Having a son is the key.”
“You’re right. A son is reliable.” Hua Yang Wangfei finished the bird’s nest soup in one go, still looking unsatisfied.
Mingzhu suspected that Hua Yang Wangfei might be pregnant. Just as she was about to remind her to be careful, she saw Yuwen Xue approaching. Yuwen Xue gave her a courtesy and said, “Ying Wangfei.”
Mingzhu nodded lightly with a faint smile, “Princess Changqing.”
“May I have a word with you?” Yuwen Xue looked directly at Mingzhu, sounding like she was seeking her opinion, but in fact, she had an attitude that brooked no refusal.
Mingzhu smiled lightly, “Sorry, I just started feeling unwell due to my pregnancy and don’t feel like going out in the cold wind.” She had originally wanted to advise Yuwen Xue not to go to Wusun, but Yuwen Xue insisted on going. Now she was here to find her. What did she want? Did she expect Mingzhu to agree just because she asked? Such a cheap deal didn’t exist.
Yuwen Xue’s eyes reddened, and she turned her head away for a while before turning back and whispered, “Please.”
Mingzhu originally didn’t want to pay attention to her, but thinking about the trouble she might have caused to the Fus, she stood up and walked to the side, “Speak.”
Yuwen Xue whispered, “I know you pity me and don’t want me to go to Wusun. But I have no choice. If I stay, it’s waiting for death, and I don’t want that. I’m making a desperate attempt, at least better than being forced to marry someone randomly and having my life controlled by others, I can also pave the way for my brother.”
Mingzhu thought to herself that she didn’t pity Yuwen Xue, but rather didn’t want her to harm others. Moreover, Yuwen Xue didn’t listen to her dissuasion and recklessly rushed towards the path of self-destruction. Nevertheless, she chose to speak in a more pleasant tone, “Congratulations then, you’ve succeeded.”
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