Chapter 605: Always a Treasured
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Xu Meier came with the Wusun Princess.
Mingzhu went to the gate to greet them. Although the husbands of the three women didn’t get along, they all held similar status, and as guests, it wouldn’t be proper for Mingzhu to neglect them. If she did, it would be seen as improper and lacking in manners.
Xu Meier and the Wusun Princess arrived in the same carriage, both dressed splendidly. Especially the Wusun Princess, who was adorned in vibrant colors, with a crimson brocade robe and a cloak of black fox fur. The pearls in her hairpins were as big as dragon eyes, and the long tassels were dazzling, almost blinding.
Xu Meier, on the other hand, wore a blue brocade robe with a snow-white fox fur cloak. She wore a thumb-sized pigeon-blood ruby forehead ornament and light makeup, appearing elegant and charming.
The two women saw Mingzhu standing at the gate and both flashed bright smiles. Although the Wusun Princess had many unpleasant encounters with Mingzhu in the past, she remained reserved and slowly approached, while Xu Meier walked up quickly to greet Mingzhu with a courteous bow, saying, “Sixth Sister-in-law, you look radiant today. We’re unexpected guests, I hope you don’t mind.”
Mingzhu greeted them warmly, “You’re always welcome here. Please, come in. I heard magpies chirping early this morning and now I know it’s because you two are coming.”
Xu Meier smiled softly, “Sixth Sister-in-law, you’re so eloquent.”
The Wusun Princess glanced at Mingzhu strangely, not expecting her to use such polite but insincere words.
Since she didn’t offer a greeting, Mingzhu didn’t let her off easily, smiling as she said, “You’re just staring at me and not saying anything. Do you find fault with me?”
The Wusun Princess realized her mistake and bowed to Mingzhu, “Greetings, Sixth Sister-in-law. It’s not that I find fault with you; it’s just that you’re impeccable in every way. I want you to teach me how to conduct myself properly.”
Mingzhu looked at the Wusun Princess, who, despite her stunning appearance, couldn’t hide her exhaustion. The dark circles under her eyes were prominent, and even crow’s feet were beginning to appear. It was evident she had been troubled and had poor sleep, indicating a heavy heart.
It was like her in the past, desperate, lost, unwilling, but with no way out.
Mingzhu’s heart stirred slightly as she said gently, “The principles of conduct are actually quite simple. There are only a few of them. No matter how much others say, it’s useless. The key is whether you can keep an open mind.”
Xu Meier smiled, “Sixth Sister-in-law, are you talking in riddles with Ninth Sister-in-law? I can’t understand anything.”
Mingzhu led them inside, half-jokingly and half-seriously saying, “What can’t you understand? You’re just pretending not to understand.”
Xu Meier giggled, “That’s right. Later, when I ask Sixth Sister about something, I hope Sixth Sister will be open about it. Don’t pretend not to understand even if you don’t get it.”
Mingzhu smiled faintly, “Of course, I never deceive anyone.” Well, except those not on my side. But what could Xu Meier possibly want to ask her? Mingzhu recalled hearing rumors among the imperial family’s women about Xu Meier, saying she was still a virgin, which might make her a bit insecure. But surely she wasn’t here to accuse her of something?
Seated as host, Mingzhu gestured for the others to join her. The Wusun Princess handed out tea, her gaze fixed on Mingzhu as she said, “They say Sixth Sister’s hearing has improved. Is that true?”
Mingzhu shook her head, “Not really. I can’t hear clearly unless the sound is quite close.”
Xu Meier chimed in, “Bring my little nephew here to show us. I adore children.” Then she sighed, rubbing her belly, “Speaking of which, I’ve been married for so long, but still no sign of a child. Each time I meet the Consort, she never has a kind expression. If Sixth Sister had a son, she should share the secret of conceiving with us. Otherwise, how can we go on living!”
The Wusun Princess’s expression grew even more bitter, feeling deeply frustrated but unable to express it.
“But surely there’s no secret to conceiving? These things happen when they happen. I was anxious before too, but it’s not something one can rush.” Mingzhu could tell Xu Meier was indeed here for that matter. She was curious why Xu Meier, who had been married to Yuwen Long for so long, hadn’t noticed his problem. But since they had maintained peace and hadn’t caused any trouble, it seemed they had reached an agreement. So why was Xu Meier asking about it now? Was she trying to provoke the Wusun Princess?
In her past life, Xu Meier had also married Yuwen Long. The difference was that she had become pregnant right away and had a son. Within a month after childbirth, she was pregnant with her second child, another son. Yuwen Long, eager to please the Xu family, had presented himself as affectionate and capable to the public, favoring Xu Meier and only occasionally visiting his two concubines. Under these circumstances, the Xu family fully supported him, offering almost all their assets to him.
Mingzhu wondered how long the Xu family would continue to support him after Yuwen Long lost his ability to conceive.
Xu Meier smiled innocently, “Although that’s true, both Ninth Sister-in-law and I envy Sixth Sister. Show us your nephew so we can share in the joy.”
Mingzhu instructed Donghui, “Go check if Zhuang Zhuang is awake. If he is, bring him over to greet the two aunts.”
Later, Su Lan and the wet nurse brought Zhuang Zhuang over. When he saw Mingzhu, he reached out his chubby hands to be held. Xu Meier approached, “Oh, what a spirited little baby. Let Eighth Auntie hold you.”
But Zhuang Zhuang glanced at Xu Meier, then turned his face away, clearly refusing.
“This child is shy.” Mingzhu smiled as she held Zhuang Zhuang. He pressed his forehead against her chin, rubbing against it affectionately before nestling in her arms to suck his fingers. Mingzhu removed his hand, but he put it back in his mouth. After several attempts, he grew unhappy and started crying.
Suddenly, the Wusun Princess remarked, “Zhuang Zhuang seems to be teething. We need to get him a teething toy.”
Mingzhu was surprised, “You know about that too?”
The Wusun Princess looked melancholic, “I had many siblings at home, so I know.”
Xu Meier sighed, “Ah, I miss home too. We women, we’re like treasures at home, but like grass when we marry.” Glancing at Mingzhu, she added, “But of course, Sixth Sister is different. She’s always been a treasure.”
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