Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix Chapter 753

Chapter 753: Imperial Consort Min's Instructions 

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When Mingzhu heard Ping Nushi's words, she couldn't help but burst into laughter right then and there. She took the handkerchief handed to her by Su Lan and wiped her mouth before solemnly saying, "All of you have done well, and you shall be rewarded." 

Su Mei handed out three gold ingots to the three of them, all of whom had pleased expressions on their faces. Even Zhou Nushi, who had been sulking because of Ping Nushi's words, had a hint of brightness in her eyes. Ping Nushi, disregarding her image, took a bite out of the gold ingot and exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Wow, it's real!" 

Mingzhu was made to laugh again, and Zhou Nushi disdainfully glanced at Ping Nushi, whispering, "Acting crazy." 

Ping Nushi glared at her. "Are you jealous? Want to challenge me?" 

Zhou Nushi expressed her disdain for such behavior, but as she turned around, she handed Mingzhu a cup of tea and gently touched her own cheek, feeling a little embarrassed as she said, "Recently, the maidservant has developed some dry wrinkles on her face. She has tried everything but to no avail. Despite the hardships of the journey and exposure to the elements, your skin remains so tender and fair. It's truly enviable. May I dare to ask for your advice, Your Highness, or perhaps, could you spare some of the face cream you have left for the maidservant to use?" 

Su Mei couldn't stand her and said impatiently, "Her Highness's beauty is natural. With the hardships of travel, where would there be any good things to use?" Is she trying to seduce His Highness with that old face? Hmph!

Zhou Nushi blushed and apologized, "I have overstepped my bounds, and I hope Your Highness can forgive me. Your natural beauty is unmatched by few, and someone as crude as I am can hardly compare." 

Ping Nushi smirked slightly. Zhou Nushi was becoming more shameless by the minute. Even when she was just flattering, she did it in such a roundabout way. She didn't hesitate to bring up that old face of hers. 

Mingzhu also understood what was going on. She had no intention of teasing these two Nushis for no reason. What she sought was peace and harmony, preferably a cohesive group where each played their part. Thinking about the coveted position of side consort that was being eyed by someone, she said, "I've seen your loyalty, so there's no need to be so formal in the future when we're among ourselves. Although I've returned, the burdens on your shoulders haven't been lifted. You should still be diligent and busy..." She looked at Ping Nushi and Zhou Nushi. "You've served His Highness for many years with dedication. It's time to elevate your positions." 

Both Ping Nushi and Zhou Nushi had ranks; the next step up would be the position of side consort. Their eyes lit up with excitement, eager to be immediately assigned tasks by Mingzhu and quickly earn recognition for themselves. Although they had nowhere else to go and nothing else to think about, gaining fame and wealth would still be good. 

Mingzhu made some adjustments to their responsibilities. Zhou Nushi would manage some unimportant interpersonal affairs and personnel matters in the Northern Garden, while Ping Nushi would be in charge of supervising and scrutinizing everything, as well as providing reports to Mingzhu. As for the kitchen, crucial interpersonal affairs, and overall finances, Mingzhu would take them back under her control, with Li Quanxin assisting on the side. 

After arranging these matters, Mingzhu called all the stewards in the mansion together for a briefing, discussing rewards and punishments, and organizing everything inside and out. With Millet awake and rested, the mother and child went to the palace together to visit Imperial Consort Min. 

Imperial Consort Min was in high spirits these days, looking plump and healthy. She exuded a sense of relaxation, unaffected by the wind and rain outside. Her only concern was the marriage of Funing. When she saw Mingzhu and her children, she warmly entertained them, making every effort to show her kindness and affection, and showing Mingzhu the clothes she had personally made for the two children. 

Among them was a small cloak adorned with pearls, which was particularly gorgeous. Funing picked it up and put it on Millet, saying with a smile, "I designed the pattern, and Mother made it. Then I sewed each bead on one by one, which took several days. Originally, I wanted to make it for Millet's hundredth-day celebration, but since she wasn't in the capital, we can only make up for it now. Fortunately, it's relatively large, so it should be fine until she's three or four years old." 

It was really too luxurious. When Mingzhu saw this little cloak, her first reaction was that it was overly extravagant. Then she couldn't help but smile. When did she, a person who only loved fine clothes and delicacies, become so careful and simple? 

Funing was sensitive. Seeing Mingzhu smiling without speaking, she asked, "Does Sister-in-law not like it?" 

"How would that be? It's just that it's too precious, and it made Mother and Sister-in-law put in work." Mingzhu didn't want to argue with Funing over these trivial matters, so she smiled and thanked her for Millet before letting Zheng Momo take it away. After all, whether to use it, how to use it, and whether to use it, were all her own business. 

Seeing Mingzhu take the cloak, Funing was satisfied, but also very melancholic. She was about the same age as Mingzhu, and Mingzhu had already given birth to two children, while she was still single. So she sighed softly and discreetly nudged Imperial Consort Min. 

Imperial Consort Min gave her a meaningful look and smiled, "Isn't there still some rare toys to give to the two nephews? Take them down to play. However, there's one thing: the children are small, and there's nothing too valuable. If they damage or soil your things, you can't make a fuss." 

Funing complained, "Am I that petty? I'll need them to support me in the future." With that, she had the wet nurse take the two children away. 

Imperial Consort Min hesitated for a moment, then looked at Zheng Momo and Su Lan, indicating for the two of them to leave. Mingzhu gestured for the two of them to step aside and said with a smile, "Mother, please speak." 

Imperial Consort Min said, "You also know that Funing is not young anymore." 

"Uh-huh." Mingzhu guessed that the mother and daughter were probably interested in someone, but they hadn't passed through Yuwen Chu's test, so they took the opportunity to talk to her. Since she thought Yuwen Chu must have his reasons, she didn't respond and just listened. 

Imperial Consort Min continued, "That young General Shen from Yicheng, he's Shen Ruilin, right? It seems like Xiangye had done a great kindness to him in the past?"

"Indeed, Madam Shen and my mother are cousins. There's no great favor involved, just some care given in the early years."

So it was Shen Ruilin after all. Mingzhu felt a bit strange in her heart. She had never thought that Funing would be matched with Shen Ruilin. With Shen Ruilin's dignified temperament, how could he tolerate Funing's cunning and arrogance? Even if Funing had improved a lot now, she was still Funing.

Imperial Consort Min smiled as she took Mingzhu's hand. "He is not yet betrothed, right? I heard that he is a talented and upright person, both civil and martial, not someone who indulges in worldly pleasures..."

"Indeed." Mingzhu remained composed. "Little General Shen has not been to the capital recently. How did Royal Mother know about him?"

Imperial Consort Min's eyes flickered slightly as she smiled. "Have you forgotten? I met that child when he was young, and besides, his recent rise to fame is widely known. Who wouldn't be keeping an eye on him?" She tightened her grip on Mingzhu's hand eagerly. "Good child, your sister's marriage falls to you!"

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