As Zhu Yingying’s expression changed, a sour smell accompanied by a light sound “chi” hit her nose. Yuwen Chu frowned slightly, but said nothing. Instead, he held Mingzhu’s hand and continued to walk inside.
Funing, however, exclaimed, “Who’s the rude servant who doesn’t know manners? If you have gas or an upset stomach, don’t come to serve. What’s the point of joining the fun? Don’t let this happen again, understand? Otherwise, don’t blame me for being impolite.”
The palace maids all lowered their heads and dared not speak. Zhu Yingying breathed a sigh of relief, blushing, and whispered to Funing, “Princess, let it go.”
Funing quite liked this clever little cousin and smiled, “Okay, for your sake, I’ll spare these troublesome servants! Let’s go in quickly. Do you remember what I told you before? Just ask His Majesty about celestial phenomena and weather. He’ll definitely answer your questions.”
Zhu Yingying whispered, “The Empress seems to dislike me.”
Funing shrugged it off, “She doesn’t have many people she likes. Just remember one thing: no matter what she says, just show compliance and agreement. Royal Mother, me, and Royal Brother will not tolerate you being bullied.”
Zhu Yingying bowed to Funing, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Funing chuckled, “Let’s go.”
The two walked in together, and everyone was in a lively conversation. Zhu Yingying’s mother, Lady Jian, the newly appointed Marquis Jinghai Madam, was flattering Mingzhu, “The Empress has an auspicious appearance. This pregnancy must be a boy.”
Her sister-in-law, Lady Liang, also known as Yuwen Chu’s aunt, joined in the laughter, “Although the Crown Prince is exceptionally bright, having only one child still leaves him somewhat lonely. If the Empress adds another prince, it would be even better. In the future, the two brothers can support each other.”
Why did they care whether she had a boy or a girl? Mingzhu found Lady Liang’s words quite irritating, but she didn’t show it on her face. Instead, she gently caressed her abdomen, wearing a sweet smile, “That’s right. I’ve already talked to His Majesty about it. I’m quite eager and would love to have another son, but His Majesty said that whether it’s a boy or a girl, it’s all fate. We already have the Crown Prince, so there’s no need to rush. He loves whatever it is.” After speaking, she went to pick up a tea cup, but unexpectedly, Yuwen Chu took it from her and handed her a cup of warm water instead, saying softly, “Why are you drinking tea? Drink warm water.”
Mingzhu smiled apologetically, “Being pregnant makes me forgetful, and I’ve become a laughingstock in front of my aunts.”
Both Liang and Jian showed a bit of embarrassment in their smiles. Although they had heard about the Emperor and Empress’s affection, they didn’t expect it to be to this extent. Lady Jian looked at her daughter beside her, feeling slightly worried. Although her daughter was also beautiful and deeply favored and supported by the Empress Dowager, the Empress was not easy to deal with.
“The Emperor is affectionate and always reluctant to let those around him suffer,” the Empress Dowager smiled, motioning for Zhu Yingying to sit between her and Yuwen Chu. “The last time I saw you was five years ago. You were still young but had already read the Four Books and Five Classics, which is quite rare.”
Zhu Yingying blushed and said, “I must have made the Empress Dowager laugh. I only listened to a bit when my father was teaching my brothers. I dare not say I’ve read the Four Books and Five Classics.”
Funing added, “Mother, Yingying’s interest lies not in the Four Books and Five Classics, but in other areas. Most girls haven’t even heard of it, let alone have a preference or expertise.”
The Empress Dowager wondered, “What is it? Now I’m curious.”
Zhu Yingying slightly bowed, “Yingying just prefers astronomy and geography.”
There was a hint of a sneer on Su Lan’s lips as she gently pinched Dong Hui’s hand. This girl’s preferences were indeed unique. Five years ago, wasn’t that when His Majesty began to rise to prominence? Tailored for him, this idea was quite ambitious. Did she also want to emulate the story of the two generations of Empresses and their nieces? Did she not consider whether she was qualified enough and just wanted to reap the benefits?
Dong Hui was a martial artist and could remain calm. She signaled for Su Lan to calm down and see how Mingzhu would handle it.
“Cousin’s interests are indeed special.” Mingzhu still smiled, staring at Zhu Yingying as if she didn’t mind Zhu Yingying sitting so close to Yuwen Chu. Instead, it was Yuwen Chu who calmly moved closer to Mingzhu’s side, expressionlessly peeling grapes for her. Mingzhu left some and asked Su Lan to pass them to the Empress Dowager, saying, “His Majesty is showing filial piety to Royal Mother. You’ve worked hard, Your Majesty.”
The Empress Dowager was somewhat annoyed by her smile, but considering the palace’s conventions and the balance of power, as well as the pleas and future prospects of her family, she plucked up her courage again. “You are all good children.” Then, she gestured for Funing to continue.
Funing indeed continued, “Yingying, didn’t you say there were some things you didn’t understand and couldn’t find a suitable teacher to ask? The great teacher is right in front of you. Why aren’t you asking?”
Zhu Yingying was puzzled, “Who is the great teacher? Yingying really doesn’t know.”
Let her pretend, let her pretend. Mingzhu smiled silently and counted, “Three, two, one…”
“It’s His Majesty, silly girl. Don’t you know His Majesty is well-versed in this?” Funing’s words were interrupted as Zhu Yingying, blushing, hastily bowed and left in a hurry. Before her words were finished, Zhu Yingying had already turned red and rushed out in embarrassment. This left everyone extremely surprised, but they didn’t dare to ask further and pretended to be confused to get through it.
Funing’s words were interrupted halfway, and she couldn’t help feeling a bit annoyed. But she had to continue. After she finished, Zhu Yingying returned, blushing and apologizing. She then sat beside her mother, refusing to sit next to Yuwen Chu again.
The Empress Dowager didn’t know what had happened to her and could only change the subject. After a while, Funing brought the topic back, and Zhu Yingying was prepared this time. “Actually, when I was reading the Gan Shi Xing Jing, I had two questions that I couldn’t understand. Today’s opportunity is rare, so I would like Your Majesty to help me clear up my confusion…”
Yuwen Chu smiled calmly, “Let’s hear it.”
Zhu Yingying said, “In the star charts, it says that the Three Stars of the River Drum…” Before she could finish, she hurriedly bowed and, blushing, left hastily, holding back her tears, her movements extremely unnatural. She quickly retreated, not even reaching the door of the hall before emitting a melodious and melodious cry—a cry that the owner once tried desperately to stop, but like a wild horse, it escaped uncontrollably and brought about a thunderous effect. Besides the sound, there was also an indescribable smell.
Zhu Yingying stood still, on the verge of tears. Lady Jian showed quick thinking and quickly pushed the table a bit, making a sound similar to the strange cry just now. Then Lady Jian stood up, bowed, and apologized, “I’m sorry for my rudeness. Please forgive me, Your Majesty, Great Empress Dowager, and Empress.”
