“Are you sure the item has been delivered to Ming Jiuzhu?”
“This servant would never dare deceive you, Master.”
“But she spent the entire lunch eating, and never once took out the embroidery.”
Not only that, but she ate pastries first, then dishes, then meat, her mouth never stopping.
“Perhaps… perhaps she forgot?”
“Forgot? Didn’t you say that this Miss Ming is kind and naive, easily swayed by emotions?”
“Maybe kind and naive people… also have poor memories?”
“Master, the maid who gave Ming Jiuzhu the embroidery has been caught.”
The conversation abruptly stopped.
Had she waited an entire day for this outcome?!
“Your Majesty…” Consort Su cried softly, tears like pearls rolling down her cheeks. “These past few days, I’ve been unable to eat or sleep. Fortunately, Your Majesty cherishes us, mother and son, and has secured an excellent fiancée for Du Qing.”
“I never expected that even in such a small matter, someone would scheme to sow discord between me and my future daughter-in-law.” At this, Consort Su wept even more bitterly. “But then again, I was born of humble origins. Perhaps only by becoming the wicked mother-in-law will I satisfy certain people’s wishes.”
“Don’t cry, it will harm your health.” Emperor Longfeng personally wiped her tears with a handkerchief. “I will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure you suffer no injustice.”
“It’s not that I mind suffering a little, but Miss Ming is still so young. How could she understand the depths of human malice?” Consort Su looked at Emperor Longfeng with tearful eyes. “Your Majesty, these years under your protection, I’ve become oblivious to the world. In the future, even if someone schemes against your daughter-in-law, I fear I won’t be able to protect her.”
“You’ve indeed been too sheltered by me all these years. Otherwise, how could palace servants be bribed by others?”
“Your Majesty, I’m already upset. How can you tease me?”
Seeing Consort Su’s displeasure, Emperor Longfeng quickly soothed her. Once she was smiling again, he summoned Ming Jiuzhu to the palace.
This was Ming Jiuzhu’s first time meeting Emperor Longfeng, the ruler of the empire, who held the lives of thousands in his hands.
“Your servant, Ming Jiuzhu, pays her respects to Your Majesty.” Jiuzhu knelt on the ground, performing a deep bow.
Emperor Longfeng glanced at Liu Zhongbao, who stepped forward to help Jiuzhu up. “Miss Ming, there’s no need for such formalities.”
“Thank you, Eunuch Liu.” Jiuzhu smiled at Liu Zhongbao.
“Sit and speak,” Consort Su said. “In front of His Majesty and me, there’s no need to be reserved.”
Jiuzhu looked up and replied softly, “Thank you, Your Grace.”
In Emperor Longfeng’s imagination, the daughter of the Ming family, raised in a Taoist temple, should have a cold and aloof demeanor.
Meeting her in person, however, he found that the young girl had been raised exceptionally well. She didn’t seem like someone from a temple but rather like a child doted on by elders, sheltered from the world and thus appearing innocent and carefree.
No wonder Ming Jingzhou, with his rigid personality, had gone so far as to enter the palace to try and annul the engagement.
Consort Su had taken a liking to her, and even Liu Zhongbao, upon returning from the Ming residence, had praised Miss Ming’s character. It seemed this marriage arrangement was indeed a good decision.
“I called you here just to chat,” Emperor Longfeng said slowly. “We are all family here. You can treat me as an ordinary elder.”
Jiuzhu nodded obediently. “Your Majesty, may I ask if the person who harmed Consort Su has been caught?”
“I’ve already sent people to investigate secretly. I will ensure justice is served for Consort Su.” Emperor Longfeng watched Jiuzhu, curious about what she would say next.
“That’s good.” Jiuzhu breathed a sigh of relief, completely trusting Emperor Longfeng’s words. “Today is Her Grace’s birthday. The person who did this is truly wicked.”
“Fortunately, Miss Ming is clever and didn’t let the villain succeed.” Emperor Longfeng laughed heartily, seeing how easily she believed him. “Why do you think the villain wanted you to deliver something to Consort Su?”
“Perhaps… perhaps because Her Grace likes me,” Jiuzhu said shyly. “They wanted to use me to spoil Her Grace’s mood.”
Emperor Longfeng chuckled. “Consort Su does indeed like you very much.”
That cursed embroidery wasn’t just meant to ruin Consort Su’s mood but to sow discord between her and the Ming family’s daughter.
What could be more reassuring to certain people than a rift between Consort Su and her daughter-in-law from the Ming family?
“Xiangjuan,” Prince Chen entered the inner courtyard and saw the maid guarding the door. “Has that girl from the Ming family been summoned by His Majesty?”
Xiangjuan nodded.
Prince Chen lifted the curtain and strode inside.
“Father.” Prince Chen entered the room, glanced at Jiuzhu sitting below, and bowed. “It’s almost dark. I should escort Miss Ming home, lest Minister Ming worry.”
“No need to worry. I’ve already sent word to Ming Jingzhou that Miss Ming will stay overnight at Bright Moon Palace.” Emperor Longfeng sipped his tea. “Your mother and Miss Ming are like mother and daughter. It’s good for her to stay and keep your mother company.”
“What does a young girl like her understand?” Prince Chen sat down beside Jiuzhu and snatched a pastry from her plate. “She came to the palace for a birthday banquet and was already caught in someone’s scheme. If she stays a few more days, someone might have her delivering things to you.”
Jiuzhu pushed her untouched teacup toward Prince Chen, lest he choke on the pastry.
After taking a few sips of the tea Jiuzhu offered, Prince Chen set the cup down and smiled. “Tonight, you stay at Bright Moon Palace to keep Mother company. I’ll take this clueless girl away.”
With that, he grabbed Jiuzhu’s sleeve and pulled her up from her seat. “Father, Mother, I take my leave.”
Jiuzhu glanced at Prince Chen, then at Consort Su and the Emperor. She curtsied and allowed Prince Chen to lead her out.
Consort Su touched her teacup and smiled. “Someone, bring His Majesty a fresh cup of tea.”
“Du Qing’s personality is truly a result of Your Majesty’s indulgence,” she said, placing the new tea before Emperor Longfeng. “Your Majesty, don’t you agree?”
Emperor Longfeng shook his head helplessly. “Rest for a while. I’ll summon the Minister of Court of Judicial Review. Rest assured, I won’t let you suffer any injustice.”
Consort Su squeezed Emperor Longfeng’s hand but said nothing.
“I’ll return to have dinner with you tonight.”
“Your Majesty, take care on your way.” Consort Su stood and straightened Emperor Longfeng’s robes. “I’ll have the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes.”
“Good.” Emperor Longfeng embraced Consort Su before leaving.
Consort Su wiped her now-dry tears and said, “In gratitude for Heaven’s blessings, summon all the palace consorts tomorrow to copy scriptures with me, to calm our minds and pray for the well-being of the people.”
If she wasn’t happy, then no one else should be either.
A wicked consort should act like one.
“Your Highness,” Jiuzhu said as they descended the steps, glancing back worriedly. “Won’t His Majesty be angry with you for leaving like this?”
“I’m His Majesty’s son. He won’t be angry with me.” Prince Chen let go of Jiuzhu’s hand and smirked. “But have you considered that he might be angry with you?”
Jiuzhu stopped in her tracks. “Surely… surely not?”
“Don’t worry. Since I’m the one who took you away, and His Majesty won’t be angry with me, why would he be upset with you?” The evening glow bathed Prince Chen’s face, making it as red as the sunset. “You’re my future wife. We’re one and the same. Understand?”
“I understand. After we marry, we’ll live in the same house, eat together, and play together.” Jiuzhu nodded, patting her chest. “We’ll be family.”
Prince Chen: “…”
Something about that sounded both correct and slightly off.
“Do you know why I’m taking you out of the palace?”
“No,” Jiuzhu said, looking at Prince Chen in confusion. “Aren’t you taking me home, Your Highness?”
“I’m taking you out, and you just follow?” Prince Chen snorted. “Aren’t you afraid I might trick you into doing something bad?”
“What does Your Highness want to do?” Jiuzhu whispered. “I’ll help you.”
Prince Chen sighed silently. This girl’s mind was indeed… a bit too simple.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Jiuzhu whispered even lower, standing on tiptoe to speak into Prince Chen’s ear. “Is it something difficult?”
“I was just teasing you. There’s nothing to do.” Prince Chen covered his ear and took a few steps forward, gazing at the imperial palace bathed in twilight. “I just thought you might not sleep well in the palace, so I’m taking you home.”
This place, with its layers of courtyards, was no place for a young girl to linger.
"Your Highness." Jiuzhu walked over to Prince Chen and gave him a big smile. "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Let's go, I'll take you back."
The night was cool as water. Jiuzhu lit a candle, spread out a sheet of letter paper, and sat upright at the table, carefully writing a letter to her two masters.
【To the two best masters in the world, I hope this letter finds you well.】
【I wonder if you liked the pastries I sent you the other day? Have all the oranges in the temple ripened yet?】
【I’ve been doing well in the capital, though I do miss you both from time to time, as well as every plant and tree in the temple. In my last letter, I forgot to mention that my parents don’t mind how much I eat. In fact, they say eating a lot brings good fortune. I know they still feel guilty about the past, even though I’ve never blamed them.】
【The late autumn here in the capital is much colder than in Lingzhou. My mother has made me many new clothes and shoes, and this time I’ve also prepared some new winter garments for you both. By the time they reach Lingzhou, winter will have set in, so they should be just right to wear.】
【Second Master, do you remember how I wanted to raise a white horse when I was little? Now I have a little white horse of my own. It’s gentle and adorable, like a big, friendly dog.】
【I know you both told me not to speak of what happened eight years ago, for my own safety. Please don’t worry—I won’t let your efforts go to waste…】
The candlelight flickered as Jiuzhu hesitated for a moment, then continued writing.
【Before I came to the capital, First Master told me that the city is vast and bustling, and finding someone I haven’t seen in years would be like searching for a needle in the ocean. He advised me not to be too fixated on it. But I’ve been fortunate—I’ve already met my benefactor.】
After folding the letter, Jiuzhu slipped it into an envelope and happily drew a little duck on the back.
Her masters always praised her drawing skills, so every time she wrote a letter, she would add a little sketch.
Seeing her words and drawings was like seeing Jiuzhu herself.
