Chapter 136: Matchmaker
"Your Highness, this maid stole something from her Mistress and pawned it for silver, so this servant was just escorting her to the front courtyard to seek her punishment." Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, the Momo hurried to make things clear.
Zong Zheng Lin ignored her, only narrowing his phoenix eyes to take a good look at Chun Yu Yao.
"Do you have the evidence to tie people up?" Zong Zheng Ming closed the jade bone fan in his hand with a snap, his long and narrow eyes looking sharp.
The woman's eyes were clear and pure. Seeing such a familiar face, Zong Zheng Ming really couldn't let go of the matter.
"If there is a dispute, better go to the official government yamen for investigation." Zong Zheng Lin was not as gentle as Zong Zheng Ming. Taking her out of his sight was enough for him.
"This-this… It's just that this servant saw her coming out of Third Miss's courtyard that day, and later it was reported that something was stolen, so this servant guessed..." The person behind the Momo was so scared that she hurried to spill the truth.
"What did you say? What do you mean you guessed it? Didn't you just pat your chest and said to me that you saw her sneak out of the house carrying something?" The Momo in charge was shocked.
She stared wide-eyed at the little maid who dared to trick her as a layer of cold sweat dampened her back.
"Steward, this little matter, do you still need Bendian to bother and help you sort it out?" Zong Zheng Lin was already displeased.
This Chun Yu Yao was very similar to Mu Xi Yao, but she was kneeling on the ground looking extremely humble, and he could feel his anger rising up.
Zong Zheng Lin had a bad temper, and because he was used to taking care of Mu Xi Yao, his protection was overbearing. Although he knew that the woman in front of him was not the one he was thinking about, he could not tolerate others offending this face that was so similar to hers.
"Yes, yes, this slave will let people investigate the matter clearly, really clearly."
The steward kept wiping his sweat. What is this? He glared at the Momo who did not even ask for clarification before taking action and ended up ridiculing the entirety of Zhizhou Mansion in front of the Royal Highnesses. Wasn't this short of telling them that the house's rules were sloppy?
As for that servant girl, don't know what kind of a blessing she has collected in her past lifetimes to have caught the two Highness's eyes so inexplicably?
"Get up." Zong Zheng Lin's eyes were frigid, and he spoke coldly to the weak-looking woman under his feet.
Chun Yu Yao was frightened by his icy air. How could a girl who had never seen the world bear his momentum? Her body could not help shrinking. She was cringing with her head lowered to avoid the sharp glare of his Highness, but then she was patted twice on his shoulder.
"Ah!" She let out a cry of surprise.
From the top of the head came the gentle comfort of a man: "Don't panic. Get up first." Zong Zheng Ming removed the folding fan from her shoulder and examined the woman attentively.
At a closer look, the facial features were alike but not as delicate as Mu Xi Yao. Both looks and names were similar, was there such a coincidence in the world?
When Zong Zheng Lin saw his gentle attitude towards this woman, where he did not know the reason for it. With a hint of coldness in his eyes, he stared at him. Zong Zheng Ming had repeatedly shown concern toward Mu Xi Yao, don't think he hadn't noticed.
"The two Highnesses, this slave has summoned people to bring these slaves who do not have eyes to rectify them back. Only, this little girl…". The steward saw that the two Highnesses had different attitudes toward Chun Yu Yao, and didn't know if he should take the girl for punishment or not.
Chapter 136: Matchmaker
Seeing that Zong Zheng Lin was quietly looking at him, Zong Zheng Ming's face instantly paled. "The people in your mansion, what you should do, do you still need Bendian to teach you?"
The servants were used to flattering the higher-ups and did not find it unusual to ask this kind of question but how could he and Zong Zheng Lin ever ask for this maidservant to serve them? Not to mention that she was only seven to eight points similar to Mu Xi Yao, even if she was ten points like her, she was, by no means, the same person.
Seeing his Highness's face, the steward immediately knew that he had made a fool of himself. He quickly issued a few orders to take the four people back to the courtyard, while he earnestly lead the way for them.
Meanwhile, Mu Xi Yao was unaware that his sixth Highness who was far away in QiCheng had met with someone who looked like her, or that he was thinking deeply about their correspondence.
The more Zong Zheng Lin thought about it, the more he felt that the letter he sent with Yan Cheng Zhou was too light of a punishment. It was time to let that little woman reflect, she dared let him wait for a long time only to send him a flower gun [1].
[1] 花枪—fig. trickery, play tricks, ghost trick.
Zong Zheng Lin did not mind sending someone to go back and stare at her every word to make sure she wrote an answer back properly.
Ever since Wei Zhen had witnessed how Mistress Yao arrested a spy in such a dazzling manner, he was much more attentive to the things Mu Xi Yao commanded than ever before. Previously he was careful in serving her because she was favored, but now he deeply admired her and felt that Mistress Yao was capable and was naturally willing to be ordered around by her.
On this day, Mu Xi Yao called him to Danruo Courtyard and just stared at him without saying a word, looking fierce. The look in her eyes was particular, just as if she was picking a cabbage, must look good in order to satisfy her heart.
"Sir Wei~". Just when Wei Zhen could not carry on, Mu Xi Yao finally spoke. Just, this tone of voice frightened Wei Zhen to death and made his hair stand up.
No, this wasn't right. Mistress Yao generally used this tone of voice with his Highness when she had something to ask for, and most of those requests ended up being troublesome. Was she going to say she was tired of staying in the house and wanted to go out?
Wei Zhen thought to himself that he needed to stay vigilant. Mistress Yao was good at tricking people. She would only need to say a few of her words and you would be so dazed you would end up complying with her request. Later, if you dared repent, Mistress Yao would say "breaking a promise, this is bullying women and children!" which was a particularly embarrassing accusation for any man. Then she would throw a glance at you, looking very aggrieved, seemingly wanting to complain but not daring to, making one feel very shameful and with a red face. In the end, you would have bear it and do it. Wei Zhen didn't eat less of this kind of loss.
"Mistress, when his Highness left he gave an order that you must stay put. He was very fierce when he said it. Even if this subordinate had a hundred guts, I would still not dare let you go out of this door". Wei Zhen had eaten a lot of losses and had finally learned to be clever, he quickly shifted the blame and cried like he was wronged. He couldn't let Mistress Yao take the initiative, it was better to refuse early.
"What are saying, is your Mistress such a disorderly person? Your Highness' orders, this concubine naturally obeys."
Not to mention Wei Zhen, even Zhao Momo blushed for her. Mu Xi Yao listening to his Highness' words, afraid no one would believe her.
"Sir Wei doesn't need to be anxious. This time I summoned you here because I have an important matter to discuss." Mu Xi Yao adjusted her sitting posture, looking quite animated. "How old is Sir Wei this year?"
Mu Xi Yao's abrupt question made Wei Zhen flustered, "This subordinate is twenty years old."
"Twenty? Very good!" Mu Xi Yao happily praised, looking extremely satisfied. Twenty was a good age, young and promising, just like a ripe little tender melon.
What's so good about this? Wei Zhen didn't understand.
"Have you booked someone?" [2]
[2] 可曾定了人家？— kě céng dìng le rén jiā？Have you booked someone? Have you chosen your husband to be? (For women).
Cough, ahem, Zhao Momo choked and coughed, again and again, her expression looking extremely embarrassed. Sir Wei who was standing, had flushed too and looked ashamed and angry, almost short of crying for justice. It was just matchmaking, but why in the hands of Mistress did it look like this?
"Mistress, this is a question for a daughter's family. To a man, one should ask if one has a marriage contract [3]". Zhao Momo whispered in her ear, feeling very helpless in her heart.
[3] 可曾定下婚约？ — kě céng dìng xià hūn yuē？Do you have a marriage contract? (For men).
Mistress' intentions she could somewhat understand. But Mistress, getting into the matter so blindly, are you not afraid of spoiling others' marriage even before it started? Looking at Sir Wei in front of them, in her point of view, Mistress' matchmaking technique was really…. a bit counterproductive.
Mu Xi Yao was feeling slightly embarrassed too. This was the first time she was acting as a matchmaker, after all, it was inevitably to be inexperienced, and mistakes were a bit hard to avoid. With everyone being a bit understanding, this should not represent a problem.
Looking at Wei Zhen's almost purple face, Mu Xi Yao rubbed the tip of her nose, feeling slight shame. Zhao Momo at the side resisted the urge to cover her face, and pretended not to see.
"Uh, this… Sir Wei, this concubine was just momentarily confused and asked improperly. It shouldn't be like this so let's start over again. Ah, you also don't have to remember it in your heart…. Sir Wei, do you have a marriage contract?" Mu Xi Yao smiled as she asked the appropriate question this time. What remained was only that pair of eyes looking straight at Wei Zhen, being deadset, not letting go.
Chapter 137: Cross-examination
"Sir Wei is the eldest di [1] grandson of the fourth branch of the House of Wei?" Mu Xi Yao was extremely shocked by Wei Zhen's roots.
[1] 嫡 di: refers to the legitimate/first wife, the original spouse of a man. In the context of children, di means legitimate, a child born from the official wife. Di children have higher standing than shu (庶) children (born of a concubine) and are generally the rightful heirs of the family, if male. (Dreams of Jianghu).
The House of Wei was the most prosperous among the three Duke Houses. The An House was already in decay, and the Rong House was supported by the Duke alone. The three branches of Wei's stood on the legs like a tripod. [2] Meanwhile, the fourth branch was not from the official wife [3], but they were still powerful.
[2] 三足鼎立 Stand on three legs like a tripod—tripartite confrontation; triangular balance of power; three-cornered confrontation.
[3] Meaning, the Master of the fourth branch was concubine-born, not a di heir, but a shu son.
According to Zhao Momo, only in Wei Zhen's father's generation, there were two officials on the royal cabinet, so it was correct to say that the House of Wei was considered of high lineage.
"Then why hasn't he been engaged so far?" Even without his mother around, there were still his father and grandfather. Even if both of them neglected him, could it be that their House could let go of such a good chess piece for a marriage alliance?
Without Sir Wei in front of him, Zhao Momo was much more carefree in her response. The main reason still was the curious nature of her Mistress who loved to question the root of all things. Zhao Momo answered her in detail.
"Although Sir Wei's father's reputation is good now, in the past he did some ridiculous things. At that time, the most popular gossip in the capital was that he spoiled the concubine and destroyed the wife. Sir Wei's mother was angered to death by the beloved concubine, so father and son turned against each other. For many years, Sir Wei has never taken the initiative to return home. His father too has many sons and never needed for his eldest son, who was rebellious since childhood. Like this, many things were delayed".
"It was said that mostly, he was not engaged because there would not be a bridegroom in the ceremony. His family could agree to the marriage, but if he didn't show up, wasn't this not giving face, offending the other party's family? This old slave heard that every year, they would send him a letter to urge his return during the Chinese New Year, but in all likelihood, Sir Wei never answered their letters. Even if they want to go look for him, he belongs to the Royal Military Camp, if he says he's busy, who are others to say he isn't?"
Zhao Momo spoke of all this while sighing, but Mu Xi Yao listened to her with great interest.
Sir Wei's being rebellious when a teenager, this kind of temper really matched her appetite. Mu Xi Yao decided that for such an assertive and steadfast subordinate, she should take more care in the future and give the other party some family warmth.
As for Sir Wei's father who spoiled the concubine and destroyed the wife, Mu Xi Yao expressed her contempt for him.
"What does Zhao Momo think, could this match be done?" It was reasonable to say that Wei Zhen's origins were too high and in contrast with her two first-ranked maidservants, very obviously unsuitable. But his situation was special, and Mu Xi Yao didn't want him to keep delaying the matter, then became an old bachelor who could be pocketed by anyone. It was best if she first grasped this pie for her own people.
In this type of business, Mu Xi Yao's experience was still too shallow, and she believed it best to listen to the opinions of the elders.
Zhao Momo thought of it, feeling uncertain. "If his sixth Highness opened his honorable mouth, the matter of identity could be disregarded and this may be done".
What? Now their identities were not enough for the House of Wei to look at them? Mu Xi Yao signaled that she was not sure of this point.
"For officials, marriage suitability depends on "stability". Which of them is not seeking long-term interests? For them to agree to this marriage, they must see the benefits. For this to happen, Mistress must be visibly valued by his Highness, then those around you would be worthy, as they would be more likely to be promoted to higher positions".
"Still, this old slave is worried that because you and Princess Consort are standing on opposite sides, the House of Wei would be reluctant to choose their faction so early on, offending the He Lian family."
Mu Xi Yao's eyes shone, her thoughts spinning wildly.
Matchmaking her maidservants turned out to be so troublesome, that it could even involve the matter of choosing factions. Mu Xi Yao was not happy to hear this. Fortunately, the House of Wei belonged to Zong Zheng Lin, so this was at least internal trifles and not a matter of dealing with outsiders. Even if they were dissatisfied with something, as they had already decided which Prince to support, then they would not go so far as to change their alliance to Zong Zheng Lin. This was not so troublesome after all. [4]
[4] It just means that even if the House of Wei is dissatisfied with her marriage arrangements (wed her maidservant with their di heir), they would not make that much trouble, because they belong to the same political party, which is Zong Zheng Lin's faction.
The things she couldn't do on her own, she would wait for the boss' return to deal with. The first thing she needed to do was to make the people involved nod, after all, it involved both parties' consent, right? This matter didn't need to be rushed. It would be a good idea to let Wei Zhen come to Danruo Courtyard more often, in order to let them communicate and know each other better. This was the priority now.
Privately, Mu Xi Yao considered herself as Wei Zhen's elders, and thus she decided to accept this marriage offer for him. Then, she only needed to talk it out with her maidservants and chose the bride.
When Hui Lan and Mo Lan were summoned by Mu Xi Yao they thought that their Mistress had something important to order, so they put down the work in hand, and hurried to her side to receive orders.
"The other day I was thinking about your life-long events [5]. There was an accident in the middle of it and it was until now that I could ask your opinion." Mu Xi Yao slightly explained that as their Mistress she too minded this kind of matters and that she did not intend to decide on their marriages without listening to them.
[5] 大事 Dàshì. Major major social event (wedding or funeral). In this context means their marriage.
"Both of you should be seventeen or eighteen years old. Women at this age should already be married and have some children. As your Mistress, I'm very optimistic about his Highness' personal attendant, Sir Wei. Do you find him passable?"
One could tell that Mu Xi Yao was really not gifted in matchmaking, what kind of question was this, how could two boudoir girls answer this kind of question?
Zhao Momo sighed while mediating. If she let this situation continue, then these two girls would never find a 'passable' one for the rest of their lives.
"What Mistress means is that you're of age, and instead of marrying someone who one doesn't where one came from, it's best to choose a good man from his Highness' side. Sir Wei is young and promising, he is also very self-disciplined in private, and he has never done anything undignified. His character is mature, down-to-earth, and does not have the impetuosity of young people. He is consistently reliable and he's easy to get along with, he should be suitable to lead a good life. [5]"
[5] 过日子 Harmonious, peaceful marriage life. She's implying Wei Zhen is husband material.
The pair of orchids [6] listened feeling flustered and blushing to their ears. Mistress' words now almost made them embarrassed to death.
[6] By pair of orchids they mean Hui Lan and Mo Lan since the Lan in their name means orchids (from H°Lifestyle translation). I usually just replace it with maidservants, but in this instance it looks cuter to let it be like this.
Mu Xi Yao saw them squirming for half a day, seemingly without any intention of speaking, and she wrinkled her eyebrows, pondering...
"If you feel like he's not suitable, then there's also bodyguard Ye Kai, and the commander of the guards, Yan Cheng Zou, although Sir Yan is a bit older, they shouldn't be bad people". Mu Xi Yao named several of the most useful people under Zong Zheng Lin's command one by one, without any politeness. "If you don't like them, don't worry, there are more people under his Highness's command. Your Mistress will pay attention, I'm sure one of them must suit your taste".
Zhao Momo watched all of this go down, feeling helpless. When has a Mistress ever given their maidservants a right to speak! Maidservants have always done whatever the Mistress said, but why in their Mistress' hands this matter become like this, even pickier than noble ladies, actually expecting a love match!
In fact, the concept of marrying for love was too deeply ingrained in Mu Xi Yao's mind, even though she knew it was unfitting to the current time she lived in, she still couldn't change it. Moving her finger and letting her maidservants be married off so casually if they suffered later on and ended up divorced, then wouldn't she just die of guilt?
"Mistress, this slave will listen to you. Whoever Mistress points out must be good. Mo Lan only asks to be an aunt [7] servant and follow you for the rest of my life."
[7] 姑姑 Gugu. In this case, it refers to a married woman, from the mother's side. As she's no longer going to be a maiden, her address changes.
When Mo Lan saw how her Mistress intended to oversee their matters so carefully, she built up her courage to express her attitude.
"Hui Lan too". Half a year younger than Mo Lan, Hui Lan was even more thin-skinned. [8]
[8] 脸皮子更薄, "the skin was thinner". This means that she is sensitive to criticism or hints; easily upset or affected. Opposite to shameless, feeling easily embarrassed.
Ah! This was a lifetime's blessing being offered, yet the other party wasn't even aware of it! Mu Xi Yao deeply lamented.
If someone had asked her a question like that, she would have fought for herself to the end. Now such a good benefit was in front of them, but the two of them did not to boldly seek a good husband. Although the women of Great Wei were raised a bit more open-minded, they psychologically still followed the old rules of being reserved and dignified.
"The two of you are young so there's no need to hurry. Find more opportunities to look around and see who's good. If your heart is willing, do not miss it. Your Mistress doesn't want you to wrong yourselves, just because of that little bit of shyness and etiquette. It's not worth it."
Mu Xi Yao didn't think being reserved was a good trait. Her bluntness made Zhao Momo as well as her two maidservants completely speechless.
Cefei's courage was nourished too well by His Royal Highness! Following etiquette, that was only natural. In the hearts of all her three servants, all of Mu Xi Yao's unreasonable extravagance was all brought up by his sixth Highness' imprudent spoiling.
Chapter 138: Crossing swords
Qicheng, Zhizhou Mansion.
"Your Highness, the three Misses of the house brought the servant girl Chun Yu Yao over to thank you." Yan Cheng Zhou briefed with a hesitant expression.
In the middle of the night, the Third Miss came asking to meet. Excluding her, who at least looked decent, the other two Misses were wearing thick makeup and were adamant about seeing his Highness. Yan Cheng Zhou was overwhelmed by them and finally came to deliver their message. Even now, the smell of the powder and rouge lingered with him.
Zong Zheng Lin was leaning against the couch bed, his right hand gently turning the pages. "Do you mean the Third Miss or that there are three women outside?".
In the day, that maid said she served the Third Miss. Now, coming here to express gratitude, two more people were added for no reason?
When Yan Cheng Zhou heard his Highness' tone, he knew that he did not like these troublesome women. "His Royal Highness, it is true that Third Miss is here. Except for the eldest Miss in the house, the other Misses are waiting outside."
"Let the Third Miss of the Wang family come in. The others I will not see." Zong Zheng Lin put down the book on hand and tidied up his clothes. Putting his long legs on the ground, he slowly paced to the rattan chair to sit down.
Looking something like this, but on night time.
I imagine it looks smt like this, but at night time. The couch bed is on the right, the rattan chair in the center, behind the table.
After a while, a young woman brought a freshly dressed Chun Yu Yao into the house.
"This little girl greets His Royal Highness." [1]
[1] What she says is 民女见过殿下, it is correct to say greet or seen, but I also remember reading somewhere that the greetings to the Imperial Family indicate a wish for them to live longer. In this sentence, the Chinese character 过 means "to live" so I'm guessing there's a subtext where she's also saying 'wishing you health'.
"Get up."
Although she looked ordinary, she followed the etiquette, even He Lian Min Min wasn't a match to her. When Zong Zheng Lin noticed that she did not use incense to smoke her clothes [2], his face wasn't so tense anymore.
[2] In Ancient China, incense was used as a perfume. People smoke their clothes with incense, so when they put it on, they also have that scent with them. In the novel 'Greeting, Ninth Uncle' the protagonist has an scene where she draws her bath, lits the incense and then puts on her clothes. There's an interesting post here if you want to check it out.
"Expressing my thanks to His Royal Highness".
Third Miss looked embarrassed. Looking at the majestic Sixth Highness, she didn't know what to do or say. Thing was, she was forced to bring Chu Yun Yao over by the Second and Fourth Miss, her sisters, but the two of them were blocked outside, leaving her completely clueless about how to deal with the current situation.
Third Miss was like this, but Chun Yu Yao was even more restrained. After expressing her gratitude, she did not say anything else. The man in front of her was cold and indifferent, just looking at him was scary.
"You didn't want to come, then were you forced?" When Zong Zheng Lin saw the expressions of the two of them, he knew what had happened tonight.
Seeing His Highness see through them, Third Miss instantly became agitated. If His Highness' was angry at them, and therefore opened his honorable mouth [3] to scold them, even if he tried to make it sound nice and fair, their reputation would not be spared.
[3] 随便金口一开, the chinese character 金 means gold. The raw translates it to honorable, but I'm starting to think it means 'royal mouth'.
"Are you shu [4] born?"
[4] 你是庶出 nǐ shì shù chū — shu (庶) means children born of a concubine.
Zong Zheng Lin observed that her eyes were low and full of meekness, and couldn't think of a di [5] daughter who would act like her.
[5] 嫡 di refers to the legitimate/first wife, the original spouse of a man.
"Back to Your Highness', this little girl was born from concubine Wu."
He knew it. According to Mu Xi Yao, a concubine's children that were raised at the main wife's side, without a doubt would be raised to be little wooden characters, dim but with a virtuous appearance, very different from the spoiled di children.
Zong Zheng Lin remembered her crooked reasoning and compared it with the situation in front of him. Although the little woman's words were unpleasant to hear, many times she was right.
As for the little defect of protecting her shortcomings all the time, the Sixth Highness has become accustomed and was already numb to it. All her dislike aimed at the main wife must exclude her mother and eldest sister. In the same way, all the sharp criticism against the concubines must not touch her and that useless shu sister of hers. Mu Xi Yao's double standard has never made her feel like she has contradicted herself, and she was not ashamed of it.
Thinking of her blatant feelings of protection for her family, Zong Zheng Lin felt that Mu Xi Yao was especially cute. She was willful, but she had a warm heart.
Looking at Chun Yu Yao, who was cowering and didn't dare to raise her head, Zong Zheng Lin endured that little bit of eyesore. Facing that familiar face, he couldn't lose his temper.
In fact, Zong Zheng Lin felt that he was suffering greatly from this clear sense of violation. If Mu Xi Yao acted like this, Zong Zheng Lin would be one hundred percent sure that she had a ghost idea [6] in her heart. And even if she dare act like this, she would still have those lively eyes that were dripping with light.
[6] 有鬼 Have ulterior motives; have a bellyful of tricks; have sth. to hide.
"If you have nothing else, then go back." Seeing the situation at hand, and knowing Chun Yu Yao's character clearly, Zong Zheng Lin was not interested in keep on talking to them.
"Yes, this little girl thanks His Highness for his help. Then this little girl will go back with the maid." Third Miss gave a big bow and then hurried out with Chun Yu Yao.
Yan Chen Zhou was still in a state of shock. Because the candle in the room was bright, he could clearly see that the woman named Chun Yu Yao was very similar to Mistress Yao. No wonder His Highness was extra gracious and allowed someone to come in. Looking at Ye Kai, who was waiting on the side, sure enough, it's also a look of enlightenment.
"Yan Chen Zhou, where did they go before?"
"Your Highness, before they came, Misses and the servant girl went to the Fifth Prince's place. Like you, the Fifth Prince also blocked the other two young ladies."
Zong Zheng Lin nodded. The Third Miss was raised to be virtuous and had good manners. When Zong Zheng Ming saw Third Miss, he probably had the same thoughts as him.
As for Chun Yu Yao... That woman was troublesome.
"Has the letter sent to Cefei's side arrived yet?"
Zong Zheng Lin closed his eyes and imagined Mu Xi Yao's peevish appearance with a smile on his lips. Pity he was too far away. If he was in front of her, he could tame such a disobedient rabbit. That kind of joy, His Royal Highness felt that every time he got to enjoy it, he was reluctant to let go.
Yan Cheng Zhou didn't dare to speak casually, and after carefully calculating twice in his head, he gave a reply: "According to the days, it should arrive today or tomorrow."
Zong Zheng Lin's eyes flashed with anticipation, and a smile was obvious on his face. This time, Mu Xi Yao was destined to bow her head and admit defeat.
"Mistress, see who arrived!". Gui Momo's old face was full of smiles.
She had originally gone to get little bun Cheng Qing to bring him to Danrou Courtyard, but then she unexpectedly bumped into Lady Yu halfway, which made her very happy.
Mu Xi Yao's eyes widened, "Mother?"
Lady Yu hurried a few steps and pressed her to sit down. "Sit upright, Mother came to see you today and isn't in a hurry to leave, no need to get busy like this."
Mu Xi Yao heard her say she was in no rush, and immediately smiled sweetly. "Then eat at this daughter's place. Later, don't find a reason to hurry back to look after father."
Seeing her pretending to be pitiful, Lady Yu smiled and flicked her forehead, "How old are you, still so jealous? Your father eats alone, where is he like you, with a group of people waiting on you?"
"This daughter understands, I'm just spilled water [7] that no one cares about. I understand, I understand."
[7] 嫁出去的女兒，潑出去的水 is a Chinese proverb meaning 'Married daughters are like spilled water'. This was true in the old days. In modern China, and more after the one-child policy, this no longer stands. More info in the footnotes below.
"How is it that you don't have no one caring about you? His Sixth Highness is holding you in the palm of his hand, so why are you complaining?" Lady Yu took her hand and looked at the person carefully. "Have you been feeling unwell recently? You don't sleep well at night, and are easily sleepy during the day?"
Huh?
"No, there is no such thing." Mu Xi Yao was confused, why did Lady Yu ask this question out of nowhere?
"You still want to hide it? His Highness specially sent a letter to us, saying that you may be in low spirits during this period of time, and if I'm free, I should come to visit you. He's afraid that something was wrong with you, and he wanted people close to you to take care of you wholeheartedly."
Why did Zong Zheng Lin write a letter full nonsense? Where was she out of energy? Not only did Mu Xi Yao didn't understand, but the people around her were also baffled.
"His Royal Highness said that your energy was getting weaker and weaker. You used to be able to write him letters, but now it seems that this was too difficult. He is not in Sheng Jing, if he can't hear from you, he can't rest assured. He said if you don't mind it, why don't you dictate your letter to mother, and mother will let your father imitate your handwriting and help you write it?"
With this explanation, not one in the room didn't know that this was His Highness and Mu Cefei exchanging blows [8] from thousands of miles of distance. Everyone's expressions were straight, and there was no longer any confusion to be seen.
[8] 在凌空过招, the machine translators put it like this 'fighting in the sky/are standing in the air a thousand miles apart' which I think it's almost like 'two enemies facing each other in the air' and it's so funny, but I dunno if it's a mistake or what. Anyways, add it here in a footnote.
Mu Xi Yao was furious when she heard this. Wow, Zong Zheng Lin, you jerk! Shameless! Even went so far as to snitch to the parents!
Demoness Mu was angry about being tattled on. Now that his sixth Highness had moved this chess piece Lady Yu in such a dignified manner, she really couldn't do anything to block it.
Not only dictate to Lady Yu, even having Sir Mu ghostwrite it? Mu Xi Yao was afraid that Lady Yu would follow Zong Zheng Lin's request and really go and do it. Thinking of the colorful and dazzling [9] content in those letters, she went almost dizzy and even gave herself goosebumps. If her father really saw it, wouldn't he just say "immoral!" and scold her to death?
[9] 肉 was used, which means meat, and meat is used in Chinese works to talk about smut, lmao.
Seeing her Mistress' blazing gaze, Mo Lan quickly looked away.
Those eyes were a sign of anger, but this time, Mistress really asked for trouble. Obviously, this could be avoided if in the past Mistress' had written a few more words, but she choose to be dishonest and trick his Highness. Now that Furen asked about this, how could Mistress carry on her bad habits and continue being lazy?
Mu Xi Yao's face was stiff. No matter what, she couldn't let such a humiliating thing happen.
Big boss was really insidious and cunning, and his belly was black and evil to the point of bursting! [10] Mu Xi Yao wished she could pounce on him and bite him twice to vent her anger.
[10] 腹黑 Fu hei. Used to mean that someone is secretly quite evil/sly/manipulative with a deceiving facade, so you will only know that the person is black belly after being eaten up.
"Mother," Mu Xi Yao pulled at Lady Yu's cuff, "his Highness was just talking nonsense."
Before she finished speaking, Lady Yu stared at her fiercely. Mu Xi Yao quickly changed her words, "What this daughter means is that his Highness is distressing himself too much. This little thing is not worth his agitation."
Mu Xi Yao was feeling depressed. She had to praise that bastard twice against her heart, obviously, she hated it. Taking a deep breath, she continued the interrupted 'explanation'.
"Isn't it cooler these days?". She pointed to Cheng Qing playing in the yard. "Children, they don't like being confined in the house. So I took him for two laps. He was making a bit of noise, and as I'm pregnant, I too was a bit sleepy. Naturally, I was so tired that I didn't want to write."
Mu Xi Yao didn't blink while talking nonsense, not feeling the slightest shame. Litte bun Cheng Qing was really useful, even when facing Consort Shu and Lady Yu, it was an easy task for him to take them down.
Gui Momo and the rest looked at their little master who was sitting on the ground playing puzzles obediently and then looked back at his mother who dodged responsibility. Everyone felt sorry for the little master.
How could such a well-behaved and obedient little master who was not noisy at all always be talked about by Mistress like this? Whenever Mistress was in the wrong, it was always the little master who saved the scene. The little master who hadn't yet reached one year didn't have it easy…
As soon as Lady Yu heard that she had gone outside to play while pregnant, she immediately expressed her disapproval and started to lecture her. This lecture did not stop completely until after lunch. From time to time, she would still give a couple of points, the most important thing was to warn her to not let His Highness worry, now that he was running an errand, it was best to let him have peace of mind, so he could concentrate on the task at hand.
For the first time, Mu Xi Yao was extremely hopeful that Lady Yu would go back to accompany her father to have a good meal. That would at least let her ears rest during dinner.
Mu Xi Yao bitterly acknowledged that the big boss was unethical and he operated in violation of the law.
The same method would not work with Consort Shu. Consort Shu loved Zong Zheng Lin's emotional expression in any form and wished for Mu Xi Yao to stimulate his son to react more.
Mu Xi Yao was really sad and angry that she couldn't use the tit-for-tat move. She didn't have the guts to go to Emperor Yuancheng and sue his son for abuse of power, and for being deceitful.
Demoness Mu deeply felt that in Great Wei it was vogue to rely on his father's wealth and prestige to get ahead. As expected, the emperor's son was the most annoying, rich, and handsome!
So the Sixth Highness got what he wanted, and since then he received letters from Mu Xi Yao, all of which were full of spring breeze [11].
[11] Shine with happiness; be all smiles; be smiling from ear to ear; look like a million dollars; one's face is full of joy.
Chapter 139: To scale the gates
"Sir Wei, are you going to Danruo Courtyard again?" Tian Fu Shan smiled meaningfully, teasing Wei Zhen unceremoniously.
Wei Zhen walked past him with a serious face. When he saw that no one was close, his expression couldn't hold back any longer. On a whim, Mistress Yao suddenly cared about his life-long affairs [1]. From time to time, she called him to Danruo Courtyard to "mention some important points", and even handed him the little master [2] to him to "start his foundation on Kung Fu".
[1] 大事 Dàshì. Major major social event (wedding or funeral). In this context means his marriage.
[2] 小主子 Xiǎo zhǔzi - Little master or young master. All the servants refer to Cheng Quin like this. Somehow realized that I never said it.
Wei Zhen still remembered that when Mistress explained this, a room full of people had blank expressions. The two Momos especially were desperate to persuade her. It was a pity that without His Royal Highness in the scene, Mistress Yao was the master of one [3].
[3] 说一不二 shuō yī bù èr - to say one and mean just that (idiom)/ say one and it never becomes two/ to keep one's word. It means whatever Mu Xi Yao says it's gonna be done, it's gotta be done. No one can't defy her words.
And now, it was time for him to start the little master in his roots.
"Sir." Mo Lan handed over the little master jumping with excitement to Wei Zhen.
Wei Zhen had gone through the initial panic, so now he was able to pick up the little master in a decent manner.
"Wei Wei!" Little bun [4] Cheng Qing remembered the big man who could lift him high up in front of him. As soon as he saw Wei Zhen, he showed a big smile.
[4] 小包子 Xiǎo bāozi - Little bun.
Looking at the little master who was carved out of the same mold as his sixth Highness, the respect in Wei Zhen's heart remained undiminished. After playing with the little master for a while, he bowed again and led him to the martial arts training ground in the front yard to watch the guards practice boxing.
At this time, Cheng Qing's eyes were always wide open, and he laid quietly in his arms as he stared at the men practicing their skills.
Mo Lan followed behind him with her little maid, nervously watching the figure of the little master. Every moment, her heart seemed to have nowhere to go. She was afraid that Sir Wei would knock or hold the little master too roughly and she also worried that the little master's clothing would be pulled off and so let him get cold and cause him sickness. Then it would not be good.
But Wei Zhen was very attentive to Cheng Qing. Although he was not as meticulous as the Momos, nevertheless he still protected him everywhere. Now, seeing the little master watching attentively at the guards' practicing their martial arts, he couldn't help but sigh. He was indeed the eldest son of His Royal Highness. He was this old, but he still showed a keen interest in martial arts. Afraid that when he grows up, he would also be very talented, and will definitely make great achievements in the area.
Mo Lan went back several times to report back to Mu Xi Yao, worried that it would be inappropriate for the little master to contact these fights too early, but Mu Xi Yao waved her hands and stopped her. She didn't care, instead, she praised Wei Zhen for being able to use his brain. He had found a way to keep that little naughty [5] bastard quiet.
[5] 调皮 tiáo pí means 'naughty/mischievous/unruly' and 蛋 dàn means 'egg', so she's calling him a naught egg. The complete sentence was 小调皮蛋 xiǎo diàopí dàn. 皮蛋 pídàn means 'egg; preserved egg' but it can also mean 'naughty/mischievous /to act up'. (A dictionary said it was a 'term of abuse' LMAO). So, we actually have four characters saying how naught CQ is, from MXY' eyes.
In the blink of an eye, more than half a month passed, and Mu Xi Yao was pleased to see how everything was going according to her wishes: Wei Zhen was gradually becoming more at ease in Danruo Courtyard. She was watching with a smile as Wei Zhen held the little bun's hand, teaching him how to play pitch-pot [6] when she saw Zhao Momo walking quickly towards her.
[6] 投壶 tóuhú - Ancient banquet game of throwing arrows into a pot, the winner determined by the number of arrows thrown in, and the loser required to drink as punishment. Here's a video of it from The Story of Ming Lan, starting at 0:25.
"Mistress, the fourth Princess is visiting. Princess Consort He Lian asked you to please come to the main house."
Fourth Princess? Mu Xi Yao felt the title very familiar. Seeing Wei Zhen's busy back, Oh, I remembered.
Wasn't she born from Concubine De, the fourth daughter of the Emperor, Zong Zheng Ying? His Royal Highness sent someone to buy her golden-crowned hummingbird. And she, Mu Xi Yao, personally sent Concubine De to the cold palace. Was this dropping in at one's enemy door?
"Master, do you want this old slave to come back and refuse for you? Should I just say that you are pregnant and too heavy to move, so you need to be in bed to rest?" The fourth Princess was obviously an ill-intended visitor. She chose to come to the door when his Highness left the capital and specifically announced her surname and intention to meet Cefei. Doing it like this made it difficult for people to refuse to meet her.
"Since you're pregnant and your body is heavy, then Bengong [7] came to visit in person, just like this. He Lian-shi, don't you [8] speak on my behalf?" Zong Zheng Ying entered the curtain in person, followed by He Lian Min Min with a dark face.
[7] 本宫 běn gōng - lit. "this palace"; illeism for members of the Imperial Family and imperial consorts who have their own rooms/palace, and who may thus refer to themselves as "this palace." This illeism is mainly used by females: the Empress, the Emperor's daughters, and major consorts. (From Dreams of Jianghu).
[8] 你 nǐ - You (informal, as opposed to courteous 您). She's being rude.
The two of them were followed by maidservants, and in the blink of an eye, the main hall where Mu Xi Yao was staying became lively.
The fourth Princess was too much of a tyrant and acted arbitrarily in the sixth Prince's Mansion, she even went against her and took people to Danruo Courtyard directly. He Lian Min Min was the Princess Consort of Zong Zheng Lin. Of course, she and Zong Zheng Ying did not mix well. The two of them already had a few rounds of guns and back arrows [9], each with a knowing smile and a hidden knife [10].
[9] 暗箭 ànjiàn - a stab in the back.
[10] 笑里藏刀 xiàolǐcángdāo - lit. a dagger hidden in smiles (idiom); friendly manners belying hypocritical intentions.
The instant Mu Xi Yao saw Chu Lan being held and kneeling under the sun from the gap of the raised curtain, her expression changed in an instant.
This Zong Zheng Ying talent had just arrived, yet she had already made her position clear. Was this trying to face her head-on based on her identity?
"Mu cefei, Bengong came to visit in person. Although I understand your clumsy body and won't be harsh enough to ask you to do the full salute, in this scene, is it possible to pass the etiquette of honor and inferiority [11]?" Zong Zheng Ying raised her chin. She squinted at Mu Xi Yao from the corner of her eyes, if it weren't for the smile on her face, the naked hatred in her eyes would scare people to death.
[11] 尊卑 zūnbēi - superior and subordinate/social ranking. She's saying she's above her, don't know how else to put it so I just kept the raws.
As Zong Zheng Ying spoke, she chose the top armchair [12] in the hall and sat down, obviously putting pressure on Mu Xi Yao, who had not made any movement as she leaned on the soft couch.
[12] 上首 shàngshǒu - the seat of honor / first place.
He Lian Min Min sat side by side with Zong Zheng Ying with a straight face, her aura never once weakened. When His Royal Highness wasn't in the Mansion, she couldn't let others spoil the face of the Prince's Mansion. As for the relationship between Mu Xi Yao and Zong Zheng Ying, if Zong Zheng Ying's methods were strong enough to take care of that vixen, as long as it wasn't too outrageous, she will naturally be happy to see Mu Xi Yao being humiliated.
As for Zong Zheng Ying, a woman who could never become an ally, she naturally had to take into account the face of His Highness the sixth Highness, and uphold his reputation. If there were sharp words mixed in this conversation, believe that His Highness will not blame her.
Mu Xi Yao was silent for a moment, with a humble smile on her face.
"It's this concubine who neglected the Princess, asking the Princess for forgiveness". She slowly held out her left hand, as her eyes signaled Zhao Momo to help her up.
Mama Zhao held out her hand. In these cases, the Master was the one who set the rhythm, one just needed to follow. As Mistress had stretched out her hand first, she could put forward her hand too. Leaning over slightly, she helped Mu Xi Yao to walk slowly toward the fourth Princess.
Standing three or five steps away from her, Mu Xi Yao bowed her knees and gave a full salute.
"This concubine greets the fourth Princess. Thanking the Princess for caring so much about this concubine, and coming to visit in person."
He Lian Min Min felt doubtful seeing her so out of character. The etiquette was perfect, she showed respect and dignity even with her stomach being in the way. What was in this woman's heart?
Zong Zheng Ying sneered at her charade. In her heart, she hated Mu Xi Yao even more. It was this damn bitch in front of her. If it weren't for her, she as the dignified fourth Princess of Wei, wouldn't have lost the support of her mother's family overnight and become the one with the weakest backing among the few married Princesses.
Holding the horsewhip in her hand and rubbing it carefully, out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of Mu Xi Yao still bowing her knees and bowing her head, and her heart couldn't help but feel happy.
No matter how favored she was, her only protection was a man. Now that Zong Zheng Lin was not here, wasn't she only a pheasant that had her feathers plucked? Instigating Zong Zheng Lin to make her, Zong Zheng Ying, bow her head, now, this humiliation ought to be honestly swallowed by her.
The sixth Highness did a very good job of keeping secrets. Zong Zheng Ying only learned from the people [13] of her now abolished Mother-Concubine that her golden-crowned hummingbird was now raised by Mu Xi Yao in the yard, holding it every day to tease and have fun. This was simply slapping her in the face, hanging the hummingbirds on the branches of her house every day to play with, just trying to take the opportunity to humiliate her.
[13] 死士 sǐshì - person willing to sacrifice his life (for a good cause). I'm guessing the consort De put spies on ZZL's mansion, and now these people without a master went to her. In the raws, it said 'the dead people of the princess mansion' which doesn't make sense.
Zong Zheng Lin dared to coerce her into giving him her bird, choking her breath. She waited, and now that he was far from the mansion, she could settle accounts with him. Picking on Mu-shi today was just the first battle after having their faces tore [14]. Forcing her Mother-Concubine to be mad and abolished, this hatred could only be paid with the life of Mu.
[14]撕破脸 - rip open the face (the veneer of mutual respect being torn off); offend sb. openly; shed all pretenses.
Chapter 140: The angry guest
"Are you satisfied with Bengong's hummingbird?" Zong Zheng Ying's face was long and thin, and her expression was slightly sarcastic.
"I thank the Princess for her grace. It is a treasure to enjoy." Mu Xi Yao worked hard to maintain her manners. Her mouth was respectful, but she didn't show any cowardice.
Zong Zheng Lin's reward should be firmly grasped in her hands. If she couldn't keep the benefits given by the boss, what was the difference between her and wasted wood [1]?
[1] 废柴 fèichái (Cantonese) (coll.) good-for-nothing/ loser/ the losers club/a waste.
Although Zong Zheng Ying noticed her glib, her tongue was skillfully blocked by her high hat [2]. She wanted to continue competing with Mu Xi Yao, but He Lian Min Min at the side made her retreat.
[2] 高帽子 gāomàozi - tall conical paper hat worn as a public humiliation/ (fig.) flattery
"Your Royal Highness [3], Mu-shi's body is heavy. On consideration of it, could you favor her, and allow her to sit down and speak slowly?"
[3] She calls her 公主殿下. 公主 gōngzhǔ means princess while 殿下 diànxià means Your Majesty (honorific) / His or Her Highness. The raws put it like 'Princess Highness'.
He Lian Min Min's question made Zong Zheng Ying disgusted with her in all kinds of ways, but it helped her keep the appearances as the Princess Consort.
The fourth Princess displayed her identity and used it to take advantage of the sixth Prince's Mansion people. She didn't have an ounce of sense of propriety. If Mu Xi Yao had it good or bad, this crime naturally couldn't be blamed on her as a Princess, but the pressure on He Lian Min Min would leave her breathless.
If the sixth Highness knew of today's events, don't speak of He Lian Min Min, even Zong Zheng Ying wouldn't lead a good life.
Although Zong Zheng Lin respected her, she also knew a little about the man's methods outside. Everyone in the court said that his Highness was cold and harsh. This reputation was not just spread out to scare people. Her father, Sir He Lian worked hard and was especially careful around Zong Zheng Lin. It could be seen that his Highness was not a kind person.
At this moment, Zong Zheng Ying did not know who she was fighting. She dared to challenge Mu-shi now, but wasn't she afraid that his Highness would come back and put her on the spot?
When Wei Zhen saw the situation outside, he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot [4]. He couldn't help but go to the front and ask Tian Fu Shan to go to Consort Su and find a way out. Just as he was about to leave, he saw the previous Mistress Yao's slightly buried head move and uncover a sharp look that crossed over the window, stopping all his movements in an instant.
[4] 热锅上的蚂蚁 règuōshangdemǎyǐ - (like) a cat on a hot tin roof / anxious/agitated
Those eyes made him go cold all over, there was no fear in them, only coolness. Wei Zhen felt a certain kind of deja vu with this type of calm and chilling gaze.
Was Mistress Yiyao being wise, deliberately taking the opportunity to signal him, telling him not to act rashly? Wei Zhen had waited in front of Zong Zheng Lin for years, and he was very capable of looking at people's eyes and guessing the Master's mind.
Since Mistress Yao stopped him, Wei Zhen rushed to escort the little master back to the side hall and repeatedly explained that the Momo was not allowed to take the little master out. Only then could he rest assured to turn back and stand in the shadow of the main hall, guarding.
"Oh? He Lian is very virtuous. Why didn't I hear before that the wife and concubines of sixth brother got along like sisters?" Zong Zheng Ying snorted coldly, unable to see He Lian Min Min's virtuous and generous appearance.
Even with the position of the principal wife, she still had to speak for her rival in order to win a man's heart. Zong Zheng Ying despised this kind of woman the most.
"Since the principal consort is being so generous, how can Bengong still let you suffer injustice?" Zong Zheng Ying slapped the whip on the carved table, "Get up." After tossing her with a little effort, she felt a lot more comfortable.
Mu Xi Yao's buried head covered all her expression. After thanking her politely, she held the arm of Zhao Momo, moved her numb legs and feet, and sat down.
He Lian Min Min secretly observed her, but Mu Xi Yao kept being humble and decent, and a hint of fatigue could be seen between her eyebrows. In response to Zong Zheng Ying's hidden questions, she tried to avoid the sharpness, without a word of contention.
Why? He Lian Min Min couldn't understand.
According to Mu Xi Yao's usual style, no matter whether they were the women in the mansion or the concubines in the palace, as long as they were hostile to her, she always fought back with thunder, and her means were even more powerful.
This time, Zong Zheng Ying made a special trip to fight her. Why did Mu Xi Yao back down, again and again, holding back, letting the other take the upper hand?
Not only did He Lian Min Min fail to think about it, but all the servants at Mu Xi Yao's service frowned, unable to guess their Mistress' mind. To say that Mistress' was afraid without the support of his Royal Highness, even the low-ranked servants in Danruo Courtyard didn't believe this statement. Mistress dared to bicker with his Royal Highness and being cold to him for ten days and a half months was something she treated casually. She could deal with the aloof sixth Royal Highness this calmly. Could she still be afraid of the fourth Princess who didn't have a maiden family to back her up?
If Mu Xi Yao could hear their thoughts, she would ask someone to properly make up their missed lesson.
She was unscrupulous in front of Zong Zheng Lin only because that pleased his temperament. The boss was thinking of her and couldn't bear to see her unhappy. If one day Zong Zheng Lin changed his taste and she dared to even wink at him, what will happen? No need to deal with the boss, she can find a rope to hang herself, that would be better than bearing the brunt of Zong Zheng Lin's iron fist.
So, being the boss's pet was the number one priority. The guidelines to a beloved concubine set by Mu Xi Yao early on always urged her to work hard and not slack off.
As for whether she was afraid or not, that was another matter entirely.
For example, in front of emperor Yuancheng, she had to pretend to be a grandson [5] honestly. Standing at Zong Zheng Lin's side, it was common and not difficult to be afraid, how could it be that she wasn't? If he treated her with a sincere heart, how could she ever have a need to curry his favor by every means possible?
[5] Grandson or 孙子. In the Chinese context, "grandson" is sometimes used to insult others, implying that the scolded person is the ancestor of the person being scolded. There is also a saying of "pretending to be a grandson", which refers to flattering others because of asking for something, as if the other person is his own grandparents. (Chinese Wikipedia).
Someone once said that the grace gained from striving for favor was never pure. In truth, she didn't believe him. No matter how she acted or behaved, those were mostly means, and not her true intentions. To please him was to fight for favor, being ostentatious and bossy was also fighting for favor.
It was just that the mean she applied with Zong Zheng Lin were difficult to use on Zong Zheng Ying.
Therefore, there was no comparison between the sixth Prince and the fourth Princess. Mu Xi Yao admitted she was afraid.
Although the Princes and Princesses were equally valuable, they held entirely different meanings to Emperor Yuancheng.
All the big things she had been involved with before, those were battles between the princes. In the eyes of emperor Yuancheng, she was merely a chess piece that was meant to be used by people, absolutely weak. Even if there was resistance, it was also struggling for survival and that was to be expected. The only thing she had going on for herself, was her intelligence, and even this ultimate protection was minimized as she was female; she could only be considered smart among women.
Now it was Zong Zheng Ying, the fourth Princess, who came to ask for trouble. Not long ago, she had lost her mother's support. She was all alone in the Princess mansion. She lived her small life without worrying about food and clothing. She had no power or influence.
For emperor Yuancheng, not to say how much he doted on her, he should still cherish her. If she stood her ground and dared be sharp with her, how would emperor Yuancheng feel if she dared to clean up his people?
As an emperor, he saw women scuffling too often. In his eyes, afraid that even if Zong Zheng Ying was wrong, he would just indulge her arrogant ways. This common fault of the Princess was not a big deal. As long as things were simple, Mu Xi Yao will never be, in his eyes, more reasonable than Zong Zheng Ying.
She had already lost regarding bloodline. Now, if she dared to step on the fourth Princess with her puny identity of cefei, she would stand no chance of winning the battle. In particular, Shengjing city was now short of the big boss!
Most of the time, Mu Xi Yao didn't need to borrow Zong Zheng Lin's power. He only needed to be a deterrent.
Now the situation was unfavorable to her, the best response was to avoid the sharp edges [6], and launch He Lian Min Min out to resist one or two punches. Just wait for when they're on equal standing, then it will be different and even making a move to retaliate would be easier.
[6] the tip of the sword, many metaphor sharp points of things: the struggle.
Zong Zheng Ying had already pinned a crime in her head, and she was decided to be ruthless. Since both sides have become deadly enemies, a later confrontation was absolutely inevitable.
Mu Xi Yao was sitting respectfully but her heart was full of twists and turns [7]. If she had not guessed wrong, Zong Zheng Ying just dropped by to 'say hello'. In the future, according to her status as a Princess, the most advantageous battlefield was not the prince's residence, but the deep palace!
[7] 千回百转 qiān huí bǎi zhuǎn convoluted (of plots, etc.); full of twists and turns (idiom)/ not smooth.
"Did Mu cefei not hear the words of Bengong clearly?" Zong Zheng Ying felt that today's trip was really a relief. Mu's head was bowed properly, and He Lian was so angered that she had long lost her composure. Zong Zheng Lin's women were just so! [8]
[8] 不过如此 bùguòrúcǐ - (idiom) nothing more than this; that's all; no big deal; not very impressive.
"The fourth Princess' is right. My servant girl bumped into Your Highness today. She should be punished." Mu Xi Yao smiled as she recognized her faults. Her attitude was very good.
He Lian Min Min was so angry at her soft words that her liver ached. This Mu-shi was so sleek! Now she can see that, without his Highness' support, Mu-shi pretended to be soft and meek, and so pushed her to the front stage. It was a pity that she couldn't get rid of the restriction of her identity as Princess Consort, and so she had to play according to her book!
"It's good to recognize good and bad. Afraid some people can't tell right from wrong." She looked at He Lian Min Min from the corner of her eyes, the words sounded heavier with her obvious disdain.
Mu herself had already wielded the white flag, it could be said she had sense, but He Lian-shi was still holding on, wanting to fight her. In this way, Mu-shi was indeed much more cunning than He Lian-shi.
"It was good to see cefei this time. Bengong will no stay longer. After giving birth, go sit in the palace often, everyone hasn't seen cefei show up for a long time now."
Zong Zheng Ying's whip blew up in the air, the glare she used to look at Mu Xi Yao was obviously not good.
When Mu Xi Yao was out of her confinement, she will surely go to the palace many times. She will have plenty of time to clean up this bitch. This occasion was only a loan interest. Next time, let her experience the joy of being humiliated in public.
Zong Zheng Ying in a full riding outfit stepped on her riding boots, strutted, led the people to throw off the curtain, and left with a high-spirited air.
He Lian Min Min stared at Mu Xi Yao with a face full of anger as she sent off Zong Zheng Ying at the gate.
"Mistress, why did cefei..."
"You wish to ask why did she change her attitude?"
"Why does this slaves think this is not right? When did cefei suffer this kind of anger in the mansion, and was able to endure it?"
"You think that woman has such a good temper? She was just waiting for the right time. In the absence of His Highness, she did not need to risk herself. When His Highness comes back, you will then see the nature of this woman by looking at how she encourages him to act".
"Mistress means that in order to protect herself, cefei deliberately avoided fighting? Isn't that hard for you? If she retreats like this, if the Princess comes to the door again, the face of the prince's mansion wouldn't then be supported by you alone?"
"How long can she hide? She will give birth in a month. Afterward, she will have to stand with me, she can't let me fight that crazy woman alone." He Lian Min Min finally woke up a little bit.
She was admonished by He Lian Zhang several times and entrusted by Zong Zheng Lin. After several ups and downs, she hadn't won his Highness' heart but she became much calmer.
"Let's turn around and go to Fang Hua garden to see Su cefei. This woman has spent half a month enclosed in her courtyard. As a half master of the prince's residence, she should share some responsibilities." He Lian Min Min couldn't calculate against Mu Xi Yao, but she was full of confidence regarding Su Lin Rou.
As long as you hold her up, and then belittle Mu-shi's ability in front of her, Su Lin Rou, who has been eager to win over his Royal Highness, will never let go of an opportunity to make great achievements.