The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 137

“Your Highness, the three Misses from the residence have brought Miss Xiao Qiao over to express their gratitude,” Yan Cheng Zhou reported with a somewhat awkward expression.

Three young ladies came to seek an audience all at once in the middle of the evening. Except for one who was well-mannered, the other two wore heavy makeup and pestered him for a long time, almost forcing their way in.

Zong Zheng Lin leaned against the couch bed and gently flipped through the pages of a book with his right hand. “Did you say it was the Third Miss or three Misses?”

The maidservant had previously stated that she was chosen by the Third Miss to wait upon her, so why have two more people suddenly appeared out of nowhere to express their gratitude?

Upon hearing His Highness’s tone, Yan Cheng Zhou knew that his Master didn’t have a favorable impression of those troublesome women. “Your Highness, it is true that three young ladies have come. Except for the First Miss of the House who is not here, the rest of the ladies are waiting outside.”

“Bring in the Third Miss of Wang House. Bendian won’t see the others.” Zong Zheng Lin put down the book and straightened his collar. He then lifted the hem of his robe, put his long legs down on the ground, and slowly walked to the rattan chair to sit down.

After a while, a young woman entered the room with a newly dressed Chun Yu Yao.

“This common woman greets Your Highness.”

“Rise.”

She had an ordinary appearance that couldn’t even compare to many maidservants in the prince’s residence. Seeing that she wasn’t a woman who engaged in coquettish behavior, Zong Zheng Lin’s expression softened a little.

“You can forgo the thanks.”

The Third Miss looked embarrassed. As she looked at the imposing Sixth Highness, she didn’t know how to speak up.

She was forced by her second sister and fourth younger sister to bring Xiao Qiao over, but now those two were blocked outside, leaving her completely unsure of how to deal with the current situation.

Since her Mistress was so cautious, Chun Yu Yao became even more careful. She was supposed to express her gratitude, but apart from paying him respect, she didn’t dare to say a word more. The man in front of her was so aloof that just looking at him was frightening.

“You didn’t want to come; did someone force you?” Seeing their expression, Zong Zheng Lin knew that this pair of mistress and maidservant was pressured into tonight’s matter.

Seeing that His Highness had seen through the subtleties of the situation, the Third Miss instantly became nervous. If His Highness became angry, a single pertinent comment from his imperial mouth could ruin the reputation of the daughters of Wang House.

“Are you a daughter of a concubine?” As Zong Zheng Lin observed her meek demeanor, he couldn’t imagine a di daughter behaving like her.

“Replying to Your Highness, this common woman is the daughter of the fifth concubine.”

It made sense. According to Mu Xi Yao, the children of the concubines were all raised by stepmothers. The principal wives were fierce shrews in the guise of virtuousness toward children born to other women besides themselves. Naturally, Mu Xi Yao’s mother was an exception.

As Zong Zheng Lin recalled her absurd reasoning and compared it to the current situation, he found that although the little woman’s words were harsh, they often hit the mark.

As for Mu Xi Yao’s tendency to always protect those close to her, the Sixth Highness has already gotten used to it. All the dissatisfaction aimed at the principal wife must exclude her mother and eldest sister. Similarly, any sharp criticism against the concubines must omit her and that good-for-nothing shu sister of hers. Mu Xi Yao’s two sets of rules each followed their own path and never contradicted each other, so why should she be ashamed?

Thinking of how she shamelessly defended her family, Zong Zheng Lin found such Mu Xi Yao especially adorable. This woman had a kind of persistence that warmed one’s heart.

Looking at the meek and cowering Chun Yu Yao, who dared not raise her head, Zong Zheng Lin could tolerate the unpleasing sight of her a little bit. At least in front of that face, he was unable to get angry.

This glaring disharmony made it very difficult for Zong Zheng Lin to bear. If Mu Xi Yao could pretend to be like this, Zong Zheng Lin was sure that she definitely had some ulterior motive in her mind. At least those eyes would be vivid and turning restlessly.

“If there is nothing else, you may leave.” Having understood Chun Yu Yao’s situation, Zong Zheng Lin lost interest in chatting.

“Yes. This common woman thanks Your Highness for a helping hand. This common woman will take her leave with her maidservant.”

As if having been forgiven for a serious offense, the Third Miss bowed and quickly left with Chun Yu Yao.

Yan Cheng Zhou was still in a state of shock. The room was brightly lit with candles, so he finally saw clearly the woman named Xiao Qiao who actually had a striking resemblance to Mistress Yao in the residence. No wonder His Highness showed them extra generosity and allowed them to enter. He looked at Ye Kai, who was serving at the side. As expected, he also had an enlightened expression.

“Yan Cheng Zhou, where did they go before?”

“Your Highness, this pair of mistress and maidservant went to the Fifth Highness’s place before. Just like you, His Fifth Highness also turned away the other two misses.”

Zong Zheng Lin nodded. The young ladies in the residence were indeed well-educated. Zong Zheng Ming probably had the same thoughts as him when he received the Third Miss.

Chun Yu Yao….this woman was trouble.

“Has the letter to Cefei been delivered?” Zong Zheng Lin closed his eyes and pictured Mu Xi Yao’s angry expression. A smile formed at the corner of his lips. It was a pity that they were too far apart; if she were in front of him, the Sixth Highness would have enjoyed taming this disobedient domestic rabbit, reluctant to let go of her.

Yan Cheng Zhou didn’t dare to speak rashly. After two rounds of careful calculations in his mind, he replied, “Based on the days, it should arrive within the next two days.”

Zong Zheng Lin’s phoenix eyes flickered with anticipation, and a smile appeared on his face. Mu Xi Yao was bound to admit defeat this time.

——

“Mistress, look who’s here.” Gui Momo’s old face was full of smiles. She was originally supposed to take Cheng Qing to the main house but unexpectedly ran into the Madam on the way, which made her very happy.

Mu Xi Yao’s beautiful eyes widened, “Mother?”

Lady Yu hurried over and pressed her to sit down, “Sit still. Mother came to see you today and is in no hurry to leave. You needn’t busy yourself with trivial matters.”

Mu Xi Yao smiled sweetly upon hearing that her mother wasn’t in a hurry to leave. “Then have a meal at your daughter’s place. Later, you mustn’t make an excuse to hurry back and only attend to father.”

Seeing Mu Xi Yao’s feigned grievance, Lady Yu tapped her forehead with a smile. “You’re already so grown up, why are you still jealous? Your father eats alone. How can he compare to you, who has a group of people serving you?”

“Daughter knows that “a daughter is like a spilled water¹”, whom no one looks after. Daughter understands, understands.” Mu Xi Yao became more pretentious as she spoke, nodding her head vigorously. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

“Now you know there’s no one to look after you? When His Highness restricted the food you consumed, how come I only heard your complaints?” Lady Yu took her hand and examined her closely. “Have you been feeling unwell lately? Are you having trouble sleeping at night and feeling drowsy during the day?”

Hm? “No, there’s no such thing,” Mu Xi Yao said, puzzled. Why would Lady Yu ask such a question out of the blue?

“Are you still trying to hide it? His Highness specifically sent a letter to the residence saying that you have not been in good spirits lately. His Highness asked your mother to visit you often and ensure that you have close people taking care of you wholeheartedly in case of anything happening.”

Why did Zong Zheng Lin write a letter? When was she not feeling well?

Not only Mu Xi Yao failed to understand, but even people who were waiting upon her had also puzzled expressions.

“His Highness said that your vigor has been deteriorating and that writing a family letter that you used to handle easily now seems very difficult. He’s not in Shengjing, and can’t rest assured since he cannot get immediate news in case of an emergency. If you don’t mind, why don’t you dictate a letter to your mother and mother will ask your father to write it on your behalf?”

With this explanation, who in the room didn’t know that His Highness and Cefei were crossing swords from thousands of miles of distance? Everyone straightened their face and there was no more confusion.

Mu Xi Yao was infuriated as she listened. Sure, Zong Zheng Lin, you scoundrel! He actually has the nerve to shamelessly complain to her parents!

What angered demoness Mu the most was being tattled on. Now that the Sixth Highness has blatantly brought Lady Yu out, she really had no way out.

Not only has she to dictate a letter to Lady Yu but have Sir Mu write it out on her behalf. Mu Xi Yao feared that if she followed Zong Zheng Lin’s request, the content of the letter will be so nauseatingly cheesy that it will give people goosebumps. Sir Mu will be powerless to…..will her father call it “indecent” while lecturing her?

Mo Lan noticed her Mistress’s bright eyes and quickly looked away.

It was a sign that Mistress was about to get angry. Mistress was really asking for trouble. It was obvious that if she just wrote a few more words, her duty would be done, but she had to misbehave in front of His Highness. Now that Madam had asked about this, how would Mistress cover up her laziness?

Mu Xi Yao’s face stiffened. She couldn’t let such a shameful thing as “dictation” happen.

The Big Boss was sinister, cunning, black-bellied², and extremely evil! Mu Xi Yao wished she could pounce on him and bite him hard to vent her anger.

“Mother,” Mu Xi Yao shamelessly tried to get out of the predicament. She tugged at Lady Yu’s sleeve, “His Highness is worrying unnecessarily.”

Before she could finish her sentence, she was fiercely glared at by Lady Yu. Mu Xi Yao quickly changed her words, “What daughter means is that His Highness is too considerate. Such a small matter is not worth his attention.”

Mu Xi Yao was aggrieved. Even when giving a response, she had to praise that scoundrel against her will. She obviously hated him very much.

After taking a deep breath, she continued with her interrupted “explanation”. “Hasn’t it been cooler these few days? Cheng Qing often points to the courtyard to play there. Children don’t like to be cooped up indoors, so daughter took him for a few more walks. I was a bit fatigued as he was being quite energetic, hence daughter didn’t feel like writing.”

Mu Xi Yao lied through her teeth without any guilt. The little bun Cheng Qing was her miraculous remedy. Whether he faced Consort Shu or Lady Yu, he could easily win them over.

Gui Momo and others looked at the Young Master who was sitting on the ground playing with a puzzle and then at his mother who was shifting the blame. Everyone felt wronged for the Young Master.

Such a well-behaved and obedient Young Master, why was he always being described as naughty by Mistress Yao? Whenever Mistress made a mistake, it was the Young Master who saved the day. This little guy who hadn’t even turned one year old didn’t have it easy….

As soon as Lady Yu heard that she was causing trouble outside while pregnant, she immediately began to reprimand her. The lecture continued even after lunch. Lady Yu occasionally offered advice and, most importantly, warned Mu Xi Yao not to worry His Highness. Men should never be distracted when handling important affairs.

For the first time, Mu Xi Yao was extremely hopeful that Lady Yu would return early to accompany Sir Mu for a proper meal. At least her ears would be spared during dinner.

Mu Xi Yao reluctantly acknowledged her defeat in the face of Big Boss’s unscrupulousness and violation of rules.

The same strategy wouldn’t work with Her Ladyship Consort Shu, as she enjoyed seeing emotional reactions from Zong Zheng Lin and even wished Mu Xi Yao could provoke more responses from her son.

Mu Xi Yao was truly indignant that she couldn’t retaliate in kind. She didn’t have the guts to go to the Yuancheng Emperor and sue his son for speaking nonsense and abusing his power.

Demoness Mu was convinced that the trend of “using the influence of one’s father for personal gain” was rampant in Great Wei and the Emperor’s son was the most annoying example of an all-perfect man!

As a result, the Sixth Highness got what he wanted, and from then on, whenever he received a family letter from Mu Xi Yao, a radiant smile filled his face; quite proud of himself.

Translation notes:

[1] A married-off daughter is like spilled water a Chinese idiom that describes the traditional idea that a daughter is considered to be someone else’s family member after she is married and leaves her parents’ home, much like the water that has been poured out cannot be retrieved. The phrase is often used to express the idea that once someone has left, they are beyond control or influence.

[2] Black Belly is a term to describe a person who seems extremely kind and honest. Someone who is very hardworking A gentle person.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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