13 Thank You Gift
◎I am truly flattered◎
Cui Rumei's eyes were dodging, and there was a hint of tenderness in them, as if she was about to cry.
She must have Fu Hua under her control at this rate.
"Princess, stop joking. You are the Crown Prince's legal wife. How could you fall?"
Rong Qianyu ignored her. She had done Cui Rumei a favor, but this person was so ungrateful. "Liu Cairen, please stay for a moment. Everyone else please leave."
"Yes." Everyone responded and retreated.
Cui Rumei stood up reluctantly, brushed off the dust on her body, and retreated with a sigh.
I saw Xue Ji coming to give me a gift. He was wearing a black fox fur cloak and his crimson official uniform.
"Greetings, Lord Xue." She stepped forward quickly and saluted.
Xue Ji didn't like her. He always disliked such pretentious people. He disliked them very much in private, but he had to give her face for the sake of face.
After all, she is now the prince's concubine. After years of forbearance, she finally got what she wanted. "Miss Cui has endured for many years and finally got her wish. Congratulations."
She smiled happily and said, "Thank you for your kind words, sir." She wanted to tell everyone that she had made it.
Xue Ji turned to leave when Cui Rumei called him. "Sir."
"Cui Cairen, is there anything else?"
She brushed the loose hair on her forehead, twisted her body and walked towards him, pretending to be weak and said, "This servant, this servant hopes that you can take good care of me in the future."
Xue Ji had a strong fragrance on her body, but it was not unpleasant. He hated women who were too pretentious, and the strong smell of rouge on her body made him feel even more disgusted.
Fortunately, it is a chilly winter now. If it were spring, it would be terrible. In the evening, there would be the sounds of cats calling, which would be annoying. The smell of vulgar women would also make people feel sick.
He looked her up and down. This woman and Fu Hua were truly a match made in heaven, a pair made for each other.
He naturally wouldn't agree, and evaded the offer, saying, "How can a eunuch like me take care of you? It was Her Royal Highness the Princess who granted you your status, not me. If you have any thanks, it should be Her Royal Highness the Princess."
But Cui Rumei continued to chatter, "Your Excellency's words are not right. I know that without your Excellency's words, the princess would not plead for me. I still want to thank you for your kindness."
She reached out and grabbed the corner of Xue Ji's clothes. Seeing her hand touching his clothes, Xue Ji felt even more uncomfortable.
I changed into my official uniform specially and have to wash it when I get home today.
He took a few steps back, brushed off the corner of his clothes, and stood at a distance, fearing that the other party might have some evil intentions.
"I only offered the princess an idea, for the sake of the Crown Prince and the Queen. Ultimately, the princess should be sensible, otherwise the Queen would not have allowed you to be of this status."
In his words, Xue Ji never made it clear that he was doing this for Rong Qianyu. Although this statement sounded a bit high-sounding, it was not wrong.
I originally thought that Cui Rumei would understand and that she would just be obedient and live a peaceful life, but unfortunately she didn't understand.
"Is your master the prince or the princess?"
Xue Ji was looking at the chattering man in front of him and wondering how this man could be a descendant of Cui family of Boling. It was really strange. How could such a large family with strict rules produce such an idiot who didn't know etiquette?
He was really annoyed. It turned out that there were not only well-behaved and interesting women like Rong Qianyu in this world. There were also such annoying and pretentious ones. Just this one was enough to make him annoyed.
"I am a subject. Everything I do is for the sake of my master. As a subject, I have the consciousness of being a subject. I will never belittle anyone for my own selfish reasons."
"Your Excellency, you are too kind." Cui Rumei smiled from ear to ear, and seemed to notice that the other party was unhappy.
Xue Ji went on to explain, "Ms. Cui, you are the crown prince's most beloved person. From now on, I will need you to speak well of me. How can I possibly care for you? I only have three masters: the emperor, the empress, and the crown prince. When the crown prince ascends the throne, the princess will be included. How dare I present your request?"
Cui Rumei smiled slightly awkwardly, "I wonder why you came here this time, sir?"
"Today is a big day. I have been entrusted by the Queen to come and see what's going on. The princess is not from the Great Zhou after all, so I have to keep an eye on many things. Otherwise, I will make a fool of myself."
Cui Rumei was rejected by the cold shoulder. "Then I won't delay your business." Then she turned and left.
Xue Ji bowed his head and saluted respectfully, but rolled his eyes below. Finally, he had sent this big Buddha away, and Xue Ji felt relieved.
It was really hard to talk to such a person. He watched Cui Rumei walk away before entering the house.
"Lord Xue is here." Rong Pan stepped forward to greet him.
"Isn't the ceremony over yet?" he asked.
"It's over. The princess left Liu Cairen inside to talk."
In the room, Liu Chunyan knelt on the ground and cried bitterly because she had obtained a status. "Thank you, Princess, for fighting for this status for me. Otherwise... otherwise, I really couldn't survive."
She was also a poor person, and Rong Qianyu was extremely tolerant of her. She did not see the scene that day with her own eyes, but she heard from the palace maid that day that the Queen Mother almost fainted from anger that day. The scene must have been very eye-catching.
Rong Qianyu helped her up. "Stand up. I'm helping you for the sake of the Crown Prince and the Great Zhou. You had no choice. This status should have been given to you. I've picked out some of the finest fabrics and furs for you from my dowry. Take a look and see if you like any of them. You can use them to make some winter clothes."
She grew up in the palace since she was a child, especially staying with the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. Rather than being a hidden danger sooner or later, why not give her the title?
The palace could easily feed one more mouth to feed. "Your Highness, I... I really can't afford it!" She was grateful from the bottom of her heart. If Rong Qianyu hadn't pleaded for her, she would have probably drunk Meng Po soup today.
"You are now the prince's concubine. You don't have to be so humble as future concubines. You are the master now, so there is no need to be so reserved. If you have any difficulties, tell me, or come to Pan'er, it's the same. Just don't underestimate yourself anymore."
Hearing this, she couldn't hide her gratitude and wanted to kneel down and kowtow to Rong Qianyu to express her gratitude, but was stopped. "Thank you so much, Your Highness. I really can't repay you enough."
She was not the only pitiful person in the palace. Since she had no intention of vying for favor, why should she worry about a little palace maid who had little influence and had only had sex with her once?
Since we are asking for rewards, let's ask for them together. Don't be partial or try to please others, and don't be biased or partial to one person over another.
"From now on, call yourself a concubine, and don't call me a slave anymore."
"yes."
Compared to Cui Rumei, who bullies others by taking advantage of her power, Rong Qianyu gets along better with Liu Chunyan, and even gave her a lot of jewelry before leaving.
As soon as Liu Chunyan went out, she ran into Xue Ji. This was the first time Xue Ji saw her. She looked much better than that fool.
"Master Xue?"
The ceremony that lasted for a while finally ended, and Xue Ji immediately relaxed when he saw it.
"Meet the Princess."
"Master Xue, do you have nothing to do in the Imperial Household Department? Are you here to admire the flowers?"
Seeing that the gloom that had just been on Rong Qianyu and Xue Ji had been completely cleared away, he was stunned to see them dressed in gorgeous clothes, with red plum blossoms and white snow on the background.
"I'm here to take care of the princess's business."
"Please come in, sir. Pan'er, bring some rose cakes for Master Xue to try."
Rong Pan brought a plate of rose cakes from the kitchen. They were steaming hot and looked like they were freshly made.
"Made it specially for me?" Xue Ji looked at Rong Qianyu in surprise. He had just said it casually, but he didn't expect that she actually made it.
"Try it, my lord. This is made by me."
Looking at these cakes that couldn't even stand up, Xue Ji didn't know whether to laugh or cry. However, despite their ugly appearance, they really looked like she had made them herself. "Your Majesty, I am flattered."
Rong Qianyu handed him a piece and said, "My Lord, you have helped me many times. This is not much of a thank you. I hope you will not despise me for being crude."
Xue Ji took it but was reluctant to eat it. Rong Qianyu looked at him eagerly, like a puppy waiting for praise. If Xue Ji didn't know that she would not poison her, he would really try it with a silver needle. He took a piece and carefully put it in his mouth and began to chew it.
"It's soft and delicious. Luckily I can eat buckwheat. It's just so solid..."
Rong Pan laughed beside him, "Your Excellency may not know this, but this is the princess's best cooking skill. I tried it several times before I dared to bring out these few for you to taste."
"I... I'm not a good cook, but this is my best dish, I'm sure there will be no mistakes!"
While eating, he did not forget to tease her, "The one you are best at makes it look like adobe. If you are not good at this, it will be scary to death."
This little girl is interesting. It was clearly a serious thank you gift, and it was obviously because she was not as skilled as others and had nothing to offer. Now she feels wronged.
Rong Qianyu felt a little embarrassed when she said this, fearing that she would lose face and come up with some strange tricks to torture herself. Seeing this, Xue Ji picked up another piece.
"But it's okay, as long as the poison doesn't kill anyone. The princess is a daughter of gold, so there's no need for her to cook for herself. This is already good enough."
This statement is reasonable, Rong Qianyu's cooking skills have always been good. This rose cake is her mother's favorite, and it is rare to be able to make it like this.
"By the way, how do you feel about meeting Cui this time, Princess?"
Rong Qianyu thought for a moment, "She is beautiful, but also a little..."
"Flirtatious?"
"Yeah." She nodded.
"I'm right, isn't she? That's just the kind of person she is."
"Indeed."
She lowered her head and fiddled with the straps on her chest, as if she always lacked confidence when talking about Cui Rumei.
"But it's enough that the Crown Prince likes her. For so many years, the Queen has always forbidden her from getting pregnant. Now that she has entered the palace, with the Crown Prince's favor, she will definitely get pregnant within a year."
"What can I do about this?"
"She is beautiful and frivolous, but because she is frivolous, she will not try to guess the emperor's intentions, so Princess, don't worry. She is just a fool with beautiful looks. Now she is nothing more than the prince's favor, but this favor will not last because she is not smart enough."
Xue Ji took another piece and started eating. The pastry was already sweet, and he would definitely choke if he ate so much at once. He drank another sip of hot tea.
"The Crown Prince is not only her husband, but also the master of the world. He is also under the watchful eyes of the Imperial Censors. If she does anything wrong, the Crown Prince will not be able to save her. To live in the harem, beauty and favor alone are not enough. Beauty fades, and the emperor's favor is like flowing water. Only the wise can survive."
"What do you mean, sir?"
Rong Qianyu naturally understood what he meant. She had to be prudent and protect herself. The position of Crown Princess was dangerous but also a safe one for herself.
What the harem has the most is beauties. How many young girls in their prime end up dying of depression. No matter how beautiful a flower is, it will wither in autumn.
"Since the emperor's heart is unpredictable, the princess should do what she should do. Filial piety comes first among all virtues. Since the princess is the prince's legal wife and a role model for all women in the world, she should naturally put filial piety first. Let her fight for it, and the princess should not get involved. The prince will be grateful to the princess and will naturally give way to her. Gratitude is temporary, but respect and dignity last forever."
Rong Qianyu understood what he meant, "The Crown Prince is a man, and he has a rough mind. It is only natural that I should help him in respecting his parents."
Xue Ji couldn't help but think and plan for her, and said with a smile: "Then I will take my leave. I have to go to work in a few days, so I can't attend the princess's wedding. I will present the gift first."
"Thank you, sir. Please take care of yourself on this trip."
"I will be back in less than a month. I will take my leave."
After saying that, Xue Ji left. Turning around, he saw that half of the rose cakes on the plate were missing.
Not knowing what the gift was, everyone came closer to take a look.
The silk was unwrapped to reveal an exquisite sandalwood box, permeated with a light fragrance. Carved with patterns like flower petals and vines, it was very textured. Opening it, it revealed a pair of smoky green jade bracelets.
"This is a smoke green bracelet, so beautiful."
The material is oily, with a white background and a light smoky green hue, and a hazy purple in the sunlight. It does not have a strong color feeling, but is as elegant and fresh as ink painting.
Wearing it on her hand, it looked steady and elegant. Rong Qianyu took a look at it and put the bracelet back.
"Master Xue is thoughtful, please put it away."
"Princess, isn't she going to wear it?" Yu Xie asked hurriedly.
"No."
"Princess doesn't like it?"
"Even if you like it, you can't wear it. Put it away."
Rong Qianyu was happily receiving the bracelet when she suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside. "Princess, Your Highness, something bad has happened!!!" A little eunuch stumbled in.
"What's the matter? What's the hurry?"
"The Queen, the Queen is sick!"
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