Chapter 350 Future Queen
He Ling watched from the side, marveling at the sight.
Wow! Is this the legendary model of a top socialite? Her demeanor, speech, and emotional intelligence are all flawlessly superior.
Look at the curve of that bow, the tone of that voice—it's all perfectly executed.
[He recognized the main character, the Empress, at a glance, and his attitude was respectful yet friendly, far surpassing that naive and talkative Mingzhu.]
[As expected, the Jiangnan region's climate and water nurture people; their temperament is absolutely stunning!]
Jiang Huan also had a very good impression of Princess Ping'an, whom she was meeting for the first time.
She is beautiful, but the uprightness in her eyes is even more astonishing. She is neither humble nor arrogant, and truly has the demeanor of a well-bred lady, which makes people feel good about her.
Just as she was about to exchange a few more pleasantries, she saw that Princess Ping'an had already turned to Mingzhu and begun a new round of "care".
"Mingzhu, what are you still standing there for?" Princess Ping'an's voice was gentle, yet it carried the authority of an elder sister. "Why don't you quickly invite Her Highness back to the carriage to rest? The wind is strong at the city gate. If it were to offend Her Highness's health, could you bear the consequences? Why are you always so impulsive and reckless? You haven't made any progress at all."
Mingzhu shrank back slightly at his words, stuck out her tongue playfully, and quickly replied, "I know, cousin, I'll invite Her Majesty to the carriage right away."
After saying that, he quickly stepped forward to help Jiang Huan.
Jiang Huan watched Princess Ping'an skillfully disciplining Mingzhu, a smile playing on her lips.
This Princess Ping'an is indeed a remarkable person.
She appears gentle and mild-mannered, but in reality, she is thoughtful and has strong opinions, and she genuinely loves Mingzhu.
After scolding Mingzhu, Princess Ping'an turned to Jiang Huan with a gentle and appropriate smile, carrying just the right amount of apology.
"Your Majesty, please forgive my rudeness. Mingzhu has been spoiled since childhood. She is impetuous and does not know the rules. If she has been disrespectful, I apologize to Your Majesty on her behalf."
Jiang Huan waved her hand and said with a smile, "Your Highness is too kind. Mingzhu is innocent and charming, which I like very much. It is inconvenient to talk here. Your Highness must be tired after your long journey. Why don't we find a quiet and elegant place to rest and have some tea and snacks, and then return to the palace together later? It would also be a way to welcome Your Highness back."
Princess Ping'an readily agreed and nodded slightly: "I would be honored if Your Majesty would make the arrangements."
So the group did not return to the palace immediately, but instead went to Qingfeng Mingyue Tower, the most famous restaurant in the capital.
Huo Lin's people had already cleared the area and taken protective measures in advance. The restaurant manager personally greeted them at the door and respectfully led these distinguished guests to the quietest and most spacious private room on the top floor.
The private room was elegantly furnished, with the street-facing window half-open, allowing a gentle breeze to bring the subtle sounds of the city's bustle while maintaining sufficient privacy.
A faint scent of sandalwood filled the air. After everyone was seated, well-trained maids quietly served fragrant tea and delicate pastries.
Mingzhu was clearly a regular here, excitedly pointing to several snacks and introducing them to everyone.
"Cousin, Your Highness, Sister He Ling, you must try this! Crab roe pastry, it's so flaky and crumbly! And this almond tofu, it's incredibly smooth and tender, it's their signature dish, it's delicious!"
Princess Ping'an glanced at her helplessly and gently reminded her, "Mingzhu, one should not speak while eating or sleeping. One must not be disrespectful in front of Her Majesty."
Although it was a reprimand, the tone was full of affection.
Mingzhu quickly sat down obediently, but her eyes were still shining as she stared at the snacks on the table.
At this moment, the waitresses in the restaurant respectfully presented the menu.
Princess Ping'an didn't look at the menu first, but gently pushed it towards Jiang Huan: "Your Highness, please go first."
Jiang Huan smiled and declined, "The princess is a guest, and she has come from afar, so it is only right that the princess should order first."
Princess Ping'an then took the menu, but without looking at it too much, she quietly instructed the maid to order a few light and delicious dishes and signature desserts suitable for pregnant women. She was thoughtful and considerate.
After ordering, she handed the menu to Jiang Huan and He Ling, asking them to add more.
After the maidservants withdrew to prepare, Princess Ping'an personally picked up the teapot and first poured Jiang Huan a steaming cup of Biluochun tea.
Her movements were fluid and unhurried. When pouring tea, the spout was just the right distance from the rim of the cup, without making a sound. The cup was filled to seven-tenths full, not too much and not too little, a sight to behold.
"Your Majesty, please have some tea." She gently pushed the teacup in front of Jiang Huan, her etiquette impeccable, revealing the demeanor and upbringing strictly cultivated from a noble family since childhood.
He Ling watched intently from the side, and sighed again.
Wow, even pouring tea can be an art form! That's amazing!
[Completely different from the concubines in the palace who were either openly scheming or acting pretentiously.]
She's gentle yet sophisticated, and has a great presence. Mingzhu looks like a little monkey next to her.
However, it's really comfortable to be around people with such high emotional intelligence; it's like a gentle breeze, and you don't feel pressured at all.
Jiang Huan accepted the teacup with a smile, thanked them, and was about to taste it when a sudden change occurred.
Just as Princess Ping'an withdrew her hand and gently placed the teapot back on the table, the system in He Ling's mind, which had been in standby mode, suddenly emitted a piercing alarm sound, as if triggered by some keyword.
"Warning! Warning! Key plot character detected: Princess Ping'an!"
"Database matching in progress... Match successful."
Character Identification: Princess Ping'an, fiancée of Gu Yanzhi, the eldest son of the Gu family in the capital; Key plot point in the original novel: Two years later, the current emperor Huo Lin dies, the court is in turmoil, and various forces vie for power. Gu Yanzhi, relying on his family's influence and personal skills, ultimately prevails, ascends the throne, and changes the era name to Jinghe. Princess Ping'an, as his principal wife, is made empress, ruling the world as the mother of the nation!
"To reiterate, this person is the future empress, a crucial plot figure influencing the course of the world!"
"Host, please immediately increase your attention level and closely monitor all its movements and related events!"
The system's electronic voice was urgent and loud, like thunder exploding wildly in He Ling's mind, even accompanied by a glaring red exclamation mark, making her head ache.
[The future empress? Gu Yanzhi ascends the throne?]
Wait! Why hasn't Huo Lin's near-death experience been averted yet? Does that mean he really will die in two years? And this seemingly gentle princess will become the new empress?
The sheer volume of information caused He Ling's brain to freeze instantly. Her pupils dilated, and her hand trembled so much that the cup of hot tea she had just picked up slipped from her grasp due to extreme shock.
The white porcelain teacup shattered on the floor, spilling warm tea all over the floor and wetting He Ling's skirt.
The private room fell silent as everyone stared at He Ling in astonishment.
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