Meng was not a narrow-minded person, much less an ungrateful villain.
Although she would inevitably be jealous of Xiao Huo's affection, she could also understand from Miao Xi's words just now...
If it weren't for Xiao Huo, she would have been kicked out of Funing Palace in disgrace by the Emperor today, just like Consort Zhou.
She wasn't as fortunate as Consort Zhou, who had an aunt, the Empress Dowager, to back her up.
This incident also proves that it was not wrong for Madam Meng to make the decision to cultivate a good relationship with Xiao Huo earlier.
Regardless of how much favor she receives, it's always better to be on good terms with someone than to be on bad terms with someone.
Knowing everything perfectly well, Madam Meng calmly went to the side hall and let out a long sigh of relief.
“Let’s peel more lotus seeds and save some for Xiao Huo too. I reckon she’ll like them.”
Meng said this with a smile, which was a way of finding joy in hardship and also a way of returning a favor.
The lotus seeds here in the official residence are generally of higher quality.
Meng was not one to wallow in self-pity. After her initial frustration, she earnestly peeled lotus seeds with her maid.
Unlike Consort Zhou, she didn't have to peel lotus seeds alone in the corridor while being watched by palace maids and eunuchs.
...
After the Emperor took his medicine in the Funing Palace, Huo Qinghe sipped a bowl of sweet pear soup. After finishing the soup, her face looked much more relaxed.
In the afternoon, Hanlin Academician Yu came to the palace to study, so Huo Qinghe was not asked to continue serving the Emperor.
Huo Qinghe was happy to have some free time, but as always, she was very reluctant to leave Funing Palace.
When Huo Qinghe arrived at the side hall, she paused for two seconds, as if she hesitated.
She and Meng were hardly close friends, and her speaking up for Meng in the Funing Palace was actually for her own sake.
For the sake of a better Huo Qinghe in the eyes of the officials.
The Meng family, who were peeling lotus seeds inside, soon noticed the long shadows outside the hall. In the end, it was Meng's maid who called Chunfen to come out.
"Madam Huo, our wife peeled some lotus seeds and said she wanted to share them with you."
The palace maid beside Lady Meng brought up the matter of peeling lotus seeds, so Lady Meng herself should not have too much resentment about today's events.
Huo Qinghe nodded slightly and went inside: "Sister, don't let me eat all the lotus seeds you peeled. Otherwise, the Emperor won't have any to eat."
Upon hearing this, Madam Meng stood up and stopped what she was doing: "Is His Majesty asleep? Come and sit down. Now that you're here, I'd like you to help me peel lotus seeds."
Huo Qinghe walked inside and first took a look at the expression on Meng's face.
"I'm here to eat lotus seeds, so don't even think about ordering me around, sister." She slowly walked inside, and only after getting close did she raise her hand to touch the back of Meng's hand.
Madam Meng smiled and nodded, then took Huo Qinghe's hand in return: "Please sit down. Be careful, don't accidentally knock things over like I did."
This time, it was Meng who brought it up first, and her expression showed that she really didn't mind it.
Huo Qinghe thought for a moment and then offered a few words of comfort: "Everyone makes mistakes, and I don't know how many mistakes my sister has made. Seeing that you don't mind, I'm relieved."
Only then did Madam Meng release Huo Qinghe's hand, as if to have a heart-to-heart talk.
She lowered her head and continued peeling lotus seeds, her eyes downcast as she spoke softly.
“I understand what you mean. If I keep worrying about this today and that tomorrow, I’ll really have no way to live. Let’s calm down. The mistake has already been made, so for now, I can only peel lotus seeds here. Sister, it’s always best not to make mistakes.”
Although Xiao Huo was a bit slow-witted, he was gentle and obedient. He was probably a confidante in the Emperor, which is why Meng Shi finally spoke her mind.
In response, Huo Qinghe echoed Meng's words: "Of course, it's best not to make any mistakes. But it's also good if His Majesty remembers the occasional minor mistake."
Madam Meng smiled and nudged the bowl of lotus seeds that had already been peeled almost completely: "I can tell, you always know how to say nice things to make people happy. Alright, alright, you can eat these lotus seeds first."
Huo Qinghe held the bowl of peeled lotus seeds, but didn't eat much.
After noon, Hanlin Academician **Yu stayed in the Funing Palace until the palace gates were locked in the evening before leaving. Meng Shi did not show up at dinner time.
She watched the maids decocting medicine and cooking lotus seed soup in the side room. After dinner, she took a deep breath and, just like at lunchtime, carried the bowl of medicine into the Funing Palace.
At that moment, Huo Qinghe had already stood up and handed the official a handkerchief to wipe his hands.
Seeing Meng enter, Huo Qinghe gave her a quiet smile.
Meng's heart stirred slightly, and she returned a faint smile. This time, her hand holding the medicine bowl finally did not make any mistakes.
Pei Yuanhui naturally noticed the exchange of glances between the two, but he didn't point it out. After drinking the medicine, he waved his hand.
"You don't need to keep watch at night, go home early."
With Xiao Huo watching over him, he probably won't get a good night's sleep again tonight.
Although Meng was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, she was wise enough not to say much and bowed and withdrew with Huo Qinghe.
The two exchanged a smile after leaving the Funing Palace, and Meng finally revealed a bitter smile.
"Serving others is indeed not an easy job. Yesterday I thought it was just a matter of serving tea and water, but today I realized that these tasks are not easy at all."
Indeed, serving the emperor is one thing, but the emperor is also capricious, so every word and action must be carefully considered. However, if one thinks for too long, it will seem too deliberate.
Huo Qinghe initially racked her brains, but after serving the emperor for a while, she became less afraid and worried.
The two exchanged a few words, and after walking a distance, they parted ways on the palace road and returned to their respective palaces.
"His Majesty seems to be in much better spirits today. According to the imperial physician, his cold is almost completely cured."
Wang Mama was also with us today. She nodded slightly: "I secretly spoke a few words with Zhi Que earlier. I heard it was about the autumn imperial examination in a few days. I suppose even if His Majesty's cold is fully recovered, he will still be busy for a while."
Huo Qinghe looked at Granny Wang and said, "I'm sorry to trouble you again. I'll be able to have some peace and quiet these next few days."
I saw the official for three days in a row, and just talking to him was exhausting enough.
Before nightfall, Huo Qinghe returned to Yanxi Palace. The main hall was brightly lit, and Huo Qinghe quietly returned to Yanliang Pavilion.
Now I can finally get a good night's sleep without worrying about anything.
Huo Qinghe slept soundly until late the next morning, undisturbed. After having a late breakfast, she nestled back into bed, reading a book until she fell asleep.
When I woke up again, it was already evening, and I was woken up by the sound of raindrops hitting the windowpane.
"It's raining outside? It hasn't rained for several days. It looks like the weather is about to change." Huo Qinghe propped herself up. The book she had been reading before bed had been moved to the embroidered stool beside her bed.
Green Cloud, who was closing the lattice window, quickly turned around: "Did I wake you? Yes, it was sunny at noon, but it suddenly started raining. Green Locust was calling for the flowers under the eaves to be collected. The weather is really strange."
It's September now, the weather should be changing.
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