Chapter 118 Deep Affection, Hard to Part
Previously, Consort Liu thought that Xiao Xingyuan was in a hurry to arrange a marriage because he was afraid of the Zhao family. But now Consort Liu understood that it was because Zhao Dongzhi had taken a liking to Meng Yanzhi that Xiao Xingyuan was in such a hurry.
Now that she knew the seriousness of the problem, Consort Liu would certainly not let it continue to develop. She wrote a letter to the Zhao family and sent it out.
After reading Consort Liu's letter, Madam Zhao was shocked and hurriedly summoned her son.
"I'm going to choose a wife for you for the Winter Solstice."
Madam Zhao got straight to the point.
What?
Zhao Dongzhi had known for a long time that this day would come sooner or later, but she really didn't expect it to come so soon.
His eyebrows furrowed tightly, and he looked at Madam Zhao with some confusion: "Mother, why are you in such a hurry all of a sudden?"
"See for yourself."
Helpless, Madam Zhao did not want to hide it from her son, so she directly gave him Consort Liu's letter.
After reading the contents, Zhao Dongzhi felt a sense of despair: "So that's how it is, so that's how it is. His Majesty has taken a liking to Meng Yanzhi?"
"You can compete with anyone, but you can't compete with the Emperor." Madam Zhao looked at her son with a touch of heartache.
But Zhao Dongzhi's eyes reddened, and she sat quietly to the side, whispering, "Mother, you said His Majesty has taken a liking to Meng Yanzhi, why hasn't he bestowed upon her a title?"
"I don't know why either, but whatever the reason, it's the Emperor's business. Since the Emperor has taken a liking to her, you can't take a liking to her!"
"The Zhao family has always been in the spotlight. They may appear prosperous, but in reality, countless people are watching them. Even if it's for the Zhao family's sake, you can't act recklessly, understand?"
Madam Zhao took Zhao Dongzhi's hand and began to persuade him.
She was young once too, so she knows very well that feelings are hard to control.
Moreover, Madam Zhao could tell that Zhao Dongzhi really liked Meng Yanzhi, but unfortunately, the two children were not meant to be.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Dongzhi simply smiled and then said in a low voice, "Mother, don't worry, I am a son of the Zhao family, I know what I'm doing, I won't cause any trouble for the family. As for my wife, let's forget about it, I will request to leave the capital and go to the frontier to guard it!"
Since he only likes Meng Yanzhi now, he certainly can't hold back other people's good girls.
Seeing Zhao Dongzhi like this, Madam Zhao didn't know what to say for a moment, and could only sigh helplessly and nod.
"What a pity, my good child, what a pity."
Three days later.
Even though Meng Yanzhi worked in the small kitchen, she still had to help out at the imperial kitchen for the palace banquet. Fortunately, she had started preparing early and made a lot of snacks in advance, so she could lighten her load a little today.
Looking at Meng Yanzhi, who was sweating profusely by the stove, Eunuch Wang smiled gently and walked over, saying, "You child, you are also a noble lady from the capital. You should go outside and play with them today. Why are you working here?"
“I am a fifth-rank female official in the palace, and I will stay here.”
“Those noble ladies look down on my background; I’d only be making a fool of myself if I went there.”
Meng Yanzhi looked at Eunuch Wang with some helplessness, but her hands did not stop moving.
Seeing Meng Yanzhi's appearance, Eunuch Wang sighed helplessly, but still nodded: "Then you should do it well."
Just then, Wang Huanhai walked over, grabbed Meng Yanzhi, and pulled her outside, saying, "My goodness, the Emperor has been looking for you for ages, what are you doing here?"
"Father-in-law, what's wrong now?" Meng Yanzhi felt a headache whenever she heard Xiao Xingyuan calling for her.
She took a deep breath and then looked at Wang Huanhai expectantly: "Has His Majesty lost his temper again?"
"The banquet is about to begin. His Majesty said you should change into some clean clothes. You can't really think of yourself as a cook, can you?"
"Let's go, let's go."
Wang Huanhai took Meng Yanzhi to a small courtyard very close to the Imperial Study.
He said directly, "This villa was originally used by His Majesty to listen to folk songs, but now it's been renovated for you to live in."
"What? Father-in-law, you're not joking with me, are you?" Meng Yanzhi looked at Wang Huanhai in disbelief, never expecting that she would have her own little courtyard in the palace. "Really?"
After entering the courtyard, Meng Yanzhi looked around and clearly loved the place.
With a smile, she bowed to Wang Huanhai and said, "Thank you, sir!"
"Why thank me? It's all because His Majesty dotes on you."
“Your little girl can also come to the palace to serve. The Emperor has also given you a palace maid named Huan Yun, who will be responsible for taking care of your life from now on. Although you are entering the palace to serve the Emperor, you are still a noble lady from an official family, so we can’t really wrong you.”
"From today onwards, you are not responsible for anything except the Emperor's meals."
Wang Huanhai pointed to the room inside, finished explaining, and then turned and walked outside.
Why does this feel so awkward?
While improving living conditions is a good thing, why does this configuration seem so strange?
Meng Yanzhi entered the room, and Huan Yun immediately stepped forward: "This servant, Huan Yun, greets Miss Meng."
"Get up, there's no need for such formalities." Meng Yanzhi smiled gently: "I'll be relying on you in the future."
Huan Yun was flattered and looked at Meng Yanzhi in disbelief, whispering, "This servant wouldn't dare!"
Before the words were finished, Mingchu's voice came through, filled with joy: "Miss!"
"Miss, I miss you so much!"
"It was the servant girl next to Eunuch Wang who brought me back, saying that His Majesty wanted me to come back and serve Miss well!"
Ming Chu excitedly grabbed Meng Yanzhi's hand and blinked at her.
During his time at the Crown Prince's residence, Mingchu was well cared for; he was fair-skinned and tender, and his wounds had healed completely.
Seeing Mingchu's happy expression, Meng Yanzhi was somewhat helpless: "You little rascal, I've told you it's dangerous in the palace, why won't you listen?"
"It's precisely because the palace is dangerous that I must stay by your side, Miss. I don't want to be separated from you, Miss." Mingchu looked at Meng Yanzhi pitifully, afraid that she would really drive her away.
Seeing this, Meng Yanzhi could only nod: "This is Huanyun. When I'm not around, you two should support each other, understand?"
"yes!"
The two little girls readily agreed.
Immediately afterwards, Huan Yun brought over some clothes and said softly, "Miss, these were all arranged by Eunuch Wang. Please choose one you like."
Meng Yanzhi waved her hand, then opened her wardrobe, took out a light blue dress and put it on. She looked at the two maids and said, "Just a simple hairstyle is fine. Don't be too flashy."
In such a setting, keeping a low profile is the most appropriate thing to do. If someone were to target you, you would be in big trouble. Besides, Meng Yanzhi is not someone who likes to show off. She just wants to stay safe in the harem.
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