When Consort Yi saw her chewing her food, her lips pouting like some kind of greedy little animal, she was overjoyed. She even ate an extra bowl of rice, and the nanny next to her also looked delighted.
Most of the ladies in the palace pursued a slender figure and controlled their diet. However, in the eyes of the nannies, especially those who treated Consort Yi like family, they certainly hoped that she would eat more and be healthier!
Moreover, Consort Yi is a straightforward and typical Manchu woman, so it would seem incongruous to ask her to pretend to be weak and delicate.
The old lady, who had previously tried everything to persuade the princess to eat more, was now surprisingly able to do so. Naturally, she was delighted and looked forward to Princess Jingrou visiting more often.
At first, Consort Yi was pleased to see her eating so heartily, but as she watched, she became increasingly suspicious that she had been mistreated in the study that morning, wondering why she wasn't so hungry.
"What kind of tea and snacks did your young lady have this morning?" Consort Yi asked the maidservant beside Jingrou.
This was Green Ivy's first time accompanying her young mistress to the palace. She was startled when Consort Yi asked her such a question. "Your Majesty, my young mistress had some pastries this morning, but she drank very little tea. The pastries were brought from Prince An's residence..." she explained.
Consort Yi glanced at her, her eyes not wandering around, her gaze clear, revealing an honest and simple character.
However, if he were to stay by Zhuzhu's side, it might not be enough.
She is currently only a concubine, and can only be addressed as "Little Mistress," not yet at the level of Your Majesty. If she says something wrong in front of outsiders in the future, it may bring trouble upon herself...
Consort Yi tapped the table, thinking to put the matter aside for the time being, and frowned as she continued, "The tea and snacks brought from Prince An's residence have all gone cold after a morning. How can they be given to Miss?"
Consort Yi looked worried. The little girl had only recently started to recover; how could she possibly endure eating only this kind of food? She was still growing!
She was busy yesterday, so the Prince An's mansion probably didn't think of such details, but they can't do that again in the future.
Meeting Consort Yi's gaze, Jingrou silently lowered her head. She couldn't refuse a gift from her elders, and if her aunt had anything to say, she could only accept it silently.
"Alright, Jinse. From now on, you must send some snacks to the study every morning and afternoon. And don't forget the white fungus soup and oatmeal porridge. Have the kitchen prepare a menu today, and make sure it's all different!" With a wave of her hand, Consort Yi took over all of her niece's meals in the palace.
Jinse obediently accepted the order and went down to tinker with the small kitchen.
"And my cousin..." Jingrou said weakly.
Just as Consort Yi was questioning her subordinates, Yinqi's expression also turned serious. The princes in their study were being served pastries at every meal; how could his little cousin be left out?
However, he didn't have any. Usually, someone would just bring a few pastries from the palace, and his mother wouldn't send anyone to deliver them.
Consort Yi smiled and patted her head. "Alright, let this brat share in your good fortune."
Yinqi scratched his head with a silly grin.
Consort Yi liked Jingrou even more when she saw her well-behaved appearance. Originally, she had only hoped that she could raise a beautiful little girl like her own daughter.
However, she discovered that Jingrou was indeed being taught very well by the Prince An's family.
Even though she always favored Jingrou, she still thought of Yinqi.
Relationships are built up over time and are mutual. If she is always nice to Jingrou and Jingrou doesn't reciprocate, even if she is young and may not understand anything, her enthusiasm will be like a bucket of cold water being poured on her.
But looking at her now, this adorable little girl isn't like that at all!
Consort Yi glanced at Green Ivy again, pondering whether to find a reliable palace maid for Jingrou, or to have someone properly train the young girl. However, considering the small age difference between him and Jingru, perhaps they had already developed feelings for each other. Consort Yi was somewhat undecided.
However, now that he knows about this matter, we can't leave any hidden dangers. Although the palace is wary of Jingrou's identity and won't do anything, no one can be sure!
These days, even the emperor is sometimes assassinated; no one is absolutely safe.
So, having someone around you who is quick-witted and intelligent can sometimes be very helpful!
Starting from the second day, Jingrou was able to eat hot snacks every day.
Moreover, this trend has gradually spread.
When the study was first opened, there were of course some concubines who pampered their little princesses and wanted to send snacks to the study, but they were not sure what the emperor was thinking. After all, the fact that their daughters were sent to the study by the emperor was already a favor and confirmation from the emperor, so why ask for more?
None of them held particularly high positions, and having grown accustomed to caution within the palace, they hesitated and did not send them inside.
Now that Consort Yi has taken the lead, they are naturally craning their necks to watch closely.
After hearing rumors for a few days, they gradually started sending things into the study.
They were all quiet and well-behaved girls, and even if they were a little hungry in the morning, they probably wouldn't dare to tell their mothers.
But since everyone is giving gifts, it doesn't seem strange.
Now that they had pastries, the group was even happier, and they were more energized even when listening to lectures on classical Chinese philosophy.
Children are naturally full of energy.
So now the study is noisy and chattering all day long, but when it's time to study, it quickly quiets down.
******
Jingrou stayed in the study for several days and gradually got used to this routine. Actually, it was quite nice. Having a girl of similar age to accompany her every day allowed her to learn something.
It's a pity that He Cen isn't here. The last time I came home, she came crying to play with me—the little girl has been stuck at home lately, learning embroidery with someone!
Although they liked to gossip, they knew how to keep their distance and didn't mention the secrets of the masters in the palace. Jingrou breathed a huge sigh of relief. Knowing less was a very important way to survive in the palace, and she wasn't that curious!
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