After the banquet, the Fourth Prince asked Hongli to go to his study to discuss recent affairs of the court. Lanqin then asked Mingyu to accompany her to the Imperial Kitchen to see how she had recently come up with a new recipe for pastries.
Xueying knew that Lanqin deliberately wanted to talk to Mingyu, so she said she wasn't feeling well and went back to her room. Lanqin was even more impressed with Xueying's thoughtfulness.
The two arrived at the imperial kitchen, only to find it completely empty, which puzzled Mingyu. "Mother, where is everyone in the imperial kitchen?"
Lanqin had already sent everyone away; she wanted to have a good talk with Mingyu about her relationship with Hongli.
"I've sent them all away. Mother wants to be alone with you for a while." Mingyu then realized that Lanqin had called her over because she had something to say to her.
However, Mingyu discovered that the Empress Dowager Xi, the mistress of the harem, had actually taken action.
Lanqin prepared the flour and ingredients and set them aside. She started talking to Mingyu, but her hands didn't stop moving.
"Your mother asks you, how do you think my relationship with the Emperor is?" Lanqin wanted to use her daily interactions with the Fourth Prince to make Mingyu realize how she should get along with Hongli.
"Mother, your love with the Emperor is something many people envy. You two are the epitome of mutual support and companionship." Mingyu truly admired Lanqin and the Fourth Prince's relationship. Over the years, their feelings had not faded but had instead grown stronger with time.
"Do you know why we get along so well?" Lanqin glanced at the puzzled Mingyu and continued, "The most important thing between husband and wife is trust. The Emperor has so many concubines around him, some of them are younger than me, some have better family backgrounds than me, but they can't win the Emperor's heart. Do you know why?"
"Mingyu is dull-witted and hopes Mother will guide me." Mingyu became even more curious about the woman in front of her.
“Be diligent! Although they may be beautiful and from wealthy families, they have been by the Emperor's side for so long. I know all his likes and dislikes, his thoughts and feelings. I choose to trust him and assist him. Few women can do this, because they are suspicious and jealous…”
Lanqin hoped that her heartfelt words would move Mingyu, and she hoped that Mingyu and Hongli could get along well and have a good marital relationship.
"Therefore, you must trust Hongli and stay by his side. Hongli will shoulder great responsibilities in the future, and you must assist him. As his principal wife, you will be by his side for the longest time," Lanqin said.
Mingyu listened to Lanqin's words, but felt that Lanqin was scolding her. She felt that Lanqin was subtly mocking her for being narrow-minded and intolerant, and was teaching her how to be a proper wife.
"Mother, I understand. I will definitely listen to you and help Prince manage the mansion well, and do what a princess should do." Mingyu agreed to Lanqin on the surface, but she felt a little uncomfortable inside.
This is generally how mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships are in the world.
Lanqin could tell that Mingyu hadn't truly taken her words to heart, and even sensed some resistance from her. She couldn't help but sigh, realizing she couldn't escape the cliché of difficult mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationships either.
"It's good that you understand. I also hope that you can get along well. Think about what I said to you today when you get back. This is my advice to you." Lanqin hoped that Mingyu could understand after returning.
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