Chapter 301: Verbal confrontation, hidden meaning
The light in the main hall suddenly dimmed. The wind had blown the crabapple tree beneath the porch, its branches blocking the window lattice. Little Zhuozi cleverly rose and half-opened the window, letting sunlight stream in again, casting flickering spots of light on the blue brick floor, perfectly capturing the turbulent atmosphere within the hall.
The old Buddha's gaze fell on Mian Yi's face. The child had grasped the jade pendant on Zhi Hua's lapel and was chewing it with great pleasure, his saliva soaking a small piece of moon-white silk. "Since he has a cough, don't let him chew on these cold things." The old Buddha's tone was calm, but it carried unquestionable majesty.
Zhihua quickly snatched the jade pendant from Mian Yi's mouth, took out a handkerchief and wiped it carefully, her eyes slightly red: "It was my negligence. Mian Yi coughed badly last night, and I stayed with him for half the night. I was just dazed for a while and forgot these rules." As she spoke, the corner of her eye quickly swept over Yongqi. Seeing that he was just holding the teacup in a daze and didn't look at her at all, her fingertips couldn't help but clench the handkerchief.
"Thank you for your hard work, sister." Xiaoyanzi suddenly spoke, her voice crisp, as if she had broken some porcelain. "But then again, the imperial doctors in this palace are not just for show. If Mian Yi has a headache or a fever, just ask them to see her. There's no need for you to endure it yourself. If you collapse from exhaustion, who will take care of Mian Yi?" Her words sounded caring, but the ending tone rose slightly, with an inexplicable meaning.
Zhi Hua paused, then lowered her head and said, "Thank you for your concern, Princess. It's just a minor problem, and I didn't want to alarm too many people."
"That's what I said." Xiaoyanzi raised an eyebrow, one hand gently resting on her swollen belly, the other toying with the jade pendant at her waist - it was a token of love Yongqi had given her, now gleaming warmly in the sunlight. "We're all the prince's blood, how can there be such a thing as a 'minor ailment'? Besides, the Empress Dowager loves Mianyi. If she knew he was ill and no one was treating him properly, she would be heartbroken."
Ziwei coughed softly and said softly, "Xiaoyanzi means well, don't worry, Sister Zhihua. The Empress Dowager is here, so it's a good opportunity to have the imperial physician come over to see Mianyi, so that everyone won't worry about her."
"Ziwei is indeed very thoughtful." The old Buddha nodded and said to Aunt Rong, "Go, call Doctor Li."
Just as Rong Mama responded, she saw Little Bug peeking in from outside, holding a rattle in his hand and imitating a baby's laughter: "Ya-ya-ya-"
"You monkey, don't you see that the old lady is here?" Little Dengzi hurriedly tried to pull him out.
"I'm here to bring a toy to the little prince!" The little bug held a rattle and ran to Mian Yi and shook it, making a crisp and loud "dong dong dong" sound.
Mian Yi was indeed attracted, stretching out her little hands to grab it, shouting "Ahhh".
"This child is quite clever." Seeing that Mian Yi had regained his spirits, the old lady's expression softened a little.
Little Mosquito also joined in the fun: "Good boy, long, dong! This rattle was specially made by a skilled craftsman. It has bells embedded in it. I'm sure the little prince will like it!"
Zhihua forced a smile and said, "Thank you both for your concern."
Yongqi finally put down the teacup and said in a steady voice: "Since the imperial physician is coming soon, let Mian Yi wait here. Zhihua, you should sit down and rest too." He deliberately emphasized the word "rest", but did not look at her.
Just as Zhihua was about to thank her, Xiaoyanzi suddenly clapped her hands, "Oh, I almost forgot! I asked the kitchen to stew some rock sugar and snow pears, a special cough remedy, and it's perfect for Mianyi to try. Xiaozhuozi, go get it!"
"Hey!" Xiao Zhuozi responded and left.
Zhihua's face paled. She felt as though every word Xiaoyanzi had said today held a hook. While seemingly ordinary, each sentence reminded her who was the mistress of Prince Rong's mansion. She clenched her handkerchief tightly, her fingertips practically digging into her flesh, yet she maintained a gentle smile. "Princess, you are truly considerate."
"Of course." Xiaoyanzi smiled, her eyes curved. "Mian Yi is also my nephew. As his legal mother, how can I not care about him? Unlike some people who always mention 'real mother' as if someone is trying to steal their child away."
"Xiaoyanzi!" Yongqi said in a low voice, fearing that she would speak too harshly and displease the Empress Dowager.
Xiaoyanzi wasn't afraid. Instead, she leaned closer to Yongqi and said to the Empress Dowager with her head held high, "Master, please don't think I'm being blunt. I just think that family members shouldn't have different opinions. Since Sister Zhihua has entered the palace, she should treat it as her own. If you have anything to say, just speak up. Don't keep it to yourself. It's not only tiring, but also prone to misunderstandings."
The old man looked at Xiaoyanzi, speechless for a long moment. The sunlight shone on her face. Her skin was fair, made even more plump by her pregnancy. Her large, sparkling eyes held a touch of innocence, yet concealed a sharp edge that should not be underestimated. The old man suddenly remembered how she had looked when he first met her. She was just like that, fearless, yet yet impossible to hate.
"You," the Empress Dowager finally spoke, her tone filled with a hint of helplessness and indulgence. "Even after becoming a princess, you still have this temper. Okay, I know you mean well." She turned to Zhihua, "Did you hear me? If you have any difficulties in the future, tell Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi. Don't carry it all on your own."
"Yes, thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty." Zhihua stood up and saluted, lowering her head even lower.
At this moment, Doctor Li came in with Xiao Zhuozi, followed by a maid holding candied pears. Xiao Chongzi quickly held Mian Yi to Doctor Li for him to see, while Xiao Wenzi clamored beside him, "Doctor Li, you have to take a good look at the little prince. This is the Empress Dowager's darling!"
Imperial Physician Li didn't dare to neglect him. He carefully checked Mian Yi's pulse and examined her tongue. He smiled and said, "Your Highness, Your Highness and Your Highness, the young prince has just caught a cold. It's nothing serious. Just two doses of medicine will do the trick."
"That's good." Old Buddha breathed a sigh of relief, "Hurry up and get someone to get the medicine."
"I'll go right away!" Little Dengzi responded and was about to leave.
"Wait." Yongqi called him, "Ask the people from the East Courtyard to get the medicine, boil it, and send it to the West Courtyard." He deliberately emphasized "people from the East Courtyard", and his meaning was clear.
Zhihua's body swayed slightly, but she forced a smile on her face: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."
Xiaoyanzi looked at her and sneered in her heart, but smiled at Mian Yi and said, "Little guy, did you hear me? It's time to drink the medicine, don't cry." As she spoke, she reached out and pinched Mian Yi's face.
Mian Yi didn't know whether she understood or not, she giggled, grabbed Xiaoyanzi's finger, and put it in her mouth and started sucking it.
"Look at this child, he is very close to you." When the old lady saw this, a sincere smile appeared on her face.
Xiaoyanzi also smiled, lowered her head and said to Mian Yi, "Of course, I am your stepmother!"
Yongqi looked at her bright smile, and the tension in his heart disappeared. He reached out and gently put his arm around her shoulders, whispering, "Be careful, don't get tired."
Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating the embraced couple with warmth and brilliance. Zhihua stood by, watching the scene, the light in her eyes gradually dimming, like the moon obscured by dark clouds. The fragrance of tea mingled with the sweet aroma of pears in the hall, seemingly warm and harmonious. Yet, one wondered how many whirlpools lay hidden beneath the calm surface.
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