Zhong Mingwei sighed silently, put down the book in his hand, and turned to Ah Chou. He said in a deep voice: "What did you tell the other party when you bought the book?"
"No... I didn't say anything," Ah Chou hurriedly avoided Zhong Mingwei's gaze. In front of Zhong Mingwei, she would never say that she bought the book for her man. Knowing that Zhong Mingwei was still waiting for her answer, Ah Chou hesitated for a long time, and then glared at the man boldly, snorting fiercely. "The shopkeeper said that any man would like to read this book. What's wrong? Don't you like to read it?"
The corners of Zhong Mingwei's mouth twitched. Then he uttered two words with difficulty: "...I like it."
"That's fine. You can read a book. I'm going to go out and wash clothes." Ah Chou felt relieved immediately, thinking that the money he spent was not wasted. He stood up and walked out.
"Help me sit outside for a while. I'll go wash clothes with you." Zhong Mingwei put down the bottle of plums in his hand that he had squeezed until water came out of it. He sat up straight and stretched out his hand to Ah Chou.
"What's the point of doing laundry? Besides, it's going to be dark soon. It's getting cold, be careful not to catch a cold." Ah Chou pointed at the books on the bed and said, "Aren't all these books enough for you? Just read in the room."
"I'll save it for evening." Zhong Mingwei looked uncomfortable.
"Why do you have to watch it at night?" Ah Chou looked puzzled, "It's a waste of candles and it hurts your eyes. Just watch it now."
The corners of Zhong Mingwei's mouth twitched: "...I'll watch it at night!"
August 1, the 32nd year of Jiasheng
The capital.
Cining Palace.
"Empress Dowager, Pang Yi is here." Bi Qiao hurried in to report.
"Let him in," the Queen Mother put down the Buddhist beads in her hand, picked up the teacup and took a sip, "Make some Taiping Houkui for General Pang."
"Yes, I obey your command." Bi Qiao bowed and retreated hurriedly.
After a while, Bi Qiao led a tall and burly man into the warm room. The man was about thirty years old, with dark and rough skin and a very strong body. Although he came in with a hunched back, he walked with great vigor. One could tell from his appearance that he was a military general, and it was none other than Pang Yi.
"Your humble servant Pang Yi greets the Queen Mother and wishes her good health." Pang Yi came in and knelt down to pay homage to the Queen Mother.
"Stand up," the Queen Mother said slowly after Pang Yi kowtowed three times, while raising her hand to Bi Qiao, "Give General Pang the embroidered cushion."
"Yes," Bi Qiao hurriedly moved the embroidery cushion over, "General Pang, please."
"Thank you, Queen Mother." Although he was sitting, Pang Yi's back was still straight.
"Please come in, General Pang." Bi Qiao brought up the tea, then bowed and left.
"How does it taste?" The Queen Mother said slowly while closing the lid of the tea, "I remember that you liked Taiping Houkui the most."
"Thank you, Queen Mother, for your concern," Pang Yi said hurriedly, taking a sip of tea and sighing softly, "I haven't had such good Taiping Houkui tea for twenty years. Thank you, Queen Mother."
"Since you like it, take some with you when you leave. Knowing that you are coming, I specially asked Bi Qiao to prepare a few jars of Taiping Houkui for you." said the Queen Mother.
"Yes, I would like to thank the Queen Mother," Pang Yi said in a deep voice, quite moved, "The Queen Mother really loves me too much."
"You and Mingwei grew up together. Mingwei treats you as a brother, so you are naturally different from others in my heart," the Queen Mother said slowly, sighing softly and pausing before continuing, "As soon as you got the news this time, you gave up your future in southern Xinjiang and rushed back to Beijing. This shows that your feelings for Mingwei have not changed."
"Your Highness is my benefactor. Without Your Highness, I would not be where I am today. I have no special talents, but I am loyal," Pang Yi said as he put down his tea bowl and knelt on the ground again. He said with a heavy face, "I know that I don't have the ability to save Your Highness from danger this time, but I also hope to go to Ningguta as soon as possible to protect Your Highness. Please grant me permission, Queen Mother."
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