After Old Madam Xiao and Xiao Yan left, the Anle Marquis's mansion became much quieter, but there was no one to reassure Chu Mingzhu every day. She thought of Xie Yushu, whom she had seen that day, with her crescent-shaped eyebrows, starry eyes, red lips, and white teeth.
Although she didn't glare at them with a cold or domineering air, her casual gaze made them feel even more uneasy. It felt like an elegant cat watching a mouse that had been eyeing it, with a hint of mockery!
That expression disgusted and made her jealous. After staying at home for two days, she couldn't bear it any longer and sent a letter to the palace to see Consort Chu.
Consort Chu still held a certain position in the Emperor's heart. Upon receiving Chu Mingzhu's letter, which only mentioned missing her family, the Emperor granted her permission to let Chu Mingzhu enter the palace to accompany her for a few days.
This suited Chu Mingzhu perfectly, so she immediately packed her things and went to the palace.
Consort Chu was unaware that Chu Mingzhu had gone to see Xie Yushu. She had come to the door only to be turned away, which was too humiliating. Consort Chu would only scold her if she said that, so she didn't mention it again. She only mentioned that Old Madam Xiao and Xiao Yan had returned home!
Consort Chu was too lazy to care about such trivial matters. What she cared about was whether someone like Chu Mingzhu could capture Xiao Yi's heart!
Her younger sister is pretty, but she's too brainless and has a restless temperament. If you only look at her looks, figure, and manners, she's not bad. Among all the young ladies in the capital, she's not outstanding, but she's still above average.
After all, a pretty face, a shapely figure, and a clever mind are all rare things!
Having one or two of these qualities is already quite outstanding, but possessing all three is extremely rare; you couldn't find many like them in the entire capital.
Consort Chu felt that she counted herself as one. Although the Empress was scheming, she was still lacking in beauty. Now, there was Xie Yushu as well!
Compared to Xie Yushu, her beautiful younger sister was far inferior, and she was truly unsure whether Xiao Yi, who had met Xie Yushu, would be willing to marry Chu Mingzhu.
However, she was determined to seize the military power in Xiao Yi's hands.
This will require some thought!
Just then, the Fifth Prince brought news from outside the palace, saying that there were some rumors circulating that Xie Yushu and Xiao Yi were originally husband and wife, but were separated by Xiao Yi's mother.
The rumors were, of course, spread by Old Mrs. Xiao and Xiao Yan's shouting at the poetry gathering that day. However, the people at that poetry gathering were all literati, who were very aloof and didn't care about gossiping. They only exchanged a few words with their own family members. Of course, they also secretly guessed based on Old Mrs. Xiao and Xiao Yan's shrewish behavior. Since no one was stirring things up, the rumors didn't spread much!
Chu Mingzhu was furious when she heard that someone had linked Xiao Yi and Xie Yushu together, and she threw a tantrum!
Consort Chu instructed the Fifth Prince to find a way to completely suppress the rumors and to help Xie Yushu clear her name. Before Xiao Yi arrived in the capital, it was best if Xie Yushu's name did not appear together with Xiao Yi's name.
She took the opportunity to arrange a banquet, intending to bring up the marriage between Chu Mingzhu and Xiao Yi to the Emperor in advance.
Since we're not sure about something, we might as well strike first.
Consort Chu was always decisive and efficient. Once she had a plan in mind, she immediately ordered the small kitchen to prepare several dishes that the Emperor liked. She also sent someone to stand guard outside the Imperial Study. When the Emperor came out, she told him that she had prepared wine and food and asked him to bring her over directly.
Emperor Qingyuan has recently obtained glassmaking formulas and blueprints for repeating crossbows. Xiao Yi also helped him win a battle, so he is very happy!
After finishing reviewing the memorials, he heard that Consort Chu had prepared wine and dishes for him, so he happily went straight to the banquet.
When Consort Chu saw Emperor Qingyuan arrive, she specially called over Chu Mingzhu to serve her and Emperor Qingyuan food, so that she could become acquainted with them.
Emperor Qingyuan knew that Chu Mingzhu had come to the palace to accompany Consort Chu, but he didn't really recognize Chu Mingzhu. He didn't even recognize all the princesses and noblewomen of the royal family, let alone those who were casually given titles!
However, seeing that there was a young woman beside Consort Chu, he knew who she was and spoke up.
"You are Chu Mingzhu?"
Your sister has been saying she misses home these past few days. Now that you're here, spend some quality time with her!
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Since this is a family dinner, there's no need to be formal. Sit down and eat with us!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After Chu Mingzhu sat down as instructed, Consort Chu served the Emperor a bowl of pigeon soup, blew on it to cool it, and then handed it to him.
"This is pigeon soup that I asked the kitchen to make. It's been simmering over low heat for two hours. Please try it!"
The Emperor was very pleased with Consort Chu's understanding nature and drank half a bowl of the drink in small sips.
Emperor Qingyuan had just put down his bowl when Consort Chu placed another auspicious roll on his plate and fed it to him.
"Your Majesty, please try this Ruyi Roll. Today's Ruyi Roll is fried to a golden brown and crispy perfection, yet it's also perfectly cooked, leaving a lingering fragrance in your mouth!"
Emperor Qingyuan thoroughly enjoyed being fed like this, and ate with great relish.
When it comes to cooking time and temperature, how could the imperial kitchen possibly make a mistake? Every single day, the Ruyi Rolls taste the same! But Consort Chu is good at talking, and she even managed to convince Emperor Qingyuan that these Ruyi Rolls taste better than anywhere else!
After finishing the Ruyi Roll, Consort Chu served Emperor Qingyuan a piece of shark fin soup. Although Consort Chu served Emperor Qingyuan food frequently, she did not eat much herself. Instead, she told Emperor Qingyuan about the daily anecdotes of the twins. Emperor Qingyuan laughed heartily when he heard the stories. The two were just like an ordinary married couple!
Chu Mingzhu was so shocked she almost dropped her jaw! She was also amazed at how her sister had become a favored concubine.
Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Consort Chu casually brought up Chu Mingzhu.
"What are you doing, just staring at us? Aren't you going to eat your food?"
"No, no, I'm just happy to see how well the Emperor treats my sister!"
Chu Mingzhu came up with a lame excuse.
But Consort Chu was always a shrewd and diplomatic person. No matter what Chu Mingzhu said, she would steer the conversation to what she wanted to say. So, taking advantage of Chu Mingzhu's words, she feigned a shy smile and sighed to Emperor Qingyuan.
"To have the Emperor's attention is my greatest blessing!"
"In this life, I have Your Majesty and our children; I am content!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Qingyuan felt a surge of accomplishment and smiled broadly!
Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Consort Chu frowned and sighed.
"It's just that my parents are no longer here, and Mingzhu's marriage has not yet been arranged. I am truly worried about her!"
Now, the only one left to worry about her marriage is me, her older sister. I myself am protected by the Emperor and live a life of luxury. If my younger sister's marriage is delayed, how will I face our parents after I pass away?
Emperor Qingyuan also understood that this was an attempt to arrange a marriage for Chu Mingzhu, and so he said...
"It is normal for men to marry when they are of age and women to marry when they are of age. There are many handsome young men in the capital. My beloved concubine can send someone to inquire about which young men are suitable. Once you have a favorite, just settle on one!"
With you as my older sister, I don't need to worry about being bullied after I marry into the family!
Seeing that Emperor Qingyuan had no intention of bestowing a marriage upon her, Consort Chu simply laid out her plans.
"It's not that I don't want to help her find a husband, it's just that my father arranged a marriage for this girl when he was alive!"
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