newbobooks Chapter 560: Bringing Mother to Audience
Chapter 560: Bringing Mother to Audience
Shen Meizhuang was busy with something, and Princess Longyue was in the backyard and didn't come out.
Zhen Huan sat for a while and then stood up to say goodbye.
Cui Jinxi, who was supporting her master, keenly sensed her loss and comforted her softly.
"Your Highness, there are still a few months before your birth. The Master and the Madam will surely be able to return in time."
"I'm also looking forward to seeing my family soon."
Zhen Huan felt the cold wind blowing on her face and was worried about her family.
"Jinxi, you once said that Su Peisheng was from the same hometown as you. Do you still have any private contact with him now?"
Cui Jinxi shook her head slightly, a complex look flashing in her eyes.
"Master, Su Peisheng and Gao Changjin live together in Gongjian Hutong, and they have always been at odds."
People's hearts are fickle, and Su Peisheng's love has long become a thing of the past.
"Su Peisheng is narrow-minded and easily bears grudges. In order to avoid causing you unnecessary trouble, it is best for me to have as little contact with him as possible."
Zhen Huan patted her hands.
"Jinxi, I'm sorry for the hardship you've suffered."
"Master, this is all done willingly. However, from now on, when you visit the Yangxin Palace or when the Emperor visits the Zhongcui Palace, it would be best if Baizhi were there to serve you."
Cui Jinxi knew that she had offended Su Peisheng, so she actively gave Zhen Huan advice.
Fortunately, Gao Changjin met with misfortune, otherwise Su Peisheng would have reported her to the emperor and she would have had to go to the Ministry of Punishment.
Fubao saw Huanbi standing there motionless and asked in a low voice.
"Master, would you please call out to Concubine Zhen?"
"Who said I was going to Zhongcui Palace?"
Huanbi raised her chin slightly.
"Fubao, I heard that before Concubine Shu gave birth to the Sixth Prince, she read to him every day. Let's go! Let's go to Jingren Palace and take a look."
Fubao agreed with a smile.
"Yes, Master, I think you will definitely give birth to a little prince who is good at studying."
In fact, she did not approve of her master's association with Concubine Zhen.
It’s just that the master has his own ideas and tells her not to interfere.
Huanbi didn't expect that she would meet An Lingrong who came to Jingyang Palace in person to pick up the book after she had been in the palace for many years.
"This concubine pays her respects to the Imperial Concubine Shu."
An Lingrong smiled and gave him a light support.
"Lady He, please stand up. You are so far along in your pregnancy, why don't you take good care of your pregnancy in the Yanxi Palace?"
"Reporting to the Imperial Concubine, I heard that when you were pregnant, you often read to your unborn child. So I want to follow your example."
Huanbi spoke boldly.
"Could Your Majesty please help me pick out a few books?"
"You can just send someone to ask me about such a small matter. When I was pregnant, I read the Three Character Classic, Hundred Family Names, Thousand Character Classic, Rules for Disciples, and some travelogues to the child in our mansion."
"You only brought Fubao with you when you came out, so you can ask the eunuch guarding the palace to pick out the books."
An Lingrong saw that Huanbi was listening attentively and kindly reminded her.
"Mrs. He, an older child can sense movement outside, so it's best to limit the study time to about an incense stick."
"I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your advice."
Seeing that Huanbi was about to bow again, An Lingrong spoke up to stop her in time.
"You're pregnant, so there's no need to be polite."
"I have already selected the books I need, so I will go ahead."
She nodded to Huanbi, turned around and walked outside.
When the two of them walked to the open area of the imperial garden, Bao'e couldn't help but complain in a low voice.
"Master, I see that Noble He has not taken your advice to heart at all."
"I just did what I had to do. It doesn't matter whether she listens or not."
An Lingrong continued walking. "I heard that Madam Shen will be entering the palace tomorrow. Tell Bao Ge to prepare yam and jujube paste cakes and some Jeju specialty cakes in the small kitchen tomorrow."
"Yes, I have remembered it."
An Lingrong had a hunch that Mrs. Shen would come to pay her respects.
Sure enough, the next day, she was immersed in books when Xiao Linzi reported to her through the curtain.
"Master, Concubine Hui and Madam Shen request an audience."
"Invite them in."
An Lingrong put down the book in her hand, sat upright in her seat, and looked gently at the curtain at the palace door.
After a while, as the curtain was gently lifted, a dignified woman in dark blue court dress came in, supporting the pregnant Shen Meizhuang.
There is some resemblance between their eyebrows, and one can tell at a glance that they are mother and daughter.
"Your humble servant pays respect to Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine Shu. May Your Majesty be blessed with good health and happiness."
"Princess Hui, Madam Shen, please excuse your formalities."
An Lingrong gently asked the two to stand up.
"Bao Que, show Huipin and Madam Shen a seat."
"I have long heard that Her Majesty Shu Guifei is kind and amiable. Seeing her today, I can see that her reputation is truly well-deserved."
Mrs. Shen smiled and looked up at the woman who was as gentle as the spring breeze.
If she had not been brought here by her daughter, she would have mistaken Concubine Shu for a young newcomer who had just entered the palace to serve the emperor.
I heard that Concubine Shu was the daughter of the county magistrate, but now looking at her elegant temperament, there is no sign of her past background.
This encounter wiped away any trace of contempt in Mrs. Shen's heart.
"Mrs. Shen, you are too kind. I am just doing my best to treat others with sincerity."
She once helped Shen Meizhuang, but the Shen family had repaid the favor with silver.
However, An Lingrong did not miss the fleeting look of surprise on Mrs. Shen's face when she saw her.
Neither the mother nor the daughter of the Shen family are people worth making close friends with.
No matter what Shen Meizhuang does in the future, she will not interfere again.
"Princess Hui, Madam Shen has traveled all the way from Jeju to Beijing to attend to your birth. It must have been a difficult journey. If there's anything you need, please let the Imperial Household Department know."
"Thank you, Madam Shu Guifei, for your consideration."
Shen Meizhuang thanked him sincerely.
When I took my mother to Yiku Palace just now, although Concubine Hua met my mother, her attitude is not worth mentioning.
At this time, Bao Ge came in with a tray, "Empress Hui and Madam Shen, please have some tea."
Baoque helped put the tea on the small table between the two of them, and also brought a few plates of snacks.
Mrs. Shen smiled and thanked her, "Thank you both, young ladies."
Mrs. Shen did not have the privilege of riding in a sedan chair, so Shen Meizhuang accompanied her mother all the way.
They walked against the wind all the way and did not dare to touch anything in the Yikun Palace.
I just need some hot tea to warm myself up.
Shen Meizhuang believed in An Lingrong's character and picked up the teacup without hesitation.
Seeing this, Mrs. Shen also started to taste it with confidence.
As soon as she opened the lid, she saw the bright red tea and smelled the rich aroma of pine smoke and fruit.
Mrs. Shen's heart moved, she took a small sip, and her mouth was immediately filled with fragrance.
This black tea is Zhengshan Xiaozhong, and the emperor once gave one or two taels of it as a New Year gift.
The master cherished this tea very much, but she had only tasted it once.
As the three of them chatted politely, An Lingrong saw that Mrs. Shen liked it, so she signaled Baoge to refill the water.
Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea is durable and can be brewed four or five times without losing its flavor.
An Lingrong doesn't like black tea, so this one was given to her by the Imperial Household Department, who say it can warm the stomach in cold weather.
The tea was refilled for the third time. Seeing that it was almost the end of the Si hour, An Lingrong spoke considerately.
"Princess Hui, you and Madam Shen haven't seen each other for nearly ten years. I won't delay your mother and daughter from catching up."
"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. I will take my leave."
Mrs. Shen also stood up after her.
After Baoque sent the two of them out, he asked in a low voice.
"Master, I see that Madam Shen is interested in making friends. Do you think it would be wise to ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs to give her special care?"