The next day
Yu Mingyue had planned to pay her respects to the Old Madam today, but unexpectedly, the Old Madam sent someone over first.
It was quite rare for them, grandmother and granddaughter, to be so in sync.
Yu Mingyue did not let the old woman in immediately. She waited until she had finished dressing and changing, and had a cup of clear tea before allowing her in.
"This is the fish paste square cake, sugar-steamed almond crisp, and walnut sesame dew made by the Old Madam's kitchen. The Old Madam heard that Sixth Lady has been studying diligently every day and specially made these to nourish her."
"Grandmother is considerate of my hard work and specially asked the kitchen to make these to nourish my brain. She is truly thoughtful," Yu Mingyue said with a smile.
As the old woman was about to speak, Yu Mingyue's gaze sharpened. The old woman's heart skipped a beat under her gaze, and her words got stuck in her throat.
"I am merely a little tired from studying. Even tonics are effective, but if someone's brain is damaged, no elixir will work."
"Yes, yes, yes." The old woman dared not underestimate Yu Mingyue and repeatedly agreed.
"Good and evil will eventually be rewarded; it's only a matter of time. Remember my words and relay them to Grandmother without missing a single syllable," Yu Mingyue reminded her gently and amiably.
After the old woman left, Chi Dan said, "If the Old Madam hears what you said, she might get even angrier."
Yu Mingyue chuckled, "What does her anger have to do with me?"
"Then won't the Third Madam and Fifth Miss suffer even more?" The Old Madam and the Eldest Miss were truly despicable.
A family like a ducal mansion would never stoop to tormenting their daughters-in-law and juniors, yet the Old Madam possessed all these qualities.
"Didn't I say that good and evil will eventually be rewarded; it's only a matter of time? By then, the Old Madam might have to beg the Third Madam tearfully." Yu Mingyue was about to drink the walnut dew when Chi Dan stopped her, "Miss, you mustn't drink it."
"Don't worry, she wouldn't dare poison me openly. Besides, wasting food is wrong."
Yu Mingyue curved her lips. When she lowered her gaze, her thick eyelashes resembled a pair of feather fans, making her look like a porcelain doll. However, the things the young lady had been doing lately were becoming increasingly incomprehensible to them.
...
"This prince does not wish to marry Luo Yuanniang. A true man has countless ways to achieve great deeds; why should he be controlled by a woman?" Xiao Che flatly refused.
Consort Yao's eyebrows were tightly furrowed. "A true man knows when to bend and when to stand tall. If you can make the Luo family serve you, why not? She is just a woman. Since the Eldest Princess has spoken, my son shall marry her first."
"Mother Consort is foolish. The Luo family has long harbored rebellious intentions; how could they serve me? Father Emperor would never agree either," Xiao Che said, flicking his sleeve. "This prince has his own plans. The inner palace must not interfere in politics; Mother Consort need not say more."
"Insolent!" Consort Yao was about to be angered to death by this son of hers.
Her son was cold-natured and had always been distant from her, but he had always shown her respect. Unlike today, when he was so disobedient.
As Consort Yao flew into a rage, the palace servants below knelt on the ground. "Your Highness, please calm your anger."
Xiao Che remained unmoved. As a consort, one must be cautious in speech and conduct, and maintain one's boundaries. Mother Consort had overstepped.
"Do you know why the Sage has not yet established a Crown Prince?" Consort Yao rose from her chaise lounge, her beautiful eyes glaring at her son.
Xiao Che frowned. He very much wished to be the Crown Prince of Great Wei, but he knew he lacked prestige in the court, which was why he had to take the initiative to lead troops.
"Because you are not born of the Empress. Although I manage the affairs of the six palaces, Empress Wang is still alive. The aristocratic families in the court still support her. They have repeatedly requested an imperial decree to welcome her back to the palace. She is the Eldest Princess's cousin and they have always been close. If she returns to the palace and chooses a prince of similar age to be adopted, and then marries Luo Yuanniang, have you considered what would happen to you? Would she tolerate you?"
Consort Yao slowly sat back on the couch, her heart growing colder and harder.
Her greatest regret in life was not ascending to the position of Empress; her son was not the legitimate heir.
But if her son were to be made Crown Prince and ascend the throne in the future, her wish would be fulfilled.
"These are not matters Mother Consort should consider. Mother Consort has overstepped," Xiao Che said calmly after a moment of silence.
"Mother Consort is doing all this for your own good!"
"This prince appreciates it. It is getting late; Mother Consort should rest early. This prince takes his leave." With that, he turned and left.
Consort Yao, seeing her son unyielding, was so angry that she threw a teacup.
"Who has angered my noble consort so much?" The Sage's voice was heard from the corridor.