”Mm, okay. Can I have another cup of water? I’m still very thirsty.” Mei Si Yu asked tentatively.
When she saw his somewhat reluctant expression, she tried to support herself up: “If not, I can get it myself.”
Before she could put on her shoes, he had already brought the cup to her lips, saying neutrally: “Don’t move. If you want to drink, I’ll pour it for you. It’s my honor to pour water for a beauty, especially for my most beloved Yu’er!”
”Cough cough… How cheesy! Aren’t you embarrassed saying such things!” Mei Si Yu had been touched moments ago – after all, having an emperor pour water for her was rare, and more than once was even more extraordinary! But his words made her both embarrassed and secretly a little excited, creating a ripple on her calm lake of emotions!
He smiled silently, gently patting her back to ease her coughing. Their intimate interaction would appear deeply loving to outsiders. Someone hiding by the window watched everything clearly. Seeing her slightly open eyes nestled cozily in his embrace made the observer go crazy, completely changing their mind about entering and instead turning away.
Because of some matters, Ming Leng Chen also left. Feeling bored, Mei Si Yu put on a windbreaker and wandered outside the Yang Feng Palace with Xiao Rou’s accompaniment. Having slept all day, she lazily stretched, taking a deep breath. The flower and grass fragrance in the air made her feel refreshed and at peace.
Mei Si Yu recalled the events of last night, her resentment growing. Someone she trusted had forcibly approached her while drunk. Remembering her helplessness and despair, her hatred deepened. Although he had lost control because of his love, she could not forgive his actions and the harm caused to her. If loving someone meant forcibly imposing feelings, she would rather choose not to love!
We won’t go to the Yanfeng Palace now, as it’s getting late, and we don’t want to disturb the sister’s rest, right Yueqing?” Shu Fei tried to suppress the frustration in her heart and said softly.
“Elder Sister Shu is right, we won’t go. Moreover, your health hasn’t fully recovered yet,” Ji Yueqing, who had been silent, spoke in a low voice, not daring to look up at Mei Siyu.
What a delicate little face! The fair skin complemented her exquisite features, making her look obedient and adorable. Her soft voice and timid tone made her even more endearing. This was Mei Siyu’s evaluation of Ji Yueqing. She couldn’t understand why – first the gentle and elegant Wan’er, and now the obedient Ji Yueqing. They were both gentle women, so why would they associate with the domineering Shu Fei? They must have been coerced or enticed! Watching the two gradually walk away, Mei Siyu couldn’t help but sigh.
Just as they were about to reach the Yanfeng Palace, Mei Siyu vaguely saw a person standing ahead. The figure was small and slender, seemingly a woman, so she quickened her pace to confirm the person’s identity.
“Sister has returned,” a familiar voice greeted her. It was Xia Wan’er, dressed in a white pleated skirt with delicate edging, her appearance elegant and pure, without a trace of makeup.
“Wan’er, were you waiting for me? Look how thin you’re dressed, be careful not to catch a cold,” Mei Siyu said caringly, gently holding Wan’er’s slender hand as they walked into the palace, with Xiao Rou following closely behind.
After they sat down, Xiao Rou promptly served tea and some novel pastries before discreetly closing the door.
“Sister, please don’t take it to heart. The Emperor still cares about you,” Xia Wan’er consoled.
“Wan’er, thank you for your concern. I’m fine, see? I’m doing well, right, little one?” Mei Siyu laughed easily, playfully teasing the parrot nearby.
“Sister’s state of mind is indeed broad. I could never compare,” Xia Wan’er said with a soft smile.
In the inner palace, Xia Wan’er was one of her better friends. Thinking about her past experiences under Shu Fei’s influence, Mei Siyu felt even more sympathy for her.
“Wan’er, shall we become sworn sisters? True sisters!” Mei Siyu suddenly proposed, somewhat excitedly.
Wan’er was momentarily stunned, then tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded slightly: “If Sister doesn’t mind, Wan’er is willing.”
They embraced and cried together. A slight smile crept across Mei Siyu’s lips. She finally had a close sister to fill the void of being an orphan. At least now she would have a companion in the lonely palace life.
She hadn’t been out of the palace for so long. The first time was when he took her to a brothel. Now everything had changed. His humiliation and violation still caused her pain. Pushing away these painful memories, she focused on chatting with Wan’er.
[Text: 045 The Empress Dowager’s Lesson]
The next morning, with bright sunshine warming her bottom, Mei Siyu was reluctant to get up, enjoying this rare moment of comfort.
“Miss, stop lying in bed. Breakfast is getting cold,” Xiao Rou complained.
“Xiao Rou, please don’t disturb me. Let me sleep a bit more,” she pleaded softly with squinted eyes.
“Fine, you can sleep. But when Virtuous Concubine arrives, I’ll just say you’re sleeping,” Xiao Rou said leisurely.
Mei Siyu, who had been planning to stay in bed, immediately jumped up at these words: “Naughty girl, why didn’t you say so earlier? Quickly help me dress, are you trying to make me look bad?” She deliberately narrowed her eyes, trying to intimidate Xiao Rou.
Xiao Rou calmly helped Mei Siyu dress, selecting a light purple pleated skirt embroidered with white lotus flowers. She styled her hair smoothly, pinned with a jade hairpin, her delicate features highlighted with light makeup, creating an elegant and extraordinary appearance.
“Gongong requests Mei Fei to visit the Phoenix Virtuous Palace,” the eunuch announced.
It’s not that Mei Siyu, who seduced the harem, bewitched the emperor, and bullied her nephew!” Shu Fei said with exaggeration, believing that the Empress Dowager would not let this matter go, and that Mei Siyu would face punishment for daring to provoke her.
“Is this true, Shu’er?” the Empress Dowager asked suspiciously, having already heard rumors about Mei Siyu. In an instant, she transformed ugliness into beauty, not only gaining the emperor’s favor but also earning Cold Yu’s misguided love. She had always despised exclusive favoritism, and now that Shu’er had spoken up, she could teach this girl a lesson.
“Every word is true. You can secretly investigate if you don’t believe me,” Shu Fei said emphatically.
“You may leave now. I will handle this matter. Do not interfere further and focus on giving birth to a prince!” the Empress Dowager said softly, touching her forehead.
Hearing this, Shu Fei bowed her head in shame and withdrew, realizing that her aunt still cared for her by hinting that she should quickly bear a prince to secure her position in the harem. She secretly felt fortunate that she still held the upper hand!
Shortly after Shu Fei left, the Empress Dowager summoned Xiao Zi, saying sternly: “Go and invite Mei Fei to see me, but make sure the emperor does not see you.”
“This servant understands,” Xiao Gong Gong replied respectfully.
What followed was the scene of Xiao Gong Gong entering the Yanfeng Palace to summon Mei Fei to meet the Empress Dowager!
Mei Siyu followed Xiao Gong Gong, moving gracefully behind him, passing through winding corridors and soon arriving at the Fengxian Palace, the Empress Dowager’s residence.
Entering the hall, she was greeted by a majestic and ancient decor, with yellow curtains separating the main hall from the inner chamber, exuding an inviolable noble atmosphere of the sacred imperial family.
