Your Majesty, this humble servant does not dare to overstep, and the etiquette between monarch and minister cannot be reduced,” Mei Xiang-ye said, cupping his hands and nodding. Indeed, he was a veteran loyal minister, whose words and actions were extraordinary. Ling Han had great respect for this courteous father-in-law! As they say, a tiger father does not beget a dog daughter; Mei Yu’s straightforward personality must be closely related to her father’s education.
Wow, how beautiful! This was the first time she had seen such a handsome man, beautiful in his nobility, handsomeness, elegance, and awe-inspiring presence. Truly the destined son of heaven, his appearance was indeed different from ordinary people, so beautiful it was stunning!
Mei Wu Yan was amazed by her brother-in-law! Not only was he beautiful, but also gentle and polite, completely lacking an oppressive demeanor! She couldn’t help but feel angry; he should have been her husband. If not for her momentary confusion and grave mistake, she would not have lost the opportunity to serve the Emperor, letting this little girl take advantage.
“Your Majesty, please come inside and rest, it’s windy out here,” Mei Xiang-ye said with utmost respect.
“After you, Minister,” Ling Han held Yu’er’s hand, following Mei Xiang-ye’s guidance into the inner hall, his smile never fading, his hawk-like eyes never leaving her.
They chatted for a while until noon. Mei Manor warmly hosted the Emperor on his first visit. Mei Si Yu also basked in his glory, enjoying being doted on at home. Last time, though she had taught her elder sister and Aunt Yun a lesson, she hadn’t enjoyed a proper meal. Today, she had more than made up for it. Remembering Mei Wu Yan’s fawning manner while pouring wine, she wanted to laugh out loud. How satisfying!
“Yu’er, go to your room. I have some matters to discuss with the Minister,” Ling Han said softly, sipping West Lake Longjing tea and meeting Mei Si Yu’s apricot-like eyes.
“Yes, Father. Yu’er will take her leave,” Mei Si Yu reluctantly said, knowing to be tactful.
As she reached the door, she playfully turned back: “Father and Xin, don’t talk about Yu’er behind my back, or I’ll get angry!” With a giggle, she vanished, leaving the two men laughing and shaking their heads, unable to predict her next move. What a delightful and mischievous girl!
[Text: 050 Teaching Mei Wu Yan a Lesson]
Mei Si Yu happily wandered through the garden. An autumn breeze rustled the leaves, and the flowers’ fragrance permeated the air, lingering long. Breathing in the fresh herbal scent and seeing the countless rare and exotic flowers, Mei Si Yu was enchanted!
Her previous visit home had been rushed, unlike today, when she could leisurely appreciate the beautiful scenery. Looking at this fresh and elegant environment, she secretly praised it. Only such an environment could nurture someone as pure and elegant as Mei Si Yu. Would her arrival be good for the true Mei Si Yu? She pondered this in her heart.
“What does Your Majesty mean?” Mei Xiang-ye cautiously inquired.
“Minister Mei, have you heard about the recent assassination attempt on me?” Ling Han’s hawk-like eyes fixed on Mei Xiang-ye, speaking coldly.
“This servant knows a little. But what does this have to do with the Consort?” Mei Xiang-ye probed further, knowing this was no trivial matter.
“We suspect the assassination is connected to Lord Yu,” Ling Han, knowing Mei Xiang-ye’s steady nature, spoke directly to put his mind at ease.
“This servant understands,” Mei Xiang-ye said confidently. Ling Han nodded satisfactorily, exchanged subtle gestures, and then left.
From the moment Mei Si Yu left, his heart followed her. Her every gesture lingered in his mind, never fading! Separated for just a moment, he was going crazy missing her. It seemed he was truly sick, completely bewitched by this little temptress! Realizing this, he quickened his steps.
Mei Si Yu had instructed him on how to find her: follow the circular path to its end, then turn left. But he had already circled three times and couldn’t see a trace of the path. How strange!
Walking slightly unsteady, with blurry vision—perhaps from too much wine—he suddenly saw an enticing scene!
A stunning beauty reclined on a stone couch, wearing a semi-transparent pale yellow gauze dress that perfectly showcased her flawless figure. Her black hair lazily draped to one side, partially revealing her smooth, round, white bosom. Her fair, delicate feet peeked out from her dress hem, inviting imagination. Truly a heavenly beauty! Her features were exquisite and charming, more seductive than Mei Si Yu’s delicate beauty, both considered pinnacle beauties!
“Your Majesty, this humble woman did not know of your arrival and failed to welcome you properly. Please do not blame me,” Mei Wu Yan slowly rose from the stone couch, standing barefoot and bowing.
“I wondered who this stunning beauty was. Oh, it’s you,” Ling Han said with a hint of contempt. He had long heard of Mei Wu Yan—not only promiscuous but with a notoriously bad temper. Selected as a court lady, she had lost her innocence by privately consorting with another before entering the palace. This led to Mei Si Yu being brought in to serve in her place, narrowly saving the Mei family from destruction.
“Your Majesty, there are some small dishes and a pot of good wine. If you don’t mind, shall we chat a while?” Mei Wu Yan said coquettishly, repeatedly brushing against him, believing he couldn’t resist such an invitation.
“This… might not be appropriate. If Yu’er sees, she might misunderstand. I’d better not sit,” Ling Han gently pushed away her soft body, stepping back to avoid too much contact and potential gossip.
Ah, it hurts so much. Your Majesty, could you help Yan’er?” Mei Siyan said, deliberately falling into his arms, her small face twisting in pain, pleading pitifully.
Ming Lengchen, completely insensitive, pulled her out of his embrace and harshly threw her to the ground. She let out a muffled groan from the pain, falling to the ground and glaring at him with angry eyes. Unable to speak out against him, she was filled with tears and said aggrievedly, “Your Majesty, you are so heartless. You’ve hurt Yan’er’s body.”
“Yu’er, when did you arrive? I was just looking for you. I couldn’t find the round thing you mentioned,” Ming Lengchen said tenderly, his eyes full of deep affection, gently embracing Mei Siyu. His rage from moments ago instantly melted away, all because of Yu’er’s arrival.
Mei Siyu broke free from his hold, softly saying, “Chen, wait a moment. I need to do something.” She smiled slightly at him, gently touching his nose, her love evident.
He nodded slightly in agreement. He watched Mei Siyu slowly approach Mei Siyan, crouching down to help her up. “Slap! Sister, I’m sorry. My sister accidentally hit you. You won’t blame me, will you?” Her voice was incredibly gentle, not sounding like someone who had intentionally struck her.
“You, did you do this on purpose!” Mei Siyan never expected her usually reserved sister would so boldly strike her, especially in front of the Emperor. She was gnashing her teeth with rage.
“Is sister complaining about me?” Mei Siyu said with an innocent expression. She had already seen the embarrassing scene earlier. Her shameless sister had actually tried to seduce her man. How could she not be furious? Slapping her was already mild – in the past, she would have beaten her thoroughly to satisfy her anger.
“Yu’er, I’m tired. Let’s go rest in your room,” Ming Lengchen said softly, suppressing his laughter. He never expected Mei Siyu’s “something” would be hitting her own sister. It seemed she had seen everything that happened! Fortunately, he had resisted temptation and pushed Mei Siyan away in time, or he might have been the one getting slapped.
