Decision

  Mingfei's departure took too long, and the people in the imperial garden all had their thoughts. However, most of them thought that the Fourth Prince had something going on. Rong Gui and several others even secretly harbored hopes, a childless noble consort was definitely more likable than one with children. Thinking about various possibilities, unknowingly, the atmosphere among the crowd seemed to have improved somewhat, but only Xiaozhuang's face seemed to show nothing else.

  Since ancient times, the queen and concubines have been closely related to the previous dynasty. Ming Fei is an exception, but what makes me worried is still the women of the Tong family. If Ming Fei falls, the Tong family will soon be finished too.

  After walking for a while, all the women felt a bit hot, and He Sheli was no exception. She didn't put down her handkerchief, constantly using it to wipe away sweat. Whether she was really hot or if there was another reason, only she knew.

  Another edict from Kangxi arrived: "Let the younger sister of Empress Dowager Rong stay in the palace to accompany the empress dowager".

  The consorts, who had been secretly delighted, were like being doused with a basin of cold water, chilled to the bone. Everyone thought that the reason why the imperial concubine did not return was because she met the emperor, and the emperor actually left her sister in the palace to accompany her, which showed their deep affection for each other.

  Xiao Zhuang furrowed her brow and didn't say a word, but in her heart, she felt a sudden jolt. If nothing was wrong, Mingyue wouldn't be kept in the palace for no reason! She exchanged a glance with Xiao Hesheli, and they both saw concern in each other's eyes. Although the current situation suggested that Mingyue's matter might not be too serious, it was only maybe. Neither of them knew what was really going on.

  The imperial court is changing rapidly, and the emperor's one sentence may be a wind vane. The ladies, even if they don't understand the subtleties themselves, must remember what they see and hear firmly, and then tell their masters when they return. For a while, although everyone was talking, they were all obviously sizing up the expressions of Empress Xiaozhuang, the imperial concubines, and the Tong family members, straining to listen to what they were saying, and forcing themselves to remember the conversations they could hear.

  Before long, Mingfei arrived.

  Mingfei could almost feel the scorching gaze of the crowd lingering on her face like a searchlight, as if everyone was trying to see something in her expression, only to be destined for disappointment.

  Mingfei's face still wore a faint smile, with the corners of her mouth curved into a perfect arc. Her pitch-black eyes scanned over the crowd, making everyone feel as if they had been seen through, and hastily withdrew their thoughts from their minds. Mingfei looked as noble and calm as ever, to the point where even if something really did happen, she would probably still be able to remain expressionless. The natural poise that came with her birth made the other consorts feel like they couldn't compare to her, and even felt inferior.

  Mingfei's attitude made He Sheli and others feel much more at ease. Mingfei smiled and said, "Nai Nai didn't take good care of Fourth Brother, so I had to remind her a few times, which delayed the ladies. I've grown some chrysanthemums, and later the ladies can go pick some together, consider it my apology."

  Mingfei loves flowers and also raises them. The big chrysanthemums are even purple, spirited and delicate. Hearing that Mingfei was going to give away the flowers, Xiang laughed and said: "The imperial concubine Tong's chrysanthemums are well-raised, you guys have taken advantage of her today! She usually loves those flowers so much that she can't even touch them a few more times. Today, she actually wants to give them away! I wonder if our family can get one or two pots?"

  Mingfei smiled and supported Xiaozhuang, walking slowly with the crowd: "As Laozuzong said, if Laozuzong likes it, then it's all about respecting Laozuzong. Since you like it, I'll pick a few more pots for you!"

  "Today, we finally got the chrysanthemum of the noble consort, but I'm afraid we won't be able to take care of it and end up ruining the noble consort's fine flower. That would be our fault."

  Xiao Hesheli smiled and said: "Although the noble consort loves flowers, she values the imperial consorts more. The princes assist the emperor, while the imperial consorts take care of household chores for the princes. If the imperial consorts are not good enough, the princes will naturally be distracted. Since the imperial consorts are all good, the princes can focus on serving the emperor wholeheartedly. That's why the noble consort is willing to give away flowers!"

  As soon as Xiaohesheli's words fell, Xiao Zhuang led the laughter: "Really is Zhang Qiaomou! But said well! Women take care of their husbands in the back house, just to let their husbands work for the court with peace of mind. The princesses are all good and should get the queen's flower!"

  Xiao Hesheli's one sentence almost flattered everyone, more importantly, she elevated Mingfei's apologetic flower-giving to a rewarding nature, even making the imperial consorts feel that the noble consort had good intentions.

  Mingfei had to admit that Hesheli valued Little Hesheli truly, because Amuru was not on the same level as Little Hesheli at all. Even if Amuru studied for a few more years, he would still be far behind.

  The princes and princesses who received Empress Dowager's praise all bowed to thank her, and He Sheli won over many people with his words, which made him feel a little more at ease. When he looked at Mingfei, Mingfei nodded slightly towards him, and He Sheli felt a bit relieved, hoping that nothing big had happened.

  The thing about Mingyue, if the Tong family really didn't know it was going to happen ahead of time, then the Emperor probably wouldn't make a big deal out of it, because at least for now Kangxi can't afford to quarrel with the Tong family. Mingfei doesn't plan on telling her family about what happened to Mingyue; even if she did, it would be pointless. The main thing is that she can't do that. As far as anyone knows, only she herself is aware of this matter. If it gets out, it means something - and only she herself knows exactly what that is.

  Mingfei did as she said before, and at the end of her birthday banquet, she gave each of the ladies present a pot of flowers, and chose several pots for Xiaozhuang.

  Kheshig and several others waited to hear that Amurao had sprained his ankle, caught a cold, and fainted, only then did they realize that something they didn't know about had happened, and this matter couldn't be leaked out, so the informed Amurao could only fall into a coma, perhaps he wouldn't even survive in the future.

  Such thoughts made Hershel and Little Hershel involuntarily feel a chill in their hearts, but they dared not say another word to Minnie, fearing that they would offend her and cause trouble for her. However, Hershel was worried about Minnie and held her hand without speaking, unwilling to let go.

  In the afternoon, the temperature gradually dropped. Ming Fei reached out and pulled up Hesheli's cloak, only softly saying: "I'm fine."

  The strong woman, He Xie Li, was moved to tears by Ming Fei's words and looked at her steadily, saying in a hoarse voice: "If there's really something going on, you must tell Mother about it. Mother won't let you suffer injustice!"

  Her voice was firm, although Mingfei thought that if something really happened to her, it would be Kangxi's decision, and He Xieli could do nothing about it. But she still believed in him uncontrollably. In her previous life, her mother had passed away when she was six years old, and her father had given her a comfortable life, even refusing to remarry for her sake. Yet, she was still a child without a mother, and the feeling of being loved by her mother made her feel as if she had soaked in a warm spring, with every pore feeling cozy and relaxed. She unconsciously stretched out her hand to hug He Xieli, and curved up the corners of her eyes: "Mother is so good..."

  He Xie Li only felt that her daughter had suffered greatly in the palace, and that her own words had caused her to lose her composure, making her heart even more distressed.

  Xiao He's servant was delighted with Ming Fei and He Shi Li's relationship, but still had to advise the two to separate: "Young master, it's getting late, you should head back. If others see this, it will cause trouble for your mother again."

  He Xier endured the tears in her eyes, covering her mouth with a handkerchief, and hastily turned to get into the sedan chair. She was afraid that she would lose control of herself. She had never regretted anything as much as she did now, regretting letting her daughter enter the palace, even though her son-in-law was the Emperor, and the Emperor was her own nephew. But after all, he was still the Emperor, and women in the imperial harem could hardly have an easy life.

  Mingfei watched as the sedan disappeared around the corner before withdrawing her gaze and getting into the imperial carriage.

  Abao woke up and saw Mingfei coming in, his little mouth wide open with a big smile. Only then did Mingfei's eyes show a hint of a smile. She hugged her son tightly and kissed him several times before putting Abao down and walking around the inner chamber, only then thinking to ask about the palace maids and eunuchs in the side chambers after she left.

  Pei Yu followed behind Ming Fei, speaking softly: "After Master left for a while, Li Gonggong brought in several eunuchs, first inviting the second young lady out, and then taking away all the other palace maids and eunuchs one by one, not leaving a single one. Afterwards, I went out to investigate, but only knew that they had gone to Yangxin Hall, nothing else."

  Mingfei let out a sigh, placing the lively and active child on the couch, and gently patted his little buttocks. However, the little guy burst into laughter again because of this pat. Mingfei hooked her mouth in resignation, nodding to indicate she knew, then paused for a moment before reminding him: "Today's events are to be kept secret, don't say anything extra if anyone asks, but remember everything."

  Almost no one in the palace is more foolish than them, and they don't know that knowing more things can be dangerous for their lives. Mingfei reminded them to be careful, and they all respectfully agreed.

  In Ming Fei's view, those palace maids and eunuchs who ran away would naturally not have a good ending. She was a person who genuinely revered life, which had nothing to do with being soft-hearted or hard-hearted; it was just a kind of faith. At the same time, nearly a dozen people lost their lives in front of her, which was no small shock to her. Once again, she realized that in this era, even if you were the emperor, your life wasn't worth much, and if you weren't the emperor, your chances of losing your life were even higher.

  She lay down somewhat restlessly beside her son, when a little palace maid came in to say that the empress was calling for Ming Fei.

  A Bao thought Ming Fei wanted to play with her again, so she happily reached out to grab Ming Fei's ear and casually changed from a sitting position to lying down, with her little belly pressed against Ming Fei's face. In the past, the nannies would rush forward to pick up A Bao after being scolded by Ming Fei a few times, but now they just pretended not to see.

  Mingfei laughed and picked up her son, putting him aside, then sat up herself.

  It's better for them to meet in person under the bright moonlight so she can figure out what to do next.

  Seeing Mingfei get up, the nanny beside her quickly picked up Abao. Abao saw Mingfei ignore herself again, pouting her small mouth, but still obediently hugged the nanny's neck.

  Mingfei kissed her son's chubby face and took Wang's hand to walk out.

  Although Wang's wife didn't know what had happened, she knew that the matter was probably related to Mingyue and it couldn't be anything good. After thinking for a moment, she spoke up: "Master, do you have any plans to see Second Miss?"

  It's natural to have plans, but in this palace, no matter what you do, every step requires careful consideration and slow planning, otherwise, a moment of carelessness will lead to eternal regret.

  She said faintly: "Go and listen to what she has to say first, after all, she's my younger sister, I should take care of her."

  Mingyue was arranged to be in the east wing of the palace, where all the attendants were Emperor Kangxi's trusted confidants. Mingyue had at least three people standing beside her at all times, and she couldn't take a step outside without being noticed. She seemed to have realized her situation, and her face showed signs of panic, her pale complexion making her look even more fragile in her light-colored cheongsam. When she saw Mingfei's attendants, their eyes lit up, and they forgot to bow, until an elderly lady-in-waiting coughed to remind them to compose themselves.

  Mingfei sat on the main seat, looking down at Mingyue who was half-kneeling below her. Her face looked extremely indifferent, as if she were looking at a stranger. She scrutinized the stiff Mingyue, and finally smiled slightly: "Get up, give your seat to Second Miss."

  Mingfei's expression was too indifferent, Mingyue didn't dare to be too excessive, extremely polite and sat down on the stool, wanting to speak up, but looking at the group of people sent by Kangxi around her, she didn't know how to say it.

  She only now realized that she had done a stupid thing, Kangxi looked at her as if looking at a dead object. She was extremely afraid of Kangxi and didn't even dare to look at him. She had lost all confidence in deceiving Kangxi. Now she could only rely on Mingfei to save her. Her request was not high, as long as Mingfei could let her pretend to be dead and leave the palace.

  Mingfei looked at Mingyue, who was frowning, and said: "You wanted to see me, sister? What's the matter? Is it that you're not satisfied with the food or the accommodations? If there's anything you're not satisfied with, just speak up. The Emperor has specifically instructed me to take care of you."

  The bright moon said with a smile: "Your Highness is too polite, I have nothing to complain about, it's just that I haven't seen my sister for a long time and wanted to chat with her."

  Mingfei smiled slightly and nodded, indicating for Mingyue to continue.

  The bright moon swallowed a mouthful of saliva: "The slave has been in the palace for many days and is not feeling well, can the noble concubine please speak to the emperor and let the slave stay for a few more days before returning?"

  Ming Fei was still smiling at Ming Yue, but she didn't seem to have any intention of speaking.

  Now I regret it, why didn't I think more at the time? I wanted her to help me and said it with such certainty. In all likelihood, she was going to use the matter of the 44th to threaten me. If the Emperor knew that Abao would be the next Emperor, given his current fondness for the Crown Prince, even if he wouldn't take action against Abao now, who knows what might happen in the future?

  She felt that there was no need for her to continue staying anymore because she already knew what to do next.

  The bright moon cannot be detained.

  Mingyue thought of using Ah Bao's future as the emperor to threaten Mingfei, so at least she didn't dare say anything for now in order to save herself.

  Mingfei looked at Mingyue with some surprise and said, "I thought you were eager to stay in the palace, but why did you want to leave after less than a day? You also said you were very satisfied, but it seems that something has made you unhappy. Are you being reserved with me? It's better to speak directly, I can still make decisions for you."

  Mingfei's tone was too sincere, completely like an elder sister caring for her younger sister, making Mingyue feel that the relationship between the two sisters used to be quite good. She lowered her head and said: "This servant just misses home."

  Mingfei furrowed her brow and sighed, "If I had known today would be like this, why bother coming out in the first place? This palace is just a noble consort, there are some things that can't be done, but since my sister has spoken up, I will have to remember this matter in my heart. If possible, I will help my sister."

  Mingfei's words made Mingyue feel strangely trustworthy, and she even felt that she didn't need to say threatening words at all now. Mingfei comforted Mingyue with a few more words before standing up and leaving the east hall.

  At dinner time, Kangxi came again. Abao seemed to like Kangxi very much and when he saw Kangxi in Mingfei's arms, he jumped up and down non-stop. Mingfei almost couldn't hold him anymore. Abao even stretched out his hands wanting Kangxi to carry him.

  Kangxi looked very envious, but he was a self-disciplined person, so he just stretched out his hand to pinch his son's small chubby face, and let Mingfei hold Abao sit by his side, asking about some of Abao's daily affairs.

  Mingfei still politely mentioned what happened in Mingyue Palace: "Sister said she wanted to go home."

  Later changed O(∩_∩)O~

  Insert Bookmark