Chapter 294: Courtesy First
Consort Hui was troubled for a long time. After much thought, she felt she had to do something before leaving the palace.
So she discussed with Granny Xia, “From what you said, it seems the two of them are not truly together yet. If that’s the case, why not try persuasion before force?”
“What does Her Ladyship mean by persuasion before force?” Granny Xia asked.
“I believe Madam Wen is knowledgeable and courteous, and her son is a disciple of Tutor Zhuge. She wouldn’t do anything too disgraceful,” Consort Hui said. “I’ll try to probe her indirectly. If she is proper and knows her place, there will be no further developments.”
“Her Ladyship speaks wisely. The common folk say, ‘A woman who doesn’t entice makes it hard for a man to approach.’ ” Granny Xia said. “As long as Madam Wen holds her ground, the Prince Consort ultimately won’t do anything to her.”
They felt that Madam Wen was different from the palace maid before, because Madam Wen’s status was higher.
Dong Gang could conspire with her, but he couldn’t use force, as he had to consider the consequences.
“How about this! You go and invite her over later. Tell her I want to speak with her,” Consort Hui said. “Didn’t Emperor Taizu of Song achieve his goals through persuasion after releasing his generals from their military power?”
Indeed, that afternoon, Granny Xia came to Madam Wen’s residence.
Xiao Yue was very surprised to see her, but she still greeted her with a smile, “Granny Xia, you’re a rare visitor. Please come in!”
Granny Xia also said with a smile, “Is Madam Wen here? Our Her Ladyship sent me to invite her.”
Madam Wen was doing needlework inside. Upon hearing this, she quickly got up to greet her, “So it’s Granny Xia. Please have a seat. Xiao Yue, go and pour some tea.”
“No need, no need. I’ll just say a few words standing up,” Granny Xia quickly stopped her. “Is Madam Wen free at the moment? Our Her Ladyship wishes to invite you over for a chat.”
Madam Wen heard her say this and knew Consort Hui had something to discuss with her.
Consort Hui was leaving the palace tomorrow. Why was she calling for her now?
“I’m not busy right now, so I’ll go with Granny,” Madam Wen said, tidying her clothes and checking if there was anything out of place.
“Oh, that’s wonderful. Madam, please follow me,” Granny Xia said as she walked out.
Madam Wen followed her to Consort Hui’s Palace. The inner chamber where Consort Hui was staying was quiet, with no one serving her.
Granny Xia led her in and said, “Madam, please keep our Her Ladyship company for a while. I’ll go and make tea.”
Madam Wen paid her respects to Consort Hui. Consort Hui smiled and said, “I know you’re a busy person, so I specifically sent Granny Xia to invite you. Please sit down! Your residence isn’t close to here either!”
“May I ask what Her Ladyship requires of me?” Madam Wen did not sit. “How dare this servant sit opposite Her Ladyship?”
“Don’t call yourself a servant. You were never a maidservant of this palace to begin with. Although you are divorced, your status is still significant. And with such an outstanding son, even the Empress looks upon you with respect. How could I not respect you?” Consort Hui said to Madam Wen with a smile. “No wonder everyone values you. I hope you also value and respect yourself!”
She emphasized the words “value and respect yourself” heavily. Madam Wen’s expression remained unchanged, but her heart stirred.
She replied humbly, “Her Ladyship’s praise is too much. It truly makes this servant feel ashamed.”
“Oh, please sit down! I just want to chat with you. If you stand like this, I feel uneasy,” Consort Hui urged Madam Wen to sit down again.
Unable to refuse, Madam Wen accepted the invitation to sit, but she did not sit on a chair. She chose a nearby stool and sat down at an angle.
Consort Hui felt much more at ease seeing her humble demeanor and her lack of overstepping.
At this moment, Granny Xia brought the tea. Madam Wen quickly got up to receive it.
“Mingqian, I’ve called you here today for two matters. First, I want to thank you properly. You’ve often helped me with this and that. You’ve always done your best, which is excellent.
Although the Empress also gave instructions, you could have been lazy and taken some time off if you wished. But you’ve always been so attentive, always coming to ask my intentions.
I’ve said for a long time that I should reward you with something,” Consort Hui said.
“Your Ladyship, please don’t say that. Serving the various masters is this servant’s duty. If I do poorly, I should be punished. If I do well, it’s still my duty, nothing extraordinary. How can I accept a reward from Your Ladyship? Besides, Your Ladyship has already rewarded this servant with many things,” Madam Wen replied, standing up again.
“Please sit down,” Consort Hui said. “Let me finish speaking. I want to give you a reward, and no one is forcing me to. Besides, I’m not someone who can’t afford to give rewards.”
“In the Imperial Harem, besides the Empress, Your Ladyship holds the most noble position,” Madam Wen said. “Naturally, Your Ladyship can afford to give rewards, but this servant is deeply ashamed and feels unworthy of receiving one.”
“Alas, you know how lonely the Imperial Harem can be. It’s rare to find two kindred spirits. I like you the moment I see you, but since you exclusively serve the Empress, it’s difficult for me to get too close.” As she spoke, she had Granny Xia bring something over. “This is a string of diamond prayer beads, one hundred and eight in total. I’ve heard they are most suitable for those who worship Buddha. I don’t use them myself, and they’ve been gathering dust.
I know you’ve been in pure cultivation for the past few years, so you must be able to use this.”
Madam Wen looked at the diamond bracelet placed flat on the tray held by Granny Xia. It was clear and flawless, each bead the size of a fingertip, truly rare and precious.
“Such an extraordinary treasure, this servant truly has no fortune to accept it,” Madam Wen said fearfully. “Your Ladyship, have I done something wrong?”
“You’ve done nothing wrong, you’re excellent. Why are you so flustered? I don’t eat people. Sit down quickly!” Consort Hui said with a gentle smile. “You think this item is precious because you value it in your heart. I don’t find it particularly rare.”
“Madam Wen, this is Her Ladyship’s sincere intention. If you keep refusing, won’t you chill Her Ladyship’s heart?” Granny Xia also chimed in.
Madam Wen knew Consort Hui was determined to give her this item today. If she didn’t accept it, Consort Hui wouldn’t be able to say what she wanted to say next. It was better to accept it and see what her true intentions were.
“Then… this servant respectfully obeys, and deeply thanks Your Ladyship,” Madam Wen said, standing up and thanking her solemnly before accepting the diamond beaded string.
Seeing that she had accepted it, Consort Hui’s brow relaxed further and she said, “This is the first matter. The second is, I want to ask you, how did you raise such a good son?”
“Oh, this child is actually quite mischievous. He’s just a little bit clever, which is also innate,” Madam Wen said with a smile.
“Alas, I truly envy you! To have such a good son,” Consort Hui sighed. “He’s truly intelligent and handsome, and so quick-witted.”
