Unfortunately, the Emperor, whom she held so dear in her heart, did not even glance at her.
Suppressing her indignation, she took a step forward. "Your Majesty, I have come to offer you my apologies."
"Oh?" The Emperor paused his brush mid-stroke as he signed the memorials, lifting his gaze to look at her.
"I was misled by that wretched servant at the time, which led me to misunderstand Consort Chun. I have been filled with anxiety these past few days." Consort Shu rose, her demeanor fragile. "I feared Consort Chun might hold a grudge against me, so I did not dare to visit her."
"If Consort Chun can forgive me, I am willing to fast and pray every day to seek blessings for the Little Princess and her."
This speech was delivered with such deep, heartfelt emotion that it almost fooled Su Mianmian.
[Pah! Still trying to smear my mother, are you?]
[When did my mother say anything? You’re the one claiming she holds a grudge—what a reek of 'green tea'!]
[This lecherous, beauty-obsessed tyrant is surely going to be bewitched by this act. What a scumbag, what a foolish ruler!]
The Emperor rubbed his brow and said, "Consort, your heart is in the right place."
Just as Consort Shu was about to break into a smile, he continued. "Since you are so sincere, it would be wrong of me to stand in your way."
"Pass on the order: from now on, meat is strictly forbidden in Consort Shu’s palace."
The Emperor lifted his eyes to hers. "Let us set the term at one year. What does my consort think of that?"
Huh?
Consort Shu’s eyes widened in shock. She had only been speaking for effect—what could the Emperor possibly mean?
"It seems you feel that is not enough? Then let us make it two years. And while you are at it, have the small kitchen in Consort Shu’s palace dismantled. I will not tolerate anyone hindering Consort Shu from praying for the Little Princess."
Having said this nonchalantly, the Emperor lowered his head and returned to his memorials.
Su Mianmian’s small mouth hung open in a perfect circle. Seeing Consort Shu’s stunned expression, she giggled with malicious glee.
[Hahahahaha!]
[Who would have thought the tyrant was actually a low-key expert at spotting "bitches"?]
[Look at that liver-colored face on Consort Shu; I’m going to die laughing.]
[Help, I’m drooling so much my nose is getting stuffed up.]
Upon hearing this, the Emperor set down his brush and leaned in closer to take a look. Sure enough, she was laughing so hard she had drool all over her face. He wiped her face with a soft cloth, his movements gentle, terrified of causing her any pain.
He cast a casual glance at Consort Shu. "Well? Why haven't you left? Does my consort still wish to..."
"I shall take my leave now, Your Majesty."
Consort Shu’s composure nearly collapsed as she scrambled away.
Once she was gone, the Emperor picked up Su Mianmian and began to play with her tiny paws.
[Although that was satisfying, Consort Shu almost killed me. When I grow up, I will definitely settle this score with her myself!]
*What!*
The Emperor’s hand froze. Why hadn't she said it all clearly at once? That venomous woman had actually dared to harm his child. His pupils constricted, and his face filled with rage.
Consort Shu, very well. He would not let this woman get away with it.
Su Mianmian was carried back to her palace. The Emperor was so bogged down in the mess left behind by the ministers that he was temporarily unable to care for her.
Su Mianmian, however, was living a different life—drinking milk, looking at the beautiful palace maids, and using her jade pendant to cultivate. In just a few days, her little face had rounded out. She looked like a little rice cake, utterly adorable.
Consort Chun was so fond of her that she held, kissed, and cuddled her constantly, never wanting to let go. While this was comfortable, Su Mianmian grew tired of it after a while.
[Mother, I want to go out! I want to breathe some fresh air.]
[Mother~ my dearest mother~, can you understand what I’m trying to say?]
Consort Chun pretended not to see her and said casually to Xiyou, "I heard from the imperial physician that it is good for a newborn to get some sun. You, take the Little Princess out for a stroll."
Xiyou accepted the order and carefully lifted Su Mianmian.
Consort Chun added, "Remember to keep a close watch on the Little Princess. Do not let anyone else hold her." The inner palace was treacherous, and human hearts were fickle; who knew if one might encounter a person or a monster?
"Yes, Your Highness." Xiyou held Su Mianmian tightly, terrified of losing her. Her look of extreme vigilance made Su Mianmian want to laugh and cry at the same time.
[Sister Xiyou, there is no need for such a "battle-ready" expression. Could you please loosen your grip just a little? My little bottom is starting to feel uncomfortable~]
Unfortunately, Xiyou could not hear her inner voice and held her tightly the entire time with the look of someone ready to die a martyr’s death. Anyone who didn't know better might have thought she was carrying a bomb and preparing to blow up the palace.
"Master, Master, please wait for this servant!" A eunuch scrambled to catch up to his master.
The youth, dressed in luxurious purple robes with a golden jade crown, looked like a handsome hero from legend, his entire aura one of immense nobility. The Third Prince stopped his stride upon hearing the shout. "I heard that Consort Mother Shu has been confined by the Emperor. I must go and see her."
He had been raised by Consort Shu. Although he had come under her care later in life, she had always been considerate toward him. How could he not be anxious now that he had heard the news?
"Your Highness, the Emperor only said that Consort Shu should not leave her palace without a reason; it is not a formal confinement!" the little eunuch pleaded earnestly. If his master got into trouble, the servants would be the ones punished—otherwise, who would want to meddle in his affairs?
The Third Prince furrowed his brow. "Do you take me for a fool?" If this wasn't confinement, what was? It was said that it was because of the Little Princess born to Consort Chun that Consort Mother Shu had been confined. The Third Prince clenched his fists. The Emperor even carried that Little Princess to court! He had never once carried him to court!
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. The Third Prince turned to leave, when suddenly, his gaze caught a palace maid holding a child and looking at the flowers. In the palace now, the only child was that brat, wasn't it?
*Talk about a small world.* The Third Prince pulled a sneer and strode toward them.
Just as he reached them, Su Mianmian’s eyes widened.
[Hottie! Hottie! Such a big hottie! Hehehehe.]
[This one looks so good. Is he some kind of minister?]
Su Mianmian’s little abacus began to click in her mind. Her toothless mouth curled into a smile so lecherous that she was too focused to notice the flash of astonishment in the Third Prince’s eyes.
*Where did that tiny, milky voice come from?*
He quietly scrutinized Su Mianmian. *Could it be her?* There were no other children here. Seeing that no one else looked the least bit disturbed, the Third Prince had to suppress his shock.
Xiyou saw him and hurriedly bowed. "Greetings, Third Prince."
[What?]
[The Third Prince? That’s my brother!]
Su Mianmian pouted. *Great, so much for the excitement.*
[Ugh, will I ever find a beauty again? Why are they all—every one of these good-looking men—either my father or my brother?]
Hearing the disdain in her tone, the Third Prince felt somewhat displeased. She had been so excited a moment ago; the moment she learned his identity, she was already looking down on him? *Am I not good enough to be your brother?*
[And this Third Brother of mine, he’s such a doomed wretch.]
The Third Prince had been planning to leave, but upon hearing this, he forced his legs to stay. *What is this brat talking about?*
[This Third Brother of mine is about to meet the female lead. He’s going to be captivated by her and act like a total lapdog.]
[It’s a pity she won't even look at him. In the end, when the country falls, she won't even plead for mercy on his behalf.]