flstandardbreds Chapter 110 The Empress Dowager's Favor
Chapter 110 The Empress Dowager's Favor
The rich aroma of milk and the refreshing sweetness of tea created a rare and delightful sweet experience for the taste buds. Yuan Huailie's reaction was no different from others; he also showed some interest, though it was unclear whether it was interest in the milk tea itself or in the people who researched it.
As they were drinking, Yuan Huaiyu suddenly looked up and around, then quickly asked, "Where's Xue'er?"
Xin Mingwan smiled helplessly: "Xiao Liu, Xue'er has always loved to sleep in the latest, and you actually want to see Xue'er at this hour?"
He pouted and said dejectedly, "Mother, I don't get up late every day. I was originally planning to let Xue'er try milk tea! Here, Granny Fangxing, please have a palace maid send this milk tea to Hanxue Palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The group was chatting idly with the Empress Dowager, occasionally discussing the flavors of milk tea and the "sweet talk" business model, when a young eunuch suddenly appeared outside the door, saying that His Majesty had issued an edict. Xin Mingwan quickly let him in.
The young eunuch stepped forward, bowed to the Empress Dowager, the princes, and Lou Shenghan, and then hurriedly informed the Empress Dowager that Consort Ning was pregnant. Xin Mingwan was overjoyed and kept saying "good" several times. She also rewarded the young eunuch and everyone in the palace.
Before Xin Mingwan could speak, Lou Shenghan said with a smile, "I remember just last month I advised His Majesty to provide relief to the six palaces. Only a month has passed, and I didn't expect His Majesty to actually do it. I congratulate the Empress Dowager!"
"Good! Seeing Xiao Bao's adorable appearance today, I still have a slight regret in my heart. Among you brothers, only the prince has several concubines, and Lie'er has just gotten married. Ordinary families, like mine at this age, would already have a house full of children and grandchildren. Now that Consort Ning is pregnant, it is truly a great joy for the royal family."
She became more and more excited as she spoke, and raised her hand to call over the palace servants below.
"By imperial decree, Consort Ning has rendered meritorious service in bearing children for the royal family. Send my pair of gilded and cloisonné hairpins to Ninglu Palace. Also, bestow upon her five catties of freshly made blood swallow's nest, ten bolts of Tian Su fragrant brocade presented as tribute in early spring, and a 'Hundred Children Blessing' auspicious screen. Oh, and also that pearl and sandalwood hundred-turn beauty couch, that thing is so comfortable to lie on, send it to Consort Ning as well. Tell her to take good care of herself, and I will visit her when I have time."
"Yes, Queen Mother."
The generous reward showed that Xin Mingwan was very happy. How delightful it would be to have a grandson to dote on her in the future.
"Mother, Consort Ning is pregnant. In the future, you will be called Empress Dowager!" Yuan Huaize gently waved his folding fan. Although he didn't quite understand why his elder brother had allowed that Song woman to get pregnant, the emperor's heart was unpredictable, so he could only offer his congratulations.
"Ze'er, Yu'er, at least your two elder brothers have someone close to them. You two are already of marriageable age, so you can't play around anymore! Hurry up and see which young lady catches your eye. Your mother will ask your elder brothers to arrange a marriage for you."
"No! Mother, Yu'er is still too young!"
Yuan Huaize's expression also changed, and he quickly shook his head. This woman was as fierce as a tiger, and he did not want to marry her easily. Not everyone was as understanding and righteous as his mother.
Xin Mingwan sighed helplessly, then turned to Yuan Huailie and said, "Lie'er, you're newly married, you should set a good example for your two younger brothers. If the royal family has a few more young masters next year, it will be quite lively!"
Yuan Huailie frowned and said respectfully, "Your subject understands, please rest assured, Mother."
Before long, Lou Xiaobao yawned a few times and became sleepy. Lou Shenghan did not linger and took his leave with the child in his arms. The other three also got up and knelt down to pay their respects.
Yunxianglou
Hua Buyu sat on the edge of the bed, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes thoughtful.
"Hmm~" Xin Moyan groaned, then opened her eyes groggily, "Buyu, how did I fall asleep?"
"Yan Yan, you almost scared me to death! Come on, slow down!"
She helped Xin Moyan sit up slowly and then quickly brought her a bowl of herbal soup.
"Yan Yan, you fainted from menstrual cramps. Quickly drink this medicine."
"what is this?"
"Hmm... painkillers, I guess! I don't really know much about them. Does your stomach still hurt?"
"I still feel unwell." Xin Moyan took the bowl of dark, murky medicine and frowned instantly. It must taste extremely bitter.
Seeing her expression, Hua Buyu quickly took out a few pieces of ginger candy from her sleeve and said softly, "Yan Yan, drink it quickly. After eating this ginger candy, it shouldn't be too bitter."
A moment's bitter medicine is worse than a long period of discomfort. Without thinking much, Xin Moyan took a deep breath, tilted her head back, and gulped down the bowl of medicine. It was indeed very bitter. She quickly grabbed some ginger candy and put it in her mouth.
"Yan Yan, I didn't expect your menstrual cramps to be so severe. You should rest well for the next few days and not go to the shop for now!"
Xin Moyan was about to chat with her when she looked up and glanced around. This didn't seem to be the same room as before.
"Buyu, where is this? I remember the room from before, the bed wasn't this luxurious, was it?" She touched the soft gold-threaded quilt covering her, and even the pillow had a faint fragrance, which seemed somewhat familiar.
"Uh... this is the top floor."
Hua Buyu scratched his head, wondering how to explain it.
"The top floor? Aren't the private rooms in the flower section? Besides, no one is allowed to enter the top floor, so how did we end up here?"
"Oh dear! You just fainted in the toilet. There was a new guy who didn't know the rules, so he carried you to this room to rest and then notified me to come over."
"Really?" Xin Moyan still found it strange. She was in the downstairs restroom, so if she wanted to save someone, she should have gone to the nearest floor!
"By the way, Buyu, did you see a man just now?"
Hua Buyu's eyes flickered a few times before she slowly said, "No! What man?"
"But in my mind, I think I heard a man calling me."
"You must have misheard! Yan Yan, get some rest first. We'll take you home when Xin Moling comes back."
Xin Moyan was still puzzled; the voice sounded strangely familiar. Coming to her senses, she hurriedly got out of bed.
"Yan Yan, what are you doing? Lie down and don't make any sudden movements."
"Keep silent. This is the top floor, and no one is allowed to go in. I've been lying here for so long; it would be bad if someone found out."
Hua Buyu quickly pressed her down on the bed and tucked her in tightly, saying earnestly, "The medicine hasn't taken effect yet. You're weak right now, so don't move around too much. I heard that the owner of Yunxianglou is not in the capital these days, so you won't be found out. Just stay for a little while, it'll be fine."
"But……"
"Alright! No buts. At this time, your brother has probably finished court. We'll wait for him to come back here."
Speaking of the owner of Yunxianglou, she suddenly thought of the mysterious Young Master Xuanyuan. Would the jade pendant that represented him allow her to come to this floor?