21 - Utmost Best

Chapter 21 – Utmost best

After listening to Bai Yuxiao, Consort De was already almost convinced. Consort De no longer showed any of her initial contempt and disgust but instead, she regarded Bai Yuxiao as one of her own people.

“Huh! They dare to hurt Jing’er! If I find out who did it, Bengong will not be merciful!”

With a severe and cold expression, Consort De slapped the table fiercely and at this time, she no longer showed the dignified and gentle image of an imperial concubine. After all, a woman who could climb up to this position in the palace must be hard-hearted and ruthless.

Consort De recalled the time when she was young and the sufferings she went through just to protect and guard Jing’er so that he could grow up safely. Now that Jing’er had set up his own royal mansion and received the title of Ling Wang , her worries had also increased.

Therefore, it is unavoidable that she bares her teeth and claws to show a vicious front.

Suddenly, she seemed to have thought of something and immediately looked towards Bai Yuxiao. She found the girl still standing there with a calm face without any trace of fear, neither servile nor overbearing.

Consort De nodded secretly. The girl looked calm and stable and did not even flinch from the moment she entered the palace. She did not look like any ordinary concubine but Consort De was a little doubtful about her ability. The girl was able to save Jing’er and made Jing’er trust her and he even picked her for deployment. Thinking up to here, Consort De decided to test the girl and deliberately knocked over the teacup on the table without any warning.

Unexpectedly, as soon as the teacup fell, it was swiftly scooped up by Bai Yuxiao. The teacup with the lid was placed back on the table without a drop of tea being spilled. This move of hers won Consort De’s special respect and it made her believe that this girl is indeed not an ordinary concubine but an important chess piece placed by Si Liiujing in the rear courtyard.

A look of appreciation shone in the eyes of Consort De and she said warmly. “Serve the Wangye well and take good care of the royal mansion. If you encounter any problems, send someone with a message and Bengong will uphold justice for you.”

Bai Yuxiao replied respectfully. “This subordinate will do her best. This subordinate has just been promoted to Shufei , so it is not advisable to be too bold in my moves and presently, the first thing that should be done is to appease the women in the inner courtyards step by step.”

Her seemingly inattentive words were meant to remind Consort De. On seeing that Consort De was in deep thoughts pondering over her words, she acted as if she suddenly thought of something, retracted her gaze, and changed the topic.

“ Niangniang , the tea has gone cold. It should be changed with a new cup of tea.” Bai Yuxiao smiled as she said gently and respectfully.

Consort De also curled her lips into a smile. “Yesterday, the Emperor bestowed Bengong some new tribute tea. It is heard that the fragrance of the tea refreshes the spleen and the taste is sweet. Accompany Bengong to try this tea.”

“Yes.”

Consort De immediately ordered the maidservants to serve up the tribute tea. The relationship between the two women was a complete turnaround compared to when they first met. Consort De was amiable while Shui Shufei was respectful and gentle. They talked and smiled like a pair of happy harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Where had their initial swords-drawn hostility disappeared to?

When Qin Momo and the other palace ladies saw this scene, they were all secretly surprised and wondered what kind of method did Shui Shufei used to conquer Consort De’s heart in such a short time.

Not only the palace ladies and maidservants were puzzled, but even Si Liujing was also shocked. When he stepped through the door and was about to greet Consort De, he saw the scene of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law talking and smiling.

As soon as he heard that his mother had summoned for Shui’er to enter the palace, he rushed over immediately.

He understood his mother’s temper and was aware of her methods and he also knew that his mother would not treat Shui’er kindly. Shui’er would definitely suffer greatly in his mother’s palace but he did not expect that his worries were unnecessary.

The girl did not suffer any loss and his mother was even holding the girl’s hands. She was given a seat beside Consort De and while they talked and laughed together, tribute tea and snacks were also served on the table.

It can be seen that the mother-in-law is very satisfied with this daughter-in-law.

When Consort De saw her son, she smiled lovingly and said. “Jing’er is here!”

Si Liujing immediately went forward and said. “This son greets Consort Mother.”

The palace ladies and maidservants also bowed in salute to the Wangye and Si Liujing waved his hand in acknowledgment. Then he went up to the other side of Consort De and sat down.

“How is Consort Mother’s health? This son heard from the Emperor that Consort Mother summoned for the imperial doctor to regulate Consort Mother’s health. This son is worried and came specially to visit.”

Consort De rolled her eyes at her son. “You’re only worried that Bengong will bully your wife, right? Look at how nervous you were just now, Bengong is not blind.”

Si Liujing was about to explain when Consort De waved her hand. “Alright, alright……. Bengong knows. You can rest assured Bengong will not make things difficult for her.” Consort De showed a magnanimous expression.

She knows? What does it mean?

Si Liujing’s mind was full of questions but his face did not reveal anything and instead, he showed an expression of sudden apprehension.

“it’s good that Consort Mother understands this son’s painstaking efforts. This son is fortunate to have the empathy of Consort Mother.”

This royal family likes to talk in circles around the periphery of the matter, going around in circles and never talk clearly on the topic and at the same time, putting on a pretense.

It made BaiYuxiao, who was sitting at the side, almost unable to restrain her laughter. She tried very hard to hold back and showed a tacit understanding and great cooperation.

The son came to visit his Consort Mother and his biological mother must have a lot to tell him in private. Perhaps, she might even want her son to accompany her for dinner. So, Bai Yuxiao was very tactful and stood up.

“If Niangniang and Wangye don’t have any more instructions, please permit this concubine to return first.” She lowered her eyes and showed a look of waiting respectfully for her master to speak.

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Consort De smiled and nodded, and felt very satisfied with Bai Yuxiao’s understanding of the important protocol principles expected from her.

“Escort Shui Shufei back to the royal mansion. Qin Momo, bring Bengong ’s pair of flowery green jade bracelets from the accessories chest and reward them to Shui Shufei .”

“Yes, Niangniang .”

Qin Momo would never dare to underestimate this Shui Shufei ever again. Fortunately, she did not slap Shui Shufei ’s face just now, otherwise, what would happen if she had formed an enmity with her? She had a feeling that Shui Shufei would be a frequent visitor to the palace in the future.

The moment Bai Yuxiao walked out, Shuang’er, who was waiting anxiously for her, immediately rushed up and greeted her with joy.

“Young Miss, you are finally out! This servant is so worried about you. Did Consort De treat Young Miss harshly?”

“Yes. At first, when I knelt and bowed to greet her, she punished me to kneel without permitting me to get up.”

“What?” Shuang’er expression changed.

“But after kneeling for a while, I was allowed to stand up.”

Shuang’er breathed a sigh of relief.

“Then she ordered Qin Momo to slap my mouth.”

“Ah!” Shuang’er’s expression changed once again.

“But it did not happen.”

Shuang’er breathed a sigh of relief again.

“After Wangye arrived, she drove me away.”

Shuang’er’s expression changed again but this time, she became alert. Her anger only rose halfway and then she stared at Bai Yuxiao.

“Young Miss, did you deliberately break the sentences into sections? Are you deliberately trying to scare Shuang’er?”

Bai Yuxiao nodded. “That’s right.”

Shuang’er stomped her feet angrily. “Young Miss, this servant nearly died from fright and you’re still trying to scare me!”

“You are only just listening to me and you already feel so scared. Then when I was inside facing Niangniang ’s threat, even if I didn’t lose my life, half my life could have been lost!”

Immediately, Shuang’er’s face turned pale and she shivered.

That’s right, this is the palace and not the royal mansion. If Consort De gives an order to slap her mouth or her ear, Young Miss will surely suffer. It is heard that if punishment is meted out, even if one’s life is not taken, it would still leave one disabled or disfigured. Everything would be over for the rest of her life.

At this time, the eunuchs came over with the sedan chair and Qin Momo also personally presented a lacquer wooden box with gold carvings to Bai Yuxiao.

“Shui Fei Niangniang , if this servant made Niangniang displeased just now, please don’t take offense.”

When addressing Bai Yuxiao, Qin Momo had deliberately left out the word ‘ Shu’ and only used the word ‘Fei’ to show her obvious flattery.

Bai Yuxiao smiled faintly. “Don’t say such words, as I still have to ask Qin Momo for help in the future. This is just a small gift for Qin Momo, please accept it.” As she spoke, she stuffed a small pouch into Qin Momo’s hands. The small pouch had a little weight and even without opening the pouch to confirm, it evidently contained gold.

Qin Momo hurriedly refused and said she did not dare to accept but under Bai Yuxiao’s insistence, she finally accepted it. While saying her thanks to Bai Yuxiao, she sent her up the sedan chair.

It was only after Bai Yuxiao had left the palace and got onto the carriage of Ling Wang Mansion, that she opened the lacquer wooden box. Sitting inside the box was a pair of crystal clear green jade bracelets. Just by looking at the quality of the translucent bright green luster, one would know that the jade bracelets were very valuable.

Shuang’er stared straight at the bracelets and asked with a blank expression. “Young Miss, this……”

Bai Yuxiao said firmly. “This is Consort De’s ‘shock-allaying’ gift to me to allay the shock that I experienced in her palace.”

Shuang’er was stunned and then her face turned red with anger. “Young Miss!”

Bai Yuxiao’s laughter rang out from inside the carriage. She watched as Shuang’er’s expression changed from embarrassment to anger after being made fun of and she laughed so much that tears flowed from her eyes.

It seems that she had gained an ally after entering the palace today. As long as Consort De does not make things difficult for her, does she, this Shufei , needs to be afraid of Lan Shufei ?

***☆☆☆***

After Si Liujing had taken his lunch with his Consort Mother and as soon as he returned to the mansion, he went straight to Yaorong Pavilion without going back to his main courtyard.

“How did you appease my Consort Mother? She did not make any move on you and even reward you with a pair of jade bracelets.” Si Liujing was curious. He could not enquire from his mother regarding this matter for fear of asking the wrong question which could cause harm to Bai Yuxiao. Thus, he could only endure and question her upon his return.

“When the mother-in-law finds the daughter-in-law pleasing to her eyes, it is only natural that she rewards the daughter-in-law with a ‘meeting’ gift upon their first meeting.” She replied solemnly.

Want to keep me in suspense, right? It doesn’t matter, he has a way to fix her!

“If you’re not willing to talk, it doesn’t matter. We have a lot of time to talk this out slowly.”

He leaned forward and his handsome face revealed an evil charming look.

Without asking, Bai Yuxiao knew what he wanted to do. A good woman should not suffer obvious losses and one who adapts to circumstances is the smart one.

She immediately had a change of mind.

“I was only joking. You’re my husband, why won’t I tell you?”

Humph, this sex pervert only knows to use the trick of picking the yin to replenish the yang as a means to interrogate! It is still daytime now!

However, she did not drag and immediately explained to him. She was not afraid and was sure he would not blame her and also cooperate with her.

After listening to her explanation, Si Liiujing felt a sense of helplessness and had the urge to laugh. “My subordinate? You can really think of such an idea, but how long can this reason hold?”

“As long as Consort De does not direct her anger at me, this reason will be used as long as possible. It is said that ignorance is a blessing and I did this for Niangniang ’s blessing.” After she finished speaking, she had a sense of self-greatness.

Si Liujing broke into loud laughter. He pulled her over, sat her on his lap, and said in a low voice. “Good, not telling Consort Mother is also good. It will save me the trouble of worrying about you.”

That’s right, he was really worried about her. Today, when she saw him rushing over with a worried expression on his face, he was certainly not pretending. He was indeed anxious about her.

Thinking up to here, she reined in her mischievousness and softened her body like water to nestle against him.

“This concubine’s heart is with Wangye and this concubine will definitely protect Wangye and do her utmost best.”

Si Liujing’s black eyes sparkled with glowing lights. He lowered his head to kiss her beautiful lips and it was a lingering kiss that he could not bear to separate for a long time.

Bai Yuxiao closed her eyes and let him do whatever he desired until she felt a hard object between her legs. She was thinking that it would be better not to let this fire get too big and wanted to stop the kiss but did not expect that the arm hugging her waist had no intention of letting go. His other broad hand gripped the back of her head and he deepened the kiss. At the same time, he sent the maidservants a look that made them all withdrew in haste.

On seeing that he had the intention to ‘expand the war’, she quickly grabbed on to his hand that had slipped under her clothes. In between a break in the intense kiss, she found a chance to speak and hastily reminded him.

“ Wangye , it’s not night yet!”

“So?”

Alright, he doesn’t care whether it’s day or night.

“ Wangye , this concubine is very busy.”

“So what?”

“I’m tired.” She told him the truth.

Recently, Lan Shufei and the three Ji concubines had joined hands to deal with her and she had been busy guarding against them. Today, she had also concentrated fully on dealing with Consort De and after being busy the whole day, she only wants to take a good rest now.

Si Liujing could not help but laugh.

This girl! If it had been any other woman, no matter how tired she is, she would perk up and serve him but this woman is so frank and she did not show any desire to deal with him at all!

It doesn’t matter, let him will deal with her instead!

“It’s alright. Since my beloved concubine is tired, then let husband serve you today.”

Bai Yuxiao’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Is this true? He wants to serve her? The majestic Ling Wang , Si Liujing, is going to serve his concubine? So she can just lie down like a dead fish? That shouldn’t be a problem!

She blinked her beautiful eyes several times and could not hide the smile in her eyes. When she looked at Si Liujing, she wanted to laugh……..she is the only one who dares to treat him like this!

But since he had spoken, he will make an exception and serve her this one time. He pressed her down on the bed, took off her shoes and socks, and then pulled off her hairpin to let her hair was spread all over the bed. He stripped off her clothes piece by piece with gentle movements like he was unwrapping a gift until finally, her beautiful naked body lay before his eyes and last night’s bite marks were still visible on her white and tender skin.

He slowly lowered his head to print small light kisses on her body. The previous times were ‘attack and plunder’ but this time it was different…….he was trying to please her, serve her wholeheartedly and make her feel comfortable.

Her eyes started to blur and her mind became fuzzy. The tingling and itchy sensation affected her four limbs and she felt so comfortable that she was unable to extricate herself.

The best ‘shock-allaying’ gift that she received today is Ling Wang serving her in bed and it could even make her laugh in her dreams.