The Emperor’s Beloved Ugly Girl

76. Think Twice before You Speak

Translator: Iris Guo

“But your father just likes such a flattering dog. See, this dog will be on par with you in no time.” Imperial Concubine Zhao gave her son a glare and continued: “If he gets a better title, won’t you be worse than a flattering dog?”

Zhong Mingzheng frowned more deeply: “Mother, what if he gets a better title?”

“I don’t think that will happen. After all, your father also has to consider our family’s feelings.” Imperial Concubine Zhao muttered and sighed gently. “Your brother’s seasonal acne has been cured, and you need to bring him to greet your father as often as possible when you’re free.”

Zhong Mingzheng answered unwillingly: “I have to attend the morning court and discuss national affairs every day. Are you sure I have the time to play with him?”

“Stupid!” Imperial Concubine Zhao frowned and even her face contorted. Then, she slapped Zhong Mingzheng hard: “Don’t you have to learn from your brother since you can’t win your father’s favor?”

Prince IV Zhong Mingrong, Zhong Mingzheng’s younger brother, was only eight years old. He, lively and cheerful, had won the Emperor’s favor.

“Yes, mother, you’re right. I just lost my head for the moment!” Zhong Mingzheng hastened to fawn on Imperial Concubine Zhao and pour tea for her, “I really appreciate it that you are thinking for me. Have some tea, please!”

When Biqiao walked in the wing-room of the Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager was reciting the Buddhist Scriptures. Biqiao moved cautiously towards her without any noise and whispered near her ears. Then, the Empress Dowager opened her eyes slowly and raised her hand. Biqiao hastened to help her up from the futon and walk back to the chamber slowly.

“Did His Majesty really say that he would ennoble Prince II and Prince III at the same time in public?” asked the Empress Dowager after walking slowly to her seat.

“Definitely yes. He said that in front of Imperial Concubine Zhao, Imperial Consort Shu, and a lot of people in the Baohua Temple.” said Biqiao while she handed the Empress Dowager a cup of Lu’an tea. “Your Grace, you have been reciting for so long. Please enjoy some tea.”

“Uh-huh.” Empress Dowager sipped her tea, fiddled with the cup cover, and said slowly: “Both of them are old enough. Prince II is 25, and Prince III is 22. They have attended the morning court for many years, so they should be ennobled. However, it’s rare to ennoble two princes at the same time, not to mention two princes of different ages.”

“Exactly. I was very surprised when I heard about the news.” Biqiao agreed, paused, and continued cautiously while looking at the Empress Dowager: “Besides, it’s mostly likely that His Majesty plans to give them the same rank, which I didn’t think is appropriate. Anyway, the Zhao Family is more dignified than the Cui Family behind Imperial Consort Shu…”

“Nothing’s inappropriate.” The Empress Dowager compressed her lips and sighed gently: “Prince III is more distinguished, because his mother is Imperial Concubine Zhao, who’s merely inferior to the late Empress, and the Zhao Family behind him is powerful enough. However, Prince II is also excellent. Now that Mingwei was deposed, it’s clear that Prince II has become His Majesty’s eldest son. It makes sense that his Majesty values his eldest son.”

Biqiao looked at the Empress Dowager’s face, felt blue too, and whispered: “Nobody could beat Prince I, and these humble families couldn’t compare with our Xu Family…”

“Biqiao,” The Empress Dowager frowned slightly, put down the teacup, and said in a low voice, “Think twice before you speak.”

“Yes, Your Grace. I’m so sorry, and won’t do it again.” Biqiao bowed hurriedly.

“Get up.” The Empress Dowager glanced at Biqiao, fiddled with the Buddha beads, and closed her eyes for rest.

Biqiao brought a stove of burning sandalwood and put it on the teapoy. When she was about to leave, the Empress Dowager stopped her and asked slowly: “Everything okay in NingGuTa?”

“Yes.” Biqiao hastened to turn around and answered: “Since His Majesty had all the Magnolia liliflora cut down, Imperial Concubine Zhao’s favorite, he has shown his intention clearly. People in the government and His Majesty’s harem are so tactful that they have withdrawn their people from NingGuTa continuously.”