Everyone present was just as puzzled as Meng Yao.
However, their confusion was about General Zhao and the fact that he was married?
Who on earth was this person?
To warrant such a warm demeanor from Noble Consort An.
"Lady Zhao, try this fruit. His Majesty is very fond of it, he almost daily instructs the Imperial Kitchen to make it," Noble Consort An pointed to a plate of exquisite fruits.
Colorful, lifelike fruit shapes.
With Noble Consort An being so enthusiastic, Meng Yao had no choice but to take a peach-shaped pastry and put it in her mouth.
Soft, melted instantly, not a trace left, and most curiously it carried the unique scent and sweetness of actual peaches.
This was pastry made from dough.
Yet the taste was almost comparable to a real peach.
Indeed, no chef serving the Emperor was simple-minded.
"Does it suit Lady Zhao’s taste?" inquired Noble Consort An earnestly. This was the Emperor’s favorite, and being clever, she had especially instructed the Imperial Kitchen to make it for Lady Zhao to taste.
Meng Yao nodded, "It’s said that the best chefs in the world are in the Imperial Kitchen, and indeed, it’s true. I never knew that pastries not only could look like fruit but also taste like them."
"Since Lady Zhao likes it, when you return, I will have the Imperial Kitchen prepare some for you to take home," said Noble Consort An, "Lady Zhao, do also try this."
Noble Consort An pointed to a crystal-clear soup on her left.
Meng Yao had the same in front of her.
Meng Yao didn’t know how to describe it, with a faint pink hue, quite transparent, somewhat like jelly in its brilliance, yet not solid.
A faint sweet fragrance wafted.
"This is rose honey dew soup. His Majesty loves having a bowl of it while reviewing memorials late at night," Noble Consort An, being the perfect narrator, explained in a gentle voice to Meng Yao.
With the Noble Consort being so hospitable, Meng Yao had to try it.
Under Noble Consort An’s expectant gaze, she praised the rose honey dew soup for its deliciousness. For origınal chapters go to 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✦𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚✦𝕟𝕖𝕥
Others awkwardly followed Meng Yao’s lead, finished drinking it, and praised its taste.
They realized that they were there to accompany the banquet today; the main focus was Lady Zhao.
Suddenly, everyone’s curiosity about Meng Yao peaked.
Correspondingly, the Grand Princess’s disdain for Meng Yao also reached its peak.
"Changle, with so many ladies present, is it appropriate for you to only attend to Lady Zhao?" the Grand Princess said with a stern face.
"Why wouldn’t it be? I’ve met all the other ladies before, but Lady Zhao is visiting the palace for the first time. Isn’t it right for me to look after her a bit?" retorted Noble Consort An confidently. Besides, she thought, this is someone cherished by His Majesty, so why shouldn’t she care more? Isn’t it only fitting?
Why else could she hold the position of Noble Consort, if not for her attentiveness?
The love of the monarch is elusive.
Being obedient and cooperative is the way to stay favored.
Keeping pace with His Majesty, liking whom he favors, that is the survival rule of the harem.
Noble Consort An smiled and continued, "The other ladies haven’t said anything. By saying this, is the Grand Princess trying to sow discord between them and me? Don’t be upset, dear sister; I’m just speaking off the cuff. How could you do such a thing? Moreover, I originally didn’t invite the Grand Princess to this banquet; you came on your own. I thought you were worried I might not host the ladies well and came to help."
After speaking, she blinked innocently.
At first, referring to herself as "I".
Then switching to "me".
It sounded a bit like she was teasing the Grand Princess.
Of course, by the look on the Grand Princess’s face, it was evident Noble Consort An wasn’t really teasing.
Her words, direct and indirect, were all subtly chiding the Grand Princess.
For this alone, Meng Yao found herself somewhat fond of Noble Consort An.
It was, of course, because Noble Consort An also seemed displeased with the Grand Princess.
The Grand Princess took a deep breath and forced a smile, "All of the Capital City knows General Zhao has always been single. For a wife to appear all of a sudden, it’s truly curious. Changle, won’t you introduce Lady Zhao to the other ladies?"
"Huh? Doesn’t everyone already know this is General Zhao’s wife? What else is there to introduce?" feigned Noble Consort An, perplexed.
"Your Highness the Grand Princess, if you want to know something, just ask yourself. The Noble Consort and I are meeting for the first time, she knows nothing about me," Meng Yao spoke up proactively.
Isn’t it just to make her look bad?
She didn’t think there was anything shameful about her.
"Lady Zhao’s straightforwardness makes me seem petty," said the Grand Princess expressionlessly, "However, since Lady Zhao has spoken, I’ll ask. Where is Lady Zhao’s family from? What positions do your father and brothers hold? How did you meet General Zhao?"
"Qingzhou Prefecture, Huaiyuan County, Fengyang Town, Shanghua Village," Meng Yao leisurely replied, "As for my father and brothers—"
Meng Yao paused, "I was adopted by the Meng Family, a common farming family. As for how I met Zhao Ting, I feel there’s no need to explain that to the Grand Princess."
A farming family? Which means a rural woman?
This identity is truly surprising.
How could a rural woman be worthy of a noble General?
This was the thought in most people’s minds.
"Doesn’t Lady Zhao feel even a bit of mismatch in status with General Zhao?" the Grand Princess pressed.
Meng Yao remained composed, without a trace of embarrassment. She even took another piece of fruit and put it in her mouth, savored the flavor, then had a spoonful of rose honey dew soup, dabbed her mouth gently with a napkin, and finally spoke, "I wonder how the Grand Princess would define a match?"
"Naturally, equal in family status, social position, and knowledge," said the Grand Princess.
Meng Yao thoughtfully nodded, "By Your Highness’s definition, it seems unmatched."
"Since you know, why do you cling to General Zhao?" the Grand Princess queried.
"How does Your Highness know it’s me clinging to Zhao Ting? Could it not be Zhao Ting clinging to me? I’m quite troubled too. I’ve told Zhao Ting that I don’t wish to latch onto a high family, but he refuses to let me go. Your Highness is knowledgeable, why not give me some advice?" Meng Yao said with a smile, "What to do? The Great General just likes this village woman!"
The sarcastic tone left the Grand Princess speechless.
Noble Consort An initially considered how to assist Meng Yao, to prevent her from suffering, but now it seemed Meng Yao wasn’t a pushover at all.
The Grand Princess got no advantage over her.
Her anger was plain bold, her eyes filled with fury.
However, this Grand Princess truly showed no self-respect.
The dignity of the Royal Family was trampled underfoot by her.
Her affection for Zhao Ting was known to others, yet not mentioned, but surely scorned inwardly.