Emperor's Cunning Wife

"Where are they?" Ning Lou asked unhappily.

"They didn't take care of you well so Tang-mama transferred them to the laundry department." The old woman replied.

Laundry Department? Isn't that very cruel? Those two seemed to be only around 12 years old. Girls of this age should be pampered at home back in the modern world.

"I….is there any chance that they could stay with me?" Ning Lou asked softly.

"What?" The old woman was once again thrown into shock. However, she quickly recovered and explained.

"Did you remember when the time grandmother told you to be careful with the people serving you?" The old woman asked with an expectant gaze.

Ning Lou observed her expression before replying, "Yes. I remember."

"Then, Lou'er must understand that Grandmother did it for you. I don't want to repeat what happened last night, that's why Grandmother thought of this precaution." The old woman responded in a very firm voice.

"But, Grandmother the matter of last night might be just an accident?" Ning Lou replied observing the micro expressions forming in the face of the old woman.

"Lou'er. There are some things that Grandmother can't explain to you right now but rest assure that Grandmother will do her best to protect you." The old woman smiled and went to hold both of Ning Lou's hands.

Ning Lou knew that there was no room for further negotiations and lowered her head. Inside her mind, she was screaming at the laxative bitch for the unfortunate timing. But, recalling that thing, she didn't feel any stomach problems? The call of nature never came. She held her stomach and wondered what really happened.

The old woman noticed Ning Lou's actions and chuckled.

"Lou'er must be hungry. Come on, Tang-mama prepared the set of delicious light dishes for you." The old woman grabbed hold of her and brought her to a sandalwood table full of appetizing foods on different sizes and types of silver plates. The old woman enthusiastically described the taste of each dishes along with Tang-mama's guides at the back.

Ning Lou sighed reminding herself to be careful with her conduct next time.

Ning Lou's next actions didn't disappoint the old woman. Seeing Ning Lou held the chopsticks above the dishes ready to pick, the old woman also felt it was enjoying watching Ning Lou eat and let her silently indulge in her meal.

"Grandmother personally ordered the kitchen to cook that dish. Come on, have a taste." The old woman said urging Ning Lou to eat.

Ning smirked and put one piece in her mouth. Her bet was right picking the closest dish. Smiling she commented: "The taste is about right. It's delicious."

"Good. Good. Remember to reward the kitchen Tang-mama." The old spoke, her smile became brighter.

"Yes, this servant will remember." Tang-mama nodded.

With just how enthusiastic the old woman was, this old woman must have no idea that the original soul couldn't taste food. But by some reason, Ning Lou also thought of the possibility that maybe the original soul could taste food but due to her occupying this body, it somehow had a bland palate now. Ning Lou furrowed her brows a little before shaking her head to dispel those ideas.

By the time she was full, a palace maid outside with a lowered head appeared in front of them. She knelt and performed a bow.

"What is it?" The old woman asked, her expression suddenly becoming colder.

"Consort De, Consort Han and some of the concubines are outside for the morning greetings." The palace maid answered with a lowered head shaking visibly as Ning Lou observed.

Morning Greetings? The heck!

Yeah! Tell them Grandma!

The palace maid did a bow again and quietly retreated.

"How are the dishes?" The old turned to face Ning Lou again with a smile full of mirth.

"It was delicious." Ning Lou repeated unable to think of further description.

Ning Lou in some way was also secretly anxious to meet the ladies the girl mentioned. With how this old woman had treated the palace maid just now, she could see how vastly the difference in attitude this old woman in front of her must have given the ladies in the palace. Wouldn't this sort of thing create a rift in the harem and make me a target of hatred? She bit her lips trying to think of ways to get out of the palace as soon as possible.

"Then, you should take a bath and dress before receiving those ladies in the side hall." The old woman said not a little bit guilty for those ladies outside.

Ning Lou gulped and softly replied: "Yes."

The old woman then talked to Tang-Mama and instructed her to prepare Ning Lou's bath and palace dress. Tang-Mama made a bow and left the two.

Ning Lou who dearly wished for the other to stay could only stare at the retreating figure. She watched the other palace maids came in and skilfully cleaned the table and again left the two. Ning Lou averted her eyes and stared at the beast cauldron with the incense being lit and silently prayed that the old woman won't reminisce something of the past, but before she could even start the thing she feared happened.

"Grandmother, Your earrings are so pretty. I like it very much." Ning Lou smiled switching the topic and pretended that she didn't hear the question.

"Oh, You! You always have a sweet mouth. If you like it, I will bestow a pair like this to you." The old woman forgotten her previous thoughts and was overwhelmed by Ning Lou's compliment.

Ning Lou stared at the two earrings. She marvelled at the fast paced earnings she made and thought of some ideas while staring at every piece of jewelleries, accessories, and hairpieces the old woman had put on.

"Grandmother is always good to me. Who made this jade bangle Grandmother, the carvings are so lifelike! I like to have one as well." Ning Lou activated her flattering ability and broadened her vocabulary. Each compliment was very creative and the smile on the old woman was almost blinding.

By time Tang-Mama came back, Ning Lou's throat was pretty hoarse from talking; it didn't tamper the smile she wore which even became brighter. The Empress Dowager was also in a very good mood. Tang-Mama lowered her head after witnessing such harmonious scene, wishing for it stay longer, but little did she know that the one profiting was even willing to go another round of 'name the stone and pick the adjective.'