Standing at the doorway with a fruit platter, Wu Xuerou glared resentfully at the closed door.
She had been given food, yet she couldn't gain even a shred of trust. How cunning and elusive!
Frustrated, Wu Xuerou tossed the fruit platter into the potted plants by the door and stomped towards the room at the far end, breathing heavily.
With a bang, the door to the Emperor's residence took the heavy impact.
Inside the room, Jiang Ziyu let out a cold laugh. She got out of bed and crouched before the bedside cabinet. Opening the drawer, a gleaming bracelet caught her eye.
When someone she had never interacted with suddenly became intimate, it either meant a different person, or they had an ulterior motive.
She stared at the bracelet and picked up the phone hidden under the pillow.
The next day.
Emperor Ming Jue left for the company early due to a morning meeting, skipping breakfast and taking a car.
By the time Jiang Ziyu woke up, it was already nearing noon. After a simple wash, she changed her clothes and went downstairs to the hall.
All the old and young members of the Emperor's residence were out attending to their own matters. Jiang Ziyu went to the kitchen for a bottle of milk and then walked towards the living room sofa.
Before she could even sit down, a dramatic outcry reached her ears.
"What's with this servant? How can they let a patient drink ice-cold milk?" Wu Xuerou complained, looking for the household servants.
The servants were currently cleaning the yard.
Jiang Ziyu ignored her exaggerated shouts, tilted her head back, and took a large gulp of milk. She bent down and sat, savoring the sweet taste.
"Ice-cold milk is bad for the body, and drinking it on an empty stomach is even worse. What would you like to eat, sister-in-law? I'll have the servants prepare it for you." Wu Xuerou leaned boisterously beside Jiang Ziyu.
Whether to drink or eat, she truly didn't need anyone else's management.
Jiang Ziyu avoided her touch, finishing the entire bottle of milk in front of her. She dropped the empty bottle into the trash, wiped her lips with satisfaction, and said, "It's fine, I'm used to drinking ice-cold milk on an empty stomach."
Her good intentions ignored once again, Wu Xuerou forced an awkward smile. "Habits are habits, but over time, your body won't be able to take it. Besides, us women should avoid cold food as much as possible; it affects conception. You married into your cousin-in-law's family, and even though you already have Qianqian, won't you have your own children in the future?"
Have children?
Jiang Ziyu found it amusing inwardly.
"Women understand women best. I understand your difficulties. Everyone wants a child of their own, after all, someone else's child will never be as close as your own," Wu Xuerou said with an air of understanding, whispering into Jiang Ziyu's ear.
But she didn't know that these words were mere nonsense in Jiang Ziyu's mind.
Own children? Qianqian was her own child.
Jiang Ziyu shifted her hips and moved to the side, her body clearly showing a desire for distance. "Having Qianqian is enough; in my heart, she is my own."
"But..."
"There's no 'but.' I hope you won't bring up this topic with me again. If Qianqian hears it, she'll be unhappy."
Jiang Ziyu stood up from the sofa as she finished speaking. Just as she was about to leave, the old lady walked in from the entrance.
Judging by her expression, the old lady must have overheard their entire conversation.
"Grandmother," Jiang Ziyu greeted her.
The old lady nodded, her gaze lingering on the trembling Wu Xuerou. "Daughter-in-law Ruihe, stay behind. I have something to tell you."
Jiang Ziyu glanced back at the trembling Wu Xuerou and tactfully went upstairs.
The living room fell silent, and the old lady's expression turned grim.
"Grandmother, I was just making small talk, I didn't mean anything else," Wu Xuerou said, her courage completely drained, her mind blank as she hurried to explain.
Her cane tapping on the floor, the old lady glared at her. "Making small talk? I think you're either stupid or malicious."
Although Jiang Ziyu was favored by the old lady, when it came to certain matters, the old lady's heart still leaned towards her own family.
In her eyes, Qianqian was Emperor Ming Jue's most beloved child. She had just found a mother, and their relationship wasn't even properly established. Was this the time to have another child?