The smile in the Empress Dowager's eyes deepened. "Your sweet talk is quite something."
Actually, what Cheng Xiran wanted to say was that she missed the imperial cuisine in the palace, not the Empress Dowager herself.
However, Cheng Xiran was also quite curious about one thing. Why was this kind - hearted, noble and dignified Empress Dowager the two - faced, sweet - tongued but venomous person in Helian Duo's description?
She had this impression when they first met, and it remained the same now.
Although she was puzzled, she knew the purpose of her visit today. Moreover, there was that strange look Helian Yue had given her.
Helian Yue explained redundantly, "I called you here today just for everyone to get together. There's no other intention. Don't think too much about it."
Actually, her thoughts were quite obvious. Even without this explanation, Cheng Xiran would have understood. But this Helian Yue just had to interfere, which piqued her interest. So she followed his words and pretended to be surprised. "What about my younger sister? Isn't she coming today?"
This question clearly stumped Helian Yue.
The Empress Dowager took over. "Actually, I summoned you to the palace today regarding the newspaper."
After saying this, she immediately ordered the servants to serve the dishes.
Even though Cheng Xiran was really hungry, she remained composed.
"Speaking of which, the biggest shareholder of the newspaper is the young master of Feiyu Villa. I'm just a writer, working hard and making money for him. I wonder what the Empress Dowager wants with me?"
The Empress Dowager was taken aback. After a moment, she replied, "I was thinking that since we're like family, and I really value the publicity power of the newspaper. In the future, if there's anything, it'll be much more convenient if it goes through you."
Was this too straightforward?
Didn't they even bother to beat around the bush? Or did they all think she was a fool?
Cheng Xiran couldn't bear to look anymore.
"If the Empress Dowager really has this idea, she might as well look for Young Master Xue later. After all, I don't have the final say in this matter..." Cheng Xiran paused and then continued, "Of course, if the Empress Dowager needs me to do anything, I'd be more than willing."
She pushed everything onto Xue Lianyu. Anyway, that guy was fearless.
The Empress Dowager looked a bit embarrassed, but Cheng Xiran didn't feel the slightest bit of fear for rejecting the Empress Dowager.
"Oh, really? I'll look for him later then."
The Empress Dowager found an excuse for herself.
During the meal, Cheng Xiran ate as little as possible. She had been very careful to hide her behavior, but the Empress Dowager still noticed.
"What's wrong? Is the palace cuisine not to your taste? Do you want me to have it redone?"
Cheng Xiran quickly got up and bowed. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I just had a late and large breakfast, so I'm not hungry."
"Eunuch Xia found you in the prince's mansion..." Helian Yue narrowed his eyes slightly and said leisurely, "Were you with the prince all the time?"
They were getting back to the main topic.
Cheng Xiran composed herself and shook her head gently. "When I came to the prince's mansion this morning, the prince was already out. He had some business to attend to."
The Prince of Qi curled his lips and pressed on. "But I heard that the prince has been out of the mansion since last night, and he didn't come to the morning court today either. Usually, he would inform us in advance in such cases, but today is different."
Cheng Xiran was too lazy to waste words with him.
"If the Prince of Qi doesn't believe me, he can go and ask the prince himself later."
Helian Yue didn't seem to expect Cheng Xiran to be so straightforward. Just as he was about to retort, the Empress Dowager gave him a look and stopped him.
"Alright, alright. Eat more. The palace cuisine is much more delicate than that outside. Of course, if you want to eat in the future, you can come to the palace often. In ten or fifteen days, when your younger sister marries into the palace, you can come and accompany her often."
She repeatedly emphasized that they would soon be family. Cheng Xiran understood the implication.
Cheng Xiran just smiled without saying a word.
The harmonious atmosphere made her suspicious, but she always kept a tight string in her mind and didn't dare to relax for a moment. After an unknown amount of time, she chatted with the Empress Dowager off and on, and unknowingly drank a lot of tea.
It didn't really taste like tea. It had some after - effects, but if it was wine, there was no trace of alcohol.
"Miss, stop drinking."
Mu Li leaned down and reminded her.
Only then did Cheng Xiran notice that her head was feeling dizzy.
She immediately sensed something was wrong, but still tried hard to stay calm.
"Your Majesty, I'm not feeling well. I'll take my leave first."
As she said this, she got up shakily and bowed to the Empress Dowager. Mu Li stepped forward to support her.
The Empress Dowager kept urging, "Why not go to the side hall behind and take a nap? Your younger sister and the others will come in the evening. You don't have to leave the palace today."
Was this the real purpose?
Cheng Xiran might really have to thank herself for taking a lot of antidotes. At the same time, she also had to thank the fact that the antidote and the poison they had given her neutralized in her stomach, causing a throbbing pain in her temples and helping her maintain some basic consciousness.
"No. The prince said he would come back this afternoon and wanted to see me. I'd better go back first."
After bowing, Cheng Xiran didn't wait for a reply. Supported by Mu Li, she was about to leave.
But then she felt as if the bright light in front of her was suddenly blocked.
"Guards, stop them!"
Was this the main show?
Cheng Xiran's face gradually turned cold. Relying on her remaining willpower, she turned around and faced the Empress Dowager, pretending to be puzzled. "I wonder what the Empress Dowager really intends to do today?"
The Empress Dowager's face changed instantly. Although her makeup was so kind - looking, that was just the makeup.
Her real face was extremely ferocious.
"I've said that I want you to stay in the palace."
She said it with all her might, as if using up all her strength.
Cheng Xiran felt that her mind was gradually going blank, and her body was so light that it seemed a gentle breeze could blow her away. If that were really the case, it might be a good thing.
The Empress Dowager noticed and quickly said, "Guards, help Miss Cheng to the side hall to rest!"
Helian Yue had slowly stood up.
Seeing two eunuchs approaching her, before she could say anything, Mu Li kicked each of them several meters away with one kick. Immediately, there were cries of pain.
The Empress Dowager was shocked. "Cheng Xiran, do you know what you're doing?"
Her head hurt as if it was about to explode.
Even though she wanted to speak, she didn't have the chance.
Because Mu Li then kicked over four more eunuchs who rushed up.
This time, things had really gotten out of hand.
Her little head was spinning rapidly, trying to think of a way to deal with the situation in the shortest time. But now, she didn't even have the strength to think. She could only order Mu Li to stop fighting.