She was so carefree, but all she had was a pretty face!
Sun looked at A’Wu’s delicate lips, naturally pink and translucent without the need for any rouge.
She was truly beautiful, like a piece of jade.
She sneered, about to laugh but stopping herself, “God is fair after all. Some people may not have brains, but at least they have a good face.”
A’Wu, unfazed, replied while still eating, “It’s not just a good face, but also a good appetite. My mother always said that in life, wealth and possessions can’t be taken with you when you die, but food, once eaten, is mine!”
Sun was taken aback and became somewhat irritated.
But thinking about A’Wu’s situation, she finally managed a smile.
What good was her beauty?
In the end, she would be cast aside, and she would never have a good life again.
A’Wu lowered her eyelids, staring at the half-eaten water chestnuts and tofu, lost in thought.
She had seen Sun’s disdain since the first day, but she had said nothing, even when in front of the Crown Prince.
Sun Momo was quite the gossip.
For someone like her, who loved to talk, A’Wu could listen to her speak as a way to pass the time.
If she ever complained, the Crown Prince might dismiss Sun Momo and replace her with someone more tight-lipped.
Then, who would A’Wu have to listen to?
From Sun Momo’s words, A’Wu had indeed learned a few things.
The Crown Princess was born into a prestigious family.
Her grandfather had served as the imperial tutor and scholar during the reign of the late emperor and was honored with a title as the Duke of England after the current emperor ascended the throne.
The Crown Princess, the legitimate granddaughter of the Duke of England, was exceptionally intelligent and talented.
By the time she was of marriageable age, she was chosen for the Eastern Palace, and the previous year, she married the Crown Prince and was crowned as the Crown Princess.
According to Sun Momo, the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince shared a deep affection, and their marriage was one of mutual love and respect.
She was also greatly favored by both the Emperor and the Empress, which made her a figure of unparalleled glory, and everyone spoke highly of her.
A’Wu understood that Sun Momo was telling her this to make her aware of her own position.
A’Wu knew this well, and she understood clearly—she never intended to compete with anyone.
How could she compete with such a person?
She was barely able to protect her own life.
Just as she was lost in these thoughts, Sun Momo, looking at the two maidservants busily working outside, couldn’t help but express her feelings.
“Our master really puts a lot of effort into you. As for the Crown Princess, she’s gracious and virtuous. It’s been three days since the Crown Prince returned, but there’s nothing lacking here, nothing that would make you go without.
How come you don’t feel grateful for the Crown Princess’s kindness? With your lowly background, being able to enjoy such things in this household—it’s all from the generosity of the noble ladies.”
A’Wu began to feel annoyed.
Gossiping is one thing, but this was a bit too much!
She spoke up directly, “The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess must not be on good terms, right?”
Hearing this, Sun Momo was immediately taken aback, her eyes widening.
“Why do you say that? Who told you such things?”
A’Wu smiled faintly, placing her plate on the lacquered tray beside her.
The crisp sound of it landing caught the attention of the nearby maidservants.
A’Wu looked at Sun Momo and said, “As you mentioned, my status is lowly. What does it matter to me whether the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are in love? I’m just a plaything, aren’t I?”
Sun Momo was suspicious but reluctantly agreed, “You do seem to know your place!”
A’Wu let out a light laugh, “You must be telling me all this just to warn me not to have unrealistic expectations. It’s clear the Crown Princess must be anxious about something. Otherwise, why would she speak to me like this?”
Sun Momo was startled by this remark.
Since A’Wu had arrived at Huancui Courtyard, she had taken care of her, observing her closely.
She knew A’Wu’s frail condition, her lack of insight, and her carefree nature.
A’Wu was always indulging in good food and seemed indifferent to the world’s judgments.
She would occasionally jab at her with a few words, but A’Wu always seemed unfazed.
Who would have expected that A’Wu would suddenly speak so astutely?
Sun Momo narrowed her eyes, watching A’Wu warily, and asked cautiously, “If the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess aren’t getting along, what will you do?”
A’Wu, unhurried, picked up a bowl of osmanthus cake soup, “How would I know? I just hope…”
Sun Momo pressed further, “What do you hope for?”
A’Wu blew lightly on the soup.
The osmanthus cake soup was made by stir-frying eggs into the shape of osmanthus flowers, yellow and scattered like falling blossoms, a beautiful display of the kitchen’s refined skill.
A’Wu tasted a spoonful before replying, “I just hope I can get more silver and live a peaceful life.”
Sun Momo tried again, “What do you mean by peaceful life?”
A’Wu smiled faintly, “It means finding a reliable husband, no matter whether he’s rich or poor, someone who will live an ordinary life with me until we grow old together.”
Sun Momo found this increasingly amusing.
How could such a temptress, one who had captivated the Crown Prince, possibly lead a peaceful life?
She deliberately asked, “Why don’t you tell the Crown Prince about this?”
A’Wu wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, “I already told him.”
Sun Momo was incredulous, “You… told him? You said this to the Crown Prince?”
A’Wu nodded, “Yes!”
When she said this “yes,” her tone was soft and drawn out, giving her an innocent, almost naïve air.
Sun Momo was at a loss for words.
She watched A’Wu carefully and asked, “So, what did the Crown Prince say?”
A’Wu tilted her head, recalling, “The Crown Prince caressed my hair and said that he would be the one to grow old with me, that I should be at ease and not worry about other thoughts.”
She furrowed her delicate brows in an expression of innocent helplessness and softly murmured, “Sun Momo, what should I do? The Crown Prince doesn’t listen to me.”
Sun Momo stood still, a little dazed.
She stared at A’Wu for a long moment.
In her heart, she thought, ‘This woman is trouble. If we don’t get rid of her, no one will have peace.’