When Mingzhu wasn't around, Xiu'er spoke privately with Tang Zhuyun.
"Your Majesty, don't you think Cui Run is very stingy?"
Tang Zhuyun immediately understood her meaning, because Cui Run had given Mingzhu gifts two or three times, either obtained from temples or free of charge.
"I asked," Tang Zhuyun said, "His monthly allowance is kept by his mother."
This situation was quite common in ancient times.
"Didn't Song Jingyang also hand it over to Nanny Jing before?" she said with a smile.
"But Song Jingyang had some money before, mainly because the prince treated him well," Xiu'er said. "I've subtly inquired, Cui Run also has some silver."
He managed all of Cui Xiaoqiu's money and belongings, and Cui Xiaoqiu treated him well.
"It's not a lot, but it's at least several dozen taels of silver," Xiu'er muttered. "Anyway, I think if Song Jingyang had several dozen taels of silver, he would definitely buy me nice things."
Tang Zhuyun was also somewhat uncomfortable about this.
However, none of them had a more detailed understanding of Cui Run.
If Mingzhu is willing, then it shouldn't be wrong.
"Your Highness, you can't say that," Xiu'er said. "Mingzhu is a sensible person, but women are too easily lost in matters of the heart."
"We can't exactly tell her that Cui Run is too stingy, and the next one will be better, can we?"
Whenever Tang Zhuyun thought of these things, she always thought of Huaishang.
Huaishang was extremely stingy, but that didn't stop him from being a capable and well-liked person.
Cui Run's family is probably not well-off; if he wants to improve himself, he'll need to spend money on many things in the future...
That's roughly it.
Xiu'er said, "Perhaps you're right, but let's delay it a bit, don't rush it. If we're talking about marriage, let's wait until next year at the earliest."
"The prince said so too."
Xiu'er then stopped saying anything more.
"Xiu'er," Tang Zhuyun said thoughtfully, resting her chin on her hand, "Do you think Wu Zhenhai has truly let go of Mingzhu?"
She knew a man's affection would be fleeting, but she never imagined it would be this short.
Moreover, she believed that Wu Zhenhai had a new love interest, but the other party was Zhou Fu... Wu Zhenhai should know very well what kind of person she is.
"He's worried, but you still have to grant his wish!" Xiu'er said. "Anyway, we absolutely cannot go back to an old flame."
She felt that Cui Run had flaws, but Wu Zhenhai was a black hole!
Before we knew it, it was the fifteenth of August, and every household was celebrating the reunion with great enthusiasm.
That evening, the Prince's mansion was brightly lit as everyone gathered to celebrate Mingzhu's birthday.
Although according to the rules, Cui Run was not allowed to enter the inner courtyard, but Prince of Jin secretly made an exception and allowed him to accompany Cui Xiaoqiu in.
Mingzhu sat next to Yanran, and on Yanran's other side was Cui Xiaoqiu. Cui Run sat on an embroidered stool behind Cui Xiaoqiu.
Wu Yu refused to sit in the front, and instead sat a little behind Yanran, next to Cui Run.
This is unimaginable in other companies.
However, Mingzhu's situation was special, and since she was at home, this arrangement was made.
Everyone presented gifts to Mingzhu.
Yanran: As always, the more valuable the better; gold necklaces are only for family members.
The enormous gold necklace, which Mingzhu insisted on wearing, almost bent her neck, and everyone laughed for a while.
Linlin: I'd like to give you a calligraphy and painting.
Cui Xiaoqiu: I'd like to present you with a calligraphy or painting.
Sanbao: I'm sending a horse. I really want to participate, but my parents won't let me. I'll miss the live broadcast, but I'll watch the replay tomorrow.
Yanran looked at Wu Yu: "Take it out!"
She prepared a hairpin for Wu Yu in advance—everyone else was giving them gifts, so she did too. As a "fake mother," she was really going to great lengths.
I never expected this damn "son" to refuse even when I offered him the item.
Not only did he refuse to take it, but he also pretended to be stupid!
Yanran, with her impatient temper, immediately reminded her, "It's a gift for Auntie!"
Wu Yu looked at her timidly, then took a crabapple from the table and handed it to Mingzhu.
Mingzhu was slightly taken aback.
The food hasn't been served yet; there's only a box of snacks and dried fruit and a few kinds of fresh fruit on the table.
She had just tasted a crabapple and found it sweet and sour, so she ate another one.
So Wu Yu thought she liked it, so he used it as a pretext to curry favor?
Although Mingzhu usually avoids Wu Yu, she wouldn't want to disappoint a child's kindness, so she smiled and accepted it.
Wu Yu her smile at him, he couldn't help but smile back, feeling a sense of relief.
Yanran wanted to curse, but she held back.
She was always causing trouble, but her mother never got angry with her.
She had to endure it.
Ren Yingying: "Ta-da! The grand finale is here! Enjoy the magic trick: Dog Meat!"
Tang Zhuyun chuckled.
What a pitiful Dog Meat.
Judging from Dog Meat's bitter and resentful look, you can tell he's been kidnapped by Ren Yingying.
Ren Yingying not only took the stage herself, but also had Hua Cha and Yuanyang as her assistants.
Jinse played the zither beside them, while Jinjin went to help in the kitchen.
Judging from the structure and harmony of their household, Tang Zhuyun felt it was necessary to take more concubines, but only if no man would hinder everyone's performance.
Everyone was captivated by Ren Yingying; even Prince of Jin couldn't help but chuckle.
Qu Nian bared her sharp teeth at him fiercely. "I'll make you laugh, I'll make you laugh to death!"
The Prince of Jin patted the spot next to him.
He's so kind; he even arranged a seat for him behind me today!
Tang Zhuyun: I always feel like my man is flirting with other people's dogs, so I'm keeping a close eye on it.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Yanran secretly asked Wu Yu, "Where's the hairpin? Did you forget to bring it? Don't cry, I haven't said anything to you yet!"
Wu Yu's eyes were filled with tears, making her look extremely pitiful.
Cui Xiaoqiu said, "I saw him carrying it when he came. Wu Yu, do you not want to give it? Do you think the gift is inappropriate?"
Seeing that he had been exposed, Wu Yu whispered, "My aunt doesn't like me, and I'm afraid she won't accept my gift."
Seeing Mingzhu eating crabapples, he figured she probably wouldn't refuse this one.
Yanran: "How could that be? You're a boy, why are you being so sentimental! What is it about you that your aunt doesn't like?"
Who exactly led Wu Yu astray?
Cui Xiaoqiu said, "Let's talk about it slowly when we get back. Let's watch Aunt Ren's magic trick first."
Yanran then remained silent.
Hold back, she's beautiful, she's his "mother"!
Fuck it!
She has suppressed that urge to curse a million times, and that's no exaggeration!
Ren Yingying felt that during the previous rehearsals with Dog Meat, their teamwork was so close and seamless that it was practically flawless.
But today, when they actually took the stage and it came to the crucial "summoning the dog" part, they miscalculated.
She removed the black cloth and looked at the empty box. "Where's my Dog Meat?"
Qu Nian squatted on the stone table next to her, barking defiantly at her!
Poisonous Woman Ren, I was lying to you!
I'm going to make you look bad, huh!
Seeing his smug look, everyone knew he was deliberately teasing Ren Yingying, and they couldn't stop laughing.
Ren Yingying: "This is the effect I wanted! Let's give them a big round of applause after the performance!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Qu Nian: This person's skin is as thick as a city wall!
At this very moment, the Zhou Family was also immersed in the festive atmosphere.
Wu Zhenhai's specially commissioned new play has been a great success.
"Zhenhai, today's performance was truly exhilarating!" Zhou Yushan praised, stroking his beard. "The Twenty-Eight Riders of Yuntai, it's remarkable that you managed to gather so many people; each one has excellent singing and superb martial arts skills."