Guide to Failing as a Full-Level Green Tea-Chapter 5 - The Villains Mother

Shen Roujia hurriedly intervened, “Yes, Your Highness, Consort Jia didn’t know who I was. If I were an ordinary palace maid, she would have the right to discipline me. It’s not worth upsetting yourself over me, and it would be my fault if you endanger your pregnancy.”

Hearing this, Noble Consort Shu felt even more displeased. What authority? How dare she behave so arrogantly in front of her? Growing angrier by the moment, she cut off Consort Jia’s attempts to defend herself and ordered her to be dragged away.

“Such a nuisance.”

The surroundings quickly quieted down, with only the faint sound of music from the Imperial Garden.

Noble Consort Shu affectionately took Shen Roujia’s hand, “Child, I watched Ning’er grow up. Finding a good wife for him eases my heart, fulfilling the late Empress’s care.”

Shen Roujia’s face was demure and her words gentle, naturally endearing her to elders. Hearing Noble Consort Shu’s words, she simply nodded slightly without speaking.

Though it was a tea party, most people’s minds were not on the tea. Countless glances scrutinized Shen Roujia, full of suspicion. Outwardly calm, Shen Roujia felt quite annoyed.

The Bai family, after all, started as a scholarly family, producing children skilled in all arts.

Noble Consort Shu had been the most talented woman in the capital, favored by the Emperor. The Bai family’s White Stone Academy had nurtured many talents for the Zhou Dynasty over the years.

Noble Consort Shu’s status had steadily risen, even overshadowing the lineage of the late Empress’s family, the Qiao family.

Seeing the elegant setup of the tables, Shen Roujia could tell that Noble Consort Shu had refined tastes. Acting like a clown before her was pointless.

Shen Roujia had no intention of making enemies. She was content to quietly play the role of a vase.

Noble Consort Shu assumed Shen Roujia was shy. The Shen family had no conflict with the Bai family, and this child seemed genuinely endearing, inexplicably drawing her affection. Her gaze often fell on Shen Roujia.

“If I recall correctly, your name is Roujia?”

Shen Roujia set down her tea and gently smiled, nodding, “Yes.”

Noble Consort Shu smiled warmly, squeezing Shen Roujia’s hand affectionately, “You truly live up to your name. I wonder what kind of wife my useless son will find.”

Noble Consort Shu’s jest made Shen Roujia frown slightly.

“Royal children are all outstanding. You needn’t worry, Your Highness.”

Shen Roujia’s words were smooth and unoffending. Noble Consort Shu laughed heartily, “You do speak charmingly.”

The afternoon passed with tea and scenery. Noble Consort Shu showed no other intentions, much to Shen Roujia’s relief.

After all, she was the mother of the main villain. Shen Roujia, being a minor character, did not want her actions to affect the main plot.

Before she knew it, the sun set, and dusk settled in. The music and dance quietly changed.

Just as Shen Roujia thought it was about to end, Noble Consort Shu turned to her, “The Crown Prince is not yet of age and still relies on his brothers. Besides, his health is weak. As the Crown Princess, you must take great care.”

Shen Roujia laughed coldly inside. So she wanted to trick her into being used. Not even offering a small benefit, playing word games with her.

The Crown Prince should handle his own affairs. When did it fall to competitors to help? Neglecting his own duties to meddle in others’ business seriously.

Feigning surprise, Shen Roujia replied, “Your Highness, you are a role model for us, caring for yourself while meticulously looking after us juniors.”

Shen Roujia’s flattery didn’t seem odd to Noble Consort Shu, who smiled warmly, “You’re a good child. Alright, remember what I said and go back. The Crown Prince should be back by now.”

Shen Roujia stood up gracefully, bid farewell, and walked away, dropping her smile once out of sight.

Shen Roujia didn’t care what she faced, whether demons or monsters. For her, seeking death was impossible; seeking life was straightforward.

Returning to her courtyard, she found Xiao Fu anxiously waiting at the door, “Your Highness, why are you back so late?”

Shen Roujia lazily replied, “I was held up talking.”

Seeing nothing amiss, Xiao Fu sighed in relief, “I’ll prepare dinner right away.”

Shen Roujia nodded with a smile, “You know me well, Xiao Fu. Hurry up. I’m tired of the taste of tea.”

Shen Roujia valued comfort and never liked to suffer. Since spring began, she had a soft couch placed in the sunniest spot.

It was now dusk, and she curled up comfortably, feeling warm and cozy.

The next day, Xiao Fu excitedly pulled Shen Roujia from bed, “Your Highness, the Emperor is holding a banquet for Lord Xiao today and has decreed you and the Crown Prince to attend.”

Still half-asleep, Shen Roujia mumbled in agreement and fell back to sleep.

When she finally woke up, the accessories and dress for the banquet had been delivered.

Ruffling her messy hair, Shen Roujia was stunned. Had she heard correctly about attending with the Crown Prince?

Slapping her cheeks, she muttered, “I must not have slept well, still not fully awake.”

Time passed quickly. Though the banquet was in the evening, preparations began in the morning.

By the time Xiao Fu finished her hair, Shen Roujia was already dozing off again.

The Crown Prince went straight from the front court, while Shen Roujia joined the consorts.

As it was a celebration, Shen Roujia’s dress was a bright coral color, vibrant but not flashy.

Her simple hairdo was not striking but made her look more dignified. The glass pearl hairpin hung slightly, adding a touch of youthfulness.

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Shen Roujia and Xiao Fu, guided by palace servants, headed to the grand hall before dusk.

Despite her delicate appearance, the original host seemed to have exercised regularly, showing better stamina than expected.

The journey was neither too far nor too close, but in the vast palace, walking without getting lost was a minor issue. Shen Roujia glanced at the slightly panting Xiao Fu.

She felt fine except for a slight discomfort from her embroidered shoes.

Xiao Fu, catching her breath, reassured, “There are no palanquins in the palace recently. The Emperor wants everyone to understand the soldiers’ hardships.”

You can tell why some people become emperors from such details.

Shen Roujia admired but didn’t flatter, “The Emperor’s compassion for the soldiers is admirable. We should set an example.”

The palace servant leading them glanced at Shen Roujia, her expression softening.