Among the various items sent, one stood out: rosewater from the distant Tajik land. This exquisite essence, extracted from Turkestan roses through a special process, was highly fragrant and could be mixed with honey as a cooling drink or used for beautification. Imported goods like this were a luxury, rarely accessible to ordinary people.
Qingge knew that women from less affluent households liked to mimic their better using local substitutes, such as rose dew made from native flowers, but the fragrance was nowhere near as rich as that of Tajik’s rosewater.
The rosewater before her, sealed in a delicately carved glass bottle with a wax-sealed neck, was clearly a tribute from the faraway land. Even through the wax seal, its intense fragrance was evident. Qingge couldn’t say she was fond of such fragrances—secret guards were forbidden from wearing anything scented, as it could compromise their concealment. Still, she knew this item was exceptionally valuable, more expensive than gold.
After inspecting the bottle for a moment, she set it aside, planning to stash it somewhere safe with the rare herbs she’d singled out earlier. When the time came to leave, she could take these items with her to either use or sell for silver.
While Qingge was quietly pleased with this unexpected ‘ bonus,’ Luo Momo suddenly spoke with a sharp tone. “Your Highness, do you really think these gifts mean the prince cherishes you?”
Qingge raised her eyebrows. “If not, then why?”
Luo Momo scoffed and coldly shattered her illusion. “Of course it’s because the Third Master has arrived in Yuning.”
“Oh.”
This nonchalant response seemed to tick off the momo, who lifted her eyes to study Qingge’s calm, indifferent face. She found it deeply unlikable. Though the face was identical, the real young lady she served was always warm and kind, while this impostor Wang San was so unpleasant!
But this was to be expected—no matter how identical the features, a lowly commoner could never compare to a true high-born lady.
Taking a deep breath to suppress her irritation, Luo Momo continued, “The servants reported that the Third Master will arrive at the manor tomorrow. You’ll need to go and greet him. Do you understand?”
“No,” Qingge’s response was blunt.
“You—” Luo Momo was practically fuming. How could there be such a stupid woman!
Qingge, amused by her obvious frustration, offered a leisurely smile. “If you need to tell me something, just say it plainly. Don’t ask if I understand. If you ask, my answer will always be no, understand?”
Luo Momo sputtered. “You—”
“None of that,” Qingge interrupted. “Call me ‘Your Highness.’”
Luo Momo took another deep breath, feeling that sooner or later, she would be angered to death by this Wang San. But she was rational enough to know this wasn’t time for argument, so she forcefully swallowed her anger and began carefully explaining the situation.
Finally, she concluded, “The Xiahou clan has sent the Third Master to discuss a highly confidential matter with His Highness. Clearly, the prince is pleased with the progress, which is why he’s making an effort to win you over.”
Fixing Qingge with a stern gaze, she added, “So you must always remember—it’s the Xiahou family the prince values, not you.”
Qingge’s expression remained blank.
Seeing this, Luo Momo felt a rare sense of satisfaction. “Now do you understand?” She smiled smugly.
“So? What does it matter?” Qingge blinked, looking genuinely puzzled.
Luo Momo: “?”
“Regardless of his motives, he gave me these things. Isn’t that great? I’ll just enjoy them. Why overthink it? Thinking too much won’t earn me silver, will it?”
“…” Luo Momo was silent for a moment before curling her lips into a cold smile. “Fine! That attitude of yours is truly one of a kind.”
Qingge couldn’t be bothered to respond to Luo Momo’s sarcasm. She continued to caress the bottle of rosewater fondly, fully aware that the momo harbored murderous intent toward her.
How coincidental, she thought, because this feeling was mutual. Once the job was done and she was free from playing this role, they’d see who would end up killing whom.
Not long after, a servant arrived to announce that Cui Gugu had come to visit. The cold smirk vanished from Luo Momo’s face, replaced by a smug expression. “Quick, bring out that bottle of rosewater!”
Qingge eyed her warily. “What for?” That was hers, earned through her own effort, and she wasn’t about to let Luo Momo take it away. Even the most menial of servant deserved a reward for their errands, let alone her?
“Don’t worry,” Luo Momo scoffed, “No one’s stealing it from you. We shall bring it out for that little wretch Cui Gugu to see!”
Qingge watched Luo Momo’s disdainful expression and imagined this old woman must have looked the same when berating maids back at the Xiahou Manor. Still, she said nothing and followed her instructions. Neither Cui Gugu nor Luo Momo was exactly her friend, so just let them tear each other apart—it would surely make a good spectacle!
“Don’t interfere,” Luo Momo warned. “Watch and learn.” She then instructed the maidservants to close the windows, light incense to ward off moisture and lay out the carpet and the white fox-fur throw that had been part of her dowry.
Qingge hesitated. “Won’t it be too warm for all this? It’s spring already.”
Luo Momo glared at her. “What do you know?”
Qingge sighed. “Fine. I know nothing.”
Only after she was satisfied with the setup that Luo Momo finally order for Cui Gugu to be brought in.
By this time, Cui Gugu had waited long enough and was growing impatient. When she was finally admitted, she entered the room and was immediately struck by the faint, exquisite fragrance lingering in the air—a scent so delicate that even with her vast experience in the palace, she had never encountered it before.
Her gaze swept over the room, noting the gorgeous imported carpet spread across the floor, with the Wangfei lounging lazily on a low couch, a white fox-fur throw draped casually around her waist. The soft fur accentuated her skin, which looked as pure and translucent as freshly fallen snow.
Nearby, Luo Momo held a slim, intricately carved glass bottle with a wax seal—the rosewater gifted by Ning Wang, an item so rare that ordinary people could never hope to obtain it.
Cui Gugu’s eyes darkened slightly, but maintained perfect composure as she stepped forward to curtsy respectfully to the Wangfei.
Before Qingge could respond, Luo Momo spoke up, a smile on her face, full of smug satisfaction. “Cui Gugu, Her Highness isn’t feeling well today—” she began, her tone laced with glee. “What can be done? His Highness was too… vigorous. Her Highness has been feeling weak for two days now. And with His Highness entrusting all the management of his fiefs to Her Highness, it’s been exhausting for her. Not to mention, His Highness plans to visit again tonight, so Her Highness will have to endure more.”
Qingge sucked in a sharp breath. What a spectacle! Bold as she was, even she wouldn’t dare utter such words aloud. As the saying goes, old ginger is spicier—Luo Momo’s shrewdness was currently on full display.
Cui Gugu, caught off guard, looked visibly unsettled. After a moment of silence, she finally said, “Your Highness, please take care of your health. This servant will visit another day.”
Luo Momo wasn’t done venting her frustrations and said with mocked sincerity, “We’re sorry, Cui Gugu, but that may be difficult. Her Highness can hardly take proper rest because His Highness cherishes her like a precious gem, visiting her daily. Look at this—such rare treasures being sent over. This rosewater, for example. Back at the Xiahou Manor, we’d seen it before, but it was so valuable that it wasn’t used lightly. And yet… His Highness sends a full bottle over as if it’s nothing.”
The momo then shot Cui Gugu a sly smile. “Ah, that’s right—Cui Gugu, you were once a court lady, weren’t you? Surely you’ve used this before. What’s your opinion?”
“…” Staying silent, Qingge almost couldn’t bear to watch. Luo Momo’s words were practically slapping Cui Gugu in the face. Such a direct attack was… something else.
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I don’t know whether to be impressed, aghast or just choke. And to think that Luo Momo was chiding Q with classism in her thoughts moments before. On the other hand brazenly pushing your point does have power sometimes. The image of Qingge blinking in the background as the catfight’s flurry of arm-flailing figurative slaps goes in front of her is hilarious.
A wonderful comment and observation 😂