Consort of a Thousand Faces

Chapter 509 (1): Is It The Empress Dowager (unedited)

Chapter 509 (1): Is It The Empress Dowager (unedited)

“You’re called Niu Niu?” Ruo Yuan couldn’t help but ask.

Niu Niu nodded and grinned in an adorable manner. It was at this moment that Hong Li also happened to walk over as she wanted to instruct Ruo Yuan to prepare the red bean soup. When she spotted Niu Niu, however, she froze for a moment, and revealed an astonished expression just like Ruo Yuan.

“Empress Dowager!” She shouted very loudly with a very exaggerated expression. Niu Niu was so shocked that she staggered two steps back with a panicked look.

Ruo Yuan pulled Hong Li, and softly said, “She’s the granddaughter of the old uncle delivering the firewood; she’s called Niu Niu. But she really resembles the Empress Dowager too much; we have to inform the Princess Consort.”

Both of them were aware of how Pei Yaran always targeted Su Xi-er when they were in the palace. Even if Niu Niu isn’t the Empress Dowager, we still have to take precautions.

Hong Li nodded and tugged at Ruo Yuan. “Stall her; don’t let her leave. I’ll call the Princess Consort to come over to personally take a look.”

“Mmm, quickly go.” Ruo Yuan repeatedly nodded, and when she turned to Niu Niu again, she looked at her with a different gaze.

“Why...are you looking at me like this? I’m scared.” Niu Niu stumbled a few steps back in fear, and she tightly pressed her body against the wall.

When the old uncle came back from collecting the silvers and saw Niu Niu in such a state, he thought that she had committed a mistake, and immediately bowed to apologise. “Miss, my granddaughter is a fool. You are a magnanimous person; please don’t mind her.”

“This granddaughter of yours looks rather adorable and likeable.” Ruo Yuan tried to make some comments. I can’t let the two of them go; the Princess Consort will be coming over later.

“Many thanks for the compliment, Miss. Niu Niu, apologise to the young lady.” The old uncle pulled Niu Niu, but the latter lowered her head and stayed in that position for a very long time, causing the old uncle to become frantic.

“Niu Niu, quickly say something. Don’t become foolish again.” The old uncle tugged at her again with a face full of anxiety.

It was at this moment that the gentle voice of a woman could be heard. “She’s a fool, after all; don’t force her.”

The one who had spoken was none other than Su Xi-er. She was currently clad in a crimson dress with small golden flowers embroidered at its hem. Even her sleeves and collars were engraved with golden thread, giving her a luxurious and noble look. On top of that, she was also exuding with charm after having just done the deed with Pei Qianhao.

Ruo Yuan immediately turned around and bowed. “This servant pays her respects to the Princess Consort.”

“You may rise; you need not stand on courtesy.” Su Xi-er slowly replied with her face wreathed in smiles.

On her way here, Hong Li had already explained the situation to her. This woman called Niu Niu resembles Pei Yaran very much. We still haven’t found Pei Yaran, yet this person suddenly appeared in the residence; I can’t help but be suspicious.

The old uncle could feel the noble aura emanating from Su Xi-er, and upon hearing Ruo Yuan address her as the Princess Consort, he immediately knelt down. “This peasant pays his respects to the Princess Consort.” He then pulled his granddaughter’s arm to make her kneel with him. “Niu Niu, quickly pay your respects to the Princess Consort.”

However, Niu Niu’s head remained lowered, and she didn’t say a single word as she knelt on the ground.

Su Xi-er went forward and helped the old uncle get up. “Let’s not make things difficult for her.” She then reached out her hand to pull Niu Niu. “Stand up.”

Niu Niu softly replied with an affirmative and got up, but quickly hid behind the old uncle.